Three more great events - Karen and Brandon's Wedding, Trip to France, and the Arrival of Kail and Kalvin

I have been a little slow at reporting our events. We have a great two months. There are a lot of pictures, but I think they are very good outlining these great events.

Event #1 - Karen and Brandon's Wedding
Karen and Brandon were married on Thursday, June 5, 2008. The day was a delight in all areas. The weather was a little threatening at times, but overall, the events of the day went very well. While we were taking pictures the sun came out for a few minutes and it got quite hot and made for some distracting shadows, so we were happy when the clouds returned.
Don't they make a great couple here in front of the temple doors after their wedding.
Wedding events started on June 4. We had a family home evening with Karen were able to give her some special scrape book pages and memory gifts.

Janae, Rick and Wyatt were able to come up from Los Angeles. Here is a great picture of the the sisters in their beautiful wedding outfits (except Karen of course).

This picture is representative of the support that Suzanne, Lisa, Janae, and Christine are giving to Karen as this special time.

The happy couple on the way to the temple.

Anxious nieces and nephews awaiting the arrival of the couple after the ceremony in the Salt Lake Temple.

The arrival of the happy couple.

This is one of my favorite pictures of them by the temple doors.

All the senior citizens with the young bride and groom. Were were especially to happy to have Brandon's grandmother attend the wedding.

Lots and lots of pictures.

Karen's family.

Brandon and Jim Plaster.

Brandon's family.

Jim Plaster, Karen Plaster, Brandon Plaster, and Debby Plaster.

Another favorite picture at the Salt Lake temple.

Wedding luncheon at the Joseph Smith Building - Great Food and Company!!!

Alicia Halverson and Elizabeth Brown at the Heritage Garden Reception Center.

Joshua Halverson - in motion at the Heritage Garden Reception Center.

Twin separated a birth - Debby Plaster and Sandra Cannon. Just as beautiful as the bride!!!

Wyatt and Janae Shamo at the Heritage Garden Reception Center.

Nieces and Nephews.

Another beautiful picture of the happy couple.

Karen's family.

Halverson, Brown, and Shamo family Nieces and Nephews with Karen.

Brandon's family.

Plaster family nieces and nephews with Karen and Brandon.

Karen and Aubriel Plaster.

Brandon's Brothers and Sisters: Tyler, Cameron, Brandon, Angie, and Lindsey.

The car ready for the get away!!!

The wedding was a great celebration for all of us. We are so proud of Karen and Brandon and wish them well. From my perspective the day was perfect.

Event #2 - Trip to France - June 9 to 18.

Sandra, Suzanne, and I were able to go to Paris, France and travel into the Loire Valley after the wedding. I was at the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) meeting for most of the time. We also had a little time for vacation.
Here are Sandra and Suzanne at the Eiffel tower after a long flight and a good rest. We could walk to the tower from our hotel.

Suzy enjoyed taking pictures although all the picture in this blog are my work. Here is Suzy by the Seine River.

Grant, Sandra and Suzanne on the second level of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. There is a video at the end of the blog with the lights on the tower.

The next day, we went on a walking tour of Paris. Here we are in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral.

In the evening, Suzy and I went to the Montmartre district while Sandra rested her feet.

Each day we went to a different museum or site (after the meeting). Suzy and Sandra did more during the day. This is the Orse museum which was fantastic. I liked the fact that you could actually see the whole museum in a few hours. The museum was a renovated old train station.

Sandra with Whistler's mother.

Suzanne and Sandra with a Monet.

Grant and Van Gogh (with his ear).

The next day was to the Louvre. There are three things that are a "must see." Suzy with the Venus de Milo (must see #1).

Sandra and the Winged Victory (must see #2) .

Suzy with the Mona Lisa (must see #3).

Suzy and Sandra with a repeat "must see #2."

The next day was the palace of Versailles. This is the hall of mirrors.

The gardens and fountains were fantastic.

Here we are at the far end of the gardens.

Suzanne at Versailles.

Sandra and Suzanne at Versailles.

We then traveled to the Loire valley to check out the castles. These next pictures are of the castle Chenonceau. The beautiful gardens.

The actual castle that extends over the river.

Next was to Asay le Rideau in the rain.

We stayed at a bed and breakfast in the village of Bliere. The home was a renovated old mill with a wonderful setting.

The next day we went to Cheveny which was a beautiful castle with marvelous grounds.

The last castle was the huge castle at Chombord.

We had a great trip and wonderful experiences. However, it was great to get home.

Event #3 - Kail and Kalvin Brown

While we were in France, Christine and Greg started the process for adoption of Kail (age 2) and Kalvin Brown (age 1). The are two handsome and happy children who are a great blessing to all our lives. Greg and Chrsitine are a great blessing to Kail and Kalvin as well.

Here is Greg and Kail.

Here are Chris, Greg, Kail, Grandma Cannon, Grandpa Cannon, and Kalvin.

We were able to celebrate Christine birthday.

They are great travelers. Here they are ready to go:

Kalvin

Kail

and Elizabeth.

They are a great family and a wonderful example to all of us.

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Here is a video of the lights on the Eiffel Tower!!!!