Annual Monson Tea Party: True Love

      Usually the Annual Garden Party happens during the summer, but this year it had to take place in September. I was thrilled that I was going to be able to make it this year. Last year the Garden Party was right after Brewer's second surgery and I couldn't go. It made me so so sad. This year the party was in Utah and happened to fall on the same day and time as the BYU vs Texas game. I should first mention that Brewer did amazing on the drive down, the best he's done yet!!! He slept for a long time and then was pretty happy the rest of the way. We were thrilled. On our way down we stopped at the outlet mall in Traverse Mountain and then to see the Rammell's and Chappell's before we went to Provo. Phil was able to go golfing Saturday morning and I was able to help a little with the party. In the afternoon we ran some errands including the BYU bookstore, which was packed. But we all managed to update our BYU gear so it was successful. 

     As soon as Phil and PopPop left for the game the craziest storm hit Provo. It began with tremendous winds and borderline tornados (circling clouds in the sky). When I opened the back door a few times to let kids in, dirt and dust pelted me. Then the downpour came as well as thunder and lightening. The thunder was odd and eerie because it never really stopped, it just kept a constant rumble. The neighbors thee fell over in the front yard and their dog ran into the Moulton's garage for shelter after her kennel crashed down. After what seemed like a couple hours, the storm finally stopped, but it was so wet and messy in the yard to go forward with the party outside. It was a lot of work to reorganize and bring the party inside, but on the bright side the party didn't start until after Brewer was asleep!! So I was able to really enjoy myself. Boyd watched a movie with Will, Owen and Emery and at some point he said that he was tired and wanted to go to bed.

     The theme of the party this year was true love. Of course everything was so detailed, beautiful and yummy. We were served, salad, rolls with heart shaped butter, delicious chicken, yummy yummy green beans and rice pilaf. I could have eaten three plates it was so good. We were also give little bird houses with our charms tied on, a heart and a darling cupid. As for the rest of the details, I'll let the pictures do the talking. Grandma Monson taught the lesson on true love, or charity, and it was touching. It made me want to be better and love more in all areas of my life. I need to remember how important it is. What I love most of all about each garden party is the love and sisterhood that I feel. It really is such a neat tradition to be a part of. And even though I would have loved to watch or go to the BYU game, I feel so blessed that I get to be a part of something so special, something that not many people get to experience. 

    Phil, PopPop, Steve and Quinton had a great time at the football game. I would guess it was one of the best games that they had been to. BYU beat Texas 40-21. Phil even surprised me and convinced all the guys to take a picture together, which turned out awesome! The game was so good that Phil and I watched the game again the very next morning.