Duncan

 

Let Summer Begin!

Aunt Amy again put together another summer program for their family.  This year the theme is "Under the Sea."  All of the kids came home from school to find their notebook full of activities and goals that they will be doing along with a gift bag with swimming suits, and other treats to celebrate another year of learning.  

Jane

Jane finished her sophomore year.  She had a great year and enjoyed her American Sign Language class, a dance class, and of course being in Strolling Strings and the Orchestra at Highland High.  She recently performed in their final concert and she also received a letter for completing all the required activities to be in orchestra.  Next year she is in the advanced orchestra.

Grandpa and Caleb

 I asked Ava if she would draw me a picture of Grandpa when she had some time.  This came on Mother's Day.  Thank you Ava!  It is so beautiful and looks so much like Grandpa that it made me cry.  I sure miss him!

California Duncans

Uncle Andy and Caleb went hiking on Saturday.  They said the river was so high that some of the trails were covered with water.  On Monday night Ava performed a dance routine with other students in her high school.  

Making Music!

 It's that wonderful time of the year when music is heard throughout the land.  From Florida to California with stops in between the grandkids are sharing their wonderful talent to make music with others.  This week Peter hit the drums!  

Happy Mother's Day!

                            Of all the gifts that life has to offer,                                                                        a loving mother is                                                             the greatest of them all."

Happy Birthday Becky!

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe

While the boys were off camping, Eden had her third book club meeting.  As usual Aunt Amy outdid herself making a special day for Eden and her book loving friends.  To go along with the book they had an English feast with drumsticks, fruits and vegetables and of course keeping the book in mind, they had strawberry cupcakes decorated like beavers.  The highlight for all was the surprise visit from Santa Claus who had a gift for each of the girls.  If you haven't read the book yet, be sure to do so.  It was great!  Next meeting--Pollyanna.

Darn Cat!

During Sunday dinner recently Uncle Andy said he heard a loud screeching sound and thought a cat must have caught something so he went out to check.  He could tell it had something in the bushes so he ran towards the cat who wisely realized that he was in trouble so he let go of his catch and took off running.  Once the cat was gone the colorful bird took flight but fell back down to the ground.  Uncle Andy got down on his knees and crawled towards the scared parrot making soft bird sounds.  The parrot hopped towards him and when Andy put his hand out the bird jumped onto his finger.  He left the bird with Caleb and Ava while he went to the neighbors behind them to see if the bird belonged to them.  It did and the owner came back with Uncle Andy and the parrots cage.  In the meantime the parrot got comfortable on Ava's finger and then started to fly around the room.  He ended up on Caleb's head!  Darn Cat!

Father & Son Outings

This weekend was the Father and Son's outing for the California Duncan's and the Arizona Whitney's.  Uncle Andy and Caleb headed off on Friday for a night of camping with other members of their ward--and a special visitor!

In Arizona Uncle Christian and Duncan and Graham headed to the mountains in Payson for their Father & Son campout.  I'm not sure Duncan was as excited as Graham.  It seems that Graham had a great time once he found the water.  What a great way to celebrate the Restoration of the Priesthood.  

California Duncans

Rodeo Parade.  Band Concert. Shaved Ice.  Here are some pictures of Caleb and Ava doing their thing as the end of school approaches.  

Validation!!!

 I suspect some of you have commented about the use of exclamation points in much of my writing.  It's true and I make no excuses.  I LOVE THEM!!!                                                        

At the BYU commencement it just so happened that President Worthen addressed the use of ! in our society today.  The exclamation point has been called "the selfie of grammar".  Another critic wrote, "multiple exclamation marks...are a sure sign of a diseased mind."  But President Worthen pointed out, "with a single mark, an exclamation point can communicate powerful messages in a highly effective and efficient way."  The theory is that it originated as a way to convey a message of joy.  I believe that--and I'm a joyful person.  

President Worthen gave three reasons exclamation point usages is important to the class of 2023.  "First, when you see an exclamation point and reflect on its function...I hope you think of the importance of creating space in your daily life for things that give you eternal perspective."  "Second when you see an exclamation point, I hope you recognize that there is something in our eternal DNA that wants to exultingly celebrate good things.  And "Third, when you see an exclamation point, I hope you recognize the needs for resilience in your life, just as the exclamation point has survived and thrived...The exclamation point can remind us that as long as we have faith in Christ, the best is yet to come."

Dear family, I love each of you!  My life is full of joy because each of you are in my life.  I have been so greatly blessed and am often overjoyed by my many blessings.  I love exclamation points and even if you may think it's because of my deranged mind please enjoy that little punctuation mark that tells you everything about me.  

On a final note.  When it is time to return to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and Grandpa I want you to promise that under my name and the dates of my life you write on the next line...Grandma!

Sierra Vista

                                       I visited your Great Uncle Bill's gravesite today.                                              His headstone was now there and it is so nice.