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!
