Sweethearts 2022

Rhett got asked to sweethearts by his friend Adyson. They went to breakfast, aerial yoga for their day date and then pictures and dinner that night before the dance. He had a great time with her. Such cute kids! 

 

Elder Hawkins & Elder Bundor

We have received our first email from Elder Hawkins. We know he is struggling with his companion. His companion is from Liberia and speaks very rough English. His companion is also almost 27 years old. It has been an extreme challenge for him. I was so glad to see this cute picture on Facebook of the two of them together. Dallin is even smiling. It sure made my day! 

 

Pics From State

Some pictures the professional took at state. I LOVE seeing these action shots. 

The flyer (Payton) switches legs in the air on this stunt. Incredible to see the switch mid-way when they haven’t even caught her foot yet as they go up. 

When Rhett bases across from a girl he has to bend his knees and arch his back to get at her height. I love this picture showing him base and yell at the same time. 

This picture is my favorite! I love that Rhett can reach clear to the sky when he catches these girls! I can’t believe how much higher his arms go than the girls. I love it!

State Cheer 2022

On February 12, 2022 Rhett‘s cheer team got to participate in the A4 state cheer competition. Such an incredible opportunity! His team is so fun to watch and they have worked so hard this year to make it to state. All four of their routines looked great. Show was a little shaky and we knew we received a deduction for sideline because of the way one of the girls threw the sign off the mat. We were nervous as they got ready to announce results. But…IT WAS A CLEAN SWEEP!! We got first in EVERY EVENT! Bonneville Cheer has never done that. Such an awesome thing to be a part of!! The Bonneville cheerleaders are the A4 STATE CHAMPIONS! Wahoo!! What makes it even better is that they are back-to-back state champs. Not many can say they have that title. So proud of Rhett! 

 

Ghana MTC

The Ghana MTC posted a few pics of their new Elders. It was fun to see Elder Hawkins among them. He doesn’t look too pleased with the food, and his cheeks look red and shiny I think from 2 days of travel in a mask, but it was SO GOOD to see he’d made it. 

 

And He’s Off

 Dallin had to be to the airport at 4 AM on February 9th. When we got there we were one of the first ones to the airport that day and the sign on the door said only ticketed passengers could enter. So Rhett and Laiklie gave him their hugs out side and headed back to the car. Ryan and I masked up and headed in with him hoping they wouldn’t kick us out. We were able to get him through getting his ticket and his baggage loaded. The airport was still fairly empty and so we were able to give him hugs and say our goodbyes. He headed through security and we went back to sit in the car and watch through the windows. Two other elders flew out that morning with Dallin. Elder Layton and Elder Lerwill. We were a little bummed when their families arrived and all members went in and stood around and visited for a good 30 minutes before they sent their boys through security. If we had known they weren’t being strict on the rules at the airport we would have done the same. One of Rhett‘s friends was flying out on that same plane and sat behind Dallin. She let us know that him and the other two elders found each other and were able to get on the plane together. Such a relief. 

We received a phone call from New York later that afternoon. Dallin had borrowed a phone to call and let us know they had arrived there. His voice was shaky and hurt my heart. He called again Thursday at noon to let us know he had arrived in Ghana. He sounded better that day. He told us he was sick of showing people his passport and yellow fever card but had made it to the MTC and was ready to sleep. He was absolutely exhausted from two days of travel! 

Tearful Goodbyes

Lots of love means lots of tears. It’s so hard to say goodbye for 2 years. Dallin is so very loved and will be greatly missed. There is no where else we’d rather him be though then serving the Lord. 

 

Elder Hawkins

Dallin was set apart as an elder on the evening of February 8, 2022 by President Ward of the Ucon Stake. It was an incredible blessing and meeting to be a part of. After he was set apart he had Dallin bear his testimony and then Ryan and I bear ours. Both of his grandpa‘s, his grandma Linn his cousin JD and friend Nathan were able to be there with our family. Oakley and Logan were able to listen through speakerphone. Such a special night together. We are so blessed to be a part of Dallin’s life. What an incredible kid. 

 

Family Dinner

We tried to do a few last minute things with Dallin the last few days before his mission. One of the things he wanted to do was steak and all you can eat shrimp from sizzlers. We invited Stan, Linn and Dale to go with us. It was fun to spend time together as we filled our stomachs. 

 

Cleaning Out His Room

Even something as simple as cleaning out his room is a party with Dallin! He is such a funny kid! He was very particular about his piles. I wasn’t allowed to touch anything but I wasn’t allowed to leave because he “needed my help.” I’m glad I got to spend the afternoon with him. 

 

No More Braces!

And just like that the Hawkins family is all finished with braces!! Wahoo! Only $16,000 later! So glad to be finished with that part of life. 

 

Dallin’s Mission Farewell

Dallin‘s mission farewell was on Sunday, January 30, 2022. He had a lot of aunts, uncles and cousins there along with his grandparents and this great group of friends. Dallin did an exceptional job on his talk. He kept joking the day before that “he had a good solid four minute talk mom!” Lol 

We are so proud of him! The second picture of him with his friends is my favorite. Jose looking up at him is kind of how life has been for Dallin. So many people watching and following. He’s such a natural leader. I kept telling them I was going to miss all those trucks in my driveway when he leaves. 

Jordan, Nate, Richard, Dallin, Jose & Ethan 

 

Cheer District Champs

We were nervous going into cheer districts this year. Blackfoot has been some pretty stiff competition all year. Rhett and his team worked their guts out and gave it all they had. They looked incredible that day! It showed in the awards. DISTRICT CHAMPIONS! We qualified in all 4 events. Wahoo!!