Rise and Shout

"...Loyal, strong and true
wear the white and blue."

David and I got to attend the BYU Alumni Chapter Chair training again this year. Although we gave up the "chairship" (is that a word?) in January, the new Chair couldn't go and asked if we'd like to. Of course -- it's the best part of the "job!" (We're still on the board.)
So we flew to SLC on Thursday morning. After meetings and training Thursday afternoon, we got to hear from President/Elder Samuelson at dinner that evening. He is so eloquent and the perfect man for the job. (President of BYU)

Me and Cosmo (And yes, my grandchildren will be jealous.)

On Friday, we got to tour the new BYU Broadcasting Building. It is the most technologically advanced building in the world. (Really.) David was pretty excited to see the place and we even took a picture of him sitting on the same chair that Jimmer did when he visited the set of "True Blue." Our tour guide said that it won't be disclosed how much money was put into that building, but he was told from a reliable source: "Think of a very, very high number and then go north. And then go north again. And again." (And not one penny came from church funds.)
Friday evening we had a tailgate party and Cosmo joined us. Gotta love Cosmo!
Then it was off to the game where we FINALLY PULLED IT OFF AND WON!!!! So exciting!

This was about 30 minutes before the game started. And by the way, David was happy about being there. Happier than the picture shows.
This morning (Saturday), Athletic Director Tom Holmoe spoke to us at breakfast. He talked about athletes, games, coaches, integrity and the Honor Code. What would this world be like if all schools had - and upheld - an honor code? I'm just wondering out loud. Back to Tom. Yup -- he's "Tom" to us. He says everywhere the Cougars go, they have a strong presence at the games and the other athletic directors wonder why. (There have been many times where the BYU fans outnumbered the home team fans. The HOME TEAM for Pete's sake.)
My heart swells with pride for this great university. We are so blessed to have had every member of our family attend BYU. We definitely bleed blue.

"...we'll raise our colors high in the blue
and cheer the Cougars of BYU.
rah rah rah rah rah
goooooooooo COUGARS!"

What we've been up to

David went to Oviedo, Florida (Orlando) for Benjamin's baby blessing. Laura's parents went too.

Nap time. Again.

Quality time with Papa.
Jessica, Benjamin, Chandler

Saturday outing to Cocoa Beach

Michael and Chandler pontificating about the meaning of life.

Maybe life isn't so complicated after all.

Building a sand castle.

Fredricka the Frog. Named by Jessica. Not feared by Papa. Caught by the front door.

I spent a few days in Nashville holding, cuddling, and kissing little Matthew Michael. I was a happy camper. (He'll soon be moving to Phoenix, so at least he'll be closer to us!)

Stake Conference is this weekend, so I did the flowers to reflect the 9/11 Patriots Day holiday.

The above flower arrangement (and its twin) are on each side of the podium, and the ones below are on the outside corners.

We are back to our empty nest. Adam is back in Rexburg for the fall semester.
We had a great summer visiting all of our children and grandchildren. Fremont, CA.
Oviedo, FL. Nashville, TN. They are the light of our lives.