We wanted to treat Ashley to a visit to Idaho for October break but it kind of fell apart before we got anywhere. Travis could not get the whole week off and Zach had band things that needed to be done. A lot of painting for props had to be done as well so we decided to make it an 'Ashley and me' trip. I found someone to pick up the kids to and from school, excused myself from band comp and game, and we took off Friday morning for Salt Lake. We had a lot of fun on the way up. We kind of got lost, stopped to get water from Lake Powell for David, but they wouldn't let us down unless we paid $20. (Not for 5 minutes, mister!!! I love ya, David, but that's crazy talk right there!)
We had to stop at our favorite rest stop on our way up! We always do!
We took a slight detour and ended up very close to Snow College so we stopped to see Ashley's friend Mackay! And then we were on our way! We made it to Bountiful by 7 pm, where we had a wonderful dinner with Jeff, Lauren and the girls, and Steve and his crew! It was wonderful seeing all of them!! The twins are so much older, 15 year old Ethan is taller than me, and the devotion between Drew and Audrey is so touching!!! And the view from Jeff's house! If you look out the front room window the one thing that stands out the most is the Bountiful temple! It reminded me so much of growing up in Sandy and seeing the Jordan River temple at the bottom of our street every single day!!! Who couldn't love the temple seeing it that way every day!
We headed back to Provo the next day to have breakfast with my friend Jana, Jo, and Kailei. And Ashley and I got to meet her sweet little chunk of a daughter Kimri! Such a cute little thing!!! Jana makes a wonderful grandma!!!
Ashley meets Kimri!
Then we met up with an old missionary friend, Elder Habid Madrid. Don't let the name fool you, he is Hispanic and such a sweet kid. I think he was one of the missionaries Ash tried to set up with Britt. (Not gonna work, by the way! He is not her type)
Off we went to Boise! It was a nice drive and there is water in Boise!!! They should share with Salt Lake! We arrived in Boise just in time to witness a 4 car accident. We stopped to help and ended up entertaining a few kids who were in one of the cars. I think once we entered the valley, Ashley went into missionary mode. We did what we could and then the police showed up so we were on our way. We had lunch with a sweet couple who made so much food! And they totally loved Ashley! We found our way to the Morgan's. They have a wonderful back yard where the missionaries often spent their p-days doing the various activities they have available, such as beach volleyball, zip lining, and this really cool seat that goes so high in the air and then falls so slowly all by itself! (Yes, I had to try it! So much fun! I want to make one!)
I was able to meet so many people who touched Ashley's life and who she helped in more ways than I can even imagine! We were there for Halloween so she got to visit with so many people form the Summerset ward! We even rode the Morgan's zoo train to the church building!
And then we met up with some of her old missionary companions!!! What a treat! They looked so familiar from their pics but it was so weird seeing them for real!
On Sunday we were able to visit two wards and a stake conference. At the first ward the stake President bore his testimony and he mentioned how amazing Sister Clawson was and pointed out an instance when she knew her scriptures better than the mission prep teachers did. He was very impressed by her. I heard so much of the same thing from so many others. I was so overwhelmed by the sentiment as well as the spirit. Letting her go on her mission was one of the hardest things I ever had to do and it was so worth it! Visiting with these people and hearing how she has changed their lives and added to their testimonies of the Jesus Christ was amazing! I am so glad we went! I am so proud that she did this! And that she has such a strong bond with so many good, strong saints who love her!
We stayed at Steve's house Sunday night and headed home Monday. We took a slight detour and ended up in Oakley at the city offices. Yep, I couldn't resist! I got to go inside and check it out again! It was so much smaller than I remember!
It was a great trip! I learned a lot about Ashley and her 18 months in Boise, which is a wonderful place! I even got to see my cousin Richard, whom I have not seen in 24 years! He has changed a little bit. And his wife was so nice!
Ashley and her Mission President and his wife
President and Sister Winder
These are the Morgans! We stayed with them and they were wonderful!!! I want to be like them someday!!!
This is Bruno. He lost his wife while Ashley was serving in their ward. It has been hard for him but he seems to be doing well!
These sisters were in Ashley's second to last area. The shorter one is Hannah Tolman. She was so sweet! She would send me texts and pics and kept me informed. I love this lady. The other sister is Karen Glover.
We stopped by and visited a few missionary friends on Halloween. Two of these sisters were under Ashley when she was STL.
These are the Matsons! Ashley lived with them for 6 months in her second area and they were very good to her!!!
Brother and Sister Layton, who visited Mesa last year and brought back a box for Ashley. Brother Layton is from here and Mr. Brooks and is family are living in his mother's old house right now. Very small world. They also have a son they want Ashley to marry. Don't think they will get their wish! They are some of Ashley's faves!
