Say cheese!

 These two crack me up. They ended up choosing the same pajamas to match each other, and when they are happy and getting along I have to preserve it, haha.

Roommies

 I love these women so much! We all met and lived together in college 18 years ago and somehow all ended up in various parts of Utah. We don't get together but once or twice a year, but when we do it's magical. They are food for my soul. I am so grateful our friendship has lasted so many years and we just pick up right where we left off. Life has pulled us in so many directions and life circumstances have changed us, but when we are together we are there for each other.

Stephen

 I've told Stephen for years that I want to get a picture of him in all his gear. He's been having to wear it a lot lately, so today was that day.

Random Fun for Zander

 I took Zander and his friends Isaac and Luke to the library for their annual Lord of the Rings Night. People get all dressed up and come in groups or teams. They get a map and a first clue and have to solve riddles and decipher puzzles and clues that will eventually lead them to the treasure. They have games and photo ops--it was a great time.

Zander and I got to go the Church History Museum downtown SLC for our youth activity. It's a pretty sweet museum! We even found an old Angel Moroni statue that used to sit atop a church building in Washington DC. We saw art pieces, clothes and belongings to the some of the early church members like Hyrum Smith, and an original copy of the Book of Mormon.

Hannah's Baptism

 I am so grateful for those that came to support Hannah on her special day and for those who were here in spirit. Hannah has been looking forward to this day for a very long time even though the pictures might say otherwise, haha. She was shy and scared and a little overwhelmed, but overall happy. I am so proud of her and the young woman she is turning out to be. I can tell she tries her best to be her best. She loves her savior Jesus Christ and is so happy to have the gift of the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. She was so excited to wear her new white dress for all to see, and she looked radiant. We love you Hannah!

Brother Hortin who conducted the baptism said that the spirit is felt so strongly at baptisms because it is the first step--the gateway to eternal life. I feel the same way. Each time I attend a baptism there is always a strong presence of the spirit, and Hannah's baptism was no different, except I could feel it so strongly it was almost palpable. It wasn't until after we got home that I found out why.

 After I got Hannah dressed we came in the room and sat her down to be  confirmed. This picture is Grandpa telling Hannah a story about what happened at her baptism that day.

He asked Hannah if she knew who she was named after. She said yes, she is named after Elaine, her great grandma. Grandpa proceeded to tell her and everyone else that Great Grandma Pettingill had an assignment that day. Her assignment was to gather people--family to witness Hannah's baptism. He asked her if she saw everyone in the circle around her before she was confirmed, and he told her that Great Grandpa Pettingill, Great Grandpa Watson, and Grandpa Washburn were also in the circle with their hands on her head. Hannah has so many people who love and care for her on both sides of the veil.

I also need to give a shout out to Zander who gave the closing prayer. He was a ball of nerves and forgot everything he wanted to say, but was instead lead by the spirit to give a beautiful prayer on behalf of his sister and Logan, the other boy who got baptized with Hannah in our ward. It was truly inspired and felt. Thanks Zander.

Lagoon!

 

This picture was so fun to take! I told everyone before we went that I wanted to take an old timey photograph, and everyone loved getting to choose their costumes and picking out accessories. It turned out really good.

End of Year Family Luau Performance

 I was so busy this summer that I was out of town for every single dance performance except the Luau. I even debated whether or not to go because I didn't show up to half of the practices either, but ultimately I went and performed all three dances we learned. I'm glad I went; I know I would've regretted not going and I didn't want to let my group down.

These women are my people. I love them so much. We come from different backgrounds, religions, and ages, but they are there for me--we are there for each other. Our lives are messy and chaotic sometimes and these women are the first to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. They cheer you on and whisper encouraging words. They are so uplifting and I love spending time with them. They are my beautiful dance family.