22 Years!

Wow, a lot has happened since this day 22 years ago.  When we were engaged, and early in our marriage, we used to play a game where we would ask the other to "paint me a picture."  Then we would have to describe a scene in full color about what our life would be like years down the road.  Eric was a pretty good painter, but he nor I could have imagined all the details we have lived together so far.  It has been a great 22 years and I wouldn't trade one second of it.

Baby #1:  Tanner

Baby #2:  Austin

BYU Graduation

Car Wreck

Our First Home

CPA Licence 

Baby #3:  Carson

Baby #4:  McKenna

Backpacking, Camping, Mountain Climbing, Running, Biking...

Travels taking us around the world.

A high school graduation with another just around the corner.

Three Eagle Scouts

A mission call

4 Gorgeous, Talented and Smart Children

A Beautiful Home

We are living the dream!  I love you, Eric.

Austin's Mission Call

After weeks of waiting and wondering, Austin's call finally arrived in Friday's mail.  I texted Austin at school and told him "It has arrived!"  His reply was "*gasp*"  The envelope sat on the kitchen table for over 24 hours.  Austin wasn't quite sure when he wanted to open it.  He said he had been waiting for this moment for over ten years so what was a few more days?

Tonight we gathered before dinner and weekend activities, had some special family time and Austin opened his call.  We took a video of it so you could feel like you were there with us:

He is excited.  Just a week ago he was saying how he thought it would be good to stay state-side, but get a different cultural experience.  I can't think of a better call he could have to suit just those purposes.  The Lord knows him well and Austin will be serving exactly where he can thrive:

You can sign up to follow Austin's mission experience at www.elderasork.blogspot.com.

WA State Solo and Ensemble Competition

For the three years that Austin has participated in the Chamber Choir at Union High School he has had the opportunity to advance past the local competition and compete for a state title.  For all three years the large men's ensemble Austin has been a part of has taken first.  The power they bring into their performances just wow's the audience.  They have a knack for pulling their audience into the music and making them feel it.
You can watch their championship performance on YouTube at:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VX7vPEEObI
(copy and paste this link into your web browser search field)

In addition to this large men's ensemble, for the second year in a row Austin has also performed in a quartet for the small men's ensemble competition.  This year the received perfect marks from the judges, but did not make it to the winner's circle.  Go figure...I thought they had first in the bag.  You decide:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIm3cpjLndA
(copy and paste this link into your web browser search field)

Congratulations, Austin!  For three years in a row all of your hard work has paid off.  I am glad I got to be there with you and that you wanted me to be your bus partner.

McKenna's Birthday

Well, McKenna postponed her birthday for Prom.  So it was only fair that the next weekend the party was all about celebrating McKenna. 

We had our family party on Sunday evening.  She was very spoiled by everyone.

New clothes and new mirror

 The following Saturday the plan was a big bonfire in the backyard with a hot dog roast and some 'smores then an outdoor movie on the big screen with the BFFs.  Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate.  No worries,  our house quickly converted to a hot dog shop, movie theater with chocolate fondue bar.  Happy 13th, McKenna!