Monday, June 16, 2008

Dave & Ben's South African Adventure

On May 31, Ben and I went to Utah to see family and to reunite with Jean-Pierre Oehlerking, one of my old mission companions. Jean-Pierre lives in Margate, South Africa - and his mom just built a house in Draper, Utah. So, as a house-warming party (as well as to celebrate his and his mom's birthdays), Jean-Pierre came to visit the States. He held a South African "braai" (pronounced "bry") which is essentially a BBQ. He invited several former mission companions, missionary couples who served in South Africa, mission presidents who served in South Africa, as well as other friends - all of whom have some tie to South Africa. I took Ben along with me, and we had a great time! Ben loved to hear the South African accents, and enjoyed eating their food (boerewors - a special sausage), and learning about how crazy South Africans can be. I had the time of my life, and have re-committed to getting back to South Africa within the next couple of years! It was fun to reunite with old friends - and it was great to share it all with Ben.

Special thanks to Tami for letting us stay with her. We really enjoyed seeing Katie and Stephen's homes, and visiting with all of them too! What fantastic memories!

The first picture is of Ben and me with Jean-Pierre.



Here is a photo of Ben and me in Jean-Pierre's mom's (Elizabeth's) house.







And here is the braii!









Ben, me and 2 other former mission companion's of Jean-Pierre's.
The two amigos.

San Francisco

We all took a trip to San Francisco on Memorial Day. We had lots of fun, and the weather was gorgeous. We visited an arts/crafts place called Zeum, and then went to Fisherman's Wharf. By the end of the day, Jacob was pretty exhausted - Mission Accomplished!



Sunday, May 18, 2008

Happy Birthday Jake

Jake showing off his "safety first" pose.
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Ben is 12!

Ben turned twelve on May 5. Hard to believe! Grandma and Grandpa Gant, and Grandpa and Bonnie got him a surprise lawn message. Around 11pm on the night before his birthday, a woman came and decorated our front lawn with this message and some balloons. The next morning he went outside and saw this on his way to school. Very cool! And then, as if by magic, the following morning, the message was gone.
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Happy 2nd Birthday Jacob!

Eatin' Birthday Strawberry Shortcake

Happy 2nd Birthday Jake! Please give us a cheesier grin next time!
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Pioneer Trip

Emily went on a field trip to learn about Pioneers. She was able to dress like a pioneer and live for a day the way pioneers lived.
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Tuesday, April 8, 2008

More Karate Pictures!


Getting your black belt is quite an accomplishment! I am soooo proud of these kidos!!!
















Monday, April 7, 2008

Take a Bow!

The final part of the ceremony! Of course, I had to run out of memory at the end!

How big will the trophies be?

Mr. Woodall showing how tall their trophies will be (the trophies were not ready for the ceremony - so they will get those later).
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The New Black Belts!

Here they are!
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After the test

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Worn Out

After the 4 hour test...
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After the Test

The Jr. Black Belt test was 4 hours long, and they were exhausted afterwards!
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A couple of demonstrations

During the ceremony, Mr. Woodall and some assistants demonstrated some of their "moves". Check 'em out:

The Gang

Just before heading off to the Jr. Black Belt test!
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Before the Big Test!

Before the Jr. Black Belt test, we had the 4 kids practice their moves. Here they are, in fine form:

At last - the Ceremony!

Ben, Emily, Abner and Tanner have been taking Karate lessons for 2 years now. On April 5, 2008 they finally tested for their Jr. Black Belts!
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Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Easter 2008

Emily and Brooke at an Easter egg hunt. We got to the hunt too late and all the eggs were gone :(.
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Her First Tooth

Brooke showing off the first tooth that she lost. Great job Brooke!
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