Homeward Bound

I went home June 14-30, courtesy of Mom and Dad. Actually, it was a result of Dad and I being dilligent in our exercise programs. It was strange to feel the dry heat again, but kind of nice to not have the sweaty, sticky feeling I am accostomed to in Hawaii. My family had just gotten back from being in Europe (see Cassidy's blog) and they were just getting unpacked as well. They brought me an authentic silk tie from Italy and of course, chocolates. We had lunch the first day I was back at Taco Amigo where I met Cassidy's boyfriend, Kevin. He almost got his name right didn't he!



















Then we just went through the normal cycle of life. Church, Grandma's house, the works! Connor started suggesting a family camping trip inspired by his stay with the Linebaughs while the others were in Europe. And so we went to camp at the Timp trailhead. It was nice and cool, but not uncomfortable. I had to step back and appreciate the beauty. I suppose years of scouting has somewhat dulled my appreciation for the sights. We were visited by Carl and Kathy, as well as Grandma and Grandpa.












I was home during my Mom's birthday. Since Dad and Connor were going on a campout, I decided to take Mom for lunch to Sundance and use up some more of my credit. I borrowed Grandpa's T-bird and we went to the Foundry Grill. Lunch was great, I had fish tacos. Mom had a burger. Chad stopped and said hi, offered us desert, and then ended up paying for the whole meal for us. I knew it was a good idea to tell him we were there! On the way back we stopped by Bridal Veil falls and took some photos. That night we all went to Thanksgiving point for an art festival they were having. Famous painters were out and about painting in the gardens, and we got to go up and look at them from a close distance. Pretty fun! Mom was excited to meet James Christensen.

One of the funnest activities was a party we had at our house with the whole extended family. Of course, volleyball was the highlight for me. It took quite a while to set up the volleyball net, and I had an allergy attack in the middle of the process, but we finally got it up. We had a lot of fun. I felt like I played good. I had some thundering hits, which is where I get my satisfaction. I only hit Chad directly on the face this time, the others were spared. Ha ha!

I didn't do too much with friends, but I did go play volleyball with Jon. Competition wasn't high, but it was still fun. Jon also had a pool party that I went to. Water basketball started to get some of my competitiveness flowing through my veins again, and I was probably a little too energetic! There was a foosball tournament that I didn't participate in. I told them that I would beat the winner once the champion was decided. I always keep my word! I also helped Jon teach a mission prep lesson. I shared with them the analogy of the faamo'a, a Samoan fishing technique. I also went with my Dad to girls camp to be a "Priesthood" representitive. That was a new experience!

A little surprise at the end of my visit was coming home from Jon's ward and having the house astir. "Kevin's outside talking to Dad!" I heard as soon as I came in the door. Before long, Cassidy was flashing a ring around and talking about getting marriaged! This means I have to go home again...what a great way to end a trip home.