July 24, 2005
Mariah Eve Hamson's blessing day. Members of the family gathered to attend the blessing and Church at Matt and Dana's ward and then came to our house for dinner, play and visit. A wonderful day.

Fun in the Sun

We have had wonderful visits with Karl and Carmen and their family and David and Tresa and their family. Everyone who lives close has gathered together at the beach or homestead for visiting and fun. We sailed, paddled kayaks around Mission Bay, went to the beach nearly every day, took the ferry to Coronado and pedaled to the park, took several hikes to the climbing trees and played dozens of games of mancala.
Just before everyone arrived, Mariah Eve Hamson was born to Matt and Dana. We are grateful for her safe arrival. We took Seth, Eli and Sadie to Legoland on Monday with Karl, Carmen and their family and all had a great time.

Now that everyone has gone home, the house is too quiet. We have to get to work to pack and clean the house with a little painting thrown in and to continue yard work.

Getting Ready to Go

We are getting ready to go to our Mission in the Philippines by beginning to learn the language, Cebuano, fixing up the yard and house to lease, and having tons of fun with our family. In the past week we have been sailing, kayaking, hiking, and to the beach several times.
Today we will go to the ward Fourth of July breakfast and up to Karl and Carmen's for a family Fourth of July swim party where 5 of the children and their families will gather.