Hey everyone! We couldn't figure out how to put the text with the pictures, so they are separate.
We arrived in Philadelphia about 3:30 pm on Shawn's birthday. I happened to have my name tag on and there were some missionaries and their mission pres. and his wife waiting to welcome their new missionaries. They saw my tag and we visited a few minutes. I asked the mission pres. how long he had been serving. He said a year and a half. I asked him if he knew the Larson brothers? He said they sure did - Dallin was his assistant! I told them we were there for my son's graduation from PA school. Sister Anderson said, "we've met your son!" Small world. Shawn picked us up at the curb and headed for Jenkintown. For a country boy, he's become quite the city boy! Kanyin was a little nervous around us at first, but it didn't take her too long to warm up. We all went to Shawn's "white coat" ceremony that night and then went over to their friend's home for a little birthday party. They have made some great friends back there, and it was hard for them to part with each other. The next morning we all went to work, cleaning and packing and all the last minute stuff before they turned the keys over to the landlord around 11:00 a.m. Shawn had a rehearsal that morning. Kanyin stayed with friends while Torrey, Clair and I went to the graduation. It was very impressive. They had an opening prayer, sang the Star-Spangled Banner and had a closing prayer all in a Jewish Synagogue!
The speakers were great too. Then it was visiting time, refreshments and saying their goodbyes.
We drove to Philly and stayed in the Day's Inn right down town. We had chinese that night, got up the next morning and walked and rode the subway to Independence Square, where we went on a tour of Independence Hall and also the Liberty Bell. We also went to Reading Station, which is a busy, food mall, with yummy donuts and Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. We said our goodbyes and found our way on the train to the airport. Our flight was delayed and kind of rerouted, so we were late getting into L.A., so we missed our flight to SLC. After a long wait in line, we finally were put up in the Sheraton Hotel right by the airport. It was probably the nicest hotel we've ever been in, but we were so tired we didn't care. We had our super expensive breakfast the next morning, caught our flight at 10:00 a.m. and arrived in Salt Lake about 1:00. We unpacked, freshened up, bought a few groceries and welcomed Travis and Lindsay that night about 9:30. I hope they enjoyed their Conference weekend. We sure enjoyed them. We had a picnic out in our back yard, and we went to the afternoon session of Conf. on Sat. Travis, Clair and Jaren went to the Priesthood session, and the next morning, all but Kelsey and Dawson had prime seats in the Conference center for Music and the Spoken Word and Conference. After the Sunday afternoon session, the Palmers packed up and we hosted the Sr. missionaries in our apartment for our monthly dinner together. Whew!
We received word that the Shawn Palmers made it to Delta, Co. on Monday. The past two years has been a wonderful adventure for them. They have traveled and seen so many wonderful sights and met so many good people. Now we are praying for Shawn to pass his boards the end of this month and to start his new job in Cedar Ridge Colorado in November.
Thanks to both Palmer families for a great week! Love to all - Mom
