HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LILY AND TO KEVIN THIS WEEK ❤
 

On Wednesday, Aug. 19th, this former make-up artists turned into a 15 year-old with her driver's permit. 

 WATCH OUT WORLD!

  She stopped by yesterday with her mom to pick up Milo, and was so happy she had driven the whole way from Monument to our house.  

   Way to go, Lily!  We love you so, so much!

*A great student *Kind *Thoughtful *Amazing soccer player and team member *Loves the chocolate in my candy dish *Beautiful inside and out *A smile that lights up the room *Fun *A wonderful granddaughter - Lily is all of this and more.  Hope you had a wonderful birthday week ❤

 Kevin turned &%#@ on Friday Aug. 21st.  His special day got off to a start with Kate's delicious protein pancakes (recipe to follow), and a fairly lazy morning.  He took Sendai to her vet appointment, and then picked up some fly fishing tools he bought on Marketplace from a friend who had been in our Ward when we lived on the Academy. 

  He got home just in time to get back in the car again and meet Adam and Cory, and family at Texas Roadhouse for birthday dinners (Kevin and Lily).  Samantha and her friend, Leo came over from Provo to help celebrate.  We finished the day at Scheels where he picked out a fly tying vice for his special birthday gift.

 *An amazing husband *A wonderful father *Thoughtful *Loves his family *Always has kind words to share *Loves a good nap *Shares my joy of ice cream *Patient with the long hours I spent working on school assignments *Answers all of my gospel questions *A proud and dedicated military officer *Loves the Temple *Sentimental *Doesn't complain when I say we are going to Italy for two weeks, or to Provo for ten days - Kevin has been all of this and much more over the last 51 years.  Love you so much ❤

WHAT IS GOING ON HERE???? Are these two still in cahoots, planning something sneaky???

Of course they are 😎

How convenient that Max works at the MTC, and then surprisingly a two-week supply of Monster drinks show up in Paul's closet. . .

 Am I the only one that thinks these might be thought of as contraband at the MTC? 

 Love these two handsome guys so, so much! 😍

VACATION TIME IS OVER FOR THIS CREW . . .  🏫

 Adam and Cory are back to work at Timberview Middle School - Cory, teaching 6th graders the secrets of math, and Adam, keeping track of middle school student with special needs - and IEP or 504 plan.  They were so tired on Friday when we had dinner, Cory said what made her happiest was knowing she could sleep-in on Saturday.  They both work so hard to help these kids learn and move forward through some of the toughest "growing-up" years they will face.  

 

Kate and Johnathan started another school year at the University of Iowa. Johnathan, helping students learn the intricacies of playing the trombone, and Kate, teaching photography, and managing and instructing students using the art department's complex photo equipment.  

And, Kim, running the Roosevelt Elementary School office, and teaching the parents of her elementary school students that yes, you need to call ahead if you are checking out your student, and, no, your student will not be immediately called down to the office because you are dropping of their forgotten homework, Stanley, or lunch.  

AND for those kids going back to school, Grant, Samantha, Blythe, Lily, Jake, Sayre, and Ben - Have a wonderful year, and work hard!

 

Kim sent me this photo of Blythe yesterday, when they arrived in Tampa with her 6 pieces of checked baggage.  I'm sure there was probably some minor heart damage done, because Chris NEVER checks a bag 😬 

THESE GIRLS ARE TAKING A LITTLE BREAK from school, but believe me, there is no grass growing under their feet! They have been taught well the principle of hard work, and saving their money.  Hollie will be putting on her chef's hat and starting her new job at the Broadmoor in September  - making pastries.  You know we'll be down to test them out 😀

 MAX and AMELIA are home from their honeymoon and I'm thinking they will both be back in school also.  

and I believce Max's was wanting to transfer to UVU and Amelia was in the Dental Hygiene program there.  (if this is not true I just made up a great plan for them, right?)❤❤❤

YESTERDAY I WAS QUITE SURPRISED when I went downstairs see if there were eggs in the refrigerator and ran into some of Sayre's artwork (I haven't been downstairs much since we have been back so I didn't notice it earlier)  These are directions to Sayre's Art Gallery, and there are 12 pieces of artwork covering the refrigerator 

  

Sayre and Ben meet again

  Sayre and Ben on a hamic

There are 10 more pages depicting the fun they had together this summer. I hope they will have a chance to get-together every year and grow to be cousins that are best friends!

 

Not only is Sayre artistic he is loving soccer and was just placed in a new league that is a little more competitive.  He will be starting 2nd grade this week!

Also, yesterday, I was just finishing a dinner I was taking to Donna (Helma's daughter who has lung cancer) her two sons, and her sister Diana, when Angella stopped by with Ben.  They went with me and Ben helped me carry the food into the house, and then made himself completely at home (I had no control) - he asked Diana why the house was a mess (they are packing and moving), and if he could see what was downstairs, and if they had a bathroom.  I can't even begin to describe his vocabulary and his presentation is so adult-like.  He was so funny  (though I did try not to laugh).  Donna had just come home from the hospital but she insisted on taking a selfie with Ben because she said he reminded her of her oldest son Brendon, who passed away several years ago.  It was a really sweet time. 

I'm going to let Paul's words be my parting words this week.  Just know we love you all so much!  There are wonderful days ahead - enjoy each one! ❤

OUR MISSIONARY - 

We finally got a note from Paul this week.  It sounds like he is loving the MTC, and the other elders and sisters in his District.  I think he will be off to Washington this week.  Send him an email if you have a free minute!

Paul Hopkins <paul.hopkins@missionary.org>	Fri, Aug 21, 11:44 AM (2 days ago)
to bcc: me

Hey everyone!

First week in the MTC is done and I'm really enjoying it here. I have to start with the best part of our room - we share a room with 4 Polish Elders and they are awesome. They've been teaching us some important Polish phrases, my favorite being moya zona. One of the sisters in our district has been hearing that one a lot from me this week. I will let you all find out what that means on your own. 

My district is awesome and our teachers are great. I'm with Elder Webb and we've had a really good first week  getting into the groove of everything.

The biggest thing that has stuck with me this week was what Elder Bednar said about being outward. He said the focus is not about you anymore. We are just the Lord's servants. That really hit me and has changed the way I'm trying to approach everything here, just focusing outward instead of worrying about myself. We also had a really cool experience this week where we got to give our teacher Sister Cluff a priesthood blessing. Being in that circle and feeling the Spirit so strong was super cool.

I leave next Wednesday for Washington and I'm very excited to get out there and I'm excited to update you all once I get there! After this week my emails will be on Mondays. I linked my Google Photos album to this email. It has photos from this past week and it's where I'll be posting photos for the rest of my mission as well. Please join the album if you can! And please write me emails about whatever you're doing, what's going on at home, work, school, anything. Missionaries love getting emails.

Love you all!

Love, Elder Hopkins

https://photos.app.goo.gl/9WMGTv9rvacYGPwg6

 There have been so many good things to celebrate in our family over the past 10 days, and each day I think I could have said, "it was the best day ever"!

 ❤ Max and Amelia were sealed in the Provo City Center Temple on Friday, Aug 7.  The Temple was beautiful inside and out, and it was such a wonderful experience to be in the sealing room with so many friends and family members who mean so much to us.  It was an absolutely beautiful day and we are so happy for them. 

 Kate did a great job of taking photos for them, and we are all looking forward to when they can be shared.  This picture was taken by the father of Bishop LaBaron (Kim and Chris' former Bishop).

❤ On Wednesday, Aug 12th, we were blessed to say good-by to Paul at the MTC.  

He has such a special spirit about him, and that combined with his smile and positive attitude, the Vancouver Washington Mission is getting on really great missionary. 
On the Tuesday before we went to Provo, Ruthie took us to a new exhibit/tour on Temple Square called, Inside a Temple. It was a tour that took us through exact replicas of rooms in the temple - the foyer where you show your temple recommend, an instruction or endowment room, the celestial room, and a sealing room.  What a really loved was that there were several non-members in our group with really insightful questions they asked our missionary tour guide. 

 After we left Temple Square, we drove down to the Draper Temple, where we met Ken and were able to go through a session there.  Wednesday morning we wanted to go out for breakfast and Keon's farewell gift to Paul was to let him drive his fancy, shmancy car to the Pancake House. 

 Before he left, Ruthie gave Paul and envelope full of names that were ready to take to the temple and needed a variety of ordinances done. Today I got a text from Ruthie and she said , "Elder Paul and his Elder friends completed 17 of the ordinances for these family names". I am so excited for him and looking forward to weekly updates on his mission adventures. 

❤ Before we left for Salt Lake, Kate and Sayre celebrated her birthday with us.  

We had a fun day of shopping in Castle Rock, and then dinner at Longhorn Steak House, and then her favorite Chantilly cream cake from Whole Foods.

 ❤ This week we celebrated Josh's birthday on Friday. 

We didn't get to celebrate too much because our flight was so delayed getting into Denver, but I thought of him all day and I am so grateful he is a part of our family.  

  ❤ We also got to celebrate Mike's July birthday, August 6th.  He had spent the week in Salt Lake with Ruthie so we went to the Red Iguana for lunch and presented him with a book that Kate put together for us. Inside were thoughts, memories, and birthday wishes from family.  It is always fun to spend time with him, and he has been so faithful in attending family events - baptisms, weddings, etc. 

Other fun photos from the past week -

 Grant, Blythe, and Cora sharing a bunkbed in the airbnb 😁

 Kim protecting herself from the Chicago mosquitos 😟

Angella was in Virginia last week and got to go to the National  Cemetery.  She also got some beautiful photos of the girls and Ben. 

Blythe, Chris, & Kim

What to do when you didn't make your flight and you are hanging around the airport for hours . . . 

You find the Delta terminal and pretend you are someone really important😂

 Kim and her best friend, Miles at Max & Amelia's reception.

Ken and Ruthie had 16 family photos where this picture is now.  Ruthie was NOT happy that Ken took down the pictures and added this screen on which you can display art, and photos from your devices.  Ken wanted to take our photo by it to show Ruthie that this was a really great purchase.  😄 (I liked her photos much better)

  Anyone in the market for a car?  Chris and Grant are getting Blythe's car ready to sell.  She will be leaving for Florida next week 😢

Last (but beautiful) Sunday Selfie for awhile ❤

 As we have had so much to celebrate lately, I find it to be a little bittersweet that our kids are off on their own adventures, and yet I know they are doing good things, they are learning to be independent and accountable for their choices, they are gaining knowledge at school and work, and they are touching the lives of others through their thoughtfulness, kindness, and in how they care for others.  PLEASE, PLEASE keep us updated on how you are doing, what your work is like, what adventures you are having at school or work(good and not-so-good), what mission life is like, and if you are in need of a prayer, a letter, or a care package. 

Also, please remember that we pray for you everyday, and know that Heavenly Father loves you and is watching over you always.

  Happy August everyone!  It's that in-between time when summer is coming to a close and kids (and parents involved in education) are headed back to school and work. 

Saying good-by to July, we also said good-by to some hot, HOT days, and some monsoon afternoons.  However, back are a scattering of dandelions (😈) and a few other obnoxious weeds I can't wait to be rid of. 

FEATURED this week is Uncle Mike 🌟🌟🌟

Mike is a self-taught musician, who I think, began teaching himself hymns from our church song book while he was on his mission.  He says it is a challenge for him to read music while trying to play at the same time so he taught himself to play by ear, and though I haven't had the opportunity it hear him play, he has established himself as a star pianist in the Marysville Ward.  

 He said a few weeks ago, a sister in their ward who happens to be in charge of the music, overheard him practicing in the chapel so she insisted that he play in their Sacrament Meeting and wouldn't leave until he scheduled a date (which was last Sunday).  Worried that I might be a little skeptical of his musical abilities, he sent me the ward program with his name in it. 😁 I would never be skeptical of Mike's abilities to do anything he set his heart on - He is an amazing brother, husband, father, Papa, and friend to so many.  For those reasons I told him I would feature him on our family blog this week and make him famous ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I'll expect a concert the next time you are in town ❤ 😃

LESS THAN A WEEK!  Yes, we are down to less than a week, before Max and Amelia will be married and sealed for forever in the Provo City Center Temple. 

Max said while they were in the Temple this week, a Temple worker told them they were "glowing".  Of course, they were glowing - they are so happy, they love each other so much, they have fun together, and make everyone around them happy!  We are so excited to see you in just a few short days ~

KATE AND SAYRE have been here this week, and we have had such a fun time together.  Friday, we went to the new visitors center at the Air Force Academy - the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys are beautiful, and Sayre was able to pick up a couple of souvenirs to take home with him. 

Santa's Workshop at the North Pole was our adventure yesterday.  We met Angella and Ben there, and I think all of us had a great time.  The weather was perfect and we definitely got all of our steps in for the walking we did.  Sayre's favorite ride was the tilt-a-whirl, and Ben loved the cars and the train.  Sayre says he is coming back next year so we can go again!  Yay!!! 

  

I got my first-ever bite of a funnel cake - YUM!

After we got home, the boys a grand old time playing in the hammock, and "sailing the seven seas".  

And then went downstairs for some Minecraft time.

IT WILL BE ELDER HOPKINS NOW FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS ~

 ENDED this week in the best possible way.  Paul gave a wonderful talk today in Sacrament Meeting, and was then set apart by President Rogers as a missionary. He has so many talents, kindness, and compassion.  I know he will be a blessing to the many people in his mission area. 

PICTURES OF THE WEEK - 

 What your face looks like after you have gone backpacking for several miles, only to end up in the rain, and then a quick decision to return home. 😁

What your face looks like when you are taking a break on the soccer field - making  plans for your next move 😆

 

What your face looks like when you own the world 😎

MY FAVORITE SCRIPTURE   

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.  Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

I love the phrase, "a perfect brightness of hope".  We noticed today how many fires are currently spread across the United States, and even the world. Can you believe parts of Spokane are having to evacuate, as well as in Logan, and Fillmore, Utah.  Typhoons and flooding, and the shooting in Boise (at an In-N-Out of all places).  I could be easy to become overwhelmed by what we see everyday in our lives,  and I love this advice from Elder Holland.  This is one of my favorite messages - Don't give up, there are good things to come. ❤