Fourth of July

To celebrate the 4th of July and to get out of the intense heat, we ventured up to Silver Lake. Silver Lake is up Big Cottonwood Canyon, by Brighton Ski Resort.  It is beautiful!  The scenery on the way, is just as stunning.  I love the mountains with the billowing pine trees, shimmering streams, and lush green grasses covering the mountainside.

Our main objective was to catch a fish.  Ben was so excited that Quinn would take him fishing.  As we hiked around the lake to find a premiere fishing spot, we saw two moose grazing on the field grasses, and a flock of ducks out for a swim. Nature at it's best!

When we arrived at our fishing spot, Quinn and Ben baited the fishing pole, and cast off from a big rock.  There were people all around us fishing.  They had been fishing for quite some time.  First cast, Quinn walked away, and Ben scream, "Quinn, I think something is tugging on the line."  Quinn yelled for Ben to grab the line, and quickly ran to assist Ben.  Sure enough, they caught a fish.

It was quite impressive to the fishermen around us.  One asked, "What kind of bait are you using on that line."  Quinn offered to share his bait with the others, but they declined.  We had a good laugh when one serious fisherman fell into the lake.  Oops!  I really tried not to laugh!  Hopefully, they didn't hear us. How rude!

We had a lovely afternoon enjoying our picnic, catching a fish, and basking in the beauty of our Utah Mountains.

Scenic Views

Fishing, and grilling up the catch to eat.

Joy!

Boys

MTC - Double Trouble

And......they're off!

The morning of July 3rd, my two missionaries were still packing.  Most everything was done, just some last minute stuff was needed.  We stopped by their favorite little ladies' house on our way to Provo.  She will miss them, and they will miss her.

We dined on burgers at In-N-Out once we arrived in Provo.  Several other missionary families had the same idea.  There were missionaries everywhere!  Everyone inquired as to where they were going.  It was a fun atmosphere.

We drove up to the Provo temple to say our good-bye's and spend our last moments with them.  What a mix of emotions:  happy, sad, excited, composed, laughing, crying.  I guess it's to be expected when you love someone, and will miss them, but you wouldn't want them to be anywhere else.

The "drop-off" is just that.  You drop them off, and they take them away.

As it is said, "See ya in two"! (or 18 months for Kate)

Their bags are packed, and they're ready to go.

Sister Pilkington (Sister P) with Mike and Kate.

Lunch in Provo.

Saying our good-byes at the Provo Temple.

Kate and Mike were asked at their temple endowment at the Bountiful Temple if they were a bride and groom.  I wonder what people were thinking today?

Kate's drop-off.

Mike's drop-off.

Setting Apart

Mike and Kate were set apart to be full time missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, on Tuesday night, July 2, 2013, at 8:00 p.m. President Taylor was presiding, with Bishop Eyring in attendance.

I won't go into many details, other than to say, it was a beautiful night to spend with my family. You could feel the spirit so strong, and you knew without a doubt that Mike and Kate had made the right decision to serve the Lord. I know they will bless the lives of many, and bring truth and happiness to many.

I am blessed!

The Double Farewell - June 30, 2013

The date for the farewell address's for both Mike and Kate were planned right after they opened they mission calls.  I couldn't have been happier when I found out their farewells would be together.  Many months ago, (before Kate was even for sure going on a mission) I told a good friend, "Wouldn't it be wonderful if these two could have a double farewell."  Dream come true!

There was lots of planning and preparing for this day.  I LOVE parties!  Food was made and ordered; flags of their missions delivered; missionary pictures taken; and yard and house prepared.  I was so touched by the many people, who came to help, decorate,  brought food, flowers that were offered from a wedding the previous night, and lovely farewells signs that were made.  I am truly blessed to live with and around such amazing people.

Kate and Mike couldn't have done a better job on their talks.  They warmed my heart as I listened to them share their personal stories, and testify of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I am sure Steve was there, proudly shining down on them. They are going to be amazing missionaries!  I am so happy for them! I adore my children!

Many friends and family came to support them on this wonderful day.  To them, we are forever grateful. We love you!

Signs from Tueller's Press

Setting up.

Photos by Jodi Fulks, and cookies by The Sugar Cookie Lady.

My three missionaries.

Dessert table.

Friends and family.

Last Boating Trip

Mike wanted one last boating trip before he left on his mission. We took whoever in our family was available one week day evening, to Willard Bay boating.  I had just been to my follow-up surgery visit that morning, and had been given the go ahead to boat.  Well, that is if I didn't get in the water, didn't jump in the boat, and basically do nothing but sit there.  I have to say, I felt a little lazy, but it was kind of nice.

We had dinner on the boat, after which, the kids tubed, skied, and wake boarded.  We had a wonderful time together.  This will be the last ski for Mike for two years:(.

Captains of the boat.

The Cottle family.

Skiing and tubing.

Boys'

Father and son.

Sunset swim.

Mom and baby.

Watching The Pool

Every year we watch our neighbor's house, dogs, and pool, while they are on vacation.  We LOVE the benefits.  The kids enjoy having a pool to cool off in at any time.  We were busy getting missionaries ready, and knee surgery, so we weren't able to use it as much as we usually do when they are gone, but we did have a great time.

Adorableness!

Kate cleaning the pool, and fun in the pool!

Trouble

Best friends.

Ben, Meg, Quinn, Mase, and Liz

My view, one day after knee surgery.  Yes it is hard for me to stay down very long.

The temple

We were finally able to go to the temple on Wednesday, after the Orthopedic Surgeon gave me a cortisone shot.  I was finally able to bear weight on my left knee.  I called the temple explained the reason for short notice, and made an appointment for 8 pm.

I am so blessed to have these amazing children in my life.  I love them so much, and am reminded in the temple of the eternal nature of our family.  What a blessing it is so know and believe in the Plan of Salvation, and know that our family is sealed for time and all eternity.

What a wonderful evening to spent with four of my children, and two amazing son-in-laws, in the temple.  I know their dad was there with us, shinning down on these sweet children.  I am blessed!