Trip West

August 7, we climbed into the cab of this truck and started the trip to Utah by way of Nauvoo.  We got to Nauvoo (thanks to Spencer's driving through most of one night) in time for breakfast at Grandpa John's.

 That night we attended "Sunset on the Mississippi - which was fabulous!

 Katie created a family jeopardy game - and we had a family talent show - and a great devotional by Stuart

 Molly liked climbing the slide as well as sliding on it

 We left Nauvoo Saturday morning and got to Ammon and Heghine's before midnight - spent Sunday with them - so fun!  This pic was taken Monday morning as we were leaving.

 Justin took us into the city with him on Wednesday - this is him walking to work while we walked around Temple Square, shopped at Deseret Book Store.  Then we met for lunch at the Lion House - great day!

 3 of our sweet granddaughters - aren't they adorable??

 It was a great trip and visit with our Utah kids and their families.

Ammon and Heghine's Visit

Ammon, Heghine, and Heghine's brother, Mushegh came and spent 2 weeks with us mid July.  Heghine's first time in Maine and Mushegh's too.  We got to have another glorious day at Bar Harbor, Sand Beach, and Thunderhole.  

 We bought and froze millions of wild Maine blueberries while they were here and I don't think that is an exaggeration if you count each berry :).  Heghine was excited to take some home with them, so they took them already frozen in a styrofoam chest on the airplane and they survived the flight just fine and now reside in their freezer in Greeley, CO.

We had a backyard picnic with Susannah's family and Spencer Sunday afternoon, Ammon, Heghine, and Mushegh's last day.

 This is the important bean boot pic - a must if you come to Maine!

Saying good-by - so happy they came!!

Eric and Mandy's visit

Eric and Mandy came to visit us in June into the 1st week in July - hence this great 4th of July family picture. We absolutely loved having them here with us -  enjoyed playing games at home, an afternoon at Peaks Kenny State Park, a day at Bar Harbor, fireworks at the dock on Moosehead Lake - good family times and memories. 

Mr. Snickers

Dad snapped some pics of our calf, Mr. Snickers (Laura dubbed him such, since he is brown and Snickers is Grampy's favorite candybar). He is growing fast and is loving his grain and hay - chomp, chomp! Major always has to accompany Grampy as he feeds and waters him - makes Major feel he has important duties to attend to. Dad got a flashlight for Christmas that shines so bright, it is dangerous to look at and throws a beam 500 feet - it should be helpful when doing the barn chores these dark late afternoons this winter. He also got some new warm work gloves.

Christmas Parties

Our family progressive dinner started at Gram's house with the appetizer course

Then we went to Spencer's and Ivy's for salad and a Christmas story

Then to our house for lasagna and a nap (j/k about the nap part, but Laura and Thomas do look rather seriously ready for a snooze)

Finally we ended the evening at Sue and Dade's with cream puffs and cheesecake - we had to hurry to get a picture before they were devoured!! Fun times!!




Below are a couple of pictures from the week before when we hosted part of our Branch Progressive Dinner here.

Visions of Christmas around our home . . .

Turkey Time

Saw a recipe for Turkey-Time cookies and had to give it a whirl - needed enough for Sue's family, Spencer's family, 9 for YW, the missionaries, Gram, and Dad - equals 30 - so I set to work.They didn't come out quite like pictured in the recipe - but turned out okay - colorful and fun.

Now it's time to start in on pies!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy baking, everyone!!!!!! :)