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Memorial Day Weekend!

I've been meaning to write a Memorial Day Weekend blog post, but it totally slipped my mind until today! So here it is, only a week late! Last Sunday was Matthew's missionary farewell! My uncle Phil and cousin Jonathan came into town for it and we had such a great weekend! On Saturday, we all went over to the Frederickson's house and Becky bought everyone Taco Bell for lunch and we just sat around and caught up for a little while. Then, me, Amy, Matthew, Jenn, and Jonathan decided we wanted to go on an adventure. So, after a quick stop at Sweet Frog, where Jonathan kindly informed many uninterested customers that I worked there and asked them to please come visit me sometime, we met up with one of Matthew's friends at Dan Island in Ashburn. It was super pretty and a nice place to hang for a little while. Then we all went over to Grandma and Grandpa's house for a family dinner. Grandma had prepared the best ribs I have ever tasted! They were SO good. We had a great night just hanging out! A highlight of the evening happened when all of us were sitting out on the deck after dinner. The security system at Grandma and Grandpa's hasn't been working. Out of nowhere, Grandpa comes out onto the deck with a rifle and goes, "Well, our security system is down, but we are okay." It was just the funniest thing! He left and a few minutes later returned with a pistol. Never a dull moment I tell you! After dinner, we all headed home to get some sleep before the big farewell the next day!

 Sunday morning, we all got up bright and early to actually be on time for 8:30 church. Miracle of miracles, even Jenn was ready on time and we got to church early enough to sit in the front! SCORE. I had the amazing privilege of being able to speak at the farewell with Brother Okiishi who I greatly admire and of course my wonderful cousin Matthew! The theme of the meeting was Christ-like attributes. I was assigned to speak on humility. I really felt the Spirit guiding me as I was researching for my talk and pulling from my own personal experiences. I loved writing the talk and hope that I was able to bring the Spirit as I gave it. Matthew and Bro Okiishi both gave absolutely wonderful talks. I also had the wonderful opportunity to sing one of my favorite hymns "I Know that My Redeemer Lives," with Amy, Michael, Matthew, and Jenn. I felt the Spirit so strongly as we sang and I hope that the congregation did too. I just love that I can bear my testimony of the Gospel not only through words, but also through music. I love music so much and I just love that I can use it to help others feel the Spirit. It was such an amazing experience singing with my family whom I love more than anything else in this world! After a wonderful Sunday at church, Matthew and Jonathan came over to our house for lunch and we just hung out until it was time to head over to Grandma and Grandpa's for Matthew's open house. The open house was absolutely incredible! So many people came to support Matthew and it was so much fun to be there! After the open house, all of the kids came to our house for a How I Met Your Mother marathon. Such a good show. Then we all headed to bed because everyone was exhausted!

 On Monday, we had pizza at Grandma and Grandpa's and just hung out until Phil and Jonathan had to head to the airport. It was an amazing weekend! Now for the pictures:

 "Our security system is down, but we are okay."
On the way to Sweet Frog and Dan Island!
This picture is just the best.
Me and Carter at the open house!
The sign Jacob wanted to hang on the front door.
Jenn didn't quite get the memo that we were all going to smile...

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