Birthday Boys

Corbin turned 14 on the same day as Nate's farewell. He was a good sport about keeping his birthday low key. Corbin had told me for months leading up to his birthday all he wanted was to go to running camp. After a lot of logistical maneuvering, we worked out a way for Corbin to get to Duck Creek and back from the Page running camp. Best of all, he got to bring his best friend from Amarillo, Jacob. 

 

After the crowds dispersed from celebrating Nate's farewell, we had some cake and ice cream. We also got to celebrate Jackson's birthday (Michelle's son) as he had turned 10 a few days before.

 

 

 

Happy birthday, Corbin!

Farewell Nate

This is a good kid!

 

With all of our busy schedules and coordinating vacations, the Ross reunion ended up being right after the farewell for Nate Hannay, Kim and Steve's youngest. He has been called to serve in Argentina and we are so excited for him! His brother Eric is already serving in the Angola, Africa mission, and with the recent lowering of the mission age, the two of them will be out at the same time.

 

Backing up to the October 2012 General Conference, I remember it was on Saturday morning, and we had actually just barely got our computer hooked up to the TV to watch when President Monson began to speak. As he made the declaration that effective immediately all 18 year old young men that had graduated could begin to serve, I felt a confirmation that this was from God. I was flooded with emotion as I thought of my own boys, growing so fast, soon to be eligible to get their own call to serve! It was overwhelming. I remember thinking again and again over the next several days and weeks, am I doing enough to prepare them?

 

Later that same Saturday, I called some of my family to talk about this exciting news about missions. When I called Kim, she related to me the conversation that she and Nate had immediately following the announcement. Nate had turned 18 that February and had been planning to attend college for a year in Hawaii. Kim and Steve had asked him to save extra money because of the increased cost of travel and living expense. Nate had a job and was doing just that. As Nate and Kim talked about what the lowering of the age meant for him, Nate declared that now he now knew why he really needed to have extra money. He wouldn't have to wait, he would be able to go right away. He never even questioned what he should do!

 

See what I mean, good kid! Or rather I should say, good man!

 

 

We are continually grateful for the good examples that abound in our family! We are so blessed! Nate gave a wonderful talk in sacrament meeting, and Kim and Steve put on a beautiful brunch for all of the family and friends. It was an event! With the Ross Reunion slated to begin officially on Monday, all of the Rosses had winged into town. What a joyous occasion to reunite for! What a wonderful way to kick off another fantastic reunion! God be with you, Elder Hannay!

 

 

 

 

 



Fourth Flight of Fancy

Once we returned from our trip to Page, we had no travel plans until the Ross Reunion in the later half of July. Theo would not even be coming with us once again due to his summer school commitments. Bummer! We were however, anticipating a visit from Theo's parents at some point as they had planned to make a big round trip to visit Donny (Colorado Springs), Tim (Indiana) and finally us in Texas on their way home. At the last minute unfortunately, G&G Martin had to cancel their plans because of work conflicts.

Theo came up with a plan of his own. The 4th of July fell on a Thursday this year. He would have Friday off of school. What would I think if we were to zip over to Tim's for a long weekend visit?

Gulp.

Sure we can do that, honey. Let's make it happen!

We have not been to Tim and Anne's as a family since we drove out from Page in 2007! For a little trip down that memory lane see here. It was time for us to get out there. Way past due!

We departed from Amarillo after Theo got out of class on Wednesday afternoon and made the first part of our trek to Springfield, Missouri where we spent the night in a hotel. On a side note, we were without Drake as he had gone off to EFY in San Antonio for a week, a trip we had paid for many months before.

On the 4th of July, we rolled into town in the afternoon. Tim and Anne live in a lovely home in New Salisbury, Indiana, a very different locale than our boys are used to. Everything was green and beautiful!

 

As the sun began to set, the boys set out to catch as many fireflies as they could catch. The mosquitoes were out too and had a delightful feast on us!

 

Tim had some fun fireworks for us to play with, and Theo's inner pyro got to come out to play for a while.

 

The sunset was gorgeous and we could hear people setting off fireworks all over the area.

The next day, we went into Louisville, Kentucky, a mere 20 minute drive across the Ohio river.

 

We went for a swim at Anne's parents' house. The weather was unseasonably cool the whole time we were there and never got out of the 70s.

Our last day there we made a trip to the zoo in Louisville. Our kids always enjoy a trip to the zoo. Because it was a little rainy, there were hardly any people there which was awesome.

Sunday we drove the entire way home. It took us about 15 hours! The kids were troopers, and I think it was all worth it to spend some time with our family! Thanks Tim, Anne, Symond and Max! This was a 4th to remember!