How Far Would You Go?

How far would you go for a piece of pie? Well, we drove 5 hours to Grand Junction, Colorado for my sister, Laurie's birthday! We didn't know that there was a pie at the end, but she baked a fresh peach pie and sent it home with us! It looks like we got the birthday present!

It was still warm whe she gave it to us.

Look at this lucious thing!

Happy Birthday Laurel. You are the best!

The Visitor

This little guy appeared one day last week and decided to stay. I thought he belonged to a neighbor somewhere but when he never went home, my neighbor, Kitty, decided that he was lost. She fed him, gave him a bath and took him in until we could find his owner. We spend a day posting flyers and putting ads online and visiting the animal shelters. That night we got a call from the owner who had just had him for a day. She said his name is Meku and he is 11 years old. He had gotten away from her and ended up far from home This new owner had second thoughts and wanted to find a new home for him since she already had a dog so Kitty, my neighbor, took him on trial. Then.....she had to leave for the weekend and we volunteered to babysit. He now thinks he lives here. A sweeter little animal you'll never find. He is obedient and never barks and is happy all the time. She is coming home today and will decide what to do with him. Good luck Meku. You're adorable.

Spencer

Last Tuesday our darling grandson, Spencer, arrived from Atlanta for a visit. He had saved some money from his new job and spent it on a trip to his beloved Utah. Since he was a little boy he has longed to live in Utah. Truth is that it really wasn't Utah that was the draw for him this time... it was a girl! At sixteen, a young man can be pretty motivated by a lovely little thing he meets at Especially For Youth. That's what happened to Spencer on an earlier visit this summer. He went to EFY and at the last day connected with Bryndi. The kids call their attractions for the week at EFY, their COWS or Crush of the Week. Everyone has one whether it is mutual feeling COW or not. These two kids have kept talking to each other constantly ever since that week at EFY; Spencer in Georgia and Bryndi in Utah. He is having a wonderful time here because his COW has turned into what looks like a real first girlfriend. They have gone to Temple Square, Oquirrh Mountain Temple Openhouse, a movie, lunch, four wheeling, a trampoline park, and Gateway and all of this within 4 days. Who knows what else is planned for his remaining time here. This picture is of Cousin, Analisa, Spencer and Bryndi in my kitchen making chocolate chip cookies. I can tell you that these teens have had a smile on their faces continually and the laughter never stops. Young love, first love..........awesome.

The Cul de sac of Fire!

In spite of the missing sick ones, ie Brett, John and Samuel, we celebrated Pioneer day in the usual fashion. David did his magic on the grill and everyone came back for more, even the little ones. Those hamburgers are incredible.
We invited all of Claudia's sisters and their families to share the day. They brought delicious salads, and desserts to share. There were 10 adults and 15 children.

I, being somewhat incapacitated became the Queen and they all took care of everything including all the cleanup.

At dusk the traditional cul de sac of fire began with a very appreciative audience.

The director of the event was Christopher who entertained despite the loss of his team of brothers. He was assisted this year by Omar and Jody who stepped in to cover the loss.

At the end of a fun day we were graciously thanked by each and every child and adult. What a wonderful family.

Adventure

Whenever we go on an adventure we make sure that we find a church for Sunday. This is the ward in Taos, New Mexico. Pretty cool Huh? We had taken a beautiful ride through Colorado to Taos. It's a charming little town with lots of art galleries and restaurants.

We went into the mountains to visit a Viet Nam Vetran's Memorial. It was very sobering. We learned that New Mexico lost more men in battle than any other state. What a sad thing that any young man or woman has to go to war but how grateful we are for those who protect our freedoms. God Bless America.

This is a view at dusk of a town square in Taos. Very charming. the next day we traveled down to Santa Fe where we spent a day loving this artsy town. It too had a square in the Old Town area. It was full of performers who came every hour to entertain the tourists.

This is one of many little courtyards tucked in here and there. This one had a great Mexican restaurant where we dined one evening.

Very talented street performers were everywhere. It was such a fun trip.

The Number One

He is a #1 DAD!

Here's Dad describing the wonderful features of his new Merrill shoes. Everyone paid careful attention. Matthew can't wait to get some now.

Celebrating Father's Day.

There is love all around.

The Party's Over

The cousins

After two weeks of wonderful fun, my Atlanta children went home. We enjoyed the time together so much. Now the house is quiet and clean and I am rested but my heart wants all of them back again. Now I know how my mother felt when I took my little family and left Utah for three plus decades. Thank heaven for the internet, the telephone and the post office! We keep close. Since a picture says a thousand words...here are some you might enjoy.

Above photo: At the gravesite of my parents, Garth and Ada Brown

At the Salt Lake City Cemetery with the Nielson Clan of 43 people

Chris and his nieces and nephew

Happy couple

Abby Nielson at Heritage Park on the mini train and her cousins, Christiana and Eliza and Aunt Carrie ahead.



Flowers in my garden: Christiana, Eliza Jane and Abigail

Picnic at the ball field









Family Zumba Class. Tons of fun.

Dancers all