Allison's Wedding

Allison, the 2nd child in my family (just after me), got married last Saturday...a Benne first! She had her wedding ceremony in the Manhattan temple and then a beautiful reception at the Central Park Boathouse. Everything went so smoothly and it was fun spending the extra time with my family. Allison married Paul Stowell, a nice guy who also works in Manhattan. We recently found out that his mom's cousin taught my mom the gospel...small world! Allison and Paul are so great together and so happy. I am SO excited for them!!!

I love this last picture...got lucky with a shot from the airplane. Ironically, those clouds are the reason why we got stuck on the runway for 3 hours before taking off, causing me to miss my connecting flight and have to spend a night in D.C. Not sure it was worth it, but I got to witness about 30 minutes of majesty. My sister saw this picture and reminded me of Elder Uchtdorf's first presidency message in the June Ensign. He said:

I think back on my days as a pilot and those times when thick clouds and threatening thunderstorms made all appear dark and gloomy. In spite of how bleak things looked from my earthly vantage point, I knew that above the clouds the sun beamed brightly like a dazzling jewel in an ocean of blue skies. I did not have faith that such was the case—I knew it. I knew it because I had experienced it for myself. I did not need to rely on other people’s theories or beliefs. I knew. In the same way that aerodynamic lift can transport us above the outer storms of the world, I know that the principles of spiritual lift can take us above the inner storms of life.

I'm so grateful for the things in my life that allow me to lift above the "clouds and storms" and

experience moments of joy and beauty!