Halloween with Marguerite.

Marguerite is an official fan of Halloween. If she had a facebook page, it would be there. I explained the trick-or-treat phenomena/process (because she had never spent a Halloween in the USA) and she just looked incredulous. What kind of place would such a thing happen in? Everyone walking about in the thing she imagines herself as 95% of the time? But out in the streets, just like that - with red nail polish painted on all her nails (except the thumb she sucks). "Treek-or-trweat." "Szank-you."



Jolina has been watching every move since Marguerite arrived.



Marguerite loves letters. Especially M. She wanted square eyes and an M for a mouth.





A little Indian costume from John - so sweet and she looked perfect in it.

Grace

Grace is such a lovely little girl. She can sit up really well by herself now and she likes to sing songs especially when we are outside. Last night at the Indiana Art Museum we were walking back to our car in the chilly night air and Grace just serenaded us the whole way. She loves to wave her arms. Marc's video captured a little bit of it. She just waves her arms all the time - it's kind of a free form flapping movement. I don't think any of our pictures have captured her charm.

Halloween 2010

Rabbit Hutch

Joyce called me the from the family room the other afternoon very excited: "MOM! Come here!" When I walked in the room she told me,"Ta Da!!! A bunny hutch" I was glad for the explanation because that would not have been my first guess:

Marc and the girls

We have loved having Marc here. Here's just a few reasons why.

Marc has a little ritual he does with Joyce where he tells her "you're beautiful" and sweeps his hand around her face. Joyce always replies with, "I NOT beautiful" because she's really good at opposites right now. This week while Marc's been in New York, Joyce started doing it to Grace. So she leans in by Grace and tells her, "you beautiful" and sweeps her hand around Grace's face. Since Grace doesn't know her opposites yet, she doesn't reply "I NOT beautiful"

John was reading Joyce a fun book called "Officer Buckle and Gloria" one night. Gloria is a police dog who helps Officer Buckle tell safety tips. At the end of the book it talks about Officer Buckle and Gloria being buddies. John asked Joyce who her buddy was. Joyce said, "Uncle Marc's my buddy"


And then of course there's the great "hiking" (walks in the woods) Indiana provides and having Marc along with us.

And the picnicking in State Parks. We are really going to miss Marc when he goes.

Brilliant Colors in Paradise

Last week Rosie and I took her brother, Jeff, his wife, Bonnie, their daughter in law Amy and granddaughter Abby to Paradise for a little hike and picnic lunch. It was a gorgeous day and the colors were stunning. We're a bit sad to see this glorious fall come to an end, but we look forward to cross country skiing and snowshoeing in these beautiful mountains and in Logan Canyon.

Bedda's Senior Pictures.

Bedda and I did a photo shoot today for her senior pictures. She is some model.

Paul is Home!

After two long years Paul arrived home this afternoon from the Fort Lauderdale, FL Spanish Speaking Mission. He looks terrific and it is wonderful to have him with us again. He was a devoted missionary and his service has been a great blessing to our family.
A grateful and emotional reunion
Rebekah & Paul
Melanie & Paul
Two happy parents with a wonderful son
Brad and Paul
Andrew & Paul
It will be nice to have Paul with us in Washington for the next three months until he goes to Utah State University in January. He will report his mission in Sacrament meeting on October 17. We'd love to see you there.

Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks

The last time I was in Grand Teton National Park was July 20, 1969. We were there to see my sister Kathy who was working the summer at one of the resorts. I remember the date because that was the day Neal Armstrong took that, "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" on the moon. Forty-one years is far too long between visits to one of the most beautiful places on this earth.

Rosie and I drove to Yellowstone Park on Tuesday with my brother Todd, my sister Janice and her husband John. It was a short but wonderful trip. We had perfect weather, brilliant fall colors and an unforgettable time.

Our day began at the Gardiner, MT park entrance. In the background is the Roosevelt Arch that Teddy Roosevelt dedicated in 1903. John, Janice, Todd, Brad and Rosie. (Note how much taller I am than Todd)
Brad, Rosie, Janice, John and Todd at Mammoth Springs.

Artist Point at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone is one of the most spectacular places I have ever been.

Rosie and Brad at Artist Point.

Rosie and I spent the night at Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park.

It is in an amazing setting with an incredible view of the Tetons and Jackson Lake.

We got up the next morning to watch the sunrise from the same point.

We drove to Jenny Lake to take one of the best hikes we have ever been on. We hiked part way around the lake and up to Inspiration Point.

A crystal clear and perfectly calm Jenny Lake provides a mirror reflection of the mountains.

Brad and Rosie pose near Inspriation Point.

Brad on the trail near Inspiration Point by Jenny Lake.

Grand Teton National Park is only 3.5 hours from our cabin in Logan Canyon and Rosie and I agreed we need to plan a family vacation there in the very near future.