A BEAUTIFUL SATURDAY OF FAMILY TIME

We had the most wonderful day today, I wish it wouldn't of had to end! Christine invited us to go to the Joseph Smith movie at the Joseph Smith Memorial building and it turned into an all day event.



After seeing the movie we took the opportunity to try and have family pictures which didn't turn out so great. We got some great pictures of some and not so great of others. I shot this one of the two boys looking at the temple. Future missionaries for sure.

We ate lunch at the Lion House and then went to the Joseph Smith Memorial building and just sat in the lobby and enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and talked and laughed together. Then we went over to the Visitor's Center and checked some things out there and after that we came home and played some games and snacked a little until it was time for the old and the young to go to bed.


We live in such a beautiful state with some beautiful sights to see and enjoy. But always my most favorite are the Church historical sights. Such a wonderful feeling there and I am so grateful to so many that went before us so that we could have what we have today. I am thankful that they were all that they could be so that we can be all that we need to be.

NANA'S 99th BIRTHDAY PARTY

Wow, 99 years?! I can't imagine living that long and I don't think I would want to unless I could have good health and a keen mind like my Nana.

We talked one time about all the things that she has seen change in her life time and it is simply amazing. She has gone from going to church in a horse and buggy and no electricity or running water to a high tech world that can't even begin to imagine a life without a phone in their hand.

We celebrated her birthday early and it was so fun to see so many family members that I haven't seen for so long. It was great to connect with them and good friends of the family. Nana enjoyed it so much that she told my mother that it was probably one of the best birthday parties she has ever had.

I couldn't resist getting this 5 generation picture with her. It didn't quite turn out like I would have liked, but time is growing short and I felt like I needed to take advantage of the situation.

I am so grateful for my Nana and for the influence she has had on my life. She has never forgotten a birthday, anniversary or special day my whole life. I treasure my memories of her. Thanks Nana and Happy Birthday!

DANIEL'S HOMECOMING

What a glorious day it was last Friday, it was better than Christmas morning! Daniel came home from his mission in Hawaii at 7:24 in the morning. It seemed like forever until we saw him turn the corner and start coming down the escalator. Everyone that was on the flight had come down and kept telling us that they were coming but that they were taking their time. The escalator seemed to crawl at the slowest pace possible as he was coming down it. I couldn't wait anymore and so I met him at the bottom of it instead of waiting for him to come to us. What a glorious feeling it is to hug your son and to feel of his sweet warm spirit again. What joy filled my heart as I welcomed my son home as he returned as man not a boy and he returned with honor.

Hugs were given all around and then we were able to meet one of his favorite mission companions, Elder Adams who was on a layover to Anchorage Alaska. Daniel's mission president, President Peterson who was released earlier in July was also there to greet all the missionaries returning. We also had the wonderful opportunity to meet the Furtado's a family from Hawaii that Daniel just loved. They were on their way back to Hawaii after leaving their son at the MTC earlier that week. What a wonderful family they are.

It was a beautiful homecoming shared by many people whom we love and admire.

DAD SORENSON'S 85TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

Christine and I loaded up the boys and headed to Denver Colorado last week to join in celebrating Dad Sorenson's and his twin sister Nilace's 85th Birthday. We had the best time being there with Dad, Mom, Lisa and her wonderful husband Garth and darling son Owen.

Lisa was definitely the most gracious host and made us feel so welcome and at home. Lisa is so talented and we felt like we were getting a one-on-one class from Martha Stewart herself only better.

Lisa's son Owen was such a good sport to share all his toys and his room with us. Carter and Easton especially loved that he had several Light Sabers and a R2-D2 that was voice activated and did some amazing things. They were in Star Wars heaven and played hard every day.

Dinner the night of the birthday was amazing and it was fun to see Aunt Nilace and meet her family that came for the celebration. We enjoyed the beautiful Colorado evening in the backyard and shared lots of laughs and ate some amazingly delicious food.

Dad and Mom Sorenson are famous for their "Big Drinks", they are always carrying around a large glass of Coke. Christine saw this HUGE jug in a gas station that we stopped at and we just couldn't resist getting it for Dad Sorenson for his present. It was the hit of the party and everyone got a big chuckle out of it. Dad told Mom that she was going to have to sit in the back seat of the car going home because he was buckling the jug in next to him for the drive home. Mom said he should put it between his legs on the floor board of the car with a big tube in it so he could just drink it all the way home. We were all laughing so hard.

I am so grateful to Dad Sorenson for all he has done for me and my family. He is a GREAT man whom I adore, admire and love. I am so glad that Christine and I made the beautiful drive to Denver to celebrate that great day with him.

I'M BACK

Wow, so much has happened since I last post anything. You realize how much happens in your life when you keep your blog up to date and then you don't and you come back and realize how much has gone on in a few short months.

Christine had another cute boy named Nile Ronald Cook. He is named Nile after his Grandpa Sorenson and Ronald after Christine's father Ron that passed away. He is a sweet tribute to these two great men.


Nile was born the day before Jason had his farewell in March. We were so sad that Christine wasn't going to make it and then she surprised us all and got released from the hospital and showed up at the church. She only stayed for Jason's talk and for Scott to sing and than she went home. We are all still amazed at the strength of this great woman!

Jason left for the MTC on April 7. He is now serving in the Texas Houston East mission and every week he amazes us with how much he is growing and learning. Jason has a huge anxiety problem and he has been valiant as he has conquered his fears and faced his anxiety head on and continues to grow and learn from the hurdles that are placed before him.

Jason is slowly getting used to new customs and cultures. He has seen shotguns propping front doors open and people with only two teeth, dead dogs on a porch and a few other things. He found some great Cajun spices one called "Slap Ya Mama" that we all got a big chuckle out of.

We are now counting the days down until Dan gets home. We only have 18 more days left and we will get to hug him after two years! Dan continues to serve valiantly and will leave Hawaii a better place for being there. Daniel got to celebrate his 21 birthday Hawaiian style and the Cloward's spoiled him with grilled steaks on their lanai.

I am so grateful for good people who love and take care of my sons!