Lots of Traveling

We’re so glad you guys are interested in the excitement, adventures , trials, and spiritual growth of our mission.  This week we only had to teach Seminary 3 days!!  Plus we went to the temple during our 2 days off.

Monday morning, Walt and the Elders went ice fishing with Richard.  They check the weather forecast to determine the best day of the week.  It is warmer those days, until you are out on an open body of water with the wind.  I think ice fishing is NOT one of Walt’s favorites.  He does it for Richard.  Nic’s sitter for that morning fell through at the last minute, so when I dropped Walt off in Osage, I got Nic instead.  Richard had packed him a big bag of food, so he was well taken care of in that area.  Nic seems to always be hungry, and I am not as prepared as I would be at home for grandchildren and their appetites.  He will even open our fridge and look for options.  It wasn’t too long before the boys came back.  No fish caught that day.  

This is looking down at the frozen lake.  Walt said it creaked as you walked on it.

Afterwards, I got the email/blog done for the week.  I was sooo tired, but was determined to get it finished and out.  Right after, I took a nap.  That is pretty unusual for me.  I just didn’t get much sleep at all the night before.  Walt actually didn’t take a nap at that time, but was very quiet- allowing me to sleep well.  That can be tricky in such a little place where we can hear each other pretty much anywhere in our house.    That night, we had our last District Council as that group of missionaries.  Transfers was on Thursday.  It was shocking to hear that each companionship was getting a different companion.  Our Elders (Moorcroft) would lose Elder Nutall.  That was also a surprise since usually the one that has been here the longest is the one who would get transferred first.  I guess Elder Sullivan has more to do and learn here.  We had our council meeting, got some group photos and Elder Sanders made everyone crepes.  He did a wonderful job of it.  Each of us brought whatever toppings we could.  We brought whipped cream and syrup.  Someone brought berries!!   We drove home that evening, not our favorite, but we go with it.

Elder Sullivan and Elder Nuttal. (Nutall got transferred the farthest point of the mission from us) I shouldn't point this out, but Elder Sullivan's shirt is a little wrinkled.  I gave him a hard time about it.

Front - Elder Vann, Me, Sister Smouse and Sister Shamo. (Smouse left)
Back - Elders  Nuttal, Sullivan, Pierce, Allen, Poulson, Griffin, Barton and Sanders

One last picture with Elder Nutall

Tuesday and Wednesday was our trip to the Fort Collins, CO temple.  The Billings Montana temple is closed while they renovate the baptistry.  It won’t open again until the first week in February.  Both Keith and April were supposed to go with us, but their dog is hurt and so just Keith went.  It is only a 4 hour drive, and it seemed to go by fast.  Keith loves to chat and we learn a lot from all his life experiences.  He’s seen and done a lot.  We did great on food.  We all brought sandwiches for the trip down, ate at Costco for an early dinner, got more dinner at the hotel (included), breakfast the next day at the hotel and had Chick-Fil-A for lunch.  Keith had never been to Chick-Fil-A before.  Most everyone got an extra sandwich or two for another day.  This is the closest Chick-Fil-A to us.

A cliff on the way to Ft. Collins CO

The Fort Collins, CO  Temple.  It was a beautiful day but very windy

Our time at the temple was really nice.  I actually took a need/issue to the Lord there, and received some great inspiration.  We never get tired of going there.  It’s usually just a wonderful spiritual experience.  This was Keith’s first time at a different temple than the one in Billings.  They are all so different but all are so beautiful.  We were able to attend two session and do some other ordinances in the two days.  We also took care of some returns from Christmas - the last of them.

Walt, Me and Keith at the Ft Collins, CO temple

Thursday was another trip, different direction.  Walt had an appointment in Rapid City, SD for an MRI on his knee.  The doctor is pretty sure it is a torn meniscus, but will know for sure from the MRI.  Currently we are still waiting for a call from the doctor with the results.  We hate waiting - especially me.  He is tired of it hurting and would just like to get it done.  There shouldn’t be any problem with having the surgery here (Rapid City) and recuperating here.  The imaging office in Rapid City was very nice.  We were impressed.  After his appointment, we headed to Olive Garden for a late lunch, early dinner.  We got two gift cards for Olive Garden at Christmas.  Thank you the Knights, and Abe and Anya.  It’s Walt’s favorite restaurant.  We filled up and had leftovers.  The drive is really pretty through the Black Hills, but we were glad to get home.

This what Walt got to wear for his MRI.  Too bad he couldn't bring them home

I know I take weird pictures.  This tissue box was at the Imaging center.  It's just so Wyoming.  Although we were in SD

Friday, Richard needed to go to Gillette for some business and asked if we could watch Nic.  I always feel like we should help him whenever we can.  It was just for the morning.  He mostly watched movies, played with his toys and constantly asked for food.  I am used to it.  On his way out with his dad, Nic asked if he could come to our house every day.  Bless his heart.  I didn’t know he enjoyed it so much. The rest of the day was just chilling, planning, and get our house in order.  It was super nice not to have to travel anywhere.

Saturdays seem to be our busiest days lately.  In the morning, I tried to visit Renee but she was asleep so I called another sister I needed to visit and asked could I come over in 5 minutes.  She was good about it and we had a great visit.  Then we and the Elders went to the Pithans.  It’s been a year since their son passed away, so I was glad to go check on how Pat was doing.  Jerry said she was fine, but I knew better.  Jerry also needed some wood chopped and a pallet of wood pellets brought in.  We are always glad to help them out, or just visit in general.  It is always a long visit, but enjoyable.  Pat fixed us all lunch this time.  She is so sweet.  Of course, there were the makings for S’mores.  They said as long as I visit, there will always be marshmallows to cook in the fire.  I seem to be the only one with the patience to slowly roast each side until golden brown.  One of our young women from Broomhall, PA said I had “marshmallow patience.”  

The guys got all the wood chopped and pellets brought inside.  It is almost always windy out there and that day was no exception.  Boy, those guys were happy to warm up to the fire every now and then.  I get spoiled and get to stay inside and visit with Pat.  She did have a hard time on their son’s anniversary of his death.  She basically just stayed in bed all day.  I understand that well.  She’s doing pretty good now, but still finds it hard to believe he is gone.  I totally understand that as well.  Our visit lasted about 4 hours.  We know they will be long visits, but they are always so very grateful we come out there.

After dinner, we had an appointment with the Smiths.  We meet with the whole family every week, and usually watch one of the new Book of Mormon videos and then discuss it.  The kids actually wanted two videos since the first one was rather short.  I am glad they enjoy our visits.  When we get there, the kids come out right away and Haley always has a hug for me.  When we left, I asked Nic if he wanted a “squeeze.”  That is what his grandma calls them.  He said, I guess.  Then grabbed me and hugged me long and hard.  Those kids need those hugs and attention.  I always felt our grandchildren needed extra when Michelle passed away.  Nic even hugged Walt.  He loves Elder Vann.

Sunday was a busy day as well.  One of the Elders said he didn’t like Sundays on his mission because they were so dead.  Guess he’s not doing it right.  We are always busy.  I guess Walt being Executive Secretary helps keep him busy.  I usually go set up the seminary room while I wait for him to finish.  We had some lunch and then tried to visit Renee.  She was asleep again this time.  Her door was open, so I left her a note on her chair.  So we decided to visit the Willadsons.  We haven’t seen them since Christmas.  We’ve called several times to set up an appointment, but sometimes they just don’t call back.  No problem - we just show up on the door step.  It was a nice visit.  Twilla is doing much better physically.  We like to do fun things with them, and Jim said the rodeo is coming to Rapid City at the Civic Center soon.  Later that night, he asked if we were available to go on February 7th.  Yes - we are!!!  We’ve really only seen the High School Rodeo and the Ranch Rodeo during the county fair.  This one should be pretty good.  

Our last appointment for the day was at Gary’s.  It is our second group discussion of the Book of Mormon.  Gary is really enjoying this.  We had a smaller group this time, but was still pretty good.  Gary uses his fridge as a white board, and had all kinds of drawings and notes from the weekly reading.  We are very happy that he is getting into this.  Whatever it takes.  Sis Booth brought the food.  She had said she would just bring some goodies, but ended up bringing potato soup, grapes, and cookie bars.  Dinner done!!  We are skipping next week, we have an appointment with another family for the Super Bowl.  But will meet again on February 9th.  Gary will be the leader and we will bring the food.  It should be interesting with him leading the discussion.  He comes up with some very interesting perspectives on things.  

That is it for the week.  We really love our mission and really enjoy hearing from our other Senior Missionary couple friends about their missions.  Each are so different, but we can tell they are loving their missions as well.  We miss our family a lot!!  That can be good and bad, but July will be here before we know it.  We love you all.

Can you believe this is a temperature here in January?