Home MTC

 

Emma started her mission with a home MTC, where she had zoom meetings with her companion and district. It's a nice way to gradually get into the swing of things, still being surrounded by family.

During her pdays, she was able to go on some outings like a hike with her mom and a temple trip.

Emma's Farewell

 It's finally time!!  This day seemed so far away last January when she got her call,  But today was her farewell in church, and this evening she was set apart as a missionary by her dad.

Emma's Last Week

 The title almost makes you think that she is dying, but no, her mission is fast approaching.  She worked most of the summer, so she really had only a week to cram in all the things she wanted to do before she left for Guam. She had a movie marathon and went to Disneyland with her friends, she did a lot of shopping, went to the temple to do baptisms, took mission pictures, more shopping, went to the Aquarium of the Pacific and for her last hurrah before she becomes a missionary tomorrow, she wanted a day at the beach, including corn and samores. I sure am going to miss this young lady, but the people of Guam are sure blessed to get to meet and work with her. 💕💕💕

Happy Birthday Carson

 Carson is now 21!  An official adult!!  What an amazing young man he is.  WE celebrated while we were in Cabo, because today Carson is in Maryland for his summer job, a councilor for FSY.

Dance Weekend-June

The girl's dance recital was amazing...and bitter sweet because this would be Claire's last show.  They both have gotten so good.  Their stage presence is wonderful. And they are so much fun to watch.  I am so proud of these two young ladies. As an added bonus, Hazel decided to have her puppies while I was there!  Exciting times.

 

Temple Pictures

 

Bob's Big Boy

 Somehow I ended up with Owen's ear buds and he needed them for his trip to nationals, so I met up with Emma at Bob's Big Boy.  Great food...great company.

Cabo Family Vacation

 Friday, June 19

After months of planning and adjusting plans, we were finally ready to start our family vacation

Amy and family, minus Carson, flew out of LAX.  Carson would join us later.

Todd and family, minus Tayson, Ashlee, and Luke. flew out of SLC.  School and test prep prevented the three from joining us.  They will certainly be missed.

And we all met up at the airport in Cabo for a ride to our resort.

We stayed at an all inclusive resort, Hyatt Ziva, and it was amazing.  It was right on the beach, but we couldn't go in the water because of the dangerously big waves and rip tides.  But it was amazing to walk along the water's edge and watch the surf.  It's one of my favorite things about a beach destination. #heaven #myhappyplace

The views from our rooms were spectacular.  It just seemed like paradise everywhere you went.

The Johnson family were only with us until Tuesday as Todd and Kathy had just had a very full couple of weeks prior to our vacation, so we spent our time just hanging around the hotel...mostly in and around the pool.  It was a perfect place to read, nap, or just people watch.  We could also be found hanging out at the jacuzzi, or the swim up bar.  Oh, and let's not forget the quesadilla truck.  I'm sorry we didn't get a picture of it because we (and by we, I really mean the kids) kept it busy.

There was also a lot of pool play time...lots of volleyball that I even got to play, some Zumba and aerobics classes, and some very fun organized games like a football toss and a contest of balance.  You had to walk across these floatie mats carrying a tray of bottles.  Owen did great...Amy, not so much.

Beach volleyball was also popular.

Food 

There were specialty restaurants that we tried each night.  

The Indian restaurant was pretty good.  I especially liked the naan, which is basically a flat bread.

 

The seafood restaurant had delicious brownies and ice cream.  We ended up going almost every afternoon for a treat.

we also had a delicious breakfast
there one morning.  And what a view!

The Japanese restaurant was like a Benihanas...very entertaining.

My favorite was the Steak House.  We had a long wait, but so worth it.  We ended up in a private room with a big round table.  And delicious rib eye steaks! (Sorry, no pictures of this one)  This is where we celebrated Carson's birthday.

And then there was the buffet...open all day with everything you could imagine.  This is where we at breakfast most mornings, and snacks through the rest of the day!

I love their creativity with these donuts!

Sunday some of us went to church in the little town of San Jose del Cabo.  The building was like the ones Wyatt has been going to on his mission; a chapel with folding chairs instead of pews and an outdoor basketball/soccer court.

After church we explored the town.  I love the colorful banners hanging in the streets.  We browsed through art exhibits and tourist shops.  Yep, I got my vanilla!  There was an old church that was pretty cool, but we couldn't go inside because there was a service going on. And the gelato was very refreshing on a warm day.

Tuesday--Cabo San Lucas--With the Johnson's leaving this morning, we decided to take an Uber to Cabo San Lucas,  about a 40 minute drive.  We arrived just as a big cruise ship's passengers were getting off, so it was crazy...locals trying to sell you anything and everything...on the beach, on the dock, they were everywhere! We took a water taxi to see The Arch and the Window to the Pacific, which I thought was cooler than the arch. Our taxi dropped us off at the beach where we could swim in the Sea of Cortez. Way Cool!!

Wednesday--deep sea fishing--Todd and Owen went deep sea fishing the next morning and Owen caught a Skipjack and a Lumberhead. Todd caught nothing.

But the best thing about the entire trip was the family time.  Memories were created and hopefully will be remembered for a long time.

Todd got a much needed nap!

One morning Todd texted the group chat and ask where we were, including this picture!

Amy found a hammock.

And we found the perfect place for some group photos

Sophie and Owen held the record for Shirley temples...31!

And when they weren't drinking, they were eating!!

Emma sang during the karaoke night and did amazing.

Eric was the perfect activity coordinator.  He made everything so much fun.

And just like that, one last family picture...

...and we are headed home.