Mission Farewell Gathering for Julie & Tom

 This should not have had to be done at the Uriona home, but Melissa's home is in shambles during her extensive remodel. (It's going to be spectacular when it is finished this summer.) Our condo is too small to accommodate all those who love them and the home Lauren & Kevin have bought in the Avenues is still in the extensive remodel stage. Everyone helped with the food and the day was spectacularly beautiful so everything worked out.

Audi, Julie and Trish have been friends for at least 20 years and perhaps longer. They have supported each other through the best of times and through the worst of times. 

Susan and Clark Anderson have been Julie's friends since medical school in Virginia. Clark is now a dentist and Stan is an OBGYN.  Susan and Julie truly support each other and are soulmates. 

An unexpected blessing - in fact a miracle. Mason Paxman, Julie's nephew, is willing, indeed excited to occupy their home and take care of Gracie while Tom & Julie serve their mission for 18 months. "Things work out." 

Lauren & Kevin brought gorgeous flowers. Always so thoughtful.  And they gave them the most incredible luggage I have ever seen.  Way too generous.

Kim came from Henderson. It always makes me happy to see her and I wish it could be more often. Hayley come from Holladay, Emily and Bryan from Logan. Love them all.

Kevin, Lauren and T.J. brought joy, as they always do. 

Mason, Chantel, Chase and Layni. So very happy that they all came and I hope the 3rd Sunday dinners will continue for that brings us together, at least those who live in Northern Utah. Lauren and Melissa said they will host - once their homes get put back together.

Crew would not play a duet with Emily even though we begged. But Emily played beautifully.  

Paige & Stockton bring their own kind of joy. So happy to see them. They live in Herriman so this is rare privilege.  

Stockton, Paige, Luke, Eden, Katelyn, Lucy and Jude are incredible. So happy they could come.

Cute Emily in this Alpine hat. I'm not sure whose it is.

Kevin takes a turn to the delight of Lauren and Chantel.

Lisa & Dale Cable even came. Julie & Tom went on a cruise with them to Tahiti so they have become good friends. Nice of them to come. 

Third Sunday Dinner at Julie's

When our missionaries, Tom & Julie, leave for the Philippines we will miss their gracious hospitality. These third Sunday dinners have meant so much to us and they have been a binding influence on our family.

Julie & Tom's Mission Call

 

We are thrilled that Tom & Julie have chosen to serve an 18 month mission. The Philippines is lucky to get them. We will miss them terribly but would have it no other way. 

Jace Dean Lancaster is Born

Jace was born on 31 January 2024 to Ciera and Seth in St. George, Utah. They were kind enough to have his middle name be Dean to honor me (Claudine) though spelled as it should be for him. I am so thrilled. I love Ciera and Set so much. Shortly after they came home, Ciera's friend, Jostlyn, photographed their adorable family. I love the photos.

Jace weighed over 9 lbs. at birth.

Greyson seems pleased with his baby brother.

                                                                    Levi, Jace, Greyson

                                                                       Whitley & Jace

                                                 Whitley, Jace, Ciera, Levi, Seth, Greyson

                                                                Such cute treasures.

Christmas 2023

 

So many cute things leading up to Christmas Day. Ciera's children experienced lots of festivities, Katelyn did the Elf on the Shelf with magical and adorable ideas, Lyndsey's boys got a new swing set and a new sandbox, Julie and Tom went on a cruise just before Christmas to Tahiti and Kim's family all gathered again. Celebrating Christ's birth is the perfect time to bring families together. 

All the visitors that came to wish us a Merry Christmas made us so happy. 

Chantel, Chase and Mason came on Christmas Eve with a dinner and they came again Christmas Day to make sure we were not alone. It meant so much to us. 

Thanksgiving 2023 at Kari & Kendyall's

 

It was so kind of Kari and Kendyall to include us in their Thanksgiving. Kari always cooks amazing meats and there is plenty of good food. Hayden came home from Columbia University and it was great seeing him. I always love being with Katelyn and Paige. Loved every minute of it. 

Kim and Lyndsey Visit