Jesus said - Day 11

John 13: 34-35

A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; 

as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

One of my greatest JOYS in life is seeing how our children love one another.  Our two daughters and our two sons are dear friends.  Sure they joke around and kid each other.  There is a fair amount of poking fun and sarcasm.  They all have different talents, personalities, interests, strengths and weaknesses.  But there is also a deep and abiding love there and I know that each of them would do most anything to help the others out.  I've seen it in action.  I've watched with a grateful heart as they have rallied around one another with encouragement and love, especially in hard times.  That is what it is all about, and I'm so very grateful for that.  I'm also extremely grateful that as their spouses have come into the family that they too, have joined our group with love and acceptance.  I love each of my in-law children so very much.  They are my dear friends and they add so much to our family unit.  

We had the opportunity this summer to spend a few days together.  Claire had just delivered a sweet baby girl, Annie, and so we couldn't travel very far if Claire was going to be included.  We decided to go to the Homestead in the Heber valley for a few days and have some fun.  Nothing does my mother's heart good like seeing my children and grandchildren enjoying one another.  We missed Jake.  We spoke of him and thought of him often.  He will always be missed. 

We had a very fun day on Deer Creek reservoir.  We rented a boat and everyone enjoyed boarding or riding in the tube.  Even though it was a cloudy day, it was still hot and it saved everyone from getting a sunburn.Andy and Chelsea got to meet Sam and Annie and get acquainted with these little ones. 

We had a unit with a kitchen so we could prepare our meals and we just played games, visited, enjoyed the hot springs crater, in-door and out-door pools, horse shoes, golf course and tennis courts.  And we pretty much had the place to ourselves.

The kids played non-stop and enjoyed hanging out with their cousins. 

 Their parents had many good chats.

 Little newborn Annie was a sweet addition to our group this year.

Dave and Courtney were in town several more days and we enjoyed even more time with the family swimming in the pool, slip and slip, MTC tour, picnic in the canyon and of course a visit to the BYU campus.  When there is love at home, all is right with the world.  I'm so grateful for my family and love each member very much.