The 24th of July

I didn't realize there were pictures from  Roy's shooting activity with Dan, Gunnar and Hyeji a couple of weeks ago.  I wanted to share them, even though this has passed.

Update on Barbara Cook:  She still has pain from her shingles and is still sleeping a lot.  Eating is difficult because her tongue is numb which makes swallowing difficult.  She's on anti-viral and anti-fungal and sodium enhancing medicine.  She's very weak, but thankfully, she's thinking clearly.  Continue to keep her in your prayers.

I was reading through some of my family history items that I have saved over the years and I came across this letter from my dad, written to all of his grandchildren.  I was reminded of how remarkable my dad was and how much insight he had of world events.  He was so proud of his posterity and kept all of us in mind, even to his death.  This was written just 2 months to the day before he passed away.

15 December 2014
This letter is to my grandchildren, and for all of my posterity:
It is the Christmas season again, and our hearts are tuned to the spirit of this occasion, the birth of our Savior and Maker.  It is a joyous time, but also a time for reflection on the important things of life.  It is my desire that you should all have a merry and happy Christmas, this year and every year.
As all of you know, I have been working for some time on my published book, my memoirs, and now am writing again on a book that sustains the scriptures, the universal flood, and our own religion.  As I approach the Lord in prayer each night, I ask humbly for His help in achieving a unified family, unified in spirit and belief.  I entreat Him to assist me in gathering my family out of the world and into the protection and safety net of the true and everlasting gospel by drawing attention to the sacred record and its great meaning they have for each of us.
The world is becoming unstable.  There are incessant protests for some cause or another, especially caused by the racial divide.  The Lord is no respecter of persons, and loves each of His children, wishing for them simply to obey His commandments.  I want each of you to know that the safe and right way to obtain happiness in this life and in the life to come is to learn what the Lord expects of us, and do it.  Be humble and obedient, and hold fast to the iron rod for your safety.
May each of you have a joyous Christmas, and give heed to the words of your grandfather.
Love to all,
Grandpa Cook

I put those two sentences in italic because they really caught my attention--he wrote this 5 years ago.  I don't think I realized that so much of the instability of our world was because of racial divide, but in the events of the last couple of months, I realize how in tune my father was to the happenings in the world. (I added this letter to the stories on family search as it didn't appear that anyone else had previously done so).

Last Sunday night we had an impromptu gathering with some of the family at Thomas' grave. Crista was on her way home from Mapleton, and Adrienne met us for eggs.  We were able to visit for a little while.  It was really nice.

Avie celebrated her 2nd birthday this past week.  Roy and I went over to wish her a happy one.

Gunnar's team won 2nd place in the region.  He's the one with his hand in the air.  His team was pretty happy.

Saturday night we had the family over to celebrate the 24th.  On the actual 24th I went to bed at 9:30 and slept till 6:30, then stayed in bed another hour.  We missed Nick's family as they are still

worried about the virus because of Sara's pregnancy.  

Gunnar let the chickens out.  Finn was able to catch this one.  Yuna, Finn and Doyeon

Ila

 We didn't buy any fireworks.  Roy was planning to, but he didn't realize they'd be closed by the 25th.  Jennie had some sparklers.  Greens had already left, but right before Dan's family went home they went outside and lit some.

Jennie and Caitlyn

Jennie and Dojin

Hyeji

Dojin

Jennie and Jordan

Hyeji and Yuna

Dan.  

Yuna with grandpa

 When we lived in Georgia, one of our favorite vacation spots was Tybee Island, by Savannah.  This past week Elise and Andy went there with the kids for a day trip.  Seeing their pictures brought back a lot of memories.

Mav

Max (it's cherry juice, not blood)

Beverly.  This looks like it's done from a photo from when Beverly
was a little younger.  Elise has been doing some digital art lately.

Harvey

Myrtle Beach

Max

Caitlyn captured a cute video of Adrienne, AJ and the kids trying to round

up the chickens, since Gunnar really enjoys letting them out.  

Right before the Green's left to go home, Gunnar came out of my pantry holding a big, 5 gallon water jug (we get our drinking water from the Centerville well because it is so good and so close by).  He said, "Grandpa--can I take this home for a project?"  We don't say no very often, but we didn't want to buy a new one.  We are curious what type of project he would have come up with.  He has a lot of cogs working in that brain of his.