Brown Family Blog: September 2009

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Dinosaur Museum

Of course with Emma in town, we had to take advantage of $2 Tuesday at Thanksgiving Point (along with half of Utah County). The wait wasn't actually too bad, and the museum was worth it!

Waiting in line:

Connor is serious about his fossils, Devin is the ever-watchful older brother.

Look out!!!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

As many of you know, we decided to host a foreign exchange student this year to give our children a "cultural" experience and the opportunity to learn about someone from another country. "Emma"--her chosen English name--is from the Kunming province of China, and she has been an absolute delight to have in our home. We are also glad she chose an English name, since her Chinese name is difficult for our American mouths to pronounce! She speaks beautiful English, and has fit right into our family. She plays the piano and loves to sing, interacts well with all the children, and is learning to adapt to school in an American high school--quite different from what she is accustomed to in China. Emma is an only child, and she and her parents have been going through some withdrawals, but she is dealing with everything marvelously. Emma also loves to cook and is always asking if she can help prepare dinner. She even prepared us a delicious Chinese feast a week or two after arriving. I am looking forward to round 2 tomorrow--YUM! We are excited for the next nine months of sharing our home and culture with Emma and learning more about Chinese culture as well.

We picked Emma up at the Salt Lake Airport on Saturday, August 15 and she will be with us for the entire school year.

Emma's birthday was the week before she arrived, so we had a small celebration the day after she arrived complete with cake and ice cream and a small gift.

Emma and Shaylee enjoy cake and ice cream--Emma would eat this every day for breakfast if I would let her!

Demeron's Wedding

Dennis' nephew Demeron married the sweet (and beautiful) Jenna last month. Although Dennis was not the "official" photographer, he always takes lovely pictures. We were so glad to be able to be in Logan and share their special day with them. If you notice a lack of "Shaylee" in the pictures, it's because she came home from girls' camp that day and was not able to be with us.

Connor with Grandpa Brown at the wedding luncheon prior to the sealing ceremony.

Connor, Aspen, Caden (cousin)

Macho Boys

Caden & Aspen (I'm pretty sure she's singing to him)

Aren't they precious?

The proud father

Happy sister Marissa (after a long morning)

Moving in the cake

Monday, September 21, 2009

Brown Family Reunion

In August we had the opportunity to meet with Dennis' dad's family up at Heber Valley Camp. First, if you have not been to Heber Valley Camp, you need to go! What a beautiful, amazing place. When I grow up :), I would love to be a senior missionary there. It's also very reasonably priced (as far as family reunions go--although not as cheap as camping in Coalville!). Anyway, it was also wonderful to reunite with/get to know Dennis' dad's siblings and their spouses and children. Dennis comes from a very large family, so he does not know (well) all of his aunts/uncles/cousins. The event was well-planned, well-attended, and well-carried out. What a delightful weekend!

We had some fun group firesides, presentations. Then there were workshops, activities for the kids, etc. Plus an opportunity to do some of the adventure courses (you will see pictures below of our group activities, plus, the highlight, the zipline).

Family hanging out at a fireside the first night (after dinner in family groups).