Upper Michigan

After a few days seeing lighthouses we continued to the upper peninsula to visit family.  My mother grew up in Ishpeming, Michigan, and spent summers on Lake Michigamme.  My Aunt Julie was impressed that I was the first of my generation to bring my spouse to the "U.P."  (Upper Peninsula).  It was nice to see my grandparents gravesite, and hear family stories from my Aunts and Uncles, as well as my Mom's Aunts, Uncles, and cousins.  We of course ate pasties and hiked to Old Baldy.  We even stopped at the Da Yoopers Tourist Trap so that James had an even better idea of what being a "Yooper" is all about.

 

Lighthouses on Lake Michigan and Lake Huron

Lake Michigan

Lake Huron

Icebreaker

The Icebreaker Mackinaw was retired in 2006 and is now a museum.  It was pretty cool to see how life was aboard the ship and learn about how extending traffic on the shipping season on the Great Lakes was so important.

 

Road Trip

First stop on our road trip was in Kirtland, Ohio.  Ok, first stop where we got out and planned to spend some time.  :-)

Some of the sites we were able to see included: Newel K Whitney store, school of the prophets, the first Bishop's storehouse, the Kirtland temple, an ashery, a sawmill, and an original piece of the book of Abraham.  I am so grateful for the missionaries and other volunteers who allow visiting these locations such a spiritual experience.  And I am so grateful for the restoration of the keys of the priesthood that are on the earth today.

 

Baseball, Botanicals, and Berries

We took the kids to their first National's baseball game.  The older boys were much more interested than the girls, but good times were had by all.  Unfortunately the Nationals only scored one point - but it was an exciting home run in the bottom of the ninth.  Afterwards we stopped by the botanical garden downtown.

One Year as Mrs. Butikofer

I've gotten a lot of use out of my polka dot dress.  I'm so glad that Jenna enjoyed it so much.  I didn't even use my veil on my wedding day, so I'm glad that we were able to use it and get in some dancing to celebrate our one year anniversary!

 
 

Happy Father's Day

So grateful for James this Father's Day.  I'm glad that we were able to celebrate with the kids... and a video... and a play... and things we love about James.

 

 



James' new calling

June 16 is a pretty special day for us this year.  In addition to being Father's Day, it is also our one year anniversary.  I have an amazing husband, and am often caught off guard with the recognition of how fortunate I am.  A week ago  I was sitting in church and had one of those amazing moments of joy.  James had been late to sacrament meeting because he was meeting with the Stake President.  I was thinking about how very happy I was to be married to this man, particularly that he is worthy and willing to serve in callings as asked.  He will be a great Elder's Quorum President.  To top it off, as we sang the closing song, he made me smile even more, adding the word "a" before the last word in the first verse.

1. Today, while the sun shines, work with a will;

Today all your duties with patience fulfill.

Today, while the birds sing, harbor no care;

Call life a good gift; call the world fair.

(Chorus)

Today, today, work with a will;

Today, today, your duties fulfill.

Today, today, work while you may;

Prepare for tomorrow by working today.

2. Today seek the treasure better than gold,

The peace and the joy that are found in the fold.

Today seek the gems that shine in the heart;

While here we labor, choose the better part.

3. Today seek for goodness, virtue, and truth,

As crown of your life and the grace of your youth.

Today, while the heart beats, live to be true,

Constant and faithful all the way through.

June Birthday

For Jenna's birthday James made a wooden knife, per her request.  Another request was that we hide presents for her to search for.  Her favorite fruit is watermelon, so I made a pink cake with green frosting, that looked a little like watermelon.   Jenna is such a joy, and often seems much more mature than her now 7 years.

Mourning

 

 

We were quite excited for almost two months with prospects of a new addition to our family, but received sad news at our first ultrasound.  Instead of a heartbeat, it became clear that something was wrong and our baby had stopped growing.  Through the disappointing news, we have felt a lot of love and comfort.  I specifically felt that it was important to be grateful for the blessings that we do have.  My sister sent me roses, and in transport, one of the flowers was separated from the stem.  Although it was sad that one didn't quite make it, I still felt an overwhelming gratitude for the beautiful flowers and what I do have.  We have five beautiful children.  I have an awesome husband, and we can try again.