summertime
is HERE! Finally! I feel like I have had to wait so long for it to be warm! Today is a wonderful day because my sweetheart has been officially been out in the field for ONE YEAR! I couldn't be more happy or more proud of him. He is currently serving in Santa Rita and he is district leader. Here are some pictures he's sent home so far. :)
Brandon's committment to serve the Lord for two years of his life has been nothing short of an inspiration for me. I see these pictures and read his letters and can't help but smile. :) This past year has been rough at times, but it has been so incredibly worth it. I have learned so much about myself and grown in so many different ways. Our friendship and respect for each other has continued to grow, and my love for him continues to grow daily as well. Way to go Elder Van Mondfrans, 12 more months. :)
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My family and I have been enjoying the summer as well. Recently, we went to the Herriman carnival and the parade the next morning. Emma was SO excited. :)
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| waiting for the parade |
As a family, we also have been enjoying going on hikes every weekend that we can. During the week, Dad and I go on bike rides that are always so much fun, and very challenging. Dad always knows the most beautiful places to ride to. :)
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Yesterday, Tina and I went down to the Manti Pageant! It was a fun overnighter and the entire trip felt as though it were straight out of a fairytale. :) The pageant was incredible and the weather was beautiful.
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| this was my favorite picture i took that night |
We stayed the night at her grandparents' house in Manti, just a short walk away from the temple. We stayed in the "blue" room. :) Their home is one of my favorite places on Earth. From the peaceful atmosphere to the color-themed rooms, to the fancy antique ivory combs and metal plated brushes at each vanity. The home was built more than 100 years ago and looks as though it has been perfectly preseved in time. I always feel like a princess when I stay there. :)
The next morning we went to the Manti Temple. There was magically a reservation cancellation and we were able to go in and do some family files. The weather was ablsoutely gorgeous. We sat and read for a while in the shade and then decided to go shopping in the cute little stores down Manti's main street. We found a candy shop that Tina loves and we both got a scoop of Huckleberry ice cream. :) It was the most perfect summer day.
More to come! Talk to you soon :)
