Farewell Talk

Blake did a beautiful job giving his farewell talk in Sacrament meeting this past Sunday. (Nov. 28th) He spoke on gratitude and bore a wonderful testimony of his feelings towards the Savior, family, and the work he is about to embark on. We were so blessed to be able to have his Grandfather here to listen to it. Grandpa Halvorsen., who turned 90 this October, is huge on expressing gratitude and he was pleased with Blake's words. Later that evening, we held Austin and Chandler's Eagle Scout Court of Honor and afterwards, had Blake's Farewell Open house. So proud of all of my boys and have so much to be thankful for!

Blake goes to the Temple!!

Mike and I took Blake for his endowment session through the Seattle Temple on Nov. 20th, 2010. It was a great day! We left for the temple at 9ish am. and went through the 11:30 session. Jennifer and Kory Custer and Kevin Durrant joined us for the session. I watched Blake as he participated for the first time in this sacred event. He was peaceful and calm and loved the experience of making beautiful and meaning covenants with his Father in Heaven. The best day a parent could ask for.

The Custers and Halvorsens

Kevin Durrant and us.

Afterwards, we met Thessa and Russ Hardy at "Seafood City" in Tukwila. Sis. Hardy has been wanting to take our family there as it is primarily a Philippine-type market/eatery. She was like a kid in a candy shop and we had a wonderful time looking at all the foods and taking in the sights, smells and sounds of what life will be like for Blake for the next two years.

Eating at the Filipino cafe in "Seafood City"

Russ Hardy and Kevin Durrant

Blake holding a package of pigs feet! Bon appetite!!

Thessa and Russ Hardy. Kevin Durrant.

Blake holding chicken feet, another filipino staple. Down the hatch, Blake! :)

Chandler oogling a carton of pigs blood. Almost like something you would see on "Fear Factor".

Blake's call came!!!

It's official! Our second son has been called to labor in the Baguio Philippines mission. He will learn the Tagalog language. He received his call on Thursday, September 2nd, 2010. Soon we will be documenting his journey, letters and emails!! We are so happy for him. Cameron and Blake's mission will overlap by a couple of months, but we're hoping that Cameron will be able to see Blake before he actually flies out to the Philippines! We are so proud of you, Blake!

MORE TO COME!!