Cook-out in the Canyon; Farewell to Jacob; Farewell to Sarah

The cook-out we had in the canyon when Sarah was here had been a fun activity. We decided it definitely needed to be included in the schedule with Jacob's family here.

The children enjoyed climbing, wading in the river and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows.

This time Glen was able to walk in his boot to the camp site rather than using his peg-leg like he did last time. This was much easier for him once he got down the little hill. 

Then it was time to say good-bye. Jacob's family was leaving super early the next morning.

Sarah's family left the next day. They spent the morning cleaning up the basement where they had been staying.

The little boys were getting in their last playtime before the long car ride. Although, at this point they were "on a road trip to California." 

Sarah said they are going to be sad when they stop in Nevada...and stay there. HAHA!!!!

We had to get one last take-out meal in before Sarah (and I) were finished vacationing and had to get back to cooking again.

With the boys having full tummies, they left and were on their way home. It was good to get both Jacob's and Sarah's messages that they had arrived home safely.

I did some laundry and a little cleaning that afternoon. I was lonely with everyone gone.

Glen had been anxious to get to the basement and get his foot up in the recliner. I decided to take myself up to Bountiful Boulevard and watch the sunset like I had done with Natalie.

I was sad Natalie and Emma had missed the sidewalk chalk art that I saw that evening. 

The sunset was extra spectacular that evening with the clouds in the sky.

Both Jacob and Laurie and Jeff and Sarah celebrated their wedding anniversaries the first part of August. Jeff and Sarah had a little escape date going to Olive Garden. 

Sunday was upon us again. It was a lot less busy and a lot more quiet during our home sacrament meeting.

Two of our former missionaries stopped by for a visit: Sydnie Wood and Ali Dupaix.

We had some Kade play time while Ben mowed the lawn.

It is always a relief to get the lawn mowed and we are so thankful when another week goes by having had the yard help.

Then it was Sunday once again and another week of home church. This time we had a visitor.

Our mission nurse, Lynn Maughan, was in town taking care of a family member and had contacted us to see if we could get together. She needed a break from her nursing duties. We were happy to oblige. 

I emphasized how it was not a bother at all to go pick her up in South Ogden and return her back there when we were finished. It was such a nice thing to get out of the house and go for a Sunday drive. And we just love our dear friend Lynn, so it was a double bonus that day.

She was happy we not only invited her to have Sunday dinner with us, but we also invited her to join us for our home sacrament meeting and Come Follow Me studies. She loved it and we loved having her with us.

Sarah has learned her boys will be starting school all remotely, so she got busy changing their toy room into a homeschool room. When she gets an idea in her head, she doesn't rest until it's done. 

She's very creative and has come up with an impressive learning area for her boys. I am sure the Excell boys will excel in their schoolwork this year with their excellent mom teacher.

In Omaha, Jacob's children will be going back to school next week. They will do full days all week at school with masks required. Laurie is going to homeschool Claire.

Rebecca's children have a Monday/Wednesday schedule at school and remote learning at home the other three days of the week. With Madison in 1st grade this year, Rebecca is wanting to start substitute teaching. She's not quite sure how that will work with this COVID-19 weird schedule. 

Her children have been school clothes shopping and they were excited to show us their new shoes.

Apparently these shoes didn't appeal to them...

Brooke was sporting a new shirt she had just gotten. 

We love it when the little darlings come to visit. 

We especially enjoyed visiting outside with them for a few minutes.

As per our habit now when Madison comes to visit, we had Costa Vida for lunch. I got a little chuckle out of the sign on the restaurant. 

Arby's had a sign up on their drive-thru window that made me laugh.

Glen had a moment's hesitation about walking into Costa Vida wearing his white shirt and tie with his neon comfy pants and wearing the boot. At least he was styling with his matching mask!

This is definitely a meal that puts a smile on the Golden family's faces.

Speaking of smiles--Rebecca was doing her best to make sure our smiles are hidden. 

She is a mask-making expert after sewing 2,000 masks for a service project and now sewing enough masks for her family to be able to wash and rotate them.

I asked her if she would make us a couple more masks each so Glen can have one in both cars and we will have a spare to use to wash and rotate. 

Rebecca's adjusting of the pattern a bit to fit Glen's face resulted in putting a smile of satisfaction on her face.

Abe and Klarissa are still in Florida and really trying hard to figure out how they can never go back to live in California. They have been looking at houses back east and checking to see if Abe could actually work on the other side of the continent.

Then there's the problem of them owning two properties in San Francisco. Now is definitely not a good time to sell. Lots of people are moving out of the big cities leaving the housing market in a slump.

They have been looking at homes in various places and have been wishing they could buy something.

Meanwhile, the children sure look like they are enjoying their freedom from living in the city. Newland and Wynne will be doing homeschool. 

Newland is turning 8-years-old and will be getting baptized on his birthday while they are still in Florida staying with Klarissa's parents. 

He needed to have his baptismal interview via the computer. Abe said he had to turn Newland's video off because Newland was getting distracted watching himself. 

Abe had worked with Newland before the interview on what questions might be asked of him. He did well through the interview. 

Just prior to asking the final question, he was told it would be the hardest question of all. He was asked if he was ready to commit to all of these things and to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

While this questions was being asked, Newland quietly voiced to Abe out of the side of his mouth, "This is easy!!" 

Newland is being such a nice big brother sharing his ice cream with Magnus.

Kade has turned into a water baby with his flotation device giving him all the freedom he needs in the water. 

Summer fun!!