YeeHaw! The Marriott Western Picnic

On Saturday, The 12th of September we were priviledged to attend the Marriott Western Family Picnic.  This is an annual event that is sponsored by thePublic Affairs office of the church.  The purpose is to invite Ambassadors and other dignitaries and build relationship with them that help with the affairs of the church.  They are invited with their families.  There are all kinds of activities that children and families can enjoy: dutch oven cooking, Caricatures, leather art, Lasso lessons, butter churnin, pinewood  derby races, archery, jewelry making , western dancing and more.  There is an Indian village and a pioneer pavilion where there are displays about pioneer heritage and church humanitarian services.     

Our two Elders: Ross and Williams were the Lasso Teachers.  They come highly qualified. 

Both are champions.  Elder Ross holds the title of the National Roping champion for under 21. and Elder Williams is a National Champion for horse cutting.  Both were excellent with the children and with the dignitaries.  President and I had a wonderful time visiting with so many wonderful people.  What a fun event   We are grateful for the opportunity to participate.   

The sign where you turn to go to the Marriott Ranch.  


The Marriott RanchElders Ross and Williams with Elder Jay Jensen and Bishop Burton.
Under the big tent.  There were seats for about 250.  It was completely full for the lunch and program.  
Pres. Albright with Pres. and Sis. Mansell. (Pres. of the Washington DC North mission)
They had an authentic wagon for pictures taking.  This wagon was from the civil war. 
Elder Jay Jensen addressed the group.
This was the meeting before the Ambassadors started arriving.  We were instructed about being friendly and meeting the dignitaries.  This is Bp Burton speaking. 
Pres. with Mr and Mrs. Santini.  He was a Nevada Congressman and she runs the office of Public Affairs for the church in DC. 
On our way to the ranch, we passed these two super athletic bicyclists.  And it was Dick Marriott who rode from Dulles Airport to the ranch before the picnic started at 10:00 a.m. That's about 25 miles.
The elders with Pres. Albright in front of one of the Marriott ranch houses. 



These are the little "cows" they were roping.
President Albright tried his hand at the sport.  He was pretty good.  
Elder Ross entertained the children by keeping his rope spinning around them.

Elder Ross with an Ambassador from Russia.  They also visited with and taught roping to Ambassadors from Switzerland, oriental countries, African countries and others. 
Elder Ross with the Congressman Herger.
Elder Williams with Congressman Wally Herger who is from Elder Williams home town.
Elders Ross and Williams spent the day teaching people how to rope and lasso. It was great fun.  They got to meet alot of dignitaries.  Many of the ambassadors and their children tried to learn the skill. The elders were very good teachers. 
The Indian dancing group  " Living Legends" from BYU came and did authentic Indian dancing. 

  

Mauri Earl is a cousin of President Albright.  She works with the Public affairs office.  We were excited to run into Mauri.  
More of the ranch. The ranch is 4200 acres and sits on rolling hills at the base of the Shenandoah Mountains.  It is a working cattle ranch.
Elders Ross and Williams with Mrs. Santini, who is head of the church's office of Public Relations in Washington DC and put together this event. 
The Marriott ranch is beautiful
Leaving the Mission home for the picnic. Elders Williams and Ross look perfect.