A visit to Brigham Young University--our alma mater

On a cold November weekend, Brad and I flew to Provo, Utah to visit our son Brandon, attend the temple with him for the FIRST time, and hear him play with the BYU Cougar Marching Band.  It was a magical fall weekend with beautiful Wasatch front sundowns and brightly colored fall leaves still clinging to trees. 

 The band practices in this empty parking lot with the picturesque mountains in the background.

 A rare look at Brandon with his trumpet in hand!

Appearing in front of the Provo, Utah Temple, Brandon has prepared himself and is ready to learn more concerning our faith and commit to serve during his 2-year-mission. He will be working with the spanish-speaking people living in Utah Valley--point of the mountain to Spanish Fork, Utah.  He will spend 2 months in the Provo, Utah Mission Training Center where he will study and learn Spanish and other important materials used during teaching people interested in learning more about the LDS church.

We are very happy that Brandon has chosen to take this step. So many of his Kansas City youth group friends are also serving in various parts of the country and even international missions.

The sacrifice required to participate in this experience may seem daunting (putting off college completion, funding the entire mission on your own, giving up relationships with family and friends, not getting any monetary compensation, etc) however, we have seen hundreds of young men serving LDS church missions of this age group grow in emotional, spiritual, and physical stature and put themselves far ahead of their peers who may still wonder about their life's goals and direction.

Brandon will be surrounded by exemplary mentors, both adults and other men his age, who support and encourage him in succeeding in blessing the lives of others during his 2-year committment. We look forward to supporting him in this selfless endeavor and only wish him the very best.

 Rob and Kathy Naylor, Joel and Kristin Bishop and Grandma and Grandpa Bishop attended the ceremony with us. We enjoyed a delightful dinner and conversation after the event.

Uncle Joel--always offering his BEST FACE!

--Rise and Shout--

the Cougars are out!!!!!!

Watching Brandon march with the marching band was another highlight of our weekend!  

He appears here with some of his fellow trumpet players.

Performing the Pre-game show

It has been almost 22 years since we have attended a home game at the Lavell Edwards Stadium in Provo. Even though the weather was cold, we made the best of a beautiful night. We were 12 rows from the field and in the South end zone. Not a bad view of the winning BYU Cougars.

Because it was just Brad and I, we decided to be a little CRAZY and attend a BYU basketball game after the 7:30 PM end of the football game. The 8 PM start time for the basketball game in the Marriott Center was a perfect end to a fabulous weekend together.

I will be posting video of the Cougar Marching Band soon!  Check back soon!

Sounds from the stand

During the 4th quarter of a BYU football game vs. New Mexico, I recorded some sounds that the band played while watching the game. I have included the clips in this album.

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Hunter football 2009

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Another REASON to enjoy the SEASON

Temperatures in the 70's at the end of August is so very RARE for our area, however, we are thrilled to enjoy outside activities in our JEANS.

Brandon and Hunter are diving right into school activity. Hunter is playing FRESHMAN Football (#90) and has to dress in his jersey and kaki's every Friday. Luckily, he can wear Brandon's Kaki's as I don't think I could muster another trip to OLD NAVY for pants for another boy! Unbelievably, the boys are the SAME size now! Hunter is also participating in marching band. This week, we attended their first performance of the season for BVN Mustang Stampede--a showcase of FAll sports and activities.

Both boys are attending Leanne Hansen's early-morning seminary so their day begins at 5:15 AM and ends at 6 PM for Hunter--followed by homework!

Brandon continues to work at Chick Fil A and often goes in after school. Here he is leading the BVN band in their 2009 Marching Show. Dr. Roberts is a fantastic director and mentor for him.

BVN Homecoming Spectacular

October 2, our family enjoyed a fun night of free food and entertainment as the high school celebrated homecoming week. The highlights of the night were introducing all the team sports, the LARGE bonfire, and the 15 minute traditional fireworks show. Brandon played his trumpet during the ceremony and Jessica loved dancing on the stage with another toddler.

Of course, we were anxious to get home to view the Gov. Palin and Senator Biden debate. Thank goodness for DVR!  I love that technology!!

FALCONS WIN!!!!!!!

This has been a great week for Hunter as his team won their FIRST football game, he tackled his first player, AND he got CONTACTS!!!!!

After breaking his glasses in half, an emergency visit to the optometrist revealed Hunter's eyes had worsened by 2 prescriptions since last year! At the rate of change, the doctor predicted that he would be at a negative 6 by college!! The expert also diagnosed Hunter with progressive myopia-ever heard of that! He must of done an adequate sales job because by the time we walked out the door, Hunter was wearing monthly contacts. Hunter had NO problem wearing them and has experienced no side effects that some new lens wearers do. It also makes wearing his helmet and seeing his opponent a lot easier with VISION!

#58-OTMS Falcons

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