Madison's Farewell

Jorja got to go see Madison at her farewell today. Mike and I left before Jorja did. It was Ebony Liu and Annie Okerlund's farewell too. Sad that they were at the same time as Madison's. Maysen and Preston watched from home. Preston feels pretty sick. His head has been really hurting him. He felt awful yesterday too. I know it is a reaction from the vaccine. Hopefully he will feel better tomorrow. Jorja was back in bed by the time we got home from church. That surprised me. She doesn't feel well either. She actually ended up sleeping over tonight. Even though Jorja slept most of the time she was here, it was great to see her! I love her so much!

Jorja & Madison

Mike and Maysen took a little trip up to Salt Lake. Maysen drove while they found the best route for her new job tomorrow. I am so excited for Maysen and this new adventure!

Jordan River

Mike and I went to Salt Lake early this morning to drop off the Pilot. They put a hitch on it that will hopefully tow the boat. Steve is skeptical. Mike and Steve decided to do a test run with the boat next week. That way Steve will be there to help Mike if he needs it. I'm not sure if Steve is going to tow the boat or Mike. I know he told Mike that if it feels like he is towing jet skis then he would probably be okay.

Jorja is watching Madison's dogs for a few days. They gave her their garage opener to get in the house. I went with Jorja this morning. We got in the garage, but the door to inside the house was locked. That was a bit stressful. Madison's brother is staying in their basement with his girlfriend and their baby. We had to go through the basement door, say an awkward hi and head upstairs. Jorja spent a lot of time with the dogs trying to make sure they ate. There are three of them. We took them on a short walk as well.

Around noon we headed up to Steve and Shannon's. We were in swimsuits covered in sunscreen. We drove to one of their friends house. The Jordan River is right in their backyard. Just like it is right in Steve and Shannon's backyard. Steve and Shannon had twelve tubes for us to float on. We put the tubes in and the plan was to get out at their house. It was fun, but pretty slow. Also thorny. Steve, Brandon, Jorja and Preston all had their tubes pop. Preston floated down with Mike. Jorja floated with her life vest. Weston and I got separated from the rest. It was fun to float with him. He told me stories about getting lost hiking last week. Search and rescue had to be called. Weston was able to make it down the mountain, but the helicopter had to go get four of them. One of them was in really bad shape, but is okay now. Weston and I finished first. It took about three hours, I think. We didn't get out in their backyard, but a little bit away and walked. We put up our tubes. I washed off my feet and changed into clothes. Then I decided to wear Jorja's shoes and go back to look for the others. I had left my phone in the house but knew Mike and Jorja had theirs. I was using Find My Friends to try and find them. Steve saw me looking for them and pointed out where they were. They were getting out right then. Jorja was glad to have her shoes. She had been wearing mine, but Maysen had them now. Mike asked how Maysen was doing. I told him I hadn't seen her. That was the first clue something was wrong. Turns out Maysen and Anna (Smith's cousin on Shannon's side of the family) had missed the pull out spot. They were together and both were unfamiliar with where to get out. Mike and Steve jumped in a truck to go look for them. Weston took off on his bike. Weston found them. They were at about 114th. When Maysen came back she said that they were trying to figure out if they should get out. Maysen told Anna, "My mom will be waiting for me. She wouldn't let me float past." So, that was a good mom moment there. I don't know why I assumed that she was with someone who would know when to get out. At least I hurried back there to look for them. 

After the exhausting and fun day on the river, we had a barbecue. Jacob had done all the grilling while Mike and Steve were looking for the girls. That was nice. We were supposed to bring brownies and completely forgot. Doing great today!

Jorja and Weston

Preston and Jorja

We have left Bear home alone two times. Both were to go to Steve and Shannon's house. This was by far the longest time. He was soooo happy to see everybody when we got home. Everyone got sunburned way bad except Jorja. Probably because she had a bad sunburn a few months ago. We decided to have a relaxing fourth. We didn't go anywhere for fireworks. We also didn't want Bear to be alone, because he gets scared when he hears them. Jorja wanted to go out with her friends. She headed out to meet Kate somewhere. They met up with other friends. Listened to Janelle's brother's band play a concert, saw fireworks at a lookout point and a few other stuff I can't remember. I know she met up with Allison and Hailey. I think she met with Ben and his friends too. Anyway, she had a great time and got home at midnight. I found these pictures on her phone. I am NOT a fan of the first picture though.

Jorja

Jorja & Kate

Allison, Hailey, Kate, Jorja

When Jorja got home she came and found me and said, "I forgot to put away Madison's dogs!" Her plan was to go after the concert, which was the first thing she did that night. So, she headed over there at midnight. There was one accident she had to clean up, but she was able to make sure they were all okay. Glad the door wasn't locked this time!

Pictures and Drive-In

Jorja woke up early this morning to go with Madison to take pictures. Madison had asked Jorja if she would take her graduation pictures for her. Jorja was surprised, but happy. She got some cute pictures and they had a lot of fun.

Jorja

 This was my favorite of Madison

 Madison and Jorja

Jorja worked, but didn't close. She and Riley wanted to go to a drive in movie. By themselves. I didn't feel comfortable with this. I talked to Jorja for a long time about it. She ended up promising me she wouldn't kiss him in order to be able to go. I told her that I was not saying she could never kiss him, just this situation makes me uncomfortable. So... Riley picked her up and they got pizza and went to see Knives Out at the drive in. This is the only picture Jorja had.

Jorja

Mike and I decided to watch Knives Out at home while Jorja was gone. Jorja texted me on her way home. This was our conversation....

Jorja: Can I pretty please kiss him if it's just a quick peck at the doorstep? He's going to lake powell for 10 days apparently

Me: Is that something you really want to do?

J: Yes

J: It'll be at doorstep

J: Aka no make out

J: You can watch if you want

M: Hahahaha It is up to you. Make good choices. Love you!

J: Yayyy

J: I love you so much

J: Don't make out with dad

M: Dad asks why

M: Also, if he drives to a makeup spot DO NOT KISS HIM

J: Sorry can't text rn we're making out

J: At a makeout spot

M: Fine

M: We will be on the porch ready to watch your smooch

J: No don't take it back

J: Noooo

J: Noooo

J: It's called a joke

J: Plz don't

M: Dad wants to make signs. Like at diving. We can score

J: Nooooo

J: Just keep watching your movie

J: Sorry I'm just so incredibly hilarious

M: You must get that from your mom

J: True

Anyway, that girl cracks me up. I asked her if she and Riley were out of the friend zone now. She said they are at an in-between place. They like each other, but don't want to date each other. Really they are both just worried about ruining their friendship if they get serious. Anyway, love that Porge of mine!

Brandon's Home!

Jorja got up early again this morning to go on a hike with Madison. She works with her almost every day, so she is one of the few people Jorja is allowed to hang out with. The two of them had a great time.

Madison & Jorja

Mike took the day off of work. He has been working longer hours now that he works from home. When he drove to work, he had to get home before dark because his headlights don't work right now. Here, he gets carried away and it is 9:00 at night before he realizes it. So, today he took an official day off and spent it filling the dumpster. We got rid of lots of stuff. Even fun stuff like the basketball hoop and the air hockey table. Preston's room looks so big now! It's great! I started going through our filing cabinet and throwing away things we don't need. The bonus was I found some fun gems. Like Grandma Honey's Furby trick list. She LOVED those Furbies. It was adorable. This will take me several days to get through. Hopefully I find some more fun stuff. I did send my brothers a copy of a letter John wrote his first week in the MTC. It was funny.

Brandon came home from his mission today. His 24 months would have been up on July 24, but because of corona, they are sending lots of missionaries home early. His mission was changed to 21 months. We drove by his house and waved to him. I didn't get a picture though. We then went to Chick-Fil-A to see Jorja in her new mask. They had to start wearing them today. Jorja is not a fan.

Jorja

Bear on a bear rug

 Preston and Bear

Jorja's Top Ten

Jorja posted her first video for her SBO campaign. The top ten reasons why people should vote for her. She is so funny.

Today is my brother John's birthday! Woohoo! It is also Madison's birthday. She is one of Jorja's best friends. Jorja and I went to the store this morning to get some things I needed and a few yellow things for Madison. Jorja wanted to make her a yellow box. We went to Harmon's and they are awesome there. I stopped at the Harmon's gas station. The guy yelled not to worry, that they spray everything down after every customer. He then brought me gloves I could put on to pump the gas. Once I started everything he asked if I would get in the car and he could finish up. He said that he had to spray everything down anyway, so why not. I got in the car and he washed my window while he was waiting. Jorja and I went through the self checkout lane at Harmon's. Again, they sprayed everything down after every customer. Loved it.

We let Madison come over. I figure they have already been in close contact with each other. They worked five hours together in the drive through and were within a few feet of each other. It was good for Madison to get out of the house too. She has kind of a chaotic situation going on around there right now. Nothing bad, sometimes it is just nice to have a change of scenery.

Jorja with Madison's yellow box

My nephew Jacob got his mission call today! We watched it on Instagram live. He has been called to the Colombia Cali mission and is going to the Colombia MTC July 16th. It will be interesting to see if the world is back to normal then. I hope so, because this sounds like a perfect mission call for Jacob!

Sleeping Jeff

My nephew Spencer is in town from Boston. He married a beautiful girl with a Chinese name that I have no idea how to spell. This is the first time he has been in town since he got married about two years ago. Anyway, Mike and I drove two cars to Steve and Shannon's house to say hello. Man is Spencer's wife pretty! She has one more semester left before she gets her doctorate in Chinese Literature. I wish I had brought Jorja and Preston with me! Anyway, she was super nice and I was happy I was able to meet her and see Spencer. I can't believe I forgot to get a picture though! I didn't stay long because Brett and his family came back from Idaho today. I was able to get home before they got here. Matt and his family came up to see them. Brett and Rachel are leaving early tomorrow to drive back to Ohio. We played Jackbox games with them most of the night. It was super fun, especially for the kids. Marie, Mina and Anne all played with the grownups. Jeff was super tired and fell asleep in the middle of all the chaos. He slept the entire time, even with multiple people bumping into him. Poor little guys have had a rough few months!

Jeff

 Grace & Anne

Madison came over and made a cake with Jorja. It smelled soooo good! Eve was quite impressed! Too bad they finished the cake after all the girls were in bed! These pictures of Eve watching the cake are too cute! Just ignore the messy kitchen. Things were quite chaotic, but we survived and the kitchen is now beautiful as I type this. Haha.

Jorja, Madison & Eve

 Look at Eve! Isn't she the cutest?

Eve kept crinkling up her nose sniffing the cake. It smelled so good! She really wanted a piece, but didn't complain at all when she didn't get one. Sure going to miss these little girls! Wish they lived close by!

Jorja & Eve (and Madison)

 Jorja and Marie (and Mina)

 Jorja and Mina

 Jorja and Brett

We stayed up past midnight, but didn't stay up until 2:00 playing Dominion. It was tempting though, but we decided we didn't want Brett to crash on the way home tomorrow. Long days of driving ahead for him! So glad they were able to come!

Jorja's 17th Birthday

Today was a crazy long day. It was super fun though, especially for Jorja. We started the day with a pancake bar. Except Mike took Maysen to get snow tires on her car, which left me with *gasp* cooking! Were they the best cookies? No, but I think that is what I like about them. Anyway, this was my favorite picture from the night. She looks so happy!

Jorja

 Jorja's pumpkin got moldy for some reason

 So gross!

 Blurry, but the best picture I got with her

Stephanie & Jorja

So many people came it was crazy! People were here for several hours and Jorja loved every second.

 Singing 'Happy Birthday' to Jorja with her birthday pancake

 Chick-Fil-A friends hiding for some unknown reason

Sam, Carson, Chloee, Brynlee, Jorja, Ben & Cam, Spencer

 Chloee, Spencer, Johnny, Gage, Seurette, Kelsey, Jorja, Aysha, Annie, Jordan, Autumn, Jake, Emily

Brynlee, Joe, Dallin, Elle, Sam, Sam, Ben, Cam, Carson

 Autumn, Aysha, Jorja, Kelsey

 Seurette & Jorja

 Elle & Jorja

 Jake & Jorja

 Sam was our photographer because I did a horrible job

 Dallin, Annie

Joe, Sam, Gage, Jordan

 Sam & Jorja

 Sam, Gage, Jorja

 Joe & Jorja

 Jorja & Annie

 Dallin & Jorja

 Emily & Jorja

 Gage & Jorja

 Johnny & Jorja

 Jordan & Jorja

 Sam & Jorja

 Jordan & Gage

 Chick-Fil-A Sam & Jorda

 Bode & Jorja

 As pretty as the tree is, the pictures turned out way better against the wall

 Jorja thinks Bode's muscle in this picture is so funny

 Carson, Cam, Jorja, Ben, Chloee, Brynlee, Spencer

 Jorja & Carson

 Brynlee, Spencer, Ben, Cam

Randomly Ben started acting like a missionary to Cam. It was awkward and hilarious at the same time.

 Cam & Jorja

Once everyone left it was time for the Halloween dance date. The day activity was painting pumpkins. Mike and Maysen had bought small fake pumpkins for them to paint. The boy painted one for the girl to keep and the girl painted one for the boy to keep. They seemed to have a great time with this.

Jack & Madison, Jorja & Spencer, Brynlee & Ben, Gage & Chloee

 Jorja & Spencer

 Jack & Madison

 Brynlee & Ben

 Gage & Chloee

 Spencer & Jorja

The boys were dropped off while the girls got ready for the dance at our house. The boys dressed as cops and the girls dressed as robbers. They took their pictures at a local pumpkin patch. Shockingly Jorja was adorable.

Jorja

 Spencer & Jorja

 Chloee, Madison, Brynlee, Jorja

 Gage, Spencer, Ben, Jack

 Chloee & Gage, Brynlee & Ben, Jorja & Spencer, Madison & Jack

 Jorja & Spencer

 Jorja

 Spencer & Jorja

 Gage & Chloee, Brynlee & Ben, Jorja & Spencer, Madison & Jack

 Jorja & Spencer

 Heads

 More heads

Jorja had a lot of fun at the dance, despite being knocked over and stepped on. That seems to happen every dance. After the dance they went to Madison's house. Mike and I brought up Jorja's birthday cake for them. Mike was supposed to set up the Jackbox games, but they were kind of tired and sleepy. They never played that. Jorja had more energy than others somehow and had a mini 'fight night' with Ben. All in all, the Halloween dance seemed to be a success.

The other thing that happened today was Game 4 of the World Series. Too bad the Rats lost again, and it wasn't even close. This is the game Mike flew out from New Mexico for. Mike texted this picture and said, "View from John's seat" ... WHAT? John was at the game? Mike said it was a long story, but he ended up with an extra ticket and wasn't able to sell it for what it was worth. So, instead of selling it he called up John! John lives about two hours from the stadium. Wow. Imagine getting a call asking if you want to go to the World Series, and then these are your seats! Mike was about 19 rows behind him. Too bad the game wasn't more exciting!

View from John's seat

 John & Mike

 Mike took this picture from his seat. John is standing up in the red hoodie. Amazing!

 Mike and 'Mattress Mack'

Mike randomly met the biggest Astros fan. He bet millions for the Astros to win.

Another birthday in the books. Jorja wasn't super excited to have a dance on her birthday, but I think it turned out okay. She ended up having a lot of fun. She was just more stressed during the planning stage because since the dance was on her birthday she wanted everything to be perfect. She got home right around midnight. She was tired, but very happy.