The Family Gathers

Our children and grandchildren began to gather in Wenatchee on July 23 for a final all-hands before we left on our mission. It began with the Houston Anderton's. They trickled in over the following days and we enjoyed a variety of fun activities and just plain old bonding.

Grant Enjoying a Laugh at a Short Video
With Elijah and Livi Looking On

Henry and Eva Tooling Around the
Front Yard

Elijah at Rotary Park Splash Pad

Go-Getter Oliver Running to
His Next Challenge

Elijah Celebrated His Birthday with Us and Megan Came
Up with a Great Cake - Henry Was Much More Interested in
Racing the Cars Around the Cake Than Eating It

Elijah & Oliver Enjoying Our Hot Dog Roast

Will, Ethan & Noah Trading Pokeman Cards

Megan Also Celebrated a Birthday
In Wenatchee With a Girl's Night Out

Dental Visit

I had a dental check after returning home in preparation for leaving on our mission. Soon after, I saw this graph. I had to laugh as it contains, in my case, too much truth. Our son Mark is our dentist and he also whitened my teeth with some weird blue light thingie. And it worked! Thanks, Mark.

On the Road X - Heading Home to Wenatchee

We stopped at Morgan the night of the 13th then drove home on the 14th and 15th. Kyle and KT timed their move from Orem to Vancouver, Washington to coincide with our return trip so we could help them with driving the U-Haul and caring for Max. We had our car, their car, and the U-Haul. Max went in their car, Kyle and I took turns with the truck and Kristi and I drove our car. The trip went smoothly and we made it home early in the evening. It seems we have been in Wenatchee so little this year and it was nice to cross the Colombia River and drive into the garage of our Westridge home.

On the Road IX - Lehi Reunion

As we finished up our time in Springville, we enjoyed a great July 13 missionary reunion for those living in Northern Utah. We had 20 or so that brought their kids and wives. Mike Cox was in charge of the food and had a nice spread. Kurt Avarell rented a children's play toy that helped keep that group occupied. Dustin Kendall was in charge of contacting everyone. Thanks you guys! We talked about the recent events in Honduras, laughed over good memories, and caught up on what everyone is doing. Such good people!

Reaction to My Presentation

On the Road VIII - Springville

After picking KR up at the Salt Lake Airport on July 6 and spending Sunday in Morgan where we went to church, we headed to Springville to spend a week helping clean up and redo the Dover front yard. Man did we work hard and long hours!. I haven't worked like that for a long time. The heat was overwhelming in June and it seemed to carry right over into July. We got a lot done and helped move their master plan along. Thanks for letting us help, Mike and Amy!

Removing Plants From a Bed Which Will Soon Be Covered in Grass

Preparing a Weed Patch For It's Decorative Rock Make-over

Working In the Cool Night Air

Installing a New Drain

On the Road VII - 4th of July in DC

KR, her mom (Eunice) and sister (Marianne) headed off to Washington D.C. for the annual DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Continental Congress. The trip was Eunice's dream come true - being with her two daughters at this DAR gathering. Highlights were attending the DAR sessions, touring historic sites (except the White House which was closed do to "lack of funding"), and playing card games each evening.

  

Watched the July 4 Fireworks from Our Hotel Window

Ate Most of Our Meals at This
Cute Bakery Across the Street From Our Hotel

Marianne & Eunice

Beautiful View of the Washington Monument, Which was
Closed For Repairs Following Last Year's Earthquake

At the Washington D.C. Temple

The Queen

On the Road VI - 4th of July in Morgan

Everyone enjoyed a great time at the Anderton Fourth of July Celebration (held July 3 and 4) in Eric & Sharon's place in Morgan (as usual). It was our turn to supply the food and loosely organize the activities. Fun, fun, fun. Hot dogs, fireworks, races, and more food. We missed KR, as she was still with her mother and sister in D.C., but we knew they were enjoying the festivities there on this important day celebrating the country we love.