On Wednesday, April 26, Loren left the MTC for Texas. He got to call from the airport, which we didn't know he was going to be able to do, so only I was home -- I'm so glad I was! It was so great to talk to him. He sounded very upbeat and excited to be on his way. He really enjoyed his experience in the MTC, but sounded ready to go out and teach the gospel. He also got to call from the Dallas airport during his layover and then again from the mission home in McAllen to say he was safely there. So I got to talk to him three times that day! Unfortunately Alan missed all three. But he is planning to call home again on Mother's Day and he will be able to talk to Alan, Phillip and his grandparents, so that will be fun. Let us know if you want to read his letters and I'll add you to our e-mail group.
During April the kids get a long weekend spring break and we decided to take the four younger kids to Dallas to visit Alan's brother Barrie, his wife Bonnie and their kids. We had never been there before and I always like to see where people are living, working and playing out their lives. Then I feel more connected. So anyway, off we went -- the Browns to visit the Browns.
We had a great time, eating, swimming, playing pool, going to a baseball game, going to a rodeo and doing a little sightseeing. We went to tour the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza which is the Book Depository Building where Lee Harvey Oswald shot President Kennedy from. It was very well done -- interesting and informative. We also took the kids to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to see where all the paper money gets printed. It also was a great tour and very interesting. Unfortunately we don't have pictures -- no cameras were allowed. I guess they don't want you taking pictures of how money gets made...oh well.
Clark and Elliot especially enjoyed playing with their two dogs, Daisy and Chewy. They even got them to do a few tricks. (See the little movies by clicking the movie icons.)
Madeleine turned 15 years old April 25th. I want to say that I can't believe how old my kids are getting, but I'm sure that would sound stupid, so I won't. I will say that she is turning into a beautiful young woman and is a wonderful part of our family. She got to celebrate twice -- once at home and again at Grandma's house on her Dad's birthday a few days later.
Alan turned umm years old April 30th. Of course we was thrilled to be invited to his Mom's house for his most requested birthday dinner, Halusky. He was equally thrilled to be given a few leftovers to take home. I was thrilled that his Mom offered to make it and that the mess was at her house! So, we were all happy.
This year Prom was downtown at the SLC public library. Jerom Chung asked Tess and their group went to Build-a-Bear first and made each other teddy bears, then went to dinner at P.F. Chang's and then went to the dance.
Madeleine decided to go stag with a bunch of girls from school. They all came over here to get ready -- and that's a bathroom full! They met even more friends at Olive Garden for dinner and then walked over to the dance.
Everyone had a good time, although Tess was actually fairly drugged up, as she wasn't feeling too well that day which was too bad.
Phillip
Phillip finished up his semester at BYU and found out that he has been accepted to the BFA program. His portfolio is fabulous (don't mind me -- just a bragging Mom) and I'm sure he will be a great graphic designer when he grows up.
Now he gets to adjust to living at home again and all that entails, such as a dinner dish night and mowing the lawn. He is hoping to get a "real" job soon, so that he won't have to keep working away at my list at home!