Visitors and More Celebrations

It is always the best of times when family is together.

While visiting here, Brett walked all the way from

This is the Place Monument to Bountiful.

On the 25th, Ciera and Seth dropped by to see us and to have brownies and milk.
I loved seeing them and it meant a lot to me that they would
come to see us when they are so busy.

Then we were off to BYU, one of my most favorite places in the world.
We were taking Austin to Lacrosse Camp but had other things in mind too.
We were so excited to go to the Bookstore, but it was closed in
celebration of the 24th of July--again. Bummer!

So we went to University Mall and found
wonderful things we wanted to buy. 

One more addition to my "visitors" post. Kristy and Tyler came from Virginia for

Tyler's 20th Class Reunion.

It was great to see them and enjoy dinner at Mike & Jen's.

Come Listen to a Prophet's Voice

Cody was wondering what he should be doing with his life now that he is home from his mission and is well again - concentrating on his college education, working hard and saving money, or pursuing his courtship of Emily. He listened at General Conference and knew when the prophet spoke that he should get married. President Monson said, "Brethren, there is a point at which it's time to think seriously about marriage and to seek a companion with whom you want to spend eternity. If you choose wisely and if you are committed to the success of your marriage, there is nothing in this life which will bring you greater happiness." So Cody listened, so Cody obeyed. He is also working and going to college, just not quite at the pace he previously planned. I know it will all work out in the end because it always does when we do as the prophet advises.

Summer Celebrations

If you have access to Julie's Blog, look there. Her pictures are so much better.

We had a great time together, the weather was perfect, and there couldn't be

a prettier place to watch fireworks and to watch people.

We loved having the Dearden's here on Sunday. I was substituting as the teacher of the Gospel Doctrine class so I asked President Dearden ahead of time and Melissa spur of the moment to take five minutes each to express their feelings about the atonement. It could not have been better. Them with Emily Leger made the lesson memorable, especially for me. It is always stressful for me to have people over for dinner because I never know what to prepare, but we had a most delightful time together.

Three days later we were at a BBQ at President and Sister Moffit's to honor the Deardens and allow the missionaries who had worked with them to gather again. It was so fun to see everyone. Elder Bearnson, who is dear to our hearts, was there with his beautiful wife and adorable baby. His Mom even dropped by for a little while. It is always great to see Sisters Russell and Stillman and a joy to see Sister McGarvey, now Blair Spence, but the greatest surprise of all was to see Elder Wark. Aaron Wark straight from Scotland and such a delightful person. I had such a good time.

Our First Missionary!

Chase Douglas Paxman

We wondered where in the world he would serve.

It will be in the United States.

In fact he will serve in the Washington Kennewick Mission.

We are thrilled.  Serving in the U.S. makes sending mail so much easier.

We know he will be a great missionary because he is already a great person.

He enters the MTC on the 17th of August.

There will be so many prayers following him.

We Gather Again at the Passing of Loved Ones

Quick Trip to Kim & Steven's

Honoring our Family and Strengthening Bonds

Road Trip

Two of my cute, macho, fun nephews, Mike and Mark Brooks, with some other guys went on a road trip to Alaska. I couldn't help posting this beautiful shot.  (May 2011)

Hayden James St. John: He's a Keeper!

Hayden has played soccer for several years, including a couple of years on the Olympic Development Team.  He loves it, he is very good at his goal keeper position and he is fun to watch.  Cherie loves being a soccer mom.

Paige also plays soccer, double the fun for Cherie.

I am slowly, very slowly catching up.  These are from 21 May 2011.