7/22/18 - Family Letter to Emma

I farted in eves face. it was awesome it looks like your having a blast

a lot of our mdt friends  we're in the musical my son Pinocchio . they did an awesome job.

                          have an awesome pioneer day

                                                                                  love

                                                                                          Mari

Hello Sibling of mine!

Football is going to start soon,

and I'm in better shape than I've ever been!

Me and dad just got back from a week long backpacking trip

near Timpanogas. Actually, I got to the top of Timp!

I also got a scar on my hand that looks like an !, soooooooooo, yeah!

Hyrum

Sweet Emma,

We saw a picture of you today posted on Instagram by xandre.oliveira (Eve found it!).  We took a screen shot.  I will send it to you!  You look SO happy!  I'm so so so proud of you!💜 It sounds like you are busy and loving it!  I sent you the link to the article about the Book of Mormon that you requested.  It is called, "God's Compelling Witness:  The Book of Mormon by Tad R. Callister, Oct 2017 General Conference. 

So far, the only video we have received is the one when Brazil won a game.  If you sent other videos, they have not come through.  No worries, just send a letter if you can.  I would love to hear about the investigators, your English classes, the fun people etc!

The most fun thing about our week was taking Mari to Hale Center to see "My Son, Pinocchio".  We knew Emma Tolman was in it, but when we arrived, we ran into Merilee Wilson.  She said that Ari Bagley and Brittany Belnap were in it too!  Also, Dave Martin (he was Moroni at Book of Mormon Youth Conference) was Stromboli, the puppeteer.  It was magical for Mari.  These girls did such a good job!  Riverton High's MDT was well represented!  Also, in the audience were quite a few people Mari knew from her experience in Music Man.  She is like a little celebrity still!  What a special time you got to share together.  Also, the cast was full of kids!  In many of these kids' bios they said they got their training at COPA (Center of Performing Arts)...and that is where we signed Mari up for MDT starting in August!  She is very excited!

I'm sorry I don't have much to report this week.  All is well and we are enjoying summer.  Dad and Hyrum had a wonderful backpacking trip.  I'm sure they will tell you all about it. We sent your package.  It arrived in Rio De Janeiro yesterday.  I'm not sure how long they will keep it.  We put Mother Mary and Baby Jesus stickers all over it.  I pray every day that it will reach you.  If not, we will try again.

I am so proud of you!  Keep up the good work!  Sending you a hug....  (did you get it?)

Love, Mom

M,

We hope you are doing well and having a great experience.  Eve had been in contact with the young women in your area .  It has been entertaining to see what they talk about and the questions they ask.  I don't have much to report this week as all efforts were focused on Hyrum's 50 mile hike.    We borrowed some equipment from the Yeagers and Levers and got both of us outfitted.  I went up half way through the week.  The boys went up to the peak of Timp.  It is around a 17 mile hike and a very big deal.  All the boys made it to the Meadow and the older boys made it to the top.  They were very proud.  When I got there the boys were all recovered from the hike.  We hiked about 5 miles a day after that.  All loaded up with our packs and equipment.  We ate the freeze dried dinners.  We took small burners and pots and boiled water and then dumped them into our meals.  For the most part they were good.  We overbought and have a lot of food for our emergency kits.  The hammock was comfortable but impossible to move it.  It was a challenge to turn on my side while wrapped in a sleeping bag.  We bought a water purifier not sure if we would use it.  Hyrum took it on the hike to the peak of Timp and saved the boys.  they had all run out of water and Hyrum had the kit in his day pack.  They were all able to pump water and keep going.  The overall hike was  great.  We kept seeing Utah Valley through the mountains.  We were just on the other side of American Fork and Pleasant Grove.  I didn't have any idea that these trails were that close.  Doug Burton grew up around there and was giddy the whole time.  We had as much fun as we could.  the boys would not stop playing this game they called Werewolf.  It is like Mafia but is has a lot of characters and moving parts.  It was a bit complicated.  The adults kept begging for Mafia.  By the time we got home I had many potential blisters on all joints below my waist were aching.  The last day was all downhill and a challenge with the extra weight.  After 24 hours I still hurt.  I only hiked around 13 miles total but I'm not used to that kind of movement.  When we got home Mom had all the weekend chores done so we could rest.  I kept telling Hyrum that the lawn would need to be moved before the day was over.  He was very happy to see thew lawn was done.  Mom and Mari were going to be home on Friday by themselves and we received an email for discounted ticket to see My Son Pinocchio at Hale Center.  They meet many of your friends from MDT.  They had a great time.  We are starting to plan Trek for next year.  Your Mom has submitted a suggestion for possible training and has volunteered us to provide that training.  They are going back to Wyoming this year.  They still have the Barlow rule in effect saying they want people who have not been before to go.  We will likely do the training but I'm not sure I will be going to the camp.  I'm OK with that as I have seen Wyoming and know the challenges it presents.  Hyrum has football tryouts this week.  we are hoping he gets on the team with his friends.  He feels good and is in good shape.  He is starting to exercise some.  We are starting the final prep for the Triathlon.  It doesn't look like we have as much support for it this year as in years past.  We will have to see how many late sign ups we get.  I got a little aggressive in my Ministering today at the Chandlers.  Luke is considering putting his eligibility date for his mission the day after graduation.  I suggested he give himself a few weeks to experience the temple before he leaves.  In my typical way I was more forceful and loud than intended.  I sent an apology text his way.  Sometimes I feel with that kid I'm the little girl who loves her pet bunny soooo much that she pops the head off while giving it a tight hug.

We love the pictures we see on social media from the families you visit.  You look great!! You are glowing!  We are super proud of you kid.  Keep up the good work.

Dad

Luke 3:8