August Catch Up

We have had a fun filled August.  Much much work has been on the shop.  I will be very happy when it is finished.  It seems to be taking most of our time.   Ammon, Cora and Braydon have helped when they come as well. 

But we have fit in a few fun things.  Myrna took Dave, Blake and I to Silver Slate.  It was delicious as always.  And such a fun experience.  Blake had never been and enjoyed the whole evening.   Leah had a few weeks off and came shopping with us to give her expert input on Blake's mission list. We did get most of the big things I was worried about finding.  Oddly wrinkle free short sleeve white shirts has been the biggest hurdle.  Leah and I went with the Puzey's to see Daddy Long Legs.  It was well done and Leah and I had a grand time driving down together.  After many things kept putting it off for us, we finally got to Shakespeare in the Park this year.  On the very last day of showing.  Braydon got sent to Vancouver right before we were supposed to go and was not able to come.  Because of the heat and smoke in the air they had it in a building close by.  Play was entertaining as always, but half the magic is being out in the park.  Still good time with all. 

We always go for Frosty's after Shakespeare.  This year for some reason only the drive in was open.  So drove through and got our frosty's and then sat on Dave's tail gate to enjoy them together.  Tradition is important. :)

Blake went through the temple that weekend.  Cora, Ammon, and Braydon were in Vancouver still and unable to make it, but everyone else that could were there.  It was so nice to have so many family members come and be with us as he took this important step.  It was a little more difficult as we went to Calgary instead of Cardston.  But was fun to visit another temple.  The night before I was getting ready, Dave and Blake were out working on the shop, so I decided to get Blake's clothes ready for him.  Long story, but neither of the girls had new clothes when they went through and everything was already packed.  No need to prepare it.  It was really neat as I checked everything and went through his bag.  To help my son take this step to make the covenants that he has prepared to make.  It is hard to describe the emotion I felt since it isn't something we really talk about, but it ended up being a very neat, special, and sacred moment in my room by myself as I preformed this task. Blake is truly a great kid.  Very special.  

We had a very early session.  Leah stayed with us the night before and had bought us all pizza. Since Blake and Dave needed to go in ahead of us, we had a beautiful walk around the temple and a nice talk. Lunch at Jerusalem Shawarma as it is a favorite of Blake's 

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Blake was invited to do the Gargantua Caves.  We have all thought for years that Dave went through these caves when was younger.  As Blake was preparing to go the kids and I were all shocked to discover he had not.  He has done a lot of hiking around the outside and tops of them but never in.  It is a long hike straight up to get to the caves and then a deep plunge in.  Involving 5 repels and a very narrow climb out that you have to lay on your stomach and inch along pushing your back pack ahead of you, called the birth canal.

It was another very early morning for him to get to the base of the mountain.  And ended up being a long late night, but loved it. He said is was a really neat experience and he was so glad he had gone. 

All the repels he dropped down into darkness and had to find his way.  He went out to Raymond a few days before to practice repelling and loved it. 

Blake has found a new passion in bouldering and repelling.  There is a place in town that he can do this as well and he plans to go often after his mission.