June 2023

 PRIMARY FUN!

Our ward had a fun Primary activity. Brooklyn had fun hitting the pinata.

Audrey and Brooklyn also had fun sliding down the giant slip and slide.

GRADUATION FROM GPR RESIDENCY

We are proud of Jared's hard work and everything he's learned this past year. 

Jared looked nice in his dress whites. 

The fam!

Jared with his co-residents: Greg, Janet, Kelsey, and Will. Kelsey and Will be in Oki with us. 

Jared got an award/nick name, "The Professor," from his wonderful director, CDR Rosacker.

Brooklyn fell in love with his dog Ruby.

DONALDSON FAMILY REUNION!

NIAGRA FALLS

We had a blast on the Maid of the Mist Tour! Looking good in our blue ponchos!

It's so beautiful close up.

We got a little wet!

On Rainbow Bridge where we crossed into Canada.

It was fun to see some British style gardens.

First time in a foreign country. Next stop, Japan!

 

View from the Canadian side.

FAMILY!

It was so wonderful to have time with my sweet Aunt Rebecca. She spoiled with little girls with some pretty fans. 

After a trip to the temple, my sweet Uncle Craig treated us all to a delicious dinner.

POCONO MOUNTAINS

We had fun hiking to waterfalls in the Pocono mountains.

The kids definitely loved our time miniature golfing. Brooklyn was happy to not have a broken arm this time. 

Unfortunately she got sick on our last day.

We had a nice family dinner and played a family history game.

The dads each got a pie to enjoy for Father's day.

NY & PA CHURCH HISTORY SITES

Priesthood restoration site

We toured the Hale home.

Small home where Joseph and Emma lived. 

Grave for Joseph and Emma's infant son who died. 

On the banks of the Susquehanna river where Joseph and Oliver were baptized.

THE SACRED GROVE

We had a beautiful experience praying in the Sacred Grove. We also had a nice family testimony meeting.

Beautiful Christus statue

Hiking up the Hill Cumorah.

At the top!

Visiting the Grandin Building where the Book of Mormon was printed.

Alvin Smith's grave


View of the temple from the Sacred Grove

View of the Sacred Grove from the Palmyra Temple

The teens got to do baptisms at the temple with their Uncles and Grandpa. 

The Peter Whitmer farm where the church was organized.

Joseph Smith's home

Room where Moroni appeared to Joseph

FAMILY FUN!

We stopped at a church pavilion for lunch between seeing the site. There was a giant tube the kids enjoyed rolling in down a hill. 

Cuddling with Grandpa

Cuddling with Grandma

Cousins on the couch

It rained most of our time at Seneca Lake Girls camp. We were happy we got sunshine on our last day so we could enjoy a boat rides with cousins. Mary was a great sport and took all the little red heads out on the water.

GETTYSBURG

NATHAN LOSES A BODY PART

Nathan had to get his appendix removed. Luckily Jared knew all the signs so we caught it early. He was braver than his mom who started crying when they took him back for surgery. 

GOOD-BYE TO KINDERGARTEN FRIENDS!

Brooklyn had a wonderful experience with all her friends and her amazing teacher Miss Graham.

Birthday party with friends from school.

Last day of school!

Last day of second grade!

LAST TRIP TO THE BOTANICAL GARDENS

Beautiful bonsai in bloom!

The magnolias were beautiful!

GIRL'S NIGHT OUT

I had a fun Karaoke night with friends to celebrate Laura's birthday.

GOOD -BYE MUSIC TEACHERS

One thing Maryland definitely doesn't lack is good music teachers! We will miss all of them.

Audrey had her final recital and said good-bye to her music teacher Hyewon Yoon. She helped Audrey's violin playing change from painful to pretty.

Abby and Maddy have had such a wonderful experience studying the piano with Brian Lotter. His knowledge and passion for teaching is hard to beat. They will miss studying with him. 

Abby and Maddy said good-bye to their piano students this month too, but I failed to get pictures! One of Maddy's student's drew this cute picture of our family to say good-bye.