Where Did My Summer Go?

Is summer already over? It went so fast and quite a few significant things occurred. I'll start with the most recent and work my way back.

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

I attended the open house in July and in Utah we had no church meetings today so we could attend the dedication. The big message I gleaned from some of the talks were our choices to be obedient will lead us to the temple and the blessings that can only be gained there.

Grandma Turpin and Uncle Marlan
The two members of my family who have endured so many years with frail bodies passed away. Both of the funerals were a time to comfort one another and renew memories of both of these good people. Interestingly enough these are the two who knew the most about our family history. I'm glad I had a chance to find out what both of them knew.

Lott Reunion

This is always an event I look forward to every two years. Our family hosted it this year with a "Trek to Twin." Montana is a place I will always love and feel connected to. Some of us did a pre-reunion hike up the Black Butte where we used to heard the cows to with Grandpa and Grandma on cattle drives.

Stadium of Fire

All of my sisters, Mom, Dad, and Alycen's friend Hannah joined me for the festivities in Provo this year. We enjoyed the Oquirrh Mountain open house, an early Balloon fest in the morning, the parade, a short hike to Bridle Veil Falls, and a fabulous patriotic moment at the Stadium of Fire. They retired the huge flag used for the last 20 years. It was a great moment. It was also a new experience to have screaming teenage girls all around as the Jonas Brothers performed a show.

Dawes and Esgar Families

Mom had me scan the hundreds of pictures Uncle Jr. had. I've spent many of my evenings trying to get it done and am still trying to get done. It has been a lot of fun getting to know family I didn't know well before. The Dawes and Esgar family liked getting together just as much as we do with our extended family today. Here is John Harrison Dawes' family with some of the Esgar Aunts and Uncles. I'll burn a CD for anyone who wants all of the pictures. I'll even do a Family Home Evening for any who want a lesson on the new FamilySearch as most of this family below need temple work done. I've got a computer program that will let us communicate with each other from Provo to your home as long as you have a high speed Internet connection.

Hill Air Force Air Show

I took Joy up on the invitation to go and loved it. Here is a brief video of the Thunderbirds.

Washington D.C./North Carolina Trip

I went with Mom, Dad, and Alycen to attend our cousin, Amber's, wedding in Raleigh, North Carolina. We flew into D.C. and spent a day touring the national mall. We then spent the rest of the time driving and seeing family. It was great to renew those ties. The eastern U.S. is so beautiful. You can see a video on Geni.