GG'S MAIDEN FLIGHT
AND
DONAVINS MAIDEN 2 WHEELER PRACTICE

September was a great month for firsts. Allen finally talked GG into going for a flight. We tried to talk her into wearing Grandpa's bomber jacket but she passed. She really was thinking it wasn't going to be much fun in the little plane. But, she loved it. She kept asking what things were and would've gone for a longer flight had the daylight held out. She even took a turn at flying the plane. I was looking for a parachute, you know she can't see very well, so how would she know the ground from the sky? It was great fun!!! Maybe we'll name the plan "Shurley". (do ya get it, like Shirley)

Donavin grabbed the bike from the neighors and tried out his luck with his daddy and his grandpa running up and down the street while he peddled. He is a fast learner.

THE FINAL TEA PARTY OF THE SUMMER

Denise and Tylar are all dressed up. I think Denise will be happy now, she wanted to dress up and play Tea Party with Tylar. We missed having Debbie with us. There is always next summer, and more Tea Party fun.

So Doug and I were having a conversation as we started packing in on Friday about the similarities backpacking has to this earth life. Since we've been home I have really pondered this as I've thought back over our experience.

We arrive at the parking lot full of excitement and enthusiam ready for whatever adventure may await us. We're somewhat annoyed as we head to the Ranger Station where we are given instruction about our safety and being prepared for any unfortunate incident. We are told how to protect ourselves, how to clean up after ourselves and basically given the rules. We then head back to the parking lot where we check our packs to make sure we have all the things that we will need for this journey: food, shelter, warm clothes, cooking items, water purification, extra shoes, all the things that will sustain us, protect us and keep us safe. After loading the packs on our backs and adjusting them for comfort for the long haul we head to the trail head where mom and dad see us off. With a few pictures to remember the moment, hugs and a "we'll see ya when you get back! Have a good time, be careful and we'll be here to pick ya up!" they wave us off as we head down the trail.

As the day wears on some of the enthusiasm fades as our packs become heavy, blister's begin to wear, kids begin to complain and there is the occasional "come apart". There are obstacles along the way like the slough and river crossing's and even our own selves become somewhat of an obstacle as our bodies and minds want to stop. And of course there is the ever present danger of a bear lurking around. But we continue on. We chose to do this knowing it would be difficult at times but knowing the reward at the end would be worth it. We also realize how fortunate we are to be sharing this experience together. The words of encouragement, the singing, the games, and of course the beautiful scenery lift our spirits and help us to be grateful that we are with each other.

As our adventure ends and we head off the trail a little bruised and battered we know that mom and dad will be waiting with a sandwich and Pepsi to hear all about our journey.

I listened to the girls singing "Families Can Be Together Forever" as we walked through Bechler Meadow and it really impacted me as I watched us all walking along, packs loaded and heavy, dirty and tired, but all together. It made me realize how grateful I am that we are and eternal family and that we are here to help each other along this trail. This is why I love backpacking!

We had a great time on Ethan's special day for his ordination to be a deacon. We were very proud of his accomplishment. It is ALWAYS a great time to get together with our family and share in special, or not so special events.
Then came our second Tea Party, that was a grand success, and makes me all that much more convinced that it should be an annual thing. Last, but not least, and absolutely awesome pic of Deb and Zacky.

HAPPY, HAPPY, JOY, JOY! Six weeks later, I finally got my kitchen and dining room floors finished...well kinda finished. I still need to seal them. I have been stressing and worrying about what I was going to do with these floors, but once again, by the grace of Jeff Hale's Hardwood Flooring I was able to get them done. Seriously, these are the nicest, hardest working guys ever. They totally deserve 5Xs what I could pay them, so please, please help me "pay it forward" and recommend them to anyone that you can.

So I thought I'd post some pictures to catch up on our last couple of months! I can't say that it has been a particularly busy summer but it definately has gone fast! Ethan attended his first Scout Camp in August. He had a great time! Lance was able to go with him for the entire week and he came home a "First Class" scout! Tylar and I got to spend the week doing girl stuff and we really enjoyed our time with just the two of us. Ethan's 12th birthday was this month as well! We had a big birtday party in our backyard with both he and Lance's friends. The following weekend was his ordination. This was a great weekend! Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Doug, Aunt Angie and the girls all came down along with all the Ashby's. Ethan was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to speak in church that same Sunday about Scout Camp. When it came time for his ordination there were so many people they had to do it in the foyer. Lance gave him a beautiul ordination and I of course cried.....ALOT!! Afterward we had a barbecue with everyone that came to support us. Deb even made the hamburgers! (She actually touched the meat! And graciously accepted Doug's instruction on making the ultimate burger! lol!) It was an amazing day and we were so grateful to everyone who came and shared in this awesome milestone with us. This last week Tylar started 4th grade! This coming week Ethan will start Junior High! As always, I wonder where the time has gone! Lance and I celebrated our 21st anniversary this month! Time marched on! I wonder what the next 21 years will bring!

Make a Smilebox photobook

LET'S HAVE A TEA PARTY

Four beautiful young ladies were invited to a Tea Party in Grammy's back yard. We used very fancy dishes and dress up for the formal occasion. Proper etiquette was observed and great gossip (that's what you do at Tea Parties). But, instead of gossip, we talked about days when Grammy was young. Wow!!! What FUN!!