Saturday, June 24, 2017

Ten Day Road Trip: Seattle Temple with the Mitchells



5/25/17: We arrived at the Mitchells just about the time the kids got home from school.  That evening we all went to the Seattle temple so Amy, Jessica, Anna and Ethan could participate in baptisms and confirmations.  It was my first opportunity ever to help on the baptism floor, dressed in white. I felt a moment of true joy as I watched Darrel baptize Jessica, Anna and Ethan.  Amy joined them for confirmations.  We walked around the breath taking grounds afterwards.  I treasure the pictures from those few minutes. 




Anna and Ethan                             Amy, Jessica, Anna and Ethan with Grandpa
Amy, Jessica, Anna and Ethan with me                        Grandpa and I
The whole gang!

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Ten Day Road Trip: Adventure in Mt. Home, ID


Our Ten Day Road Trip began on  Mary 25, 2017.  It was last day of school  Gratefully it was a minimum day and I picked up the kids at 11:30.  I quickly swept my bus and then took care of a few last minute details, packed everything into the van and we were off on the first road trip we have taken as a couple since our honeymoon.  We spent our first night in Mountain Home, Idaho.  It was an interesting motel decorated in the early 50’s from the local DI.  We wondered if the TV was a black and white.  The carpet didn’t invite bare feet and due to the nature of the bathtub, there were no long showers.  It offered plenty of incentive to awake early and be on the road.

We are not certain where one could find another tub this color.
The phone and TV were true relics!

The frame on the picture was broken.        This is the fancy closet area.

Yes, it was a dump and it appeared
the pool hadn't functioned for years!

Sadly the "high speed internet" was down during our visit.

Thursday, June 8, 2017

May favorites from the Field

Following are some of my favorite pictures sent to my phone this month.
Nathan on Cinco DeMayo....Nathan's graduation day!

Rorie's red-velvet birthday cake with her birthday guests.

Andrea occasionally sends me a new screen saver for my phone.
What do you think of this one?
Karl and Sharon Shuler got their mission call in May.
They are going to a military base in Illinois.

This proves that Anna is number 1!

Katie's kids sent a similar form letter to me for Mother's Day.
It made me smile and tear-up just a little.

Malea sent this amazing original art for Mother Day. 
She knows I love sunflowers and what we can learn from them.

Abby shared her important report on the Timucua Indians.
 It was as good as any high school history fair report.
 She and her mom made this little display to go in from of the board.

Pictures of Ephraim delight me!
He looks so much like Dad at this age.

There is a running battle between Jake and
 Ephraim about the ownership of this truck. 

I was pleased that Amy and the Kent Lake High School
Band got to be in a big parade even though their
plans to make the traditional trip to Canada were
cancelled last minute.  As a "cage fighter" Amy knew
what to do when that happened but to no avail. 

This slide was at on a playground near the parade route.
Can you find Laura?

LEVAN HOMESTEAD MAY REPORT
May often seems as busy as December, but it opens the way for summer so it’s worth it.  We enjoyed some beautiful spring weather with an occasional reminder of winter. Happy Birthday this month to Rorie, Dallin, Joshua, and Colton! Happy Anniversary to Dad and I and Brett and Shellie!

PLEASURE WITH BUSINESS:  I had lots of bus trips, but we have learned to use them to our advantage when we choose.   Dad, Bethany, Sarah-Jane and Hans came and found me on my trip to the Living Planet Aquarium. Two days before I had been at the Zoo with the Kindergarten children and being in climate controlled exhibits was nice.  In many ways I like the aquarium more than the zoo. Dad came to Provo during my run to the BYU track invitational and we were able to do a session at Provo Temple together.  Then we got a Panda Feast and had a picnic with Bethany, her kids and Andrea.  Dad found me again during my State Track meet at BYU.  He was quite late because of an accident on the Freeway, but we still fit in a temple session in honor of our anniversary the next day.  As is so often the case near our anniversary, we were asked to be the witness couple.  Dad and I enjoyed a yummy lunch at LaJolla Groves thanks to all who contributed to my Mother’s Day surprise. (THANKS!)  Just before time to be back to the bus, Andrea took us on a tour of the new landscaping NE of the ducks ponds near BYU.  Beautiful!   I also enjoyed my trip to the State baseball play-offs with the JHS boys team.  They played  two games within walking distance of the Brigham City Temple, so I walked up and enjoyed some leisure time there.  I hadn’t gone prepared to do a session, but just being on the grounds was a boost for my spirit.  Apple’s had her baby that day. Her name is Evangeline. 

JUST PLAIN PLEASURE:  We also enjoyed some fun things.  These included our FHE hike up to the waterfall in Bear Canyon.  We found plenty of snow lingering there!  Dad and I sponsored an empty-nesters gathering here in the yard.  We had about 25 come and our new nine-square game was a hit!  That was the first of two times this month I made a 15 pound potato salad.  The second salad was for the Father’s and Son’s outing. Dad took Hans to that. I hosted book group this month.  We discussed “The Continuous Atonement” by Brad Wilcox. It was a great choice to read during April because of Easter.  Mother’s Day was lovely.  Bethany taught R.S. and I got to go sit with Andrea and hear Beth teach.  It was a big payday for me!  I loved hearing from you throughout the day and I am excited to see Brigadoon later in the summer. We attended the JHS Spring Concert for FHE one week.  What a blessing good music is in our lives.   On our actual anniversary we went to the Hale Theater to see “Betty Blue Eyes.”  It was a bit silly, but super fun.   

PLEASURE BECAUSE OF BUSINESS:  Dad did some spring ground work for his brothers.  He made well over half of what he needed to pay for a new hearing aid for his left ear.  He got it  this month and although it has required some adjustment, I think he is enjoying it overall.   We also got our square foot garden boxes in, one for me, one for Dad and one for Beth.  Our garden is in as well.  Bethany had her meeting with the Stake President who verified the call from President Monson’s secretary to offer her a cancellation of sealing.  That happened on May 4th, and as you know, that cancellation was final on June 2, 2017.  It is hard to describe what that had done for us.  We at least know that Heaven is aware of us, as well as the truth in all things.  Occasionally we are blessed with a little of the equity and justice promised in the end. (See Alma 10:20-21)

Note: School ended for us on May 25th.  Dad and I headed out on a 10 day road trip, our first since our honeymoon.  Since the trip extended into June, a report of that wonderful adventure will be given in June!

Quick Memories from May


While Bethany was visiting with the Stake President,
SJ, Hans and I played with magnets for over an hour.
Sarah-Jane is showing off her own creations.

I visiting teach Laurie Jo Hansen.
She and her hubby, Cody got a new baby this month!

Dad and I sponsored an "empty nesters" gathering at our house.
We had a potluck dinner, played games and visited.

Going to the JHS Spring Concert is one of my favorite traditions.
This year Andrea came down.  Bethany and the kids came, too.



Apples finally had her baby!  Evangeline was born on May 7th.
She is awfully cute!

Three days at BYU in May

Dad, Bethany and children came up to BYU while I was 
on a BYU Track Invitational run.
SJ and Grandpa
SJ and Super Y!
This statue looks pretty safe...........
But things can change in a heart beat. 

Grandpa and Hans subdued the critter just in time.

I made appointments for Dad and I to get our hair cut 
at Studio 1040 in the Wilkinson Center at BYU.
We booked the best help they have.
If you look closely, you can see Dad's new hearing aid.

I had another bus run for State Track at BYU.
 Dad and I did an endowment session at the Provo Temple before 
we went to lunch at this fancy restaurant, compliments of our kids! 

 It was like eating in a lemon grove in France.

 This selfie was taken in a mirror near our table.

After lunch, Andrea took us on a walking tour of the new
 landscaping project just north-east of the duck pond at BYU.

A random stranger offered to take our picture.