Walking up the graduation aisle

He told me he wanted to be a politician.  Well, I had previously decided that he would be successful in any field of endeavor.    

Just look at what he has accomplished so far in life:

Senior Class President, Eagle Scout, Florida Sea Base, Philmont Scout Ranch,

BSA Great Lakes Canoe Adventure.  His leadership roles in school, church, community, and scouts goes on-and-on.   

Grandpa & Grandma 'K'

Needless to say we are all proud of him.  

Grandma Joan & Sister Belana

Grandpa John A. & Grandma Bev M.

Brother Brendan, Father Dayle, & Sister Julie

Mother Tammy, Joan & Belana

Walking up the graduation aisle is like walking the path of life - one step at a time.  We walk with many people, each having their own set of experiences, and each forging out their own futures - one step at a time.  

  

I thought these awards were significant. 

Booster Club Scholarship

Outstanding Academic Excellence

Go "Blazers"

Belana with cool shades

I was taken on a tour of Saint Martins University by Belana who is a student on a Benedictine Scholarship.  

Belana with cool shades.

 I learned that Saint Martin's is run by monks of the Roman Catholic Order of Saint Benedict.  They spend a lot of time in the Abby located in the center of the peaceful 300 acre campus.  Belana said that a lot of town folks come here during their lunch break to walk, jog, or otherwise seek solace from their busy day.

Julie & Belana in good company

The Abby bell tower

The graduation of Dayle's senior class of 2015 was held in the Marcus Pavilion. Anyway, after the tour I treated my lovely granddaughters to a slice of Costco pizza.

   

Would-be immigrants

Family Search Discovery Center had to deal with a lot of nonsense today when our group showed up for a visit, especially when the kids 'just had' to dress up for the family picture.  

Would-be immigrants at Ellis Island

One of my favorite discoveries was the photo machine.  It takes a facial photo  and then places it into a costume of ones own choosing.  I look pretty authentic except for the toothless smile and the trifocals.   

We then toured the JS building - historically known as the Hotel Utah, ending up on the 10th floor.  From here we were face-to-face with the golden Angel Moroni atop the eastern spire of the temple.  If you have ever been here you know what I mean.  

We then made our way across South Temple street to the City Creek Center for lunch.  Those in our group then parted ways and purchased food from four different outlets.  There must have been hundreds of people eating there, but finding each other was easy with the use of modern miracles called smart phones.

Wild goose chase

We pulled into Boise in the late afternoon, and were greeted graciously Stacy and Patty in their new home.  Jarom was not home, but we really wanted to see him as he is one of our favorite people.    

Bev and Jarom

                                                                                                                                       

So upon completing a tour of the home, we were treated to a wonderful, light dinner at the new bar.

A little later, I wanted to get an original oil painting to Sable, so I made arrangements to meet her in the parking lot of the Meridian Winco grocery store.


I took Julie with me, and after the exchange, we decided to make a surprise visit to Jarom at St. Luke's.  We entered the hospital emergency door and asked the receptionist if we could make a quick visit.  She couldn't find him on the computer, which mystified us.  Well, I found out that St. Luke has several facilities in the Boise area, and he actually worked at the one downtown.

It was now dark outside, and we decided that our wild goose chase was in vain, we gave up, knowing we would see him in the morning anyway.    

Stacy, Patty, Julie, Bev & Jarom

New home

   

After a short but sweet reunion, we pulled out happy and full of Patty's homemade pancakes.  The new Meridian temple is being constructed at a site close to the new home, and we just had to get a photo of it.  

  

Meridian Temple under construction

Travels with Julie

 

Traveling is always an adventure, but even more-so when an enthusiastic 21 year old is with you.  Bev and I found this out soon after we left Olympia. 
But before I get to that, I must confess that I will miss all the green on the west side of the Cascades.  Of special interest to me was the smoke bush in front of Tam's home.  Then Bev informed me that a couple of these bushes are in our own neighborhood; so soon after our arrival home, I checked it out and sure enough, she was right.

Nevertheless, I am still posting this photo of the "smoke bush," just because I like it.

 

 

 

Now, it is important to realize that Julie is an RM.  Even though she looks dangerous holding this real samurai sword, she really has a kind heart. 

 

 

I love pics of women holding guns - they look so mischievous, don't you agree?  Uncle Gordon was kind enough to let us take some photos of his weapons. 

 

 

This is an original oil painting.  There was no signature on it, so we don't know who the artist was, but I have a strong suspicion it was painted by either Jean Foster or her mother, Lucy Kenny.  Both of them were extremely talented.  My mother displayed this painting her wall.   

 

 

Look at the detail of the rose pedals. This is amazing. 

 

 

Sable is a direct descendant of my cousin Jean and her mother Lucy; so I thought it only right to give the painting to her.  It may be worth something; but if not, that's okay, for it is a part of her legacy.   

 

 

 

Julie was nothing but smiles, as she got to help with the driving.  I noticed that she had two hands on the steering wheel at all times as she moved us along at 80 mph through southern Idaho and northern Utah.  Remember when the speed limit was only 55?