All's well in Arizona

I attended Nate's Graduation from BYU on Thursday after we came home from Arizona. This is how the Marriott center looked from where we were sitting.

"Congraduations" Nate!

The Lythgoe and Barfuss Brethren with Bishop Menlove

We had a fun family home evening around the firepit out by the pool.

A great accomplishment for Jake and his folks.

Tory and Luci's favorite pastime. Grandpa had fun with them.

Grandpa and I had a great time with the Lythgoe's in Arizona. Jake was ordained a priest, had his Eagle court of honor and was one of the leads in the school musical "Grease". He did a great job. Courtney sang a solo for the special fireside honoring graduating seniors. What a talented family!

This time of year is georgeous in Arizona! This is the time to visit!

Cousin's Reunion

We held our annual Mitchell Cousin's reunion at the Wilkinson Center at BYU. As long as Cec is the President of BYU we will probably hold it there. It was good to see everyone. Carol and Barbara are on missions and had sent letters. Of course the center of attention was our sweet Aunt Alice who will turn 100 years old tomorrow on the 14th. She is an amazing lady. Her mind and wit are as sharp as ever. We all just hope that we inherited the same genes that has kept her so sharp all these years! She has numerous aches and pains and is really ready to move on to be with her beloved Jay again. She says that he's too busy to come for her--"he's probably in a meeting." He was Bishop and Stake President in Orange County and later in the temple Presidency in the Los Angeles temple so he most always was at a meeting.

Saturday we went back to Orem where Aunt Alice's family had a wonderful openhouse for her. The day was perfect and they were able to hold the party outside. Grandpa and I drove down early and met Kandis for lunch. We went to the Olive Garden and enjoyed being together. Of course it was hard for Grandpa to find something that he liked to eat.

Conference Weekend

We love conference weekend. The Lythgoes came from Phoenix and it was great to have them stay with us. The ladies gathered at our house Saturday evening during the Priesthood session to chat and eat. It was quite a gab fest. It was hard to get a word in edgewise. It is obvious that our family members like being together.

The "boys" came after the Priesthood meeting for our traditional banana splits. Kimmy and Natalie begged to sleep-over with Tyler so we spread out our emergency sleeping bags and they had a great time together.

We enjoyed General Conference and especially the Solemn Assembly. When President Monson spoke yesterday we both had the Spirit witness to us of his Prophetic calling. The mantle of Prophet has visibly rested upon him. His messages were different than in times past. We are so blessed to have a living Prophet to guide us.