Weekend One: a visit from Joey and Elise Crane where we got to show them the great city of Sacramento including a tour of the capital, a gallery stroll, amazing sushi, and the movie Food Inc.
Weekend Two: a quick road trip with Mom and Dad Pettersen to Oregon for Jesse and Amanda Carlisle's wedding. We stayed with the Harris' who lived in our Stake before they moved and they really spoiled us.
Weekend Three: a jam-packed trip to the Bay Area including Julie Nelson's wedding reception, Pettersen family pictures at the Picture People, Grandma Ardie's 80th birthday celebration, and Ashilene Rieta's baby blessing.
Weekend Four: the first Ribeira Reunion at a cabin in Twain Harte including a hike at Pinecrest, rootbeer tasting (I guess A&W is my favorite, Henry Weinhart is Ryan's, and Stuarts is our runner up), lots and lots of games (I was introduced to the Bean game...love it!), and a surprise for Randy and Jill: we made them a scrapbook highlighting events from their 30 years of marriage and wrote them letters.
We are so grateful for our families and that in one month we got to spend time with our entire immediate family on both sides, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, great-grandparents, and great- aunts and uncles on the Miller side. At Grandma Ardie's 80th celebration I saw very clearly that life is really all about family. Grandma Ardie is such a great example to all of us. She has lived a life of service to her family, to her church, and to her community. Rather than judging people she looks for the good in everyone and loves them with a heart wide open. It was wonderful to be able to honor her for the impact she has made on all of us. We are all better people for knowing Ardath Miller. Here's a slide show of pictures from that wonderful day.
The Ribeira Reunion also reminded us of the importance of family. Randy and Jill have been married 30 years and have six amazing children (plus two new daughters and a grandson.) I have learned so much from them. No matter what trials are before them, they trust in the Lord and they don't complain. Enjoy some photos of our time with the Ribeira clan in Twain Harte.
Yes, we have been very blessed. It's been a great month! It's been a great life, really. Many thanks to all of you who have shaped our lives for the better.
