For our family reunion this year we toured So Utah and So Nevada to see areas where Russ' ancestors settled during the early years of the LDS Church in the West. It was fun to explore areas that Russ remembered frequenting with his own grandparents and sharing that with his grandchildren. While we were sad that not all the family was able to attend, he did feel like he was able to share a lot of his childhood with the grandchilden and help them appreciate the sacrifices of their pioneer ancestry.
The Pine Valley chapel pictured above was made with wood planed and prepared in the Whipple Saw Mill in Pine Valley, Utah. Eli Whipple was one of Russ' great-great-grandfathers, who also supplied the wood for the Tabernacle organ and seating in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City.
When we got to the favorite spot of every single grandchild (the Whitney Ranch on the border of Arizona/Nevada), we decided to take a family shot in front of the original Whitney homestead. We just had to do a "pretend polygamy" photo in front of the house, even though the original owners never practiced polygamy. George Luke Whitney was Russ' great-grandfather and provided fruit from this lovely desert oasis to the local miners. The grandchildren had SO much fun swimming in the cold, spring-fed pond and we enjoyed time away from electricity, cell phones, television, etc. and watching these precious grandchild simply enjoy being in each other's company.
(This ranch is still owned by one of Russ' distant cousins.)
Back row: Sheridan B, Tamsen Bo, Sara P, Emily M, Kevin & Jana B, Teriesa B
Front row: Amelia B, Bridget M, Tyler B, Finley M, Avery M, Teagan P, Maura Bo, Tage P, Cooper B, Tyce P, Braeden Bo, Ethan Bo, Nathan B, Talon P.
From the shot below, can you see why the grandchildren (and parents) LOVED this desert oasis?
News of 2012 from the Ballard family:
--Tamsen's husband, Todd, is now being well cared for in a local nursing home. While it is hard for the family to be separated, this is the better choice for Todd's well-being. We are thrilled that the VA stepped up to the plate and accepted responsibility for Todd's care. Their children are Braeden, Ethan and Maura Bo.
--Emily's family moved to Seattle this year due to a job change for Patrick. In November Russ was able to go visit them and Megan's family (who live in Vancouver). All is well there and we miss the Washington families a lot. Emily & Patrick's daughters are Bridget, Avery and Finley M. Megan and Nick's children are Ashleigh and Preston C.
--Kevin's and Ryan's families are doing well and thriving. We are very blessed to be able to see the Utah families many times each month. Kevin & Jana's children are Sheridan, Teriesa, Nathan, Cooper, Amelia, and Tyler B. Ryan and Sara's sons are Tyce, Teagan, Talon and Tage P.
--Suzanne is still selling Medicare insurance but her employer moved locations much further from our home. Due to the long commute and the overtime hours she worked during the Annual Enrollment Period, she moved to a duplex for 3 months this Fall, coming home on weekends only. It was hard to be apart, but better for her health & safety. She is now glad to be back home! Suzanne continues her calling as Ward Family History Consultant.
--Russ still works in the Mt. Timp Temple one day a week, is on the High Council, and diligently completes honey-do projects for us and for Tamsen. He has more than enough to keep him busy in his retirement!
May God bless you all and may He help heal our country from the political divisions and violence which have plagued 2012.
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