The Ralph Family House of Ideas: Review of 2018 Second Half

So this starts the second half (or a little less) of the year 2018. The Family Reunion in July and August was a great success. What a fun time to get together with family. At the end of the reunion we drove back to Kent and prepared for surgery for Kathleen. She figured that since they were 100% of the deductible for insurance she might as well have her right knee replaced to match the left hip. It was another trip to the hospital. And an overnight stay. After a great deal of physical therapy and ice machine work outs, Kathleen was back to a slow plodding walk. She was able to go to Samuel's board of Review for his Eagle scout project that he finished up just in time.

Right knee, a few days after surgery.

With Calynda Pula

Lots of Work and fun.

All the merit badges needed to
finish his Eagle Scout.

The exhibit was closed but we took a picture of an aerial view
after we had a boat ride around the memorial. Very sad and
solemn.

Recovery was faster with a summer vacation in mind. Rebekah's work was giving the whole team a vacation in Hawaii, at a resort in Kauai. She invited her mom and dad to come and then opened it up for siblings. Jessica and Susan were the only ones who could make it but the plans were in place.

From the beach at Pearl Harbor.

Of course Kathleen felt that 5 days weren't enough so she and Stephen went to Oahu first for five days then flew over to Kauai to meet up with the girls. They got in late at night and found their rental car after a long wait for a bus. Then there was a night in Honolulu so that they could tour Pearl Harbor and the sites in the city and hopefully make a Sacrament service. We ran into this sign that said "The True Jesus Mission Church of the Latter Rain" It was close by the stake center where we tried to make it to church but they had a stake conference going instead of the regular time so we went to another building farther out. Check out the front of the church building, unique.

Very odd church

The Stake Center where they were having a
Stake Conference.

The temple in Lainai on Sunday.

Looking forward at the temple.

We visited the temple visitors center on Sunday and then went to a session later when it was pouring rain. It was very beautiful and the officiator asked if we would help with sealings afterward so it was a special time.

Looking back from the temple.

Falls and Mountains on Oahu.

This is where they filmed the first
Jurassic Park.

Just giving you a feel for the location.

We went to several places during our stay in Oahu including the Polynesian Cultural Center, An arboretum, and the ranch where they filmed several movies, including Jurassic Park, King Kong and World War II movies. We also toured an old bunker from WW II that was actually used in the war and then used by the film companies to store equipment and take inside cave shots.

Look out for the Dinosaurs.

Showing off....

Some beautiful scenery.

Stephen and Susan checking out the
waves.

Stephen in the water.

We went to different parts of the island each day. There were several beaches that we snorkeled in and beautiful mountain ranges to check out. We enjoyed shaved ice and some barbeque pork with rice. The Resort was gorgeous with two rooms that fit all of us. It was such a blessing for all of us and Rebekah made it possible. Love you girl!

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Looking into the light.

Car rental via Rebekah and she was the
navigator for where we would go

Taking pictures of a canyon.

Another canyon shot with two cuties.

And another canyon shot

Some wind with the Sunshine.

It was mostly sunny and beautiful and it was so
good to be with those three girls. There was
talking and laughing and lots of good memories.

Stephen was one lucky guy!

Jessica was showing off her baby bump.

Everyone taking pictures.

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Stephen had to get close to the edge...on the other side of the fence.

Rainbow shot.

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The direction to the wettest spot of the earth.

Getting the best shot!

Sometimes you were just tired and needing a rest.

Selfie.

This was a great little "hole in the wall" diner
The served large amounts of everything....
yummy.

Two wild pigs strapped to the back of a SUV. It was illegal to
kill the wild pigs and chickens on the island. The chickens
would just roam everywhere. It was cute to see mama hens
guiding her chicks around cars, cats, bikes, etc.

A small falls.

Larger falls.

Bright sun and brown water.

Chickens are protected by
everyone.

Oahu was wonderful but we were excited to see what Kauai was like also and to visit with the three oldest daughters. Afterward such a wonderful trip we felt the need to visit our children in Texas. At the end of November and the beginning of the December we spent time with Jon and Jenna and their kids and Liz and Austin and their kids. What a fun time. We piled into Austin's truck with the kids in the back and the adults in the cab with baby MaKenzie and Ezra and we toured a neighborhood of beautiful Christmas decor. What a fun time. It was great to be with the Texas clans.

Games and food and the table.

All the cutie kids.

What a blessing to have Grandkids.

Playing with Grandpa and the park.

Life is a blast with these cuties.

Freezing in the back of the truck.

Lots of excitement and movement.

The plane ride home was comfy.

Baby Heidi's first pictures.

Sleeping in comfort with a smile.

After Texas, Kathleen flew to Utah to help Sarah and Michael welcome in their newborn baby girl. After several hours of comfortable labor with an epidural Heidi Kathleen Gordon was born on her due date just like her brother. December 13, 2018. She sported a head of red hair and a cute smile that made her a delight to everyone. Welcome to the family Miss Heidi.

Big Brother Eric with his Baby Sister.

The last big blast for the year was to have Ben and Carli come for Christmas and then celebrate with Samuel getting his Eagle Court of Honor in while his friends were in town. Many people said how nice his Court of Honor was and we had a big crowd show up. It was a blessing!

Proud Papa!

Christmas Day with Ben and Carli at our home.

Close up of the Christmas company.

Stairway to Christmas.

Lined up for the picture.

Cheesy shot waiting for Grandpa

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Samuel's Court of Honor was well attended and the leader from the Scout Office said it was the best one he had ever attended. So glad everyone was able to be there and help out.