August 2010

We didn't really slow down in August. We took a fun fieldtrip to Branched Oak Farm, an organic dairy farm, to learn about where milk comes from and how to make cheese. I was fascinated by what it takes to run a small family farm. The kids liked playing with all the critters...especially the frogs.

Danielle celebrated her birthday at Splash Station Waterpark with some friends.

The main event for the month was Danielle's baptism. It was simple and perfect. Prayers were given by both Grandmas, testimonies were born by both Grandpas, and Crystal gave a special talk on baptism and the Holy Ghost. We had lots of family and really appreciated all of the support and love she was given on her special day.

We enjoyed some of summer's bounty at home after the baptism. Yum! We were lucky that Jeff's parents were able to stay a little longer than the rest of our company. We don't see them enough.

We had a fun outing the next day to the Durham Western Heritage Museum with Linda. We love the atmosphere of the train station as you walk into the building. Linda bought us a membership so we could go often...and we have.

After our company all left, it was time for the first day of school.

Yes, we have a lot of cooks in this family. This is a regular occurence.

At the end of the month, I had the opportunity to attend the Restoring Honor Rally in Washington, D.C. while Jeff stayed home with the kids. My friend Becky and I flew out the night before and stayed with Jeff's parents along with my brother Eric who picked us up from the airport. We met my cousin Kim and her family at the rally the next day. We left fairly early on Saturday morning because I really wanted to at least be near the reflecting pool with a view of the speakers on the steps of Lincoln Memorial. It turned out that to do so, I would have had to spend the night several nights before. There were SO MANY PEOPLE. It was overwhelming and breathtaking to be among so many people in one place. Everyone we met was so kind and from so many different places across the country. It really was an awesome group of people.

As the event ended and the crowds started to clear out, we took a few pictures to remember the day.

It was a great experience. We also had a lot of fun hanging out with each other and Jeff's family. Jeff's parents really spoiled us.