We are a little behind so here are the highlights from the last month. Jenna competed at Gem State for 2 days at the end of March.
I'm always thankful when her coach decides to do all of the girls' hair because she is MUCH better at it than I am.
There is so much hairspray and gel in this that Jenna was able to sleep on it and use it again the next day without a single hair coming lose.
Over spring break we went to S.G. where we got to meet cousin Elliott W. for the first time.
We went hiking and got to hang out with Gramma and Grampa and cousins.
AJ, Britton, Jameson, Adam, Korinne and Jenna on right.
Cousins and games = hours of entertainment
I took the boys to the Children's museum, which was perfect for them.
AJ under the car, Jameson working on the tire.
They played in the water with cousins after finishing at the museum. It wasn't terribly warm, but that didn't stop them from having a great time.
Around 10:30 p.m. the night before we were leaving for home we found out about an accident that happened to one of the members of our ward. Chris Checketts was in a terrible snowmobiling accident and was life-flighted to a hospital in SLC. He was 55 years old and in the prime of his life. His daughter was getting married in 2 weeks and we know the family well. Before we left St. George the next morning we knew he wasn't going to make it. He was on life support and the family was just waiting for family members to arrive before they took him off. We went straight to the hospital on our way home from S. G. I dropped Adam off and then took the kids to my parents house so Adam could spend some time with them. It ended up being one of the most amazing experiences for Adam because about 15 minutes after he arrived at the hospital Elder Gary E. Stevenson, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, also arrived to see the family. Elder Stevenson's son, Craig, just happened to be on the mountain when the accident happened. He heard the police scanners and went to see if he could help. Chris Checketts was with his son Jake at the time of the accident but because of weather and the location of the accident it took emergency crews 4 hours to get him off of the mountain which was just too long for his injuries. Elder Stevenson's son was the one who helped Jake get down the mountain and knowing the scope of the tragedy and their personal connection to this family (both families are long time residents of our beautiful little town of about 6,000) he called his Dad to let him know about it. Elder Stevenson contacted the family and asked them if he could come and see them in the hospital. It was conference weekend, but Elder Stevenson said, "Pick a time between 5 p.m. and midnight and I will be there." True to his word he arrived shortly after Adam around 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5th. He ministered to the grief stricken family members and offered comfort and counsel. Adam was a witness to it all and was able to assist him (along with others in the room) in giving Jake a Priesthood blessing. Chris died the next day which just happened to be his 56th Birthday. As a birthday gift he was able to donate 2 kidneys.
With a wedding just 2 weeks away the family decided to have the funeral as quickly as they could so the 2 events could be as far apart as possible. Adam really had to scramble to schedule multiple buildings (stake center for the funeral, another chapel for the luncheon because of a scheduled blood drive at the Stk Center that afternoon). He worked behind the scenes to resolve the many conflicts and then conducted and spoke at the funeral on Wednesday. There were so many people at the funeral that it looked like Stake Conference in the middle of the week. I think this was Adam's 6th funeral as Bishop. It is a full day for him since he is the one there to open the church for the funeral home in the morning and is there until the last family member leaves the luncheon in the afternoon. This one was especially difficult, but the family was so amazing through it all. Yes, they are devastated, but they have chosen to see the miracles in the midst of tragedy and have truly celebrated Chris's amazing life with love and hope for the future.
In other news Britton ran for Student Body Office at Ridgeline for next year and won his election! At our high school they call it the "Executive Counsel" and they are responsible for a LOT at the high school. He is really excited but will be CRAZY busy next year. This is exactly how Britton likes to roll, however, so it's all good to him.
Last night was Ridgeline's Junior Prom and since Britton is one of the Junior Class Officers Adam and I were asked to chaperone the dance. After we had been at the dance for about an hour we noticed all sorts of parents showing up. They were gathering all around us and we couldn't figure out why they were there so we asked one of them, "Oh, we are here for the Promenade." WHAT?! Britton neglected to tell us there was such a thing. Apparently all of the Juniors are announced by name and walk down the stairs to the clapping and cheering of the crowd. In my high school the Juniors were announced like this and then did a big choreographed dance, but at Ridgeline they just announce the Juniors, name the Prom Royalty and then call it a day. Had we not been chaperoning the dance we would have missed the entire thing. When I asked Britton about it afterwards he simply said, "I can't figure why parents would even want to come so I didn't even think to tell you guys about it." That is typical Britton for you. He is definitely not a sentimental guy.
Britton and his date Sidney walk down the stairs after being announced.
Britton and his date (middle) clapping for other couples.
Jenna also went to Prom. She borrowed a dress from a friend and had everything else she needed so she looked stunning for exactly $0. Nice.
Did you know that they now make boutonnieres with magnetic clips so you no longer have to pin them? Mind blown. No more awkward pinning moments when your date picks you up. Kids have it so easy these days. 😊
Jenna's group
Britton's pictures are coming. . .