Christmas 2011

made it to Russia

Kendal made it to Yekateringburg.  He spent some time sleeping, eating, resting and training at the Mission home.  He is now in Chelyabinsk, Russia with his new companion and trainer, Elder Painter (from Riverton, Utah).  We get a test phone call on December 23rd and get to Skype or call on Dec. 25th. for an hour.

bound for Russia

Kendal is on his way to Russia.  He will arrive there on Dec. 15th.  He called us from the Salt Lake airport.  He sounded great and is ready to distribute as many pass-along cards as possible during his travels.  The group that left the MTC today are missionaries headed to Ukraine, Italy, and Russia.  Kendal said his Visa is really cool and he loves his full name in Russian. (This is a picture of Kendal's district.)

Kendal and his companion Elder Flitton (from Murray, UT)

Kendal says this is his angry Russian face.  (Sorry these are not great quality pics.  I scanned them  from prints Kendal sent us.)

tis the season

We have not been to Temple Square to see the lights for years.  I don't know if this sight has been on display for long or if it is new, but it sure is amazing. 

Love the scene of the manger, shepherds and wise men on the lawn.

Aubrey filled her Sunday evening by decorating the gingerbread house. 

The flash did something wacky, but it is kinda cool.

There were really A LOT of people, but it is always so great to be on Temple Square.  Only thing better would have been, some tickets to a concert!!!  We ate bread bowls and soup at the nearby Lion House Pantry.  I only had a piece of pie because I had eaten a Pizza Hut personal pan pizza at the airport.   I did not take the camera to New Mexico.  Aunt Yvonne did and she might post her pics on her facebook. 

Family visits

Sept. 28th 2011-- On the way to Provo to the MTC.

Grandma and Grandpa Bluth came all the way to Malad to see their last grandson off on a mission.  Thank you Tito and Margie,  Bobe and  Cheryl, Trevor and Michelle and Cory and Lindsey for all your help.

Courtney and her boys, Nathan and Bracken, flew from Arizona to visit.

Chelsea and James flew from Oklahoma.  The boys enjoyed a ride in the back of Kendal's truck.

Nathan and James watching something on the computer.

Bracken playing at the park.

Climbing a rock near Great Grandma Kings house in Salt Lake.

Having a Pizza picnic on the way to Idaho Falls to take Courtney and boys to the airport.

Kendal and Logan Temple

Kendal went through the Logan Temple Friday evening.  It was just the three of us, plus our good Bishop and his wife, Tammy.  

The Temple grounds are, as usual beautiful.

The summer flowers won't last much longer.  Right now they are so very gorgeous !

We had to get the Mom and Son picture.  Everyone asks me how I am doing, and I answer--great--I knew I had no say as to where Kendal would serve.  I am just so glad he is willing and worthy to serve.  And, I am looking forward to all the letters, emails and holiday phone calls. 

Aubrey starts High School

Aubrey's first day of high school.  Look at those jeans, so long she had to cuff them up when wearing tennis shoes!!! We struggle to find jeans long enough.

Kendal wanted to take a picture with Aubrey.  He got back from Sydney, Montana late on Sunday night--he had a "rough'in it week",   spent putting siding on a house.  (rough'in it meaning, not knowing where you were going to lay out your sleeping bag, showering at a Baptist church, and eating, basically out of a gas station)

The lighting is bad in this picture, but I wanted to have a picture of Aubrey with the pumpkin plants she cared for all summer.