Lexi and Sophi acting master class

Miss these two little girls!

-Dad

Best Father's Day ever!

Last week Taylor and Parker (who are only here because coronavirus brought them home for a short respite from their missions in Mexico) surprised me with a canyoneering trip for Father's Day. They had wanted to do all the planning and packing and then just spring it on me, but they quickly realized that in the planning phases they were a little over their heads. So we planned it together. And Christi came too! Perfect getaway before they headed back out to finish their missions.

We did Dragonfly and Moonflower in Moab. Great canyons with some really big drops, some fun and easy potholes and a short slot section. Thank you guys!

On Father's Day itself, Christi made me my favorite dessert: Key Lime Cake (thank you for the recipe Erin and Denise Christiansen!!!). It takes a few hours to make, so she only does it once a year:). I feel so spoiled. And Sophi and Lexi got me a fantastic pair of Bose Headphones. All in all I came out pretty good!

At least I had an amazing view as I hitchhiked back to the car!

Staring down a 200 footer!

Parker does a Spider-man! (Intentionally locks off and hangs upside down 😮:

Another 200 foot drop

Thank you sweetie! So delicious:)

Stars

Sophi wrote a poem for a school project and I wanted to share:

STARS

When I go camping, I look at Stars!

Those bright Stars!

I wonder what they do at night those Stars.

What are they made of?

Maybe gas or maybe small Stars!

What lives up there?

Star fish?

The world may never know.

I bet Mars knows.

Love my Sophi:)

Amazing Xander

Xander came into our lives with so much joy! Unlike all of our other adoptions, there really was no transition period. When we walked into the room where he was waiting for us in Zhejiang, China, he threw his arms up for a hug and yelled out, "Mama! Baba!" And that was it. He was ours. Completely and 100% committed to us. And us to him. And what an amazing young man he has become. As we were on that adoption trip with several other families, Christi and I just kept telling each other that we had won the jackpot. This little guy had charisma and an infectious exuberance and love and smiles and just glowed. We told each other that we had a future student body president on our hands. Sure enough, Xander was just voted to Student Council for his sophomore year.

Xander has become my buddy, joining me on so many fun adventures or watching shows together or playing H-O-R-S-E in the backyard. He has become a chef extraordinaire. You should try his fancy trout or his onion rings and fried pickles! He is so aware of his family members and ready to serve them as he sees needs arise. Xander is such an amazing part of our family. We are SO grateful to have him!

-Jer

Our first pictures of Xander:

Meeting him for the first time:)

Still in China:

Sibling love

Started with this...

Created this...

Dragonfly Canyon

Top of the first 200 foot rappel in Moonflower

Just a bit nervous...

Birch Hollow

Canyoneering Heroes!

The last week of May, a group of seven of us took on Granary Canyon in Moab. 13 rappels, 13 hours, 6 miles all culminating in a 330-foot rappel overlooking the Colorado River. AMAZING trip! So fun. So much fun to spend the day with Christi, Taylor, Parker, Christi's brothers Matthew and Danny and Danny's [now] fiancé Krystal. Great trip with a great group. Enjoy some pics and video:)

The last video of Christ doing the entire big rappel is a bit long, but it gives a good perspective on what it's like.

-Jer

This may be my favorite pic. Love the teamwork!

Are you kidding me?!?

Parker volunteered to go first on the big drop. What a man!

Taylor's view as he drops down.

Notice the tiny speck of a person against the skyline at the top of the cliff.

We made it!!!