Well we are certainly poor bloggers. We are way behind. Let's see .... well we decided to go see the kids once again so we went to New Mexico and had a great time as usual.
Twin Rocks on way to Farmington
We tried to go to Tucson but the first weekend, I came down with a sinus infection and we didn't want to share it with Lu. Then one week after getting to NM, we had to race back to Idaho Falls as Marv's mother's husband Herb passed away. He had been ill and in nursing facilities for almost a year. He became very ill and had a heart attack, a mini stroke, and couldn't swallow. It was a blessing for him. The funeral was nice, good weather and it was really nice to see old friends and family. We spent a week in Idaho and then drove straight to Tucson and had a great week there.
Glen Canyon Dam near Page AZ
Marv and Ted built on a third story to the chicken coop and we got to watch Lu at cheer practice. She is growing and is very good at gymnastics, writing, and reading. She just finished kindergarten and will start first grade in July.
Lu modeling her Kindergarten Graduation Cap & Dress
She goes to a year round school. K.C. and I got in some sewing - some skirts for Lu. K.C. is a fast learner and did quite well. Her parents, Mike and Jackie, came over for Sunday dinner and it was nice to visit with them again. It was not easy to say goodbye for 18 months.
Then we zipped up to Chinle, Az. for a night and the next day Leigh, Bryce and kids drove over and we went to Canyon de Chelly. The hike down to the Indian ruins at the bottom of the canyon was quite the hike.
White House Ruins at bottom of canyon
It is about a mile and a half down (approx. 700 feet drop in elevation) Not having hiked in almost ten years and after serious knee issues, I reluctantly agreed to hike down and back up. Down was easy compared to up. Coming up we walked two minutes and then I had to rest. I was huffing and puffing like a chimney. To make matters worse, four year old Jane was doing her hiking dance around me the entire time. She was whirling, twirling, and kicking up her heels and not even breathing hard, At one point, two year old Will too my hand and six year old Abigail said - of look, Will is helping grandma up the hill. Did I feel old or what? But we made it finally and it was worth the effort.
Almost back up to the top of the rim
Spider Rock - Awesome view
Then we all drove back to Farmington and collapsed. Well, I collapsed. Then two days later, we drove up to Durango Colorado and hiked a not so vertical hike up a small canyon by a rushing creek.
A dandy lion ring that Abigail made for grandpa
We let the kids play in the water and throw rocks. Will is a two fisted rock thrower and likes to throw big rocks.
Playing in the water makes the hike worthwhile.
Then on Saturday, everyone else went back up to Durango and went on a bike ride. I stayed at the house and sewed for the grandkids. Abigail is shooting up so fast she is outgrowing her clothes. She has finished kindergarten and has started first grade. Leigh is homeschooling and Jane is doing preschool. Will just plays and colors. We played games after the grandkids are in bed - Cataan, Dominion, and Ticket to Ride. What fun. Then after a week, we said our goodbyes - very difficult - an headed north through Colorado.
We drove up through Durango, Silverton, and Ouray and on to Grand Junction. It is a gorgeous drive and amazing.
On top of Molas Divide - about 11,000 feet
Old mine with ore tram to concentrator just north of Silverton
Waterfalls coming down into Ouray
We continued on north, through Utah, Idaho and into Montana. We stayed in St. Regis, MT and the next morning Marv biked about 20 miles of a gorgeous trail and I picked him up in Enaville - a tiny burg off the beaten track.
River along the trail running through the Silver Valley
Trail of the Couer d'alenes
Then on to Spokane Valley and our dear, dear friends the McComas'. Arlene and I were roommates back in 1968 when I was a freshman and she was a junior at BYU. She met Rick the next summer and they got married in Dec. of 1969. We have kept connected all these years and we had a wonderful visit. Rick has to have open heart surgery next week - please keep him and Arlene in your prayers. They have four wonderful kids and 16 grandkids. We love them all and all of Arlene's family. Her family took me in and gave me a wonderful second home and were a marvelous example for both Marv and I. We are so blessed to know them.
Then we headed south to Idaho Falls. We got here on Saturday and are tried of being on the road. We have fourteen days left before going to Provo to the MTC. We are ready. Marv is doing so well with his Italian studies. He works very hard at it. He has been skyping with his tutors and study buddies on the road. One study buddy lives in Italy. She got up at three in the morning just to help Marv with his Italian. She is a jewel. We are excited because we are going to get to meet her and her family in Italy. He has had another study buddy from Italy - she now lives in the US - but we hope to visit with her family in Italy as well. These study buddies are volunteers and so helpful. We appreciate their time and efforts so much. We got an email from the current office couple and they gave us great info. Marv will be the financial secretary for the mission and I will get the rest of the stuff including working with the government getting permits for the missionaries, etc. I will also be the translator for the mission office. I have begun to study too. We will live in a apt. above the mission office building in a nice neighborhood on the outskirts of Milano. It is in a town called Opera. We will have internet and English television in our apt. We will have access to a car as well. They said to bring some casual clothing as we will have time to sightsee and do things in our spare time. We are getting so excited to get there.
The new mission president and his wife will be in the MTC the week before us and we are anxious to meet them. We are ready to work hard and serve our Heavenly Father in any way we can. This mission is a dream come true and we want to be useful and ready for anything. While it is hard to leave family and friends - we know that great blessings will come from our service.
Well, I best go. I have laid out all my clothes and stuff for Italy all over the bedroom here at Ruth's. I need to clear off the bed so we can go to sleep. Lots of stuff to do tomorrow - a few more clothes and things to get, Italian to study, a little sewing to finish, etc. Our great adventure is coming fast and we intend to enjoy every moment. Remember that we love company and will have at least a floor to sleep on and food for all who come. So pack your sleeping bag and come on over to Italy. It is a truly beautiful land full of wonderful people.
We think of all of you often - we met some fellow Minnesotans in Colorado on the top of the highest pass (approx. 12 thousand feet up). We love all of our families, friends, and loved ones.
