3 September 2023

Ashton returned from his mission last week and spoke in church on Sunday, along with Camden and Jake. Ashton was the last of the six friends to return. Malakai already left for BYU, but here is a photo of five of the friends reunited. From the left are Spencer, Abe, Camden, Ashton and Jake.

Malakai's younger brother, Gabe, jumped in to substitute for Malakai for a photo. Malakai served in the Los Angeles California Mission (Mandarin speaking), Spencer served in the Denver Colorado and Fukuoka Japan Missions, Abe served in the Syracuse New York and Busan South Korea Missions, Camden served in the St. George Utah Mission (Spanish speaking), Ashton served in the Seoul South Korea Mission and Jake served in the Kumasi Ghana Mission.

We picked lots of pears this week. Brandan drove the platform for another 4 am shift and Becky and Abe went along to pick pears.

Becky was back in her classroom this week, attending inservice meetings and getting ready for school to start after Labor Day. Her school asks all of the teachers to create posters to introduce themselves to new students. This is the poster Becky made for herself. 

Brandan, Abe and Gibson left Friday morning to take Abe out to BYU. The back of the car was packed, with a little space for Gibson.

They drove through rainstorms across Nevada and saw this beautiful rainbow.

Some of the items in the car were for Helen, including her violin and a guitar. They brought Helen her things on Saturday morning and picked Helen up to spend the day together.

Here's a photo of Gibson, Abe and Helen on the campus of BYU.

Becky has been calling Abe her big freshman and Helen her baby freshman. The truth is they are both competent and capable adults with excellent judgement and the desire to learn. We're super proud and excited for them.

Abe ran into Ian Jensen while checking in. We knew him as Elder Jensen and he served in our ward while Abe was doing home MTC two years ago.

Helen and Gibson helped Abe move in to Heritage Halls. Abe is sharing an apartment with his 5 friends from Oregon.

Ashton is Abe's roommate. They're looking forward to speaking Korean with each other. From the left are Spencer, Ashton Abe, Helen and Gibson. Abe's bed is on the left of the photo.

There's a practice room off the lobby of Abe's dorm building.

After Abe moved in, Brandan, Helen and Gibson walked around campus with him and helped him find his classes.

Helen found another couple of pianos to play.

This is a photo of a beautiful corner of campus. Helen has finished two weeks of classes. Abe will start on Tuesday. 

Meanwhile, Sofi and Nate were hiking and sent us beautiful photos from their adventure.

Here's another stunning photo.