Memories and Happy 50th anniversary

While Jared and Lindsey stayed with us we looked at photos of my mom. One of their daughters resembles her so much it is unexpected. It was fun to look at the pictures of my mom and dad and reminiscence. Jared was 6 when my mom died so his memories of her are vague.  It is both happy and sad to talk about our parents.  It is emotional, but I always feel the spirit strong when we do.  Lindsey and I went through a few pictures and below are some of our favorites. 

On another note,  I am actually trying to figure out what to do with all of the missionaries letters my mom and dad wrote during  his mission.  The handwriting is very difficult to read and I feel like it is personal.  Any ideas what I should do?

 

My mom somewhere between 15-18 

 

My niece who looks like my mom.  I know they don't care for their children's pictures on the internet, but since my blog is only read by family and a few friends I thought it would be okay!  

 My mom on the 2nd row to the bottom, 2nd one on the the right with her head tilted

(My mom on the bottom left corner)

In all of these pictures we could really see a resemblance to my mom.  It is amazing how genetics works. 

Last month my parents would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.  I thought of them most of the day on 6-21 and I  felt grateful for their influence in my life. I don't know how it works in heaven, but I hope they knew how grateful we are that they got together!  

The 4th

 I love the 4th of July!   My brother Jared and family came to Utah after our family reunion. We didn't know at first how long they would be in Utah so we tried to soak up each and every minute.   I have the privilege of having his family stay at my home.  It was so great to get to know their children better and to visit with Jared and Lindsey.  I absolutely adore he and Lindsey and I think they have some of the cutest children EVER!!!!  

 On the 4th we went to my brother Mark's and families home.  The food was so scrumptious and  the company was great too!

  The nieces and nephews really enjoyed playing together.   It was great to see how well they all got along.  

  Mark and Caleb put on a great firework show!!!  It was fun to sit back and enjoy the show! Thank you for a great evening!

Adventures in Seattle!

 After our family reunion Kara really wanted to go to Seattle.  Kara called up her Grandma Sheryl to ask if she could catch a ride up with her to Seattle since it was so close and stay with her for a while.  She flew home with her cousin Mikayla who also needed to get home to Utah for youth conference.   I am so grateful that she had a fun time!!!  Thank you Sheryl and Melissa for having her into your home.

 Kara got a pedicure with Melissa, and Bella. 

 She was able to go and visit her Aunt Sharon who is such a great hostess.   I wish I could have seen you too!!!:)

 She met her grandparents at  a park for the day!

 She stayed with Grandma Sheryl and had she had fun learning more about crocheting, giggling and going out to eat.  Sheryl was also sweet and gave Kara her harp (it is a smaller size).  Kara is loving the harp and we are grateful that Mikayla was able to bring it as part of her luggage.  

On the last couple of days Suzanne and kids came and got Kara while they were visiting and she hung out with them.  Everyone was so grateful when Kara came home from Seattle.  We missed her so much!

Aventures in Istanbul, Turkey!!!

 Coby has been in Turkey for almost two months!  I sure miss him and because the distance is so far I seem to miss him even more. I am so grateful for Skype!!!   There has been some unsettling news there, but Coby has convinced me that it is not a big deal so I am trying hard to not worry.  I am so grateful for prayer.  He sure lives in a beautiful part of the world.    He has moved in a couple different hostels and he just moved into a different place.  Coby with another member of the church who was visiting one Sunday!Coby got called to serve as the Elder's Quorum president of his branch.  There are over 20 million people who live in Istanbul so visiting families and going home teaching are a tad bit more difficult.

Above is a picture of Coby in front of Hagi Sophia which is a former Orthodox Patriarchal Basilica which means   "Shrine of the Holy Wisdom of God." It was completed in 532 AD, the Hagia Sophia was the seat of the Orthodox church for nearly one thousand years.

 

One of the friends Coby met when he first moved to Turkey and he was staying in a hostel.

Coby in front of  Kabatas, Istanbul, Turkey

This picture above was taken  on an Island.  It is called Prince islands.  Which is actually located here: https://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&q=prince+islands+istanbul&fb=1&gl=tr&hq=prince+islands&hnear=0x14caa7040068086b:0xe1ccfe98bc01b0d0,Istanbul&cid=0,0,16157051536542552809&ei=jgrUUazgEsHKOcXUgLAJ&ved=0CKsBEPwSMAA



Coby has been extremely busy doing  certificating to teach English as a second language, learning the Turkish language,  being a private tutor,  being the Elder's Quorum president,  teaching the gospel with the missionaries, finding places to live  and working hard acclimating to his new life.

Coby and his friends went on  a ferry ride.   This is  Istanbul's Golden Horn taken from a ferry on the Bosphorus.   I am grateful he lives in such a beautiful part of the world!!!

Family Reunion!!!

I love family reunions!!!  Here are a selection of pictures from the Family Reunion!   We went to Lincoln City, OR from June 12th through 16th.  Every sibling was there, but we were missing a few grandchildren, namely Coby, Spencer Johnny, Jessica and her husband John.  My Aunt Jean and Traci both came and stayed for a few days.  We were also able to go and visit my Grandma Mackey on the way to the reunion and the way home!   It had been 5 years since we had one and it was way too long.  We are planning to do another family reunion in a couple years!!!!  I am so grateful for all the help everyone gave in making it  a success!!!!  I am very grateful for everyone that took pictures.  Thank you, thank you!!!!

 Kara and Mikayla

Kites

 Football

Scavenger Hunt games that Suzanne put together

 Everyone at the reunion---I sure hope!!!

 Sisters

 

The youngest grandson/nephew Abe!!!!  He is such a sweetheart and so snuggly

 View from our deck!

 Did I mention Colton loves playing video games?

 Game room and great hang out room

 Grandma Sheryl has a treasure chest she brings wherever she goes for all age grandchildren.  The kids are in heaven.  I am totally copying her and going the same when I am a grandma!

 Serious marble playing time with a trophy at stake.  There were rules and everything!!!

Trophy!

 

The winner with Grandma Sheryl-----Mason