This week, we have had a wonderful time in Arizona.  Adam did an amazing job of finding the perfect Airbnb for us to stay in, the food was delicious, and I especially enjoyed the time we had to visit.  During the past few days, I have thought a lot about the many families in Texas who have suffered such great losses over the last couple of weeks.  I know Heavenly Father is mindful of their heartache and sadness and will be a source of strength and comfort to them.  Our family has been so blessed through the years, but I hope each of us will remember that life's circumstances can change in an instant, and it will be our Savior who will stay by our side, He will bless us with His love, and help us to know peace.  Always be grateful to Heavenly Father, and remember to let Him know how thankful you are. ❤

 The sun was plentiful in Phoenix this week!  And it was HOT!!!  But we had fun - did a lot of pool time, reading our books, watching movies, and just relaxing.  For some reason, my body clock didn't love the change in time, so I was awake every morning around 6 a.m. (a couple of days it was earlier 😕.  However, I found that the best time for a morning swim. The pool water was warm - it felt like the therapy pool at Villa Sport - and afterwards I could read my scriptures or catch up on the news.  Later in the morning, when the kids crawled out of bed, they were in and out of the pool until bedtime.  

 One day, we went to the Arizona Mills - a huge outlet mall in Tempe, where we got in lots of "steps".  Kevin and I didn't do much shopping, but we did get a massage that felt so good, and Dad made a new best friend 😁.                                                                                                          

 

 Friday, we went back to the Arizona Mills -  some people (the guys)  just didn't get enough shopping done.  Kim and I went with Jake to a pet store where he found a miniature chocolate labradoodle that he fell in love with, though I don't know if the puppy loved us that much 😁 Puppy looks just a little bit scared ~

Then we drove to the Mesa Temple and toured the new visitors center.  We have family history in Mesa - my grandfather was born there, and my great, great grandfather was Benjamin Franklin Johnson, a friend of the prophet, Joseph Smith, who is buried in the city cemetery there.  

 Thanks to Grant and his long arms, we were able to fit everyone in the photo (except for Sammi and Lily, who stayed behind in the air-conditioned visitor's center ⛄. 

  

 We talked a little about trying to do another family get-together next summer before Paul leaves on his mission.  Chris suggested possibly going to San Diego (which I would vote for), but it is something to think about anyway, and maybe we could all start saving our pennies.  Let me know what other ideas you may have 

SOMEBODY GOT A NEW JOB!

 Angella sent me this photo of Ben, who, she says, is her new office assistant 😁.  She said he loves to come downstairs when she is working and "help take care of business".  

  ALSO - 

 Max starts his new job at the MTC on Tuesday, AND Eilis just has one class left to take, and then she will be a real-life shift manager at Canes.   

  You go guys!!!

 

 

And thanks to Eilis, once again, who came by the house, picked up our mail, and watered my plants while we were gone.  Kim, just so you know, my gardenia plant is still alive! (I know it's a miracle 😊)

KATE, JONATHAN, and SAYRE have been busy this week preparing for travel - Jonathan to Canada for the International Tombone Festival, and Kate and Sayre are heading to Colorado.  I am looking forward to a trip to the zoo, and of course, some shopping.  Kate sent me this great video of Sayre walking Clementine.  I can't believe how tall he is getting 

And as always, thanks so much for the Sunday Selfie!  I am loving it ❤.    

Chris flew into Phoenix Thursday evening, and he may or may not have been the focus of a few laughs😂 before he got there because he was so sad about leaving Ralphie with the dog trainer.  Someone (Adam) even had the temerity to create a photo of Ralphie dressed in prison garb, locked in a prison cell.

 To be honest, I felt the same way when we left Sendai with the vet.  It is so hard to leave them behind!

WELCOME TO MIKE AND BARBI ❤

 We love Mike and Barbi, and just in case you didn't know it, Mike always shares the best stories he has had from past experiences.  We were talking a couple of weeks ago, and I told him he should write a book.  He nixed that idea, but said he would send me one once a week.  So, I told him if he sent me a story once a week, I would put it in our blog and send them a link so they could join us.  

 Here is this week's story - 

 

Luella Finley Story - 

Luella was the Primary teacher for these children who drowned (see article below) and were members of the Linda Hmong branch.  Luella passed away a little more than 1 year after this drowning.  The following was related by Sister Polly Kempton, wife of Branch President Al Kempton.

The parents of Angie, Bee, and Svingdy were Nhao and Ka Yang.  Tou Lo, who also drowned, was Ka Yang's Brother and died attempting to save the children.  After Luella died, Polly went to visit Ka Yang to let her know about Luella, who had been close to the family.  Before she could inform Ka of Luella's passing, Ka related that the night before, she had had a dream.  In that dream, her children came to her and told her not to worry anymore; they told her, "Mommy, we are ok, Luella is with us now.”

3 Drown, 4th Missing in Feather River

L.A. Times Archives

June 26, 1992 12 AM PT

Times Wire Services

MARYSVILLE, Calif. — A man and two girls drowned in the Feather River, and an 11-year-old girl was missing and presumed drowned Thursday, authorities said.

Yuba County sheriff’s deputies identified the victims as Bee Vang, 13, Svingdy Yang, 12, and Tou Lo, 23. All three were from the small community of Linda.

Divers looked for Angie Lang, 11, the sister of Svingdy Yang, for more than three hours and planned to resume the search today.

This week, Mike and Barbi are on their way to Phoenix to visit friends who were missionaries in Marysville, and spending a couple of days in Sedona on their way down.  Have fun and stay safe!

LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!  HAVE A GREAT WEEK AND LET'S GO GET SOME ICE CREAM (OR GELATO).