Danny's Baptism

On Saturday, our eight-year-old nephew Danny was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His father, Steve, performed the ordinance and also after that confirmed Danny a member of the Church.

It was a lovely service, held at Steve's and Summer's stake center in North Salt Lake. Danny's a great kid, and we are proud of his decision to take the plunge ... so to speak.

Arbuckle Family Dinner/September 2023

On Sunday, JB and I gathered with the in-laws for monthly family dinner at Jeremy's and Alice's home in Centerville. The weather was perfect for spending a September evening outdoors. I was grateful to just be able to attend one of these dinners for the first time in a while, since I missed the previous month due to illness and to being up at Bear Lake the month before that.

The menu's main dishes included Dutch oven meatloaf and mixed vegetables. We also enjoyed watermelon and veggies. JB provided dessert, which was both a birthday cake and peach crumble for birthday boy Tatum, now 10 years old (!):

Our missionary, Sister Arbuckle, has been out in the field for a year now! It all goes by so fast. He will soon be joined by her brother Spencer, who submitted his paperwork earlier that day.

Plowman Family Dinner/August 2023

Last weekend, we gathered for monthly family dinner at Ben's and Adi's home in Centerville. The weather was warm but not too hot, and therefore it was a lovely summer evening to spend outside together. Hot dogs, salad, fruit, and chips were on the menu.

Eight-year-old Danny is our only August birthday (at least for now). We celebrated his birthday with a cake and also had another grueling match of "Pass the Parcel" for him and the other niblings.

Tetherball and jumping on the trampoline (pictured here) were among the many activities enjoyed by the kids. Fortunately, Dallin went rather easy on five-year-old Tanner (below).

Improvables: Megan's Tribute Show

Still reeling from the loss of our dear friend and troupe co-owner Megan, we nevertheless marched forward and put on a tribute show/fundraiser for her daughter, Roxie, on Friday night at the Bountiful Davis Art Center. As they say in show biz, the show must go on. We feel that Megan would've wanted us to put on a funny show even amidst the tears that were collectively shed, and that is what happened.

We shattered out previous attendance record with more than 100 attendees in chairs. Among those present were several of Megan's family members, former students, and other acquaintances. Together, we were able to raise over $1,500, which is also by far our best fundraiser ever.

The show itself included appearances by several improvisers past and present, under the direction of co-MCs Erica and Ricky. Some of my favorite moments included this scene set in a bowling alley/shooting range in "Sing It":

... along with Richard's "Advice Panel" character Shy Jerome:

There were hearty chuckles all around, just like Megan would've wanted there to be. Her departure leaves a large hole in our troupe that will be difficult to fill.

Goodbye, Megan

This past weekend, JB and I, along with the Improvables troupe, lost our dear friend Megan. It doesn't make sense. I don't know if it ever will. We are grieving but are also grateful.

Grateful to have been her friend. Grateful to have shared the stage with her for over a decade and to have seen her unique brilliance in action. Grateful to have known the genuine, selfless person she is off stage. Grateful to have visited a number of her classrooms to help teach her improv workshops and to see how her students love her and thrive with her teaching. Grateful she helped JB and me to take on troupe ownership as we brought Improvables back after a lengthy pandemic hiatus. Grateful for many late-night meals after shows and shared karaoke nights and birthday parties (our birthdays being only three days apart; Libras rule!). Grateful to have gotten to know her family, including stepkids and especially Tiny Human, whom we love like one of our own nieces.

We love you, and we miss you.

Plowman Family Dinner/July 2023

On Sunday, July 23, we gathered for monthly family dinner at Biz's and Jeff's home in West Bountiful. We had a summertime BBQ menu, with hamburgers and hot dogs, fruit salad, and chips. JB provided the desserts (Sunday Chocolate Pie and Rice Krispie treats). We were without both Mom and Dave, who stayed home sick at their respective residences.

Keeping everyone entertained was 10-month-old Sam, who is now "crawling" across the ground by scooting himself forward with his legs while laying on his back. Here, Jana (Queenie) and Graham helped him to walk a few steps.

Janae's & Jeff's Wedding

A few weeks ago, we had the blessing of attending Jana's friend Janae's temple sealing to her new husband, Jeff. It was our first opportunity to attend a sealing for the living since our own 5+ years ago, and it happened to take place at the same temple (Bountiful).

An added bonus was that the sealer for this ordinance was my dad's friend, Lonnie Gleed, whom I had not seen for a number of years.