Samuel Gabe - "Sosa" - Receives the Priesthood

We love an excuse to visit Missy's family in Boise!

Sam turned twelve years old on June 12, same birthday as my sister, Joan. 

And, of course, that special birthday meant that Sam could choose to become ordained 

and become a deacon in the priesthood.

He was excited!

We made it a two-day trip to Boise, stopping on Thursday night to stay with Mindy's family.

She and Jeff prepared a delicious marinated steak dinner with grilled veggies and pineapple 

and creamed cauliflower. So good!

After dinner, we hurried to the baseball diamond to watch Jack play. 

Jeff is the coach, and Jack got some great hits. 

He's going to be a good little player. 

After a sudden cloud burst, everyone scattered, then they called the kids back to finish the game.

The bleachers were wet, and Jack's foot slipped when he jumped off, and he broke his arm.

Luckily, his Grandpa Brent checked it out first, put it in a splint, then later Jack got it cast, Ninja Turtle-style!

Next morning, we drove to Boise and celebrated Sam's birthday.

Each of the kids performed a talent for us on piano, guitar, singing, jumping on the tramp and doing gymnastics. 

We all shared one thing we like about Sam, and he was beaming!

Jedd told him he could choose wherever he wanted to go out for dinner, and he picked Chick Fil-A!

He loves that chicken sandwich!

We got to the Boise Farmer's Market early.

We had some tasty samples of unique food and the yummiest thing was the little mini fried-to-order doughnuts rolled in cinnamon sugar and dipped in maple icing. Yum!

We returned home to fix Cuban paninis and Miss Claire sat up to the table just as big as anybody!

Long story short, but after plans changed a couple times as to when we could get together, 

my high school friend, Dana, and I were able to have a wonderful chat. 

After her husband died about three years ago, she sold the farm in Parma and found a charming home  

in a Victorian-style neighborhood in Nampa.

It was so fun to catch up with her and Roger is such a good sport to go with me for our visit.

That evening, Jedd and Missy treated Roger and I 

to a delicious dinner at Gramercy Park Grill (wish we had taken a pic),

then we returned to their home to watch McFarland with the kids.

What a great message that movie has!

We all enjoyed it.

Their church block starts at 1 pm, so Missy fixed a pancake breakfast, then we got ready.

Grandma got a quick pic with this little pixie.

In Sacrament meeting, Sam recited the 13th Article of Faith and told an experience he had working on the computer in Family Search, which the bishop had heard about and asked him to share.

He was so articulate and we are so proud of him.

When we returned home, we took pics.

 Here are Grandpa Roger, Dad Jedd, Grandpa Wendell and our newest deacon.

Doesn't Sam look handsome in his new suit?

Also, Jared was advanced to a teacher.

What a great kid he is and he has set such a fine example for his brother.

We enjoyed a delicious meal of Sam's favorites - appetizers . . . 

. . . barbecued spareribs . . .

. . . corn on the cob, water melon, pineapple and Jedd's roasted, herbed potatoes. 

And, not pictured, we had Sam's very favorite, cheesecake with fresh strawberries.

The other Grandma Pam helped Anders with his ribs.

Having to be in Ogden the next morning, we left just after 6 pm 

and Missy rode with us and slept on Grandma's couch Sunday night.

She had a photo shoot with the other two founders of HowDoesShe in SLC at 9 am, 

then she caught a flight back to Boise at noon.

I had a hair appointment with Jessica, and Roger, Chyrrl and Grandma met with her tax CPA at 11.

Grandma took us to lunch at one of her favorite places, Chuck O'Rama. 

The one in Ogden really does have good food, and it's a steal - especially for seniors!

We stopped at Mindy's briefly, then drove home to St. George.

Another great road trip to visit our kids is in the books!