Summer 2012

I came upstairs one day in June and Ashley's mom told me she could tell I was happy because I was singing country music at the top of my lungs. It was true. My parents were coming down to visit us, because we hadn't seen them since the wedding (the joys of marrying a foreigner) and I was excited to see them. We played and hiked in Zion's and ate good food, and good treats. We also planned a family get together with all the married kids. It would be the first time in a long time we had all been together. The firs weekend of August became our family reunion. We met at Lava Hot Springs in Idaho, and had a blast. We played games, camped out, and spent time around our propane fire pit (fireban in all of Idaho). Some of our favorite highlights were jumping off the platforms at the pools, Ashley and I winning the treading water contest, the hot pools at night, square ice cream, and family pictures. Thanks to Mom and Dad and everyone who drove long distances to host such a fun trip. It was a blast!

Life's Unexpected Tragedies

This past week we had some rain. A lot of rain, and I was worried our garage would flood again like it had before. St. George is supposed to be a dry, desolate waste land... It's not supposed to rain, much... But since we have lived at home it seems as though it has rained every other day of the summer. Flash flooding, basements getting water, and retaining walls turning backyards into swimming pools were a few of the things we saw. But no one expected the events of 09/11/12. The Santa Clara dike breaking causing a massive flood to rip through several neighborhoods. However, it has been a near experience to have the community rally around these people. To spend countless hours working and cleaning and helping families the best they can. My bosses sent us to help. We were able to get out and help. I felt so much joy and love for these people, and wished I could do more. But as we all know, life has unexpected tragedies, and it's the people that rally around us that make life bearable. We gratefully sustained no damage, but here are a few pictures of the experience. I am grateful to have such wonderful examples to look up to and aspire to.

Sunday afternoon!

I just wanted to post a little thought. Ashley and I have been making a lo of big decisions lately. I was so proud as we were talking one night this week and she turned to me and said, "we need to go to the temple." It was a reminder to me of the righteous power women have in the lives of men. They keep us in line. I love my wife, and how correct she is that the only way to improve our lives the best way possible is to include God. I am so blessed! This is my favorite time of life so far!