CraZi-ness

I don't know how this all transpired, but in 1999, yes, a zillion years ago, Todd and I were asked to be Sonny and Cher for a Christmas program at church.  Huh?  Yea, that's what we thought.  But we played along.

And in my diligent efforts to organize and scrapbook, I found this momento...enjoy a laugh on us!
 

Happy 20th, Elder H

Birthday wishes across the miles to Matthew.



He is doing well on his mission, but we sure do miss him.

Boy, do we need a VACATION!

It was so good to get away.   We spent the last week of June in Provo with our kids before we all headed up to Lander, Wyoming for Todd's high school reunion over the 4th.  That would be his 30th (has it been that long?) reunion.  Here's a few pics:

Garrett and Saryn

Fun at Seven Peaks Water Park

Nathan and Madelyn at cabin in Lander, Wyoming...notice the bear above the doorway that makes Nathan look as if he's wearing  headband.

Brandon's family

Madelyn was a great sport camping.  She love the play ground, all the people, and just chillin'.

Lander has the BEST fireworks display we have ever seen.  And we've seen a lot.  A local dentist, Dr. Bills, makes his own fireworks and with narrative puts it to music.  It lasted 1 1/2 hours.  It was breathtaking. Here's the best part....it's free.

One of the highlights was the 5K and 1/2 marathon on July 4th.  It was an entire family event...  Julie's first official race and she did a great job. Saryn set a PR on the 1/2, and two of the boys placed in their age groups, with Nathan crossing the finish line 9th overall. 

The kids wanted (yes, they asked for it!) to see where Todd lived in while growing up in the beautiful Lander Valley.  We did get photos of the house he lived in until he graduated, but it wouldn't load.  While taking the photos the owners pulled up and invited us in.  Welcome to the 21st century---the house was updated and beautiful. Todd enjoyed reminiscing about his hometown and catching up with his classmates at the reunion.

We headed home east while the kids drove off to the west.  Great to be with the kids.  We missed Matthew, but are grateful for his service in the mission field.

Snowy Memorial Day

This is the view we had as we drove home from Provo on Monday, Memorial Day.  It was raining down in the valley when we pulled out at 2:30 am  and headed up Provo Canyon.  The temp was at 37, so we knew we faced the possibility of snow the higher we went.

Just outside of Heber the rain became snow. It was a white out a few times.  So fun when those trucks zoom past you on the freeway going 70 mph while you're trying to stay on the road going 45.  We lost at least an hour, making the drive 16 1/2 hours this time.

We were looking at the temps in KC during the snow storm, and could see that it was 79 there.   It took 4 1/2 hours to get out of the storm and west of Rawlins the temp rose to a balmy 37 degrees, and finally near the Nebraska border, we had dry roads. 

Glad to safely make it home.  And grateful for warm temps.

More on the reason for the trip later...

It's Settled, Once and for All!

There is a bit of a discrepancy with a few (perhaps just one?) of my siblings.  You see, my grand entrance into this world happened to fall on my mom's birthday, so we share birthdays.  In my childhood I was often told by a certain sibling that I was the worst present my mom ever got, causing me, in my insecure adolescence, to run to mom and see if she would confirm or deny this statement.  She would always laugh and say that of course I was her BEST present ever.

I just got a thank you card in the mail from my mom for a birthday gift I sent her, in which she put in writing, and I quote:  "Thank you for the ________....but my best birthday gift ever was you!"  Yes, she put the exclamation point in, too.

So there you have it,  in writing now, forever!

Inspiring 5K

The KC Missouri Temple is under construction, nearing completion, and is beautiful so far.  We're so excited to be 30 minutes away.   It is inspiring to drive down I-435, as much as we run to and from the airport, and see the temple jotting out of the landscape, beckoning to us. 

Last weekend was the first Temple 5K.  To make it affordable for LDS families it was FREE.  They had to close registration due to the overwhelming response at 1600 participants, but no worries, the Hendricksons were already registered.  No, I was not the first one to register.  Maybe the 30th or something....

Todd and I both ran.  Nathan opted to sleep in (imagine that, the life of a 17 year old). It was fun to absorb the atmosphere,  be near the temple and see it in the distance as we ran.  Lots of families, missionaries in yellow vests volunteering, and of course, lots of food.

Added bonus....I got to stand on the awards "stage." (Funny thing, the other woman on the stand with me, her first name was Rebecca as well).

What a great way to start the weekend.

The Best Gifts

Just celebrated my birthday.  Nathan got up at 5:15 am to cook me breakfast and bring it to me in bed BEFORE seminary.  That's a lot of selflessness for a 17 year old!  And the omelet was delicious. (Notice the dog waiting patiently for a taste)

 

All of my kids did a great job of giving a gift of self.  Brandon and Julie were here visiting and shared with us their beautiful daughter and their time (besides a thoughtful gift).  Spending hours on transferring old videos (family) from 8 mm to CDs  is Garrett and Saryn's gift.  Matt send me the nicest letter, a keeper.  Todd took the day off, giving me the gift of time and fun memories.

I am so blessed.  Thanks everyone!