After Christmas, Dixons

 Since Nick's family had sicknesses when they were supposed to be coming to our place on Dec 2y, we gave them some time to get better and then went to see them, instead.  Between winter storms.

But we also went to see the Dixon's and met them at a restaurant in Herriman. They are visiting children in Bluffdale. Mike taught Phil the gospel in NY 50 years ago and now live in Franklin, TN. Here is what Phil Dixon posted on his Facebook page that evening:

"Bluffdale, Utah

Today was a spiritual trip down memory lane…

Anne and I met up with Michael and Linda Liebhardt who came up from Cedar City, Utah. We have known Mike for about 50 years now, in a very special way. In the fall and winter of 1972-73, I was studying the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in order to write a college term paper on the subject. As an atheist at the time, without going into too much detail, I had a miraculous change of heart. And much of that change must be attributed to then Elder Liebhardt who was serving as a 20-year old missionary in the Ottawa, Canada mission. On February 1, 1973, I was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Elder Liebhardt performed the confirmation and bestowal of the gift of the Holy Ghost.

We met up at a restaurant called Garage Grill where the theme was racing cars. They had all kinds of delicious items on the menu, but I stuck with a good ole American hamburger and French fries. But the highlight of the 2+ hours we spent together was just chatting about old times, catching up and what we have been doing over the past 50 years, and sharing some faith-promoting stories from our lives. It was a very touching and spiritually fulfilling time together, which just goes to show that even over a hamburger and a root beer, the Spirit of God can be felt!

I am sure we could have spent hours and hours talking, but, alas, our families were waiting for us. We made a commitment to get together later this year…somehow, somewhere, perhaps even in Tennessee! Mike Liebhardt is certainly one of my heroes, for without him, his example as a missionary 50 years ago, and his testimony of faith that broke through my hard shell, I would not be where I am today.

This evening we spent a quiet time at home with a delicious dinner and playing games.

Unfortunately, I must take Anne to the airport tomorrow morning so she can return to Tennessee. I will stay here in Utah a few more days and then go to Arizona for a few days."

And we had every bit as good a time as Phil and Anne. Ditto!

But we also had fun with Nick's family for just overnight. 

We drove home Saturday morning-- New Year's Eve!

Phil and Mike

A view of the restaurant decor.

I didn't take many pictures at Nick and Kaylee's house. Here is Emily, walking in her Mom's slippers.

This was Nick's Christmas gift.

He has a snow cave in his front yard!

There was a gorgeous rainbow on our drive home.

Vivid colors!