Whitewater Rafting!!! We Survived!!!

GETTING THESE SUITS ON WAS QUITE A FEAT!


GETTING SOAKING WET?!?


WET SUITS INSIDE OUT...SCARY, HUH?!?


DRIPPING WET...IT WAS WAY TOO MUCH FUN!!!

We had so much fun rafting on the Wenatchee River. We laughed till I hurt. We came out and got teased for having our wet suits inside out. WE BOTH DID IT! Then everyone got red and navy life vests but I got the only yellow one. There were several rafts in our group. At the end there was a BBQ. I highly endorse the activity. Can't wait till our next adventure...skydiving (jk) ...marriage should be pretty far up on the wild and crazy things we do. FUN TIMES!!!!

Lake Roosevelt

Family, Friends and Food!!! Isn't life sweet!!! It was soooo beautiful at Lake Roosevelt!

What a FUN WEEK!!! Nicole was off to Girl's Camp and Kim came for a visit. We did a few things in Moses Lake, like bowling, BBQ and a long walk by the lake and then we were out of here. We went to Leavenworth for a couple of days. We went river rafting...I will post some photos later. The weather was perfect and it was beautiful. We took in Ohme gardens, Grand Coulee Dam Laser Light Show and went to Lake Roosevelt (my father's cabin). Too bad we couldn't just do that for the rest of our lives. Now it is back to reality. This week we are flying back to Utah to show Nicole the new house in Draper, attend the Jonas Brother's Concert at Stadium of Fire, get Nicole's school set up along with dance and piano. Fun times...might even get a MARRIAGE LICENSE!?! Big day at the Bountiful Temple on August 8th!!!

CAMP...OH, THE MEMORIES!!!

Monday at 8:30AM both Nicole and Haley McConkie were off to Girl's Camp. They had enough luggage to stay for a month. Haley was the typical first year beehive with all her wardrobe coordinated and neatly packed. Nicole has become a "TRUE BLUE CAMPER". She hastely flung her clothes into a duffle bag...making sure she didn't forget any of her list of goodies, toiletries and warm quilts and pillows. It is always fun to see them go so clean and refreshed and come back totally worn out and pretty dirty. This week I am spending with Kim. Pray for us...we go river rafting tomorrow. Question is: what the heck do you do in Moses Lake. All the years I told the Junior Miss they needed to really sell the Moses Lake activities have left me realizing...it is a bit sparse. I will miss the quiet and the beautiful lake and sunsets. I won't care if I ever see another WALMART! Life is GOOD...very very GOOD!!!

HAPPY B-DAY HEIDI

Heidi is our little miracle baby...she came home at a whopping 3lbs 6oz. She came 2 months early and was the most incredibly healthy and smart child. She has brought so much love and has her Dad's ability to sacrifice all and never complain. Now she is a mother of three and my sweet daughter and friend. I have relied on Heidi many times through the process of meeting and falling in love with Kim. She has talked me through "cold feet" and reminded me of relying on the Lord. Heidi was born the same day all worthy male members of the church were extended the Priesthood. She was a miracle then and she is still one today. I love you Heidi!!!

Sheree and Sherry...Friends thru it all !!!

Many years ago my BEST FRIEND, Sheree Leatham gave me a plague that reads "In my Father's House are many mansions, I hope yours is next to mine". It is one of my most treasured possessions That is pretty much how I feel about her and her sweet family. Sheree and I have a lot of life experiences that add up to "well seasoned women". She is in town for her father in laws funeral and we spent some time "hanging out". Sheree is my escort for the big day in the Bountiful Temple. We have way too much fun. It is amazing that no matter how old we get...we feel like a couple of 16 year olds when we get together. I don't remember her ever not being there for me when I needed her. I believe that a loving Heavenly Father puts us in each other's lives for a reason. I feel that way about Kim. He reminds me of all the good things I miss about marriage. Every time someone looks at my life and says I couldn't do that...I think, betcha could if ya had to! Brother Whirthlin's statement from his Mom..."Come what may and love it!" is my new motto. We don't have control but we can choose to embrace life's new experiences, learn from them and even LOVE it!!!

What is a HOME?!?

It has been a month of searching, praying and ultimately choosing a "new home". It has made me think of what purpose a home is in our lives. I used to think the home we raised our children in was the home my heart would always go back to. I have since realized that it is about family and friends. Wherever we gather...that is home. We are thankful to have found a home that will accommodate our combined large family. A home that is easy access for both family and friends. It is a huge undertaking to make a move so far and leave all that I am familiar with. The leap of faith is based on just that "faith"! It is fun to plan a future with Kim. We share the same zest for life and desire to serve and grow in the gospel. We share a commitment to family. I know a loving Heavenly Father brought us together and the remainder of our lives on earth will be better because of each other. The photo of the Draper Temple is significant as it is the first temple we went through together, the very day I fell in love with Richard Kimball Sanderson. It is our assigned temple as our new home is in Draper, Utah. So when you think of me (and Nicole) know that we are loved and safe. I do believe in miracles!

Planning A Wedding!?!

Oh, the details are mind boggling!!! Selling our home, finishing the building, buying a dress, booking a photographer for a family of almost 50 (that's just children and spouses and grandchildren)...the list goes on and on! Kim is taking care of so much of it that I really can't complain. What a blessing he is in my life! Nicole has been being a real trooper about the move after a couple months of out right rebellion. I appreciate everything that you have all done to help her. All it took was her spending time with Kim and opening her heart to possibilities. I want to thank all my family and friends that have been so helpful in this transition. I will never forget you and hope to always have you in my life.