Its Hard to Say Goodbye

We spent Friday through Sunday in Bountiful and Ogden spending time together and saying goodbye to Mike, Bri, Trent, Garret, and Zach before they flew to Beijing, China to live for three years at the American Embassy. They were in the air 14 hours yesterday (what do you do with 3 active boys cooped up for that long?) We haven't heard from them yet (its 4:00 a.m. there right now), but we're anxious to hear how the flight went and about their first impressions of China.

Kirk and Scott and I took Mike's family to Antelope Island one of the days. It was a lot of fun to see buffalo, and to play at the ranch. Trent and Garret really loved roping!

Brian and Emily came up and Shellie and George flew to Salt Lake, too, so we were able to enjoy Mike and Bri's company before they left. They said goodbye to Great Grandpa and Grandma, we all flew kites at the park, and even had an early birthday party for Garret. Its tough, though, knowing they are so far away. But Kirk and I won't wait too long before we head there to see them!

Show Me The Money!

My Dad is a unique guy. At his 85th birthday party last Saturday, he gave each of his children $85 in honor of his years. Then he gave each of his grandchildren 1/2 of that — $42.50 and each of his great grandchildren 1/4 of that (since they have 1/4 of his genes he claims), which is $21.25. Since he has 30 grandchildren and 15 greats, that added up to a pretty penny. He handed out cash to each one individually, and they all had a great time. He wants to make sure they each remember him. I think they will anyway since loves to spend time with his family, tell stories about his youth, and take everyone on tours through the nooks, crannies, and hiding places in his house and yard. One of my favorite stories about my Dad that shows his frugal personality, is the time he tried to heat up cold french fries in a hotel room with the blow dryer (can't let anything go to waste!). There is always something fun with my Dad - he has been a great father, and provided all of us kids with a wonderful, secure, loving, gospel-centered home. Love you Dad!

Here's Zach, my Dad's youngest great grandchild, eagerly reaching for his share of the birthday pot!

Trent and Garret loved exploring Dad's Train Room.

























Mom and Dad loved seeing Abby and Caynen, too.

A Beautiful Weekend in St. George

It was a beautiful, sunny weekend in St. George and we got to share it with Shellie, George, Abby & Caynen. We rode horses at the Graf's farm (thanks Jon!), we played at Santa Clara Park (sliding wasn't Shellie's best sport), and George went 4-wheelin' with his friend at the sand dunes at Sand Hollow reservoir. Kirk continues to recover from his rotator cuff shoulder surgery. It hasn't been fun, but we think he's on the way up now.