At the MTC

This is the building where we stayed. We started classes at 8:00 am and had classes all day long. The first week we worked on sharing the Gospel, the second week was learning about Seminaries and Institutes and spending the last couple of days in Salt Lake City learning about the Perpetual Education Fund. we had great teachers and were with a wonderful group of senior missionaries going all over.

This is in front of the famous map. We are with Elder and Sister Nielsen and they were going to Malaysia.

This is our tutor, Sister Flores, that worked with us both when we were in Yuba City and then I had class with her and Dad had another tutor from 6-8 in the evening. By then it had been a really long day but she was very patient and we really appreciated all she did to get us working on the language. After classes Dad and I would walk up to Rock Creek Park and then run down the hill. I just loved that time of day. We kept thinking we would take pictures but usually forgot the camera or we got away to late and it was too dark.

The rules for senior missionaries and young missionaries are a little different. We were free to go do what we wanted to after classes and just had to check in and out. So on Saturday, Nathan and Emily picked us up in the morning and we were planning to go to the temple, but the Timpanogos Temple was closed as was the Jordan River so we ended up at the Oquirrah Hills Temple. It was very beautiful.

We did some shopping to get a few last minute things. And then we got to go to the shower for Nathan and Emily at Don and Jana's. That was just alot of fun.

The happy newly wed couple. It was really fun to see all who were there.

The kids had a great time out in the back. The weather was just perfect. Thanks to all for such a fun time and thanks for all the help while we were in the MTC.

Before We Go Any Further

We had such a wonderful time in April/May. It was so much fun to be with everyone and we so appreciated all the help. This is only a little snapshot of all the things that went on and I didn't even get everything in. Thanks again for all you do to get us where we need to go.

And So It Begins

Monday morning started bright and early for us. We had to be to the airport by 5:00 am so we were up by 2:45 to get ready and finish the last minute packing. We got everything in and under 50 pounds in each suitcase. Peter and Melody were so kind to come and pick us up and take us to the airport. We arrived in SLC at 9:00 and N&E were there to greet us and help us gather our six bags and fit them into their car. We had time to have a quick breakfast and to see N&E's new apartment. Then off to the MTC.

Signing in

Ready to go

Stunned by Seattle

I know you have all heard this before, but . . . we're back . . . again . . . for a couple of days. We just had the most impressive weekend in Seattle. As the time draws short for us to depart on our mission, we just flew up on Saturday morning and back Sunday evening. Way too short for this beautiful place. Saturday it was sunny (i.e., partly cloudy) all day (until time for the reception) so we were treated to some wonderful views. Here are a few photos to whet your appetite. We'll post some of the reception when we get them from N&M (I forgot my camera).

The beautiful rice fields of the Central Valley.

The Sutter Buttes.

An anonymous mountain - possibly Shasta.

A cool picture of our flight above the clouds.

Coming into Seattle.

Our visit to the oldest public market on the west coast.

What luck!! It just happened to be the day of the Seattle Cheese Festival - lots of free cheese samples. I actually found some goat cheese that I liked.

These guys were good.

Okay, here's the main attraction - FISH.

And the rest of the attraction - the fish chuckers. As people make their decisions, the guys on the lower level chuck them up to the guys on the upper level, who wrap them. It is quite the show, but as we got there pretty early in the day, not many were buying.

Fish, fish, and more fish . . . I thought I'd gone to heaven - cheese and fish. Wooohoooooo.

Oh, and fresh produce as well. This place had it all.

And flowers - scads of them, so beautifully arranged. It was an incredible sight and smell.

And here's another beauty in her natural habitat, with beautiful flowers.

These photos don't even come close to expressing how cool it was to see the Olympic mountains across the Sound.

Of course we went to Ivar's for fish. It was great, and afterward we posed with Mr. Ivar & the seagulls.

We also visited an interesting place, but I didn't get any pictures of the mummies. I thought they were cool though.

And here is where we stayed - with some of the nicest folks in town. We loved our time in Seattle.

Stay tuned . . . more photos to follow.

"In Him All Things Hold Together"

The title for this post comes from one of my favorite addresses from Elder Neal A. Maxwell, of the same title. This address was given 31 years ago today (not April 23, but on Easter Sunday) and describes "the journey of journeys" that we must all travel in coming to our Redeemer. He also provides what I believe to be a great sermon on the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ. We pray your Easter was as happy as ours, with family around, and the Savior in the center; and that you celebrate Easter all through the year on the Lord's Day.

(NOTE: This was supposed to be my Easter post, but time got away from me. We had a great time with Pelah, going to their Ward, and having dinner with them. We then took off and picked up Gmah in Preston and made it to Don & Janna's around 8:30 pm, where we had more good food. Thanks to all for a fun day.)