My Birthday Evening Treat

Well what a treat it was on my birthday evening. We went to Merrill O Pioneer show in West Jordan that he does every year. And let me just say its an amazing show and everyone should go, really. Its certainly going to be something we will do every year from now on. I met Alan again and his beautiful wife which was really nice. I had not seen him to talk to for many years. Although I knew them pretty well back in 1985 I kinda let the contact die due to problems I was having with Lee and Jays dad, I didn't want him causing them any trouble. He was trying to use my friendship with them and my joining church and moving to Utah as a reason to get the courts to refuse to let the boys move out here with me. Anyway long story I don't want to get into but I let the contact die. When I have gone to a few shows over the years I have never tried to talk to them but just enjoyed the shows and left. I did talk to there father George at a show in thanksgiving point around 2005 or so maybe 2006. Im glad I did as he passed away a few years later. When I reminded him of who I was he cried, right there in the middle of the concert hall. It was very touching and of course I cried too. Anyway I re met Alan on my birthday of all days and it was great to see and talk to him again. He even sent me a private msg on facebook a few days later telling me Happy Birthday and to not wait that long for more pictures. Its been a fun O month for me. Three weeks ago I had attended a jewelry party hosted by Merrill and his wife and listen to Merrill sing a few songs in a very small group (theres a post below about that) and also a few weeks ago had been on a chat with Jay O on facebook and was able to ask some questions etc which he answered.  So a good month. lol. Im looking forward to attending a couple of shows in Laughtin Nv and Vegas this oct and also Branson in Dece. Ralph had gotton me tickets for the Merrill and Marie show last week the night before my birthday in Vegas (Donny had surgery and had to have Merrill replace him) but right before Merrill couldn't do it also and had some other guy do it and I didn't want to see him so we got a refund. But it was awesome of Ralph to have gotton the tickets for me. He knows that without them he wouldn't have me so he enjoys seeing them also luckily. But anyway above is one of the pictures Alan and I had done in 1985, lol. It was taken at Hyde Park in London where his parents were serving there mission and where I attended church on sundays at that time. He was doing a private baptism for someone that worked for him and he invited me to go which I remember being thilled about. It had been closed to the public. I have always loved that picture of me and Alan. We both don't look as good in the ones taken last week. Sucks getting old right? lol. Anyway it was a great evening and I will explain the rest below.

 They had some little thing going on that Ralph really enjoyed. Cowboys on horses shooting balloons etc. He loved it and took a few pictures.

 They had some sky divers land holding flags etc.

 Below is Nathan O who is one of Alans eight sons!!!!! Hes doing great in the country charts right now with his last four songs hitting number one in the charts in a row. He sang and did some stuff for awhile.

 Okay below was really special. The whole reason for this show every year is to rasie money for the Olive O foundation for the deaf. In fact ten children were able to recive hearing aids because of this event. (olive was alans mother, a wonderful lady who I loved very much). One of Merrills sons Justin is deaf as is two of Merrills older brothers who don't sing. They got into singing years ago to rasie money for there brothers to have hearing aids and now keep it going to help others. Justin popped the question to his girlfriend Kristie at this event, right in front of us. It was beautiful. Here are some pictures and luckily she said YES!

 Below is Nathan singing for us. Cool voice can see how hes doing so great. You should all pull up his song 21 Guns on youtube. Just amazing.

This little gal here was amazing. Shes only 11 and sang a couple of songs. Alexie Walker I think her name was. She is someone we will see a lot of for sure.

 After Nathans show they then had a show of Youth showing the story of the pioneers traveling to Utah and arriving in slc. It was an amazing show. Everyone should go. Tickets were only 15.00 and every single penny goes towards children getting hearing aids. In fact the children who get them you get to see at the show its very touching. So if you spend 15.00 you get a great show for the evening, you help a child hear his mothers voice for the first time and you even get to meet someone special if your lucky:}. It will be a traiditon to go for us from now on. Just like Alan 33 years ago started the Stadium of Fire in provo, Merrill started this show last year and its great. Love it. A must for everyone. Hope your join us next year!!!