The BEAUTIES of fall in Utah

Fall in Utah is one of the best reasons for living in this beautiful place. Every year the mountains become a glorious carpet of orange, yellow, green and red. The leaves in the mountains up Provo canyon are at their peak right now and it was a great excuse to get away from the valley and see a little of the Lord's handiwork. Erin and her friends decided (Saturday night at about 8:30) to head to the cabin for a "spur of the moment" girls get-a-way. That sounded great to us??!! Inside of 30 minutes we were packed up with chips, salsa, games and some stuff for breakfast. A quick stop at Albertson's and we even had smores with Reese's peanut buttercups. The girls had a great evening together talking and laughing and remembering stories that they have shared over the years. At about 1:30 am, after most of the mini candy bars were chomped (sorry Nana and Grandpa!)they finally hit the pillows with plenty of blankets to stay warm through the chilly night. Sunday morning came early... complete with hot chocolate, french toast, bacon and some left over chips. On the road by 10:00 am to get back to the valley in time for our Church meetings. The ride down the canyon, drenched in the morning sun, was really something to behold. The colors were beautiful...it was a sweet little road trip indeed! These are awesome girls...part of the beauty of fall. The road to the cabin
Pears from Nana and Grandpa's tree...plenty to share!

Peaches Peaches Peaches !!!

Well can you believe these beautiful peaches we harvested from our tree this year? These are so yummy ! Each year just gets better and better. I wish we could send some to you - one of my best gifts (a peach tree) from my amazing children, and it just keeps giving. Thank===you to all my amazing children. If you want to taste them you have to come to Utah!

MTC...the Russian saga begins

This is Elder Reid and Elder Mattee giving the "thumbs up" to missionary work by the sign in front of the MTC in Provo Utah. Elder Mattee is an Air Force cadet who also is a football player for the Academy. He is in Dustin's district. This is District "Comb-over Day"
Self Explanatory. Nothing is closed when D is in town!
Elder Reid and Turnbill in front of the Provo Temple
Elder Reid's district. left to right is: Elder Duffy, Crawford, Mattee, Whitehead, Fuentes and Sister Milne. Sister Milne is a first cousin to the Johnson's who live in our ward. We think she kind of looks like Jenny J.
A chance meeting of the branch. Always happy to see each other evidently!
The language is coming along very well. He says that he can "teach" the first lesson in Russian, which is something that he thought that he would never be able to do. They have been very blessed to have three apostles come to the MTC and speak to them. They have a devotional each Tuesday night. The most recent being President Uchtdorf. He has been keeping his journal up to date and using it to reflect on the things he has learned, noting that he is amazed at his own progress just since he checked into the MTC. His group is now the oldest of the Russian missionaries. He is excited for new missionaries to arrive so he can see how it is to welcome the new kids on the block. Dustin is also singing in the choir! Yes, you read correctly...singing in the choir. We knew he had a great voice, its just that he never really would sing in public. Now, he is enjoying the spirit of the gospel in a new way for him and he loves it. We hope that the missionaries will be asked to sing in General Conference. Elder D-4 is doing great. He says" Thanks for all your support"!