The Stowells

The Great Wall of China

2011-11-05T00:15:00.000-07:00

And now, for the piece de resistance! The gods smiled upon us and washed away the smog and gave us four beautiful, clear days in Beijing. The first day was the morning of our planned day at the Great Wall.

We started the day with so much excitement because we knew we were in for a gorgeous day on the Wall.

I had assumed that there would be meandering pathways, but every single step is an actual step that can vary from a few inches to about a foot in height.

We dreamed it and we made it!!

Papa Louie keeping the adventures coming. He said he never thought he would actually walk on the Great Wall of China.

Quite a thrill.

This is Kyle catching up to Mary and me after dropping Dad off at a landing where he could hang out while we hiked. It shows how steep the wall can get.

Mary wanted to venture off on the unfinished parts of the wall. So we climbed through this port hole. We went as far as we could before the overgrowth took over. It was a little scary looking down the side of the pathway--quite a drop down!

Kyle and Mary LOVE the Great Wall. :)

And on it goes . . . .

The other real highlight of our trip was just spending time with Kyle and Mary in their home and in their environment. I loved watching them speak the language so fluently, negotiating prices with the sales people, engaging with people wherever we went. They are truly in their element. I enjoyed their hospitality, watching Charles Dickens' "Our Mutual Friend" (a great 6 hour movie), great conversations with dad about his life growing up and his experiences in WWII. We loved going to their branch that was so thriving and feeling the camaraderie and spirit of the gospel on the other side of the world. The Chinese people were so darling and engaging. Dad really felt a connection to them and was truly sad to leave.

To China We Go

2011-11-04T21:53:00.001-07:00

Kyle and Mary moved to Beijing, China for a three year assignment with the U.S. Embassy. Dad was anxious to go visit them, so I decided to be his travel buddy. Little did I know I was in for an adventure of a lifetime.

If we were going to fly all the way to China, we decided to do it in Style!! We had so much fun flying business class being totally pampered. Flying there and back was so much fun as we read the same book and watched some of the same shows. We dined, we slept, we lounged.

And that was just the beginning. Kyle and Mary treated us like royalty. They were so thrilled to have dad in their home and be able to pamper him themselves.

Right off the bat they treated each of us to a one hour foot massage. Heavenly! And timely. We were going to be using those feet like crazy. The city is so large, that once we left the apartment in the morning, we didn't return until after dinner each night.

Beijing is beautiful. Even the freeways are lined with potted flowers. I especially loved the parks. They are works of art and such a relief from the crazy city traffic and high rises.

I loved this man's artwork on the sidewalk. He was "painting" with water--fleeting, but so beautiful.

We all tried our "feet" at reflexology on the stones. It really was invigorating.

I joined in with a group of dancers - you know, when in Rome . . .

The retired people really have mastered the art of enjoying themselves. This man is a 75 year old retired university professor who comes to the park each morning for exercise. There were people playing mah jong, playing music, card games, hacky sack, and dancing all throughout the parks.

The adventures continued every day. These are totally random and out of order, but here are a few of the places we visited.

We traveled rickshaw style through the old hutong neighborhoods.

The bell tower (aka "clock").

These are the drum and bell towers in the old hutong neighborhoods. Before the days of clocks, they told the time, called people to war, etc. The drum tower is the tall building behind us. It is a "one story building." Once you enter the door you have to climb up 65 very steep stairs to the drum room (where the red balcony is). Dad didn't want to miss the drum ceremony, so he braved the stairs and enjoyed the views of the city. Little did he know that was just the beginning of all the feats he would accomplish on this trip. We were truly impressed!

We enjoyed riding along in the river boat along the canal to the Summer Palace. Back in the day, it took the Emperor a full day but with an engine it was an hour and a half ride.

I loved the significance and imagery in China. Pagodas are like "acupuncture" for the earth. The cement boat at the Summer Palace represents the yin and yang of fluidity and the immovable.

Aren't we "statuesque"?

We enjoyed some great nights on the town and amazing food.

We feasted at the elegant Capital M on the patio overlooking Tianamen Square and the Forbidden City.

We had a WILD ride on the rickshaws of Mary's neighborhood friends that drove us to a great hidden little noodle restaurant. These pictures are at the beginning of the ride. They don't show us dodging through crazy downtown traffic. It was more exhilarating than any ride at an amusement park!! Dad's line, "This traffic Kills me!!" My line, "Poor choice of words, Dad!"

We loved the Chinese Acrobat show. We were on the front row and were holding our breath that every amazing feat worked and nobody landed on our laps.

After the show, Kyle's darling assistant and her husband arranged to have their driver pick us up and take us to dinner. Yet another amazing meal. Then we headed off to a beautiful 7 star hotel to the lounge area that overlooks the Olympic Park. It was beyond stunning.

And I haven't even mentioned the Forbidden City. Pictures don't do justice to how large it is. That was the day of endurance for Dad. After trekking the Forbidden City, we were dropped off at the wrong end of town for dinner. After dinner, it started raining and we couldn't get a cab during Friday night traffic. We ended up walking to the subway and taking 4 connecting trams, going up and down stairs. Again, pictures can't do it justice, but the subways are SO packed that they even have people to help PUSH you into the car. As we were leaving the final car, I was actually air lifted by the crowd and my feet didn't touch the ground until I landed outside the car!! Dad and I were hanging on to Kyle and Mary for all we were worth since we had no idea where we were or how to communicate. Dad never complained and by the end he loved the adventure of it all. We were rewarded once we finally got home with ice cream and a movie in our pjs. Ahhhh.

Bartek and Bellagio

2011-06-30T23:33:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted anything about our dream trip to Italy yet. Candice has been doing a beautiful job of going day by day of our trip on her blog (mikecandi.blogspot.com). I'm just going to start randomly with the last day and a half. I'm thinking about Bartek today because we just received the news that he and Frederike are expecting their first child! Bartek lived with us for his and Michael's junior year in high school and quickly worked his way into our hearts. We were so thrilled when he was able to fly over last minute from Germany to meet us in Lake Como!

We fell in LOVE with BELLAGIO! What a quaint, charming, gorgeous, scenic town set right on Lake Como. These are the views from our hotel rooms at the Hotel Belvedere.

The village was to die for. We loved the main little cobblestone street that went through the town. The pictures where we seem to be sitting right in the street are from our first night out for dinner at a wonderful restaurant. They had a big basket of pillows out on the stairs where you could sit and wait for your table to be ready. It was a great people watching spot. It was near the end of this dinner that Bartek walked in and made our trip complete. We all started cheering. I'm sure the other diners were wondering who this celebrity was.

I don't know where Robby is heading off to in this shot!!

"brothers from another mother"

Looks like Rain!

I had seen pictures of the gardens of the Melzi Villa. It was a short walk down to the edge of town. It was even prettier than the pictures! We only had about an hour to walk around but we enjoyed every minute of it.

Everyone got a little camera happy.

Go Candice!!

Lovin' on Auntie "Staciatella"

In the afternoon of the second day we headed off with this Italiano on his beautiful wooden boat he had made from special wood from Venice (and about which he was very particular!!) to get out on the lake and see all the beautiful villas along the way. Our destination was the villa used to film the ending scene of the 007 movie, Casino Royale. The NAME of the villa is VILLA DEL BALBIANELLO - long story--don't ask--just another Adrienne-ism for the books!! (Just don't stop a tour guide in the middle of her tour to ask what the name of the villa is unless you know how letters are pronounced in Italian and you have your glasses on so that you can type it into your iphone. If she decides to come type it in for you, make sure she doesn't have long acrylic nails that can't function on an iphone. Flustered, she then went on to say, "Okay, so, after THAT distraction, I was about to tell you . . . ") Anyway, the grounds were BEYOND stunning. I didn't want to leave. Luckily we squeezed the end of our visit in just as a storm kicked up. We had a rainy ride back to Bellagio and arrived just as the sun came back out.

I mean, really!!!

We fell in LOVE with this loggia. Notice poor Nicole on the far right - fighting morning sickness.

Missin' my Mamacita

2011-05-08T14:27:00.000-07:00

During some of my Provo time this year I went through some old slide carousels from my parent's basement. Here are a few little treasures of mom at different times in her life. These are pictures most of us haven't seen in years! I'm feeling a little sentimental about her today, so I'll just post the photos without too much commentary.

Uncle- Albon Smith, Aunt- Mary Smith, Mom- Ruth Hansen Latimer, Dad- Louis Latimer

when dad was Stake President in San Jose at the Oakland Temple.

What beautiful sisters!!

Mom was the original party girl! Here she is hosting a gathering at their home in Walnut Creek, CA.

Mom with her beloved mother, Marian Andelin Hansen. My dad's brother Merlon and Aunt Virginia.

My cousin Llwellynn Smith - charming and dashing as always!! - at Lake Hebgen.

Mom with her sixth baby - Darin Latimer.

In our family room at the Mission Home in Quito, Ecuador with my three younger brothers, Kyle, Brett, and Darin.

Mom and Dad on a family vacation in Northern California. Love the glasses!

Mom and her girlfriend in our pool in Tarzana, California. Dad took several shots of mom like this!! :)

I'll post more of the pictures I found later. But today, Mom, it's all about you.

Papa Louie Came to Town - Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-09T01:01:00.000-08:00

We were so excited to have Dad (Grandpa Lou) come spend several days with us for Thanksgiving this year! I'm frustrated that I was so busy that I forgot about taking pictures of him. Here are a few that some wonderful person captured of our time together.

Dad with great granddaughter Haydin Adrienne Stowell

Every year we get emotional sharing what we are grateful for. I decided to lighten it up and spare everyone by playing a game instead. We each had to say something we were grateful for starting from A to Z as we went around the table - and repeat what everyone had said before us. It was a lot of fun!

Bob and Barbara and Dad "chillin'" after the big meal.

See, Michael, I'm not the only one who talks with my hands!!

Looks like Robby was trying to coordinate his hair with the curly kale he was chopping.

Scott dishing up his famous homemade pumpkin pie - an annual tradition.

Dad and I enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing day on Monday after all the chaos had calmed down. We spent the morning shopping for his Christmas gifts from us. Be on the lookout for some stylin' new outfits. Then we went for a walk along the ocean at the Montage in Laguna Beach. We spent a good hour on this bench enjoying the sun and the waves. We enjoyed a meal at La Sirena Grill and then headed off to a movie at the new San Juan Capistrano theatres. It was a perfect day!

Thanks for coming to visit Dad. We all thoroughly enjoyed having you here.

Back to Posting

2010-07-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

I've decided to get back on the horse, as it were, and record some memories of our life. Sometimes I feel as though I'm putting my heart out there into the nothingness -- but these are my memories and this is a way for me to record them. I hope I can remember how to do this!!

Scott's birthday - We had a wonderful evening celebrating Scott as we putted around on a duffy (electric) boat in the Balboa Peninsula. It is such a great excuse to be outside, on the water, enjoying the ocean breezes and the sunset. I invited all of our Stowell family. Rob and Claire and Robby were out of town, but the rest of us enjoyed every minute of our evening together! We rode over to a beach front restaurant and picked up yummy appetizers to dine on throughout the evening. I love the way the boat takes away any distractions except for enjoying one another's company.

Scott's taking his job very seriously. Michael took over the reins so Scott could just "chill".

Haydin Adrienne was our youngest guest of the evening. It was her first big outing and she was amazing!

Ahhh, a night away without the baby, MBA school, or FIDM.

The Big Guy and Stacy. Wouldn't be the same without them!

I love you Scottie!!

We couldn't resist the allure of the Balboa Fun Zone lit up at night. So we docked the boat (illegally) and slipped over to the carousel.

Michael and Candice's first time away from the baby. (She was just a few feet below in Aunt Stacy's arms.)

Nicole - hamming it up. Dan - with a look of fear and trepidation!

It was actually quite beautiful and soothing up there in the dark, looking out over the lights and the water.

Then, Candice goaded Nicole into jumping on the bungee trampoline by getting on herself (six weeks after giving birth to a baby!). The sounds effects on the video are hilarious!! Sorry, I don't have some video clips to share.

Next Stop -- Pebble Beach!

2009-11-01T21:21:00.000-08:00

We were whisked away to Monterey on a business/fun trip for a few days. It was absolutely stunning. We were at the Inn at Spanish Bay which is right on 17 mile drive. I was looking forward to LONG walks on the beach while the guys golfed. The second day we were there the winds picked up to near 30 miles an hour! Crazy! Even crazier is trying to golf in that weather, but the guys stuck it out all day and loved it. I managed a one hour walk each day nearly getting blown off my feet when I would get to certain jut out points of the ocean. The first day the girls went into Carmel for lunch and window shopping and then we "recuperated" at the spa. It was fun to get to know all of the new people Scott is working with and their spouses.

The second day the winds were calming down by the afternoon, so I booked a horse ride. I ended up being the only one in the group so the guide and I had a great time visiting and basking in the beauty of the clear skies after all the wind. We started going through the forest area, seeing many deer and bucks, and then as we came to the top of the hill -- there was the stormy ocean. (The pictures don't capture the degree of wind and waves.) It was clear and sparkling in the sun, with heavy waves crashing on the rocks. I was in heaven!

Ahhhhh, October

2009-11-01T21:01:00.000-08:00

It's been a fun and crazy month with a lot of travel. I have been captivated by all the different types of beauty there is to enjoy on this earth of ours. Scott and I spent a few days at the Miraval Resort and Spa in Tucson, Arizona. We were totally pampered with all our meals prepared and with a different spa treatment each day. In between all that we worked out and walked around the desert beauty. The house we stayed in was the "bomb". Super modern with every comfort and a view of the desert that made you feel totally isolated. The highlight was one night we sat out on the patio, outdoor napping bed, and jacuzzi looking at the stars. The resort is so dark at night and so isolated that you were able to see amazing amounts of stars.

home sweet home

Scott got a complimentary upgrade on his rental car. So we drove to the Phoenix airport (almost two hours) with the top down in 105 degree weather. It was fun at first, but then I had to put the eye gel in and shut my eyes for the rest of the ride. At least there isn't much scenery to miss in the desert!

Conference Color

2009-10-06T19:09:00.001-07:00

A highlight of our conference weekend in Utah (BESIDES spending time with our Robby) was spending Saturday afternoon up at Sundance. We rode the ski lift up the mountain. You know how the young couples all hold their camera out at arm's length and get shots of themselves? Well, we realized we are TOO old for that photographic trick. Awful, fish eye shots!! Suffice it to say, the ride up was gorgeous. Then we went for a hike up in the mountains and took a steep trail to a waterfall (Stewart Falls). Then it was a 4.5 mile trek back down to Sundance. At every turn there was another glorious view. Amazing.

our home away from home

2009-10-06T18:42:00.000-07:00

Our little home away from home is getting cozier all the time. It was so fun for Scott and I to be here for conference and to be able to actually focus in on the talks - next to the fireplace with the brisk fall weather outside

We are in the process of remodeling the master bathroom. I love the crisp, clean feeling of the white and gray.

Many thanks to my assistant designer/daughter Nicole for helping me pull things together (along with, of course, Alice Lane Home - our favorite shop in Utah). We have had a lot of fun decorating this small space. Nicole found the wallpaper and lamps in this room. It is so dreamy. I am really enjoying living in a small space - except for when we had 7 adults and 3 grandbabies here all at once. That got a little CRAZY!!

"Leavin' on a Jet Plane"

2009-08-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

Looking at these two in flight gets me thinking of my boy - flying home to us in a matter of days!!! One week from today, to be exact. We are waiting for you with open arms Robby!!

My happy place. Robby-- I can't wait for you to fall in love with all these new treasures around here.

Sunset Sail

2009-07-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

the "fam damily" minus Robby

Tyson -"look at the clouds over here!" Presley - "no this view's much prettier!"

the cousins on the high seas

Adrienne and Presley Adrienne

It was SO relaxing and tranquil sailing along the coast at Sunset one night. The minute the engine went off and the sails went up we were spellbound.

Flippin' Over Grand Cayman Island

2009-07-01T22:07:00.000-07:00

We truly did flip over this dreamy, Caribbean island. We couldn't get over the clear, warm, turquoise water - the creamy white sand beaches - the warm balmy weather - and a whole week of family bonding. That's my kind of heaven!!

Michael flipping over the boat at Stingray City

Dan ready for his Men's Journal pose

Scott chillin' with his little guy while the parents hit the sea doos

Nicole and Candice trying on the local, starfish swimwear

Elder Robb Dog

2009-06-12T17:12:00.000-07:00

This reminds me of a Vietnam movie or something (minus the white shirt, tie and name tag of course).

I want stories behind these beautiful people. I have stories - I just don't know which faces they go with.

Missionary bonding. The one in the dark blue t shirt is his companion - one of his favorites. I feel bad that most of his companions are Philipino and will not be showing up at the missionary reunions back in Provo.

This outfit is straight out of the seventies! And do we love the short tie??

jungle fever

2009-06-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

Only TEN weeks to go until this little one comes home. Do you think he is going to go into culture shock or WHAT??? I keep wanting to wait until he comes home to explain what's going on in all the pictures. But for now, here are some more treasures from the field.

Cuteness

2009-04-15T22:26:00.000-07:00

Missing my boy and enjoying up close shots like this . . . .

Look how precious this little one is. It's a good thing Robby has three cute, delicious, funny, lovable nieces and nephew to come home to.

I just like this shot because Robby looks just like himself (thus the title of this post).

Strange happenings in Cebu

2009-04-15T22:16:00.001-07:00

and an even stranger happening in San Juan Capistrano. I am actually making a post on my blog!!

This dog appears to be from outer space . . . . .

This is what suffices for a basketball court. I wouldn't expect many ball skills from Robby upon his return . . . . . .

Notice Robby's footwear!! He's had a lot of trouble with ingrown toenails on his mission. Looks like he couldn't wear shoes and was trying to keep his feet dry. Could we have tried coordinating plastic bags??? . . . . .

you very long

2009-02-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

The literal translation for tall in Cebuano is long. So, when people are practicing their English on Robby they will often say,

"Elder Stowell -- you very L O N G !!!

When Robby is among Americans, he kind of blends in . . . .

But since only 25 percent of the missionaries in his mission are American, most of the time he looks like this . . . .

Yep, Robby, I would agree. You very L O N G !!!

2009-01-15T13:30:00.000-08:00

Sharing

tangerines

secrets

kisses

cupcakes

Oh my Ojai

2009-01-09T22:47:00.001-08:00

We decided at the last minute to start the year off right and get away for a relaxing, health-promoting weekend at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. I had never been to Ojai and I fell in love with this quaint, scenic valley. Nicole and Dan and Presley came along. Michael and Candice decided it was too much to try to pack up two kids (one a newborn) and head into the unknown. I wish I had taken pictures off of our balcony - stunning rolling hills. Scott and Dan golfed one morning and we each had a turn at a spa treatment. Mine was an Ayurvedic herbal exfoliation, rubbed in with hot oil, and then soaked in with warm, wet towels. The one hundred minutes of heaven were topped off with a foot massage and a hot oil scalp massage. Now that's the way to start the new year - freshly exfoliated and moisturized!!

The thrill of the trip was a guided bike ride 16 miles down to the ocean. There was a beautiful bike trail, the weather was crisp and sunny. The last few miles going against the wind I was starting to feel it. The theme song of Rocky was playing in my mind as we came around the bend and saw the ocean waves glistening in the sun. Love it!

The best part was when they picked us up in a van and drove us back up the mountain. Now that's my kind of bike ride!

Christmas Present

2009-01-09T20:36:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was quieter and more mellow but still very enjoyable. We started Christmas Eve morning off with brunch on the patio at Ramos House Cafe. It was so lovely, with the brisk air, the provided blankets, the train going by. And don't get me started on the hot chocolate with homemade, grilled marshmallows that hinted at smores. We had to catch Michael and Candice early before we headed off to Stacy and Richard's and they headed off the the DeCasas family gathering. Nicole and Dan were enjoying their week with the Davis family. They still slept at our house so we got to see them a few times coming and going.

After brunch, we walked over to the petting zoo so i could show Michael and Candice the horses that Jordyn has fallen in love with. She's a natural!!

We enjoyed some evenings with all of us together before the holiday week began. The girls were so cute in their matching pajamas. Tyson will have to wait until next year for his Christmas pj's.

Jordyn checking herself out.

Presley checking Jordyn out.

Christmas eve was spent with Stacy and Richard and kids, Grandpa Bob, and Pamela. We had a great international feast complete with flags Richard and the kids made of countries all around the world. Yes, Robby, they made a Philippine flag!!

Christmas day the big thrill was our four hour phone call with Robby. He sounded so wonderful. It was the thrill of the season. The other thrill was that Nicole and Dan got rained out at Disneyland so they came home early and we were all together for a couple of hours. Ahhhhhhh, next year when the Robb dog returns and we can have a full fledged Stowell Christmas!!!!

Christmas Past

2008-12-19T23:05:00.000-08:00

Grandpa Bob as Santa Claus with the little Mrs.

So, the other night we were gathered as a family to celebrate Nicole's birthday at Cedar Creek Inn. Scott, myself, the two couples, and the three little treasures all squished around a table. I was going over the Christmas Eve plans with Michael. (Nicole and Dan will be with the Davis family this year. Our last year without Robby. Quiet year.) "So we thought we could meet up with you guys for lunch at Ramos House Cafe and then head down to the beach and play on the sand with Jordyn for a little while. Then Scott and I will head out to Richard and Stacy's and you can go over to Candice's family's house. How does that sound?" Okay. "What would you rather do?" I'd rather go to Grandma and Grandpa Stowell's with everyone and exchange gifts and get Christmas pajamas.

Scott and I drove away with tender hearts that night reminiscing about Christmases past that have had such an impact upon us and upon our children.

So there's a Shout Out to you Grandma Judy. From Michael and from all of us. Thank you for more than a dozen years of family gatherings on Christmas Eve in Oceanside filled with delicious food, lots of laughs, nativity pageants, great presents, an amazing Christmas tree and a house filled with love.

photo shoot????

2008-12-08T21:23:00.000-08:00

I had visions of taking a picture of my three little treasures to send out as a Christmas card. We couldn't even get two together. You see the black bump on the left of this picture? That is Nicole under a black sheet trying to hold onto Presley so she won't fall!! This picture cracks me up!

Presley keeps trying to check out what her mama is doing under that sheet. Jordyn was trying to cooperate but she soon got bored. She couldn't figure out why Presley was having such a hard time just sitting in a chair by herself!

We did get a couple of darling solo shots of Presley.

Okay Robby - This one's for You!!

2008-12-08T20:52:00.000-08:00

We decided to send you a little Christmas project - since, really, what do you send a missionary overseas. I said I'd do the dishes if everyone got started. Jordyn loved doing crafting with everyone.

Pulling the boys away from the Laker game was a little challenging!!

Finally they got into the spirit of the thing and were putting their heart and soul into it.

Here's Dan "anxiously engaged" in his project. You'll understand that one after you receive it !

Chloe was sent outside due to farting. But she sends her regards as well.

The girls finished off the night with a "nurse-off". I'm sparing you that picture and just showing the post nursing burping.

My Flower Girls

2008-12-06T22:08:00.001-08:00

I have been trying to occupy Jordyn lately so that Candice can have some quiet time with Tyson. We have been to the petting zoo to ride the big horse, and yesterday we went on a field trip to the wholesale garden center in Carlsbad.

Jordyn was captivated by all the flowers. She picked her two favorites and carried them around the whole nursery and then in her carseat for the whole ride home.

Nicole and beautiful baby Presley amidst the poinsettias. We had such a nice time on a beautiful day. Thank you Nicole for driving and spending the morning with me.

We ended the morning bringing lunch to Candice and getting our baby Tyson fix.

our newest treasure

2008-11-29T15:42:00.000-08:00

Melt me into a little pat of butter right now!!

Tyson Michael Stowell has arrived.

I want to go buy a baby brush right now so I can brush his hair. He is the tiniest little thing but he has long legs and big Latimer hands.

Love (or curiosity?) at first sight.

Jordyn's an old hand at this big sister stuff already!

update

2008-11-29T15:39:00.001-08:00

For those of you who haven't seen Nicole in a while, she's been working on sporting a new look. We call it a walrus style mustache. What do you think???

21

2008-10-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

happy birthday ROBBY!! Today (well actually tomorrow in the U.S. - but today in the Philippines) is Robby's 21st birthday.

So today is about all things Robby. I had a bunch of little boy pictures to post. But I couldn't scan them on to my new computer. So I guess that little trip down memory lane was just for me. Here are a few shots I had on my computer.

Any family times are always more fun with Robby around. Even if it's just doing the dishes at the cabin. Dan keeps moping around the house saying he misses Robby.

Here's a scruffy, two weeks before the mission Robby. He lived on the lake determined to get up on the wake board. Not as easy of a task at 6'6" but Robby won out and was victorious. (I know Robby - you are 6'7" with shoes - but you waterski barefoot!!!)

Robby and his best "girlfriend/arch nemesis" Chloe. Remember this Robby? We were on our way home from Santa Barbara and the only place we could fit her was on your lap. Oops - I forgot - this entry is supposed to be all things Robby. I know how you get about Chloe getting all the attention.

Here are the Provo groupies but this picture was actually taken in Mexico. (note the bottled waters:) Robby and Derek were roommates and Nicole and Dan's condo was home base--although I think Robby also used it to get to first base when they were NOT at home! Sorry, Robby, anything for a joke. Robby and Nicole have shared such a wonderful bond not only as brother and sister but as friends.

No little brother was ever more loved than Robby. Michael died over his little buddy. When Robby was an infant and would cry hard, Michael (age 7) would start crying just as hard and I would go running back and forth between my two boys trying to comfort Robby and trying to assure Michael that his baby brother was going to be okay.

My little buddy, my compadre, my grown son. (No, I don't think I'm more important than everyone else. For some reason it is underlining everything I write and I can't make it stop!) I have such treasured memories of our visits as we would drive in the car - from the time you were way back in the car seat to when you would do the driving yourself. You were always anxious to get into a great conversation or a joke fest.

There aren't many people that I look up to, but Robby is certainly one of them...literally! My little boy has grown into such a remarkable man. I can't believe it. We both must think so judging by the silly grins on our faces. I miss the late night chats, game reviews, tackling the next project, plotting the next big thing, or simply catching up. We've got some catching up to do son. I miss my boy! Happy Birthday Robby!

Robby, you are our treasure across the seas. We couldn't love you more!!!

A Day at the Montage

2008-10-09T19:17:00.001-07:00

It's been four years since my parents were able to come stay at our home. So we tried to enjoy every moment. One of our favorite days was spent walking along the coastline at the Montage Resort in Laguna Beach. But first, we had some pampering to do.

We strolled on in to the salon and got right to work on pampering Ruthie. Linda, a darling lady from South Africa with a great accent took great care of mom. She told her she was going to have her looking all "glam". The head massage at the sink was especially nice.

Next came Priscilla. As I was trying to get mom to pick out her nail color I prodded, "mamacita, cual quieres?" Well, Priscilla jumped up and asked, "habla espanol??" to which mom's face lit up and they began a conversation. To our delight, we learned that she is from Antigua, Guatemala which was my parents' favorite city in Guatemala. Mom, Dad, and Priscilla engaged in an hour long trip down memory lane in Spanish.

Next came lunch at the outdoor restaurant overlooking the ocean. Now we were ready for our stroll along the coast. The weather couldn't have been more beautiful or the water more blue and sparkly. We hated to leave.

We are Women - Hear us Roar

2008-10-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

Having grown up with four brothers and only One sister, and then having two sons and only One daughter . . . I am really enjoying all the girl power we have going on right now in the Stowell family.

Four generations of women - Hansen, Latimer, Stowell, Davis

This beautiful daughter in law of ours is about to change things up and bring in a little boy!!

I never remember pregnancy being so glamorous and beautiful as Nicole and Candice make it.

Presley all gussied up in her blessing day dress.

Jordyn puckering up to give Great Grandma Ruthie a KISS!

Gigi and Jordyn having some girl time on a trolley in Laguna Beach.

Our newest female treasure - Presley Adrienne Davis.

Jordyn and Presley - Cousins for life!!

love those baby blues

and the beat goes on . . . . .

P Day in the Islands

2008-08-10T21:47:00.000-07:00

I love this picture of my boy. No island fever for him. I think he is really going to miss living near the water. The beauty of the islands have truly captivated him. This was a dolphin watching ride (see video below).

got dolphins?

2008-08-10T21:36:00.000-07:00

Little Corona with our Little Treasures

2008-08-07T22:50:00.000-07:00

Scott and I had a ball playing with our little Jordyn at the beach.

This is her "cheese" smile for the camera!

We had forgotten how messy it is going to the beach with little kids--especially when we are trying to feed them.

Presley takes a much more laid back approach to hanging at the beach.

precious presley

2008-08-02T21:30:00.000-07:00

first day home from the hospital

I think she looks a lot like Dan in this picture

home sweet home and as happy as can be

This picture reminds me of a similar shot of Jordyn. Well, we've all fallen in love around here with our new little treasure. Nicole and Dan couldn't be cuter, better, more devoted parents. I love to watch them with her and see their new family unfold.

Let the Games Begin!!

2008-08-02T21:20:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a beautiful week in Laguna Beach at the Montage as we waited out Nicole's last week of her pregnancy. Saturday night before dinner Nicole felt like she should get things checked out. While at the hospital they decided her fluids were low and they should go ahead and induce labor. Scott and I and Candice excitedly gathered up all of Nicole and Dan's things from the hotel and ran over to the hospital.

Ready or not - here we go!!!

Sister Grandmas

2008-06-25T23:18:00.000-07:00

Grandma and Grandpa with Michael at Disneyland.

Michael, Nicole and I seeing the Stowells off at the airport after their visit from Chicago.

Grandma holding on to Robby in a family picture from Rob and Claire's wedding in Arizona.

Olkay, so after posting about Bob's friend Barbara, I feel compelled to post about my mother-in-law/dear friend Judy. You know, equal billing and all that. I have been having such a strong draw to her lately as I get more and more involved in being a grandmother. It's like I'm getting to know her in a new way all over again. Every time I reach for Jordyn or get so excited to see her, I get remembrances of Judy as grandmother to my children. Scott and I made her a grandmother at the ripe old age of 42. She never loved anything more!! I feel a new connection to her now as I experience that same rush of love, joy, pride, service, laughter, tenderness and fun that I watched her share with my children for so many years. I have a whole new appreciation for all that she did for me and for my little ones. She had to be a long distance grandma for the first 14 years or so. She loved my children so much she sometimes had a hard time letting me be the mom and do things my way. But in so many ways she is a true example to me of how to truly appreciate this gift I have been given of being a grandmother. Judy, we are sister grandmothers now and I feel your influence with me.

B&B

2008-06-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

This is Papa Bob's new friend Barbara. She was down visiting from Santa Barbara and came to Scott's birthday dinner. She is a lovely woman and is lots of fun to be around. The best thing about her is that she makes Dad laugh and have joy in his life. We are happy for them that they are enjoying this new friendship.

golf lessons

2008-06-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

We went with the kids and Scott's Dad to the club for dinner for Scott's birthday. Scott thought he would get Jordyn out on the putting greens and teach her a thing or two about golf. She loved playing with the putter and the balls but she especially loved chasing after the bunnies. It was a beautiful evening and we loved all being out together enjoying it.

Ssssssskipping Rope in Cebu

2008-06-19T15:39:00.000-07:00

Check out this gnarly 7 foot python "jump rope". I really think Robby is going native on us!!

more fathers' day

2008-06-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

This is how the boys spent most of the day. They watched the US Open and then the Lakers Celtics game. Boy heaven. (especially since the Lakers won!!)

The chefs du jour (minus Claire - I think she took the picture). I went to a cookbook club that my friend Cody Ball does and I thought it would be fun to duplicate it at home. So I divided up all the recipes among the Stowell girls. (Candice was feeling morning sick and avoiding the sight/smell of food.) They're all great cooks and had fun trying something new.

Lily and Pamela. Lily was our sous chef.

An Italian Alfresco Fathers' Day

2008-06-17T17:11:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful day on Fathers' Day. All the Stowell clan (minus Mitchell and Robby) were here for an Italian luncheon. We even had Andrea Bocelli playing in the background.

The dads, dads to be, granddads and great granddad. You can't see Michael but he is standing behind Papa Bob.

Jordyn with her great grandpa.

I was trying to get a shot of Rob and Claire but the camera was more interested in the sunflowers!

2008-06-05T21:17:00.000-07:00

darin and kamie

lou and ruth

Welcome to Casa Bahia

2008-06-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

gregg and helen

lisa and randy

scott and adrienne

brett and terri

More from Puerto Vallarta

2008-06-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

Walking down the Malecon on the way to dinner.

Seaside dinner at La Palapa - a beautiful restaurant on the sand. Watched the sunset as we dined.

Getting ready to swim with the dolphins. More photos to follow on this adventure.

Chillin' in Puerto Vallarta

2008-06-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

My guy

Gregg and Helen

Lisa and Randy

A little down time

Pampering Ruthie

2008-06-05T19:47:00.000-07:00

We all enjoyed pampering our parents. On Monday, Scott, Dad and I drove our golf cart up to the spa and got massages. On Tuesday, Mom got an in-house manicure/pedicure.

Three of the sisters-in-law live close by mom and dad and are always doing so much for them. It was a treat for Lisa and I to have a turn at the pampering.

Catching up on pop culture!

Sweethearts forever.

The Latimers Descend Upon Real del Mar

2008-06-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

mamacita

2008-06-05T19:31:00.000-07:00

My brave, beautiful mom made the trip to Mexico to be together with all her family. (Okay, I'll mention it just once here. Kyle and Mary had to miss the trip at the last minute. And we missed them! But we felt like they were here in spirit with us.) Anyway, it was a challenging feat for my mom to travel and to get around especially with all the stairs but she was a trooper in true form! We love you mamacita!

Contrasts

2008-06-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

Brett and Terri - "Ebony and Ivory"

Big (LITTLE) sister Lisa and little (BIG) sister Adrienne

Mad dog Scott doing the "West Side" symbol and school teacher Brett counting to the number 4????

Sailing the Catamaran 'El Cynthia'

2008-06-05T19:17:00.000-07:00

We had a great time hanging out on our own catamaran. The wind, the food, the music, the company were all great. The snorkeling was not! So we just got out and swam around in the caves. It was a great day to just spend on the water.

withdrawal

2008-04-19T14:26:00.000-07:00

I'm missing me some Jordyn. After spending 7 days straight with my little preciousness, I am going through a bit of withdrawal!

She fell in love with guacamole. You were her best friend if you would let her lick it off your tortilla chip.

This headband looked so darling and stayed on for about 30 seconds at a time if we were lucky!

Lunch at the club house after a day at the beach. I don't have any pictures of her laughing in the water. But she absolutely LOVED playing in the pool and in the ocean and could not wipe the smile off her face. My favorite Jordyn moment of the week was one morning when I sleepily opened my bedroom door. Jordy was down the hall, caught sight of me, and came running to me with the biggest smile until I swooped her up into my arms!! Now that's a good way to start the day - greeted by so much love.

Living la Pura Vida in Costa Rica

2008-04-16T20:53:00.000-07:00

A Day in Tamarindo

2008-04-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

The Stowell girls (including baby Presley in Nicole's tummy :).

We found a darling place for lunch and then headed out to play in the waves.

We ended the day at sunset with dinner at a little place on the sand. It was gorgeous.

the coco combo tour baby!!

2008-04-16T20:32:00.000-07:00

This tour was just too much fun for one day! We set off across the bay on sea doos. We then got on ATV's for a 1 and 1/2 hour ride through jungle, back roads, farming neighborhoods, dodging cows and chickens - up to the ziplines.

We were FILTHY and loving it!!

On the ride home on the ATV's it started raining (and pouring) and we were drenched and hooting and hollering and swooshing through the muddy jungle. Absolutely too fun!! Once we made it back to the bay we jumped into the ocean (beautiful warm water) and then hopped back onto the waverunners. All six of us heading across the bay with noone else in sight with beautiful rays pouring through the late afternoon clouds. It was nothing short of magical. Poor Scott got a case of the runs the night before and missed out on this adventure. But he did get to spend the day with Nicole, Jordyn and baby Nikko.

home sweet home in Costa Rica

2008-04-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

These are a few shots of our beautiful home in Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica. We had panoramic views of the beautiful bay. We had monkeys swinging in our trees. One afternoon a white faced monkey came onto our deck and knocked over all three little patio tables! We had gorgeous birds flying about, a coatie (a cute animal about the size of a racoon) hanging around, and a scorpion in Michael's room.

Chloe and a Snapple Cap

2008-03-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

With these two things Jordyn is a pretty happy girl! She came to visit last night and made our week.

Jordyn was getting dozey and trying to comfort herself to sleep. Absolutely too precious - this little one is!!

Big blue eyes and rosy red cheeks. Those are the exact same eyebrows that Nicole had, by the way.

A little smile for gigi with the camera.

Mommies don't come any better than Candice.

Okay Okay Alright Already

2008-03-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

Okay Carolyn you asked for it and now you're getting it. To think you used to be my favorite niece . . . .

Ten Years Ago (About - I lose track of time)

We were designing and building our home in San Juan Capistrano. We sold our home in Rancho Santa Margarita and rented the "rental portion" (aka dive part) of a beach house on Beach Road for seven months. We're talking right on the sand, firepit and hammock off our patio, the ocean as our backyard, the train going through our front yard. I was in HEAVEN!! I almost didn't want our house to get finished. I was playing superintendent managing the construction everyday and then I'd come home to my sandy, salty, windy, sunset-filled backyard.

The BEST part was that all three of my children were still living at home with us. (Don't get me started on that - I'll start crying.) And we even had Danny Woffinden living with us for his senior year. Daily walks on the beach, bonfires, beach parties, chasing sea gulls, cherished moments with my kids enjoying the sunsets, the Stowell Thanksgiving dinner on the patio with tiki torches . . .

Five Things on my To-Do List Today

1. pilates class
2. RS presidency meeting - go meet darling new girl in the ward!
3. vacuum dog hair off the wood floor (never ending)
4. pick up groceries to make dinner for Michael, Candice and Jordyn
5. play with my Jordyn preciousness

I Enjoy

playing tennis
being with my sweetheart
walking with my dog
getting emails every Sunday from Robby
playing and vacationing with my husband and kids
anything with Jordyn
seeing Nicole's tummy grow
going to the cabin in West Yellowstone
being with my family (Latimers and Stowells)
reading a great novel
anything that involves water and sunshine
massages
sisters (in law), girlfriends, roomies

What would I do if I were suddenly a Billionaire

First I would probably buy and furnish a great cabin for family gatherings in the Park City area, buy and decorate a charming cottage at the beach, and then give the rest away to those in need.

Five Jobs I've Had

1. Department Secretary for the Men's P.E. Department at BYU.
2. Assistant to the president of Sabatasso's Pizza in Costa Mesa
3. Sales for Embryo Music for the western region (by phone at home in Rancho Santa Margarita)
4. Transporter of rental cars from Las Vegas Airport to the strip and back in August heat. (one of many summer jobs to put myself through college :)
and ********
5. Mommy to three of the most incredible people I know!

Who dat???

2008-03-03T14:55:00.000-08:00

I've been waiting to post these pictures until I knew the story behind them. I thought Robby was doing a service project. But no, he just noticed this lady carrying grass on her head and decided to go help her out.

They were all having a good laugh over this!!

All in a day's work.

Yes, folks, I think Robby has gone native on me! Don't you just love it?

"THE WALL" - minus Robby

2008-02-26T18:33:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun watching the BYU vs. UCI games. They were very intense - although I was much more relaxed without my son on the court!! - not as exciting but not as intense for Scott and me. It was very strange to walk in and see them warm up and not catch sight of my boy. But it reminded us of the fun we have ahead of us in a couple of seasons.

Julie had the guys (Russell Holmes and Yvan Perez) pose for a "WALL" shot minus Robby. The three of them at the net were quite a threat to be reckoned with!! On Saturday we went to lunch with the players at Julie's home in Laguna Beach. It was really fun to be able to catch up with them.

Robby - the team says Hi!

2008-02-26T18:25:00.000-08:00

Yamil Perez Ivan Perez Trent Sorenson

Russell and Julie Holmes

Matt Taylor Joel Silva Leandro Justen Reed Chilton Andrew Stewart

Coaches Shawn Patchell and Rob-dog Nielson

La Piece de Resistance

2008-02-22T13:51:00.000-08:00

It just doesn't get any better than this.

Missionary Moments

2008-02-22T13:47:00.000-08:00

Robby's district

How sweet is this. Saints across the world.

Go Cougars!!

Hangin' with my peeps

2008-02-22T13:43:00.000-08:00

West Siiiiiide!!??

2008-02-22T13:36:00.000-08:00

Look how idyllic this little community is. And don't those big brown eyes just melt you!

Okay, is my son teaching these kids how to do the west side symbol???

my little valentine

2008-02-14T11:44:00.000-08:00

Even in a fuzzy picture this little girl melts me!

Just hangin' with Chloe.

Jordyn is holding her favorite rock of the day.

Tonight I get to babysit my little preciousness for Valentine's Day. These are a few shots of her from one of our recent Gigi-Jordyn moments.

last few shots of nyc

2008-02-13T22:02:00.000-08:00

our 'urban chic' home in the city

2008-02-13T21:47:00.000-08:00

Dan was mad dogging it with a 'martini' of cold milk and cookies.

Of course we never ate at this table - there were way too many fun restaurants to try.

P Day

2008-02-13T16:27:00.000-08:00

Robby sent a disc of some pictures. LOVE IT!!!! I can't believe what a thrill it is to see my boy. It looks like his zone gets out to some incredible spots for their p-days. It truly is paradise.

This is Robby's first comp - Elder Rascano

It looks like one of the Elders climbed up the tree to pick coconuts!

Robby has mentioned how drinking coconut is one of his favorite things. In fact he sent us a cool picture last time of him in his kitchen with a machete knife and a coconut having breakfast. Problem is - he was sitting there in his garments and nothing else. So that one's not going on the blog :)

More to come later. There are a ton of cool pictures. I'll do a few at a time.

Robby - this one's for you!!

2008-02-13T16:17:00.000-08:00

Robby sent us some pictures of his expanding gut. He's enjoying the pastries a little too much :)

So just to inspire you with your morning sit ups Robby - here's the six pack that we all love to be envious of!

New York New York

2008-02-12T20:28:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun in the COLD Big Apple with Nicole and Dan. The pictures from Scott's camera won't download (ugh!) but here are some shots from mine. Thanks Nicole and Dan for being such fun travel partners!

Love is in the Air!!

Rockefeller Center

Jersey Boys

This is what I really think of you Dan!! :) We hit the Empire State Building just as a cold front came in and the wind up there was amazing!! So were the views.

nyc

2008-02-12T19:52:00.000-08:00

Times Square

TAXI???

Girls Night Out at Hairspray

Nicole and Dan with a frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity

We had a great 4 day weekend in the Big Apple. I have not been in New York since I was 12 years old and lived there. (We won't count how many years that is!!) We took Nicole and Dan for a carefree getaway before baby girl Davis comes on the scene! We hit great weather for February. Our apartment was just 1 1/2 blocks from 5th Avenue not far from Central Park. Dan, with his handy iphone, was our guide. We ate, we walked, we taxied, we shopped, we subwayed, ate some more, and even rode by horse drawn carriage through Central Park. Friday night the guys split off to the Knicks game at Madison Square Gardens and the girls hit Hairspray. Saturday night we all went to see Jersey Boys. Great fun.

A Little Family Folklore

2008-01-31T04:02:00.000-08:00

With the passing of our dear President Hinckley my mind has been flooding with memories of him through the years. President Hinckley had a strong impact on our family growing up long before he became the prophet. When my dad was a young stake president in San Jose, CA, Elder Hinckley was our first general authority to come stay at our house. When Dad brought him home we all came to the front door to greet him. He leaned down to shake hands with my little brother Brett who was about 2 at the time. He reached out his hand and said, "Well hello little fella" to which Brett responded by kicking him as hard as he could in the shins!!! I guess he wasn't sure about who this man was who had caused such a fuss in family preparations all day. Elder Hinckley smiled and was cute with him while a tear was running down his cheek from the pain. It cracks me up to think of my mom scrubbing bathrooms, washing sheets, making a nice dinner, cleaning up the kids never imagining that it would all be overshadowed in an instant by a swift kick to the shins! Ahhh, motherhood - it keeps us humble.

Cut to about 7 years later and my dad was opening the Ecuador Mission. Elder Hinckley was assigned as our general authority again. We were getting dinner on and we couldn't find Brett. Mom sent me to find him. I finally did - hiding under his bed in his room. He had heard the story through the years and was afraid Elder Hinckley was going to be mad at him! Well I brought him down and told everyone what was going on. Elder Hinckley was so cute - he started sharing all these funny stories about notoriously wild kids of the stake presidents that they had to go stay with. He had us all in stitches and had Brett feeling alot better about himself.

Several years ago I was at Education Week with my parents - going to hear my same brother Brett who now draws hundreds for his classes there. I was walking along with my dad when he received a phone call from President Hinckley. He was asking him if he and my mother would serve as Temple Presidents of the Guatemala Temple. Mom had just started having some troubling health concerns at that time. But neither of them could imagine saying anything but "yes" to their beloved prophet.

my baby girl's having a baby girl

2008-01-24T22:34:00.000-08:00

Obviously I need some lessons on scanning pictures to my computer. But I just wanted to CELEBRATE the fact that Nicole is having a baby girl - due July 4th.

It gets me all choked up inside to think of the incredible little companion Nicole was to me. And as a young woman she has become my dearest friend.

I'm so excited for you Nicole to have that kind of feminine companionship and friendship in your life. And Danny boy - Scott still dies over his daughter and laments the fact that he didn't have more girls. You guys are in for a real treat! Just ask Michael and Candice!!

Congratulations!

More from the Field

2008-01-24T12:30:00.001-08:00

Robby had commented to me that he wished that while on his mission he could be able to just sit and visit with me every once in a while. I mentioned this to my friend Sherri Bewsey. She said she used to feel the same way but had come to appreciate the wisdom in the missionaries not being able to do that. She said those are the times when they have to really turn to the Lord and rely on Him and thus develop a strong relationship with Him. I had passed that on to Robby and this was his response in his next letter:

mom, i really appreciated your comment from sis bewsey. That really hit home for me because those are some of the exact struggles that I was going through, and now I found the solution. That also applies to the smackdown I received when reading the scriptures the other day. As I have expressed, i was getting super frustrated with all my situations, the language, the work, my comp (He has a comp who doesn't want to work much), mosquitoes, just to name a few. And then I was getting mad that I wasn't happy and didn't know why I was always so bitter. Then I was reading in Alma 60, i don't know the verse, maybe somewhere around 23, where captain moroni says something along the lines of "don't you remember that we need to first cleanse the inner vessel, then will the outer vessel be cleansed also. So be up and doing." and it hit me so hard that I have been trying so hard to work about cleaning the outer vessel with all the situations and circumstances, when all I needed to do was focus on the innver vessel. After that I tried singing hymns, reciting articles of faith and scriptures and just trying to think positive thoughts, and I was so much happier even when people wouldn't be at the appt. So another part of cleansing the inner vessel is really coming unto the Lord, leaning on him, having him be my mom or dad to turn to while I am out here. Then I will be cleansed inside and out. So thank you mom and sis. bewsey. and capt. moroni.

More from that letter (Nov. 11, 2007)

The area is so sweet. this could probably be the best area for my entire mission. it is so beautiful. Our are is huge, and part of it runs along the ocean and part of it is in like the middle of rice and corn fields. This one family lived like literally in the middle of nowhere. We had to walk 5 minutes in the middle of fields just to get to this one house. It was pitch black at night and all they had was one tiny oil candle. it was such a unique experience. I loved it.

From Nov. 25, 2007
Earlier in the week, I did exchanges and went to another area. it was way fun. Elder janson is an American and we have a lot in common. He was on scholarship for baseball at ASU. So it was nice to be able to speak english and let my regular personality come out. and we went to this guy who lived in the middle of a rice field and the only way to his house wasthrough so much mud it was ridiculous. It had just poured before that so it was insane. On the way back, we just took off out shoes and socks, rolled up our pants, and charged. We walked in the middle of the rice patties like with water almost up to my knee, and then just walked through so much mud barefoot. I'm probably going to get some parasite and die, but it was so cool.

Time for a little catch up

2008-01-20T13:27:00.000-08:00

I am obviously not very consistent with this. I also don't really know what I'm doing. Nicole or Candice have helped me before. So here I go solo. Robby mentioned in his last letter that he was having baptisms this week that he was real excited about.

We have 4 baptisms this saturday. and they are all people who i started teaching. one of them is a man that we found through tracting, the other 2 referrals. and one is a little kid of a family who has been members for 2 years. but i am very very excited aout it. this is the first group of people who i really feel i was a huge part of bringing them to the gospel. they have strong testimonies and have been huge. plus they really understand the meaning of baptism and what its going to do to their life.

These are photos from his first baptisms. Yes, they are in the ocean. And Robby doesn't mind that they have to go way far out to get deep enough! The "hut" is where they go to hold their meeting before the baptism. He says it is awesome.
In one of his letters he actually said he thinks baptisms in a font are better in some ways because it is easier to keep a reverent spirit.

2007-12-30T10:27:00.001-08:00

Here's Robby's home for the holidays.

But here is his HOME SWEET HOME

Elder Robert Louis Stowell

2007-08-31T21:26:00.000-07:00

Well we are going to try to get on the blog bandwagon. This is mostly so that we can keep you updated on our baby boy Robby. Look at this handsome missionary. He is going to be so awesome. I'm doing better than expected because I'm feeling so great about where he is and what he's doing.

I just haven't entered his room yet - or really talked about him yet - but other than that I'm really happy and proud of my guy.