Dayna and Brian's Pre-Wedding Party

Dayna and Brian got out of the single-set lifestyle and joined the we-are-in-this-for-real bunch of married people.  Dayna, with her darling giggle and Brian with his warm grin made it so much fun for everyone who celebrated with them.   For those of you dear family who could not attend, here are a few pictures of the pre-wedding party  Mitzi and Jeff hosted:

Brian's Folks

Brian's Family

Twinners, kinda

   Just about one year ago, LeGrand and I took a few days leave from our mission (with permission) and drove to Jill and Michael's wedding in Utah.  As we rolled along the plains of Wyoming, Daniel called my cell phone.  The conversation went something like this:
    "Hi Mom!  Where are you guys?"  he asked.  We answered and talked pleasantly about meeting everyone in Salt Lake before the wedding. 
    "Mom, this is a very special day.  Do you remember what day this is?" he prompted.
I thought and thought and came up with nothing.  He reminded me of the date, August 23rd, and it suddenly occured to me, "Oh my goodness, Daniel!  Thank you for reminding me--it is Jodi's birthday.  She would have felt so sad if we had forgotten!"
   He accepted my thanks, we talked about his family, and then he asked, "And do you remember something else about this very special day?"
   "Daniel, just tell me!"  I sighed, knowing it  couldn't  be worse than forgetting my ninth baby's birthday.
    "Remember why you named Jodi, Jodi Danielle?"
    "Oh Daniel, I am so sorry--Happy Birthday!"

Jodi and Daniel are alike in many ways.  They share the same birthday eight years apart--Daniel baptized Jodi.  They are also both hilarious, kind, smart, and goofy.  These pictures capture their relationship pretty well.

Daniel and Brook's visit to San Juan County and Grandpa

We are so happy when our out-reaching families come to visit us in good ole San Juan County.  We love these guys so much!  Their time is so limited and precious that we often try to pack too much into a short stay, but these kids were troopers.  Porter was so interested in dinosaurs--I had to touch up on my Dinosaur Museum skills to keep him engaged.  I thought he would give up before we left the Alysaurus Room, but Porter was interested the whole entire tour!  Wow.  I have taken Jr. High kids on the tour who had much less capacity for attention span.  Then of course we visited an Indian Ruin or two.  The trip over the Blues to Monticello was a highlight to see Grandpa Buckley. A short tour of the White Rock Friendship Park was a must.  There was trip or two for sno-cones at the world famous Hillbilly Shack. Luckily we have a few 4-wheelers for the dead moments in between expeditions.  Come again next summer and we'll do it all over again!  Or some variation of the above. . .