I don't update this blog often I guess. So much has happened since the last input it is hard to know where to start. Summer was a blur with the family reunion in Southern Utah. We had a wonderful time being with all that were able to attend. We wonder why we don't live out west when we have the chance to go that way. I came home to 100 degree weather and 85% humidity. But Jason and Brandon were here working and they needed some adult supervision.
Vivian stayed in Utah for the birth of baby Olivia and I was able to fly out and be with the family at that special occasion. It is easier to look back and call it a special occasion now. At the time, it was the hardest thing I had ever been through. I am so impressed with the strength of Ryan and Andrea and so grateful for the gospel and the plan of salvation. It is the only thing that makes these experiences bearable.
Jason got married and that meant a trip to the temple in Nauvoo and then a reception in Wisconsin. Right after that, we all headed out west again to take Brandon and Jason and Jenna to BYU Idaho for school. I got home, went to work, and then flew to Illinois just long enough to pick up Brandon's mission call and fly back to Idaho. Nathan, Brooke, and Gavin picked me up at the airport and drove me to Rexburg. We got there at 2:30, Brandon opened his mission call at 3:00, then Nathan and Brooke drove me to the Idaho Falls airport where I caught a flight to Denver and then back to Illinois. I was tired of traveling by then.
In September Vivian and I flew to Denver then jumped in a van with John and LeAnn and drove to southern Utah for a 16 mile back packing trip in Zion National Park. We had a great time and good weather. Everyone made it and we checked off another old fart adventure. Much of the hike was in the river and it was often cold. It was a unique hike and we made it all in one day. 
The following day, Nathan and Ryan and Brooke and Andrea and Gavin all drove down to Kanab and went hiking with the family. I had to go to work but half way to St George, the company called and told me my flight was cancelled for training and I rushed back to Kanab only to find that everyone had already left without me. The next day we drove back to Denver then a short flight to Atlanta, another to St. Louis, and we were home. While in Denver, We found out that AirTran was bought out by Southwest airlines. We are still waiting for details to see if this is going to be a good thing or not. I think it will be.
The following day, Nathan and Ryan and Brooke and Andrea and Gavin all drove down to Kanab and went hiking with the family. I had to go to work but half way to St George, the company called and told me my flight was cancelled for training and I rushed back to Kanab only to find that everyone had already left without me. The next day we drove back to Denver then a short flight to Atlanta, another to St. Louis, and we were home. While in Denver, We found out that AirTran was bought out by Southwest airlines. We are still waiting for details to see if this is going to be a good thing or not. I think it will be. This coming week we are going to Branson Missouri for a few days, In November, Viv is going to quilt camp and then we are going to spend Thanksgiving in Utah with the family. We will all be there when Brandon goes to the temple for the first time. I am so excited to have my whole family worthy to be gathered in the temple together. I have waited and prayed for this day for a long time. Thank you boys for making my prayers and dreams come true. Thank you to all my sweet daughters-in-law for helping my boys be worthy to make this day possible. I love you all very much.
When all this travel is over, do you know what I am going to do? I am going to get on an airplane and fly to work. Then I am going to fly other people all around the U.S. so they can have as much fun as I have dad.
