The Browns come to Town

     One of the great things about living in Utah is that it is the crossroads for so many of our old friends. We were super glad when the Browns came to visit! The Browns are a wonderful family we knew in Memphis. We arrived a couple of weeks apart into the Lakeland Ward. They came to Memphis from Pittsburgh, where Clayton was getting his Phd. Erin is a super talented musician and was the Primary Chorister and a dear friend of mine.  Clayton is a Chinese history professor and was our Pack Leader for the cub scouts. Ian is their 9-year old son who is just an angel. He has San Filipo Syndrome which makes the waste products in his body attack his nervous system. He could speak about 100 words at age 2, but as the disease progressed he lost his speech. (Although he quite clearly answered in the affirmative that he wanted to go to the park when he was at our house!) He used to walk quite well, now he needs leg braces and a hand to hold to keep him safe. He loves music and books about the gospel. He couldn't have a better family. They are living in Vernal now, where Clayton is teaching at the Utah State extension and Erin is an elementary music teacher.

    This is Anya, Jack's first best friend. It took only a couple of minutes for them to get reaquainted and they were off playing like old times. We had lots of playdates with Anya and she and Jack attended the same preschool together. I feel so rich to have friends like these.