Jet Races

The other day, coming home from the Temple, out accross the Salt Flats, we saw 3 Jets flying in an oval pattern. I don't know if they where racing... or what. They kept doing it till it was too dark to see them.

It's over!

I just got home a bit ago from our hand bell concert, the final performance of the season. Dad was my 'roadie' one day and helped us out loading and unloading the bells, chimes, tables and foams. He took the time to snap a few pictures of this year's group. Boy, are we looking old! (Except for sweet little Carrie Elwood, who directed us this year before she leaves on her mission.) Merry Christmas, all!

Auntie Claudia and Cousin Blaine

We enjoyed a great visit with Aunt Claudia in her new home. Cousin Blaine and his wife Karen were there as well and we caught up on each other's lives. Karen is a lovely person and we were so delighted to meet her. (She had to leave early before I broke out the camera.) It was a lovely way to end an Arizona Sabbath.

Pudding!

I don't know why we even GIVE her a spoon!

Fall In Provo

Here is a picture from my hike yesterday. I am glad I got up there before the snow covers it all up. There were mostly reds and a little bit of yellow, and it was mostly on the ground, but I don't think there is really much to complain about, right? The leaves in the valley haven't really started to fall yet, but they probably will in the next week, and I don't think I will be able to stop myself from bringing them all home to hang on my walls.

Carrots

Today we started canning Carrots from our garden. These are the sweetest carrots I can remember growing... After all, Jane planted them

Strong Family Camp 2009

We had another fun and successful family camp, taking advantage of the long Labor Day weekend. Mom and Dad joined us this year in their new-to-them motor home. We camped near Baumgartner's Hot Springs, choosing a camp site on the riverbank. As is years past, it was fun to work together to establish our 'Strong Village Camp' to reside in for a few days. Our kids are hard workers and great team players, each doing their part for the greater good of all.

Before we left the area yesterday, Kendell and I lingered with Mom and Dad to check out the heated pool. It is greatly altered from when I was there as a girl, but the improvements are very nice. It was wonderful to have Mom and Dad with us. Dad shared some of his boyhood scout camping experiences with us for our FHE on Monday night. We woke up to a chilly 26 degrees Tuesday morning, but our camping spirits were not stifled. As many of you know, camping is not my favorite thing to do. But there is much to be gained from coming together as a family in a place free of worldly attractions and electronic/digital communications. We shared great food, fun conversation, baby-watching turns with the grandkids - all among God's beautiful Idaho mountains. Yes, the hot shower and my own bed put a big smile on my face when we returned home last night. But the wonderful memories that we built this past weekend as a family continues to bring joy to my soul. What a great family we have!