Over the last few weeks we have had more donations and fun experiences.

Our sweet home teacher gave Emma another $20 ($2403 to go) THANK YOU BRO. HAWTHORNE!!

Our good friend Miriam Webb bought some of my temple bracelets and paid an extra $50 to go toward Emma's trip.  THANK YOU MIRIAM!! ($2353 to go)

The Hastings family had my sister do their family pics which my sister donates all the money to Emma giving her $150.  Emma went along to help the kids smile big.  THANK YOU HASTINGS FAMILY AND KIRSTEN for taking the beautiful pics!! ($2203 to go)
Here is one of the pictures of Emma and Dani- BFF's

Then Grandma and Grandpa gave Emma $300.  They decided to share their tax return with Emma for her trip. THANKYOU SO MUCH GRANDMA AND GRANDPA!! We know there are many other things that you should/could be spending this on, You love Emma so much that you want to help her instead.  ($1903 to go)

We had one of our neighbors sign up for flags, giving her $20 more. ($1883 to go)

Yesterday was Armed Forces Day so we posted flags.  I have to tell you when my husband came up with this fundraising idea I dreaded it. Having to be home for these holidays and dedicate time to set up and take down, I wasn't excited.  We have actually enjoyed it as a family.  My younger ones beg to help and the kids love to sit in the back of the van with their legs hanging over the side.  I personally have felt such pride in our country as I post the flags.  I often think of people I know who sacrifice so much to keep our country safe and free.   Here are a few pics of our flag posting.

Will in his ninja costume LOL.

Also, with it being Armed Forces Day it was perfect timing for our service project with Emma's group with People to People.  They chose to go to the nursing home at the Veteran's Hospital.  Each delegate brought thank you cards to give to the men and women there.  Our family made some for family home evening for Emma to take.  It was quite a neat experience to go visit them.  They let us just wander and visit with all the people there.  First we met this sweet man. 

We introduced ourselves and then gave him a card.  He read it and began to cry.  He said that he would keep it and treasure it always.  He told us that he was in Vietnam and he would rescue the P.O.Ws. They would drop him of about 5 miles out and then he would hike in to rescue them.  He was very sad that he had to kill so many people but saved so many too.

Here is a man named Jay who was drafted 3 days after he got married.  He served for 3 years and enjoyed it very much. 

Jay showed us the turtle that lives on the grounds there.  We asked the name of the turtle but he said it didn't have one and asked what we should name it.  Emma decided to name it after him, she called it Jay Jay.  The turtle was hiding in the bushes.  He was a big huge one.  Emma loves turtles and had to touch it. He is kind of camouflaged in the bush there.

Here is another man who fought in Vietnam.

He was very grateful for the visit.

We didn't get pictures with everyone we met and can't remember all their names but each of them were so wonderful to meet and visit with.
-We met Dottie, a woman who served in the Marine Corps.
-A man who was born in Sweden and fought against Hitler. When he saw my 2 yr old that was with us he loved his blonde hair and would touch his own head and say " he has blond hair like mine" (of course his hair was gray) then he would ask what color Gid's eyes were and show us his eyes that were blue.  He thought it was quite funny that Gideon's eyes were brown.  He seemed to be so rpoud of his own blond hair and blue eyes.
-A man who was a medic in a hospital on an island.  He said he felt overwhelmed though, when they would bring people to him with arms and legs blown off.
-We met a man who kept telling us that he was working there, he was quite funny.

We sure enjoyed these sweet people who were so positive and who were so grateful for the care they received there.  We enjoyed it so much that we were the last of our group to leave:)