July happenings

When it gets quiet and I wonder where the kids are, this scene always bring joy to my heart.

Can you spot Ben on this mountain biking course? He's working hard to be able to ride with the varsity team this season.

Here's a typical Summer day scene; the boys taking their mountain bikes off of the car and the girls going for a golf cart ride with Nana.

Meanwhile, Michael is working hard at his MTC training in the basement. I'm so grateful that it's nice and cool in the basement during these hot summer days. Michael and I go for a walk almost every evening so that he can get some fresh air and I love to hear all about his MTC experiences.

Luke and Mary with their new school shoes (I love this picture because Nana is showing her new toy from her birthday).

Mary slept over at my parents house so she could wake up at 5:00am to run 5 1/2 miles with my mom before she had to go to work for the day.

I hope I have as much energy as my mom when I'm a grandma!

We had a zoom call with the Elders. They shared a spiritual thought with our family.

Our 4 youngest kids were at my parents house and the rest of us were at home.

I love that the Lord's work continues even though we're in the midst of a pandemic.

Mission companions

Todd and I recently went to dinner with 3 of Todd's mission companions and their wives.

It was so fun to listen to the 4 of them reminisce about their time in Argentina.

Elder Meryhew had this picture of them from July 1997 in Argentina.

And here they are now- plus one who wasn't pictured above.

The guy on the right told Todd that his only regret about his mission was that he wasn't able to be companions with Todd more than one month. Todd was his trainer and I loved hearing him tell about what a great and hard working missionary Todd was.

Todd and I left the restaurant that evening grateful once again for our missions.

We're grateful for the good people we met and the amazing influence it had in our lives at such a young age.

It was a good reminder for me as we're about to send Michael on his mission.

I know that he will have amazing friendships and experiences.

THREE

We just celebrated Nana's 3rd birthday!

Three years ago I knew I was going to like our sweet puppy but I had no idea how much I would grow to love her.

Nana's barking at people with hats and her shedding drive me crazy but I am so glad for the lessons she has taught our family.

Our good friends next door have a tiny puppy named Poppy. Nana and Poppy have matching collars thanks to Ann.

Sara picked this toy out for Nana's birthday and she couldn't be happier!

Michael gave her a heaping spoonful of peanut butter on her birthday. What a great day!

Happy Birthday Nana!

P-day Biology hike

Mary has a Summer homework Biology assignment- she had to identify 15 biotic and 5 abiotic factors in nature. So, on Michael's p-day, we loaded up in the Suburban and set out on a hike.

I don't know who had more fun- the kids or Nana.

Trying to get a picture of a bird for Mary's project.

What a great day to be together.

And what could be better than donuts after a hike?!

Pioneer Day

We had a BBQ lunch and swimming during the day on the 24th with my side of the family.

Todd's 2 brothers and their families came over to our house that evening for Chick-fil-A and fireworks.

It's always fun to get the cousins together but it was especially fun for Michael to see them again before he leaves for Washington. Michael enjoyed speaking Spanish with Kent who served his mission in Chile.

Sam and Luke doing extra long sparklers.

New truck

Todd has a new truck. He has wanted a truck for years. I am so grateful he was able to get one.

The best part is we're able to fit a suburban, truck, golf cart, car, bikes, tools, toys, dog crate, etc... in our garage. It's a little tight but it works! We may be in the market for a shed now though :)

Elder Stepan

Michael was set apart as a full-time missionary the evening of July 14.

Before the setting apart, Todd and I opened our mission bins and told mission stories to our kids.

Of course I cried a couple of times as I remembered and shared some of the remarkable experiences that I had on my mission.

We sang hymns together in Spanish and Italian. It was a wonderful evening together.

Sara found my mission name badge and wore it the rest of the evening.

Todd was able to set Michael apart as a missionary. It was a very touching experience. I hope I never forget the wonderful spirit we felt together.

Michael and his grandparents after he was set apart as a missionary and put his name tag on.

Bishop Lockhart, President Frank, Michael and Todd.

That evening was even better for me knowing that Michael wasn't leaving the next day. I get a bonus six weeks of hugs because his MTC is at home!

Michael's MTC training didn't start until 3:30pm on the 15th.

The morning of the 15th we drove to the BYU student health center for Michael to receive his yellow fever and typhoid vaccines for Ecuador.

The MTC is right across the street from the BYU health center. It was strange to think that we would've been going there if it wasn't for the COVID pandemic.

And then it was time for the MTC to start.

Todd found his missionary name tag and put it on while he and Michael studied the Book of Mormon in Spanish on Michael's first Sunday as a missionary.

Michael's farewell

The evening before Michael was set apart as a missionary, he had a few friends over for a farewell party.

One of the things that I love best about Michael is his ability to be friends with everyone.

As I looked at the group gathered in our backyard, I realized that what they had most in common was a friendship with Michael. Many of those kids probably didn't hang out together at school, but they were all friends with Michael. I am so grateful for each of these kids and the many others that we weren't able to invite in an effort to respect COVID restrictions, who helped make Michael's high school years great.

Camping trip

Before Michael started mission training at home, we took our new camper on its first adventure.

I was so excited that I had hot running water.

Relaxing after breakfast.

Lunch time.

Swimming time.

More relaxing time.

Sara's brothers taught her how to whittle sticks. She wants a pink pocket knife for our next camping adventure.

Dinner time in the camper.

An evening stroll after dinner.

Michael found out who would be in his MTC group during our trip.

Luke fishing with his dog.

Good times with the family.

This trailer will be so nice to have for all of our boys' mountain biking races.

I am so grateful that Michael was able to go with us on our first adventure in the "thunder wagon".

An evening walk with an incredible sunset.