Sunday

We flew all day yesterday, had a couple of delays, landed at one ish, got home after 3.  It was a long day. Our flight was turbulent but we landed at the end safely and weren't too scared.

This morning we were exhausted.  We all slept until 11am.  I was shocked.  We slept right through church.

The rest of the day was spent quietly with the family.  We ate together, watched a movie, got ready for school to start, gathered supplies and wrote the kids names on things.  Ethan was pretty stressed about school, fortunately John came over and they found out they have all but first period together.  I think that made him feel better.  Dad gave back to school blessings, which is always a sweet experience.

Dani sent me this cute picture.  The rest of the family is still together for one day.  It was really hard to leave yesterday.  I really appreciate the time we have together, the hugs, laughs, baby watching, the feeling of family.  I wish we lived close enough to take each other for granted.  When this text came it made me tear up.  Courage take.

Cute Papa

Last day:(

Jenna and Clayton Johnson. Such a cute couple! Now they are off to Hawaii on a fun honeymoon adventure. They will have many adventures together I am sure.

Today was our last day in Utah..so sad. I felt really bad because we left Dani with a tornado to clean up :( Other than that our trip was amazing! I loved seeing everyone!

This morning we went to Noah's baby blessing. He is so handsome. Then we went to the distribution center, to In and Out and the airport. It's almost 3am and we are almost home. Sheesh! Long day

On our flight was the secretary of the V.A. And his suit clad crew so that was fun in a celebrity sighting kind of way. Grace and I saw fireworks from the airplane flying into Chicago. That was also kind of fun.

Family

Today was the first time in 9 years that all our family has been together at the same time.  No one missing.  It was pretty special.  I am excited for Jenna and Clayton to start their own family and to add to it, in due time.  I am happy to add to mine as well and am so happy my daughters have married wonderful men.  Being here is such a treat, it's wonderful to spend time together.  To watch cousins play, babies bounced, hugs shared.  I wish wish wish we lived close enough to see each other regularly.  I am extremely grateful that we can look forward to familial associations that will last into the eternities thanks to our Heavenly Father's great plan of happiness, and His great love for us.

from left to right:

Yoho, Andrea, Noah and Reggie (hiding behind Hannah), Hannah, Greg, Dani holding Penny, Amadeo holding Deo, Anna, Mackenzie, Clayton, Jose, Jenna, Joneaux, Emily and Jakob, Tate, Grandma and Natalia, me and Rob, Grace, Papa and Tanner, Ryan, Val, Spencer, Michael, Sierra, Jordyn, JaNee, Ethan, Katie, Kelly, and Alec

WEDDING DAY

"Going to the temple, and we're gonna get married"

Today was Jenna and Clayton's wedding day.  It was beautiful.  We had a long drive there made a bit longer by a wrong turn but we made it in time and Jenna looked beautiful.

Their sealing was very nice.  The sealer gave great council and insights and Jenna and Clayton just glowed.  They were a handsome couple.  (side note: can't wait to see the pro pictures)

When we came out of the temple it was pouring rain.  It didn't matter, everyone was happy and excited and we took some photos that got us drenched :)

After the sealing we went across the street for a luncheon.  It was fun.  Clayna had asked their parents and Emma and Jacob (the best man) to say a few words.  We ate and then everyone piled into the cars to drive back to Orem for the reception.

Mimi and Penny at the luncheon.

Sierra, Hannah and Dani were cute bridesmaids.

The beautiful Manti Temple.

Our cute family.  Love this picture!

Me and J.

Tate and Pen with Grandpa and Mimi.

Lu loves Penny and was happy to have a turn holding her.

Papa and Grandma with all their grandchildren.  They are getting quite a crew!

Saying good bye.

After everyone had gone we stood around outside and caught up with the Howards and the Butterfields.  It was great to see everyone.  There was another wedding at the site and they had fireworks, that was super fun to watch.  All the children ran around in the dark playing and we chatted until too late.

Random

We've been having lots of random fun.  We've gone to Zupas 3 times. Delicious!  I love their lobster bisque.

We've hung out a lot with the family.

Me and all my babies :)

Today we got pedicures and did last minute getting ready for the wedding stuff.

Dani has given a lot of hair cuts.

R has been fishing a few times and taken the children with him a couple times too.

Tomorrow is the big day! Can't believe it!!

Gramps and Penny

Thanksgiving Point