Arbuckle Family Dinner/July 2021

On July 11, we congregated in Grantsville for monthly family dinner with the in-laws. We were missing a few people, including five of our seven niblings on that side of the family. But wherever family members are, there is always a good time.

Our menu on this afternoon included summertime goodies like corn on the cob and ribs. Our crafty little puppy, Leia, nearly wrestled one of my ribs away from me when I accidentally dropped it on the ground (Five-Second Rule and all that).

Seven-year-old Tatum was anxious to show off this Wall-E costume he built for himself with a little ingenuity and a couple of cardboard boxes:

Rise of the Fun Uncle

I shared a post here last week about one of our recent family dinners. One of the pictures showed my oldest niece, now age 23, playing with one of my younger nephews. I sent a copy of this photo to her and told her that I've observed how good she is with her little cousins and how much they look up to her. In return I got this reply:

"I love them (these kids). You were the same way with me! I remember having so much fun with you and Biz." (Yes, this post is also for you, sis.)

This was just about the best compliment I've ever received (wipes away tear). If these are the kinds of memories I can leave with my nieces and nephews, then hopefully I'm doing something right.

Almost as important, I can also leave them a large collection of Star Wars DVDs and LEGO video games in mostly-good condition.

Independence Day 2021

We observed this year's Independence Day over the course of a few nights this past weekend. Due to state restrictions and guidelines—we are, in fact, in the middle of a severe drought—we did not shoot off any fireworks. I cried for, like, three seconds about this, but somehow I got over it.

Anyhow, we did get together as a family, and we did barbecue and such, which is one of the truly great things about living in America. Mike and Jana brought one of the desserts, which was a twist on the usual American flag dessert cake:

I guess this is how you celebrate the 4th when you have a British mom!

It was so hot out that Sadie celebrated with just a diaper on:

Plowman Family Dinner/June 2021

For the first time, we met for monthly family dinner at Steve's and Summer's new home in North Salt Lake. It's just a few blocks away from their previous home, so it turns out that they are still members of the same LDS ward.

Tacos and nachos were on the menu. We provided the dessert; it being the summer, we brought popsicles and ice cream bars.

I love watching these kids have "Cousin Time" and seeing how well they get along together and enjoy each other's company.

Our Dinner with the Del Carpios 2021

Our good friends, Janett and (Elder) Fernando Del Carpio, were in town from Peru for a visit a few weeks ago. We were able to meet with them June 20 while they were staying with some friends in Kaysville.

Janett is one of the daughters of my mission president and his wife, Carlos and Maria Cuba. The day of our meeting happened to fall on Fathers Day—Janett's first since her father's passing last summer—and it was, quite understandably, a very emotional time for her. Having also lost her mother a few months ago, I'm sure, added to the difficulty.

Nevertheless, Janett spoke with great faith about these losses, even mentioning that her sister had related a dream she had about Pdte. Cuba being dressed all in white and running off because he was so busy and had so many things to do in the spirit world. This thought brough me great comfort, as well.

Though I had to do a lot of Spanish-to-English translation for JB's sake, there was very little if anything lost in translation. JB and Janett have become good friends in the short time they've known each other, and we are grateful for our relationship with the Del Carpio family.