LAS VEGAS

FUNERAL FOR CARL J. CHRISTENSEN

at the cemetery

Robyn's stepdad, Carl Christensen, passed away last week after a long illness. We received permission from President Vest to fly to Las Vegas on Saturday to be with Robyn's mom, Ellen, and to attend the funeral. Three of our kids were also able to come - Christopher, Matthew and Amy. It was sad to say goodbye to Grandpa 'C', but we had a wonderful visit with the kids and got caught up on everything including lots of grandkid's hugs and kisses. 

family luncheon following the service 

Since the funeral was the Tuesday after general conference, and Matthew was in town, we were able to attend the priesthood broadcast together at a local stake center (Christopher had not arrived yet from Provo). Of course we had to go out to eat, as we always do, following the session. And as there are no 'In N Out' restaurants in Missouri and Kansas (much to James' exasperation), I treated Matthew and sent a picture to James so he could see what he was missing along with a copy of the receipt. :)

Eat your heart out James - 2 cheese burgers, animal style with fries

GENERAL CONFERENCE TICKETS

Carlos and Perla Toraya asked us what they had to do to obtain tickets to attend a session of conference. They had never been before and really wanted to experience it. We told them to talk to their stake president. Unfortunately, all the tickets had been spoken for. We told them that we might be able to help and so I contacted President Hales back in California and asked if he had any extra tickets. He was so generous and said, "No problem." After Carlos' twin brother, Moroni, heard about the tickets he said he needed to ask me a question. Apparently, he had also planned to go to conference with his girlfriend, Elsa and was hoping and planning to propose to her while they were there. It was supposed to be a big surprise for Elsa. So with no tickets available in Kansas, he was hopeful that we could also help out so that his 'proposal plans' would come together. Again, President Hales came through for us. The four of them were able to attend the Sunday afternoon session. Carlos and Moroni attended the priesthood session. And Elsa said, "Yes". ;-)

Carlos and Perla

text message with photo: She said, "Yes !!"

Moroni and new fiance, Elsa Jeronimo

NEW NEIGHBOR

Our good friend, Karen Kanalu, just moved here from California. Karen and I, along with her brother Warren, grew up together in the Westdale II ward back home. Years later, she moved into our home ward in Torrance. And now she is living in Shawnee Mission, Kansas in the same stake we work in. Her brother Warren flew out from Georgia to help her move. We were able to visit with them and catch up. Karen has already begun working at the Bishop's Storehouse here in Kansas City, like she did back in LA. It will be fun to see her from time to time there.

DISTRICT LUNCH

Once a transfer, Robyn fixes lunch for our district after district meeting. This time it was Indian Fry bread and homemade lilikoi/passion fruit jam. There were no left overs...