Temple and Zion!

 Such a blessing to go through the Temple with Kate! She recently received her mission call to Toronto Canada and will be leaving in February. We are so proud of her! We also enjoyed some time on the lake and then Gary and I took our bikes to Zion for a few days. It was truly wonderful after the summer of recovery from surgery enjoying biking and hiking in the beautiful scenery! 

Family time in Vegas!

 The first week of August, we rented a VRBO in Vegas for Amy's family, Sarah's family, us and Craig. Kelly and Kristi live in Vegas so we were only missing Tanner's family. We loved being together, taking the boat out, watching the grandkids get to know each other. It was very hot, and a bit of a challenge navigating the drive to lake with the boat and a few boat problems, but we made it work and loved the time with family!

Recovery!

 So grateful for all the family (all of them!) that came to love, serve and keep me company during my recovery! During the month of June, the house was full everyday with kids and grandkids, helping and loving their grandma. It was truly a wonderful month and took my mind off the recovery, pain, stress, anxiety, etc. So blessed!

Open Heart Surgery!

 Had a little scare when we got home from welcoming all the new grand babies. I had a few episodes of chest tightness while we were traveling, but didn't seem serious enough to do anything. When we got home, after a few more episodes, decided we best go to urgent care to check it out. After a few tests, I was advised that I had 95% blocked coronary arteries (LED) and they were going to do a double bypass (open heart surgery) ASAP. I went directly to the hospital while a waiting for my turn!. Surgery went well. So grateful for good medical care, great outcome and especially that nothing happened while we were traveling. I know that Heavenly Father was watching over me, before, during and after. I was never scared, just so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father that allowed me to welcome my grand babies without incident and get home to excellent medical care for my surgery!

Emerson Loch arrives!

Emerson Loch arrives to Kelly and Collin 4 weeks early. He wasn't due until June 17th and our plan was to return home and be in Vegas (or close by) when Emerson arrived. It was a repeat of Rowan's birth. Kelly's water broke and there was no going back, Emerson was coming. He was 6 lbs 1 oz, 19 inches long. He will be in the NICU for a number of days with oxygen to get his lungs a little stronger. After returning for Virginia, we packed up again and headed to Vegas to meet Emerson and try to be some help with Rowan...and visit with Tanner and Kristi's families too. Lots going on!
 

Virginia and West Virginia

Prickett's Fort, Fairmont West Virginia

Hillwood Estate Museum and Garden

Freeman House in Vienna Virginia

 We enjoyed the rest of the week with Ethan and Sarah and then traveled too West Virginia to spend a few days with Amy, Joe, Charli, Harper and Calvin. It is wonderful to live with children for a few days and see what wonderful parents they are. Amy and Joe are very busy with careers, kids, church and life. The work together beautifully and the kids are so sweet with us. Still had time to see a few tourist sites before heading back to San Diego,