Roland's Farewell

Dallin, Luke, Blue and Chad

 Wow! All three of my boys were helping in the kitchen.

Uncle Roland has been deployed to Iraq last Friday, for one year.

Aunt Misty had a farewell/family reunion before he left.

I was able to help Misty and Dez set up.

The wind picked up, making it very difficult putting the tablecloths on.

Dez, Misty and I put the cloths on 15 tables, the wind blew them right off.

Misty got a wheel barrel of rocks!

Before she could get more, the wind blew the cloths and rocks right off the tables.

We came into the house discouraged

Dez offered a prayer that the wind would go away and that we would have a nice going away party.

The wind was still going strong.

We said another prayer, that we would know how to work with the wind.

Misty said, "Why don't we put the chairs upside down on the tables, holding the cloths. Walla!

Often that is how the Lord works, he doesn't always remove our opposition, but helps us to know how to overcome it.

Sundi and her father, Troy

Casey, Brenda, Julie, Kathy, Seth, Wind

 

Dallin's friends, Troy, Sundi, Christy, Blue

 

It was exciting to see family we hadn't seen for awhile.

This little flock of ducks were determined to crash the party.

Misty and Roland live by Utah Lake.

 Blue helping little Roland up.

The skateboard ramp and rope were a hit with all of the cousins, everyone from ages 5 to 23 were skateboarding and swinging on the rope, all at once, resulting in a few crashes, but no injuries.

I enjoyed watching my older boys interacting with the little guys, showing them how to skateboard and be a tarzan.

 Top left to right, Cara & Eric Bramwell, cousins
Bottom left to right, Misty & Roland Amendola, Troy & Kathy Mills

After eating and playing we then took family pictures.

Casey & Brenda, Rich & MaryKaye and Chad, Rex & Lisa Amendola

The Cousin Pyramid was not an easy task!

 

Casey introduced his new girlfriend, Brenda, to the family.

She fit right in, like she has always known all of us. Brenda is so pleasant and easy to be around. We all decided that she is a keeper.

Zeus even liks her!

 

Wind

Wind, Dallin, Seth

 

Behind; Casey, Asha, Dez and Troy

In front; Brenda, Misty, Christy, Sundi, Kathy

After the pictures we were all ready for a swim.

Behind; Troy, Kathy, Misty, Dez, Brenda & Casey

In water; Wind, Dallin, Seth, Christy, Julie & Sundi

We had a wonderful time with family and friends. 

We all wish Roland safety and protection till he returns home.

Good Luck and God Bless Roland!