Idaho Jan

The last time my daughter Mandy saw this trunk in our yard it was just felled by Dale because it was rotted out. She asked Dale, "How long is that going to be there Dad?" Well, it has been about three years. Finally, we found a chain saw to borrow and he got it chopped up. Now it is sitting in pieces between the fence and the canal. Dale said it is too wet to burn yet. Any wagers on how long the wood will sit there? (Just kidding honey.) The yard does look a lot better now although we'll have to find a new place to sit for family pictures...

I was checking the other day for zucchinis. . . This is what I found under a big leaf! I went our almost every day to pick them small as in 4 inches long so I wouldn't get one of these. Good thing the newspaper just put out an article on recipes to use zucchini squash just in time. I passed on the recipes and the squash to Lori. Was that mean of me? :)

Well, Cole turned 25 on September 4th. We had a little gathering over at Lori's home. Holdem kept saying, "Where's your birthday!" It turned out to be a pumpkin chocolate-chip loaf from Great Harvest, if that's what Holdem meant. Happy Birthday Cole!

Waiting for church at Dallan's and Natalie's home. Snatching a picture before the meeting started. This is Dallan saying hi to the family before meeting starts. He sits on the stand since he is the bishop. It can't be easy for young mothers like Natalie to sit with the children each week but somehow they make it through. I remember the wrestle I had some Sundays. Now I wrestle to keep warm when air conditioning comes on!

While visiting Dallan and Natalie, they had a "Get-to-know-you" neighborhood barbecue. They divided the ward into groups and got together for some socializing. We brought our own meat and pot-lucked the rest. We got to taste some of Dallan's prize steak and some wonderful salads. They had snow cones for the kiddies and Cold Stone ice cream for the adults. Natalie is helping Lily to sit up to the table. They were a fun bunch. Most of their ward is young families. Our ward used to be like that. Now we're part of the older generation! Oh well. That's how it goes.

In August Dale and I went to Utah to visit family. This is at the public pool in Lehi. It really is a nice place to hang out for an afternoon. Natalie was smart to get a family pass. I think I would too if I lived there. Dale is always a good sport to get in the water with the grandchildren. He's a good swimmer and used to water ski when he was younger. This is Dallan's office at his new job. He is happy there and has little Lily with him checking out the recent prints the company did. It was nice to get away to see everyone.

Forgiveness I just watched this message and hope you enjoy it too.