Elder Bronson McEwan Bonnett

Bronson had his farewell on August 16. He gave an excellent talk, a good indication that he is ready to serve and that he will be a wonderful missionary! After our Sacrament meeting we invited family and friends to the park for food and fun (well we enjoyed everyone's company!). It was so nice for everyone to come support Bronson and wish him well. It is at times like this that we realize how very blessed we are to have such wonderful family and friends - thanks to everyone!

Late that afternoon we took a few family pictures - which is good given the fact that we never ever take famliy pictures.

Tuesday, Bronson went to the Salt Lake Temple - it was a very nice day. Whitney, my mom and Jamies mom both came as well as Kari Ann and Brian. Chris waited in Temple Square with "sweetie pie" Tula and Kari Ann and Brian had to leave afterwards. But we all went to eat at the Garden Restaurant and enjoyed everyone's company. It was a special day, a day to remember for everyone who went!

The next morning we took Bronson to the MTC and will not see him again for two years. He will have two years filled with wonderful experiences that will strengthen both his testimony and character. As we walked away leaving him at the MTC I found myself choked up, but as I thought about why, I realized that I wasn't really sad. But I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the opportunity he has to serve the Lord. I felt a deep sense of excitement for him as I watched him so excited to leave and to do that which will bless the lives of so many and in turn will bless him for the rest of his life!

I love him and know that he will be a valiant missionary.

Looking good Elder Bonnett

In TEN short years it will be Quinton as the Missionary!

One last pause for a goodbye photo.

Good bye! We'll see you in two years.

Trip to St. George - IN AUGUST!

Bronson sold security systems this summer in North Carolina (last summer he sold in Boston). While in North Carolina he met a cute girl, Ashley Cone. She came out to visit us and went to St. George with us. She had only seen 2 temples and so we went to many different temples and took pictures at many of them.

The first day we drove to Las Vegas. First we went to In and Out Burger - then H&M, of course - then Bronson, Ashley and Quinton rode the New York New York roller coaster - then we went through Planet Hollywood and over to watch the Balagio light show and to see the flower display - then drove all the way up to see the temple, only to find out they had turned the lights off - dissappointing! We took pictures anyway - of the temple sign with the dark temple in the background. Ashley had never been to the west before and so it was fun to show her new places. We went swimming both mornings before leaving for the day. The next day we went to Zions and hiked to the Emerald Pools. Tula sweetie at the pool!

We took a bunch of cool jumping pictures.

Having a good time.

Brinley, Bronson and Ashley on our hike up to the Emerald Pools.

On our way home we took a bit of a detour so that Ashley could see the Manti temple.

After getting home from St. George we took a day and went to Salt Lake City.


Fun, Fun, Fun!

Holman Family Reunion in Lake City

Steven, my cousin, had jumped in and swam in the water below the water fall. Freezing, freezing water!! But that was an invitation for Quinton and Zach to do the same! Here they are posing in front of an old dam. But as you can tell they are all wet and cold from their swim earlier. The pictures below are of the water fall before the swim and of their cold dip!

Quinton and Zach's dam they built

Quinton and Zach swimming (or playing in the mud) in Lake San Cristabal

Brad, John, Uncle Rob and Everett

Mom, Angie, Kathy and Becky

Around the campfire! Zach, Quinton, Nick, Jillian, (Susan's son) - in back Becky, Terri, Alyson and Jon

The view from our window - spectacular!

Terri and I in front of Lake San Cristabal

Flaming Gorge - A very fun year!

The best part of the effort - for a nine year old!

A Pretty setting to relax and fish

The Flaming Gorge

Traditional Ride to Lucern Marina

Quinton took a class about ancient Indian writings and then went into the Museum to rough up the bear.

Jamie, Quinton and I went on a bike ride from Red Canyon Lookout point along the Rim Trail (?). About half way I went back and then the boys called for me to come get them when they reached the end - it was fun even though I was out of shape.

We took a tour of the old Swett homestead. Here is Quinton in front of their place and on their old farm equipment. Wow! We have it good, I can't imagine doing what they did!

Flaming Gorge Dam

Below the dam Inside the Dam

Above the Dam