DOUGLAS HAS HIS FAREWELL

Dear Family,

We attended the farewell of Douglas who preparing to go to Peru on his mission.  Here he is with Dad, Doug. Douglas looked really fine and ready for the mission action.  He gave a very nice talk in Sacrament meeting and we were all proud of him.

Nate, Spence and little Tommy all stood up and sang, "I Hope They Call Me on a Mission".  That was really good and reminded me of all the times I took Doug and Bry around with me when I was on the High Council in Boston to do the same when I had a speaking assignment. It was a fine farewell meeting.

Then of course there was the open house at Doug's house.     These are definitely getting more elaborate in the treats offered.  Krisitina's parents were here and helped a great deal with the preparations.

Rebecca was here for a marathon and when finished she came over to cook with Suz.  

Here are our expectant mothers cooking for the open house.  Becca made rice crispy treat and Suz spent hours making a South American cookie Alfajores which is a South American equivalent of an Oreo. You bake these  little cookie wafers and then make a thick carmel sauce to put in the middle of two cookies.  They were yummy.  Becca just finished running a 1/2 marathon in Ogden.  Others helped out with the open house as well and I will only mention the ones I know about.  Mom did two huge fruit  trays, Cathy baked cupcakes, Emily brought a veggie tray and Cheryl bought the chips.  There were sandwiches and other yummy deserts.

These events gather the entire family here in Utah and here is Douglas with all his older cousins.  There is tall Jake in the background going to the Philippines. Hanna is on the right.

We have such a great time together and never seem to tire of the company or simply getting together.

Next event will be going to Bear Lake to open up the house.  Scott, Suz and kids plus Doug and some kids will go up there with Mom and I over the Memorial Day Holiday.  Friday is Mom's birthday and a shower for Gemina.  I have a hard time keeping up with all this but it is great!! We love you all,

Opa and Oma