Walla Walla, Washington

Traditionally, we spend Mother's Day weekend in Kennewick, WA and visit our daughter Lisa and her family. This year was bittersweet knowing they will be moving this summer, and I relished every minute. On Saturday, we traveled to Walla Walla where the annual Balloon Stampede was in progress. This was our first trip to this quaint city and only wish we had more time to spend here. There was much more to see than we had time for. But we did enjoy eating lunch at The Olive with some Spokane photographer friends we met there, did a little shopping, and then headed to the sunny fairgrounds where we strolled through rows of antique cars

while the girls got their faces painted, and purchased drinks to cool off.

 We did not get up up to watch the 6 a.m. balloon launch, but we did see a few of them in the afternoon as they gave mini-rides to eager fliers.

 If you are ever in Walla Walla, you must visit Pioneer Park. Here we found a delightful pond with ducks,  and an aviary showcasing exotic birds.

"Mirror, Mirror in the Sea, who's the Fairest of we Three?"

 At the aviary, someone suggested to Paige that the birds liked grass, and indeed, these birds did.
This was Paige's favorite, the white peacock. I actually took these pictures through the cyclone fencing.

Back in Kennewick, as the sun was setting, we went to Highlands Grange Park. Such a magical time of day, when the sun's rays cast a warm glow on everything. 

Lisa and Oreo

Paige and Dakota

 The end of a perfect day.

Day Nine: Ancient Keys

"When Christ was on the earth, He held the keys of the priesthood. He promised these keys to Peter, saying, "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven" (Matt. 16:19. These same keys were given to Joseph Smith by Peter, James, and John and have been conferred on every prophet who has served since that time. These keys allow our prophet to exercise "the same divine priesthood power and authority that was held anciently" (David B. Haight, "The Keys of the Kingdom," Ensign, Nov. 1980, 73).

If we want to know the Savior, we can look to the prophet who holds the keys who will lead us closer to Christ. These last two days we watched General Conference, broadcast from Church headquarters in Salt Lake City from Temple Square. The Holy Ghost bore witness to me that Thomas S. Monson is the Lord's prophet on earth. I am grateful for the guidance that we heard these last two days and look forward to studying the talks that were given more fully and apply their direction in my life.

Today is Palm Sunday. There was much taught about the Savior. I loved Pres. Monson's quote, "The future is as bright as your faith." There is much fear about the global economy, so many people losing their jobs. The world needs to know that Jesus Christ is the source for peace and answers to finding joy and happiness in life. I love his gospel - I am so grateful for my blessings. I love my family so much, my husband, Gayle, and each child, each grandchild are so precious. I miss you so very much.