There is something fulfilling and rewarding about hitting the open road. It calls to me regularly, even if I've just recently returned from an adventure, and sometimes sooner than my husband would like. But it calls nonetheless. Some would call it wanderlust. But I do crave it and I do enjoy it! Monday, I headed down to Salt Lake City with Benson and Kylie. We left just before 5 p.m. because Kylie had to work, but we made really good time, arriving at 7:45 p.m. to our hotel near the airport. Jacob and Hannah drove up to meet us for dinner, which ended up being some takeout being devoured in our hotel room together. We visited for a while, with Jacob asking several questions about milestones in his childhood for a research project in his BYU class. We took some pictures before giving hugs and saying goodbyes. I successfully delivered Benson and Kylie to the SLC Airport Tuesday morning, with Benson flying out shortly thereafter and Kylie taking a shuttle back up to Idaho...

Tomorrow begins the next chapter of this year long deployment (a.k.a. an opportunity for me to grow and to be strengthened). As I set out on this 7-month long journey, I am both excited and nervous, eager and apprehensive. I am excited and eager for adventure, for the open road, to see new places, to immerse in new cultures, to discover new things about my ancestors and to connect with them as I stand where they once stood. I am nervous and apprehensive about not knowing everything in advance, hoping that I don't end up with a flat tire out in the middle of nowhere, the feeling that I'm running out of time to research and prepare all the details for each leg of the journey, and getting antsy as I pack and hoping that I don't forget anything crucial. I found some time yesterday to attend the temple one last time before I leave. I got up early in the morning and drove across town to the beautiful House of the Lord. The temperature showed a mere 7 degrees outside. I c...

A lot has happened during the past week! Benson traveled all the way home from Aviano, Italy for Christmas (with a surprise in store for Kylie at the airport); we spent a wonderful Christmas together with half of our family here in town; and then we had a WEDDING. My beautiful little granddaughters down in Texas are shown here - all ready for Christmas! I can't wait to see them in 2 weeks! I took Kylie down to Salt Lake City with me on Tuesday, Christmas Eve with plans to pick up Benson from the airport that evening. We drove down extra early so we could spend time at Temple Square and pay a visit to the #lighttheworld vending machines. I've always wanted to do that, so this was a perfect opportunity! When we arrived at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and went inside, we expected a long line for the vending machines, but there were only about 5 people in front of us. A missionary handed us a large laminated card with purchasing options on both sides, so I hurried ...