End of Summer

Before summer is over I wanted to remember some of the fun things we were able to do. So when someone asks, "What did you do this summer?" I don't have to say "I don't know" We did get to go up to Melcher with the Stake Presidency's families and have a cookout and go four wheeling. Actually I didn't go four wheeling I was cooking. This is a picture of President King's daughter, Kennedy and Ty Bodily's daughter, Marissa. We had a good time with lots of good food and company.

We were invited to go to stake girls camp. They had a wonderful camp. Hats off to the stake young women leaders, ward leaders and Bishops.
We went camping for Jones Reunion at Aberdeen Sportsman's Park. We all survived the thunder and lightning storm although I didn't fill very safe under a large tree in my tent with metal poles. We had a great time being together once again. Next year is the Chad Jones family's turn to plan the reunion.....any ideas?
For Labor day we went up to Melcher with some friends. We had a long ride going up some steep rocks. Kristi kept telling me she was done....but she survived and smiled once we got up to the top of the ridge. It was beautiful.

Happy Fourth of July

We celebrated this great nation with our Ward's annual 4th of July breakfast. We fed over 175 people. We had a great turnout. The weather could not have been better.
After the ward's party we came home and got ready for our family cookout. Chad got a new Tragger smoker, so he was all excited to smoke ribs, chicken and steak.
It was nice to have Dee's family home from Brasil to join us this year. They said more than once what a great country we live in.
The children had fun making smores.
And of course we ended the night with fireworks.

Reunions

I love summer time and reunion time. For our Beck reunion we went to Harris Pond. I love it here mostly because the kids love it here. There is boating, canoeing, kiddie train, zip line, and a fun little area for the little tots.
One thing I've noticed at our family reunion is when we eat the Garrard's sit by the Garrard's the Jones' by the Jones' and the Frank Beck family by the Frank Beck family. It takes everyone a little while to warm up and reach out of their bubble to go out and visit with other family members.


The kiddie train was enjoyed by all ages. Even Grandma. The other day I went over to Grandma Bernice's and I couldn't find her anywhere. Her car was in the garage so I went in the house and looked everywhere (kind of scary when someone is 90 years old) I called Sandy to see if she knew where she was but she didn't know. I went home and kept calling, finally Bernice answered, I said, "where have you been?" She said she had been home all day but she was out sweeping the shop because it was so dirty. She is amazing. I hope I can remain active and alert like her.
Check off one family reunion and get ready for the next.

MS Walk

Last Saturday we went to Salt Lake and went on a three mile walk for MS (multiple schlorosis)

Our nephew Abram organized a group in memory of his dad and Chad's brother. It was a wonderful day to be walking for such a good cause and to remember the great person Craig was. He was loved by many. Thanks Abram, Aubrey, and Delta!

Easter

We had a great Easter this year. We celebrated it by having Stake Conference. We learned a lot about the atonement and the resurrection of our Savior. It was a satellite area conference with 58 Idaho stakes involved. Here are some of our precious grandchildren. Kinsley and Aila are missing but you can check them out on their blog
We had dinner after Stake Conference with the members of the Stake Presidency and their families. The Stake Presidency are great men they serve well together. We are grateful for their inspired talks on Saturday evening.

Conference Weekend

Before leaving for Conference we celebrated Abby's birthday at a new place in Rupert called Spinners. Abby made some homemade almond joys for Chad but lo and behold they were cotton balls dipped in chocolate (April Fools) try eating these... they seem to stick to your mouth. The dessert ,however, was a big hit at this restaurant.
We had a great time attending conference. We were uplifted and taught so well. It is so wonderful just being in the same room with the Prophet and those who serve so faithfully with him. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is so amazing to listen to in the Conference Center. The only session I missed was Priesthood, so as soon as I got home I listened to it on the computer. Couldn't wait until it came out in the Ensign!

Spring Break

Chad had a week off of church duties so we decided on the spur of the moment to take a little vacation. Our destination was Cancun. It was a great choice. We loved our resort. It was all inclusive so we could eat and drink (non-alcoholic of course) (I loved the mango tangos) all we wanted. There was entertainment poolside and in the evenings there was always a show.

The beach was wonderful. A couple of nights Chad and I would walk on the beach and we would be the only ones there.
This is proof that I did get into the water up past my ankles. The water was warm but quite wavy. The swimming pool was much safer.
We went to the Chichen Itza Mayan temples and Pyramids. It was so interesting. It really made my reading of the Book of Mormon come to life. Now I can see why they were so exact on time in their recording. They were a very intelligent people. The Mayan calender was so ingenious that we still use that knowledge today. This place was huge and I could see tens of thousands living within its boundaries.
We had a great time. This was a five star vacation. Thanks to Jared and Abby for watching Kristi while we were gone.