February 2009

In February my brothers and sister-in-laws and I had been planning on having an 80th birthday party for my Dad. We wanted to make it a surprise because we knew how he would react. And, most importantly, we wanted to try and get everyone of his posterity there, if at all possible - at least children and grandchildren.

Well, Cherstin and the kids and I drove out to Oklahoma (Cherstin used that time to have an o.b. appointment) and spent a couple of days. The kids were so excited to be home and to be able to play with their things and fall into familiar patterns. We then continued on into Denver. I got to spend some time with Mike and Desi, Emily and Mordecai. Cherstin got to spend time with them too but she also got to have a chance to share some time with Karen and Dave (Dan's folks). We waited out a snow storm before heading into Utah. I really didn't want to get stuck in Wyoming. Been there, done that. And, finally we headed out and Desi and Mike followed us that evening.

Wanda and Moroni flew into Salt Lake and she had some time with Robert's parents before Cherstin and I arrived in time to head to Provo to have dinner at the Chuck-a-rama with Joey and Carlie, Gideon, Glory, Scarlett, and Levi who had just driven up from Tucson. They had picked up Nena and Brett for dinner. And Felicia met us with two of her roommates. I had a blast. It was so fun catching up on things in El Centro and Arizona, and Nena and Brett, and meeting Felicia's roommates. That, in and of itself, was a fun "reunion."

Wanda and Moroni spent the night at Felicia's apartment - I think Moroni was a hit (all those dimples will drive any girl crazy!) The next day I spent most of the time trying to help Julia do the last minute shopping and prep. We had fun too.

Phil was able to fly in and Cherstin and Brittany were able to pick him up. He spent his nites with Joey and Carlie at Jason and Chantele's. I am sure he missed having Hannah and Orion there, as Cherstin missed having Dan and Wanda missed Robert and her little brood, but I think he had fun too. Jason and he had been close in Germany when they were little and both of them have been back to Europe as adults and have a love for the region, and they both work in the computer industry.

Rich finally flew in and that completed those who could come from our family. While we were in Utah it seemed a great time to celebrate Emily's 3rd birthday. She had both sets of grandparents and Aunts and Uncles and cousins from both sides of the family there and so we all went to Chuckee Cheese for pizza and some down time. I think Emily enjoyed herself too. Brittany and Jason and Chantele and their little ones also joined in the fun.

Jim and Maria and their guys came in from Idaho and everyone else was already there in Utah, so we worked together and prepared for the celebration of Dad's life. How blessed we are to have him.

I think Dad was pretty excited and overwhelmed. There had been a real question of how we would get him to the church but Desi and Mike settled that by telling him that they were going to take him out to dinner (something they routinely do when they are in town and so not too suspicious) but that they were going to a fancy place and he needed to get dressed up. He complied and I think he really was surprised when he walked in and found so many people just to see him. His brother and sister-in-law, Les and Marj, and sister, June came, as did some of their children. Suzanne Halls (we knew her from Germany and she lives in Colorado) came, as did the Swanders, Betty and Don, Kerns, people from the ward when he was bishop the first time - hundreds of people really. They talked with him and shared memories with us (the kids) and I think it was a really nice afternoon. Rich and I and our children and some grandchildren were there, Mike and Shauna and their children and grandchildren, Derk and Julia and their children and grandchildren, Brad and Lexie and their children and grandchildren, Jim and Maria and their children (minus CJ who is serving a mission in Zimbabwe and Tony - obviously), Chad and Ronnie and their children were all in attendance. As I write about this I am remembering that Brandt made a DVD about Dad's life and he was going to try and get us all copies - I need to follow up on that - they were having technical difficulties and they were also heading out of town the next morning - hmmmm.

On Sunday Rich and I, Cherstin and her little ones, Wanda and Moroni, Joey and Carlie and their little ones, and Felicia went to Church with Dad. He was pleased as punch.

Joey and Carlie, Phil, Wanda and Moroni, Desi and Mike headed home. And Rich and I and Cherstin headed south toward Tucson. I had always wanted to see the Grand Canyon and so we took that opportunity on our way. I really enjoyed it - but really - it is just a huge hole! We also took some time to see the dam there. Sadly, it could never be built today - not because we don't have the "know-how" but because we would tie ourselves in knots of regulations, redtape, permits, environmental impact statements, and lawsuits. For all of our sophistication and advanced technology and knowlege we have lost our will and way.

We got down to Joey and Carlie's and had a wonderful time. Nathan And Suzanne and their brood came in and it was so much fun to catch up with them. The kids have made remarkable, if not miraculous, progress. Toni, Amanda and Brandon and their little ones came, as did Stephen, Jr. with his two. Carlie was ever the gracious hostess with delicious food for everyone. Joey gave all the kids rides on his motorcycle (Abby became his best friend LOL) and it was just fun.

Joey and Abby (his best friend) on Joey's RIDE

Joey's new bike

But best of all - we had the opportunity to witness Glory make those sacred baptismal covenants. It was very special to watch another of my precious grandchildren enter those holy waters, with her father worthy to perform this sacred rite, and promise to keep Heavenly Father's commandments. As I watched I realized that if she really does keep those commandments and does everything she can to follow the Savior her life will be richly blessed. There will be trials and difficulties - but the bulk of most problems are self-made - and she would avoid those - because if you keep the commandments that's what happens!

Emmett on the way home --soooooo tired of all the traveling!

We said our goodbyes and put Rich on an airplane for Tennessee and then Cherstin and the kids and I headed back to Oklahoma. Cherstin had another o.b. appointment and we stayed there for a few days. The kids really were glad to be home again and I was sorry for them that we would be back on the road soon. When we finally did leave and get back to Tennessee and the apartment poor little Abby started to cry. "No! Not here!" Home is so important.