So the summer went by quickly--from the time I visited Iowa until now. But I think I'll keep this brief since Dianna and the girls have done a great job of summarizing our activities.
Dianna and I kept busy working on the house this summer--painting the stucco where the ocean breezes had shown its affects and repainting the railing on our lanai off the bedroom. We thought it helped make the house look like new again.
Preparing for our trip to Australia also occupied our time. Megan stayed in Hawaii and Aunty Betty and friends stayed at our home while we were gone. We appreciated knowing all was well back home, Megan enjoyed having Aunty here and spending more time with cousin Alana, too.
Highlights included:
- Spending a few days and touring Sydney, located along a harbor. We took the hop on/hop off tour that toured the whole city and then returned to some of our favorite spots. Dianna selected a great hotel in the midst of the best spots, within walking distance of the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge. Even though it was winter time and the wet weather added additional chill, we were out and about a lot of the time. We also took the tour of the Opera House and then attended the musical, Billy Elliot, which was held at an older Sydney theater. The sidewalks along the harbor were also impressive.
- We boarded a bus for our trip to Canberra to await the birth of baby "Avery William." He was due on July 27 but arrived on August 7 (1 a.m.--but it was still a day earlier or August 6 in the U.S) so we enjoyed our time with Erin and Will as they "patiently" awaited the birth. Erin did great in the birthing process and is such a great mom--they love their little boy--and a highlight was being able to participate in his blessing (in the hospital room) before I left the next day on the 8th. Saying goodbye is always hard but Erin and Avery will be here for Thanksgiving!
- Erin was growing increasing more impatient about his birth; the day the contractions started I had a call from Jenny to tell me that my dad had passed away. He had been showing more signs of weakness, but then showing improvements. So even though we knew his death was imminent, hearing the words that he passed away were still a shock. I'm hopeful that his spirit and little Avery's spirit crossed paths--perhaps Dad told Avery it was ok to come and that he was joining a great family and would be greatly loved and nurtured, in a gospel environment. I know my dad was happy to be reunited with his mom and dad, son Robert, sister Dorothy, brother Donald, and other family members. Now we can also complete his temple work in a few months as well. Erin and Avery:
- While I left on the 8th, Dianna stayed a few more days to help Erin get settled at home. It was great to spend some time with Betty before she returned to Iowa.
- Dianna got home a few days later and we began the process of helping Megan prepare for her transition to move to Utah and begin her college studies.
- I had beginning-of-the-year meetings and retreats so was quickly involved in school activities after being gone for nearly two weeks. A major project is preparing our action plan that implements the Design Team recommendations. This looks like a busy year now that I also oversee the University Relations area . . .
- But that will be another blog--
