Last Firehouse Visit

We went to visit dad at the Firehouse 2 days before he retired. He's had 26 years with the San Rafael Fire Department and it was bitter sweet for him no doubt.

I know he will miss his buddies more than anything. They are a brotherhood that understands one another and what they go though like no one else does. They see tragedies and deal with awful things together. They are each other's therapy and confidants.

The last fire fighter dad hired was a guy from Central America named Angel. When he was coming over the U.S. border to try to make a better life for himself, some Mexicans stopped the bus he was on and demanded he give them his money. He told them he didn't have any and they didn't believe him and they stole everything they wanted from him, including his favorite green towel. 

Dad never forgot that story and bought another green towel for Angel and had my mom sew their fire department patch on it with Angel's name and wings. That is an example of my dad's (and mom's!) generous heart and thoughtfulness.

(A cool part of the story is that Angel really did have $200 that he hid in his soap bar! He had carved a hole in the soap and put the money in there, then covered it with more soap. And they didn't steal it!)

It will be weird for us all not to visit dad at the firehouse anymore. We're so proud of you, Dad, for a wonderful career and for being such an awesome provider! Now get some sleep!

Science Fair Project

Emma and her friend Cassie are doing a Science Fair Project together. They decided to put white flowers and carrots in water with food coloring to see if they would change color.

 After 2 days: 

Next time, maybe they should use ONLY food coloring and the color will come out more prominently. 

This is what law school represents for me

“My young friends, there is an opportunity for you to become great – just as great as you wish to be.  In starting out in life you may set your hearts upon things very difficult to attain to, but possibly within your reach.  In your first efforts to gratify your desires you may fail, and your continued efforts may not prove what may be termed a success.  But inasmuch as your efforts were honest efforts, and inasmuch as your desires were founded in righteousness, the experience you obtain while pursuing your hearts’ desires must necessarily be profitable to you, and even your mistakes, if mistakes you make, will be turned to your advantage.”

Becoming Perfect before the Lord: “A Little Better Day by Day”.  A quote from the lesson from President Snow.

Brooke's Leprechaun Trap

Brooke had to make a Leprechaun Trap for school. It was so cute!

Rachel's Wedding Day and Reception

The girls were sooo excited they got to go into the waiting room in the temple. I could tell Emma was feeling the Spirit really strong and I asked her if she was. She nodded, wide-eyed. Both girls sat quietly and read "The Friend" magazine. I was amazed and impressed by their reverence and respect. 

Lots of family and friends worked hard to make a beautiful reception for Rachel and Cam! Brooke made a card with a giraffe on the front. On the inside, she wrote, " I hope you have the most wonderful greatest wedding ever Rachel and Cameron! Love, Brooke." She was so excited to put it in their card box!

Emma made a friend and they danced all night!

Sheri, Aunt Julie, Carli, Me!

Me, Uncle Mike, Nico, Denny. 

Me with Cameron and Kara.