Peeking Through the Bush's: August 2009

Horseback Riding

While in California I found out my HS Seminary teacher's husband got horses as a hobby for retirement. They were kind enough to let me and the boys come over and take a ride. Ammon was so happy and excited. I was very excited too since I have only been on a horse once since I almost died in a horse accident when I was nine. I really enjoyed it and think it would be fun to get Ammon ridding lessons or something. Brandon liked it alright but was done after just one go around the corale.

Thank you Brother Louis!!!

Knott's Berry Farm

As a kid I have very fond memories of theme parks. Especially Knott's. On random Saturdays my dad would wake up and say "Should we all go to Knott's today?" My brothers and I would be so excited and then he would say "ahhh maybe not" in his calm teasing voice. We went lots of times and now that I am a parent I know why. Seeing the smiles on your children's faces is priceless! I had such a great time watching Ammon and Brandon having fun.

Brandon's favorite ride was the log ride. He would say "I want to go on the boat again." I bought the picture from the first time went on it because the looks on all our faces was great! We went on log ride four times throughout the day. Luckily the log ride is my and my dad's favorite ride as well.

Flying an airplane

Brandon enjoying a Snoopy ice cream

Riding the Carousel.

Jeff had a lot of fun because Bryce, Michelle, and Analisa went with him on every crazy fast ride he wanted to go on!. I went on one and that was enough for me. Even though my parents were so tired we closed down the park. We were there from 11:30am to 10pm. The boys were so good and never once had a tantrum. I bet Brandon was the last surviving three year old with out a stroller in the entire park!

Reception Festivities

Here is my dad dancing! And not just dancing but fast dancing! This was a once and a lifetime photo!

Ammon couldn't get enough of the dancing and kept asking Wendy and Brandon to dance with him. He was so cute. I even got turns to dance with my boys (Jeff included).

Drew & Carrie

Chris & Randy

A Toast to the new couple!!!

Megan & Dan Sealed Together Forever

D&C 132:19 " And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them- Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection...and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths...it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world..."

My niece Megan got married to Dan Rowley on August 8th in the Reddlands temple. It was a blessing to be able to go and support her in this wonderful, exciting time. The Thursday before we attended the temple for Megan and Dan's endowments. It was so wonderful and peaceful to be there with Jeff, my mom, my sister Jen and her husband. It was also great to see that Dan has an active and supportive family too. Jeff and I even got to be the witness couple. I love that I get to hold his hand some of the time!

I was so grateful to be in attendance at the sealing because hearing the promised blessings of the marriage covenant strengthened my testimony. I was crying because I felt the spirit so strong. The sealer talked about the plan of salvation from beginning to end. It reassured me how much our Father in heaven loves each of us. His plan of happiness is to do just that give us happiness in this life and forever.

I am so proud of Megan that she has made righteous choices that have enabled her to go to the temple and enjoy these blessings that Heavenly Father offers us. I remember when she was just a little girl and would sing songs to me like "you got a friend in me" from toy story. It has given me a little glimpse at what it will feel like to see my own children sealed to their spouses in the temple. Thanks for your great example ......... Congratulations Meg!

California Fun

We flew from Austin to Long Beach because it was cheaper than DFW. The boys were perfect and never cryed or fussed. I guess Jet Blue knows what they are doing when they have TVs in front of every seat. Ammon watched animal planet the entire time, and he loved it!

When we landed we got to walk out onto the tarmac. Right when I stepped off the plane I remembered the perfect weather of California. The cool air was so refreshing and the entire time we were there it never got over 96 degrees or so.