Reunions

We DaBells can't seem to stay off the road this summer. Jake 's first quarter of Ortho Residency finished on Friday, and an hour later we left to drive to Bozeman. We continued on to IF the next day so we could be here for some family festivities.

First Item: Birthday PartyMy Grandma Johnson turned 87 on the 18th. She's such a remarkable lady and I've been so blessed to be able to grow up living right next door to her. Thanks for your great example, Grandma!

After the party had died down a bit, my brother Andy opened up his mission call. It was so fun to be there and see him shaking as he nervously opened up his call. He's going to the Georgia Macon mission in November. I think he's going to have a great time in the south. He'll be in for some culture shock- it's even "deeper" south than we were! I might just have to make up some fried green tomatoes and biscuits to get him ready. . .
This is me with my siblings that were there. I'm the oldest, and I'm shrimpy. It won't be too long until even my little sister passes me. . . .sigh. . .

Through a series of very fortunate events, we were able to see some of our favorite people ever, the Hardys, for awhile on Sunday. I wasn't sure how Connor and Emma would be with each other since they hadn't seen each other in over 3 months. They still say that they're each other's best friends, though, and they spoke the truth. As soon as their car drove up, Connor couldn't get out of the house fast enough and they were off and running like old times. It was really fun for us to finally get to meet their new baby.

Looking to the future?!? Okay, so the hand holding was a bit staged by the parents. But Connor and Emma DID go over to the river bank and start looking out at it on their own. So cute. It was so good to see them, but always sad to say goodbye again. To all you Tarheels- we miss y'all!!

My brother Aaron just got back from his mission last week, and he reported on Sunday- which is the main reason we came this week. It's been so much fun to see him. He's been through a lot the last 3 years and I'm so proud of him. Ellie's taken quite a liking to him- she was snuggling with him yesterday and fell asleep. She doesn't do that with just anybody.

We're here in Idaho Falls until Thursday, and then are heading up to Bozeman for a few days with Jake's family. Should be fun. We love being within driving distance!!