Tony turns 50!

What a incredible birthday. I planned my birthday this year about 4 months prior to the event. And the plans worked well. 

Tuesday April 24, 2018

I first flew into Las Vegas and I got to spend the morning over breakfast with Lori, my big sister. The breakfast was exceptional. I had the chile relleno with a banana bread muffin. The time with my sister was divine. I am grateful for a sister who is relentless in trying and enduring. She contonues to serve and to love her family. I then drove to St George in a rental truck – and what a bessing to get a good deal on the rental truck. They did not have a truck that evening that I flew in to Vegas . I needed a truck to carry the mountain bikes for the adventure planned in St George. They asked me to come back in the morning and that they would make me a deal. 

Wedneday April 25, 2018

When I got there that morning there were no trucks.- The agent looked across the street and spotted a truck that had come in. She quickly retrieved the truck and charged me 46$ for renting it for the week + taxes. I then drove to St George. I sure enjoy that drive. It is through a beautiful canyon and it brings back memories of traveling back and forth from BYU when I was a student. After I arrived Mom and Dad and I went to the Temple to do sealings. It was wonderful. What a blessing. We felt the Spirit together and then went and had frozen custard ICE CREAM. It was delicious. I had a double scoop with chocolate and vanilla. I then came home with Mom and Dad and Russ and Pam arrived. I am so glad that they came Wednesday night. We talked with Mom and Dad about there early courtship and learned quite a bit that we did not know. Right after high school dad went to sign up in the military. He wanted to go into the Air Force but it was a six month wait. Soon after that he me Mom. It was at a drive in. Mom walked over and started to talk to Dad. One of Mom and Dads first couple friends invited them to a party and Invited them to “Swing” which means to change partners for the night. Mom and Dad immediately said “no” and left the party. Dad worked for Sperry and had Lori 9 months after they were married. When the draft came Dad had a child and worked for Sperry ( a company that made weapons/equiptment for war)- these two things insulated Dad from being drafted.)

Thursday April 26, 2018

Russ and I went hiking in Snow Canyon State Park. It was great to be with my brother, hiking and enjoying to beauty of the Earth. We loved it so much we went back and picked up Mom and Dad and came and did another little hike. I stopped by the bicycle rental place to see if I could pick up the bikes the night before we rented them. The were so kind and said they would have them ready that night. It worked out perfectly. 

Friday April 27, 2018

We picked up the bikes and then went on the “Bear claw Poppy” trail. It was a blast. Unfortunately it was warmer than average and Lori had to turn back due to Heat intolerance. On her way back she crashed her bike. I did not learn this until later. She was so kind not to make it a big deal, but I could tell that she was quite sore from the crash. We rode back to Mom and Dad's house and then rested a bit.

I asked if anyone else wanted to ride down through Snow Canyon State Park. I had four takers. Rand, Blake, Kelly (I am so glad that she is always up for adventure), and Myself. It was glorious. My Dad dropped us off at the top of Snow Canyon and we rode down through the Canyon, first on the highway and then we transitioned to a bike trail. It was exhilerating, and beautiful.

We then went to dinner at Sakura, a Japanese restaurant, in St George. It was exceptional. The food was good and everyone seemed to enjoy it and have a good time.

We then went home and had my Dad's homemade chocolate cheese cake with a dark chocolate ganache topping. They was fantastic too.

We finished our trip by going to the Temple and doing sealings with all of the couples. It was extra special. The Spirit was strong and confirmed the importance of the work we were doing. We then went back home to my Mom and Dad's home. 

We then went for a 5 mile hike to the overlook of Snow Canyon State Park. We went with Pam and Russ and it was wonderful. We then left for Las Vegas. We arrived early enough to Las Vegas to stop by Blake and Lori's to have a nice swim in their pool with Jeff and Casey's children. We then flew back home.

I love my family. Everyone had showed up and participated in my own “planned” party. I had the opportunity to have one on one time with almost everyone, including Mom and Dad. I did not get much chance to talk to Debbie one on one – But we had the opportunity to have some fun playing cards with the family- that only Debbie can do.

When I arrived home to St John Eliza he a Rubarb pie that she had bought from Stock show. It was delicious. Even better, Audry made my cupcakes – that shaped “50” with the icing on the cupcakes. These were more than fantastic.

The SECOND BIRTHDAY WEEK- As good as the first if that is possible.

Kelly and I flew to SLC and went to HAMILTON with Jeff and Betsy, and Jason and Andrea. It was fantastic. Prior to going we went to Takashi, a Japanese restaurant in SLC. The sushi was exquisite. What a great night. We stayed in the AC HOTELs, Marriot in SLC- and then Jeff, Jason and I had the incredible privilege to participate in a Spark of HOPE adventure with Brad Christensen. This was a men only trip, “Get R done” trip. We worked our tails off. It is a celestial journey in Tijuana. It reminds me of my heavenly home. We all work together for a common cause. We are all shoulder to shoulder, rich and poor. I am drawn toward it. I get to use my Spanish and feel like I am needed. I get to talk with like minded individuals and it feels good. It is also enjoyable to eat excellent food too. Fresh tacos and refried beans – they are delicious. The experience is like an infusion of LOVE/JOY/ and opportunities to feel the Spirit and learn. I keep going back.. I will return and return again.