Day in Washington DC and with Friends

Trip to Arlington, VA

John F. Kennedy grave
with Eternal Flame in the background

Arlington Cemetery

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Next few pictures are of the
changing of the guard

Korean War Monument

Lincoln Memorial

World War II Memorial
Standing by the pillar for the State of UTAH

More of the World War II Memorial

Smithsonian
Museum of Natural History

In Museum of Natural History

Statue in the Mall
Between Smithsonian Buildings

Smithsonian Castle
Administrative Building

Washington Monument

Picture from the apartment deck of our friends
Richard and Sheila Gray

From the roof looking back into the city
Washington Monument can be seen.

Dinner with the Gray's

Brett and Dog rest at home
Does this look comfortable for either one??

Trip to pick up DALLIN

Today I began a week long journey to pick up Dallin and bring him home. He was been staying with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law in the Washington DC area. It has been a great opportunity to come back to my old mission field. Travel back here on JetBlue by way of Long Beach, CA. Departed at 6:15 am so had to arrive at the airport by 5:15 am. Luckily I had a great friend who volunteered to help me get to the airport so early.


Trip occurred with out a hitch except for the face that I arrived at rush hour which is probably the worst time to arrive and have to travel on the beltway. Arrived in DC about 4:30 and made to their house by 8:00pm. One nice thing happened as the car they gave me looks like it was taylor made to haul the "stuff" he has back. The game me a chev Equinox. I had never seen a car like it before but it is a 5 door and plenty of room in the back. Actually is a fairly new car with only 2735 miles on it.

In the end it was a very long day on just a couple of hours of sleep as I went to bed at 2:00 only to get up at 4:15 am.

When I arrived they had not eaten and so we took them out to eat at Red Robin. A good time was had by all.

Rick, Margaret, Madison, Bailey, Brett, Dallin
(Me taking the picture)

Becoming Examples of Righteousness by Following the Savior

"As we go through life, even through very rough waters, a father's instinctive impulse to cling tightly to his wife or to his children may not be the best way to accomplish his objective. Instead, if he will lovingly cling to the Savior and the iron rod of the gospel, his family will want to cling to him and to the Savior. 

"This lesson is surely not limited to fathers. Regardless of gender, marital status, or age, individuals can choose to link themselves directly to the Savior, hold fast to the rod of His truth, and lead by the light of that truth. By so doing, they become examples of righteousness to whom others will want to cling."

Topics: Savior, gospel, fathers, example

(Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Set in Order Thy House," Ensign, Nov. 2001, 69)

 

Night at the Jazz game in a SUITE

Tonight I was invited by a good friend to join him at a Jazz basketball game. At the first the Jazz were not sure how to play defense or Golden State was having a great shooting night. In the end the defense held and the offense score enough to win the game and end a 4 game losing streak. Score was Jazz 104 Golden State 100. Great game and great food as we watch the game from a suite. This picture was taken from the suite at the start of the game.

Extended Family Members Can Provide Support

"In today's world, where Satan's aggression against the family is so prevalent, parents must do all they can to fortify and defend their families. But their efforts may not be enough. Our most basic institution of family desperately needs help and support from the extended family and the public institutions that surround us. Brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, grandparents and cousins can make a powerful difference in the lives of children. Remember that the expression of love and encouragement from an extended family member will often provide the right influence and help a child at a critical time."

Topic: family

(M. Russell Ballard, "What Matters Most Is What Lasts Longest," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 43)

Sarah Birthday Album

This birthday was celebrated in stages, at least the gift portion. Tuesday and Wednesday nights were shopping nights. Tuesday night included dad and in the end we saved 40% on our purchases while making some significant dents with shirts and pant. Wednesday was Sarah and Alyssa's night together shopping. They came back with some great shoe purchases and were frustrated about some of their other shopping ventures. Then again tonight the girls went out shopping.

Tonight activities included a trip to Spagetti Mama's in Jordan Commons. Even with all the construction on State street. This restaurant has long been our favorite. We are all becoming converted to one standard dish. The spinach ravioli with a special sauce. That is except for Alyssa and she is stuck on the alfredo wherever we go. In the end we were all full of good food and great bread sticks.

After the restaurant we came back to the house to open the rest of Sarah's presents and then Cara and Jeff watched the end of the BYU / Xavier game. BYU lost a very close game and it does again prove that free throws count. Of all the gifts that Sarah got one of her favorites is a CD called in "Clay in His Hands" by Jessie Clark.

AT Spagetti Mama's

Alyssa and Sarah

Dad and Sarah

Alyssa, McKenzie, Sarah and Cara

Alyssa, Sarah, Alexa, Dad, Cara, McKenzie, and Jeff
(Orders in and waiting to be served)

Alyssa, Alexa, and Sarah

BACK at Home

Sarah, McKenzie and Alexa
(Opening some of Sarah presents)

Alyssa Photo of SUNSET

To the West on March 13, 2007
(by Alyssa)

How to Become What the Lord Wants of Us

"It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become."

Topics: plan of salvation, personal growth, spirituality

(Dallin H. Oaks, "The Challenge to Become," Ensign, Nov. 2000, 32)

Mountain West Tournament 3/08 to 3/11

This is where all the basketball action
took place for our time in Vegas.
Thomas and Mack Center

ME

KEN

KEN
(In front of Bellagio)

KEN
(In front of Eiffel Tower Replica)

Coach Judkins
BYU Women

BYU Women's Team Huddle

THE BAND

Keena Young
One Great Player

Cheerleaders

KEN
It's Hummer Time

Nice to get a warning

NEW YORK NEW YORK

Cheerleaders before BYU Women's game

Sitting close to someone famous
(Doug Flutie)

Celebration when UNLV won the game
BYU arena people would have had a heart attack as
celebrating a great win can be so so dangerous

His Infinite Love

"God the Father is merciful and has infinite love for you despite your faults. Only the voice of Satan will cause you to feel of no value. In contrast, the Holy Ghost will cause you to feel 'godly sorrow' unto repentance in a manner that fills you with hope of positive change."

(Anthony D. Perkins, "The Great and Wonderful Love," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 77)

Being Family-Centered Will Bring Happiness

"Our family-centered perspective should make Latter-day Saints strive to be the best parents in the world. It should give us enormous respect for our children, who truly are our spiritual siblings, and it should cause us to devote whatever time is necessary to strengthen our families. Indeed, nothing is more critically connected to happiness--both our own and that of our children--than how well we love and support one another within the family."

Topic: family

(M. Russell Ballard, "What Matters Most Is What Lasts Longest," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 42)