Utah-Making Memories

Road trips are not generally things to look forward to...I'd almost always rather fly. But I must admit that this trip to Utah wasn't bad at all. Grant, Ellis(our dear friend) and I headed out, stocked with snacks, XM radio, movies and lots to talk about. We drove to Albuquerque the first day and then on to Provo the next. Grant and I wanted to be there to take Christine a happy birthday lunch! Ellis wanted to hang out with his best friend and try to secure work and schooling...you know, the whole "I'm home from my mission, now what?, thing." Spending the week with Grant was great! I think he actually likes hanging out with me:) let's hope that lasts forever...I can dream, can't I? We covered a lot ground...and I didn't take pictures of everything...but here is a little bit of what our time in the Beehive state consisted of...

BYU's "Lavell Edwards Stadium" was a "must see" for Grant. He is a huge BYU Football fan...I have to admit that I haven't been to a cooler stadium...I love the mountains in the backdrop.


Grant couldn't wait to go to Utah's only amusement park, Lagoon! I am not a big amusement park fan, outside of Disney. So Grant needed a friend, someone to ride the rides with...so we dragged our dear recently returned missionary friend to come along...he was such a trooper and did whatever Grant asked. It actually was a great day, especially since I didn't have to get sick on any roller coasters or crazy spinning rides :) Thanks Ellis!



We found a great dinosaur museum in Lehi, UT at Thanksgiving Point. Back in the day, Grant would have spent hours there...we were done in a couple and that included an hour long IMAX movie...we had a good time and Grant didn't even mind looking around the shops nearby :)


We are fans of the Travel Channel's "Man vs Food"...several episodes ago Adam Richmond visited Crown Burgers in Salt Lake...Grant was on a quest to go to the same Crown Burger restaurant...we went to the West Valley location. Nope Adam hadn't been there. So we stopped by the North Temple location late one night. Nope not here either...apparently it was the south Salt Lake location...we had run out of time. While we were at the North Temple location, the nice lady behind the counter took pity on Grant and gave him a Crown Burgers hat! So nice of her...and it made his night! (Loved their fries and fry sauce!)

Bill flew in for the theatre performance...we took advantage of the cool Utah morning weather and "hiked the Y"...Grant was NOT thrilled, but survived and assured us he doesn't need to do that again!


The main purpose for our trip to Utah was to see Garrett and Christine in their final performance at BYU's Theatre Camp. It is a 2 week process filled with auditions, rehearsals, workshops, guest speakers and FUN! This was Christine's 3rd time at Theatre Camp and Garrett's first. They had a blast and didn't miss home for even one minute! We were glad that Papa and Grandma Casper drove up from St. George to watch them perform and that Uncle Jared and Aunt Julie, who live in Orem, came also. They performed the play "Children of Eden". The lead parts are shared to give more of the kids an opportunity to "shine". Christine was Eve in one scene and nailed her solo! We were so proud! Garrett, who has never acted at all, played the part of Abel in one scene. He had several lines and even sang! We were not only proud, but amazed! Great job kids!




A much overdue BYU roommate reunion! After 26 years we decided to reunite and renew our friendships. Words can't convey the awesome time we spent together. We stayed in a townhouse in Midway and slept in the same bedroom...5 beds made for the perfect sleepover! We talked and LAUGHED and cried and shared and ATE and reminisced...we even tried to find some long-lost friends on Facebook :) We drove to Provo and walked on campus, remembering the 5th floor of the library and how it was used more for sleeping and socializing than studying :) We encouraged "the one" roommate who hasn't graduated yet, to "finish what she started." We hoofed it up to the Harmon Building and got all of the information for her to do that. King Henry looked mostly the same...we couldn't believe that we lived in "that dark corner"...but we did and we loved it! Our being together was a testament to the fact that we care about eachother and support one another...let's hope that we can get together again, sooner rather than later.

This is my dear Great-Aunt Naomi. We visited for a couple of hours and enjoyed YUMMY Cafe Rio salads. It is always enjoyable sharing stories but I mostly enjoyed hearing her great wisdom. She is a strong woman...my family is full of them :)

I never get tired of seeing this beautiful temple. This day was made even more beautiful because of these two who were sealed here today...congrats Jessica and James!

Our Brother's Keepers

Are we our brother's keepers? What is our responsibility towards those around us? Do we turn the other way and hope someone else will offer help when it is needed? Do we look for opportunities to make a difference in someones life? Do we ever think about making someones experience a little more pleasant in this life? Are we too overwhelmed with our own responsibilities and problems to look around and help a friend or a stranger? The world would certainly be a better place if we all took a little more responsibility for those who pass our way.

I was just with some dear friends who are great examples of this. There are numerous people wandering around who have been encouraged and uplifted by this sweet family. What a blessing they are to all who know them. Sometimes perhaps we think we have little or nothing to offer...laughter, TIME, advice, encouragement, wisdom, friendship and love are all free and can be life-changing when shared. I certainly hope that I can have a positive affect on someone. I am grateful for the many people who have made time for me in their busy lives...you are all an inspiration. Muchas Gracias!

Allen Celebration

The Saturday before the 4th of July each year, the city of Allen has a huge celebration, complete with food, bounce houses, games, music and fireworks...the most amazing fireworks ever! A lot of years we are out of town during the event, but this year we were here. We arrived early with our blankets, chairs, snacks, drinks, football and a "shade house" I bought at Kroger which we never could figure out :)...we are the Clampetts! :) We were prepared for heat. This is Texas and it is June after all. But to our surprise we had a nice breeze and before we knew it, the sun was setting. I was excited to hear The Commodores--minus Lionel Richie, of course. But the sound system was terrible and most of what we heard was bass drum and bass guitar. Plus, they played WAY too long. But, the wait was worth the fireworks...it always is. It was a great way to spend a Texas summer night. We loved being with our long-time friends, Allan and Jana Wright and their kids too. Good times...

Texas Allen Stake Youth Trek 2010

Trek comes around once every 4 years in our stake...the Caspers are NOT fans of this activity, yet we allow our children to choose for themselves if they want to participate. 4 years ago William and Christine didn't have terribly positive experiences...so we were reluctant to have Garrett attend. He was determined and we supported him. He was in excellent hands because he was being "parented" by our dear friends, the Tryons. Also, the Stake had gone to extensive lengths in preparation for the extreme heat. This eased our minds. Garrett did suffer from some heat exhaustion, although he remained hydrated. He is the "water boy" after all. He came home with the best attitude, even after having been pulled from the hike to recuperate. He gained so much from the experience and was supported by wonderful friends. He is a great kid with an amazing heart. Perhaps I am converted to this whole Trek thing after all...I'll let you know in 4 years when it will be Grant's turn.

Garrett with his surrogate parents Kirk and Jana Tryon


Garrett and his buddy Caulin Tanner

Happy Birthday Garrett

Garrett turned 15 and our tradition is to open presents in the morning before Dad goes to work...here he is with his stash. He was most excited about his new shirt...a friend of ours has started his own company and this is one of his originals...Sugarsteakapparel.com. Garrett is enrolled in Driver's Ed and has his permit...Bill is braver than I and has taken him out on the road...at this point he still scares me to death! Teaching teenagers to drive is NOT one of my favorite activities! Pray for us:)

Mr. Grant

Sixth Grade ceremonies are always a little "over the top" for my liking. Luckily Grant's elementary school must feel the same way... there were no frills. In fact, Grant wore a t-shirt. Of course there were several girls who were all dressed up, but a lot of the boys were casual...just my style. Grant received the Presidential award which he was excited about...a fair number of kids earned it. There were several academic requirements that had to be met over the last 3 years...apparently there are some fairly academically inclined kids in his grade. The award I was most surprised by was the "best average in science" award...I have never been good at science...he must have gotten that aptitude from his dad. Great job Grant!

Returning With Honor

We are so fortunate to be in a ward that produces so many worthy and willing servants of God. I have the privilege of compiling excerpts from their weekly emails to their families into a monthly "Missionary Newsletter". It's an opportunity for the elders and sisters to hear how each other is doing. This week Elder Ellis Ferrer returned home from the Peru Lima East Mission. Our family was at the airport to welcome him home, along with several other ward members, family and friends. It was amazing to witness his reunion with everyone, especially with his mom. She is a dear friend of mine and I could feel her relief and joy...really, it was a tangible thing. I cried, as did the other missionary parents in the crowd...even the dads. What an honor to be there and to welcome Ellis home. Of course it made me miss William and think about what our reunion will be like in a very short 7 1/2 months.

Ellis and his proud mother Nancy.