25 May 2025
VOLUME 13 – NUMBER 609
Caleb rappelling
This week I went rappelling with London, Keaton, Kai, Mom, and Caleb. We went to Lindon, and when we got there, we met up with London and Keaton and started to climb up some cliffs. The hike wasn't hard, but the scenery was beautiful.
When we got to the bottom of the cliff, London, Mom, Kai, and Caleb stayed at the bottom while Keaton and I hiked up some more to get to the top.
When we got to the top, Keaton started to set up the gear to rappel. It was really interesting to watch him set it up because he was telling me what he needed to do and why. He said he needed to even out the weight between the two bolted chains in the rocks.
Monthly family dinner
I was the first to go down, and it was so scary but fun. I just had to trust in the rope. I also learned what to do before rappelling down—we had to go through the safety measures, which were A, B, and C.
A was for Anchor, and Keaton told me it was good. B was for Belay. I had to yell down to London, “On belay,” and she would respond, “Belay on,” which meant that if I let go of my grip, she would hold me still with the rope. After that, I had to check C, which was Carabiner. I had to make sure my carabiner was locked and couldn’t open.
Then I would start going down, which was terrifying at first. But after doing it a few more times, I got more used to it. Once we were all done with the first cliff, London and Keaton wanted to go on the bigger cliff. So Caleb and I decided to go with them.
London helping Troy rappel
It was a huge cliff and a long way down. I went after Keaton so he could belay me. Halfway through, I got so scared that I froze and almost started to cry because I was so high up.
But then I was able to push through by saying, “Keaton’s got me,” and I repeated that to myself a few times before I kept going.
When we got to the bottom, we all decided to go up again. The second time, I didn’t freeze and wasn’t scared anymore. Rappelling is so fun!
Monthly family dinner
Mom, Caleb, Troy, and I went up to go rappelling with London and Keaton. The experience was really fun, and I know it was good for me because I got out of my comfort zone. I didn't go down the biggest wall, but I did go down a few other ones a few times.
The view up top was really nice. I got to see lots of beautiful things. It really makes me grateful for this beautiful earth God has given us.
On the way home, I got to drive. It was my first time on the interstate! I love driving—it's so fun!
Gloria and Monte as Hazel’s party
This week Isaac had a friends birthday party, and that was really fun. There were quite a few people there.
This week was also Monte’s last week coming to the temple with us. I’m just counting the days until he leaves, because I’m really going to miss him, but I know he’ll be a great missionary.
On Saturday, Monte and I went to Hazel’s graduation party. I really enjoyed the food and the dancing. After the party was over, Hazel asked me to go with her to pick up her dog. He had been watched by someone else.
On Sunday, Monte spoke. He gave a really good talk. Later, he was set apart as a missionary. We also had a family dinner, which was really nice with everyone there. I also love spending time with the baby nieces and nephews.
Children eating breakfast
This week on Sunday, we had a family dinner and had a lot of the family over. It was a ton of fun. The food was delicious!
Later in the day, Wendy came over to play games, and it was a blast. She is so fun to play with and makes everything more enjoyable. We stayed up pretty late playing games with her, and then eventually we all went to bed.
Well, most of us. I stayed up pretty late packing for FSY, since it was the next day. I still had to do my laundry and literally pack all my stuff.
Luckily, I got it all packed and hopefully have everything I need for FSY next week. It’s going to be so fun!
Veidi and Gloria
This week, I was packing for FSY because it is next week. We will be going soon, so I was making sure I have everything ready. Monte was also speaking in sacrament. It is crazy how fast time flies. He will be leaving in a couple of weeks.
We also had a family dinner, and the food was delicious. It is crazy how big our family is and how many people can fit in the house. I had an amazing week.
Aunt Wendy playing with family
We were having a family dinner, and Aunt Wendy came. We played games with her, and I had a great time playing with everyone.
It was so fun to have people here. They were laughing and talking, and the house felt full of joy.
I bet they were so happy playing together—joking, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company.
London trying on wedding dresses
I’m so excited that London and Keaton are getting married. We went dress shopping and while London didn’t click with every dress she tried on, she looked beautiful in every one that she wore.
We went to two appointments and London didn’t find the perfect dress, but she did find one that was close and is going to perhaps have the sleeves altered.
And just in case the superstitions are true about seeing a bride in her dress before the wedding, I’m only sharing photos of dresses she decided not to use! Doesn’t she look great though?!
Monthly family dinner
Big week this week, as I did something I've never done before. I played in my first ever baseball game! Which is kind of a lie, because it was really softball—but I've never played either, so this was a first. Definitely harder than I thought it would be, but I'm actually excited to learn.
I feel like I'm pretty confident in most other sports, but this is one I need some help with. Me and some co-workers are on an intramural team, and it seems like it's a fun group.
London trying on wedding dresses
On Saturday, I went on the first date I've been on in a while. We went to weed a garden patch for my coworker, Melanie. It was actually a pretty fun date. I've always tried to avoid service on a first date because it can seem a little in-genuine or like a "look at me, I like service" type of thing.
But her dad said she liked service and recommended something in that realm, so I went for it. Probably won't be a second date, since I think we were both kind of only there because her parents had set it up. Still, it was a good time.
We tried a place in Lehi called Spitz, and it was incredible! If you need a place for Greek/Mediterranean food, you've got to try this place. Their gyros were delicious.
Caleb with the children