A week in Tennessee

July was such a fun month for us.  Not only did we get to spend a week with our Ohio cousins, but we got to spend a week in Tennessee with our Idaho, Tennessee and Florida cousins as well.  We spent the week playing games, learning to knit, having campouts on the back porch, playing make believe, holding new babies, coloring, slip and slides, lots of rain, visits to the aquarium, and to top it off a baby blessing with everyone (except me, Queen M) in attendance. 

 

We sure are blessed to have so much family so close.

 

Lion King

The main reason we were in Ohio, in addition to just spending quality time with our family, was for the princess' and I to attend the live stage production of The Lion King.  It was SO much fun.  The costumes were A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.!!  I loved every second of it.  I loved that we got to get all fancied up.  I loved the music, I loved the beautiful theatre, I loved the acting, especially the young Nala, Rafiki, Timune and Pumba. 

 It was such a fun time and I am grateful I could share this memory with my beautiful girls

July in Ohio

 

We had a fantastic time visiting our Wilde cousins in Ohio this Summer.   We had loads of fun just playing around the house.  Shopping, Menchies, visiting The School of the Prophets in Kirtland, Watching this is Kirtland play, taking pictures in front of the Kirtland Temple, Picnics and the Zoo.

 

We really wish we could live closer to each other. 

It is always such a fun time when we are together.

 

   

Missionaries everywhere

We had the privilege this summer to prepare an apartment for a second set of missionaries in our ward.  It was such a privilege and honor to do that for them and we are super excited for them to be sisters. I also got the huge honor of picking up our Elders on transfer day.  The rules have changed so much since I was a missionary.  If you are over 30 you are able to transport missionaries of the opposite sex.  Well that's the rule in our mission at least.

 

When I showed up at the mission office it was surreal.  There were missionaries everywhere and the tears started flowing.  Memories flooded my memory and I was transported back to my mission 12 years ago and all of the transfer days I experienced.

 

It was fantastic listening to these 2 elders and their excitement to serve together.  They were both from Tonga and knew each other in High School.  It was Elder Vahai's last transfer so what an honor to serve together and to go out with a bang.  He was excited to be able to practice his Tongan (both of their first language)  As they are kind of shunned if they come home speaking with an English Accent.  (Pretty sad if you ask me.) 

 

I love being so closely associated with these great missionaries because of King J's calling as Ward mission leader. 

 Its great to have them in our home so often, and to feel the spirit they bring with them.

Loving our Furry Friends