Laura

Well after being here for a month to give Jeremy a quiet place to study for his boards, she headed home today. I can't believe how quiet the house has become. I miss the chatter of little, loud(Landon) voices. I know that the boys will enjoy seeing their daddy tonight and sleeping in their own beds and room. I am sure Laura will be glad to have her bed back. Meghan is going down with her to spend a week or two and buy a newer car.
Thursday evening we had a picnic at the park to say good-bye. Sean and Ali couldn't come since they live more than an hour away but everyone else had a chance to say good-bye. I bought a "parada" (Pinate) for the kids and they had a blast. They really enjoy playing together. Reilly would rather hang with the grown-ups. Quincy is great with the younger kids, especally keeping the boys busy.

See you in September, Laura, Parker, Landon and Jeremy.

Summerfest

Well we had our annual Orem Summerfest this weekend. This consist of a carnival, evening parade and awesome fireworks display.

Every year it has been my tradition to take Shannon's kids (3+) and join Patrick and his family to enjoy this day. We usually do rides early in the day, then head for swimming, back for dinner, parade and fireworks. This has been the first year that Shannon had let the kids stay for fireworks since they are late and usually have early church the next day. Church starts at 1 this year.

Well with Laura here we had Shannon come with Kailey. Left Landon with Nana. Started out really nice and looked forward for a fun day. Then about 2 o'clock rolled around the the sky looked quite threatening. We were all headed to a local Subway for lunch except Laura who stayed with Parker and her father-in-law for some more rides. Reilly, Quincy and I were on a faster ride then headed to subway. It started to rain, then poor, right before we made it. Laura got stuck in the storms and searched for a refuge from the deluge. The only place that they found safe were the port-a-potties. Paul had Parker with him and Laura in another. From subway Patrick took Shannon's keys (she was parked closer) and went for her van and then headed to find Laura. She had already left to go for her van. She was already drenched by then. She picked up Parker and Paul. Took Paul to his car and he headed home. Patrick picked the rest of us up and went for our cars and met at my home. Slowly the weather became calm and the clouds moved on. We headed back around 5 for dinner and parade. All looked well and the kids were having a blast at the parade. Parades should be in the evening when it cooler, much more fun. Halfway thru the sky looked threatening again and we headed back to our vehicles. Some didn't make it before the rain began. Laura left to take Parker home. Scrub the fireworks. The rest of us crammed into Patricks' van to watch "Cars". Shannon ended up leaving with her kids. So much for fireworks this year. Meghan and Patricks family stayed for fireworks. It had cleared up somewhat by then. As always the best display.

This month has been a very wet month. We have has so much rain.

Well enjoy what pictures I did get.

This weekend I had a wonderful opportunity to drive down to Cedar City with Shannon, Reilly and Kassidy. Meghan goes to college there and this weekend was conference weekend for Track. She was running in the 800m. So we headed down Friday, came home Saturday evening. If was really nice to be there and enjoy this moment with Meghan with her sister and her nieces. Her nieces just love her..she is the fun aunt. Friday night the Shannon and the girls went swimming. I forgot my swimsuit. Oh well. The water was warm and they had a blast. Later we went out to eat and came back and hung with Meghan, her friend, Kim, and Meghan's friend, Tyler. It was fun hanging out and chatting about everything. Next day, swimming and track meet. Luckily it was warm with a nice cool breeze. Meghan was just awesome. She came in 5th overall. Then took her nieces around to different parts of the inside track to was other events. It will be nice to have her home for some of the summer.

The Thompson's

I was greatly blessed to be able to spend three days during Landon's first birthday. It was wonderful to see Laura, Jeremy, Parker and Landon. To watch them interact as a fun, loving family. The joy and stresses of life and how they handle them. Laura is such a sweet mother as she cares for two very active boys with a husband busy all day with medical school and studying. Not everyone can do this, but she is suited well for the job. She is a very strong women who can handle anything that comes along knowing that in the end, God is in control.

I got there about 2am Thursday morning. Laura let me in and I settle quickly on the couch and fell right asleep. About 7 I heard Parker come out, he comes over to me...my back is toward him...he looks and nudges me and couple of times and then heads in the mom and dad's room. For the next hour I listened to them talk, laugh and tease each other. What wonderful precious moments to share. Later Landon woke up and Laura got him out of his crib and put him on the floor in the living room. I turned around and said hi. He smiled. What a happy boy he is. And always on the go. Non stop, except when sleeping. Friday Laura and Jeremy spent the day going to the Temple and out to eat. Left me several hours with these sweet ones. We spent part of the day washing Grami's car. Boy, did they get dirty. But they had fun. My car did get washed and waxed. After naps, Parker and I made cookies and made valentine cards. What fun. Saturday was Landon's birthday and had a birthday party that evening with some friends. He had a blast, but I must say Parker had the most fun. He stayed up until almost 11 playing, jumping on the bed, watching a movie with his friend. I couldn't have asked for a better time as I watch the legacy of what my parents left in the lives of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. How blessed we all are!!! To be able to be with my children and watch my grandchildren grow is so wonderful. Thanks Barb for allowing me this time.

Thoughts

This month brings many thoughts and deep feelings as I remember the day my father and brother were taken home to their father in heaven forty-five years ago. Also remembering the last times I spent with my mother one year ago before she left to join her family on the other side of the veil. Happiness brings knowledge that they are together again fulfilling the work that is needed on the other side preparing for the second coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As sad as I am that they are not here, but happiness knowing that they are together. What greater joy can one have than to know that we have the opportunity to be sealed as a father for time and all eternity in the presense of a loving Father in heaven. I look forward to when I can again be re-united with them when he calls me home. For now, I have work to do here as I continue to do all to serve Him. I love you Mom, Dad, Sean, Joseph, James, John.