We have had some interesting renewed friendships lately. A couple of months ago while scheduling a trip with LDS travel one of the agents asked me, "how old is your husband....is he from Canada.....did he serve a mission in Scotland??" Well Dave was a missionary who Allan greatly admired and has had no contact with for 55 years. To make a long story short, he has written a story about his life growing up in a polygamist family and escaping entitled Be Still My Son that is really inspiring and well written. We were able to hook up for dinner this week and had a marvelous time getting to know him and his cute wife. It is so interesting how our paths intersect with former friends.
And another friend emerged from India. Preetha was one of our best Seminary teachers in Bangalore and was trying to make the dream of serving a mission come true when we left. She accomplished that goal and received her call to Fiji. Yesterday we got to pick her up and deliver her to the MTC for language training. She is not only a beautiful young woman, but has overcome much as do all those dear Indian saints and is so eager to serve the Lord. We had a grand (but short) reunion.
We had a special date with Ame and Kaipo to celebrate the beginning of their new year of school. Lunch was yummy but our conversation with those two cuties provided quite the entertaining afternoon.
Our stop at Kohls also proved to be fun and hilarious as they picked out and paraded their new school duds. We love the individual and personal times we are able to have with our grandchildren and adore each of them for the unique, cute, loving and genuinely GOOD little people they are !
We had a wonderful visit from our old (well 35 year friendship) friends Becky and Bob this past week. They came for our "family Sunday" and we all had a great time catching up!
Anyone who comes to visit us gets drug to Temple Square to meet our "Indian daughter" Sister Sundaram, We had a wonderful tour with her and her companion and even got to take them to lunch.
We never seem to lack for fun and memorable conversation with Becky and Bob, a good game of golf and even a beautiful ride threw Ogden canyon. It is so DARN GOOD to have these times together again after 3 years. Can't wait for the fun ahead.....
Allan made a quick trip back to Corcoran last week for the funeral of a dear friend, Darrell Frey. He was a part of our lives for many years with alot of funny memories. Allan was able to see so many former friends and employees that we both worked with and really enjoyed seeing everyone again.
I was able to play grandma twice this week for Brittany & Quinn and Karli & chris who were both celebrating their anniversaries. I loved this special time with our precious grandchildren.
Jake has begun his FAVORITE sport again--Football. He is lucky this year that DAD gets to be one of his coaches and MOM is the team mom. We got to watch his first scrimmage on Saturday and were so proud and excited for him.
Little Miss Kaiya turned 3 Saturday and we joined the celebration at the pool in Logan. It was such a fun and beautiful day to spend with the family and be part of the excitement. Kaiya-bear holds a special place in our hearts. (even when she licks her birthday cake).
Last weekend my mom and 3 sisters all met for a fun get-away. We stayed at the Lodges in Deer Valley and had so much fun together. We had a delicious dinner at Stein Erickson Lodge and the view and weather was almost as good as the company.
When the Thurgood girls get together there is no lack of laughing and good stories. We spent one day tramping around Park City shopping and finding good eating establishments. We had rented a wheel chair for Mom so no one had to slow down and she felt a part of the festivities. We even took the gondola to the top of The Canyons which was a beautiful trip.
One night we went to the outdoor concert at Deer Valley featuring the Mormon Tab, Choir and Utah Symphony and it was fabulous. It was such a beautiful setting and the concert was a tribute to America. And to add even more excitement to the evening, Pres. Eyring and Pres. Uchtdorf and family were sitting a stone's throw away!!
We wanted to include our brother Craig (and he wasn't too keen on spending the weekend with 4 crazy women) so Sunday afternoon we had a great reunion together with his family, and many of our children and grandchildren. About 50 were able to be there and it was such a good time to renew friendships with cousins, brother and sisters and Mom.
I am so thankful for the wonderful extended family I am blessed with and for this terrific time to solidify our love and friendship. I am also so incredibly thankful for Mom and the amazing woman she is. At 90+ years she is still so fun and willing to be with all her family to share these good moments.
