Nearly There

On Saturday we went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple as a family to do baptisms for the dead. Since we are so much closer to so many temples here in Utah, and Nate was here with us, and Isaac just turned 12, we took advantage of that and attended the temple together with Bryan and Cynthia (who has also recently turned 12).

The temple was beautiful, as always. And we enjoyed the peaceful feeling inside it. We were able to be baptized for 98 men and women. (Thanks for providing us with the names Aunt Joan).

It was an early day. But so beautiful (and bright) in the morning sun. Living so close to a temple would be such a blessing. We go as often as possible in Texas. But it was nice to be able to enjoy the nearness of the temple here. In 6 more years, we will be able to go to the temple with all of our children. Eternal families are such a great blessing. We are nearly there.

The Boys' Special Day

Yesterday was a special day for Toby and Isaac. Isaac turned 12, received the Aaronic priesthood and was ordained to the office of deacon. Toby turned 16 a couple days ago and he was ordained a priest.

We were glad to be here in Utah with some family to participate and celebrate with us.

We were glad to have Earl (Grandpa) Brunner, uncles Jeremy, Bryan, and Felipe, and my mom's bishop, Bishop Redding, to be here with us. Of course there were lots of cousins and aunts and grandmas as well.

I am so proud of my boys. They are growing up so fast and are becoming valiant young men of faith.

Roadtripping

My kids have become professional road trippers. We have always done a lot of driving in our family. That's what happens when you live in the middle of nowhere I guess. We've done trips to Utah a lot. But also Yellowstone, Mt Rushmore, New York City, Niagara Falls, Washington DC, Southern California, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Colorado, Arizona, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kansas. Some years we have crossed the US two or three times.

This past month we have traveled more than 5000 miles. Here's that we've done so far:

400 miles Pflugerville to Mustang Island and back

626 miles Lawrence, KS to Nauvoo, IL and back to KS (Toby and Aspen at Youth Conference)

687 miles Lawrence, KS back to Texas

770 miles Pflugerville to South Padre Island and back

1310 miles Pflugerville to MN (the day after getting back from SPI) for Toby to go to Scout Camp at Boundary Waters

1259 miles Pflugerville to Aspen Grove Family Camp for a Brunner family reunion

That's a total of 5052 miles.

We'll log another 1300 miles to get back to Texas. That'll be 6300 miles.

The long miles are sometimes a bit daunting, especially since I do most of the driving by myself. But it is always worth the fun memories, being together, seeing new places, and visiting with all our family. There are still a lot of places on the list to visit. Maybe next year we'll get to some of the places we haven't been before. (Seattle, Chicago, Redwoods, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, most of the monuments and national parks in Utah).

Scout Camp

Isaac got to go to scout camp for the first time this year and he loved it. He passed off 5 merit badges, got mostly done on a sixth, and has 2 more ready now too. There was a family night the last night that he actually wanted us to come to, so we did.

My favorite comments when I arrived to see him at camp: "I haven't showered for 5 days!" and "I didn't wear sunscreen (that I sent and made him promise to use) at all and I didn't get burned!" Well, thank heavens for that.

When I went to do the laundry from his backpack, all the extra clothes I had so carefully folded for him were still folded. At least he went swimming everyday and kind of rinsed off.

Ahh, the joys of having a 12 year old boy.

Out takes

Taking pictures of the kids is always work. There are usually some threats and some bribes, and lots of cajoling. But the one picture that is nice is worth the 335 others. AHowever, the "outtakes" show lots of personality, so I usually keep them too.

Surviving Summer

Summer is upon us with a vengeance: Hundred degree temps and rising humidity have us in the water everyday. We have spent time at the pool, in the sprinklers, and at the splash park. Then we eat watermelon and make slushie runs to Sonic during happy hour. It's a great summer so far.

I guess they didn't think I was serious

...when I said, "The next person that eats out of the kitchen will be scrubbing floors."

I came home to three girls eating in Aspen's room.

Hopefully the lesson will stick this time.