On Sunday morning we all packed up at the cabin and most headed to their homes. Us, along with my sister's family were heading up with my parents back to their home there. Our van decided on a scenic route taking us through Wyoming (Afton & Star Valley) so we could log a few more geocaches and add another state to our loop.
Once we got to my parents house we unpacked, relaxed and prepared some food for an extended family FHE.
Usually on the first Sunday of the month my extended family in the Shelley,ID area gather for FHE and a potluck or treats. They kindly shifted it to the 2nd Sunday so that myself, my sister and a cousin that lives in Germany that was visiting could attend. My Aunt Nancy sends out a letter after giving a rundown of the nights happenings, here's a small tidbit:
132
people if I added right. Wow! I am so glad that we were in Kelly’s
& Courtney’s beautiful backyard and not in my house!!!!! And NO, I
did not remember all of these names. I cheated and used the new
newsletter Paul sent me. (THANKS! PAUL)
We
had plenty of food…I’m absolutely sure no one went away hungry; on the
other hand, however, there was very little left over. For a lesson,
Tauna, Karen, Rachel, & Joseph gave impromptu speeches. Tauna told us that she lives in Gross-Gerau about 40 miles west (?) of Frankfurt. She will be teaching ½ day of 4th
grade & ½ day of music. That should keep her out of trouble. She
told us about a recent experience with the asst. principal of her last
school. He brought us a question of dress, and Tauna, knowing one of
the girls he was talking about was LDS, responded indicating her
awareness of LDS standards. She thought he knew she was LDS, but he
didn’t. So, she posed the question, “How often do we make sure our
words & actions indicate our beliefs?” Karen talked
about a YW lesson on testimonies. Did Alma the Younger gain his
testimony from seeing an angel? No, he gained his testimony through the
witness of the spirit. We each have to work hard to gain and
strengthen our own testimonies. She told of the many opportunities they
have for missionary work with Spencer now on his mission and Ray
serving as ward mission leader…. segueing smoothly into have Ray tell an
experience they’ve recently had in their ward as they did a 40 day fast
(at least 1 family fasting for each of 40 days) for missionary
opportunities. Then Rachel told
us a little about Ridgecrest, CA, where her family lives.
&………..other stuff, but I have to admit I must have let my mind
wander. Ah, help from Cristel. Rachel talked about setting a goal to go
to the temple once a month. They are in the LA Temple District and it’s
a 4 hour drive each way. They’ve chosen to make it a family outing,
with one adult going through a session while the other has the kids,
then switching. The kids love staying in hotels and see their stay in
the same light---but instead of a swimming pool, there’s the temple and
the visitor’s center. Their children get excited when they see the
temple. They have instilled a love for the temple in their children.
Rachel encouraged us to make temple moments for our children, even
though most of live within a relatively short distance of a temple. Last
was Joseph (Marvin’s
oldest son) who had his farewell today and will be entering the
Argentina MTC next week. And again my mind wandered…or I’m just tired
and my mind isn’t working very well? I know I listened to both of them.
I do remember the feelings of thinking this boy will be a good
missionary. Marvin sent me some comments but I couldn’t find them on
his e-mail—doesn’t mean they weren’t there!
On Monday we N8, Bud and my dad did a few geocaches while we had a bird funeral (a dead bird was found in the driveway and my mom and the kids decided to give it a proper burial) and took the kids on the 4 wheeler.
Then we divided, we took my niece and the rest did some golfing and shopping while we headed to Rexburg to a fun, family friendly waterpark. The weather was beautiful and the kids had a blast!!
That evening we went to my Aunt and Uncles for dinner. My cousin Kirsten was also there with her 2 kids and another of my Aunt and Uncles came as well. We ate food, visited, roasted marshmallows and talked politics!
On Tuesday N8, my dad, Ray (my brother in law) and the kids headed out fishing. My mom, sister and went shopping! There are no pictures of the shopping adventure so fishing pictures will have to do!
That night my Aunt and Uncle came over and we played Nerts and another cousin Terry came by to visit. It was all fast and furious but so good to see so much family!!
While I was there I also took pictures of two pictures. One is of my family the other is my parents!
