EdwardsFamily: Pres. Monson's 85th Birthday Celebration!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Pres. Monson's 85th Birthday Celebration!

What a glorious evening this was! The night was cool (unlike the august nights at home in AZ. John and I walked through Temple Square after a fabulous dinner at the Oyster Bar. The musical guests were incredible

Dallyn proudly hails from Utah

and has played leading roles

in Broadway touring productions of

Phantom of the Opera

and

Les Miserable.

(He is also known for his portrayal of Hyrum Smith

in the films, Joseph Smith, The Prophet of the Restoration

and Emma Smith, My Story.)

Friday night he sang one of the most

exquisite and flawless renditions of

"Bring Him Home"

from

Les Miserable

I have EVER heard.

(Standing ovation led by President Monson.)

Steve Young and Jane Clayson were the MC's

Sanford Olsen was fantastic! I had no idea he was a local....

What a thrill to get to hear the wonderful Rebecca Luker.

One of my girls' favorite CD's while growing up was

The Secret Garden.

Ms. Luker played the original Lily in the Broadway cast.

She has also starred in Mary Poppins, The Music Man,

The Sound of Music, Showboat,

and as Christine in Phantom of the Opera.

He was adorable- his sense of humor was right there! He wasn't going to leave he was chatting with everyone and waving at us...It truly was an honor to be in attendance!

Here are a couple of pics I snapped of us....

Its fun to visit Salt Lake City. Im glad we live in Queen Creek, tho. I don't think I could ever bare the cold weather!

Our trip was so relaxing. John got to golf many times and I got to play with grandkids and shop with Haley. We did attend Lindsey's wedding and it was fun to be all together as a family. Actually it was the first time in many years that all 6 of my kids were together in the same place~ this is the photo we took at her wedding.

Our Family Mission Statement

We recognize and respect that we have come from different backgrounds and upbringings
But that we are now united as one, with common goals and visions. We share an eternal bond That enables us to communicate honestly and openly in all issues. We are each other's greatest strength, comfort and encouragement.
Together we have a home of Love, harmony, cleanliness and learning, One to which we want to come back to each day and where family, friends and neighbors
Can come and feel comfort and peace; our doors are always open. The way we live our lives invites the spirit to dwell here. We turn our back to all influences that would cause the spirit to leave our minds, our Hearts and our home. We seek goodness in all situations and people, constantly keeping our eyes and hearts open to others in need, most specifically our extended families, which we hold dear.
We wish to instill in our children Unconditional love, respect, happiness and integrity And understand that we must first embody these qualities ourselves. Our ultimate goal is to return to our Heavenly Father together -- a complete family -- And we strive to instill in each this sense of unity. We strengthen and encourage each other so that each person has the capacity to gain a sense of self and individual worth from within themselves, independent of all outside influences.
As a family, We eat together, pray together, study and ponder the scriptures and gospel together, attend church together and laugh together.
We know when to work, when to play and when to relax. Most of all, we know each other. We know how to make each other smile and laugh And we are constantly seeking opportunities to do so. Our greatest legacy will be that we loved each other well.