The Biehn Family: Summer Fun!

We've had back to back fun at our house! In June, Norm's FAVORITE missionary companion, Will Dilworth and his family came to visit from Idaho. They stayed for about a week and we tried to pack as much fun into that week as we possibly could. It was the kids last week of school, so we played hookie a day so that we could play. We went to Knott's Berry Farm. Knott's was great, my kids had never been there, and it has been a LONG time since Norm and I had been there.
All of us on the Calico Mine Ride -

Our Family -

The Dilworth Family - Will and Collette and their children James and Cecelia.

Yeah!! Finally another girl to play with! Shelly and Cecilia - an island of girls, surrounded by a sea of boys!

Look at this picture of Bradin on the bumper cars. His face says it all :)

This was just one of many perfect days while the Dilworth's were here!

On another day, we hit the beach! It started off a little bit cold and overcast, but turned out to be beautiful! Joining us and the Dilworth Family was the Andrews family!

Back in the mission days, Norm and Will met seventeen year old Wes Andrews while serving in Yreka (California - which is part of the Oregon, Eugene mission). Wes wasn't very active in the church, and Norm and Will really hit it off with him. They hung out a lot together and Wes started being more involved with church. We learned a couple of years ago that Wes and his family live VERY close to us in San Bernardino. Since Norm's mission days, Wes has served a mission, was married in the temple, has served as a Bishop and is currently the Institute director in San Bernardino. It was great fun to get the three of them (and our families) back together.

The Andrews family - Wes and Melissa and their children - Ryanne, Leah, Mckay, and Elias.

The original three - Will, Norm and Wes!

Taking on the waves -

The crowd of kids - 10 in all! It was lots of fun! (Here Melissa has arranged them from youngest to oldest!! Thanks for the pictures Melissa! - You got some great ones!)

My handsome husband!! :)

Loving the waves -

Loving the sand -

Loving the fire -

(Shelly isn't on fire here, but it's a great shot! )

Especially loving the company!! Besides hanging out at the beach, we were able to get together another night and have a BBQ at our house. At that time, Wes had each of his kids come up to Norm and to Will and say Thank You - Thank you for being a good missionary! Thank you for helping us have the life that we have! Thank you for going on a mission! (I'm getting teary eyed AGAIN just at the thought of it).

We love these guys! These families are some of our favorite people in the world! They are AWESOME - stalwart, fun-loving, righteous, and great examples. They are the type of people that you enjoy being around because of the love that they exude. You are strengthened by knowing of the battles that they've faced and triumphed over, and by way they've lived their lives especailly during those trying times. You glean from their quiet, gentle examples. They are the type of people that make you want to try a little harder, and be a little better. We love you guys and miss you!

P.S. Some pictures that I found from back in the day!! Norm hasn't seen these in a while (and he doesn't know that I've posted them), but I HAD to share :) !!

Norm and Will as missionaries -