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.
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.
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!
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 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. 
Our zone conference in Moscow was on my birthday. I made cupcakes for everyone to celebrate. Look at this bunch of marvelous missionaries. I am so blessed.
My missionaries gave me these beautiful flowers and sang happy birthday to me. They made me feel loved.
Last night we had our farewell dinner and testimony meeting with these Elders. This group really made me proud. They ate a lot--just like Elders are suppose to do. 
Elder Blatter (Riverton, UT) and Elder Geels (Lehi, UT) left for home this morning. Saying good-bye---it really stinks. I miss them already.
Our first ZC this round was held with our South Zone in Voronezh. Because I was the only Sister in the group I felt outnumbered, but because of being raised with 10 brothers, I felt very at home. Back: Elder Russell (AP), Elder Madsen, Elder Whitney, Elder Vernon, Elder Cannon(AP) Front: Elder Woodland, Elder Worthington, Elder Aitken, Elder Kurth, Elder Westbroek
We arrived in Voronezh early to spend their P-Day with them. After a delicious pancake breakfast (President Collins was the cook of course) Dad let Elder Vernon whip him in ping pong. Elder Whitney whipped him too. 
Elder Kurth practicing on his newly purchased harmonica.
The Voronezh building is the only building in all of Russia that has a sports court. The Elders love it.
The fun and games happened on Thursday. Friday was our uplifting, spiritually fed Zone Conference. It was great. Aren't they cute? I HEART my missionaries!
