Elder Shoemaker is in Mexico!

He made it! Elder Shoemaker is now in Mexico on his mission. He was ready to get going and on to the field from the MTC. He was scheduled to leave July 6. He was delayed a little with visa processing. He got to travel on July 17. First to Dallas, then to Mexico City, then to Tampico, Mexico. He was planning on calling us in Mexico City during a layover but the calling card wouldn't work! Mom was getting a little nervous so she called church offices and then called the mission home in Tampico. She had to leave a message, the recording was in Spanish so she just waited for the beep. Sister Call called back a little later and confirmed Spencer got there okay. He was sleeping the night in the mission home and Denise asked to talk with him. We had a brief conversation as he was awoken from sleep and sounded tired.

Elder Shoemaker reports he is doing great and loving the people he is serving. He is teaching the gospel and has a companion from Mexico.
He says it is HOT there.
He is in the town of Gutierrez de Zamorra, Veracruz. He got to hold a live armadillo. He got to eat chicken feet with the locals. He had to wash his laundry by hand and said he never had so much fun doing laundry. He also has only cold showers but he says it is a relief when he's drenched in sweat. Elder Shoemaker is a great example to us with his diligence and service to the people in Mexico. His positive attitude is so wonderful and he says he is loving his time in Mexico. These are some of the pictures he sent.

Summer Camps

Nate and Justin each had fun weeks at summer camps. Nate went to cross-country camp up at White Pass. Here are his remarks:

---

XC Camp

Cross County camp was awesome, I got about 46 miles in at camp! We were at White Pass ski Resort up in the mountains which made it a whole lot harder to run. We were split into groups with random kids at camp and had counselers for each group.

As groups we played camp games every night, and my group got first in Jenga Championships. We also had lectures twice a day that we learned lots of things that you can learn no where else. We still did lots of running, the hardest run for me was running up the black diamond trails on white pass to the top and back, but the view was worth it. Our longest run was called Yellowjacket it was a 7.5 mile loop uphill half the way. One night we had pool games and one thing we did was fit a person from camp in a swim cap! It really works. For awards are richland guys team got the outstanding team award. Anways I enjoyed camp alot and had lots of fun.

---

Camp Grizzly
Justin spent a week at Camp Grizzly for scout camp. Camp Grizzly is the same place Grandpa Charlie attended when he was a boy scout. Here are Justin's thoughts on scout camp.

---

We left at Monday morning about 6:00am and got there at about 10:30. After that we got to take our swim tests. That first days schedule was all mixed up so we went to the classes we wanted.
After a couple days I started to go mountain biking and had a blast. Two other friends did it with me. The first ride I went on was a couple miles up a dirt road then we turned around. On that ride i got in one wreck and someone else got a concussion.
The next day two friends and i went on an over night bike ride that was about 13 miles on the way up and the same amount back. On the way up about 7.5 of the 13 miles was up hill. i also got in a wreck on that bike ride. I was the third one up to the top behind the leader and someone many years older than me. Me and my two friends slept under a huge lookout tower. The merit badges that I got were canoeing, rowing and rifle shooting. I had a blast at all of these. In canoeing and rowing we got to flip our boats in the middle of the lake. Another merit badge i already had but did it again was wilderness survival. We got to build a shelter and sleep in it over night. Any ways thats all i have to say.

Fishing Success

On July 13 and 14 we had a fun fishing outing near Dayton with grandma and grandpa. We stayed the night at a couple of nice cabins at the Last Resort up the Tucannon River Valley. Nate and Justin got to get up close and personal with a gigantic wind turbine that is on the highlands above the Tucannon.

The cabins were nice and clean with kitchenettes and amenities. We had a family dinner and then got in some good Zs. The next morning we headed for the Tucannon Lakes.

---

We ended up at Rainbow Lake.

---

We tried to figure out the best bait, fishing tackle setup.

---

Turns out good old worms were a good formula for getting some action. Nate was excited to be able to catch 4 fish, Justin caught 2, all trout.

---

There was enough action going on that it kept everyone interested for most of the day!

Nate and Justin ended up taking a quick dip in the water.

---

Denise was a stalwart fisherwoman and we finally had to pull her away from the bank without hooking the elusive big one. It was a lot of fun.

---

---

Thanks grandma and grandpa for a great time!

---

Triathlon

Well, it took me a couple of years but I was able to realize a long-held goal of participating in a sporting event which pushes the body to be fairly fit. It was neat because it was held on Independence Day. I was able to complete the Righteous Richland Triathlon. This is not a full triathlon, rather a sprint triathlon. Nevertheless, it was a challenge and a lot of fun to participate with over two-hundred others. The course started at the park along the Columbia River where I frequently go to swim for exercise. You can see a course map here. We climbed in the water for a half-mile swim starting the course around 8 a.m. I hustled out of the water about 15 minutes later, up the bank to the bicycle staging area. I tried to dry a little as I went and got on my socks and shoes and shirt, gloves and helmet. Denise, Nate and Justin were there to cheer me on.

---

Will Halter, A friend from my ward was also there participating.

---

I also ran across an old acquaintance from Sunnyside, John Kilian. We hung out a little and reminisced a bit pre and post race.

Back to the story, I climbed on my bike wearing my Speedo and shirt and got going (yes, a Speedo. I NEVER thought I'd wear one but the experts said it was the way to go to make for a quick transition. Thus, avoiding chafing of a wet swimsuit. You'll see it looks like I'm wearing no bottoms but I do have the Speedo on.).

This "sprint" triathlon was unique in that the bicycle section was on mountain bikes. We traversed a 12 mile course, again over familiar territory on single and double track trails through the Chamna Natural Preserve. Chamna is a lush, beatiful area that is about 5 minutes from our house by bike. It is right along the Yakima River and is bordered on the north by Interstate 182. It seems kind of out of place when you think about this area right in the middle of town.

---

This is a satellite image of the Chamna area.

This section was marked out ahead of time and I pre-rode the course 4 times before race day. We got back to the staging area and switched to the 3 mile run. This was my weakest section as I hadn't run in years. Swimming and biking were pretty strong but I didn't even think I could run the whole course, especially because of plantar fasciitis in my right foot. I pushed on and, surprisingly, jogged 95% of the final leg. I crossed the finish line around 1:27:44. Most importantly, I FINISHED! and, I didn't have any next day soreness that I expected. Thanks to all those who provided support!

Priest Lake Summer Vacation

Time for another late posting but better late than never! We enjoyed our summer family vacation at Priest Lake in northern Idaho. We had the wonderful opportunity to stay there from July 25-August 1. We stayed at a friend's cabin and had a glorious time.

---

On Priest RiverThe cabin is on Priest River, only about 100 feet from the outlet from Priest Lake so you can hardly tell the river is moving. It is more of a reservoir as it is backed up from a dam and there are several homes along the river. There is grass off the cabin porch and then, the water. It is really magical as you can walk right out into the water that is so clear and beautiful. We all spent hours each day in the water swimming with the fish with our swim goggles and snorkels. Nate and Justin really enjoyed the water too!

---

Huckleberries!
We took the opportunity for a family outing to the huckleberry patch as we heard it was a good year for picking! We found an abundant supply and spent an hour and ended up with about a gallon of the luscious fruit! We also had purple hands but the it was all worth it for the yummy treat. We enjoyed some as we picked, when we got back to the cabin and then we froze most of them. We're still enjoying them more than a month later in our morning cereal and in huckleberry milkshakes
!

---

Enjoying the Lake!The friend who owns the cabin was gracious enough to let us borrow her Waverunners too! We took them out to Four-Mile Island and dropped anchor for lunch on the beach. We had fun exploring the island a just swimming around. We also went to Papoose Island and ran into a large school of fish to swim with. It really is neat how clear the water is. You can see over 20 feet down! We also got to use a kayak to enjoy the water. One morning, I was paddling around, waiting for sunrise when I noticed a little critter in the kayak. I looked down and there was a mouse! He wandered around the kayak and finally jumped up on the forward seat and jumped into the water and swam ashore (more than 50 feet away!) I was surprised at how well he swam!


We also had fun on the lake thanks to some other friends. When we went to church on Sunday, we saw my boss from the hospital and his family come in to sacrament meeting. We came to find out they have a cabin in the same development as the place we were staying! He invited us to come out on their boat and do some wakeboarding. Well, the boys (including dad) were all over that idea. We caught up with them one day and had a blast on the board. We also did some knee boarding. Another neat experience was running into an old friend from the Sunnyside area at church. We were just getting done with sacrament meeting and I told Denise that Brother Bailey was sitting right in front of us. I spoke his name and there was no response. I was sure it was him so I went up to him and said hello again and introduced myself whereupon I was greeted with a big bear hug! We renewed acquaintances and had a nice visit.

---

Celebrating Twenty-Five Years!

What a wonderful place to celebrate and anniversary! Denise and I are blessed to have spent 25 years together. We went to dinner July 28 at Hill's Resort. I don't usually get to fancy with eating out but I think this was an occasion worth celebrating so I enjoyed a filet mignon wrapped in bacon and Denise had the stuffed top sirloin. We had a great table looking out on the lake and we sat there and made googley eyes at each other.

---

stormy weatherWe had a couple of thunderstorms that blew through during our week at the lake. One was at night and gave us a nice lightning show (see the video). The other was during the day and actually resulted in a tornado warning for our area! There was no tornado actually spotted but lots of downed trees including this one that came down on a cabin at Hill's resort. We saw it when we were at dinner.

---

The Great OutdoorsNo trip to Priest Lake would be complete without some more enjoyment of the great outdoors on the trails. I brought my bike and took several trips. One trail goes right along the bank of the lake for several miles north from the cabin. Another trail goes through lush forest areas and up on a mountain with wonderful views of the lake and surrounding forest.

Seattle Serendipity

---

It just so happens Amy and Mindy wanted Nate to come visit for a few days in June. Coincidentally, I signed up for an NCLEX (nursing) board exam prep course the week of June 22-26 and voila, a plan was hatched!

We had the good fortune of staying at Mindy's pad which is only a 15 minute bike ride to the U District where my prep course was held. I had a great time riding my bike along the Burke-Gilman trail most of the way to the class. I rode the trail along the Ballard canal and part of Lake Union on the way. Lots of bikers and walkers but actually faster than the bus or driving a car. Nate had a great time with Amy and Mindy. He got to kayak on the lake, go to Pike's Place Market,

---

---

Visit to Theo's chocolate factory, bike ride to Fremont, Seattle Library, went to the movie "Up", whew! We all got to go to a Mariner's game (I don't think I've been to a game yet where they've won, I must jinx them!).

---

---

We also visited Ballard Locks and Golden Gardens beach. Amy was nice enough to take us to dinner to celebrate my graduation, good stuff! All in all, a great time and I even absorbed some information to help with my test. Thanks for the great time Amy and Mindy!

---

School's Out!

Well, it has been a fun journey. 3 years of regular schooling working toward a nursing degree.

---

I can't go any further without thanking everyone who has helped me along the way. Not only with encouragement and other supportive resources but with prayer and wisdom which helped keep me going.

---

It all culminated in a graduation from CBC and a pinning ceremony for the nursing program. I graduated with several hundred other students with an associate's degree in nursing on Friday, June 19, 2009. We waited in the hot hallways under the coliseum for our time to march to our seats. With Pomp and Circumstance playing on the bagpipes, we were ushered in, two by two. We packed into the Toyota Center in Kennewick. I got to sit near many of my classmates. Some chose not to attend the general graduation. It was a nice ceremony. Speakers talked of making the best of the life ahead. Then, we all walked on stage to get our diploma cases.

Then, the next day was the pinning ceremony for the nursing program. It was in a packed auditorium at Kennewick High School. It probably meant more for me because these 50 or so people were the ones I spent the last few years with going through theory and clinical experiences. Denise, Mom, Nate, Justin and even Aunt Liz were there for pinning. Then, Liz treated us to a nice dinner afterwards. Now, its on to the big test to hopefully pass the NCLEX exam and become a Registered Nurse!

Camp Zarahemla

In late May, we took our first family outing without Spencer along (sniffle). We miss him dearly but know he is in a wonderful place doing the Lord's work and enjoying his opportunity to serve others.

---

We traveled to Camp Zarahemla near White Pass. The week before, Paul, Nate & Justin went there for father & son's campout. We decided to pull our tent trailer up there and got a great spot along Clear Lake. We went canoeing on the lake and up the Tieton River that feeds into the lake. The water was still a bit cold but Paul and Nate took the plunge off the rope swing. Nate and Justin built a mud hut out of sticks, branches and mud. We also took a nice bike ride around the lake and stopped at the dam to see the water rushing by and, of course, throw some rocks (I believe that is something that is just bred into young men!) Denise also got a chance to see the lodge at Camp Zarahemla. She is hosting a women's retreat there in the fall and we got some video to show what the lodge is like.

---

Lodge Video

---

Elder Shoemaker

So sorry for the delay! I am so behind but I am trying to catch up on the blog postings. Please check back regularly as I work to do more regular postings and catch up on the past couple of months! Life in the Shoemaker home has been busy the past couple of months as you watch these postings progress over the gap in time!

---

Our biggest news is the mission of our oldest son, Spencer. Denise, Paul and Spencer headed for Provo, Utah and the M.T.C. on May 4. We spent the night in Twin Falls and saw the beautiful new temple there. Then, we got to spend the night of May 5 with Uncle Matt and Aunt Keri and their family. It was a wonder trip as we got up early on May 6 and said our goodbyes. We went to the M.T.C. and, before we knew it, we were unloading the luggage and getting whisked into the facility. Denise and Spencer (uh, Elder Shoemaker, I need to remember that!), got out and put his luggage in a big row. We took some pictures out front, then, Elder Shoemaker was escorted in one door and we went in another. Elder Shoemaker got his name take and mom got to put it on. I was blubbering intermittently. What an amazing experience to be a part of. We feel that it was a very sacred time to send Elder Shoemaker out on his mission so I will limit the details but he is doing great on his mission. We treasure the opportunities we get to read his e-mails and see his pictures from the field. We are mindful of all the prayers family and friends and loved ones have offered on Elder Shoemaker's behalf and we encourage you to keep him in your prayers for safety and success as he spreads the Lord's message!