Update on Ryan

Ryan has been in the Philippines since December 15th. He's doing well, and so far is really enjoying it. He's a giant over there. In fact, one of the first times he went into an investigators house he "broke the floor". It cracked a little. According to Ryan, they took it well, and just laughed about it. The children follow him all around, and make fun of the way he talks. He has a great attitude, and is adjusting well to the culture. The language is coming along. He was sick a little bit last week. He felt weak, didn't have an appetite...but he's better now. We got to talk to him for about an hour on Christmas Eve, which was his Christmas day. It was so nice to hear his voice. I still can't get over the fact that my son is literally on the other side of the world. So very far away.

Family Pictures

The Bird Is In The Nest!

Well, he's there, he's officially been delivered via the church's new drop-n-roll policy. It wasn't too bad really. We survived it. It was sad, and exciting, and wonderful, and horrible all at the same time. We miss him a lot though. It's just not the same around here without Ryan. He keeps us all laughing that's for sure. We got our first letter from him today. He's the senior companion (because he says his name Butler was closer to "A"). He's really bonding well with his district. I posted his letters on his web site at missionsite.net if anyone wants to check it out. And for our now returned missionary, Colten is doing great. A little lost, but adjusting well. He's already spoke in 3 sacrament meetings, gone on a few dates, registered for college, and been hunting for a job. Life truly does move on. We feel very blessed indeed!

Homecoming/Farewell

Our big day isn't too far away now. Colten comes home September 28th. He flies into St. George at 6 pm. We are SO EXCITED!!! I can't even tell you. Colten's homecoming, and Ryan's farewell are on the same Sunday...October 11th. Our church is at 1:00. So, to all the fam who would like to come, please do! We'd love to see you and have you there.

It's getting closer...

What a blessing it is to have a missionary out! And what a great experience it has been for our Colten. He has loved every minute of it. It's hard to believe that time is winding down. We are so excited to see him again, but at the same time, sad for him that it's coming to an end....and excited to see what other great adventures await him in his life.

Am I the only one?

Ahhh...am I the only one that could care less that Michael Jackson died? I'm so sick of hearing about it. One less psycho in the world...oh well. And all the media attention and hype? Puh-LEASE!!

Our annual trip to the Manti Pageant.

Every June, for the past 15 years we have gone to the Manti Pageant. It's definately a tradition of ours, and we love it. We always have a great time. It will be a couple of years until Ryan comes with us again, and next year we'll have Colten back...but we still go, and it's an awesome experience for our family. The production that they put on is beautiful. The temple is beautiful, and no matter how many times we've seen it, no doubt, Barry and I tear up at the very end. In fact, we usually stay for two nights, play at Snow College (raquetball, basketball, swimming, etc) for the day, and then back to the pageant for a second viewing. This year it rained all day the 2nd day we were there, but stopped just in time for the pageant to begin. We had a great time together.