Walt Disneyworld 2009

We had so much fun this year in Walt Disneyworld. The highlights were Richard Marx performing at Epcot (hello again 1980's)! We loved him! Well maybe me more than Jack. His performance was excellent. His crystal clear voice was amazing. We had a most wonderful time in Hollywood Studios watching and cheering on the American Idol hopefuls, in the new American Idol experience just opened this year. Walt Disney guests can audition for stage performances held throughout the day (7 performances) and in the evening all the winners came together for one final performance. Jack and I attended the early afternoon performance and the final performance of the day. Excellent singers!! You all would have loved it. The winner (who I voted for) sang unchained melodies and nailed it! So much fun cheering them all on. We went on a backstage tour at Animal Kingdom; it was amazing to us the staff and animal keepers love the animals so much. They take awesome care of the animals. If I were an animal this would be the five star resort hotel stay! The animals all come in at night to sleep. They have even trained the crocodiles to go in their sleep areas at night. Can you imagine that. The animals get treats, fans, toys and sooo much love. It's exciting to see how green Disneyworld is. Solar power is used whenever possible and recycling is commonplace. We watched as the vet performed surgery on a turtle hit by a car; screws and pins were put in it's shell inside and out and will eventually grow back together. Jack and I were two of four performers for the Backlot Tour at Hollywood Studios. We were the deck hands. The set takes place on the deck of a ship....the ship is shot at by torpedo guns from all directions. Our job was to scream alot and act funny. They gave us a few moments to dress and then hit the stage. I was good at screaming, although no time to think of a funny skit...oops! I am extremely exhausted and recovering from 85% humidity and very warm temperatures this weekend. Zapped my energy. I probably will not be making a Disneyworld trip for a while. We loved getting back home and loved being in the temple again Friday.

CATCHING UP!

Seems like time has just flown by these last several weeks. Lots of fun. Busy, exciting, fun!

Here are a few photos of what we have been doing.

Heather home from Colorado had her little Arayla blessed a few weeks ago by Grandpa in Jeanette & Kent's ward. The photo taken at their home after the blessing.

The next week Jack took Jacob out for early morning Buckeye flying fun. Jacob flew in Kevin's (Jack's friend) two seater flying machine. Sounded like they had a wonderful time in the air. We were sad we couldn't spend time with Jacob and Kara and the kids while they were in UT the last few weeks. We will look forward to a Nevada trip to see them soon. Looking forward also to seeing Arayla and Heather again soon.

We had a fun filled Tea Party evening with Heidi and Don's kids last night. We had a little English culture night.

We talked about English traditions; afternoon tea, with treats. Big Ben, and best of all.......I told them about the Mormon Missionaries (Apostles) traveled to England to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who later became prophets. Namely of Wilford Woodruff who baptized all the United Brethren group (except one) and another 1200 in an eight month period. When Mom and Dad came in; they told them about our English tradition tea party, treats most importantly the propriety of the pinky finger out when you sip your tea (soda or milk in our case) and forgot most of the Mormon Apostle missionary story. How funny. We'll just keep on teaching!

Next up is German Culture Night (by Grandpa Sommer in German, then in English translation). We'll keep you posted!

Sleep Over Fun!

Sleep Over Fun! We did Hula dance lessons ( Pearly Shells, Hukilau), Roller Coaster track building, Curled Hairdo's in th AM. And loads of fun for all. Thanks Heidi and Don for letting us have sleep over fun times with your treasures!

P.S. Grandpa learned the Hula dances as well, it was fun for the girls to see Grandpa Hula dancing. They say he's silly! I thought he was fabulous!

Deep Thinking

I view myself as diffident, although I do not want to be. I want to be self confident, sustain self esteem. I realized I fear becoming arrogant in the process of becoming self confident. After deep thoughts, I realized the difference between arrogance and self confidence is RESPECT. Respect for myself and others. Arrogance is not a respectful state-of-being, on the contrary; full of pride, self-superiority over others. Maintaing self confidence is trusting a realistic judgement, power, respect regardless what others may say or do. Heavenly Father wants me to be self confident and understand my self worth. I am grateful he listens to my prayers to help me understand how to become the best possible version of myself. I need to be my best self to qualify to be at His side.

The Best Pictures of Me

Samantha and Heather created these portraits of me (Grandma). I love how they have captured the beauty all around me...which to me is my family! I love these pictures of me!

Mom an amazing example to me!

Mom and Brent came for a visit this weekend. I am so thankful to her for the example she is to me. She has lost over 100 pounds this year, later diagnosed with breast cancer. Endured three months of intense chemo therapy, has neuropathy in her leg, nerve damage in her arm (due to the poisonous chemo therapy leaking from the vein momentarily), has dry eyes (can't see very well even with her glasses on), yet manages to stay POSITIVE through it all! I am so thankful to get to have her here with us longer. She is a blessing to me and her whole family. She has made so many new friends and feels more confident than I have ever known her to be. She is what I may say....Mom; only better! She has many wonderful stories about nurses she loves and friends she adores. We all agree; she's the best.

I love you Mom. She may be unhappy with me for posting these pictures together, but I hope she will be alright with it. In fact the recent photos of this weekend was the first time she has ever allowed anyone to take her picture. I am so thankful to have a few pictures of my Mom, with hopes of many more to come!

Jack took this photo from his Buckeye, Saturday. He's having

lots of fun in the air. The tents are up and looks ready for the

open house to begin in a few weeks. Can't wait!