Baptism...

Today my nephew was baptised by his father. This got me to thinking that the next child in my family that will be eligible for this blessing is my daughter. I took this opportunity to explain a few things to her...what baptism symbolizes, why we as Latter Day Saints are baptized, what immersion means, and the difference that baptism makes and signifies in our lives. She took it all in and devoured every peice of information that I gave her. She asked so many questions that it was hard for me to answer them all. In fact, I couldn't answer them all. Luckily, she can be somewhat appeased when I tell her that I will have to find out and then let her know.
Anyway, I had a very amazing experience during the confirmation of my nephew. I kept it to myself until my Mom and I were talking afterward. She asked me if me and my brother had felt our father's presence there. I immediately said, "Yes mom. I most definitely did! In fact during Braxton's confirmation I could literally see dad standing on the right side of Paul." It was not with my earthly eyes that I beheld my father. I know it was with my spiritual eyes because my eyes were closed and my head was bowed. I feel so blessed to have had this special event take place and to have it happen at Braxton's confirmation makes me think that there are some awesome things in store for that boy!

Keepin up with the Jones's

Last weekend we had our Jones family reunion at Buffalo Camp Ground in Island Park, Idaho. It was soooo much fun! Taylor, Marci, me, and the three rugrats arrived shortly after noon on Friday to set up camp. The tent was easily a 10 man tent but it comfortably fit all 6 of us plus Dolly (Taylor and Marci's lil Cocker Spaniel) with bedding and bags lining the inside from wall to wall. It was a blast...s'mores and tons of great food, fires, the great outdoors, and family from all over (not to mention being able to listen to my favorite band play across the way at Pond's Lodge all night long)!!!
Debra has brought a new tradition into the Benson's get togethers and since we were in charge of the Jones reunion this year, she introduced it the rest of the family...Family Jeopardy! The game was made out of funny stories and old secrets that the family members had accumulated of the years and it made for a night full of laughs and sidepokes! She did a great job!
Saturday was filled with more games, food, prizes, and floating Buffalo Creek. The kids loved the slow pace of the water (as did the adults) and we traversed the stream a couple of different times that day. It was amazing seeing how my whole family interacted with eachother...it felt like old times having most of us together.
All in all, it was a very memorable experience and such an amazing time. I hope to go up there again soon with Bralee and have a little less structured time than the hustle and bustle of normal, everyday life. There is really no better way I can think of to get to know eachother than in God's beautiful scenery in Island Park.