“Oh My Son, Remember…” – Letters to Calder on His Mission

It was soooo fun to talk today and to have Tallon join us. I don’t know how you felt about it but it felt like a really good thing for everyone - especially Tallon. Thanks for being a good friend to him. He’s a great guy and I’m so glad we could have him in our home tonight! Well, we got home late Saturday night from Newport. We had a great time. I think everyone was happy to come home but it was nice to get everyone to ourselves for one week. Here’s an explain action of the pics: -Calder written in the sand at Crystal Cove on Monday. We missed you! -Surf lessons on Tuesday at Newport Beach. -Henry melting in his wet suit. -Balboa Bars and bike riding on Wednesday (a classic tradition and super yummy) -The Bike shop (we are delicious thai food around the corner! So good) -family portraits at LEGOLAND on Thursday Jane was beyond excited! -Wildstyle and Jane. -More rides -McKay riding through Death Valley with no shirt on Saturday. We are great food. I feel like I’m waaay ove...

It was fun talking to you tonight from Newport Beach. We are missing you like crazy! But sounds like you’re doing so well and I couldn’t be happier. Here are some pics from the week. The first few are from Dad’s favorite Draper Days Rodeo! We got a bunch of tickets and let people invite friends. That’s about the only way to get the kids there. We had Gwen’s friend Maija, Henry’s friends Daniel and Jack, Gma, Gpa and Hunter. McKay gave his ticket to Henry because he wasn’t feeling well enough to have a friend. Jane dressed up with her pink boots and hat. It was hot but an all around great rodeo. You’ve got to love Draper Days! And the pic with Gwen and Maija shows the pit vipers that Gwen just ordered. They are total knock offs but she LOVES them!! It was an overall great weekend for Dad! We stopped at Frijoles on the way to Newport and it did not disappoint! It was soooo good and worth the extra drive. McKay loved the street corn…as you can see from the pic! The last few pics were ...

Happy Independence Day! I remember when I was in Switzerland for the 4th of July and I was more grateful than I'd ever been to be an American. It really hits home when you are living abroad and celebrating the 4th. I've been thinking about you so much today!! With it being fast sunday, you were the main purpose of my fast. I am SO excited to talk to you in a couple of hours. I am just so anxious to hear how you are doing. Last week I was blown away by your peaceful, calm self. I was so far from that when I first got to Switzerland. Let me just say that it would be totally normal for you to be feeling anxious and frustrated as you adjust to your new environment. Please don't think that would be a shock to me or any of us. I am so anxious to hear about your week....the good, the bad and the ugly. I am praying so earnestly for the language and gift of tongues. Maybe you are in need of other blessings, but I know the language was a real struggle for me when I first g...