Mission calls, trip to Oklahoma, more snow!

The grandkids came over on Tuesday and then at 7:00 pm LaNae gave a presentation on Japan to the Beehives in our ward.  We had fun making gyoza and trying some fun Japanese treats. They are sure cute girls, many of them 11 years old because of the new announcement that you can enter Beehives on January of the year you turn 12.

LaNae sent out invitations for the Petersen Reunion this summer, to be held here in Utah along with a Choate Reunion.

Our two cute nieces received their mission calls this week! Katie will be going to the California Bakersfield Mission, entering the MTC on June 5! 

On Wednesday we loaded the car, and headed out for Oklahoma!! We drove straight through the night, just pulling over for 2 hours to rest in New Mexico, and we made it to the ranch around 4pm. When we arrived Billy was carrying a cat in a box out to his truck—so nice of him to try to make accommodations for Luke who is petrified of all animals. That was Thursday night, and we got to go over to Jimmy’s house for Aly’s mission call opening. She is going to the Washington Kennewick Mission and enters the MTC on May 1!  Jim and Angie plan to bring her up to Utah to the MTC, so we will get to see them soon!!!

Friday we got the tires swapped out on the car. visited with Jared and Taylor, and got to meet baby Beckham; Nick and Kayla came over too; had a great visit!

Saturday was a clear, windy day; Luke and Tim went SHOPPING at Walmart. They also took a hike around the ranch. We were impressed that Luke willingly snuck past the 3 sleeping dogs with Tim; he must have been feeling adventurous. Carol came over and brought Nathan; Jason came over and brought his kids; Steven and Nancy and their kids came over; Jimmy and Angie came over with Levi. 

Saturday, we also got to visit the cemetery where Our father, William Wesley Choate is buried.

 Love this picture of Maxwell with Grandma Choate. The youngest grandchild and the oldest members of the family together. So precious. After sacrament meeting, Cindy came over with Max and set him down. Then, he walked over and rested his head on Grandma’s knee. He apparently gets to see her regularly. They’re good buddies. I can’t see this picture without thinking about how short life really is. How precious it is. Alma 34:32 says: “For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.” In spite of the trials, I’m grateful for this precious life. I’m even more grateful we have each other during this life! - Tim

We had a nice trip home, stopping in Cortez, Colorado to spend the night.  On Wednesday, there was a big snow storm.  We got lots more snow which we are grateful for because they were worried last summer about drought conditions, but fortunately we have received lots of moisture this winter.

It was nice to see all the family again.  We are looking forward to seeing Steven who is planning a trip to Utah in April, and Jim and Angie's family who are coming in May! And of course the big reunion this coming summer!!!