WELCOME HOME

We were able to spend the past weekend in LOVELOCK, NEVADA. Where in the heck is that you ask? It is in northern Nevada, an hour outside of Reno, in the middle of somewhere. It is where my darling husband was raised and where his dad (Bill) and step-mom (Connie) still reside. Bill and Connie just returned home from serving a mission in Mexico City! We are so thrilled to have them home. They faced many challenges while they were there, and are facing many more upon returning home (they came back to a flooded home- so much ruined). They are now beginning the process of remodeling their home... which could be fun... if it wasn't so much work.

We spent the snowy weekend with 6 of Russ' 7 siblings and some of their families (Sad Nate couldn't be there).

It was fun to visit, and get reacquainted with those that live far away. We went to a Pershing County High School basketball game on Friday night (that is where Russ went to school). We saw several people that Russ knew growing up. Russ loved seeing his old stomping grounds and talking about the glory days in Lovelock! On Saturday, the men helped Bill around the house and then went hunting in the afternoon.

They killed some quail and rabbits which they later BBQ'ed. Yummy? I don't know- I didn't taste any... this time. I was able to sneak away for a 6 mile run on Saturday afternoon, in the snow. It was actually very fun. My muscles were so numb from the cold, I couldn't feel them aching! I felt like I could have run forever. The kids mostly played video games since there was snow everywhere and we were not well equipped for that kind of weather (us being from St George and all). All of the boy cousins sat in the "game room", a spare bedroom where they gathered with their Nintendo DS's. I think there were 5-7 of them going at all times. Occassionally they would venture outside and throw a few snowballs (it never lasted longer than a couple of minutes).

On Sunday, Bill and Connie spoke in church and told about their experiences in Mexico. I was very impressed that they were able to focus on the positive experiences and not dwell on the hardships that they faced. They are wonderful examples for my family and I appreciate them so much. I admire them for "sticking it out" in Mexico, not giving up, remaining positive, and finding ways to learn and grow from their experiences. It was a quick, but fun trip.

We have a new favorite thing that we discovered on this trip... books on tape. We got a couple from the library and listened to them during our 8 hour drives to and from Lovelock. What a great way to pass the time, especially when you are driving through the middle of NO WHERE and you only pass another car (or brothel) every 30 minutes! Drive- terrible, books on tape- fantastic! I am not sure why we haven't done this before now.