Sydney, Australia Trip

Aubrey and I recently went to visit our friends the Halls in Sydney, Australia. We have been friends with the Halls since they moved into our Provo neighborhood about 10 years ago. Though we haven't lived near each other for the past 8 years, but have always remained friends. When we gave Aubrey the opportunity to take a special 'growing into young womanhood' trip she wanted to go to Australia to see Aubrye Hall.

We started planning our trip about 6 months before we actually went. We learned a little bit about the area, collected some yummy American snacks that they can't get over there, and became very excited for our upcoming adventure. Our flight to LAX from SLC was delayed and we were warned we probably would not make our Quantas flight. We initially thought we could just catch the next Quantas flight, no big deal, but after making a few phone calls, we quickly learned this would be not be the case. Getting on a future Quantas flight would cost us an additional $5,000, so this soon became a once-in-a-lifetime flight that seemed to be slipping away by the minute. There were many prayers offered on our behalf and through several small miracles, we were able to make our flight and have our luggage travel with us as well. We are so thankful for these 'small mercies'.

After all of the tears and emotions of the first part of our adventure, we truly relaxed and enjoyed our 15 hour flight from LAX to Sydney. We talked, read, ate, expressed prayers of gratitude, checked out the plane, watched TV/movies, played games, and ate some more. They take very good care of you on those long international flights.

Once in Sydney we were met by Carrie and Aubrye Lynn, and were so happy to see them. Though we had left on Friday afternoon it was now Sunday morning and we headed to church. I absolutely love visiting 'The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' in various parts of the United States and now the world. It is amazing to see the continuity that exist in a 13.2 million member church. It is Christs church and it has been restored here on the Earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith. It is the same today as it was when Christ established it and it is the same throughout the entire Earth. Though membership numbers and variety of activities may vary by location, the Gospel Truths and Ordinances are carried out the same way in every ward and branch in every nation and continent. One of the things the Grennich Ward we met with was not in need of was a Young Womens program, so Aubrey and I attended a very small, but well run Primary. They sing the same songs we do are were preparing for their Primary Program, which we had just had the Sunday before we left. Our second Sunday there was Fast and Testimony Meeting and we felt the Spirit of the Lord very strongly in that meeting. Being away from home really helped Aubrey and I think about what is most important in our lives and we both found the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be the one thing we could not live without.

While in Sydney, we visited many of the tourist 'hot spots' as you can see from the slideshow. It is such a beautiful place and we were blessed with very nice early Spring weather. We especially liked climbing the Harbor Bridge, doing Baptisms for the Dead at the Sydney Temple, and just hanging out with the Halls. Thanks so much for making our trip so awesome! We love you. A&J

Kayla's Party

Since Kayla will be spending her 10th Birthday at Disneyland this year, we had her friend party early. She wanted a Black-White-Red Diner/Movie Theme. We had planned to turn the kitcheneete in the basement into a diner and then the main room into a theater. But at the last minute, and due to unseasoanably warm mid-Sept. weather, we moved the Diner/Movie party to 'poolside'. Kayla has never been able to swim at her birthday because it is usually cold and sometimes snowing, but this was the year to do it. I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but Kayla has a great group of friends. We were glad they could all come.

And here it is, the Sept swimming party, granted the pool heater was running. They had a great time together. The night was capped off by watching 'Nims' Island' on the side of the house with the projector. Lots of food, friends, and fun made for a great birthday!!! Happy Birthday Kay.

Caught Up

I have finally caught up on the blog. I took traveling to the other side of the world to slow down and get caught up, but it feels good. Enjoy our latest adventures and I'll share our Australian adventures soon. J

Sad Farwell

This may be a short entry. The first time I tried to do it I started crying, so this a 2nd attempt, and the tears are flowing again. My very dear friend Rachelle has moved and I'm so thankful for email and blogs to keep us connected. Love you lots Gypsy Lemonade friend, J

Emi's lost tooth

Emily has had a loose front tooth for awhile now. Kayla is definitely the doctor in our house. Once Emi was ready, she decided to let Kayla pull her loose tooth. This is a little more blood than I like to see, but here it is. Emily is loving her new look.

AJ Wins Du-atholon

On Saturday, Aubrey partcipated in her 2nd Du-atholon, which is a swim-run race. This is the race that she really looks forward to. Having been on a swim team this year, and continuing to run, she was prepared for this years race. She rocked the competitin coming in 1st in the female division and almost beating out the top male competitor. The boy she passes in the video actually has another 1/2 mile to go. We were all there cheering her on, and it was sooooo fun to watch her do her best.

Next year she wants to do her 1st Triatholon (Swim-Bike-Run)

B's 1st day of Preschool

Today was Brenna's 1st day of Paradise Preschool with Miss Marla. She loved it!! Here she is with her firnd Karley. She has many friends from our neighborhood in her class.
You can see she wasn't too interested in the fact that I was leaving. She was fully engaged in what was going on. This will be great for her!!! Have fun Miss B.

So Cal Visitors

Papa and Grandma Miller stopped by on their way home from Colorado. We spent the day exploring downtown in our annual "Itty Bitty Salt Lake City" scavenger hunt. We set a new record this year by finding 6 of the 20 items listed in the hunt. The paper publishes pictures of 'itty bitty' aspects of the city that can be seen from ground level within a 20 block radius. It's our job to try to figure out what the picture is depicting and then find it's location. Every year it is a fun challenge for our family. We were glad to have the extra set of eyes this year as well.

By night, we were found swimming, making s'mores, and roasting starburst in the firepit. Just one of those great days!

"More marshmellows please!"

Daybreak

Daybreak is a community within the city of South Jordan. It has a lake, walking trails, and many, many parks. It is a great place for our family to go and hang out.