August 12, 2012.  We have four days left before we leave for our mission!  This weekend we had a family gathering here on our little farm in Goldendale, Washington!  Erika and Jason and the children arrived on Friday around 6:00 and Michael August arrived around 7:00 and Elizabeth and Luke came on Saturday.  My mother was here also and she enjoyed visits with all of the children and great grandchildren.  Chelsea has been overseas and we will meet up with her in Portland on Thursday morning and spend the day with her before our flight leaves in the evening.  Elizabeth had won second place in a recipe contest sponsored by the Lamb Council.  Her prize was 28 lamb chops!  She brought the lamb shops to grill!  Rebekah, Michael, Erika and I went early Saturday morning to the tiny little Farmer's Market in Goldendale and we purchased fresh organic vegetables to roast and eat with the lamb.  We then drove about 15 minutes to the Maryhill orchards and bought  a box of freshly picked peaches .  We had a wonderful and delicious "farm to table" meal.  I made a lemon cake decorated with fresh thyme from our garden, and everyone sliced their own peaches to eat with the cake.  Joshua and great Grandma Gamman have birthdays in August so we celebrated and sang to them!

Over the last week and a half we have had several visits from family and friends.  My walking partner of seven years, Claire and her husband Peter drove up one afternoon for lunch and we had a wonderful visit with them.  Also, my dear friend, Lori Wahlstrom drove up and spent last Sunday with us.  A few days later Steve and Linda brought Michael's mother up and we also had a great lunch with them!  It is the first time Grace had seen our farm and at 103 she weathered the trip beautifully!

We will spend the next few days finishing up last minute items.  We will be in training in Salt Lake City on Friday and will enter the MTC on Monday, August 20.  We will fly to Buenos Aires  on August 27.

Thanks to all for your love and support and encouragement!