Can Work Get Any Better? Probably Not!!!!

We have had a great time at work lately. Jenny Fosdick, our food buyer, had to take another job with more hours and more pay. It was sad to lose her. She had done an excellent job and had really streamlined the purchasing and dividing of food. Judy Sumsion was hired a couple of months ago. She is great. She has fit in well. I really like her. She's a mom of 5 girls. One is on a mission and another has her mission call. They live in Springville and she is friends with Starlyn. That's not how she got the job, though. She was the best fit of all the applicants.

Mat, our only male TA, has been applying for jobs. He graduates in April. He had to miss some shifts and sometimes had to leave shifts for a bit to have interviews, either in person or via phone. He was really networking and working hard to find a job. He finally got a job offer and it's in TEXAS, his home state. He and his wife, Kat, are so excited. She's from Texas, too. In fact, Kat is a 6th generation Texan. She is so excited that their kids will be born in Texas. To celebrate and thank us, Kat and Mat insisted on taking us all to Tucano's for dinner. We told them that it was too much, but they wouldn't take no. It was a blast. There were 15 of us. Kat and Mat, me and Keenan, Starlyn and Lee Hjorth, Judy and Grant Sumsion, Ali and Steve, Ann Hardman and her husband, Nikki Sue Larkin and her husband, and Annie. After eating, a bunch of us went back to the lab to play games. It was so much fun. We met at 2:00 for lunch/dinner and didn't finish games until after 7:00. I love my co-workers.

Starlyn and Me, playing the Dutch game Sjoelback

The Tucano's crew...Steve and Ali, Annie, me and Keenan, Judy and Grant, Lee and Starlyn, Mat and Kat, Ann and Jay, The Larkins

We had also gone earlier in the month to do sealings on a Friday night with dad as our sealer. Ali and Steve, Judy and Grant, me and Keenan and Starlyn and Lee were there. Annie had her mission call, but hadn't gone through the temple yet. Mat and Kat were gonna come, but Kat had a last minute emergency at work that she had to attend to. By the way, Annie has now gone through the temple. In fact, Keenan and I were able to go to the session last Wednesday. She just beamed. A lot of young adults, going through the temple for the first time seem overwhelmed, including myself. Annie was just in her element. That girl is awesome! It was great to be there with her. I realized the last time I had gone to an endowment session was with Ali, who had gotten married at the end of December and was hesitant to go back alone, so I went with her. What a blessing to be able to share church stuff with work associates. I think that's why we love each other so much.

Last Friday we had a bit of a celebration for Annie, whose birthday is coming up, and for Mat. Both of them are leaving us. Since Annie loves donuts and regularly celebrates Donut Friday, we made a donut cake. Basically, we stacked a bunch of donuts and topped them with a cupcake, another of Annie's favorite treats. I had made a pillowcase for her to take on her mission and we all signed it. I also got Dean Ogles, the dean of the college, to sign it. He's her stake president and she really admires him. Then we got the crazy idea to see if President Samuelson would sign it. Starlyn took it over there and he wrote a note and signed it! It was awesome to see Annie's reaction. We also had a favorite student sign it. I had made Mat a BYU apron (with a Texas touch) for him to take with him back to Texas. He can wear it when he bbq's. We enjoyed pizza, salad and donuts, all while still helping the lab that was going on and dividing food for this week's labs.

The LAST time for these crazy kids (Ali Clarkson, Annie Christensen and Mat Williams) to pick up the Macey's delivery at the dock together. Thankfully Ali is not leaving us. 

Former TA, Jessica Lewis, and her son Jack came to help celebrate! Note the donut cake in the background!

I'm blessed to work where I do with the people I work with!

At our last party before Winter 2014 ended. Our food lab babies, Jack Lewis, Lincoln and Lydia Byrd

The gang! Front: Julia, Lincoln, Lydia, Me, Jack, Jessica. Back: Jenny, Judy, Ali, Annie, Mat, Starlyn, Charity

April General Conference

All is quiet at the house. Keenan and Melia left yesterday for a spring break in Hawaii and Allie is working all week all day at Hapari. She's the only one at work that didn't go on a trip for spring break. I'm at home, enjoying the quiet and my time. I went on a walk, had visiting teachers over, took a nap, read and worked on some work stuff. I also heard from Kamiko. He got transferred and is really excited about it. He says he was ready for a change. He's a good boy.

General Conference weekend did not disappoint. Great talks. I had done something mom suggested - which was to read my patriarchal blessing before conference, then watch and listen for things pertaining to it. That was a great exercise. I loved having that in mind. I had written the following words in my journal from impressions from my blessing:

patience
fore-bearance: I had to look this one up. I thought I knew what it meant. Here's the definition:
patient self-control; restraint and tolerance.

"forbearance from taking action"

synonyms:

tolerance, patience, resignation, endurance, fortitude, stoicism

understanding
teacher
leader
priesthood
set example for family
joy
happiness

The last two almost didn't make the list. I was reading and saw them at the end, then thought "oh, those get covered by the above words." But then, I decided to add them afterall. Well, the talks that really hit me were the ones about joy and happiness. We can have both in the midst of trials. It's possible and makes life good. We learn that way. Glad I put them on the list.

Saturday Morning:

Elder Holland gave a talk about defending your faith with courage and courtesy. I thought of Allie, who's going to Arkansas. She'll have opportunities to do that. She will be able to follow Elder Holland's counsel to love others. Pure love can change the world. He gave a powerful testimony of the priesthood and priesthood ordinances.

Sister Reeves, of the Relief Society Presidency, spoke on pornography. I wrote "WOW!!!" next to my notes. She talked about counseling with our children and having a proactive family plan. The Lord can heal you and make you clean again. She also said the best filter is the internal filter with a testimony of Christ. She told the youth to take responsibility for their virtue, walk out of movies, pray for help, turn off the phone, study the strength of youth, confide in parents and get help if needed. She promised that prayer and the Book of Mormon can strengthen families. She doesn't know how, but they do. Kamiko mentioned in his letter that he loved this talk.

Elder Andersen warned us that the world won't glide calmly toward the 2nd coming. There will be spiritual whirlwinds. Sometimes we won't notice we've been moved. BUT God made our spirits strong. He was especially addressing the youth. Trust the prophets and the Book of Mormon is protection from the whirlwinds of life. Christ will not leave us comfortless.

President Eyring's talk started off with some of my recipe for happiness: Happiness comes from eternal family bonds. Don't give up. Don't quit. The Savior doesn't. Follow Lehi's example...wait patiently with faith. Have FHE, family prayer and scripture study. Things will work out.

Saturday Afternoon:

Elder Nelson reminded us that our faith will be tested. Faith is the opposite of fear. We need to have faith in Jesus Christ. He asked if we are securely tied to God? What am I tied to? The scriptures tell us how to find the course and stay on course. Prayers of faith will lead to inspiration. Then, one of my favorite lines:

"EVEN IF EVERYONE IS DOING IT, WRONG WILL NEVER BE RIGHT."

Elder Scott's talk was also one that Kamiko mentioned. His was a reminder to love those we want to help. To focus on basic principles of the plan and that we all grow line upon line. To keep gospel teaching simple.

Elder Hales spoke on obedience. Be careful who you follow. We don't always understand, but we must always follow the prophet. Just like kids don't always understand their parent's rules. Do what is right and let the consequence follow. The Savior obeyed to the end.

Elder Zwick is the twin brother of Connie Allen Williams in our ward. His was a talk about communication in marriage and that it often doesn't matter who is right. We need to listen to each other. Cultivate respect for each other. Ask "what are you thinking?"

Elder Cook talked about family history work. The family history center is now in our home. Well, I'm gonna need to work on that one. Ugh...it's a topic that's haunting me. Time to get going. He does say that the blessings are almost beyond comprehension. I could use that!

Sunday Morning:

President Uchtdorf talked on how to make life joyful. There it is again! Happiness and joy. The words almost left off of my list. The key: BE GRATEFUL! Trade a bottle of bitterness for the goblet of gratitude. Be grateful IN our circumstances. That is an act of faith in God.

Elder Ballard followed up from his previous talks on using the proper name of the church in our conversation and in doing missionary work. He said that a lack of follow up is like buying a ticket, but not going to the event. I need to study preach my gospel and share my studies with Kamiko. That's a great idea. I've kinda been wondering what to include in letters. Now I know.

Sister Stevens reminded us to follow direction from the spirit and that God watches over us. We are not alone. We are not forgotten. No all prayers are answered quickly, but God does answer prayers...one prayer at a time...one person at a time.

Bishop Stevenson gave one of my favorite talks, too. He spoke of the LDS Olympians in the winter games. They won or lost in 4-minute runs. He liked our life on earth to these 4-minute runs. Our performance will determine our win. Run the race that you may obtain the prize. Self-discipline, prayer, church, scriptures and obedience are all key parts of our training.

Elder Bednar always has a hook. This one was the load on a truck. He told of a friend who took out his new 4-wheel truck to show his wife what a great purchase it was. He went to get firewood in the snow. Well, he got stuck. HOWEVER, when he put the load in the bed of the truck, he had enough traction to get back on the road. Loads provide us traction to get on the road. Is my load providing spiritual traction?

HAPPINESS IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF A LOAD (again...Happiness)

Come unto me, all ye that labor. My yoke is easy and my burden is light. The Savior has suffered for our fears, frustrations, despair, inequities, etc. There is nothing the Savior hasn't experienced. Study and ponder the atonement in assessing my load.

President Monson asked us to love our neighbors. Love is the essence of the gospel. Christ is our examplar. Show loving kindness. Love should be the heart of the family. We should treat each other with love and respect.

Sunday Afternoon:

Elder Packer is getting old and difficult to understand. He admonished us to work to receive our own testimony. He ended with ONE GREAT TRUTH: Jesus lives. He is the Christ; the Son of God. He created the world. He said "I am His witness." It was a memorable testimony.

Elder Walker asked us to find out our family church history. Who was the first person to join the church and why? I found out that on the Hunter side, it was John Davidson Hunter, who joined the church in Scotland. We should learn and teach our righteous heritage.

Elder Corbridge spoke of the opposition Joseph Smith faced. Truth will ALWAYS be opposed. What we do in this life matters and the family is the pattern of heaven. Truth! We will know we've found it when there is opposition to it.

Elder Teh talked about seeking the spiritual instead of the temporal. To recognize when we have enough. That's a great reminder. To obtain treasures in heaven: faith, hope, humility, charity, strengthen family relationships. serve others and strengthen our testimony.

Elder Aidukaitis reminded us to carefully decide where we spend our time, especially on the internet. Don't roam through garbage. The spirit of Christ is given to every man to discern good from evil. "By their fruits, ye shall know them."

Elder Christofferson gave a great talk about Jesus' resurrection, which was timely since yesterday was April 6 and Easter is coming up. He asked us to believe the testimonies in the New Testament of the risen Lord and to believe in the testimonies in the Book of Mormon. We also have the testimony of Joseph Smith.

Finally, President Monson urged us to listen to the talks and read them and study them. Do a little better. Be kind to those who don't share our believes. Heavenly Father will see us through our difficulties. Be found doing the work of the Lord.

A.M.E.N.

Selfie of Allie and me, watching conference. Keenan and Mel were on the road to Vegas to catch their flight to Hawaii.

Honu didn't want to watch. He just wanted to sleep.

Mission Memories

Dear Kamiko and Daysa,

I wanted to write you both this letter because I've been thinking about my mission. The BEST time of my mission happened between my 3rd and 6th months of my mission, which is where you guys are right now. First of all, I went into the MTC in August for 2 months. So, I got to Bolivia in October. It was right before Halloween. I brought candy corn to Bolivia and showed my Bolivian trainer how to make fangs out of them. Anyway, my trainer was a nice sister, with good intentions, but work with her was BORING. We were serving in a fairly well-established ward in Cochabamba. I really didn't know how I could be a missionary for 18 months if it meant knocking doors in the morning, going back to appointments in the afternoon to find no one home, then knocking on more doors. It was so dull. Ugh. 

Well, I quickly got transferred. Like I was only with her for about 3 weeks. I got sent to Riberalta, in the jungle, with Sister Eagar. She was from SLC. She was awesome. She taught me right off that the most ineffective way to do missionary work was to knock doors. So, we just talked to EVERYONE. We talked to people at the market. We talked to our "cab drivers". There were no cabs or buses. You got around on the back of motorcycles or you walked. It was a really small town in the jungle. It was hot and humid. It was a small branch and there were 4 companionships all sent up there around the same time. 4 sisters and 4 elders. We basically divided the town into fourths and we each had our own area in which to work. The members were awesome. There was a returned sister missionary who was very helpful. I spent my first Christmas there and I remember having a great time at the branch Christmas party. We also participated in a branch talent show. The RS President was a really poor lady named Hermana Muiba (BTW...All the members were really poor). One day her older son came home to visit. He was about 18. He hadn't joined the church. We taught him. He was baptized and left on his mission to La Paz while I was still out on my mission. 

We had the best missionaries there. We had Elder Obering, a really tall and funny guy. We also had Elder Fuentes, from Santiago. He's the one I've told Kamiko to look out for. He had an awesome sense of humor and a great testimony. Much more like an American than an Bolivian. We had Elder Roberson. He was a convert. He had joined the church when he was in the military. Nobody had posture like Elder Roberson. He stood and sat up straight. We also had a Bolivian elder, Freddy Guachalla. I think he thought all of us Americans were crazy, but he was a great sport. The sisters were Sister Eager, me, Sister Ferrufino, who was Bolivian and a bit serious, but seemed more like an American than many Bolivians did. She was really fun. And there was Sister Diehl. She was an American and was sweet and fun. We had a BLAST. Probably more fun than you should be allowed to have. We also worked HARD. Like I said, we talked to EVERYONE! We even met some soldiers who kept guard at the tiny airport that had one dirt runway. They wanted to learn, so we would go out to the military base and teach a bunch of soldiers all at once. 

We didn't have a chapel. We rented a few rooms in a building. Even at that, it had dirt floors. I remember seeing a sister hold her kid out in the aisle during sacrament meeting to allow him/her to pee in the aisle. The kids didn't wear diapers. They just wore these knitted legging thingys. I also remember arriving at our church building one day to see two bullet bikes parked in front. The zone leaders had come to visit. The most efficient way to get from their town to ours was to rent motorcycles and ride them to our town. We didn't have a baptismal font, either. All baptisms were either in a huge watering hole outside of town, while people were washing cars, doing laundry, etc. in the water, or in a water tank in a less-active member's yard or in the river. I didn't see a baptism in a font until 9 months into my mission.

Anyway, it was a great time and I loved it. I was there from November 17 - February 7. It set an excellent tone for my whole mission. I will always be grateful for Hermana Mary Juanita VanHorn Bagley Whitely Eagar for teaching me how to have fun and effective as a missionary. Yes, that was her whole name. Interesting fact about her. Her parents got divorced during her brother's mission, and remarried during hers. I am grateful that I got to serve in Riberalta, in the jungles of Bolivia. It was beautiful and memorable.

Just thought I'd share.

Riberalta. It did have a town center that had a few framed buildings and homes, but most of the outskirts looked like this. The town was on the banks of the Beni River. We got lots of rain, so it was gorgeous and green.

Me with the Muiba family in their home. Some favorite treats are on the table - quaker oatmeal and chocolate cookies. Sis. Muiba's son who got baptized is on the right. I have a hunch her husband was younger than her, but who knows?

This picture illustrates Elder Roberson's military posture. Next to me is Sister Eagar, then Elder Obering, then Elder Fuentes. President Fallis had come to visit us. I don't know how Elder Guachalla got cut out of the pic. Sorry.

Happy Birthday to the Relief Society

Happy Birthday, Relief Society! Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society on March 17, 1842. In the first meeting, Emma Smith said: "We are going to do something extraordinary." Through the years, we have. "The purpose of Relief Society is to help prepare women for the blessings of eternal life by helping them increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help those in need." (lds.org) I love being a member of this great organization and I love my sisters in Relief Society! That's what I shared on facebook today. 

For the month of March, our family home evenings have been centered on Relief Society. In preparation for this, I asked Karen, Rachel and mom to answer some questions about their experience with Relief Society. Below is what they sent me. I love it. When I asked them, I didn't realize at the time that I was getting the perspective of different age groups, too. A young mom, a mom raising kids and a grandma. I shared this with the girls last week and they enjoyed the stories from the RS sisters they know and love and have fun with. 

Rachel Hunter wrote:

Share a memorable VT experience. I don't know if the girls remember or not but I was not active in the church when Derek and I were first married. We were living in Grandma and Grandpa's house and a lady from the ward started to contact me. Her name was Bev JoHansen and she was my visiting teacher. At first she would just drop off nice things; aka treats. As I got to know her a little bit better, she started to come in and visit. She would ask me if I wanted a lesson or if I just wanted to talk. I always wanted to "just talk". As time went on, she never forgot to visit. Sometimes I tried to avoid her calls but she always seemed to make some sort of contact. Well when Derek and I started thinking about going back to church, I was nervous. I didn't really know anyone in the ward. I knew Bev! When she come to visit I asked her about when church started and if I could sit with her. She of course was more than delighted. I sat with her the first Sunday and that was that. We made friends quickly in the ward! She wasn't the only reason that we started back to church but her kindness and example certainly made an impact on me.  

Share a memory from your earlier years in RS. I was DREADING going to RS when I was 18. I didn't want to be with all the "old ladies." I stopped going to church stortly after my 18th b-day so I don't have too many memories...sorry.

what's your favorite thing about RS? When you go to RS each week, there is such a sweet spirit there that you don't feel in any other meeting. I was in primary for so long that finally getting to go back has been great. Such a strength! 

What's a life skill you have learned in RS? I feel like I've learned a lot of empathy being in RS. You are all there struggling together, trying to do what's right, and it doesn't matter what stage of life you're in. 

finally, anything else you might want to share. I know RS is really overwhelming from the outside but once you get in there you realize that you are all equals! No matter the visual age differences, you are all just woman trying to do what's right, and a lot of times failing, but you are there together learning, laughing, and loving together!

Granny Annie wrote:

Brief is the operative word here which is very difficult for me, the Queen of 'to make a short story long'.  But I'll give it my best shot:

Share a memorable VT experience.When Gpa was the Bishop [sometime between 1974 and 1984] life was very busy for me, but I was handling it well.  I had a visiting teacher who was a new convert...so enthusiastic and eager to learn.  One day her partner couldn't come, so she visited me alone.  I'll never forget her sitting on the couch next to me, looking me straight in the eye and asking, "So, Ann, how are YOU doing?"  I burst into tears.  Here I was, totally active, no huge problems, but I guess I needed to know that someone really was interested in me.  Through the years in my RS callings, I've tried to remember that seemingly active, 'put together' sisters also need personal attention even if they don't realize it.

Share a memory from your earlier years in RS.  When we lived in Chicago [I was in my mid twenties] I remember being called to teach 'Spiritual Living'.  At that time we were studying the Doctrine and Covenants.  I knew next to nothing about it..had never read it.  We met at night in those days.  I look back on that and think about how ill-prepared, young and inexperienced I was to be teaching sisters who were well-founded in the Gospel.  BUT they never made me feel inadequate.  I'm glad I didn't turn down the calling because I learned that scripture study was important and also that my fellow RS sisters were kind and non-judgemental.

what's your favorite thing about RS? The sisterhood I have always felt no matter what ward I have been in. 

What's a life skill you have learned in RS? I have learned to try new things that are out of my comfort zone. [Especially in leadership roles.] 

finally, anything else you might want to share. Don't underestimate the power of visiting teaching.  I LOVE it and know that a visiting teacher can change a life.  Take it seriously and the Lord will help you find a way to be a great visiting teacher.  When Carolyn was inactive, she had the same visiting teacher for 5 years.  Every single month that woman wrote her a note, giving her an inspirational message, telling her about her family, what was going on in the ward, expressing some thoughts, etc.  Carolyn never met her, as she would not let her visit, but she read all of the notes.  Years later, when Carolyn became active and was the RS president she remembered the dedication of that woman that gave her something uplifting to think about every month!  THE GOSPEL'S TRUE!

Karen Crockett wrote: 

Share a memorable VT experience. One day when Sam was about 2 1/2 yrs old and Chase was about 2 months old I had a 19 year old girl that visit taught me.  She LOVED kids-She was like Shauna- Tall but kids were not intimidated by her-they loved her.  Well, anyway.  I was tired with two small kids.  Mom and dad were in Sweden and I was house sitting.  Kelly had gone on her mission again so I was alone.  I was tired.  She asked if she and Sam could walk to Charlie’s and get an Ice Cream.  It made my day.  She came when I needed someone to give me a break.  I think what I learn most about this is that it is the small and simple things that let us know The Lord hears and answers our prayers or knows what we need when we may not even know what we need.  It is also by a sister willing to listen to the spirit and ACT.  I do not know if this 19 year old girl thought it would be weird to go and ask if she could borrow my kid for an hour or if she was naïve and just wanted to get ice cream.  The point is she ACTED.

Share a memory from your earlier years in RS.  I had a sister come and clean my house and do my laundry after I had a baby.  That was a true act of love and service.  She came and did.  Alan told her no, but she did not care she knew what I needed.

what's your favorite thing about RS? I love our Sunday Lessons and learn so much from the sisters sharing and commenting in each lesson.  I really look forward to RS each week.  Some people feel at home in primary or YW.  I have always felt at home in RS.

What's a life skill you have learned in RS?  I think I have tried things that I may not have tried otherwise by going to the monthly meeting.  I have learned about cooking, exercise, sewing, Super Saturday Crafts, etc.  I have learned that there are some crafty things I like and some I do not like.  I have learned to laugh at my horrible creations and move on.  I have learned to appreciate when people are willing to share their talents.  I have learned that we are all unique and to embrace your uniqueness and not compare yourself to others.

finally, anything else you might want to share. I think a group is sisters can be so powerful when they work together.  We can lighten heavy burdens others may be carrying and we can volunteer and serve like no other.  I love to hear and see the good that comes from a group of sisters working together for good.  I love it when we do service with other organizations in the community like Project Linus,  Food Banks, Clean up Community Parks and open spaces.  It is so nice to see that others want to do good too.

A Great Trip to Southern California: February 21-24

So, I didn't have to teach the week after President's Day, so we decided to fly to southern California for a long weekend with the girls. We left Friday from the Provo airport and flew to LAX, arriving around noon. We got our rental car and headed to Los Angeles. We went to The Grove, a really pretty outdoor mall. We also got lunch at Chipotle. Awesome burrito with tons of guacamole! I was in heaven. By the time we got our lunch, it was about 2:00. We were all hungry and devoured our giant burritos. Again...heaven!

Mel had to see some shops in LA, including ZARA and Top Shop. She ended up only buying some cute socks. I did all the driving and Mel did the navigating with her phone. We also went to the American Girl Store. There are only 4 stores in the US and we've now been to 3 of them. I had no idea til the girls told me. We've been to one in Denver, NYC, and LA. We're missing Chicago. I have no plans to go there soon. We also drove by the theater where they have the Academy Awards every year. The bleachers were set up because the awards were coming up. The girls and Keenan got out of the car and saw some of the stars on the walk of fame. They saw Bill Cosby's, Bette Midler's and Hugh Hefner's stars. Wow, with Hugh Hefner having a star, they must have a pretty low bar to earn one. He gets one for being a dirty old man, I guess.

The girls loved the palm trees

THE Hollywood Tower Hotel of Disney's "Tower of Terror" ride fame

We then got in afternoon traffic and headed to Anaheim. We were spending the next two nights there and going to Disneyland all day Saturday. We stopped at Walmart to get groceries. We decided to just get bread, cheese and salami and eat dinner in our room. We were all tired and didn't want to go out again, except to go to Downtown Disney to shop a bit before going to bed. It was nice to relax in the room a bit. We then went to the World of Disney store for a bit.

Saturday, we got up early to get ready and grab our sack breakfast from the hotel. We wanted to get in line early so we could head straight over to Cars Land and ride Radiator Springs Racers. We got Allie her birthday button and waited about 30 minutes for the gates to open. While waiting, we met a nice couple from San Jose. They were also there celebrating a birthday. It was the young lady's birthday. We held their place in line while they got her a button. We all went on the ride together since we knew how to get to the ride.

READY...

SET...

GO!!!!!!!!

This is for Kamiko. He was always our pole jumper.

Have ticket...will enter and have a blast!

Birthday Girl!

With Kobi (on the phone) in line 

with our new friends on the cars ride

Isn't "California Adventure" a pretty park?!

Yup...it's gonna be a great day! The Adcocks take Disneyland! and California Adventure!

In line at Tower of Terror

All you can see of Allie is her two Minnie Mouse ears...top left corner

Why does Allie do this to me? I love Midway Mania

and I beat her!

Woody and Buzz ears. I love my girls!

It was a great day. We rode all of our favorites. Small World and Splash Mountain were closed though. So was Thunder Mountain Railroad. That one has been closed for a long time. A couple of highlights were:

1. Melia only wanted to see Sully, from Monsters Inc movies. We were leaving California Adventure and walked through where the Monsters ride is and...BAM...right there was Sully, walking to a spot to take pictures with visitors. So, we got to see Sully and got a pic. It was great.

At Monsters University...Allie, Me, Sully, Melia and Keenan

Mel got a selfie with Sully

2. When wanting to ride Midway Mania, we noticed that the ride was closed. That is one of our favorites. Well, there was a small line formed. The ride was to reopen, but no one knew when. We walked a bit and looked at stuff in stores. Then we decided to head back. Just as we walked past the line, they were reopening the ride. Not only did it reopen, but they took those of us who were at the end of the line and winded us through to create the line, putting us at the FRONT of the line.

3. I scared Melia on the Indiana Jones ride. Just as a snake comes out, I grabbed her. The look on her face was priceless.

4. Last ride we rode was Buzz Lightyear...for Kamiko. He loves that ride.

Allie's score

The park was quite crowded, so in the middle of the day we went back to the hotel to take a nap. That was perfect. It got us ready to keep going til midnight. We were at the park from 8:00 am til midnight with our small nap break. While it was crowded, we were fastpass masters and got to go on all the rides we wanted. Keenan had his pedometer and we walked 15 miles that day.

There is nothing that brings a smile to my face like Main Street Disneyland!

I love this picture of me and Allie

Soon-to-be graduate

Me and my girls

Me and my Keeno. Keenan loves to wear BYU stuff to let people know who we are!

I couldn't think of anything creative, so I decided to sleep in the picture on Space Mountain

We didn't have to get up really early on Sunday and that was nice. We took our time and got ready for the day, then headed to Burbank to stay with Derek and Rachel and the kids. The family met Charlie for the first time. We really had a nice Sunday with them. We just visited and talked. The girls and Rachel tried to tutor me on how to take a selfie...which is a picture of yourself. Moms are notorious for taking horrible selfies and I'm no exception. We ordered Chinese food for dinner and it was delicious! Absolutely fabulous!

Someday my girls will wish they had made prettier faces. Mel, Rose and Allie

Look what I found when I borrowed Rosie's bed for a Sunday nap. Olaf, the snowman, from Disney's "Frozen."

I could not believe how big Charlie has gotten in the two months since I last saw him

Learning how to take selfies. Me and my baby brother

Rae and me

Cute cute little Charlie

Rosie playing with her iPad

Monday we headed out around 9:00 to go to the airport. Melia and I almost missed the plane. We were sitting by our gate when Allie called us and asked where we were. She and Keenan were on the plane. It had boarded at another gate. We all made it back and sure had a great time.