More time with the Jackson's and the rest of the family, too.

It's been three weeks since my last entry.  I hope I'm not starting a trend.  

I loved the chapters in Come Follow me this week and last week.  One thing that stood out to me this week was the story of Lamoni's father.  He was so angry, he was ready to kill his own son, and then Ammon, for preaching the gospel, but when Ammon protected Lamoni's life, and showed the love he had for Lamoni, the King's heart was softened.  He allowed Lamoni and Ammon to continue their journey to release Ammon's brethren from prison, and he returned home.  During the time he was home--before Aaron and his brethren made their way to his city, God opened the heart of King Lamoni's father--the Holy Ghost had a chance to work on him--a chance to prepare him to be ready to hear the gospel.  I heard a quote by Elder Maxwell that pertains to this, he said, "Some of history's greatest sermons are preached from the pulpit of memory to an audience of one." 

I thought about how this pertains to me.  Often I have scriptures come to my mind seemingly out of the blue; or they come in answer to questions or due to thoughts I am having.  This is one reason why it is important to study the scriptures each day, so that we can have time to ponder what we have studied and then the Lord can use these things to teach us.  One scripture that came to mind this week was Corinthians 15:19, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable."  I realized I am so grateful for the knowledge that Christ has gained victory over death.  I am so grateful that I can see my loved ones again--Tom, my parents, and other friends who have left this life before me.  

This has been a fun and busy three weeks filled with family.  It's been wonderful because it's been so long since we've felt comfortable gathering with everyone.  There have been some sad things--Sara's grandmother passed away and Finn broke his arm--right at the first of summer; and Sara still has hyperemesis  (which literally means "too much throwing up") and Jieun also is still suffering from morning sickness.  Because of their pregnancies, Jieun and Sara have been pretty strict about quarantining, but as soon as Elise was here, we went over to drop some unicorn cookies to Dan's kids, and they gave up and broke quarantine--I think Jieun just really wanted to hold Harvey.  Sara and Nick lasted longer, but after the viewing and funeral of MaryAnn Pedersen, they decided they had already more than broken their quarantine, so they began to come over and join in the family fun. Here is a link to Sara's "Anya's" obituary: Mary Ann Pedersen

The little girls looked so cute in their masks at the viewing.

Sick as she was, Sara rose to the occasion and attended the viewing
and funeral.

Poor Finn with his broken arm.  The pediatrician didn't put on a very good temporary brace for this particular break.  Adrienne wasn't happy with it so she took him to a sports doctor who casted it past the elbow.  With three rowdy boys Adrienne can't get a break.  My kids have only ever broken fingers and toes (only Adrienne, I think).  Adrienne has already dealt with Gunnar breaking an arm, then later, a leg, and now Finn.

We were able to spend a day at the lake with Elise and her kids.  Since it was in the middle of the week we went to Pine View.  It was still a little crowded, but nothing like the weekend.  The kids were able to tube.  Beverly isn't afraid of anything.  Harvey didn't even mind his life jacket, though it certainly looked uncomfortable.

Mav, Cait and Bev

Maverick

The water was freezing.  Bev really wanted to go in, but she didn't stay in.
Max stayed in the longest (maybe 4 minutes).

Max and Bev

Hot tub time.  Mav is underwater

We were also able to fit in a trip to the zoo.  We met Crista and Adrienne there.  You can probably imagine it was a little stressful because kids touch everything.

Ila, Ollie, Mav, Max and Finn

Grandma with Ila, Greta and Beverly (they only
wanted to hold my hand because of the competition)
and Maverick

Harvey, Ila, Greta and Grandma

Ruby, Greta and Bridget

Bevy watching the baby monkey

Ila and Finn

Gunnar

Bevy

Ruby and Grandma

Bridget

Gunnar, Oli, Ila, and Greta

We were lucky this year that we got to celebrate Max' birthday with him.  He turned 7.  The whole family came over to help him celebrate.

Ori and Max--Max is 6 months older

Beverly

Cait with the Jackson's

Dojin and Effie

Caitlyn made the cake.  It was delicious as well as
cute

Max blows out the candles surrounded by Ori, Hyeji,
and Oli

Bridget really enjoyed it!

In celebration of Max' birthday, grandpa and grandma took the Jackson's
to the aquarium.  They loved it.

No trip to Utah would be complete without a visit to Great Grandpa Rasband.  He is allowed visitors only outside of his assisted living facility.  Grandpa Roy treated the kids to Crown Burger

on their way to Santaquin.  They finished the evening at a wedding reception for Nan and Evan Theobald's grandson, Payden--the reception was at Tara's home in Genola.  

 Bevy and Max at the reception

We enjoyed swimming one morning at Adrienne's in-law's house.  We've been having a lot of fun!

Harvey and grandma

Avi giving Ila a hug (and Adrienne)

Harvey, grandma, Oli and Gunnar

Ollie, Cait, Adrienne, Nick, Ila, Elise, Grandma and Avi

Max, Mav and Bev were happy to return to Georgia, because, as Mav said, "I miss my dada."  Max said his favorite part of the trip was sleeping in the trailer (even if it was just on the driveway). 

Following Elise's visit, Roy and I went up to Flaming Gorge with Dan and his kids for a couple of days. They had a great time.  Yuna wanted to stay longer, but Dojin was ready to go home--although he kept saying he wanted to go to grandma's house.

Everyone in for a hug!

The boat was very soothing to Dojin.  He had
lots of naps.

He also liked to sit on the railing to the trailer,
 even though we told him he was going to get
 bonked if someone opened the door on him.

We found a beach just out of the way of the storm and the kids played for
several hours.  We didn't get back to camp until 7:00.

It's not enough of a thrill to just sit down.

Dojin

On the boat, after a potty break, I reached over to untwist Dojin's underpants.  Roy saw what I was doing and asked, "Dojin, are you getting a wedgy?"  Dojin laughed like that was hilarious and said, "NO! I'm not getting a wedgy! I'm getting a baby sister!"

Yuna was quick to tell grandpa and grandma that "you aren't in charge of me" when we'd correct her or ask her to do something.  I informed her that we were in charge--it was our trailer, our campsite, and we are her grandparents.  She still thinks she can tell us "no."  She has another think coming :)

Last but not least, our sweet little Bridget turned one today (Saturday, June 27).  Her grandma forgot, Roy remembered when it was too early to call.  Crista reminded us in time for us to wish Bridget a happy birthday on Facetime.

Bridget turns 1