The second half of spring break was spent with all the Coxes. Lance flew in and the major surprise was that Kempton came home to surprise John and Donna for her 70th birthday. IT WAS AMAZING!!! Kempton and Bonnie flew in on Saturday night so I made sure the Cottage was stocked with food for them so they could catch up on sleep without breaking the Sabbath to get food. When Lance flew in we went with Kempton's family down the canyon to picnic, see the scenery, play on the playground. The next day they came over to Mom and Dad's where we just visited while the kids played outside. It was sure nice to visit and have access to fresh air and outdoor time.
Tuesday finally came and all the Cox siblings and most grandchildren went to Norm's. Kempton's family hid in the kitchen. We waited and as soon as Stephanie pulled up with Donna and John, we all started singing happy birthday. As soon as the song was over Kempton's family came walking out. Shocked was an understatement! The dinner we had catered from Norm's was so delicious and I think their chocolate cake was the best cake I've ever had!
Oh how I love my in laws!!
The next day at 1:00 Kempton had a zoom call with his bishop in DC. In Russia they don't have a bishop or any presiding keys. For church there are 16 individuals that meet together for worship services, I think all of them are diplomat families. Kempton's records are technically still in DC which is why Isom hadn't been ordained a deacon yet. Over a zoom call with the DC bishop and in the Cox's living room, Lance and Kempton and John all placed their hands on Isom's head to ordain him to the office as a deacon. It was one of the most powerful prayers I've ever heard! I mean the way Kempton used the priesthood through the proper priesthood keys by the miracle of technology, it was almost like listening to a patriarch or prophet. It was POWERFUL! Of course my heart was just bursting and I couldn't control the tears.
The next day all the Cox cousins who were able went to the temple to do baptisms for the dead. This was Isom's first time in the temple and Kimball's second. I was very overwhelmed with the spirit and love in the temple. It was just an incredibly fulfilling experience!
The second part of Donna's surprise was ALL of the Coxes having a family reunion at the Pettingill cabin in Elba. We walked around the City of Rocks, swam a few times at Durfee's, played lots of games, ate lots of food, Bonnie did my makeup, and of course had an evening of unbelievable music!
Kimball chose to sleep in the closet, haha.
Bonnie did my makeup.
These next two pictures are so great. The Coxes are known for getting into laughing fits where they just cry and pee their pants. This time Kempton was trying to talk and Lance interrupted with a witty insult and the laughs followed for a good 45 minutes. These are pictures of everyone ugly crying because they were laughing so hard.
City of Rocks
The music is ALWAYS the best part of the reunion!
All of the Coxes minus Scott, Conrad, and Hunter.
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