Day 3 Vancouver, Canada

This day was devoted to going on the Ferry to Nanaimo, Canada.  It started out at McDonalds in Pemberton, Canada on our way to the ferry.  Mallory was fascinated with the fact that everywhere you looked you saw the maple leaf.  Even on the McDonald garbage cans!

 Walking through the park and enjoying the sights of the park and aquarium. 

 The waterfalls were incredible.  The pictures do not give it justice. 

 Englishman River Falls at Provincial Park

 My yellow rain coat that I wore every single day because it rained every single day!

 We laughed at this sign.  If you could look down into the rushing river there is no way you would want to jump off the bridge.  However, there is always a knucklehead or wingnut out there that would be just stupid enough to try it.  My guess is that someone may have and that is why the sign. 

 to be cont . . . . .

Day 2 - Vancouver, Canada

Lynda Ann had arranged for us to go whale watching.  When she booked the reservations she was told it could be s short day or a long day depending on where the whales were.  Well this day ended up being a long day but it was so worth it.  Lynda Ann and Mallory and I were so fascinated with the whales that we didn't think to stop and take pictures.  But in after thought, the chances of getting a picture of them jumping or spy hopping (I think that is what Annie called it - or we may be having a Gam moment here.)  It is where they come up out of the water nose up and act like they are looking around and then go back in the water.  We saw them jump out of the water many times.  We saw two females a baby and another group of them.  It was amazing. 

We had to dress in these orange suits that were waterproof and helped keep us warm.  We were in an open boat and by the time we got back we were nearly frozen.  But it was so worth it.  We ended up in the San Juan Islands, which was about a 3 hour trip to get there but so incredible to see these mammals in their own safe environment with their fins completely straight out of the water and not curled. 

 These crazy suits were hard to get into.  Annie said they reminded her of the snowmobile suits we used to wear. 

 On the way back we stopped to see two bald eagles perched on the water (I don't know what it is).  That was a bonus. 

When we got back we wandered around the village for a while and came to a shop called the Broom Shop.  There is nothing in there but all kinds of brooms.  I had to take a picture of the marriage brooms.  Who would have thought there would be such a thing as a broom shop!  I was fascinated!

 Another cute picture of Mallory. 

Mallory's graduation trip to VanCouver, Canada

Mallory wanted a passport and she wanted a stamp in it so Canada was her chosen place to vacation for her graduation.  I was invited to join in the celebration.  Lynda Ann spent months, days and hours looking up all she could find about Vancouver, Canada.  She even quizzed the doctors at the ER where she works.  The joke from one of the doctors was, "Do you know what BC stands for in Vancouver, BC?"  He told Annie, "Bring cash!"  We laughed so hard.  And we found out that it is absolutely true!  Everything in Canada is so expensive!!!  But a beautiful place to vacation.  We loved every minute of the time there.

We started out on Tuesday morning May 30 by being dropped off at the airport at 4:15 a.m.  Neal dropped me off and then headed to the temple.  Jeff dropped Annie and Mallory off and I assume headed back to bed.  It was a good thing we got there two hours before our flight left because it was an international flight and we had to be processed in a different line. 

 Waiting our turn to board.
Our first surprise was when we landed in Portland and boarded Alaska Airlines to take us to Vancouver.  We noticed that the planes outside the windows had propellers.  We laughed at them and were in for a surprise when we boarded one of these airplanes.  YIKES!!!

.  Annie's maps were as good as Google.  We found it without a hitch.  It is a beautiful temple!  Even in the rain, which didn't stop the whole day.

We were starving so we found a place called Stanley's Bar & Grill.  We ordered hamburgers and the bill came to $60.00+ dollars!!  Yup, the price to eat was huge!

 From Stanley's we went to Langley Park and drove around to see the gorgeous scenery.  Of course we had to take a picture standing in this hollow tree.

I believe we headed back to the hotel where we were changed and headed for a good nights rest.

Pictures of Jaden's graduation

I was not able to go to Jaden's graduation, but Neal was able to be there.  Maren sent me these pictures and they are great.  Congrats Jaden.  We are proud of you!

Jaden graduates from High School

We got Jaden's graduation announcement in the mail today.  What a handsome young man.  We are proud of you Jaden.  I just wish that I could be to Jaden's graduation ceremony but I will be in Canada the day of his graduation.  I'm hoping that Neal will be able to arrange his classes at UVU so he will be there to represent us. 
Jaden is looking for a college to play football for.  We haven't heard what his decision is yet.  Good luck Jaden.

Mallory officially graduates from High School

I remember when I graduated from Provo High School.  I had very mixed feelings.  I love high school and loved my friends.  I had a feeling that we would slowly drift apart even though we had promised in our year books that we would keep in touch.  Mission, marriages, career opportunities and church took us all in different directions and different circumstances.  I like the every day routine of going to school during the week and hanging out with friends on the weekends. 

Mallory had a different experience.  She was very happy to be done with High School and to move on to more fulfilling and exciting adventures.  She said she was sad when she graduated from seminary  but happy to be done with her high school years.

She graduated with honors,

Their graduation ceremony was at the Huntsman Center at 1:00 p.m. today.  There were about 360 students graduating. 

 You can see Mallory just walking past the U in the black robe.

 Coming on the stage to receive her diploma.  Notice all the cords and medal. 

 Mallory hugging the principal.

The ceremony lasted an hour and a half and then we all met outside the Huntsman Center for pictures.

Mallorys awards were:  The maroon cord was for CLC or Community Learning Center, The medal for Medical Assisting and the white cord for Enrichment and the gold cord was for High Honor Roll.  Wow!  Way to go Miss Mallory Sue!

 The official diploma in the picture above. 
After the ceremony we headed to Cracker Barrel for a bite to eat.  We enjoyed the lunch and had fun being with Mallory and celebrating her accomplishments.
When I got to the restaurant I saw Hayley and Andrew sitting outside the front doors playing checkers.

 Mallory you have worked hard and been focused to achieve all you have through your high school years.  Because of your determination and commitment you will yet achieve much more in your life.  We love you!

Saint in training as a guide dog

Abby has taken on quite a responsibility to learn how and actually train a guide dog.  Saint will be her companion for a long time.  He will go everywhere with her.  Rarely, if ever, leaving her side.  Annie told me that they do switch the dogs around every once in a while to make sure that they get used to other people and to make sure they don't have any separation anxieties that have to be dealt with.  Training a guide dog is a huge responsibility and I am so proud of Abby for taking this on and for Jeff, Annie and her sister and brother for supporting her in this awesome adventure.  I know that they have also let Jamie know what they are doing because Jamie works with blind students professionally.

This is a picture of Saint with his first time wearing his official gear and cape.  Cutest thing ever!  Those sad eyes just melt your heart.  Notice the cover says "Puppy in Training".