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.