Gilbert schools went to modified year round this year so we are starting school much earlier than normal. It seems too early to me but it was a nice cloudy morning for July in the valley. Emmy’s a sophomore, TJ is a freshman, Addy is in 8th grade, Evie 5th, and Rook 4th. I think everyone was a little nervous this morning but we got there okay.
Addy turned 13 today. She really wished it was 14 so she could go to dances but only 1 more year. We took her to dinner last night because we didn’t know what the day would bring. She wanted to go to Panda. Then we started the day with her free drinks from Dutch Bros and Swig. She wanted to make her own cake and did a great job. Then we went to the Diamondbacks game and came home for cake.
After we left Nauvoo we stopped in Richmond to see the statue of Andrew Doniphan. Although not a member of the church, Andrew Doniphan was a great friend to the church. He refused a direct order to kill the prophet and defended members of the church on numerous occasions. He also stuck up for the members of the church when he crossed paths with the Mormon Battalion. We also stopped at Liberty Jail and then got some yummy barbecue at Joe’s in Kansas City.
Wednesday we got up and after a brief stop to say goodbye to Grammy and Papa and take a few pics at the temple we headed home. It was sad to say goodbye but they really are doing good and it’s fun to see them doing something they are good at. They are making friends and enjoying the work God has called them to do. In the couple of days I was there I heard my dad say that this was the best mission in the world more than once and I know he believes that. Last year at this time I don’t think I would have said it was possible for him to be there. I have seen miracles with them and I know Heavenly Father is aware of them and has blessed us all tremendously.
