Mom and Dad

This time last year Rick and I were on an Alaskan cruise with a bunch of friends. Sixteen couples to be exact. One of those 'other' couples happened to be my mom and dad. My dad has always wanted to go to AK and so we invited them along. With a little arm twisting (my mom's) we convinced them to come along. We had a great time ! As I look back at our pictures of the trip, this is one of my favorites. We woke up one morning to find the ship had pulled into the Tracy Arm Fjord and it was just breathtakingly beautiful! Waterfalls and icebergs everywhere! My folks were just in the next room over and we stepped out onto the balcony and took this picture. It was a time I'll never forget! I had the opportunity to visit my parents in Las Vegas last week. It was great. We didn't necessarily do a lot but I love to be with them. They are "Salt of the Earth" people and even though he's retired my dad works just as hard today as he did 20 years ago when he was supporting a family of six. I love them both for the values they have instilled in me. They were (and are)very supportive of me in my life. I Love You, Mom and Dad! You're the Best!

Skylar's Mission Call

While our family was out of town last week, (boys in Alaska & girls down south) we recieved word from Sky's uncle who's brother works in the missionary dept. that his mission call had been issued the week before and that it was going into the mail on Tuesday. Needless to say we knew it would be waiting for us when we got home on Sunday. We called friends and family to come join us for the call opening! We got out our maps and got everyone's opinion on where they thought he would go and he ripped it open... He read the first couple of lines to find out he will be serving in the Paraguay Asuncion Mission! We were all very excited! There were many congratulations and we hurried to find what we could about that area. He will be leaving Oct. 14th for the Provo MTC. Since he left today to go back to DC until some time in September that means there's not much time to finish all the necessary things. You know like immunizations! Rick heard today that parasites are very common in Paraguayan missionaries:( I am not nervous at all because I know that he will be cared for in whatever he does:)

Kendra and Sara are excited about the news!

Here's a pic of Skylar and his cousins. Talking about the good news! We are so excited for Sky and know that he will make a great missionary. He is thrilled to be able to learn more spanish. (he took 2 years in HS). I think these next 10 weeks are going to fly by!

St. George Trip

Last week the boys went off to AK to go fishing (more about that later) so I took the opportunity to travel down to Vegas to spend some time with my mom and dad. I had a great time visiting with them and my two sisters. We swam, ate and played. I have no pics but I loved it! Kendra met me in St. George on Friday night (she had school) and we stayed at my sister Deanna's house. This is us just being crazy in the car and glad to be back together:)

Of course we went shopping! We both got a couple of outfits and just about melted in the heat!

I forgot to mention it was Kendra's 18th birthday! She got some fun presents!

We took full advantage of Deanna's pool. We literally spent hours talking and hangin' out in the water!

She has a cool waterfall too! I could have jumped but I didn't want to get my hair wet:) That night we watched a Jane Austin flick in her theatre room with treats. It was great!

Here we are getting ready to leave. Aren't my sister and daughter beautiful! Thanks Deanna for letting us come visit!

Washington D.C.

Last week Rick, Gary and I flew to D.C. to see our Skylar boy! He has been working there since April. This is the longest I have ever gone without seeing my red haired cutie! I think this is preparing me for his being gone for two years on his mission. He was happy to see us and doesn't he look GREAT!

This pic is taken in his apartment which I am happy to say was very tidy:)

He took the day off work on Friday and we took the metro (subway) down to the National Mall. This is the WWII Memorial.

Here we are on the Lincoln Memorial steps looking in the direction of the Washington Monument. It was very beautiful.

Inside the Lincoln Memorial. The place was FULL of people!

My guys at the White House. Gary wanted to meet Obama but I told him "maybe next time":) It is really quite the place. I would LOVE to see inside!

Skylar and I foolin' around in Chinatown. Actually we were expecting a little more out of chinatown, you know shopping and stuff like in NYC. Not even close. I did buy Kendra a package of chopsticks though. Let me tell you she was thrilled! (not!)

Those hats though....definitely cool!

Saturday Skylar had to work and our plane didn't leave until 5 so we went back downtown to the Capitol and the Nat'l Archives. I really wanted to see the Declaration of Independence but who knew it would take 3 HOURS just to get into the door.

I guess we'll have to go back in the middle of winter when there's less people.

On our way to the Nat'l Cathedral we got to pass many of the embassies on Conneticut Ave. That would be a great place for a walking tour. Our last stop was the temple and it was very beautiful. I Love Temples! We had about 10 minutes to walk around and take pics.

We barely made it to the airport for our flight.

Rick wanted me to post this pic. Yes we're still in love after 20 years!

I love that guy! He's the BEST!