Pioneer Day- 24th of July

Well, another 24th of July has come and gone. On this day we celebrate the arrival of the mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley. Its cultural atmosphere is comparable to that of the 4th of July. Kind of the same idea, patriotism, remembrance of ancestors and our indebtedness to their courage and love. We have fireworks, barbecues, and a really big parade.According to tradition of the past few years me and my friends always go downtown to sleep on the street and save spots for family to watch the parade. It is a lot of fun. We play card games and chow down on food, but most of all we sit around chit chatting which was nice this year since there was so much to get caught up on. I was gone for two years and recently got home. Lisa and Tawnie recently returned from the Ukraine and a couple of days ago "Miss Megan" returned from Fiji! So there was an obvious amount of catching up to do.


Tawnie and Lisa


Megan and me

Though it was much like old times there were a few things that showed us times are moving. there was an obvious lack of people there. Usually there is more family and what not. Also we were in a different spot than usual. Plus, just to show that we are getting old, only one made it through the night without sleeping. Props go to Ben for that one. The rest of us collapsed. Nonetheless we were able to save our spots and have a great time.


First to go but on the front row!


Sleeping in the emergency lane!

The parade was good, as usual. However, it seemed as though they cut back a little. Some of my favorites were President Monson, The "Space" Elders, and of course The University of Utah. Not only because they are awesome but because they totally had a Brazilian flag on the back so that won brownie points with me!


Mission Mars!


Brazil!

After the parade I went home crashed for a bit then I was off with the Mom and Dad to see "Iron Man" which was excellent. Gotta admit I didnt have high hopes but it was pretty good. I am getting excited! Can you say, "The Avengers"? Most excellent, go see it if you haven't. Then see The Incredible Hulk, which also wins brownie points for being filmed in a Brazil, my second home!
Afterward we went to fireworks at liberty park. Twist this year, we watched things from the intersection of 1300 s. and 700 e. That was new. Guess we didnt get enough of the asphalt all morning long, but it was nice. The fireworks were a show as usual!
It was a great day and we had a lot of fun but then I was really tired and slept in untill nearly 11 the next day, but it was worth it!

Babysitting

As you may or may not know, while I spent my 2 years out of the country I became a "Tio" or in other words, an uncle. His name is Hunter and he is my new best friend! The other day we decided to have some serious bonding time and I took him for the whole day. It was so much fun, he is just a bundle of joy! He is my new buddy.
While I was gone they had a life size cardboard cut out made of me. Actually it is President Bush's body and Kinko's was able to put my face on it. Well it just so turns out that EVERY time that Hunter came to visit Grandma and Grandpa that they would point and say, "Look, its Tio Clayson." Now he will spend HOURS literally pointing at my pictures or pointing at the cutout and laughing and then looking at me and then laughing some more.
Some of Hunter's favorite hobbies include pointing and saying "daaaa." Making monkey and gorilla sounds, looking at books, and throwing things down and saying "ah oh" are right up his alley way as well.
We had a good time the other day. That was my first time babysitting a little baby. First diaper change! We played lots and read lots and he was even really tired and took a nap, that is a rare occasion.

I've Returned

Well family, friends, fans or complete stranger that may have run across my blog by chance. Its official, I am back! I have spent the last two years as a LDS Missionary serving in the great state of São Paulo in the Southeast region of Brazil (Brasil, lets be honest its so much cooler with an "s"). After spending much time there I can't help but make it a part of me. I miss it so much. I really loved the people I served and the country where I served.
I was able to meet many wonderful people and I had many great experiences that marked my life. Despite much opposition in the world I saw much sucess, yet I also shared the bitter taste of failure which, in all, fine tuned my carachter and personality. They were two unregretable years of my life that I would never trade.
The Brazilian people are a warm hearted and kind people who won my heart. I left so many dear friends and hope that one day I might see them again.
I would like to share some pictures of my mission with you guys but there are so many to choose from. I will make some selections but if you would like to see the whole collection feel free to come on over. I'd love to show you!

This is the group of missionaries who returned with me

Elder Peterson, Elder Willmore, Elder Nelson, Elder Ouzts, Me, Elder Overstreet, Elder Kelly

Sister Andrade, Sister Ferreira, Sister Moura

The Great City of São Paulo

Elder Marroni and I ontop of the Banespa Tower

The Chapel

Elder Gorringe and I

Hard work...