Let Freedom Ring

The Commemorative Air Force flew a cool formation over Odessa and Midland on Wednesday to show solitude as we weather the storms of Covid-19 together.  I went outside on Wednesday morning to watch, and I'm so glad I did.  It was awesome.  The planes were in a beautiful formation and sounded so powerful.  I felt proud to be an American and grateful to live in a country where I feel like we are in this fight together.

I saw a neighbor who lives a few doors down out watching from his porch.  Afterward, I walked over, and we visited for a few minutes.  That alone felt freeing.  We have all been pretty shut in the past two months with this virus hovering.  I miss chatting with friends and acquaintances throughout my day.

Here are a few other pictures from our week.

Grandpa and Tanner were reunited.  They see each other five days a week on Zoom for seminary, but it's been a few weeks since they've seen each other in person.  Grandpa could hardly stand to keep his hands off of him, but he did.  He's a hands on grandpa for sure.  Literally a hands on grandpa: poking, prodding, wrestling, tickling, hugging.  I appreciate their coordinating purple shirts.

Bryn has been diligently preparing to serve a mission.  She meets with her 2nd cousins Briana and CJ five days a week.  Usually they are on Zoom but occasionally they travel the 30 minutes to meet in person.  Briana returned home in February from serving in California.  CJ is leaving in August to serve in Canada.

I love that Briana (left) has this opportunity to share her knowledge, insights and experiences to help these two get prepared.  I am so impressed with Bryn and CJ.  They are learning the discussions, studying Preach My Gospel, memorizing scriptures, and practicing teaching.  I think they will be two of the most prepared new missionaries out there.  This is a small, no a large, blessing from Covid-19...the gift of time.  

We also had a pool day this week.  Yahoo!  

left-right: Mason S, Tanner, Tate T

The boys played some 21 and also some crazy fighting games.  Aubrey joined in at times.

I think we stayed three hours.  Unfortunately, the party took place during my dinner preparation time so I picked up pizza.  (I feel a little guilty about that.  Brian is working so hard everyday.  I don't want to squander his earnings into fast food too often.)

Speaking of Brian, he and Aubrey enjoyed a facial treatment the other night.

And this kid?  The seventeen year old in his "wear a shirt to dinner" safety vest?  He's on the go and out of the house as much as he is allowed.  With restrictions being loosened, he is gone some during the day and almost every evening. I miss having our Parker brother home as much as he was during the quarantine.