Mexican Riviera March 31st - April 6, 2025
March, Till the End, 2025
Oahu and Kauai March 1st-9th, 2025
Graham wanted to get in one more trip to Kauai before his mission. The plans for taking one of his buddies didn't pan out, so I said to Matt, "You should go with him." It didn't take much arm-twisting! It made me feel better that Graham wasn't alone. Mallerie flew to Oahu to meet up with them for a few days. They stayed at the Ko Olina, Graham's favorite!
He wanted to pack lightly, but on the way to the airport, I handed him the Spain flag and suggested he get mission pictures at the beach. He stuffed it in his pack and was glad to have it.
They had to redo the first photo shoot since the flag was upside down!
He wanted to skydive ON his 18th Birthday, March 2nd, since 18 is the youngest you can go.
(Which means I won't be with him for his 18th, 19th, or 20th!)
Loved it.
Mallerie has been before but was happy to go again! Matt figured since he was there, he'd do it too.
Oh, gosh.
I kept checking my phone to see if I could tell when they were in the air. I think it captured it! My palms were a sweaty mess.
It went well for two of the three of them. You can probably guess who had a rocky experience...
Though I had repeatedly said that he had no business doing such a thing, Matt said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, he was getting so short of breath the higher the plane climbed, he wondered if he'd pass out. He wondered how long the fall was and figured they could revive him—that he wouldn't be too long without oxygen. Geesh! Then his legs went numb because the straps were so tight. He had to roll around till he could move them. Oh my. I don't think I could have handled witnessing any of that!
On land, they managed to have a jolly time the rest of the trip and even got in a visit to Grandma. Matt flew home, and Graham continued on to Kauai to stay with Mal and Gav till the 10th. The Christmas dress that I got for Ava didn't work out, so I had Matt bring it to Mal. They both look dapper!
March 6, 2025
Back to the State Capitol with the Teen Clubs!
Church bumps and bruises
This rock was situated like this:
Didn't even know it was there until I heard a crunch. Placed so badly! As a result, we had car repairs and hassle. As I headed into to teach at a ward conference, I had a pit in my stomach knowing that was ahead of me. But the good news is, the rock got moved, so at least no one else has to deal with all a dat.
March 10, 2025
We celebrated Graham's birthday when he returned with tales of the islands.
The gifts were mainly stuff for the mission, which made it easy for me!
Next up...
Provo City Center Temple, March 11, 2025
Graham feels a kinship with the Provo Center Temple. He chose to open his call on the grounds...nearly six months ago. This mission has been a long time coming! It was so special to be there with him.
Being smack-dab in the middle of a workday, I was surprised so many could make it.
My mom's hearing has all but gone out on her. We are hoping and praying this isn't a permanent thing after the infection clears up. We were gathering outside when my dad asked where she was. I hurried inside and saw a worker walking down the hall with her. I took it from there. She managed to say that she didn't know where to go. She was a good sport to come along and smile.
Already looking like a missionary, that Graham.
Magleby's
Other prep included suit-shopping at Mr. Mac. Sam helped with Gray, and Sam helped Graham. He's like our personal shopper now—he knows his stuff. Since it takes about two weeks to hem pants, we were pushing it by shopping
on the 18th, since he wanted it for his farewell on March 23rd. Sam got it done!
Ava found herself a denim tuxedo, and I found yet another cheetah print cardi! Never enough!
I was feeling grateful after fish-tailing in the canyon on the way to the mall. It was raining, and my cheetah instincts were going. Very blessed!
St. Patty's
Ava threw a friend's party, something about charms, anyway, she took my decorations for it. For the first time in forever, the leprechauns were scattered around her house instead of ours. Nostalgia.
2025 WHS Lacrosse Season
Callie decided to forego spring track and give lacrosse a try. The coach convinced her that endurance is the toughest part, and since she has that part down, she can learn the rest. That made two of them learning something new. Matt joined the coaching staff!
The view of Timp from the field was dreamy.
The weekend went like this:
And I lost my cheetah cardi.
Callie's Spring Violin Concert
Since Callie takes private violin lessons, I was pleasantly surprised that there would still be a spring recital. Most of the students are quite a bit younger, so Callie was like Kramer at Karaté, she blew everyone of the water! She played a beautiful duet with her teacher, "How Great Thou Art." I didn't know you could film upside down on your phone. I do now!
Matt had driven to return the rental car and was going to walk home when I texted him about the recital at the Assisted Living Center. It wasn't a far walk from where he was. Then Graham joined us as well. He helped me figure out what the strings on the ceiling were. I had been staring at them the whole time.
Callie ran for Jr Rep., and she filled in for one of our speakers at Parent Education Night at the high school. She is in my corner!
Let's Ride!
In addition to throwing his hat into the lacrosse ring, Matt pulled the trigger and bought a bike! Ever since he picked up the motorcycle for Cade, who bought from someone locally, he's had his eye on one.
He let Graham take it for a spin. It is a lot of bike, much too big for Graham, but at least he got a feel for it. This was done, of course, while I was out of the country.
And that brings us to the party send-off of Graham's mission prep, which seems to keep having one.more.step.
Graham's Farewell
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Knowing what a busy March he had ahead of him, Graham had his talk written well in advance. He sent it to me to proofread and give suggestions. I love the thought and care he put into it and will treasure his words and testimony always. That day was a double farewell, so he was speaking to quite a crowd. I had picked my seat in plenty of time, but then three youth speakers came up to the stand, so Graham switched sides, and then I did, but by then, the row was jam-packed. I couldn't even lean back all the way. I didn't want to listen to the talk that way! After the sacrament, I moved up a row. I had front row Joe all to myself. Gray Facetimed for the out-of-towners. He was poised and ready and did such a great job.
I had been somewhat distracted that week, but managed to put together a craft-type activity for my primary class in which they would glue jewels onto a paper crown. Except when I got to that part of the lesson, I realized I had left the crowns at home! When I came out of teaching my primary class and was heading to the cultural hall, I could hear the teens as they passed by, "I am starving, I need foooood." I gulped. That's on me! Ava and Grayson were en route, already bringing the platters. No matter how many times I told my mom they were from Smith's, she said, "Abby, I can't believe you made all this food!" Lindsey T and Jamie were sweet to bring salads. It's a big group to satiate.
Tablecloths were in the color of the Spain flag, which has already traveled halfway around the world.
Everyone else had the idea of sweets. There was no shortage there! And this was before we brought out boxes of frosted sugar cookies.
A tender throwback:
I know Graham could feel the love. It isn't just parents who have gotten him to this point. It is all of us!
The only thing left was to be set apart, which happened the next Saturday evening. It was a spiritual experience for all of us.
The next morning, Ava, Grayson, Callie, and I got up early to drive to California! Matt and Graham had enjoyed their spring break, but ours was just beginning. Matt said Graham was dialed in from the beginning while doing the Home MTC for the next week.
We were anxious to hear how it all went. His first letter, "And so it begins," came through while we were on the cruise. Lindsey G. mentioned it as we boarded the ship after one of our excursions. I wanted to give the email my full attention. I found a spot in a sunny window to sit and open my phone. No email. I wasn't on the list!
Up next, A Mexican Riviera Cruise with cousins!
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