A New Chapter: Launching a Missionary

Our oldest received her mission call June 5, 2013, 

to the Idaho Nampa Mission.

Yes, we know, it's a stone's throw from here...

yet that is where she was called, 

and that is where she will serve.

And we are happy to be a part of the hastening of missionary work

by supporting her in this important assignment.

She reported at the Missionary Training Center on October 2nd, 2013.

Here is the story in pictures of our journey to the MTC: 

At 8:00 Wednesday morning, we loaded the family in the suburban to bring her there.

So first, she said goodbye to our dog, Marble...

Then she fell apart as we pulled out of the drive way.

Her obvious concern was over whether she would ever see her beloved dog again...

and if her home and town would look the same when she returns.

At that point, we all had to keep it together so she didn't tear up again.

The sniffles didn't cease until we got past Brigham City!

...

But then she slept the rest of the way to Grammi's.

After a quick stop for lunch at Grandma and Grandpa's...

And a few last family pictures...

We delivered her.

Safe and sound.

To her new home.

For 2 weeks...

Idaho bound.

For 18 months!

What will we do?

Hmmmm.

Think of the possibilities!

Take over her room...

Auction her stuff...

just kidding--

We write...

and pray...

cry a little...

and write...

and send pictures...

and write...

and hope she is doing well in her new assignment.

And we carry on. :)

If you would like to see how she is doing, you may visit her mission blog where we post her letters:

akr-missionblog.blogspot.com

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The Town Celebration, an Emergency, and our Awesome Family Camp

Welcome to Trenton's 24th of July Celebration!

The only place I know where you get a second helping of the parade... 

just in case you missed it the first time.

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Tradition states that the graduating senior girls dress fancy and ride the Trenton float.

Amber's cousins are waving at her and her friends.

Then comes the carnival with all the yummy treats. 

After lunch, the fire department sets up another tradition:  a soapy sea of foam and the water spray.

See that girl above on the right?  

Well 3 days later, she landed in the E.R. with appendicitis!

 It's a long story, but the short version is that after 8 hours of testing and waiting in the E.R., she had an operation.  Her parents were in California that morning and raced to be with her.  Miraculously, her mother  arrived just as she was being escorted to the O.R.  Her appendix had a small perforation.   

She was released from the hospital 2 days later.

When she returned home, her body couldn't handle the oral meds, so she spent 

5 more days at Primary Children's Hospital.

...Meanwhile, we had a family camp to attend.

Many of Mormor and Farfar's descendants gathered at Camp Lomia for 3 days to build relationships and have fun.

The first night was a hat contest.

Here are the contestants:

And these are the voters:

We had a great time modeling silly hats.

The next day, Friday, August 2nd, we split into groups.

Some went to Minnetonka Cave,

Some went to Bear Lake,

Some enjoyed Tony Grove Lake, 

And 19 of us hiked to the summit of Naomi Peak.

These are the hikers.

It was beautiful wilderness!

Uncle Rolf took the lead and we all hiked with a buddy.

These 5 cousins were all born within the same year!

Here's our senior guide who took up the rear with his HAM radio:

Grandpa Thompson, a.k.a. Uncle Gary.

Emma made it to the top before I did!

We lunched at the top and enjoyed the view.

Daniel, the explorer.

Lounging at the top.

Taking pictures to document our achievement.

Cache Valley below.

On the way back to camp, we had a few exhausted kids.

Back at camp, setting up for a family photo shoot.

And then a program.

Grandpa told us the story of Old Ephraim,

the bear pictured behind him.

And then we listened as many shared their talents, music, and stories with us.

After a camp fire gathering, and roasting s'mores and starbursts, 

we settled down for the night.

Some slept in the loft of the lodge.

Here are a few more candid pics of our time together.

The favorite rope swing.

Volleyball on the lawn.

And wagon rides.

A great time was had by all.

We will look forward to next time we can get together.

The Sights and Sounds of Christmas

Our Christmas adventures began with a road trip to Grandma's on December 23rd.  The luggage barely fit!  We brought everything from gifts and snow clothes to the dog!  (Thanks, Grandma, for letting us bring our beloved dog so she wouldn't have to spend Christmas alone.)

The first stop was our family party, where we held a costumed Nativity program and played games.

It is always fun to play with the cousins!

Uncle Ben was such a sport to play Candy Land with the youngsters.

Aren't they cute?

Our next stop (after a good night's sleep) was the Hogle Zoo.

Isaac dubbed our outing:

The Polar Bear Express

(December 24, 2012)

Grandpa Thompson and I took all the kids who wanted to go to the zoo.

Our littlest trooper took a nap on the way there.

It was a blizzard outside, so we were among the few visitors to brave the trip that day.

Because of our courageous adventure, we became the recipients of many perks, 

such as hand-feeding the giraffe!

I think this is what the giraffe would call a "Christmas tree-t!"

Brigham offered to tote our littlest adventurer on his shoulders,

which was great!...

...except that he is so tall

he had to remember to duck through doorways

... or run the risk of knocking Rylee right off.

She became aware of this fact 

and would remind him with a yell, "duck!" each time they reached a doorway.

She was happy to finally be "the tallest!"

"I'm bigger than you!" she would say to each of us.

We were surprised to see the tortoise move so quickly to be fed.  He is a strong guy!  His name is "Kronk" and his shy friend is named "Izma."

We had such a fun time at the zoo!

We decided Christmas Eve day is the best time to go visit the animals,

...especially when it is stormy!

Grandpa even joined in the snowball fight.

next stop...

Christmas Eve 

at Grandma Thompson's

for Lutefisk dinner!

It was a lovely, joyful meal!

The lutefisk was the best we have ever tasted.

I washed mine down with Grandpa's delicious grilled salmon,

boiled potatoes and carrots, and lots of melted butter.

The flat bread, made by Uncle Rolf, was delicious!

There was time for a few games, a gift from grandma, then on to meet the cousins, aunts, and uncles

at Mormor's

Kids dressed in new jammies from Grandma, eagerly await a visit from Santa.  

Cute Thompson Cousins.
We turned out all the lights and sat very still, pretending we were all asleep in bed.  (Santa has very poor eyesight)  Then we watched as Santa carefully brought in presents and laid them under the tree.  Rylee was sitting on my lap and covered her eyes so Santa wouldn't see her, and occasionally she would peek between her fingers at him. Grandma and I laughed and almost scared Santa away!

Santa came... and left... and ere he drove out of sight,
he said, "Merry Christmas to all!  And to all a good night!"
...
And then we came to the much anticipated

Christmas Morning:

Opening Stockings at Grandma's

Don't they look thrilled?

Mormor came to visit.  We love Mormor!

It was a lovely day to play in the snow:

A wonderful Christmas was had by all.

...and then Dec. 26th, we partied with more cousins on our way home!

We played games and went sledding with the Owens.

Isn't she such a cute little Mallie-bear?

And a sweet owl, Anna!

Can you see the frost on Isaac's eyelashes?

Zipping down the hill was a blast!

...and then we went home...
...to our frozen wonderland...
...for more adventures.

Happy New Year, everyone!