Levan Homestead: 2017

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

JULY 4, 2017

The Fourth of July was a quiet day this year for us.

Grandpa and I had the breakfast of patriots.

Andrea was home for the day, so we went boating.

Dad managed to dump her at least once.

Meanwhile back in AZ, the Wilkins had a great celebration.

It was hot enough that the pool was a popular place.

We went to the fireworks in Nephi that evening. The most exciting part was some private fireworks set fire to a large, dry field. It went up fast and the emergency response from our viewing area was spectacular.

Arizona trip for Rafe Ira Wilkins blessing

Darrel, Andrea, Bethany and I drove to Arizona on July 1st,

2017 so we could be a part of Rafe Ira Wilkins blessing day.

Andrea, Darrel and Bethany

Darrel and I

Andrea, me and Bethany

We arrived early enough in the day to do a session at the Mesa Temple,

which will close soon for renovations.

The Wilkins family hosted a barbecue for us that evening.

Sunday, July 2, 2017 was Rafe's blessing day.

Blessing of Rafe Ira Wilkins..... Desert Vista Ward

July 2, 2017

Those in the Priesthood Circle: Tyler Wilkins (Father); Grandpa Darrel Kenison; Grandpa Orson Wilkins; Great Grandpa Larson; Uncle Levi; Uncle Blake; Bishop

Rafe was blessed that he would continue to grow and develop as ordained and that he would be healthy and strong. He was also blessed with the energy and ambition to do all required and to be an influence for good to all he comes in contact with.

Rafe was blessed to know how much he is loved by his family and that he would be a good influence on his siblings with his example of service, love and compassion. He was blessed with the ability to influence them to share and be loving.

Rafe was blessed that as he grows older that he would feel and understand the influence of the Holy Ghost in his life including the knowledge that Heavenly Father lives and loves him. He was also blessed to know that the gospel is true and with the desire to live true to its principles.

Rafe was blessed that as he grows older he would be inspired to make sacred covenants with Heavenly Father and partake of the blessings He has in store for those who keep His laws and emulate the Savior.

Rafe was blessed to feel of the love of family and extended family. He was also blessed with the ability to live after the manner of happiness, and to live those principles that allow peace.

Rafe was blessed that he would be firm in the trials and tribulations that growing up in the turmoil of a world preparing for the 2nd Coming of the Savior will bring. He was also blessed that he would hold fast to the iron rod and to partake of the fruit that Lehi saw in vision.

Finally, Rafe was blessed with all other blessings God has in store for him. This blessing was given by the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood and in the name of Jesus Christ.

Katie and Ty hosted a family dinner following the blessing.

Darrel, Andrea and I headed home bright and early on July 3rd.

Bethany stayed to drive back with Katie on July 5th. She

was just trying to get through the first two week visitation of the summer.

As you can see....the trip home was a bit long and boring.

Andrea and I resorted to a bubble gum blowing contest.

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Levan Homestead News for June

Levan Homestead News: June 2017 Edition

Our month began in the middle of our road trip along the coast of Oregon and California. We enjoyed out visit with Jason and Laura’ s family before heading down the coast. Check our blog for details of that long awaited, wonderful adventure.

We worked hard in June and played hard too. It was a tough month for Bethany because of the 2-two week periods the kids were gone with their dad, but we managed to get through it. We got all the gardens in including the addition of three new square box gardens. We got a lot of wood cut up and stacked in the shed, as well as enough weeds pulled to feed the horses for days. We replaced the sand in the sand pile with teeny tiny rocks, hoping to discourage the cats and wasps from using it. The biggest project of all was the barn! It took the best share of a week, but I think we all feel good about the results.

I had some bus runs throughout the month. I was able to use each to connect with family in some way. Andrea met me at my trip to BYU and she rode along with me when I dropped the Drill team off at Park City very early one morning. During the football camp trip to Heber I was able to visit with Uncle Dean, who is 94 and sharper than a tack! That was a sweet visit I will never forget.

One of our favorite events was the First Ever Davis Family Picnic. There were more from the Marvin branch than any other. Each branch honored their parent with a song and some memories. We were also able to spend a day at the Shuler Reunion in Payson Canyon.

We hosted the annual Marvin family barbecue in Grandpa’ honor as well as participate in a HUGE yard clean-up project in his yard for Father’s Day. He was delighted by both. On Father’s Day we had all of our Utah family her for dinner and an evening in the yard.

Because of Bethany’s calling we were pretty involved in the Ward Summer Social that was a great success. We met our goal of temple sessions and really enjoyed the evening on Stake Temple night. That was prior to our Stake Conference which was so powerful and timely. Sister Muller, from our ward spoke, and it felt like her story and message was just for Bethany. It was so comforting and empowering for us all.

Bethany’s birthday required more than one celebration. We had friends over the night before for home-made ice cream. The day of her birthday we went out to dinner. The weather was rather nasty that day so we didn’t go boating, but did a movie marathon instead. Just for the record, Dad and I went to Wonder Woman in honor of her special day and found it far better than we had imagined. The kids got home from the first two weeks visit with their day the day after Beth’s birthday. Sarah-Jane and I had a party that evening with a family from the ward. It was as much for SJ as Beth, and it was worth it!

Dad got two excellent fishing trips in. He spent a day at Deer Creek Reservoir with Dan Lee, and a day with Steve Bateman down south.

June 21 was the longest day of the year. We weeded in the yard, stacked wood in the shed, went to the temple and had a hotdog roast with Suazo’s in the backyard that evening. We were so grateful the day before to hear that Tyler had a firm job offer. That brought a lighter-spirit to the whole day!

The end of the June brought the Freedom Festival Fireside, singing in sacrament meeting, and going out to dinner with Suazo’s.