FUN TRAVELS

We had a fun week in Washington, arriving home last night.  We were lucky to be able to be part of so many different events that took place.  Unfortunately, I didn't get pictures of some of the events that I should have.

Brian and I drove  a 2-hr drive up north to Oroville to see Bronte's track meet.   Then, the next day we drove 3 plus hours south to Zillaw (sp)  to see Katy play in two soft ball games.  Sorry, I didn't have any photos to show of that. We were glad to be able to see Bronte run in the 400 and 800 meter races.  Katy's team won their first game and lost the second so they didn't advance to State, but she did a good job of pitching.  (We also saw Luke play in his baseball game, which I didn't get a photo of.  He had a couple of nice hits in his game)

Sunday, we were there to see Joe ordained to the Priesthood and Paul ordained a Teacher.  We expect that things from you two.
A visit to downtown Chelan for smoothies.
Memorial Day barbeque and some family games.
Luke looked like he was having fun at his elementary school festival.  I hope you sold lots of popcorn!
And this!  I had to throw this in.  Last week in the Deseret News this was a full page advertisement for the movie New Moon.  Also, not shown in the photo, was notice of a big preview party for the movie.  

KINDRICK'S VISIT

Brian and I were lucky to have the Kindrick's spend the Mother's Day weekend with us. Saturday there was a city festival of some kind (I don't even know what the occasion was.) and the kids had a little fun with some of the activities.

The girls trying out some of their fantastic prizes for one of the games.
The kids ready for church. 
 Brian and I had to speak in church on Sunday so that is out of the way.  We came home and had a nice dinner.  Then all too soon it was time for them to head for home.

I hope all of your had a nice Mother's Day, especially you mothers.  I heard from each of my children and even some of my grandchildren, which was nice.  The biggest surprise was a phone call from Elder Richardson.  It was great talking to him.  He sounds great, says he loves his mission, but I don't think he is crazy about his companion right now.  We all have trials, right?  But he is doing great.

Thank all of you for your love notes, phone calls, and gifts.  I don't deserve you.

WOMEN'S CONFERENCE AT BYU CAMPUS

I know you have seen this picture or one like it on Kristie's blog, but I had to add it to mine also.  It was such a fun experience to go to Women's Conference at BYU with Kristie.  I had never been, but it certainly won't be the last time for me.  The theme was "Strength in the Lord".  It really gave me a spiritual boost.  I would say the main theme was as women we need to be strong and faithful and raise a righteous generation.  "In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things" was really stressed.  Each of YOU can make a difference in your sphere of influence.  The Lord will give us strength to get through our trials, and we will be a better person because of them if we meet them with faith and trust in the Lord.  (Sorry,  I got carried away) . 
As Kristie also mentioned, we participated in this fun service project.  It was just one of many that they had arranged.  I can't imagine all the planning that went into these projects.  They had quilts, dolls, puppets, tutu's, baby fleece blankets, hygene kits, to name a few.  This is a shot of some of the ladies working diligently on their project.  It was fun to be part of it.
This is my good friend, Amy Springer.  She was in our ward when Brian was bishop of the University Ward.  She is just an amazing person.  She has friends in high places and was on the committee for Women's Conference.  She was also one of the speakers and did a fabulous , amazing job.  Isn't she just the cutest!  Why some wonderful, handsome guy hasn't snapped her up and married her is just beyond me.  Maybe she is just too good for all of them!
This is a picture of Mia giving Brian and I "the look".  She seldom talks to us.  Once in a while, if we are lucky we might get a smile.  But usually she gives us "the look".  However, she doesn't run away from us now, and since Brian did tend her a few times while we were at Women's Conference, she has warmed up to him.  I hope she will be able to remember us so we won't have to start over in 18 months.  She is a sweet little girl and was an angel for Brian to tend.  Kristie tells us she is not so quiet and easy going with her.

CHECK OUT THIS!

TODAY BRIAN AND I WENT TO THE TEMPLE, AND AFTER WE STOPPED AT OUR FAVORITE MILKSHAKE PLACE.  BRIAN ORDERED ONION RINGS.  WE WERE PRETTY SURPRISED WHEN HE CAME BACK WITH THESE GIANT ONION RINGS.  HAVE YOU EVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT?  THEY WERE YUMMY.

WASHINGTON TRIP

I thought I would give you some highlights of our trip to Washington.  First, you will notice that I have no pictures to post.  I do not have a nice story about some honest person finding my camera and turning it in.  No, sad to say I left my camera at a restaurant and someone took it.  So, I have no pictures to illustrate our nice trip.

We did have a nice week in Washington.  On Tuesday night we planned to drive to Thorp, WA (small village by Ellensburg) in time to see Katie's team play a doubleheader.  I will just say that the weather won that game.  We got to Manson in time to celebrate Kurt's birthday on the 15th.  We went to brunch at Blueberry Hills  (yum), and Shannon fixed a nice dinner and delicious dessert for later.

We enjoyed a relaxing day on Thursday, got a little exercise, read a little, ate a little, watched a little tv, etc.  Friday Becky had the day off so we headed off to Wenatchee for a little pampering, getting a manicure (Becky got a pedicure), and shopping.  I was able to find a few more things for my missionary wardrobe.  Becky wondered if I could wear something besides neutral colors.  I looked at what I bought and everything was black or white.  I decided to buy a pink blouse for a little color.  We got got back to Pateros in time to see Katy's softball games which they won easily.  

Saturday we decided to drive  to Seattle for the day.  We thought we might see a few friends and hang out for the day.  We did have a nice visit with the Nelsons, didn't get to see the Domans, had dinner with David R. and Tiffany.  Becky came with us.  It was on this occasion that I lost the camera.  I did call the restaurant when I realized it was missing, but they didn't have it.

Monday Becky took the day off and we did a bedroom makeover.  She should have taken some before and after pictures.  We painted her room this nice light yellow-tan color.  It may have been more yellow than tan but it looked fresh and new.  Becky bought new bed comforter and new blinds for the windows.  It looked great.  We topped off the day with dinner with Becky, Bob, Kyle and Katy.  

Tuesday we had a nice lunch (Shannon mentioned it on her blog with picture) with Shannon and Becky.  We drove to Waterville for another softball game.  It was nice to see Katy play and watch her pitch.  She does a nice job.  We were sorry we weren't able to see one of Bronte's track meets or Paul's either.

We always enjoy staying at beautiful Lake Çhelan and interacting with Bronte, Paul and Joe.  They are so sweet and always ready to give us a hug or kiss.  They act like they are happy to have us there.!

We left on Wednesday and drove to Boise--an uneventful drive.  Thursday we drove to Logan and met with Brian's brothers (Gene, Landel and Burns).  Also Eric, Scott and Tamara (Landel's kids) were there.   We spent a lovely afternoon with then driving around Smithfield and seeing all the places that were special to them.  We topped the day off with dinner at Maddox.  We stayed with bob and Corene and had a nice visit with them.  Friday we stopped off to see Brian's sister, Pat, who wasn't well enough to make the trip up to Smithfield.  We saw Kristie and kids for a short visit and then off to Washington, UT.  

IT WAS GOOD TO SEE OUR CUTE LITTLE HOME AGAIN.

Sorry for the travel log, I should have written an e-mail.

 

  

IT'S HERE!

We walked together down to the mailbox and there was the letter we had been waiting for.

 We walked back to the house and with shaking fingers opened the letter together.  There was a separate letter for each of us signed by President Monson.  How special.

"You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  You are assigned to labor in the GERMANY MUNICH/AUSTRIA mission.  Your primary assignment is to labor in the Katterbach Kaserne Military Installation as a military training base missionary.  It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months."

Well, there it is.  Just what we hoped for.  It is very exciting and emotional all at once.   Now it is time to get nervous!  This is something we have planned on doing for a long time so it is a dream come true.  We love the Lord and are so happy to be able to do something to be of service after all the blessings we have receive.  

 

TIME FOR A CHANGE

I needed a new hair style.  Brian and Julia can tell you that I have done plenty of complaining about my hair.  I don't really know why but it was bugging me.  Yesterday I got brave enough to go in and ask for a "sassy", short cut.  This is the result.  I think I can get used to it, at least it isn't hanging in my eyes.  Spring calls for changes.  The blouse is one I bought in Las Vegas when us girls were there.  I liked the print, but now in this picture I think it makes me look a little fat.  Oh well, at least I like my hair okay.   Anybody else up for some changes?