Super Summer

It's hard to believe that summer has come to an end and we're back to school, work, cool evenings, changing leaves, and even a touch of snow.

Families are the best and we had such a great time visiting with all of you over the summer. We love you and thank you for helping each other, sticking by in rough times, and being there when we need you.

Summer started in Chicago in early June.

Kim, Kate and I had a girls night out at the Talbot's outlet. We decided to make it an annual event. Cory and Angella we hope you'll come with us next year!

We had fun riding bikes, exploring downtown Chicago with all of the kids, and meeting Chris for lunch at Macy's.

Thanks Blythe for sharing your room with me.

Tabernacle Choir at Redrocks

In late June we made our first trip to Red Rocks to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Getting there was easy but we hadn't anticipated the large crowd and small roads so after we got off the freeway it was slow going...but well worth it. We had a wonderful time. Music of the Choir was beautiful and the setting incredible. I'm looking for a good excuse to go back there again.

Marysville

I spent 10 days in Sunny California with Mom and Dad. We had a wonderful visit and accomplished a few things around the house that Mom had wanted to get done. They have hollyhocks growing in the back yard and Mom wanted proof of how tall they got this year.

The visit is never complete without a visit to Taco Bell!

Thanks Mom and Dad ~

Salt Lake City

We made a two day trip to Salt Lake City to pick up ammo (Kevin's gun habit). Josh and Angella had just moved into a new house so we helped unpack some boxes and had fun with the girls. Thanks Josh and Angella ~

Council Bluffs and the Mississippi River

We spent two days in Council Bluffs. While there we visited the Temple and the Mormon Pioneer Visitor's Center. I had to go back and take a picture of the oxen because I couldn't believe how huge they were. (as Sammi would say)

Kate and I dipped our toes in the Mississippi River. It was cold!!!

Nauvoo

We were able to travel to Iowa in late July to see Kate and Jonathan. We spent a night in Nauvoo, attended the Nauvoo Pageant, and went through a session at the Nauvoo Temple.

Thanks Kate and Jonathan for being such great tour guides and sharing your home with us.

After leaving Nauvoo, we drove up the road to Carthage and toured the jail where the Prophet was martyred. It was interesting to think that we were traveling through the same country, same routes as the Prophet Joseph and others did at that time.