Our chapel is much like yours but in the desert it is nestled into an adjacent hill. Three wards meet there using the overlapping block system of 9am,11am,1pm. Since our ward meets at 1:00pm no wards follow and we hold Priesthood meeting last and in the chapel. Music in PH meeting has always been delegated to the Aaronic Priesthood members to lead.  Seldom did we ever have accompaniment.

Then we exchanged our old organ for a new more adaptable one. The deacons soon found a way to use the organ on automatic mode. To every one's surprise one young man perched himself at the organ prior to the opening hymn of priesthood meeting. Much like using an iPod, he played a introduction followed by the full hymn.  What we heard was a melodious and 'normal' sound as notes were magically produced. I looked to see who on earth was playing. It appeared as though no one sat there, then a brim of this deacon's head appeared. We were all stunned,,,,and delighted at their ingenuity.  I reached for my iPhone and took this picture just to recall this cheerful event for later. 

During the weeks since returning to the desert we found a mother Bobcat and her twin cubs had taken up residence in our backyard. The kittens are darling and the mother is not small. She has been seen several times and the kits drink from our front fountains. We don't pet them folks...there are still wild animals so we don't approach or let them know we see them.

The mother was seen walking the wall near our house looking for goodies for the kids.   Rabbits and snakes are great protein. 

The kittens played in the water falls at our front door while we watched.  Claudia spotted them as Bobcats while I didn't immediately realize what we were looking at.  One lay down near the front door acting like a sprawling house cat preening itself while the other sauntered off soon to be followed by the other. 

Our hard play paid off as we cashed in our chits for 'stuff '.













Next the park on the north east side of town called our names and we came running. More play especially on this climbing gym, slide and plenty of rocks. We love rocks say Parker and Austin.











Double sliding is the best. Think of all that slide power when we go down it together say Parker and Austin.

Summer Fun

In late August we got to spend a whole day with Austin, Lizzy and Parker playing and talking. This was a special treat for Claudia and me because we would not see these little souls for a while, moving to France was looming within a week. Boondocks in south Draper afforded us the start. I liked it but I think Claudia would have a hard time living there. Miniature golf then lunch then the arcade tested our skills but these three are ready for fun. We need more of them in our life.


Will lunch ever be delivered say Lizzy and Parker?













I wonder too says Austin !















Perhaps we can pass the time playing with the iPhone apps...lots of things for us to do here.

Summertime Fun and Travels

On July 8th, we packed up our Tahoe with all the things we would need for a couple of months away from home and headed north.  Surprisingly, we didn't leave too much behind other than more long pants for me while out of the desert.  It seems the nights are cooler up north.  Our day was a grand one as we drove to Flaggstaff and on north through Page and into Utah.  By nightfall we reached our destination in SLC.  July 8th was great.  On the 9th, we got somewhat organized, called family members in town and did some looking for housing in Utah.  Our son Mike was working in Europe but was set to be home in a week.  Jill and the kids were in ND to see the Reese grandparents so we held down their place.  We celebrated Austin's 3rd Birthday along with the reception for Emily and Joe from Beth's family who came in for the week. 

Of course we had to hit the links and swim with all the kids.

Beth, Jeff - Caroline and Rachel.  What's with the Tat?  

Austin loves birthdays more than most.  He sang happy birthday to everyone for the following week. 

After we had spent two weeks in Utah, it was off to Montana where we enjoyed the high mountain spendor, family and many friends.  Montana is never complete without a stop in Peggy's birthplace, Butte.   Too much history to ignore. 

  Jake loves to ride the mower with Max only after he has swathed about 100 acres with his Dad - Tim. 

One blistful morning we spent moving cattle to a different grazing pasture.  Tim and Peg do great work together.

Montana  - High Wide Handsome

The last week back in Utah joining with Max's siblings and their families was worth it for sure.  This is the "Guess the Crome Dome Contest"

Some of the Fab 50 who attended.  Some young and some younger. 

Mike & Jill         -      Peg and Tim

enjoying the great mountain calm of Utah