Family

We hosted a family get-together at Mike and Wendy's home yesterday (Saturday) for both the Connors and Petersen immediate families (brothers, nieces and nephews and their families). Mike and Wendy have not been able to connect with Mike's cousins very frequently for the past 10 years, so it was both a welcome back to Utah and good luck in Georgia event. It was a pleasant few hours. We even got to see niece, Melanie Steele, and her daughters. Britannie will graduate from BYU in April (she's been a student body officer this year) and then is heading to the London England Mission. Her brother Ben will follow her to Birmingham England Mission in May. It was fun to have that common connection. It was especially good to see Ray's Aunt Marcella who will turn 100 in July. A bit confused and needing help, she still hasn't lost her sense of humor. Amazing example! Love all around.

Our grandchildren feel a bit lost among all of the strangers, but it's an introduction to extended family that will be good for them. They are being good sports about it. They have lots of first cousins on the Witt side, but none on the Connors side, so second tier relationships will become important. I was always grateful that I had known three of my great-grandparents. Faith and Hailey have met all four of their great-grandparents, so they are fortunate. When we get back from Georgia, we'll make a better effort to share family stories in an interesting way. We already know that 18 months will fly by, so it won't be long.