The rest of the Bond siblings

Shane brought Belinda to meet us when we were in Arizona. Then he stopped by Grandpa's here on his way bringing Brittany home from Portland. That was a nice surprise.

2 yrs ago when the temple president came Grandpa found we were related through James Bond. Verlie had a dinner with them (Pres Christensen) and some other distant relatives for us to share family history information. Grandpa was delighted.

Phyllis & Grandpa...a good companionship

It is an honor to be daughters of this good man...and, of course, wives of these good men.

Meeting ex Missionaries in Arizona

We met at a park in Gilbert for a reunion with some of our Chile (1999-2002) missionaries. It is so fun to see them with families now...doing well in work and serving in the church. It was delightful.
Above Zack & Elizabeth Dees family.

Devin & Mary Delap family

Jonathan & opps? Millet family

Patrick & Anndalyn Hobbs family.

Rusty & Helen Robson family.

Lareme & Dawn Fessler family.

Jan's Funeral /Reunion of Brothers & Sisters in Arizona

Aunt Jan died Jan 19th. It was 2 days after we left Guatemala, so we did not get to see her. But we had talked with her by phone. It wasn't a great surprise, as she had been struggling with her decreased lung capacity for awhile, but she had ALWAYS beaten the odds and she had ALWAYS been there for all of us. We will miss this remarkable sister, but we can't help but smile at her ability now to run and to throw her arms around necks for a hug and to be with her Father and her two sons Shawn & Shannon. She was, as Legrand Richarads once said, "The crowning jewel of your family." You can't read the quote on the table, but it reads, "Today's trials are tomorrows testimony." Jan was a living testimony. How we love her!

Grandma C expressed a little disappointment that she didn't precede another child to the other side. But not one to murmur or complain, she faithfully joined us in our goodbyes to Jan.

Now only 7 (of 9) of Mom's little ones surround her. She is a queen and sweet matriarch to a large posterity. Her example of faith keeps us going.

Marv, ever faithful also, stands with 5 of their 7 children (and spouses). They are a great support group for him, but he will need to find something to keep him busy!

When he was just 2 yrs old someone asked Mom, "Why did you name him David and not Goliath?" He is still looking 'up' to her!

Mamma's Boys...Steve, David, Marv, Mark

Don't worry! They are only playing (very gently) with 92 1/2 yr old Mom.

Mamma's Girls...Lynette, Maureen, Deena, Alice, Candace

In February, we met as planned before the funeral, for our originals reunion. Before which we drove to Linden to see Marv & Alice's new home and to see the Snowflake temple there. We had such a wonderful time with Marv & Alice...visiting, laughing as always, and remembering. Chantel enjoyed being a special guest with the originals. She always loves being around family and especially seeing Grandma Chris.

Deena's b-day (13th) happened to be opening day of the reunion...what a great 60th birthday! Maureen served strawberry pancakes with all the fixin's grandma's girls have learned. We attended the Mesa Temple...one of our favorites and all the more wonderful surrounded by family.

Afterwards we met at Tia Rosa's restaurant for wonderful Mexican food. Some of our favorite people!

It's always fun to watch these two look into each others eyes and speak soul to soul! Chantel lights up in Grandma's presence.

A favorite activity...visiting and laughing together. Someone gave Marv a ukelele and that began favorite family singing together. This is were we missed Jan so much. But we were all brave and smiling as we told 'Janisms'.

Mom surrounded by her PH men. They take strength from her, she received a blessing at their hands. Full of faith she continues to 'do' what the words of her blessing indicated. At 92 she continues to attend church (though poor hearing does not allow her to hear)..."but I can feel the spirit there." She continues to read her Book of Mormon daily...ever learning and finding comfort there. She continues to lead us to Christ by her example. She looks to see who she can serve and lift. She's an angel and a treasure for us!

Sunday evening we were able to share about our mission to the Guatemala MTC in a family fireside...our favorite audience.

Our Texan Welcome to the USA

The next 3 posts are consecutive in order. I could not upload so many photos. This is the overview of our family visits as we returned from Guatemala. Wonderful!It seems so strange to pass from one world into another, but that we did on Jan 17th. Left Guatemala and the mission. Our arms were itching for hugs and time with family. I think you can feel it if you look into grandpa & Liam's faces! My brother, Tyler, met us at the Dallas airport, Patricia had a lovely pure USA dinner prepared for us, and we began our transition in the presence of them and DJ & Candra. What a happy, happy day.

Liam showed us all his new skills. He lights up the room with his smile. Candra serves us our much missed cottage cheese and other great food. We enjoyed an early morning walk in the freedom of American streets. We drank the tap water and brushed our teeth with it. We enjoyed looking out the low windows with no bars and saw no armed guards on any of the streets. We are pleased to be home.

We saw Probert's as we arrived and as we departed Texas, but our planned visit with them was cut short when we had to interrupt it by going to Arizona for the funeral of David's sister. We will make it up. We loved the short time with this wonderful family. This is real joy!

A couple of days with Duerden's kept us busy enjoying Jackson & Layla. Rocket balloons was a favorite activity outdoors.

One of my favorite memories was FHE. Jackson & Grandma role played as missionaries and for a very short few moments we had his whole attention. He held a Book of Mormon in his open palms and with all the seriousness of pure soul, looked his investigator (grandpa) in the eyes and told him the Book of Mormon was true and asked if he would be baptized. It was precious...and it was over just that fast. But I will always remember it!

Since Jack's morning prayer asked to make cookies, and every few minutes all morning included a request for cookies, we knew what had to be done. He was so intent and careful with each part of the process...including 'eating' the wonderful results and sharing them with Grandpa.

We enjoyed a picnic at the park and playing on the toys and just being outside in the fresh air. Jackson is busy and intense and Layla is a cute little doll. Being with her made us see her likeness to Chalonn, Chelise, and Candra. She was loving and fun to snuggle.

Mat fixed whole wheat bread and served it hot from the oven with butter and honey. Yum! Jack, Chenae and I loved doing a puzzle. I'm surprised how well this 3 yr old can do with a puzzle.

We walked around the pond and gardens of the George Bush library. Isn't this a cute little family! This is real joy!

Allowitz gave us a great reception in Austin...we enjoyed seeing Kieran & Karigan play their b-ball games. It is so nice to be in their home and now be able to view them in their surroundings. They love it here.

Kit & Creshel took us to the Oasis restaurant overlooking the lake. Most of our family members have been here...so it is nice to join the family tradition.

Kimball was our little buddy...taking us on a the tour of the house, on a walk around the yard and to collect the eggs from the chicken coup. He was a little gentleman as he took us on the go-cart rides.

And our final treat was a trip to the creek...a young boys dreamland of exploration. We can see why the Allowitz love it here. We had to cut this visit short also to go to the funeral. But we will be back...we love this family. This is real joy!

Cool Connecting in California

We were welcomed to California by the Bairds. Kalem was a little unsure about meeting his virtual grandparents, but warmed up quickly to Grandpa. Paxton was all smiles and willing to receive hugs and love. In-n-Out burgers were high on the list, then a walk at the beach. What I love about this beach is that every time Chelise goes there, she thinks of me...so we can share it.

You wouldn't want to see a picture (well maybe for humor), but another fun thing we did was attend a yoga class which Chelise was instructing. We have a new respect for yoga and those who can actually stretch that way.

Yep...ice cream. You must know that 'chocolate ice cream' and 'Chelise' go hand in hand. She got the ice cream part from her Danish dad and the chocolate part from me.

Grandpa's favorite way to hold babies. Pax likes it.

Here's to 'real' Mexican food...at Tito's Tacos. Eric & Chelise moved a few days later, so we hit the favorite spots to say goodbye. Being with this family is real joy!

Next stop Valencia...to see my brother,Dale & Julie Bond. We always love being with them. were able to see some of their children & grandchildren. Our heart to heart talks always make us love them even more.

We met Pres & Hna Gonzalez (Deena's twin sister) at the Fresno mission office (kind of uncomfortable without our missionary tags and Dad in his suit). We feel so blessed to have this connection with them.

We enjoyed a great visit, in between their phone calls from missionaries and taking care of urgent matters. I couldn't help but tell them "not to worry, it will only be 18 mo till you are as relaxed as we are now." I think they were smiling when we drove away to do more relaxing and visiting. We love our brothers and sisters.

From one joy to another. Near Sacramento we relished our visit with Dev & Ash and Braden. He joined us for dinner at Lucille's Ribs and sat up the whole time in his high chair, looking around and acting like a little adult. Never a fussed. Just enjoyed being the center of our attention. We thank Ash's parents for letting us stay with them, along with the kids (who are waiting to get into a home). They are a great family and we loved our visit.

This is the site for Dev & Ash's wedding 2 1/2 yrs ago. Beautiful and now we love the little boy who has joined their family.

Baby bathtime is one of grandma's favorite activities.

We visited a beautiful area near Foresthill Bridge. It is so nice to be in the green and summer...as we get closer to the winter of Rexburg.

Every time a car passed on the bridge, Braden tensed up and buried his neck in grandpa's and held around his neck so tight. It melted grandpa's heart.

We've had so much fun with this little family and her family. This is real joy!