11/29/20

 I LOVE the last two weeks! Getting to be with Mom all week, seeing all 5 Mildenhall families in their homes, and then coming back to have Duncan time in Idaho for Thanksgiving--it's like I got two Heaven trips back to back!! I was so worried about Seth managing all those miles, and he was so much a champ, I felt angels had to be ministering in that back seat over the 2476 miles we drove and then flew back! The family staying at home were all champs, keeping things in one piece and not complaining.  I was blown away by all the love in each of my brothers' homes, and loved the chance to be with Wayne & Loralee and Tom & Marva as well, giving me sweet perspective of future life stages.  

Seth and I (& Emily from Provo) all got home Tuesday night, so I could make rolls and apple pie Wed morning while the girls got out Christmas decorations, and we got up to Idaho Falls in time for dinner and pie Wed night.  We had a great feast on Thursday after playing games in the church gym and making gingerbread houses.  Nate and Stacey hosted the lovely meal in their new home, and it was just so great being together and being so relaxed.  We came back home Friday night, and I am still in awe of how wonderful it has been seeing so much family so close together.  I really feel like I need to do this trip every year! It was a perfect week to focus on gratitude like Pres. Nelson encouraged us, and though tired and a bit chaotic, I am really, really grateful.  One of the first (of many!) things Mom & I listened to mentioned a study on enduring happiness, where the major point was that RELATIONSHIPS are the biggest key to life satisfaction.  And focusing the last several days on relationships has reinforced that being the most important thing in life.  Love to you all!! Love, Mom, Charlotte

the chili cheese fries I thought would be so good for Seth!

guest room view from Wayne & Loralee's

out front door of Wayne & Loralee's

Seth and baby TJ

Caleb & Seth

Analisa, Sami, Anne, Breely