Happy Birthd--

I will be revisiting two things that I was supposed to do and write about for my class on this blog: Serve someone who is more stressed than you and buy a stranger a coke.

I completed both of these but I did them again just to make sure that they get noticed! I will write about the first.

The way I served someone this week was a little different than before. This time I didn't take anyone to the grocery store who doesn't have a car nor did I do my roommates dishes. This is what happened...

I found myself sitting in the No "shhhhh" zone of the library in the thick of my studies. You could say I was stressed. I was with two friends finishing up an ISYS project (shout out to H-Griggy and Marshall), when I overheard a guy to my right. Now he was stressed. He was also studying in a group. He ex-com-plained (this is what happens when you complain and explain at the same time) to his study buddies, "today is my birthday and I am stuck here at the library!" H-Griggy had the idea of singing to him. I remembered this assignment of serving someone who is stressed and I thought to myself "PERFECT!" 

So Hannah got his name and we started belting. Marshall was too cool. I was confident the entire place would support us in this public service. After the first "Happy Birthday to You" even Hannah stopped. She couldn't breath/stop laughing. So I was on my own. I felt like everyone thought I was trying to be obnoxious and break a social norm; however, I continue my lovely solo. This was so much more than helping this guy have a happy birthday. It was me proving that I am not afraid to be heard. 

When I hit the bridge of the song I stopped for a second and realized that one girl on the other table was backing my up but she was singing pianissimo. I couldn't let her down. So I continued. The not so long song seemed to drag on and on. After holding out the last note, adding in a little vibrato toward the end as I usually do, the only thing I got from the audience was a blast of a can-we-continue-studying-negative-vibe. I decided at that point I would not continue with the customary hip hip hooray.  As a result I feel the service I rendered had a contrary effect to what my teacher was hoping for. To the random birthday boy Brian... sorry to ruin your big day...  Let it be a lesson to all as we prepare for Christmas this year. It truly is the thought that counts.

A miracle happened this week. Wednesday. The typical day. I finished work and then rode home on my bike. I ride down the hill that goes from the Marriott Center to Fat Cats. I got to my apartment and Spencer was sitting on the couch. I said hello as I walked in. When I lifted my bike up the front tire fell off. AHHHHHHH!!!!!! That is one of my biggest fears. I don't know if it was sabotage or what but I am so glad it did not fall off when I was riding. I think only my family can completely understand why I feel this way. Family when you hear the phrase "front tire falling of the bike" what image instantly comes to your mind? That is right. The one of our cousin Matt and after his bike accident and how you can't really tell he has a nose and there is blood all over his face.  I tightened the tires so hopefully it won't happen again. The rest of this week I drove to work.

Something wicked this way comes!

Finals... That is what the title of this post is describing.

We were given the challenge of helping someone out at the peak of our stress this week and then write about it. Pretty sure everything I did this week that was remotely close to helping someone else out only benefited me more.

Example: I invited some friends with out cars to go grocery shopping. In the end there were too many of us to fit in my car and I didn't even end up driving. Nicole did. Shout out to Niko!

My ward did a special needs carnival yesterday. Best 4 hours I have spent on a Saturday this semester.  Making popcorn on easy whip popper was a blast. Table spoon of oil, pinch of salt, and half cup of popcorn and bam. You got yourself a tasty bowl of popcorn. One of the highlights of the day was when someone put two cups of popcorn kernels in the pot instead of a half a cup.

Something funny happened this week. I was taking out some un-carved pumpkins to the dumpster and decided I wanted to smash them against the inner wall of the garbage can to see them explode. I had this bright idea after I had already tossed the first one in. I grabbed the second one and wound up for the pitch and threw that pumpkin as hard as a could.  One of the lids was down and the pumpkin hit the edge of the lid and came hurdling back at me. I made a quick head dodge and watched the pumpkin crack on the black top. I thought to myself. "ha ha whoa! I am glad no one was..."FAILURE!" My thought was interrupted by a girl. She was on the third floor of the apt building that faced the parking lot. She had been watching me out of her window. I just laughed and acted like I meant to do it.

Sorry for the random post!

Thanksgiving is over.

Come and gone. I woke up this morning excited that something great was coming. I remembered that Thanksgiving is over. I can't believe how fast it came and left.  Maybe it is my subconscious trying anyway to cope with the upcoming stress of school this week. Christmas is soon and the semester is almost over so how about I stop whining and share some highlights from the break.

Thursday: I am still sore from the turkey bowl. I should really consider playing football more than once a year. That or stretch once in a while. The only exercising I do is swimming and that is constant stretching in and of itself. After the turkey bowl we had a nice dinner. I was asked what my favorite thing was. This year I must say the rolls were superb. Shout out to Laur!

We played the usual games. Oh Heck (Known to some as Oh Jelly Beans). Moment of the night was when Meridith was caught redhanded holding on to her cards. I must say that it is an original/secure way to not take any tricks. My strategy to win in Smashing Pumpkins was definitely not accepted and it did not work as well as Mer's strategy in Oh Heck. Smashing Pumpkins is also known as celebrities. Everyone writes nouns on little pieces of paper. All of the papers are put in a bowl and then we each take a turn describing the word on the paper. My strategy was to put uncommon words such as "blue orange" or "spoon black" my competitors were frustrated at the difficulty of my words. I found it all too amusing until I couldn't remember what I had written down, thus giving up my advantage.

Last thing I will mention was watching scary movies with the three oldest grandchildren and Ben. Lets just say I had to fill everyone in on what was going on because I was the only one who wasn't too scared to watch ;) All thats left to say is that Christmas needs to come soon so the fun can continue.

Timing...

What is bad timing? Being in love with someone, getting over it, and then they are in love with you? Or is bad timing that one girl who was born in the 90's but dresses like and wishes she were born in the 50's? This week I definitely learned that the root of all problems is timing. If there is a time and place for everything then if something goes wrong it is simply "timing" that should get the blame.

I finally got an interview to volunteer at the hospital. The interview was at 3. I had a paper due in class at 4 so I had emailed my teacher the paper and was prepared to be late for class. I get to the hospital and find the volunteer office. I confidently go up to the lady at the desk and announce my arrival with my name. She looks up, with a confused look on her face then looks down at her papers. "Daniel was your name?" After an awkward silence of 20 seconds she looks up again and says, "Your appointment isn't today. It is in a week." I hear some snickers from the peanut gallery sitting behind me. I had passed 3 guys on the way in who were probably there for the exact same reason that I was. I responded with a laugh and explained that I was just trying to get a feel for the place. You can never be too prepared right? The lady was nice and told me she was excited to see me in a week. I would have felt dumb but I was too busy being bummed that she had already seen my good-first-impression shirt. So if someone tells you you can never be too early to an interview they wrong.

On Tuesday my apartment had cleaning checks. They are always in the afternoon while I am in class. As I do every Tuesday, and every other day of the week, I woke up, ate breakfast, brushed my teeth, went running, did 79 pull-ups, 321 push ups, and then took a shower. I am changing in my room when I hear a knock on my bedroom door. I respond yea? And the door opens. A hand, of what looked like to be a 40 year old lady with some shiny bracelets was on the door knob. I am not sure though because my instincts acted before my brain could process what was going on. I yelped "Ahhhhh!" and pushed the door closed. She didn't say anything but she did respond by slamming the door to the outside of the apartment. She was out of here before you could say "whoa, that was really bad timing." After fully clothing myself I came out and saw that we had passed the cleaning check. I have considered purposefully doing this again to get out of my cleaning check but it isn't worth a dirty apartment.

This week...

Having a blog sure makes me realize how little I do differently week to week. I remember as a missionary I would sit down and start typing as fast as a could and never be able to get everything in. This week I am scraping by to reach the minimum... I am apposed to disclaimers in sacrament meeting so I should probably stay true to myself in my blog. 

Obama was elected again... I got to Lone Peak with Spencer before seven and waited in line for an hour. I can't believe how young teenagers really are. By no means am I old but I think I am officially over feeling like I just got out of the world class high school. 

Dad reminded me why he is such a stalwart. By the time he came to vote the line was probably 2 hours long. We were in front. Of course he was greeting everyone in line (because he knows everyone in this community).  Had he been wearing a suit you would have thought he was running for president. I told Spencer that even if we offered him to stand with us he would refuse. I walked up and put my arm around him. Proudly claiming him. I told him we saved him a spot. He politely declined saying, "I feel like that would be dishonest." I knew it! 

Five girls got their mission calls today in my ward. I think seven more are coming this week. I am pretty sure for the first time YSA wards at BYU will be two guys to every girl. It is really exciting though! Last news of the week. I finally got an interview to volunteer at the hospital and my volleyball team lost our final game of the season. We are 0-5. Don't worry. We are saving all of our wins for the tournament. GO RAPTORZ! RARRRR.

I don't ever feel awkward...

Usually I write on Sunday nights but this week enough has happened to fill up the post.

I talked to a few friends last week or the week before about how I usually don't feel awkward. I now have an experience that I can retell when asked about any awkward experiences. (During our discussion a girl shared an experience about how she walked in on a honey mooning couple; it was the most awkward story I have heard... but that is her story.)

Ok I have two experiences. The first one isn't awkward just funny. So I go to FHE everything normal. Later a girl comes late and I notice that she is wearing a sweatshirt that I have. No biggy. All of my winter clothes are still at home in my room. With in two seconds of being in the door she shouts across the room, "hey we have the same sweatshirt!" How would she know that? I look down and see that I have the exact same hoody on.  As everyone turns to look at me I turn red. Don't worry she calmed things over by saying, "oh, don't worry this is a boy hoodie, it used to be my brothers." 

I saw her in church on Sunday. I have been waiting for the opportunity to say "oh I have that shirt" as a joke. She was wearing a dress and I really didn't want to go there. 

Ok now to the real story. Yesterday I go to Kneaders. I had a call in order. I kneaded to be in and out of there quick! I get to the window and the girl (Arlynn Robinson) opens the window says hey and says "that will be $7.72"  I give her my debit card with a polite smile, the kind you would give an old friend that is getting your dinner. She gives me the card back and says have a good night then shuts the window. Frustrated I am thinking. Where is my sandwich!?! I honk my horn and she doesn't respond; she is too busy helping other people. What the heck? I am hungry! 3 minutes later she turns around and opens the window, "uhhh can I help you?" her raised eyes saying more than her words.  I confidently respond "Yea, what about the sandwich?" More confidently and unamused she responded, "I gave it to you." I looked to the passenger seat and there she was, my turkey bacon, avocado on ciabata bread. Then came that moment when I could honestly whisper under my breath "AWKWARD!" I looked over laughed and put the pedal to the metal. I still think I am red. 

Life is delicate...

This weekend was great compared to the last. I would consider myself 5-0 compared to last weeks 0-4.

1- Sweet Halloween party with my family. It never gets old. We watched kid safety the video, played the rising board game with the kids, ate monkey brains and worms. Also, don't forget the always necessary ghost cake and pumpkin sloppy-jos.

2- BYU football won and won with conviction! We won and Riley only threw one interception, which is a feat in and of itself.

3-The lady cougars tore up the South Field and remain number 5 in the country. They scored 5 goals and held SMC to 0.

4-My O-Chem midterm is over.

5-I had a friendly reminder that life is short and no one/ nothing should be taken for granted.

Here are some Halloween pictures. Hopefully this makes up for me not dressing up this year. Adam also forgot that he got to be apart of the Glade Halloween Magic a few years ago. I thought I would remind him. I am glad that all of the siblings are home so we can always have a full house for the party!

0-4

Saturday I was 0 and 4. Four chances to win came my way, and four chances to win went their way with out me.

Number one: I retook the grammar test and got the exact same score as the first time.

Number two: Because I took the grammar test again, I was late for my volleyball game; we forfeited.

Number three: Spencer and I lost our tennis match.

Number four: BYU vs Notre Dame...

At the end of the day I decided the best solution was catch up on Survivor. So that is what we did. Nothing like roommate bonding time at the end of the day.

What made this week awesome was rock climbing Trilogy with Geoff on Friday.  I wish that I were brave enough to take friends rock climbing.  I have grown to love to sport but I am not confident enough to tell people I rock climb. Because the day there is no geographically plausible way to go with Geoff is the day I won't be able to go any more. So I will enjoy it while it lasts.

Cosmic Space Dust Lazers

Buy a stranger a coke. So for class we were given the assignment to buy a stranger a Coke. Shayne Clarke, my teacher, clarified that a Coke does not have to be the soft drink but it can be anything. So if a Coke can be a hamburger than I took it that a stranger could be a co-worker. So on Saturday I completed my task. After the game I decided to buy this girl some ice cream from the creamery outlet. She got Strawberry Sundae and I got Graham Canyon on bottom with Raspberry and Cream Cheese on top.  Delicious. Unlike my classmates this experience was neither awkward nor hard. Lets just hope buying a co-worker an ice cream fits under the category of buying a stranger a Coke.

On to more interesting things, Geoff and I went rock climbing. Probably the most fun I have ever had rock climbing. I have dreamt about it since.  I cannot wait to get up there again. It was my first time doing a multi-pitch climb. We went to rock canyon. The colors were warm and football was in the air. We could see the valley perfectly. The bell tower communicated the hours as we gradually made it up Cosmic Space Dust Lazers (the name of the climb and yes I spelt it correctly).  The fun sadly came to an end as we heard the Cougars kickoff against the Beavers. Unwantingly we ran down the mountain and I went to work. Thanks for the fun Geoffer!

Take a Walk

 This weekend I was able to participate, with my family, in a TSC Alliance walk (is that an accurate title Annie?) to support Nami. It was an enjoyable experience. Then again, what isn't enjoyable when you are with my family.

Here is Claire B. I hope all of you saw this or at least can imagine claire being pulled behind Mowgs squealing, "whoa whoa ha ha whoa Mowgly slow down."

Mima and Livvy holding hands for a stretch of the walk.

Some fine looking stiller pushing Mamas!

"Daniel up here!"

Shout out to the Vimahis for inviting us and making this all possible. I hope the TSC walk know Team Nami is here to stay. I don't know if this video is going to work but it is the Annie, Sale, and the boys running together.

This is also another classic-typical occurrence. Everyone is doing everything, dancing to making noise with a chip bag, in order to produce smiles from the kids. 

Family Dinners

"Family Dinners. What I like about family dinners?" Thank you Jeff Stephens!
 I am just going to go through my family and say the first word that comes to my mind when I think of them.
Gordon: All-out
Margaret: Genuine
Jill: Graceful
Dan: Cowboy-Coach-Dentist-Farmer
Malia: Fashionista
Maddie: Untamed
Joshua: Trump
Olivia: Loquacious
Bella: Boisterous
Eva: Cutie-Pie
Jon: Fat-n-Sassy
Annie: Resilient
Salesi: Strong
Nami: Joyful
Kope: Hi!
Lauren: Generous
Jeff: Witty
Claire: Creative
Benny: Precocious
Lexi: Peanut
Drew: New
Ben: Good-eye
Meridith: always-a-party
Scott: Maven
Anders: 2 going on 30
Geoff: Resourceful
Patricia: Clever

I hope that no one was offended in the making of this document.

Forever Fresh!

 Good week.

Thursday, I got pulled over by a police woman. Hannah and I were leaving the Tanner building and the child in me yelled "RUN" because the orange hand was blinking. There was plenty of time until my next class but I just have this thing with not waiting. Some people call it impatience, I call it efficiency. I ran across the street. I looked behind me and Hannah was standing on the other side grinning. Then on my side there she was, leaning against the pole like she owned the place and she did. With authority the police woman called me over and asked for my name and student number. Mid-conversation she warned me "If yo friend comes over too she WILL get a ticket." I whip around and see Hannah in the middle of the road looking like I lost puppy.  In a desperately-hush yelp I told her to go back.  I was let off with a warning and was told she had already given out five $50 tickets. PHEW!

Friday I went to the Head and the Heart concert. One of the best I have been to in forever. "Rivers and Roads, Rivers and Roads." 

Saturday was a marathon. Woke up and did the dirty dash. Couldn't have had a better group of people than family. We sorely missed Lauren, Jill, and Jon. I thought the mud would be more muddy and less watery. I also was really cold but hey when am I not. I am going to let the pictures do all of the talking on this one. Shout out to Ben for risking his iPhone for the event!

After the race we cleaned up and went rock climbing. By the end of the night I was done. 

Big Money, Big Money, Big MONEY!

The winner of the most memorable day of the week goes to... Friday! 1st on the agenda after school and work was go to an opening social, that the Marriott School was putting on for all of the new members of the college. Why? Free J-dawgs. As we entered they gave us raffle tickets. The rewards were $10, $20, and $50. 50 dollars is a lot of money but they said that wasn't even the grand prize. What could be better than 50 dollars. 100 dollars? We enjoyed the music, company, and food. Sooner than later the very nicely dressed student council announced they would be reading the raffle. Like I always do I tell everyone around me that "I never win at these things." I know those of you that have read the book The Secret know that I violated one of the first laws: cast out all doubt and let the energies of the universe work in your favor. Well I think that book is wrong. I guess you could say my thing is using reverse psychology with the energies of the universe.

They start reading out numbers and the first one picked is my friend Hannah Grigg (shout out to H. Griggy). What are the odds? There were over a 100 people there. She presented herself appropriately. Excited, yet composed, as she claimed her $10 Wells Fargo spend-anywhere-prize-card. Jealous.

Next thing you know another girl, Ashley, from our circle gets called up. I smiled on the outside but struggled to balance the turmoil of emotions caused by once again "never winning these things." They then announce that there were 6 spots open for the grand prize: breakfast with the dean. That better be a darn good breakfast if it is worth more than $50.

The first number they read is a 9, then a 7, then a 1, then a... wait those are the first three numbers on my ticket! Then a 6, oh Merna! Then an 8, holy xanidu? Then a 2 and finishing strong with a 6.  Did I forget my glasses? Oh wait I don't have reading glasses. I won! I screamed like Macaulay Culkin on Home Alone when he put after shave on his face for the first time. I was then a little embarrassed that I was so excited that I couldn't stop laughing. Laur and Mer, remember the one time you let me answer the phone after hours at dad's office and I couldn't stop laughing even though nothing that I was saying was the least bit humorous? "Dr. Glade's office, how can I... bahhahahaha." Well my major and name aren't that funny but I could help but chuckle. I won!

You can all look forward to a report about breakfast with the dean! Everyone says it is going to be a wonderful networking opportunity! I will have to prepare for that but I am just looking forward to a $50 breakfast. Yay.

Junky-up-time!

Here are a few pictures that were taken the night before I moved out my last things for school. First Meridith came into chat and then Geoff. Then little by little Ben, Mom, and Jill showed up. Every time someone came in I yelled "sib time" which meant picture time. The camera was already set up on the ladder. Lauren, Annie, and Jon we missed you but it was an unplanned event so I don't blame you for not being there. 

This picture is titled "junky-up-time." Junky-up-time was a game we would play. We would all bring our best stuffed animals, blankets, and pillows. We would each put our heads on a corner of the bed with our feet in the middle. We would donate all of our belongings to the middle. After there was a huge pile in the middle Ben would yell "Junky-up-time!" We would frantically grab something to help us make it through the night.  It is crazy that when we were all little kids we could fit in the same bed comfortably. Actually let me clarify... It is amazing that we could all fit in the same bed and Ben would be comfortable. Naturally he was bigger, stronger, and smarter than the rest of us. After all junky-up-time was his idea.

Here is a nice picture of mom in her element. I am always excited when I get a picture this awesome. My camera has less megapixels than a smart phone and is pretty dated. On my mission my companions and the people I was teaching would always laugh at how huge it was. There is not artistry or tampering with it. It is what it is. The sky and her flower beds are matching. Not to get all sentimental but I like to imagine that the Lord uses his hands to make sunsets just like mom uses hers to organize the the colors in her gardens.

The day has come and I am required to make a blog for school.  I would lie if I were to say I am not a little excited. I miss not having to write down what I am doing. Unlike many of my fellow RMs writing on mondays was one of my favorite things. It forced me to reflect on what I was doing.  Something that might help me right now.

Not having touched my journal since Salsita's first engine bit the dust and dad saved me from Millad County my options are wide open. I will start by summarizing my visit to Mexico City with 2 of the most enjoyable traveling companions in the world: my parents.

August 8, 2012 Day Uno "No thanks I don't drink"

It was my first time riding in first class and it was also my first time ever being offered champagne. I was going to say my first time being offered alcohol which would be true if I didn't count the occasional beers I declined as a missionary and security system tech.

On the right, we are at el Palacio de Belles Artes or the Beautiful Arts Palace. We saw the national folklore team dance. It was amazing.



August 9, 2012 Day Dos 


Great time with President and Sister Tervort.  We had a great laugh about when I barely scratched presidents van on a planter box (which he had done plenty of times) but he had gotten all of the scratches fixed the day before I scratched it. I learned an important thing that day. President said "I have learned in my life that when you are frustrated who ever loses their temper loses." President was kind enough to not lose his temper although he was close.

The old and new Basilica in Honor of the Virgin Maria de Guadalupe. Below is a picture of Mother and me on on a cool set of stairs.

This is a huge square in the middle of the city surrounded by government buildings. Like a lot of cathedrals in Mexico, this one is built on top and out of rock that was once a pyramid.









August 10, 2012 Day Tres

On the right mom and dad are posing in front of the famous blue house. Where Frida Kahlo lived. I had no idea she was so recent. Dying in the 50's or 60's.
I still do not enjoy looking at her paintings but I appreciate them after more after learning about her life. We had a funny experience trying to take this picture. We asked some girls if they would take the picture and they agreed but for some reason my camera kept zooming in. We thought they just didn't know how to use a camera so they kept giggling and blushing and I kept getting a little frustrated... come on girls its not that hard. Sure enough when they gave up and gave back the camera I couldn't get it to stop zooming in. Thus I took this picture from across the street.
The other two pictures are of a museum built by Diego Rivera to house his ancient artifacts and present given to Diego Rivera (also a famous painter and husband to Kahlo). It isn't Zeus. When I saw it I thought I was in MYST, that computer game we used to have.


August 11, 2012 Day Cuatro
I will always remember this day because Mexico won Gold in soccer and the fans went wild, as well as Gordon. I have a classic video of him running with the fans.

We had a great time with the President of the Xalostoc stake and his family (Arturo, Sandy, and Jaqui the daughter, two daughters are missing from this picture).  They are the Toribio Family.  He shared his conversion story and it was amazing. I was atheist and hated americans. He was introduced to the gospel through a friend and learned to love God and Americans. He started reading the Book of Mormon and felt bad about it because he had never read the bible. So before I continued reading the Book of Mormon he read the entire Bible. He then said it made the world of difference in the impact the Book of Mormon had on him. He knows it is true and we could feel it.






Here we have the Hernandez Aboytez Family. From parents to youngest child (Cesar, Yesenia, Aline, and Alan). We ate pambasos. They are thriving in the Gospel. They have been sealed and Cesar is in the bishopric and Yesenia is working in the primary.







Aline and Alan "ARE GOING ON MISSIONS".  Yesenia corrects me every time I say something regarding their missions that isn't matter of fact.  e.g. "You need to work hard to save enough money and to learn the gospel to go on your missions." She would replace "need" with "will." Here are their doggy banks. They were so heavy I think they may already have enough to go.

To wrap up the night we went to the ward Carrera. We are in the home of Sergio, the man to the left of me, and his wife Yolanda, far left front row. I was pleased to find out that they have been sealed as well and Yolanda is the Primary president. Sergio is blind and has had one leg amputated. He has received the Melchizedek priesthood and happily blesses the sacrament every sunday. Elda (the lady in the pink scarf) with her son and daughter (to my left and in front of me), Gustavo and Elda, continue active in the church. The lady in black (Magda) and her two daughters (in purple is Brenda and blue is Auris) are members of 7 years I think. There are four little kids. Auris and Elda (the younger) each have two. It was really fun to see them all hanging out. They depend a lot on each other.

August 12, 2012 Day Cinco

I was lazy this day and didn't take too many pictures.  We met with Rodrigo Hernandez Solis and his Parents, Graciela and Martin. Martin isn't a member yet. Rodrigo's brother and a girl named Ling Ling had a baby who was born premature and has had a lot of health problems. Rodrigo shared an experience about fasting for his niece and asking for a miracle. He told me that he remember the experience that I shared about Sabrina and her snowboarding accident.


This is a picture of Alicia and Jorge holding up their family history work. They have done a ton of temple work. They have a baby that is less than a year old. they have been sealed in the temple. Alicia had her baby within a week after they were sealed. She said that they wanted more than anything for the baby to be born in the covenant. Alicia had twins from a previous marriage and they weren't able to be sealed because the dad wouldn't give them permission. They were devastated but can be sealed once they turn 18. Only 8 more years.



August 13, 2012 Day Seis

Teohtiuacan. We are on the pyramid of the Sun in a huge rain storm.

August 14, 2012 Day Siete




Here we are in Coacalco with Nancy and her two kids, Nyx and Artemis (the baby). Her husband Ivan was at work. We baptized Nancy and Ivan was inactive. Nancy happily informed me that Ivan has received the Melchizedek priesthood and that they are going to be sealed. He gave Artemis her baby blessing a few sundays prior.

Hello Hidalgo! I am not even going to name anyone in this picture but it is the Ceron family. This is the famous house were the wedding took place and I played here comes the bride on the organ. It was non stop laughter. All of these people are related. This is the family where the Grandpa was inactive and non of his kids were members. His grandaughter Daira (on my right) was an example and was baptized which resulted in two marriages, and the baptism of her grandma, parents, and 2 aunts.








The cake says congratulations Glade and there is dad in front of the Mexico City Temple.

August 15, 2012 Day Ocho
Today we went to The UNAM. The most well known university in the country. I checked out after that and went to the hotel for a nap and to watch the United States beat Mexico in soccer. Mom and Dad went off to Xochimilco. You will have to ask them about it.   The next day we flew home. It was a successful trip.
This was one of the best meals we had.  The culinary experience was more than I could have asked for. We did not repeat one single meal and no one gave us chicharones in salsa verde.
Thanks for the amazing trip Dad, Mom and MEXICO!