Leno, A Lind Visit and Jack's Baptism

Our good friends, Kathy and Jim Jensen, treated us to a fun evening the end of April.

Jay Leno performed at Tuacahn to a sold-out crowd, 

and he delivered his stand-up comedy for almost two hours, non-stop.

Through all of those years he hosted the Tonight show,

we would watch once in awhile, 

enough to know that he is good, his comic timing and delivery natural and funny.

But we didn't realize, really, how good he is.

No cue cards or tele-prompters on stage, he flowed seamlessly, and mostly, 

he read his southern Utah, largely-Mormon audience.

He didn't rely on bad language to be funny,

 and when the show crept toward off-color, 

he quickly switched gears.

We had a fun evening laughing together.

Roger took a couple of quick shots right before the show.

Oh, brother, aren't selfies kind of crazy?

The first of April, Mindy, Jeff and kids stopped overnight 

on their way to spend Spring Break at Stacy and Tom's in Mesa. 

We realized we hadn't taken any pics, 

so Roger clicked a couple inside their car as they were leaving the next morning.

The Linds spent the week in Mesa, then drove back home to Highland Friday, April 8, 

so Jack could be baptized on Saturday morning.

Roger and I drove up north on Friday in time to do some shopping at Traverse Mountain, 

then were waiting in their home for the Linds to return.

Jack was excited to open his birthday present from us - 

his new set of scriptures, engraved with his name on the cover.

He was tickled, and wanted instructions on how to use the tabs.

Next morning, father and son were ready for the happy event.

Mom was pretty excited, too!

Jack had many well-wishers present.

The program was per Jack's requests:

Cousin Sadie's thoughts on baptism were beautifully expressed,

and Uncle Rick eloquently talked directly to Jack about the blessings and importance of the Holy Ghost 

and ways to have him with us always. 

And, oh my goodness, his little sister, five-year-old Adelaide, brought tears to our eyes 

when she sang, "Gethsemane."

We all drove to Jack's home afterwards to celebrate and enjoy a delicious brunch.

Of course, we had to take various pics to mark the special occasion.

The Jeff Linds

Jack with his proud Grandmas and Grandpas

Cute cousins and siblings

Jeff's brother, Scott, and family with Grandma Rosemary and Grandpa Brent

Mindy, Jeff and family with Rick, Jodie and kids (Katie was taking her first ACT test and Josh is in Hong Kong) and Grandma Pam and Grandpa Roger

The freshly-baked scones were yummy, and the granola/yogurt/berries parfaits 

and Rosemary's breakfast casserole were delicious.

Jack's Mandarin tutor accepted the invitation to come to the happy event.

After the brunch, we presented Jack with his Iron Rod shadow box Grandpa Roger made for him.

He listened attentively as Grandpa explained and talked about always holding to the iron rod.

Before we left to drive back home, Charlie opened his birthday present early 

so we could be there to see him open it.

He loved the books - he had to "read" them right then -

and the Spider Man light.

He's such a cute little guy!

We had to be home for Roger's High Council meetings on Sunday and I had our first big rehearsal 

of our choir for Stake Conference.

What a delightful Saturday we spent with the Linds,

and how grateful we are for our special grandson, Jack, 

and the important choice he made.