Kansas Wichita Mission

Today Laurin left the MTC to report to Kansas to serve for 18 months in the Kansas Wichita Mission! We haven't received much communication from her since she reported to the MTC, but she was able to call us briefly while she was at the airport ready to fly to Kansas. Also, we did get a letter from the mission secretary informing us that Laurin made it safely there. Later in the week, we received a text message from a branch president in Derby, Kansas with a picture of Laurin & her trainer, Sister Zollinger. We can't wait to hear about all the wonderful and, at times, difficult and challenging opportunities she is going to have while serving the people of Kansas. Laurin has reached superhero status in our home. I love how much the boys get excited to receive her emails and want to write her. I hope her example will also influence Jonas, even though he will not remember her being out on her mission. We are so proud of her!

All the new missionaries with the mission president and his wife.

Laurin with President and Sister Bell

Sister Southwick and Sister Zollinger

Kate's baptism

This weekend, Jeff, the boys, and I flew down to Arizona to attend my niece's, Kate, baptism. This was the first time Jonas has done any sort of traveling and he did GREAT! I was a little nervous to take him on a plane because I wasn't sure how he would react, but he slept through both flights! He is definitely my son...he likes to travel (not like his daddy!).

We flew down on Thursday (10th) afternoon and stayed through Monday (14th). This was the first time my sisters had met Jonas. Now all of my family has finally met him...and fallen in love with him just like we have.  

Jonas and Kate

Jonas and Tyler

Jonas and Aunt Nichole

Jonas and Aunt Krystle

Jonas with Grandma meeting cousin Nolan. (Nolan wasn't sure what to think about Jonas.)

Jonas, Aunt Krys, and Uncle Jordan

Jeff, Jonas, and Papa

Because it is still over 100 degrees in AZ, we decided to either stay indoors or in the pool. I opted for the first option but the boys were little fishes all weekend! Dallin and Tyler did a great job playing with Nolan so that Krystle had a break.

Surprisingly enough it did cool off a little at night - at least into the 90s! One evening, we walked to the park at the end of the street to let the kids play. After it got dark, the boys decided they wanted to go scorpion hunting. I have already been stung by a scorpion and don't care to ever see one again! Still, they are pretty cool to see at night with a black light. They literally glow a neon green!

Me and my sisters enjoying a "cool" AZ summer night.

Nolan and Danny

Hunting for scorpions

Saturday was the big day! Kate's baptism was beautiful. Kate is such a spunky, fun-loving, tender hearted little girl. She has always had a desire to do what's right. I know she is still young, but her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ burns bright. We are so proud of her decision to be baptized. Jeff and I both took part in the program. I led the music and Jeff spoke to Kate about the Gift of the Holy Ghost - the Spirit that Jesus promised to send to comfort, guide, and protect to all those who are willing to follow Him. I could feel that same Spirit during the baptism. I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. When I experience feelings of peace, love, joy, etc., I know that is His Spirit testifying to me of the veracity of His truth. I am grateful for my decision to be baptized so many years ago. I'm grateful for the knowledge of the gospel in my life. I'm grateful for the protection, peace and perspective it provides. I'm grateful for a beautiful little niece who helped remind me of all the blessings I have as a member of His church because of her decision to be baptized.

The cousins...Nolan was not too happy!

Us with Kate

The Lowes

I love my little niece!

Kate with Uncle Jeff and Uncle Jordan - who both spoke at her baptism.

Most of the Shumway clan

My mom wore the same white dress on her baptism day 50 years ago!

After the baptism, Nichole hosted a brunch then quickly un-decorated the baptism stuff and decorated for Tyler's birthday. Yup...Kate was baptized on Tyler's 15th birthday. I'm not sure if Tyler cared or not, but I was glad to be there for both events. Tyler is my first nephew. I never knew how much a person could love a child until Tyler came along. I love being an aunt! I get to spoil my nieces and nephews then hand them back to their parents. Tyler is such an amazing young man. He has always been sensitive and caring. He is such a good example for others and really strives to do the right thing. For his birthday, he took all the boys to Top Golf. It's basically a driving range with targets. I don't know how else to explain it. All the boys loved it. Jeff even came back saying that he would like to go again when we come back to AZ. For dinner, we headed to Joe's BBQ. This is a regular birthday stop for our family. Not only is it great food, but Joe's also gives you $10.00 off your meal if it's your birthday! Gotta love that. All in all the weekend was great! I just enjoyed spending time with my sisters and parents. I wish they lived closer...especially Krystle who is now in TX. I am so grateful for family. I'm grateful for my family. I couldn't have asked for better parents, siblings, nieces and nephews. I truly feel blessed!

Danny

Dallin

Jeff...I'm pretty sure all my boys just enjoyed smacking the balls as hard as they could.

The wild party bunch...Dallin, Jeff, Decker (friend), Jordan, Ryan, Tyler and Danny

Dinner at Joe's...Nolan, Kate, Ryan, Nichole, Danny, Jordan and Krystle

Tamara Lowe (Tyler's other Gma), Dallin, Decker, and Tyler

Jeff, Jonas in the carseat, Dad and Mom

Me with the birthday boy! He needs to stop growing! He is officially taller than I am.

A better cousin picture...Tyler, Nolan, Danny, Dallin, Jonas, and Kate

Me and my beautiful sisters....Krystle and Nichole

Payson Onion Days

Ok...I still don't know why our city's festival has to be the "Onion Days", but I guess I can't change it. Luckily, the name doesn't effect the fun. This is one thing I love about Utah summer...all the summer festivals. I guess because the "cities" are smaller than I'm used to, each festival feels more like a small town event. I think Salem Days is still our favorite, but we enjoyed Onion Days as well. Jeff, Dallin and Daniel left early today to catch part of the parade. Jonas and I caught up with them a little later. We walked around the car show (which is a must for us) then headed to the park to enjoy some greasy festival food, booths and rides. Actually, the boys decided not to do the rides because they didn't want to get sick. There have been too many sick moments when they've mixed festival food and rides. Scott, Mel and Kaia met up with us at the park. It was nice to enjoy the afternoon with all of them. On days like this, I'm glad I live in a smaller town.

Getting back to normal...

Life is finally calming down in the Southwick home. Since Jonas's birth, we seem to have been in hyper-drive. The boys (and Amber) went back to school. Laurin finished her summer semester, moved home, and had her farewell. Jeff and Laurin went on their trip. We finished getting Laurin ready for her mission...and now she's on her mission. This has been the first Saturday in a long time that we have actually been at home and able to semi-relax. We spent the morning taking care of the property. The boys mowed the lawn and helped pick weeds from the garden. They then picked some of the ripe produce (e.g., tomatoes, cucumbers, zuchinni, spaghetti squash, peppers) while I picked our blackberries with Jonas. I also made peach freezer jam from a box of peaches that we received from our neighbors. I am actually looking forward to next year's harvest because I'm determined to learn how to do some canning! In any case, the rest of the day was spent lounging around the house and enjoying the start of football season! I love harvest time. I like the fresh produce, even though we're still perfecting our gardening skills. I love autumn. I look forward to all the holidays that are coming between now and the end of the year (not necessarily the snow though). I loved the fact that I was able to enjoy the day with all my boys. Life is good.

Laurin reports to the MTC

Today Laurin reported to the Missionary Training Center! After a busy morning of last minute to-do items, we went to Kneaders for her "last meal" then took a few pictures at the Provo temple before driving across the street to drop her off. I can't believe how quickly this summer has flown by...and I can't believe Laurin is gone for the next 18 months. We are so excited for the adventures that lie ahead for her. We are even more excited for the service she will offer to the people of Kansas. Kansas is truly getting one of the strongest, most dedicated, young women the church has to offer. Laurin has never been one to do things half-way. She is always striving to do her best and to bring out the best in others. She loves the Lord and is ready to share His love with others. I'm certain she will have some rough times and people who won't be receptive to the message she has been sent to share, but I know those moments will strengthen her testimony and her resolve to be a better person. This all still seems surreal. Sometimes I forget she's on her mission because she hasn't lived at home for the past year so I just think she's still at school. I'm sure her absence will be felt with the holidays approaching, but we couldn't imagine a better place for her to be than on a mission. We love you and are so proud of you Laurin!!

Laurin and the boys...Amber had to say a quick bye at BYU and head to class.

And she's off...