ella started first grade

Our conversation on the way to school:

What do you do if you're scared? "Be brave and push through."

What is someone in your class is lonely? "I will ask them if they want to be friends."

What if your teacher asks you a question? "I use respect and say yes ma'am."

What if someone tries to touch your private parts? "I scream and run away."

Sheesh. I don't like this whole sending them out into the world business . . .

Tahoe is perfect in all ways

There is something really magical about Tahoe. I can't get over it. I love it up there and want to spend every weekend exploring. If you need some happiness in your life come and visit. The blue water will heal you.

This is some of our Reno possee. I love these girls and their beautiful kids.

Today we had the husbands with us, which is a special treat. It's amazing how 5 extra adults can make the beach that much better.

Also, Camille, Kelly and I swam to the bouy today. It's sort of a right of passage. The water is 50 degrees but you can see strait to the bottom even when it gets really deep. I am thinking I am going to really like triathlons. One of these days . . .

utah is awesome

pirate party at janie's house

grandpa roger and horse rides

buying loot with pirate treasure

cute dash and lots of biking

digging for treasure in the sand

date with grandpa dug to karate kid in his awesome truck.

bubbles bubbles everywhere . . .

Remembrance

This July has special meaning for my family. My brother Kirk was honorably discharged from the Marines after 4 years of service and two tours in Iraq. At Church today my dad shared an experience that is maybe too personal to put on a blog but I figured we all need a happy story once in a while, right? And I want to remember it so here goes.

Before Kirk left on his first tour to Iraq, my dad gave him a priesthood blessing. For those of you who aren't familiar with this, it is sort of like an inspired prayer, given by a Melchizedek Priesthood holder, to one who is sick or otherwise in need of special counsel, comfort, or healing.

Anyway, before Kirk left my dad gave him a blessing and the Spirit testified to him that my brother would be alright and would returned unharmed. This gave my dad great comfort and allowed him to reassure my mom while Kirk was away.

Before Kirk's second tour to Iraq, my dad gave him another priesthood blessing. This time, although he had words of counsel for Kirk, he did not feel the same reassurance and peace that Kirk would return unharmed. He said as a father it was very hard for him to send his son away without that reassurance.

While Kirk was away, my dad said he relied on his faith to give him peace, that whatever happened was meant to be and part of God's plan. You could tell that this took effort on his part and I believe my dad grew from this experience and his faith was strengthened.

Needless to say we are so glad that Kirk returning safely to us was part of His plan.

The below picture was taken before Kirk left to the Marines and represents a tender moment between my dad and brother.

I titled this post remembrance because I hope to always remember the often silent sacrifices so many have made to let freedom ring.