Friends, Friends, and Friends

The first week of school has gone really well. I can't complain. Not much to share, yet...that's good!! Danny said on our way to Grand Junction Friday afternoon, "One down." I then finished his thought with, "Only 37 more to go!" That would be referring to weeks. And so, the journey has just begun.

Justin hanging around.

Justin and Marina shopping.

I want to post our pictures from our trip to Grand Junction. It is always great to visit. Isaac as usual got us as soon as we pulled into Junction he said, "Oh, it feels good to be home." And then proceeded to tell us how he was raised there. We know what his wishes are. It was great to see my grandma doing so much better with her "metal brace with bolts" finally taken off her foot. She still has a long way to go, before she will have fully recovered from her reconstructive foot surgery, but it was good to see both Grandma and Grandpa feeling more positive about the future. Grandpa seems exhausted. I was glad we could visit and help a little. I wish we could help more.

Marina with Grandpa, Grandma, and Aunt Pat

Mina bowling

Ryan, Jacob, Danny, Mike, and Justin Bowling

Isaac, Ryan, Jacob

The Adult Bowling Team

Danny- "Your so happy?!"

Jake and Ryan playing kickball

The rest of the weekend was spent having a lot of fun with our friends from Grand Junction. Mike and Rhonda we met when we moved to Grand Junction in 2001. They moved away to Elko, Nevada right before Marina was born. We hadn't seen them since Marina was a baby. We tried to cram a ton of catching up in one Saturday. We first went to the 11th Ward reunion, which was our good excuse for meeting in Junction. This carried us through the morning. Then we swam, bowled, ate dinner, and then the boys still went to a movie before the evening was over. It was great to see them again, and we hope to schedule a vacation together next summer. It is amazing to realize how much good friends mean to you, no matter how many miles and how many years go by.

Smile Madison

That's the Madison we know and love.

Maddox and Brooke

Goodbye Casters!

And then we spent Sunday afternoon with our friends the Casters, that we left behind in GJ. They are always so good about letting us crash in and hang out everytime we come to town. We miss them so much.

Thanks for a great weekend.