I know that
you haven’t officially left yet but we wanted to start this whole thing off
right and get a letter to you as soon as you entered the MTC. We hope that you have an awesome experience
in the MTC and we look forward to all of your letters over the next two
years. We would really like our kids to
get to experience your mission through your letters. I have decided that I am going to try and
write you a letter every week. This will
hopefully keep you up dated on our family and also keep my journal up to date.
We have had
a wonderful summer thus far. On June 22nd
we drove up to Vancouver to spend a special long weekend for Bethany and John’s
wedding. Bethany took out her endowments
on Thursday. We were able to be in the
temple with all of Garrett’s family. It
was really neat. Afterwards we met at
Olive Garden for a nice dinner. Grandma B
had arranged a babysitter for the whole afternoon for the three grandkids. Other than the fact that neither one of my
kids got a nap it was a wonderful afternoon.
The next
day we went to the Portland Zoo. W e
were hoping that all of the family would be able to come so that we could spend
some time with them but not everyone decided to come. Dad Barnum, Belin, Jonathan, and Ryan came
along with our whole family.
It was so great.
Jenna absolutely loved every minute of it and has talked about it a lot
ever since. We really hope to get her
back to the zoo again soon. She says
that her favorite was the Orangutan and when “the vulture flew right over
us.” Here is a picture of Jenna with the
Orangutan. We think that this one was
INJI.
Cooper also had a great time but by the end he was all
tuckered out!
On Friday night Garrett had his
10-year class reunion. Part of me thinks
that it is crazy to think that we have been out of high school for that long,
but the other part of me can’t believe how much has happened in my life it 10
short years. Garrett seemed to have a
good time seeing all of his friends at the reunion. We were even able to have a brunch the next
day with some of his close friends.
After the brunch we headed to the temple for the
sealing. Jenna looked so cute in her new
yellow dress and Cooper looked absoulty adorable in his white tux and yellow
bowtie. (It was the same tuxedo that he
wore for his blessing but it fits him now, and I rented the yellow
bowtie.) The sealing was so wonderful. It is always great to see two people with all
of their loved ones in the same room to watch them be sealed together. It was really special.
Saturday night was the reception and it turned out really nice too. Mom B had a lot of people that were able to help and it was beautiful. It was a great weekend to spend time with Garrett’s family. Sunday was church, opening presents, and catching up on some sleep. Jenna and Cooper were so beat and worn out by so much fun.
Monday
morning (June26th) Jenna, Cooper, and I got on a plane headed for Idaho. We were able to spend Monday and Tuesday with
some of my brothers and sister that were in Burley. My Mom and Dad were in Nauvoo with Grandpa
and Grandma Beus and came home on Wednesday.
I spent as much time with my mom and dad as I could. We talked and talked and hugged and just let
them spend time with their grandkids.
On Friday
afternoon Garrett joined us in Burley and that night so did Mike’s Family, and
Cindy’s Family. That night we all hung
out at Lori’s house and talked and talked.
It was fun to all be together. I
have a lot of fond memories sitting around the kitchen table, talking and
laughing.
Saturday all day was spent at the Snake River. Everyone was there except David and Kylea
(Cindy’s husband and daughter). We also
had some extended family there too. Mom
and Dad had a couple come in and do the food.
It was made in milk cans on a stove and served in a pig trough. It was really good too. Jenna had so much fun playing with her
cousins. It was so exciting to have so
many friends. In fact it is always hard
to come home and have her realize that we can’t go to Allora’s house today. Our kids made forever friends this
weekend.
Sunday, we
were able to go to my home ward in Burley and Mom and Dad were able to share
their testimonies with us. (Earlier this
week I was able to hear mom’s testimony in Russian. I was so impressed, and I know that they are
going to be awesome.) I was so glad that
we were able to be there with everyone.
We were also able to attend Ezra’s (Bryce’s youngest) blessing that
day. We then played at Roger’s house for
the evening. We talked and talked and
ate. Papa Lynn even took Jenna for a
ride on the four-wheeler. She wasn’t
sure about it at first but ended up loving it.
Aunt Sherrie bought all of the girls matching outfits again. It was so cute.
Monday, a
big group of us went to this huge slip n’ slide. It was so much fun. You slide on tubes down this big hill. Jenna was even brave enough to go down by
herself. Cooper really liked it when we would take him down too.
That night all of the
adults were able to go out to dinner together.
We would be leaving the next morning and it was a good way to end an
awesome week it Burley. Dad and Mom came
to hug and kiss our kids good-bye to our kids before dinner.
Garrett and I then went and spent a
little bit more time with my mom and dad.
We decided to buy their Lexus and finished up the paper work. Then I just kept stalling because I didn’t
want to say good-bye. I really truly
didn’t think that it would be hard to
say good-bye because I am so happy and excited for them but it was still really
hard. I am going to miss them so
much. They are amazing parents and it
will be hard not be able to see them and be with them. As we drove away I was crying (just a little J) and I said to Garrett, “You always tell me to call my mom because
she always says the right thing, who is
going to say the right thing now?” It
will be really different but like always the Lord wants us to grow and we will.
Our drive
home from Burley was great in our new car.
The GPS got us right to our exit in Eugene. It was a long drive but we took it slow and
stopped as we needed to. Now we have
been home and recovering from vacation.
I think this next week we might start to feel like we are back to
normal.
Jenna is
having so much fun with pretending. This morning she said “ I am going to
school, and you will miss me.” Cooper just
learned how to clap during sacrament meeting today. We love our kids very much and are enjoying
them almost everyday!
Mom and
Dad, We love you so very much and are so proud of you for serving a
mission. You are going to be awesome
missionaries. Dad and Mom thanks for all
of the time that you always give your family.
We really appreciate it. We will
miss you but we now that the Lord needs you in the Ukraine. Please take care of each other and know that
we love you and are praying for you too.
WE LOVE YOU MEAN IT!
Garrett, Kricket, Jenna and Cooper
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