Tasia gets baptized!

Tasia and her counsin, KJ, got to share a very special baptism with just the two of them and lots of family and friends.  We are so proud of you Tasia.   We love you very much.  (Tasia even drew the pictures for the cover of the program.)

Grandma Poulsen Visits

My mom got to come down for a quick visit.  She's 90, almost 91, so we were glad she made it down here where so many of us could have a chance to see her.  She still amazes us with her memory and poetry.  Thanks to everyone for making it a wonderful time for her.  She was so glad she got to see so many of you. She really enjoyed hearing Brady and Ellie do their poems, and she was also treated to a violin concert by Brynnli and Tavin.  

Fun with the Weavers - Red Hollow Arch and "Tiny Canyon"

The Weavers came to town for the Halloween party and after that to enjoy the sun and get some red sand in their shoes.  We got to hang out with them for one of their outings on Saturday.  It had to be close, warm and something for young and old.  We decided on Red Hollow Arch aka Lone Pine Arch and a side trip to what we call "Tiny Canyon".  It turned out to be quite an adventurous drive for the Toyota Highlander, but thanks to Lance's expert skills, we made it.  A four-wheeler passing us told us that it was quite a car that could make that drive without even having four-wheel-drive.  Other than that guy, we didn't see anyone else which was AOK with us.  We made it to the arch, which is really cool, and hiked around and ate our lunch. 

There were so many colors of rock all in the same area - dark red, pink and white - it was so pretty.  The arch blends into the background - it's up behind Juge and the kids.  

Lance hiked clear up to the arch and took these cool pictures from underneath it.  The kids found a "motorcycle rock" and had their mom and dad join them for a ride.  We found one tiny toad at our lunch spot.  Noah had fun climbing in the trees.  After that, it was more expert driving for the return trip and then we hiked over to "Tiny Canyon".

 "Tiny Canyon"  is a little slot canyon.  It was too deep and full of water for us to drop into at the point where we arrived, but since it isn't very long, we just hiked around and came at it from the other end.  We found a log that we could maneuver around the curves and set it where we could use it to walk across and get out without having to backtrack.    It's hard to take pictures that show how the canyon curves, but it is really a beautiful little canyon and just right for little kids...and old people.  I think I've heard that some people call it "the helix."

There are some petroglyphs near the entrance of the canyon. I think there are others around that we haven't found yet.  After going through the canyon it was time to head back down the trail for home.  It was a really fun get out there day.

 During the visit we got to see quite a few different hairstyles ala Sarai!

Juge and I tied a little Noah's Ark quilt for Noah and we also made the traditional trip over to feed the ducks.  They were very glad to see us.

Eliza Rae - Happy Birthday!

Eliza Rae's birthday is NOT on Halloween.  She joined her family, Christie, Moss and Brenden the day after.    We are so thankful that she arrived safe and sound.   Everyone is doing well.  She is such a cutie.  She's number 19 grandchild.  Happy Birthday Eliza!  We love you!  One funny thing - at first Brenden was calling her Eliza "Gray".  He's done with that now and loves his baby sister and is very into holding her.

Halloween 2012

It all started at Weed's house where she painted me up to be a cat. Trigg wasn't sure he liked me as a cat! Then off to school with lots of fun academically oriented Halloween activities for our class.  We really didn't even have very much candy going on.  The kids had a lot of fun.  I'm sure they got plenty of candy later!

Later we had a fun Halloween party at the house with lots of cool characters in attendance.  Thanks to everyone for the great food and fun games and prizes.  

Here's the group shot minus Paul.  He wasn't into dressing up this year.  

Hair today...gone tomorrow!

The African hair growing project went well, but a few minutes with the hair clippers and it was over.  We are glad to have Supe back in the USA.  Africa was supposed to be a short haul hiring people over there to run the project.  When the powers that be decided it was going to go on for two or three years, it was time to say good bye and come home and get on with life.  Who knows what "edventures" are in store now.  Good luck Supe and welcome back.  (Personally, I prefer that more tailored look!)

Spring Creek turns to Autumn spectacular

Yesterday we drove up to New Harmony to get some apples and apple juice.  We decided to incorporate a hike and since everyone in the family seems to have done it but us, we chose Spring Creek.  It was a great choice.  We only saw a few other people and the leaves were spectacular.  It was pretty cool, especially in the slot canyons. We found some great camp spots...we just need time to use them before it gets too late in the year.  We went a few miles further in than it suggested and did some scrambling, but it couldn't have been better.  I sort of felt guilty just doing 7 or 8 miles.  Seemed like I was being lazy, but I got over it and thoroughly enjoyed myself.  I need to go back next summer and wade in the stream.  There was water, but not so much as I'm sure there would be earlier in the year.  Another great Saturday get out!

Shots from the backseat

Last week when we made to trip to New Mexico, we saw a lot of really pretty scenery, but really didn't have time to stop to look at it...so I just took pictures out the windows - side, back and windshield.  We did make a pit stop at Molas Pass, so those few shots are from outside the car.  It was fun to see the old stompin' grounds even if just in passing.

San Rafael Swell area

Beautiful Colorado

More beautiful Colorado - Molas Pass, etc.

Marble Canyon area cliff views,  New Mexico rock formations, our old house in Farmington is run down, but still there.

Mystery lights on the Red Hill

The other evening when Paul and I were finishing up our walk we noticed lights up on the Red Hill.  We couldn't figure out what they were.  We got out the binos and there on the hill was a glowing jack-o-lantern.  It was too late to investigate that night, but in the morning we did our walk by headlamp and found that there were actually two of them.  One was still lit up.  It looked like someone had done a pumpkin carving date up there.  This morning we checked them again and they are still there, just not glowing anymore.  Happy Halloween!  Oh, I also checked my white-backed garden spider...she is still hanging out and seems to be doing fine.  

Andrew Bryan Lillywhite - In loving memory

Last week Paul, his mom and I went over to Farmington to attend the memorial service for Brett and Savannah's sweet baby boy, Andrew.  I cannot imagine a harder thing to go through than what they have been through.  The service was perfect.  Kirt and Savannah and Brett's bishop gave inspiring and comforting words at a time when words are very hard to come by.  All of the music was sweet.  After the service they did a dove release which was a special touch.  Below is a copy of the memorial program and a quote that Kirt shared in his talk.  I don't know how people get through things like this without the Gospel.