SAKES ALIVE MY LOVEY'S FIVE!

It doesn't seem that long ago that Andrew and I were getting some sugar from Lily.  She is a sweet girl--that is for sure.

She is an absolute horse lover.  Getting her picture taken with PaPa in front of the horse fountain made her so happy.

She loves to bust some major dance moves no matter where she is.  She is a great little dancer and oh, so cute.

Posing is only one of Lily's talents--even when she is riding--you guessed it--a horse on the carousel.  This girl has personality +

 
Happy Birthday to you Lily.  We are so glad you were born into our family.  I hope you have saved up some good hugs & kisses for us.  Thanks for your prayers.  You are so sweet to remember us that we will have a safe plane ride home.  We hope your day is way way fun.  We love you tons.  We  miss you like crazy.

Hugs & Kisses

MeMa and PaPa

BEAUTIFUL KAZAKHSTAN

We made our last visit to Kazakhstan last week.  We spent 3 days there and had a great time.  On P-Day we took the missionaries into the desert where we hiked the Kazak's version of the Grand Canyon.  Dad and I kept commenting to each other that it felt so much like we were in AZ.  

This is the prettiest sky I've seen in 3 years.  The sky also reminded us of AZ.  This rock looked like a wrecked spaceship or something.

The Nomads in the desert live in Yurta's.  At the bottom of the canyon next to the river a nice family let us enter their private yurta for a group photo.

Outside the yurta.  Elder Harker, Elder Brandenburg, Sister Smith, Sister Zhumazhanova, Elder Kruglyak, and Elder Baxter.  What a fun bunch of people and outstanding missionaries.

On the way back to Almaty we stopped at the biggest rip off Golden Eagle Musuem ever.  Dad had read about it on the internet and was hot on going there.  I guess getting this photo with the eagle was worth the tenge (money) it cost.

This decayed mountain goat was part of the museum exhibit.  It was pretty scary.

Our very last zone conference ever.  We met the Shaws this trip.  They are the senior couple that live in Astana all by themselves.  The only other member in the city is a Mongolian sister.  They are from Rexburg, ID and are good good people.  Sunday was an emotional day for me.  I spoke in church and afterwards I had to tell the branch members and my missionaries goodbye.  (sob, sob, sob)
Friday we went to the huge bazaar in Almaty.  It was a hot day.  I wonder if wearing a huge cabbage leaf will work for Dad and I in the AZ heat?  It might be worth a try.

We took the cable car up to the top of this hill and stood in the area where Elder Nelson stood when he dedicated the country of Kazakhstan to the preaching of the Gospel.  This is the view of Almaty from that spot.  It was wonderful to see mountains again.

There was a zoo park up there too and we were lucky enough to see this beautiful peacock strut around for awhile.  

There were also several of these "clover hearts" on the grounds.  I heart hearts--but you already know that.

A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO

We had a 2 night slumber party with 4 Sisters when they came into Moscow for their visa trip.  Sister Bell and Sister Hansen couldn't get over the food in our pantry.  Aren't they beautiful?

We flew to Nizhny Novgorod for a City Conference with one of our Area 70's, Elder Manzhos.  I got a picture of our missionaries in front of the church building there.  Elders:  Russell, Nutt,

Armstrong, Trasdaahl, Malanin, Smith, Yeremeyev, Sister & Elder McClelland

We got to be there for Iliya's baptism.  He is such a cute--happy teenager.  Elder Smith and Elder Traasdahl taught him.  His Mom is already a strong member.  

While we were in line to check in at the airport here in Moscow before we flew to Nizhni--I got a phone call from Elder Terrill who is now living the life of a civilian again.  He had great news--he had just proposed to his girlfriend who waited for him while he was serving here. He got home on May 30th.  They are getting married in the Boise Temple on August 22nd.  I love good news like that and I thought it was so sweet and thoughtful of him to call and share with me. He's going to be a great husband and father.

WHAT'S UP IN MWM

We picked up our last group of missionaries.   This is the first time we have had Americans come to MWM since they quit calling them about a year ago because of all the visa problems.  The USA double passports were an answer to our prayers.  Elders:  Minokov, Putnum, Borodin, Smith, Prestwich, Nutt, Russell & Cannon (AP's).  Sisters:  Corbett, Ionina, and Zhumazhanova.

We told 10 missionaries good-bye on the 30th of May.  Wowzers--this was a toughy for Sister Collins.  What an outstanding group--every single one of them.  Elders:  Williams, McKay, Michaelis, Ellsworth, Aitken, Cannon, Terrill, Russell (AP), Pollard, Despain, & Rosenhan (AP).  Sister Jenson was well looked after on her flight home.  All of them except Elder Williams (he lives in the Denver area) flew into the SLC airport.  I can only imagine the joy that was bursting out of that place when their families were reunited with them.

June 1st was a monumental day for us.  We had our last zone conference with all of our missionaries except for the 6 serving in Kazakhstan.  THEN--we had a special missionary meeting with the Moscow mission AND President Uchtdorf AND Elder Andersen and their sweet wives.  I had asked ahead if we could get a group photo with the Apostles, but I was denied so this is of all of us at zone conference that morning.  The missionary meeting was remarkable.  What an unforgettable experience to be taught by Apostles.  I was so proud of our missionaries.  They were spiritually prepared and so reverent.  After that meeting there was a meeting with the Saints.  It, too, was wonderful.  I'm sure the Apostles' visit was evidence that the Lord loves His Russians and the affects will be manifested in the lives of all us who were blessed to hear them teach.

To finish off an unbelievable week----we had visitors.  Warren & Sandy Bradshaw (a Sr. missionary couple we met when they served in Budapest) and Lisa Wegkamp and her married daughter, Laura Cook (they lived in Budapest 4 of the years we were there.  They were there with the FBI) came to see us.  They had been visiting Budapest and stopped by for 4 days before they went to St. Petersburg.  We had a great time.  It was so good to be with them again.  That week zipped by.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO NED

Today is Ned's birthday.  Erin is at girls' camp so for his birthday Ned gets to get all the kids ready and be at church at 8:00 a.m.  This will probably be a birthday he never forgets.  Izzy and Briley are suppose to give him the great birthday gift of helping the best they can.  I know they can do it--I hope they do.  Happy Birthday Ned.  We love you and hope you know that.   We are  so grateful you are in our family.  Best Birthday wishes! 

LOVIN' MY BIRTHDAY GIRL

 Heavenly Father loves our family---one of the reasons I know this is because 35 years ago He sent our Amy to us.  What a joy my Sweetcheeks is to all of us.  She is a great example of righteousness and serving others.  She has a ton of self control and determination--that girl can run and workout like crazy.  She is hilarious and fun to be around.  She has a talent for making people laugh and for saying bold things without offending people.  Happy Birthday!  I hope you feel loved on your special day and that it is full of fun!  We love you TONS!

Hugs & Kisses

 

IT'S ANDREW'S BIRTHDAY!

                        This year's cake will require a few more candles, but he is still as cute as ever!

He's been my best and most patient computer instructor ever.  Always so kind to me even when he knows he is working with a computer illiterate.

            How cute is this picture of Andrew dancing with Bennett? (aka his Daddy's clone)

Happy Birthday Andrew--27 on the 27th- -this is a great year for you.  We hope you have the best birthday yet.  We've celebrated your birthday today in big style--we welcomed 9 new missionaries this morning.  We love you son-in-law-Lark!!!   Ashly knew what she was doing when she convinced you to marry her.  Our family is better because you are in it--and a lot more fun.   Have a wonderful day.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JACKSON!

Another early birthday post because Dad and I are leaving early in the morning for Belarus.  Tomorrow--Saturday the 23rd of May--is this crazy nut's birthday.  Those Skousen girls ought to be great divers--I mean both of their parents are right?  We hope your birthday is the best yet.  37 years old?  Wowzers.  We're so glad Amy talked you into marrying her.  We love you tons.  We'll be thinking about you while we are in Minsk.  I'm sure your girls will treat you right.  Happy Birthday.

ANOTHER ZC AND GOOD-BYE

Our zone conference in Almaty, Kazakhstan.  Elders:  Harker, Brandenburg, Despain, McKay, and Welling.  Sisters:  Jenson, Smith and Welling.  The Wellings are the only members in Astana, Kazkhstan.  They go home soon.  Wonderful-outstanding missionaries--all of them.

When our plane was landing in Almaty, I could tell that Spring had come--way ahead of Moscow. It was so green.  I loved all of the tulips that were in bloom throughout the city.

I love the lilacs too.  Every time we walked by a tree in bloom I had to go over and get a whif of that wonderful fragance.  I picked a couple blossoms and sniffed on them the whole way back to our hotel.  All of the lilacs reminded me of Massena and Budapest.

Do you know how long it has been since I've seen a mountain?  These mountains are beautiful even though the polluted air in Almaty make it impossible to see them a lot of the time.

Last night was our dinner and testimony meeting with our AP's Elders Cannon and Russell and our departing Elder Kurth (Peoria, Illinois).  When Dad asked Elder Kurth what he wanted to eat he requested Mexican food.  So we had a Farewell Fiesta with enchiladas, nachos, and homemade refried beans.  YUM!  Now, our Elder Kurth is flying home.  I miss that sweet missionary already.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HONEY GIRL

I know Paige's birthday isn't until tomorrow on the 12th, but Dad and I will be out of town.  Better early than late.  So HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sweeter than honey girl.  I can always count on a phone call from her and Bryce from their school on Grandparents' day.  Paige is great at being thoughtful and sharing her love.  She is a great little dancer and 2nd in charge mom for her brothers.  She is a great student and loves to have fun.  Her Grampa Larson sure would have been proud to see her ride that bull.  We are so glad you were born into our family 7 years ago Paige.  You certainly have blessed us all.  We hope you have a wonderful birthday.  We will be thinking about you, missing you and loving you.  We love you tons!

Hugs & Kisses

MeMa and PaPa 

I'M THE LUCKY DUCKY

BECAUSE...I have such a great sweetheart Mom.  She is the best--I love her with all my heart.  Happy Mothers Day Mom.

AND BECAUSE these kiddies of mine have a great Mommy... 
AND BECAUSE these kiddies of mine have a great Mommy...
AND BECAUSE these kiddies of mine have a great Mommy...
AND BECAUSE these kiddies of mine have a great Mommy...
AND BECAUSE these kiddies of mine have a great Mommy...
AND BECAUSE these kiddies of mine have a great Mommy too....
Heavenly Father sure blessed all of my kiddies with Moms that love them and would do anything in the whole world for them.  They are great examples of righteousness and are doing a great job of teaching their precious children to live the Gospel too.  It makes me feel so good to see my family "walk uprightly before the Lord."  We are becoming an eternal family--that's what this life is all about.  Yessiree--I'm the lucky ducky for sure.  Happy Mothers' Day Natalie, Amy, Erin, Brooke, Shelly, and Ashly---I love you girls.  Thank you for being the best Mothers my kiddies could ever have.