Easter!

April 8, 2012

Dear Elder Alex,

How was your Easter Sunday? I hope it was enjoyable and that you had some great talks and lessons and choir numbers to listen to. Dad and I sang in our choir even though we hadn't been to any rehearsals for the songs. We practiced each song once before the meeting and I think they turned out nice. We have a pretty good size choir in this new ward. 

Today we also had Pride Oryang report his mission in our ward today. He did a nice job, was short and sweet and bore his testimony in Spanish. 

Hope you enjoy some of the pics from our Open house for Dallas this past week. Our house was full and it was mainly the old 6th ward people. It was great seeing everyone and they all said we need to do something like that every couple of months so we can all have a reason to get together. I told Jodie we could have an open house for Quinn in a few weeks since he comes home the end of the month.

Dallas was so funny about being back in our house. He wanted to see the basement to see if anything had changed. So he walked around down there for a while, then he asked if he could go see your room. Kirk left it a bit untidy on his way out to the door to Canada last week, so I guess it brought back lovely memories for Dallas in that unkempt state. Anyway, he felt very at home here. He said when he decides where he's living next year, he'll let me know so we can put money down for you too. At first Dallas was going to go to Utah State and try to walk on the basketball team and get a scholarship, but he said he's changed his mind now. This summer he's going to go to Knoxville (just up the street from you  :) and sell security systems. He's, of course, hoping to make thousands of dollars. Actually some guys have made some pretty good money doing it, so he said if it works out well, he'll try and talk you into doing it with him next summer.

The Pinders told us they are seriously considering making a trip to Nashville this summer for their anniversary. They've been jealous that you're there ever since you got your call. I'll let you know if they plan a trip.

Today we had a very small Easter dinner, only the three girls and dad and I. We tried to get the Braithwaite's but then decided just to go over to their house afterwards for dessert. The Campbells met us over there and we played games. Lots of fun and they actually liked the new game we took over with us. It's called Time's Up.

We've had a beautiful warm weekend and it's supposed to be in the 80's tomorrow. Seems like we've been waiting for this weather for a long time. Dad actually has the day off, so I guess we'll be working out in the yard tomorrow. Today we actually sat out on the back porch, first time for the season. I loved it. Dad and Nikki even took a nap out there.

Sounds like Kirk is having a fun time in Canada. Sarah's family was having 30 people for dinner so Kirk will get to meet just about all of her side of the family this weekend. Also Sarah and her 19 yr old brother are going through the temple for the first time this Tuesday, so Kirk will be able to be there when she goes through. He comes home this Thursday, then has to pack up and head back to Rexburg next weekend for hopefully his last semester of college. We'll see. He won't know if he has all his credits until he actually gets there and gets the classes he's hoping for. I'll keep you posted.

Sean is taking finals this week, so hopefully he's spending a lot of his time studying. He feels pretty good about all his classes this semester and says he's going to get really good grades.

Kristina and Leah are in full swing in their lax season. In Leah's last game, she really did well. She scored a goal, ran hard and played well. I think it's all starting to kick in with her. Kristina's varsity team actually won BK last week and they were the state champs last year. It was a hard fought game and there were quite a few people in the stands for it. It was a fun game to watch.

Nikki is still singing in Cantus, loving Activity Days and still making plans for her restaurant in the future. She still loves food and loves to cook. The girls only have 31 days of school left, can you believe that? After that we won't have any more kids in elementary school. Someone's getting older and it might be me.

We got a picture of Hudson today from Maria. This is his dapper Easter outfit. Can you believe how big he is now? He's so cute too.

I spoke with my friend Maria this week and she's trying to gently persuade her husband to listen to the missionaries. He keeps saying, "Are you sure about this?" She said she still reads the Book of Mormon and loves it. Baby steps...

Thanks for the funny stories about Tater Days. Our little Eagle Fun Days seems to pale in comparison. Have you been able to meet with Ramon DeJabon again ( I really like his name)? That's a small world running into someone from the DR. 

Well, better get the dogs in the kennel for the night. Have a great week Alex. Can't wait to get your letter and hear from you. I look forward to Mondays. You're always in my heart.

Love you,

Mom xxoo