VISITORS and BLESSINGS

Wow, the last 2 weeks of August were a whirlwind of amazing events - along with Jeff's mission call, we had 2 patriarchal blessings, 3 priesthood ordinations, and lots of family outings.

First of all, we were thrilled that both Grandma and Grandpa Cluff and Angell were able to be with us during this special time. And as a bonus, Catherine's oldest 2, Jonathan and Andrew, came as well. Jonathan just returned from serving a mission in Mexico, and Andrew leaves in a few weeks to serve a mission in Mexico. We were excited that they chose to spend this time with us as well.

Look at all the fun we had:

Rock Climbing

Andrew makes it to the top!

Jeff goes for it single handedly

Megan zips up the wall because she is carrying less body fat than the rest of us

Over 40 and still having fun!

Nick and Michael simultaneously

Megan was so excited when she finally turned 12 and could get certified to belay.

Jeffrey - brave enough to let her practice.

Grandparents chose to sit out and watch

Jonathan just chillin'

Greg gets out of climbing because of his injuries (was this pre-meditated?)

Fun at the Lake

We loaded up the kayaks and took the whole crew to Lake Lanier.

Practicing the correct stroke

Did they jump out? or fall in?

This is the life!

Grandparents doing what they do best - observe.

Table Games

Imaginiff

The Sound of Music at the Fox

Gma and Gpa Angell joined us at the Fox. What a wonderful production! Megan and Michael got to come to this play because Jeff and Nick saw Phantom this summer. Again, we enjoyed Varsity Frosty O's and Onion Rings afterwards.

Cousins In order of Height (Sorry Michael)

Now for the special events:

Earlier in the month, Nick was ordained a priest. Sorry no picture! Michael and Jeffrey accompanied Nick for his first time blessing the sacrament. It was such a "button -popping" sight to see these 3 handsome young men in their black suits performing this sacred ordinance. It was definitely a "kodak moment," and I had a camera within reach, but I chickened out. Instead I took pictures immediately after the meeting in the foyer.

What Handsome Brothers!

Good looks must run in the family!

All the family that attended.

Later in the week, both Michael and Nicholas received their patriarchal blessings. My dad, who is a patriarch, was the mouthpiece. All I can say is, "Wow!" I was blown away by both blessings! How blessed I am to be the mother of these 2 amazing young men. Aren't I so lucky? I remember the strong impression I had on the drive home that we were carrying precious cargo. I asked Greg to please drive carefully (it was very stormy as well.)

Michael and the Patriarch

With his blubbering Parents

The Proud Grandparents

Nicholas and the Patriarch

Mom and dad are bursting with joy!

The Grandparents overdosed on pride that day!

And the icing on the cake - Michael and Jeffrey received the Melchizedek Priesthood and were ordained Elders. Michael and Jeff asked close friends to attend.

Those in the circle

Wow! Can this week get any better! What a payday for mom and dad!

And also for their loving family!

What an amazing couple of weeks, huh? Unfortunately, it had to come to an end and it was time to say goodbye. It was so cute, as my parents and the cousins loaded into the van, Jazzy refused to let them leave without her! She kept jumping in the van and hiding in the back hoping to join them on their 2 day journey back to Lubbock, TX. Look how comfortable she is on Grandma's lap!

Not only did we say goodbye to the extended family, but we sadly shipped Michael back to BYU (minus his wisdom teeth. No pictures. Aren't you relieved?)

Jeff's Mission Call

Jeff received his mission call sooner than we expected. It arrived on Friday, the 13th. Check out the video to see where he is going:

First Day of School! Really? Already?

Ok, so whoever chose August 9th as the day to start school, let's vote him out! Come on, the rest of the country still has at least 2 weeks of more summer! Well, we had no choice but to buck it up and give in to the system.

Nick is starting his Junior year at GSMST (Gwinnett School of Math, Science, and Technology). His school is in Lawrenceville - about 20 minutes from our home. His first period starts at 7am. Since his carpool leaves at 6:15am, he had to settle for "homestudy" seminary. We hear it's a lot more work than "early morning" seminary. We'll see how it goes! Here's Nick ready to go:

Notice it's still dark outside!

For those that can't read his shirt, it says "I KNOW KARATE, and like 2 other Japanese words."

Megan is starting 7th grade at North Gwinnett Middle School. She catches the bus at 8:30am, a much more decent hour. She is growing up so fast! What a doll!

Kim and Kids Visit

Another blessing from living in Georgia: We are on the way to Vermont! Paul and Kim live in Houston, and when Kim wants to visit her family and hometown in Vermont, she loads up the kids in her van and heads out! When she gets these spurts of adventureness (is that a word?), she will make our home in Suwanee one of her overnight stops. Everytime she comes by, her family has grown by one. This trip? We introduce Garrett:

We so love the design on his onesie!

We threw down mattresses, blankets, and pillows, and voila! Beds for the whole crew including Shaggy!

The night flew by, and before we knew it, it was time to say goodbye!

We look forward to your next visit, Kim! And feel free to bring your biggest child with you next time. (Te Amo, Pablo!)

Nick turns 16!

Nick's 16th birthday was very eventful! It started out a week before when he was kidnapped by his friends. Take a look!

On his actual birthday, the day started at IHOP for breakfast:

Hot Chocolate!

Strawberry Banana Pancakes

We were even brave enough to let him drive home!

He spent his "job and homework free" day playing video games.

Then, as per his request, sushi for dinner at Shogun! Twist my arm!

Finally, time for presents!

Then dessert! Nick was nice to me by choosing Krispy Kreme Donuts! I didn't cook all day! Maybe it was my birthday after all?

Megan's Play

Megan enjoyed participating in the summer play put on by Suwanee Academy of the Arts. This summer's theme was "Footloose and Fancy Free." Megan was in "Fancy Free" with the younger group. She hopes she can be with the older group next year because they are performing "Hairspray." Megan had fun learning all the dance routines to 80's music - our favorite decade!

I'll try to post a clip in the future, but until then, enjoy the pics!

Our Newest Eagle Scout!

Nicholas passed his eagle board today! Yay! That makes 3 for 3! (And we didn't even have to use the "won't get your driver's license until you're an eagle scout" threat.) Mom and dad are so proud. Greg is ready to put his "I am proud of my eagle scouts" (notice the plural "scouts") bumper sticker on his car. And this is the most "anti-bumper" sticker man I know! He's bursting buttons! (or should I say merit badges!) Nick's eagle project was a book drive for the new North Gwinnett Middle School library. He collected over 1300 books and his volunteers covered and entered into the system about 800 books. Congrats Nick!

Here are pictures of Nick and the Interrogating Eagle Board, and Nick and our Scout Master and good friend, Jared. (Thanks, Jared for sacrificing time with your visiting family to be with Nick today.)