Joseph, Ira, and I flew out to Kansas City at the beginning of August then drove to Nauvoo, IL to pick up Sara who did an internship there. It was wonderful to see what she had been working on all summer and meeting the people she worked with. What an amazing experience she had!

While in Nauvoo we met up with one of Joseph’s missionary companions from 27 years ago. The last time we saw Jonathan Pond and his wife, Anjenette, was over 20 years ago. We have kept in touch over the years as our families have both grown. It’s amazing how good friends never change.

On our drive home to Nevada we stopped in Wichita to visit with my sister, Rebecca, and her family. Her two boys are so cute!

I had a wonderful time playing the piano to accompany the Missoula Children’s Theatre as they performed Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Auditions are on a Monday and by Friday the kids have memorized their lines and dances and songs! What a great way to bring the arts to small towns like Winnemucca.

Jason has loved having Sara back home. When he sees her getting her watercolors out he runs to get his own. He can sit and draw, color, and paint all day if I let him! He is getting quite good, especially for only being five.

One of Marie’s missionary companions came out from Utah to surprise Marie with a visit. It was so much fun to have Ashley here! The boys, particularly Jason, were smitten with her endearing ways.

These three were watching Sara make a milkshake. Here’s the conversation they had.
Julie: I don’t want to get married and have my husband call me “baby.” That’s just gross.
Sara: Well, how about honey?
Julie: Then all I’ll think about is honey.
Jason: I’m going to call my wife “Mom” cause that’s what dad says.
Gideon: I’m going to call my wife “Butter” because I like butter.

We went to the Reese River Farm near Austin, NV to spend the day with all the Wadsworth family while Joseph’s sister and her family were visiting from Washington. It was a lot of fun! It’s been a while since we were all together. The cousins especially enjoyed playing games.

Most days were spent farming, finally enjoying some blue skies (we’ve been under a layer of smoke for most of the summer due to wildfires in California and around us), eating ice cream, going to church, and enjoying each other’s company.