In my life I have been blessed with many things. The most life changing blessing came to me the day I met Arlene. Everything from that moment on has made sense to me. I had the privilege of taking her to the Los Angeles Temple where we were sealed together for time and eternity. That is where we began our life together. My life and hers has revolved around the Church. We both grew up in the Church. We have both served in the Church. We raised our family in the Church. And we continue to serve now in the Church. I don't want you to think that for me it is all about Church. I want you to know that the Church is my foundation and every thing else plays its part. My appreciation for everyone in my life who has taught, counseled, scolded or offered advice whether positive or negative has molded me into what I am today. The fun part about all of that input is you can use it or not use it. I am thankful for every part of it. I am thankful for the counsel, advice and patience offered to me by Arlene. Never in 42 years has her counsel or advice been unwelcome. She is wise, understanding, and kind. She is the kind of example that I want to become. I am in love with her today as the first day I met her. I am thankful to all of you who share your love with us. We have always told you. What you see is pretty much what you get. I am thankful that this little girl took a big chance on me. Last week we had the opportunity to travel to Victoria Falls and then into Botswana on Safari and to celebrate our anniversary. It was hard to express how magnificent the wildlife was. We hope you enjoy these pictures. The camera does not do it justice.
I love my dear wife. I love my children. I am thankful for them and for the wonderful parents they have become. I love my grand kids. It brings me great peace to know that they are ours for eternity. We love you all. Thank you for your support. We would not have made it this far without you.
M&A
These little guys were right at our front door when we arrived.
We walked over to the Falls when we arrived. From our last trip it looked like they had shut off the water. A big difference from last March.
When the water flows over the rocks in the rainy season, it hits the other side.
This bridge goes over to Zimbabwe. We walked over this foot bridge. It took a great deal of talking to get Arlene over to the other side.....but she made it.
The locals swim in this area during the dry season. When the water is flowing it is bank to bank and 15 feet deep.
It is really tempting to walk out onto the edge. We were obedient....I took this with a long lens.......
Looking from the hotel into Zimbabwe.
If there is food....there are monkeys.....
We stayed at the Royal Livingstone Hotel.....We would go back there in a second.
Sunset over the Zambezi.....
These are not props.....I know that our daughter thinks that "dad probably paid the prop man to send them out" there is a large heard on the property and every evening they show up to feed.
It is so pretty.....but you must get inside before the mosquitoes come out.....OH BABY!!
Breakfast is served....
Lobby...
First picture on the Chobe River, Botswana
African fish eagle. 1st cousin to our Bald eagle......really big!
Water lilies were everywhere. There is a bulb at the bottom of the flower that the locals make a drink out of. They also can slice it and cook it.
This guy was a great fisherman. After each dip he would fly back to his perch and dry his feathers. really cool.
Our first elephant....
As we watched them all come down to the river to drink. It was so hot. Way over a 100 and it's not summer yet....
It was so cool.
Yes you can swim....where are your "floaties"....
Hippo.....they make a great noise....
Cape Buffalo
This guy followed us everywhere......
always looking for a handout....
or just a hand.....
Sable Antelope
Everyone just hangs together...
We caught these guys going out to the island.....
The big one led the way and the rest followed....
Would you like a little bird with your butter......
These guys were everywhere....
Impala's or "CHEVY'S which ever you prefer...
We were in the jeep and we pulled up and right to my left were these young lions.....they were enjoying a nap....to hot to eat you, maybe later.....
The tall ones are from a "Kudu" the big one...no one knew.....
This is the ferry from Zambia into Botswana. This part of the Chobe River is where four countries share the same boarder. Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia
This one was right outside of our room.
XOXO
M&A
