It is the week before school begins and I have had some time to enjoy spending time with my mom and to see a few good movies. Lately I have really enjoyed biographies.
I checked out a BBC movie about Florence Nightingale. Here was a woman during the Victorian Era that felt she had a calling from God to be a nurse. She, with the help of many others, changed the way we look at and handle modern medicine. Known as the "Lady with the Lamp" she held over 2,000
soldiers hands as they lay dying in times of war.
Her life did not turn out the way many people believed it would but it seems to me that she truly did the will of God and because of her heroic actions we have all been blessed.
I also went to see the movie Julie and Julia. This movie gives at least a portion of Julia Child's biography. Here was a woman who married later in life and then was unable to have children. Although I am sure she desired to be a mother the opportunity did not present itself and she struggled to find ways to be fulfilled.
Little did she know that her struggles would go on to not only change her life but that it would also change to world of cooking.
When it all comes down to it I realize that most of us will not change the world as Florence Nightingale and Julia Child did but each of us in our own way can learn from them that we have a purpose in this life. We may not fully understand our life missions but if we continue to pursue them they will make a difference. You never know what a difference it will make. You may never know. Don't allow this lack of knowledge to get you caught in a rut of the day to day. Live in the present.
Melinda and Deah both celebrate their birthdays in August so we decided to have a Salt Lake adventure to celebrate.
We went to the Salt Lake Cemetery and found some of the Prophet's and Church Leader's grave sites.
The Smith family plot includes Joseph F. and Joseph Fielding Smith.
We ate dinner at the Blue Plate Diner. It is a fun retro 40's diner and it is great fun! What great friends I have! 
It is the week before school begins and I have had some time to enjoy spending time with my mom and to see a few good movies. Lately I have really enjoyed biographies.
Last night I went to see the New Star Trek movie directed and produced by JJ Abrams. The closest I have ever come to a Star Trek fan is watching "Trekkies". I was not familiar with the story line or anything but I will be honest this was a really good movie.
I am realizing more and more that I like the works of JJ Abrams including the TV Series Lost. They did a great job in this movie matching the characters to the 1966 TV series in a way that was not goofy.
If you have not seen it spend a $1.50 and go. It is worth it.
Uncle Brian and Aunt Trea hosted the Gillespie Reunion in their great backyard. Alaria, Kaitlyn and Qunicey were having fun.
Marcus wanted to try fishing with his dad.
Jethro, Kelly, Saige, Lincoln, Matt, Kris and Michelle.
Cheree, Heather, Stephanie and Trea.
Kylie and me. 
Susan, Laura, Mom, Trea and Naoma.
Quincey, Stephanie, Alaria, Malia and Kaitlyn in the boat.
Andy caught a fish!
Brian, Jeff and Dad.
Uncle Brian and me.
On Saturday Sarah Stewart and I decided to take an evening hike to Ensign Peak. Although it was windy it was the perfect day for a hike.
The view was spectacular and I was surprised that you could see clear to Utah County.
This sign gave very interesting information about Brigham Young and the spiritual guidance given about the Salt Lake Valley while at Ensign Peak. It is likely you can't read it so you may have to make the hike.
Sarah at the top. It is not a long hike but be aware that it is all uphill.
The view of the city is beautiful.
I spent the last week in Seattle with the Anderson's and the rest of my family. Kim turned 40 so we had a week long party.
Kris, need I say more, in Kim and Brad's new swimming pool.
Picking blueberries and raspberries with Andersons, Lecheminants, Hortons, and Gillespies.
The Seattle Temple 
Kris, Julie, LauraLee, Kim and Steph at the park.
Brad the BBQ King
Mackenzie at Snoqualime Falls
The girls at the train park. 
Happy Birthday Kim! 