July Fun

July was a fun month. We went to Alaska and enjoyed the long days and a full family reunion as Melissa's brother returned home from his mission in San Diego, California. We were able to catch up with family and the niece and nephews, hoping that we'd be joined with another new niece but to no avail. It was great as we enjoyed some great home cooking while playing hard and adventuring with the family.

I was able to go flying in Chuck's float plane and although the weather was uncooperative for much of the summer activies and jet skiing up at the Lake Louise cabin, it was perfect for the fishing expedition out in Prince William Sound. We caught red salmon, halibut, various rock fish and even some shrimp while enjoying the great outdoors. The scenery and wildlife we saw was like being on a national geographic episode, catching fish, seeing whales, orca, sea lions while being surrounded by glaciers and beautiful sunsets at midnight! Thanks mom and dad Kenley for everything!

Alaska - July '07 Album

Upon our return to Boston we got hooked up with some great Red Sox tickets. We beat the Tigers and we continue to lead the American League. GO SOX!!

Fenway Park

Youth Conference ’07 – "iBelieve" - went amazingly smooth. The workshops and activities went really well and the kids all participated without any hang ups. It was a real pleasure to be able to put the conference together because everyone involved worked really hard and the kids really appreciated it. It especially made all of the hours worth it when genuine thank yous were given and testimonies of growth were borne. I felt especially privileged to be working with the youth in this stake when I see them at these events and activities show the composition of their character by serving, encouraging and showing love to one another.

Philly 07

Our Philly Photo Album

Last week we were able to take a little jaunt up to Philidelphia. We stayed with an old mission companion of mine and It was nice to catch up with him and meet his family. We even got to do a little missionary work together just for old time sake. He is the Elders Quorum President so we paid a little visit to a new member in his ward. Apparently his stake is the highest baptizing stake in the Eastern US.

Melissa and I really enjoyed the sites and history that Philly had to offer. We got to see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, The King Tut Exhibit at the Museum of Science, The Museum of Fine Arts, amongst other things. We had some great Philly cheese steaks and Italian pastry from the Italian Market, but the best discovery was a roast beef sandwich from Nicks. It was so good that I just had to go back twice. Overall, living in Boston and visiting Philly completed a US revolution history lesson for me. Being born and raised in the 50th state did nothing for me history and interest wise, but maybe that was moreso driven by the type of kid I was - more interested in playing outside with my friends.

Philly was fun and a great little vacation from the craziness we are experiencing right now with being 7 months pregnant, having youth conference next month, keeping up with work, (or in Melissa's case transitioning work), and staying on top of a CS class. Its been busy and I still need to get crackin on the nursery...not enough time!!!

DC Vacation

See Our DC Photo Album

We went to DC for a little getaway and some sight seeing before the baby comes in late August. We stayed with Melissa's old mission companion who lives in Alexandria Maryland, which was nice because it was a short 15 minute Metro Ride to get to the "Mall". It was wonderful to re-experience the monuments, memorials, and museums there. DC was just as Melissa put it, "a great sample of the best our country has to offer all in one place. "

BTW, if you haven't eaten at Ben's Chili Bowl on U Street, we highly recommend it. It was quite the DC cultural experience. Thanks to JTC and MC for the tip and showing us the ropes.