Week #26 - Holy/Holey

Hello from Mexico. So last week my mother was a bit confused about my new companion. Apparently she found a picture of he and I on the mission Facebook page, and he was "tagged" with a different name than what I had said for my companion. But in the picture,  that is Elder Muñiz! Mexico is a bit different than the US, concerning names. In the States, we usually have a first, middle, and last name. Here, they have "nombres" (names) and "apellidos" (last names). How it usually is, they have two nombres, and two apellidos. Like when a couple gets married in the US, the women changes her last name to match the man's. But here, they don't change names when they marry. They give their apellidos paternos (apellido from the father) to their children. Like my first compañero, his name is Raul Gibran Gutierrez Dominguez. "Raul" and "Gibran" are his nombres, "Gutierrez" is the apellido from his father, and "Dominguez" is the apellido from his mother. They use the apellido paterno as we use our last names. Haha yeah.. It is cool.  

Well, I am coming up on the six month mark of my mission already... it is starting to show. Meaning in the clothes I have. All my white shirts and pants appear to be in good shape, but socks, shoes, and garments...they are dying. Almost every sock has a hole. Some of my garments are starting to get holes too. And even my Rockport shoes, the right shoe now has a hole. But at least with the shoes, I think there is hope to save them. Mexico has a ton of these little shoe repair shops, maybe I can take them there, and it would be easily (and cheaply) fixed. Maybe. Well, I guess we all knew that a mission is a "holey" experience. (Mommy the shoes can be fixed, as on the Mexico Mission Mom's page someone said you now needed a PERMIT to get shoes across the border!)

On the subject of clothes, in Forjadores, next to our house, we had a member who ran a laundrymat. So they washed all my clothes (garments included) for 25 pesos, which is pretty cheap. Now, today we gave our clothes to some laundrymat (excluding the garments this time) and we have to wash our garments by hand, because we don't have a washing machine. Hand washing ... that was a new and exhausting experience.

I had misplaced my name tag and had to pay for a new one. Then the very next day, during personal study, I wanted to look up a word in the dictionary. When I picked it up, something was inside it. My name tag! I was so happy yet so mad all at once. Of course I would find it after I already paid for a new one. Oh well, all is good. 

We found a little grey puppy, which was obviously homeless, because it was eating garbage and super skinny. We went quickly to a tienda to buy some dog food to give it. So that was a little service for the day. 

On Saturday, there was a baptism for Almecatla 2. Normally you go to other baptisms with your investigators, but we had no one. The other missionaries were glad that we were there though, as they had to sing in the program, and they had us sing with them. 

That is it for this week ...

 There was no explanation with this picture ;)

*** Step Stats ***

Monday, August 10 - 17482

Tuesday, August 11 - 17569

Wednesday, August 12 - 15698

Thursday, August 13 - 15261

Friday, August 14 - 17779

Saturday, August 15 - 16770

Sunday, August 16 - 6313

... pretty good steps for no official "exercise" from an Elder. Landon did mention playing a little basketball and soccer with the youth, as well as taking "the long way" on a way to an investigator's house (going for 30 minutes only to end up a short distance from where they had started). More steps on the pedometer!  The little boys were back to Gene Fullmer this week (the week before the gym floor was being refinished) but now the trampoline needs a new mat (bouncing at home is another big step earner for the Blackham boys).  Uncle Shane managed to edge over Mr. Missionary, with Uncle Chris and Aunt Wendy close behind ...

*** Between Brothers ***

Dear Landon, today we went wave running, but on the way there we gave Andy away. The guy that we gave Andy to, would clip their wings so they don't fly away because he makes money off them. Suzie+Roxy= SO MUCH FUN. I went about 60 mph. Keaton and I hit a gigantic wave. And Callahan and I did the thing you and I did, we jumped off. One time I pushed him off and then he tried pull me off but he didn't. Also one time I was in the water and I was trying to get on but Callahan kept shaking it then he fell off so I got on. We are finally going to go Park city!! But not in the Summer! We all went to Maga's house to sleep in tents in the backyard. But right before we went sleep, we watched a movie called "Paddington" But I wasn't able to sleep, I fell asleep at 12:15 A.M. Well that is it for this week. Love, ya. Love, Colt

Dear Landon, one more week until school is back. There is two bad reasons to go back to school, and two good reasons (for me). The bad reasons are that I'm going to have to do math, science, writing, etc, and I'm in a different classes than ALL of my best friends, seriously. The two good reasons is that I will get to see a lot of my friends again, and my birthday is in the first week of school. We finally went to go wave running, but it will be the only time that we go all summer. And the saddest thing about going to the lake, is that on the way, we gave Andy away to the person we bought Alex and Pedro from. We had a little sleepover at Maga's house from Friday to Saturday. But I could not really sleep because of the tents, they were uncomfortable. And before going asleep, we watched a movie called Paddington, and made a little fire to toast mallows, and cook hot dogs. While we were roasting the marshmallows, Sam got his on fire and kept bringing it toward me. Then I blew it out, and he got mad and whacked it at me. I did not hurt or anything, but it took me by surprise. Now Joy is sleeping downstairs again with me and Colton. The first night wasn't bad at all, because I didn't even know where she was. We went to KFC today with everyone except Keaton. But now, I do not feel very well.  Love, Cooper

Dear Landon, we gave Andy to the guy we got Pedro and Alex from. We just wanted her to get the chance to be more social. It was sad. No ducky time tonight. We moved the wee kitty back down into the lil ones' room. She made this big old brown sckfing in my room and I was just done. I'm very sure that the peoples in China were able to smell it. We finally went wave running for the first time this summer! It was a lot funner than I remembered. However, we did not go tubing. Tubing is lyfe. On Friday we went to Maga's house to have a sleepover/campout in her backyard. Everyone slept outside except for Maga, Ana, Amare, Sam, Courtney, and Clay. We watched a movie at night and I fell asleep after the first 10 minutes of it. I think it was the movie that actually bored me to sleep. It was a movie called Paddington about a bear who is lost or something. I don't know I was asleep. Dad woke me up after the movie to move me into my tent with Will. Wasn't very hard falling asleep in a breezy tent outside after already been asleep. Dad said that I was making myself pretty obvious that I had fallen asleep during the movie. Idk lol. Everyone is at KFC right now except for me at 7:17 pm. I wasn't hungry and they're just really there to annoy Cal. Idk if Cal told you, but Ben burned himself at KFC and had to go to the hospital. There's now a big bandage on his neck where he got burned. Dad said that we're gonna go to Park City!!!!... after the first week of school. We're going to be staying in a condo which'll be cool. It'll be mine and Cooper's vacation birthday funtime!!!!... with homework. Probably not too much, though. Just disclosures and more disclosures. I haven't even got my schedule yet. Oh! And Dad got a selfie-stick. So yeah... a sort-of vacation-less summer I like to call it. Wuv, Keaton

Dear Landon, school is almost here and I'm not ready. Amanda finally met Clay and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. We went on a hike to Cecret Lake with the family. It was really fun, which is weird because I don't like hikes very much. We also went waverunning which was really fun. It was weird without you though. It's not quite the same. I can tell Colton missed you because he kept mentioning what you guys would do when you went on the waverunners together. I tried to do everything he wanted to do. I didn't get to go to the campout because I had work and by the time I was off they were heading off to bed, so I didn't bother going. Sammy is talking pretty well now though. He has pretty much everybody's names down. That's pretty much all that happened this week.  And to answer your question me and Amanda have been dating for almost 11 months now. I miss you a lot. Love you. Callahan

• Dear Colton: That it kinda sad to give away Andy.. 60 mph?! By yourself?! Shoot.. That is pretty fast! Haha, yeah, pretty fun times with Susie and Roxy.. I miss them. Haha why so excited for Park City..? Not like it is Puebla... :p haha! "Paddington"? Sounds exciting.... Not really. Ha! Sounds like a good week!
• Dear Cooper: Why are you going to be in all different classes than all your friends? Haha don't worry too much about school it is a good experience, and you learn a lot! Yeah.. So sad that you guys gave away Andy.. But it is probably better for her to be with other duckies. Haha sounds like a fun little activity with Maga and all the cousins! Yikes! Sam is a little young to be roasting marshmellows all by himself! Haha I am guessing that you are hoping that she doesn't poop in your room too.. Haha good luck!
• Dear Keaton: That is sad to bid farewell to Andy.. At least she will have the opportunity to know other duckies. I honestly laughed so hard when I saw the word "sckfing".. Ha! Yup.. un poopsie, and it is over.. Wow. That is pretty sad, the first and only time to go waverunning during the summer! I am going to guess that the movie has chosen by Maga. Or Addie I guess. Hard to find a show to please everyone, right? Park City is pretty nice, hope you have a good time!
• Dear Callahan: You can never be fully ready for school, right? Clay and Amanda finally met?! Haha I don't think that Clay ever met one of my girlfriends.. But that is good it wasn't that bad. Haha hikes are actually fun sometimes.. Yeah.. I really miss waverunning.. It was a really fun activity to always do together. Doesn't sound like you missed out on anything with the movie at the cousin campout at least. Well I miss you a lot too bro.

Week #25 - Arrived Alive in Almecatla

Well that is it folks. My days in Forjadores are finished. 

I am now in la zona Tlaxcala Este, area Almecatla 1A, and it has been quite the change.. I now realize how spoiled I was in Forjadores. Concerning help and support from members, easy work in a small area, food, and safety. Never worried about, nor complained about these things in Forjadores. But here in Almecatla, it is a bit different. The living conditions are a lot more humble (food too), our area is HUGE, we have very few members to work with in our area, few investigators, and it isn't the safest place.

We have a part of our area that is called "Tenancingo" that is actually banned for us because of "so much iniquity" (prostitution, gangs, drugs.. THAT kind of stuff..). My compañero actually carries this flashlight, which is also a tazer.. But not for people. For the dogs. We have got some not-so-friendly dogs in our area. My compañero has actually been bit already. 

But now about my compañero! His name is Elder Muñiz, from Mexico, and he has 6 months in the mission. So far, I have honestly really enjoyed this companionship! We talk a lot. In English and Spanish! To start our companion study, one of us will usually have some question concerning the doctrine. Then we talk, talk, talk, and talk some more, until 2 hours later, we realize we should go work! I really enjoy that about him, the fact that it is easy to talk and work with him. And with him, he has had one change here in Almecatla. But since the area is so big, still doesn't know the area that well.

But that is fine. We will be learning together how to best work in Almecatla. Surely I can't complain about the change I have experienced here, because I was begging and praying for a change. Now I got it, and I am going to make the best of it.  The Lord lives, and only by his perfect Gospel and doctrine, can we achieve eternal life.  I will let you all now how it will go the next week here in..... ALMECATLA! Les amo!

 The meeting where the changes are announced. A LOT of anticipation. 

100+ missionaries in the same room in 90° weather with no air-conditioning ;)

Elder Dansie (Landon's companion at the airport as they left Utah) 

is now paired with Landon's former companion in Forjadores

Riding in the back of a truck to the new location ... 

there are two companionships in in Almecatla, 

one of the others is Elder Galaz (my brother!) 

 Ahhh, Krispie Creme Donuts! Just missing the milk!

*** Step Stats ***

Monday, August 3 - 20054
Tuesday, August 4 - 7842
Wednesday, August 5 - 27359
Thursday, August 6 - 18734
Friday, August 7 - 26629
Saturday, August 8 - 12193
Sunday, August 9 - 10553

Elder Landon Blackham is in the #2 spot! That's his highest average since back in May (and this Wednesday can't quite beat the 29k high from that week). Cooper has definitely been trying to raise his ranking, and it's worked! After a family gathering, I got Uncle Shane on the list, and here he is in the Top10!

*** Between Brothers ***

Dear Landon, we all want Andy to fly away because she's all alone. But she just can't make all the way over the wall. I had to go to the dentist this week and I got a numb cheek. Ugh. I hate getting numb cheeks. We made cinnamon rolls, but with the numb cheek it wasn't so good. We went on a hike. I didn't like so much because it too long. We went swimming a couple of times. But we did not play basketball because they were cleaning the gym, I didn't even have a basketball game. FNAF 4 has finally come out for the ipod. It is really hard but I got to 5 A.M. We went to go see a movie called Ant-Man, and it was the best movie ever. It was so funny. And the main character was Mike from Friends! The funniest guy in my opinion was a person named Luis. But the best thing was, the movie theater went to was the best! It had chairs that reclined! I almost fell asleep during the movie. On the way home from the movie, we went to Krispie Kreme and only got 2 dozen donuts. (All glazed) We went to Utah Olympic Park to see the wall of Topia. It was so awesome. It is so high. A bit of people would be able to climb to the top! And jump off into the water. One of Dad's work friend's friend was in it. He got far up but not all the way. There was also a treadmill but it was for climbing, instead of being horizontal is was vertical. That is the rest of it for this week. Love ya. Love, Colt

Dear Landon, well, Andy is still here all alone. I really want her to fly away so she could be with other duckies, but I do not see it coming soon. And yesterday, we all went on a big hike to a suspension bridge. It was about a mile long, and after the hike, we went to a cupcake store. I was pretty excited, but dad had forgot his wallet with his racquetball stuff, so we weren't able to go. But we finally went to go see Ant-Man! It was a lot funnier than I expected, and what made it better was the theater. There were reclining chairs inside which were very comfortable. Then after that, we went to a Krispy Kreme's, but the hot light wasn't on... Also, FNAF 4 has come out to Ipod, so I bought it and I can now play it. It was a pretty boring week without basketball at Gene Fullmer.

 Love, Cooper

Dear Landon, sleeping with the kitty has gotten easier every night... sort of. It was a really boring week since we couldn't play basketball. We still went swimming twice, though. Callahan has procrastinated his summer homework of reading "Scarlet Letter" and learning vocabulary words. We saw Ant-Man starring Paul Rudd (aka Mike from friends). It was really cool and took my number one spot for my-favorite-movies-seen-this-year. In close second is still Inside Out. Ant-Man was just too funny and really cool. The theater we went to was one in Layton that had the seats as leather recliners! I want to see all movies there now. It was really comfortable. Dad, Colton, and I went to watch a climbing competition in Park City. It was so cool to watch the climbers get to the 50 foot tall Walltopia! The wall was slanted, too. So the climbers pretty much had to climb upside down! There was this one part where the guys had to JUMP from one rock to the other! It was called a dino. We still haven't gone up to Park City as a vacation yet. Not sure if we will. So yeah... Wuv, Keaton

Dear Landon, the Scarlet Letter is the worst book ever, even though I've only read one chapter. It's still awful. I hate summer homework, it makes me want to cry. Yesterday I went on a hike with Amanda in Sandy which was fun. There was a small waterfall which was cool. It was a short hike, only took about an hour, not including the drive. I worked about 20 hours this week so between the last 3 weeks I made around $375. I'm just making my way to Orlando. We also had cinnamon rolls this week and they are so amazing. We had more leftover because you're not here. I ate quite a few. And then we went to the AMC Theater which has reclining chairs, it was pretty cool. We saw Ant-Man which was really funny. It was one of my favorite movies. I haven't seen pretty much any this summer besides, Minions and Ant-Man tops Minions. Pretty much all that happen. Love you bro. Callahan

• Dear Colton: Another busy week for you guys! That is a bummer that Andy hasn't flown off yet.. Sucks to be alone. Ay! Cavities are so much fun, aren't they? Haha I guess you have to brush better! Oh no.. Cinnamon rolls.. Ay. I miss them dearly. Haha I was with a kid, and he has this tablet thing, and he was asking me for suggestions for games, and I actually suggested FNAF. He said that he played the others, but didn't know about the fourth. Ant Man? Can't say that movie interests me much.. But I do like funny movies, and the actor (Paul.... something..) is good as well! So maybe some day. Guess what! I had a Krispie Kreme donut today! It was the bomb, I was just missing my milk.. That is so cool! A climbing treadmill! I want one! 
• Dear Cooper: Poor poor Andy.. No fun being alone. Doing hikes, huh? That is fun, but super hard also.. Haha. Dang, that sucks.. Dad forgot his wallet? Haha it shouldn't have been such a boring week, sounds like you guys did a lot of stuff! Basketball isn't life.. :P ( I actually bought fútbol (soccer) jerseys of Mexico! They are so awesome!) Get out there and LIVE!
• Dear Keaton: When I read your letter I had a lot better understanding of what happened with the climbing competition in Park City. Sounds like a blast! Sure, you have to be strong as heck, but I love climbing! (Colton and Cooper say some of the same things, but don't describe it very well.) Haha procrastination.. One of my favorite words.. Paul Rudd! I knew his first name was Paul, but I forgot the last name. Park City isn't really a vacation.. But oh well.
• Dear Callahan: The Scarlet Letter... Oh how I hated that book. Don't worry, I know your pain. It is pretty horrid. But I honestly can't remember if I read the whole book. Doubt it. Ha! Haha you are one of THOSE couples.. Going on hikes. Just kidding, a hike is a good date. I just want to know how long have you two been dating? As far as work, wait until you're working double that. 40 is the norm for "working folks" As a teenager, that is surprising that Dad and midgets have seen more movies than you this summer! Me? Haven't seen anything. Haha. Got to wait until after to see everything!

A Forjadores Photo Farewell

... as Changes are eminent, it's a time for reflection and capturing friends and families in photos, to remember as he moves on ...

Farewell to the Garcia Dominguez familia.

Farewell to the Casiano familia.

Farewell to Hna. Maura Ayala

Farewell to the Sanchez Estevez familia

Farewell to Hno. Ricardo Sanchez

Farewell to Hno. Daniel Sanchez.

Farewell to the Sanchez Michimani familia. 

They gave me a bottle of MARTINELLI! Super awesome!

Farewell to the Bautista Aguilar familia.

The streets outside of our casa

There it is. Epic last picture in Forjadores.

Farewell Forjadores

Week#24 - Last Week in Forjadores

Well, it is the last week of the change... and that is when you hear if you have changes or not. On Saturday, I did get the call. At first, I was soo happy to finally leave Forjadores, because we have just had no work here, but now, that I have to say goodbye to everyone, those I have known since my first day in Puebla ... that is the hard part.

Sunday, during our meeting with the ward mission leader, I had a moment of reflection. For the meeting, we need to make lists; the investigators we have, and the plans that we have made for them. The first two on the list are investigators that we've had since we first arrived. Both from part member families, and both have known the church for a long time. So I just thought about them, wondering if they have really progressed at all since I got here, or if I was going to leave them the same way I found them.

With one hermana, at first, she wanted nothing with the church, and only went for her husband. But now, she wants to be baptized! So with her, I know that she is better now than before.

Tthe other hermano, we've worked with a lot since I got here, but he does not appear to be progressing. He says that he believes everything, but won't keep commitments. I was feeling a little down about that... but when we started talking about him, the sister missionaries of our ward said that they ate with him recently (he is the owner of Tomato's pizza) and they said when they talked with him, that he would only talk about me. One of the hermanas said "Really, he LOVES you!" Then our ward mission leader, who is a good friend of his, said that he also talked with him recently, and he told him "I've been thinking... and I think that it is time to close on Sundays, so I can go to church." That was always our biggest problem with him, working Sundays. So yeah, hearing that made me cry. Knowing that I personally had an effect on this hermano. No, I won't be there to see his baptism, but at least I had a part in his conversion.

I have had a good time here in Forjadores, but it is now time to go elsewhere, where the Lord needs me. I testify that this is the work of the Lord! And it will ever press forward. Les amo.

Mi compa bought this hat. 

When asked "What does the B mean?" I said "BLACKHAMBoy"

*** Step Stats ***

Monday, July 27 - 9545

Tuesday, July 28 - 12162

Wednesday, July 29 - 27244

Thursday, July 30 - 8473

Friday, July 31 - 10212

Saturday, August 1 - 5264

Sunday, August 2 - 11645

Wednesday, it was district meeting, then I went with Elder Galaz to his area of Cuexomate. Walking, walking, walking all day in the blazing sun! The other days, the steps weren't great, as I have been battling a cold this week. 

Here at home, Mommy is happy to have regaining the #1 spot! Then there are the Blackham brothers staying very active this summer. Lots of time spent at the local gym practicing basketball skills. Grandpa W's Fitbit hasn't been working, but after a quick check up last night, hopefully it will be registering steps and we can actually see where he stands. Where is Grayson? It is hard to make Landon's top 10 ... there is a bit of competition from the Blackham family and friends. 

*** Between Brothers ***

Dear Landon, this week, I didn't do much stuff. Though I did go to Seven Peeks with Randon for his birthday. We had a lot of fun. The ride I liked most was, Shotgun Falls. But one time I went on it, we got stuck at the beginning of the ride so we didn't get any air. Yesterday, we went to Uncle Derek's house for pizza. When I was there, Annie "lit me on fire" with a fake candle so I said "stop, drop and, roll!" So I started rolling around on the carpet. On our way home, we stopped at Caballas and looked at some stuff. There was this place in Caballas that made fudge. We were able to have samples of the fudge. I got cookies and cream, Mom got Rolo, Cooper got milk chocolate and Keaton got Reeses. This morning when we let the ducks out, Alex and Pedro flew away... Now Andy is all alone again. That's it for this week. Love ya. Love, Colt

Dear Landon, it is August already! Time really does fly when you are having a bunch of fun. Like going to Gene Fullmer, bowling, on the tramp, and time with our pets. Speaking of pets, we now have one ducky again. None of them died, but Alex and Pedro have flown away. So Andy (yet again) is alone in her pen. And we also have not spent some of our time letting Oreo and Joy in the same room. But I still really think, Oreo wants to be the main pet of the family, and he still is. We all went to uncle Derek's house yesterday, and ate some pizza. But before we went there, me, Jacob, and Colton were playing on Jacob's hoop playing "Tornado." Anyways, when I went to drive in to the basket, I rolled my ankle really badly. There was a big bruise on my foot, and it makes it hard to walk around. And after going to their house for pizza, we went to a store called Capella's. It is probably a little bigger, or smaller than Scheels. There was a little aquarium, lots of hunting/fishing supplies, and a place that had some sample fudge. And FNAF 4 still has not come out to the Ipod, so I still can't play, but I cannot wait for it. Love, Cooper

Dear Landon, Gene Fullmer's basketball court is going to be closed this week to redo the floor. That means this week will be really boring since I can't go anywhere to play basketball. The kitty is getting a little less devilish. Sure, her bites and scratches are getting more painful, but they're becoming less frequent. Mom said that we might switch her to Cal's room for a few nights so I can get a good night's rest. We went to Derek and Daniel's yesterday, and I found out that Daniel is pregnant. I asked mom because I thought that they couldn't... you know, but they did. They specifically said SHE was a happy surprise. Yes. Ani, Leila, and new little-baby-girl-Westra. Mine and Cooper's birthdays are coming up (and yours). I already got a new Indoor ball as an early birthday to use at Gene Fullmer so we wouldn't have to wait for Cal to get home so I can take MY ball back! That he steals! I hope that I actually get something I want for my birthday that isn't pity food. I hate pity food. So yeah... you know. Wuv, Keaton

Dear Landon, I had an 11 and a half hour shift yesterday and I'm so glad its over. I had 3 other shifts last week as well, no Real games. Two of the ducks flew away as you already have heard. Andy is the lone duck at last. It was Mason's birthday on Aug. 1st which me and Ben surprised him at midnight with some presents. He's freakin 17 which is weird. I didn't get to do any of the fun stuff the family did this week. I guess I did go to the mall with them to get pretzel/pretzel bites which are amazing. Mom has had me take the boys bowling, and I'm amazing at bowling as well. Gene Fullmer's basketball court is closed this week so I can't go play, I might go to Marv Jensen just to get some shots up. I'm semi-excited for school to start, I'm just not excited for conditioning with the basketball team. It's like death but worse. We went to Grandma's for our brunch thing that we do each month.  That's pretty much all you need to know. Love and miss you bro, Callahan

• Dear Colton: Is Seven Peaks fun? I have never been there! You saw Randon too? I bet that was pretty fun to see him again! Ah, Derek's house is super nice! You mean Cabellas? I have tried their fudge, and it is super good! They duckies flew away?! What!? Aww. That is sad. You don't need to miss them too much. You can always have others. 
• Dear Cooper: hat statement sure is true! Time does fly when you are having fun. Sounds like you guys have had a TON of fun! Which is awesome! I heard from Colton, that the other two ducks have flown away.. That is sad for Andy.. But soon she will learn to fly too, and be with other duckies. Ouch... Rolling ankles suck. We played some basketball today with the other missionaries, and one misionera stubbed her finger on the ball (I can imagine you know how that feels.) After that, she was done. Haha. Keep having a good time while summer lasts.
• Dear Keaton: Shoot... No basketball at Gene Fullmer for a week! I can imagine that being hard for you guys. Haha. Does Joy bite and scratch you during the night? Haha what?! A girl?! There wasn't supposed to be any new cousins while I am gone!! Oh well, I am sure that they are super happy. Sounds like a good week.. Keeping have a blast!
• Dear Callahan: Eleven hours, that is a long shift. Sounds a lot of fun. Surprise party at midnight?  I would like my birthday present to be the privilege to sleep....Haha. That is super weird that Mason is 17! I miss pretzels a lot! That is one thing that I have never seen here in Mexico. Good luck with the classes that you are going to take, it will be a ton of fun! Difficult, but fun! Keep the good times going.