Accountable

 Clara beauty has turned 8! A big step. I was so excited that she would be baptized in the same dress all my sisters, girl cousins and I was baptized in. It is so nice to have lovely traditions that link us to people we love. She had a lot of support from our wonderful ward and family. I know most everyone had a drive to get here but our whole family appreciates the company and effort. It was certainly memorable. Clara said that she felt weird and shaky after she was baptized. I know a load came off her because she was instantly more cheery. Aunt Rhonda gave her a lovely necklace and Grandma and Grandpa Anderson gave her a scripture set of her very own. It was a very nice day. I am so glad that Clara is mine. She is a fun example and I am so glad that she has taken her first public step in her spiritual growth. I know she will continue to grow in the truthfulness of the gospel.

Indian Springs

Last year we were foiled by a mishap that resulted in a broken arm. As a result we weren't able even get a toe wet. Those kind of things happen and so we just roll with the punches. This year however, we had a blast getting soaked! Indian Springs was darling and it was so fun to swim eat and visit. We are already excited for next year!

McKenzi's Girls

Last Residency Retreat

Maybe the best year yet! John Barris coordinated a lot of fun games. The Oreo game, tug of war, paper airplanes, throwing balloons, and a pie eating contest. The Halversen's brought their excellent homemade ice cream and Lindsey provide s'mores for the campfire. I said it the first year and I will say it again, it always feels more like a family reunion then a work get together. I teared up when Jen talked to me about how I felt about leaving. It has been such a great thing for our family. We were blessed to be a part.

Day Two

 Yellowstone was of course, amazing. John loved seeing Old Faithful and everyone loved the ice cream. After a hot nice day of seeing the geysers and pots the kids waded/swam in the river. It was pleasantly warm compared to river the day before. We saw 38 different license plates and heard lots of different languages. I tried to come away with a rock but my conscious got the best of me. The last photo was taken by the husband of Kathy. They were friendly strangers from Florida. It was a fun trip! It wouldn't have been the same without our good friends. Thanks for all the great and memorable times!

Day One

 We had a great time in Island Park with the Mayos this last week. We stopped off at Mesa Falls then went up to Big Springs and ran into the Downeys! Then Jaime lead us to Coffee Pot trail where we saw a huge moose. When we were plenty hungry we headed for the cabin and built a fire to roast hot dogs and marshmallows but unfortunately it was raining too much for comfort so we got the grill going and ate till we were stuffed. A happy result of the rain was that we were able to get the children to bed much earlier then anticipated.