And we're off!

On Wednesday Ron and I were set apart by our Stake President, Gary Gessel. He gave each of us a beautiful blessing and wise counsel. Yesterday we left early in the morning for Utah. Tonight we had a family party in PleasantView at Heather and Dan's house. It's always fun to get together with my siblings.

And also with all the kids, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Almost to the starting gate...

This is really what it's all about.

 

 

These are the family members that were with us this weekend.

Also here on Sunday were Larry & Lorrie, and Julie & Dave and their two

little ones. (am I missing anyone?)

This past weekend was a whirlwind... no, more like a tornado of family and food and lot's of fun. 

 

Erin practicing with Peter and Christopher, their musical number for Sacrament meeting.

They added just the right spirit I was hoping for, for our meeting. It was beautiful!

 

Ron and I have so much to be thankful for. We honestly couldn't have pulled this family weekend off without the help of so many of our friends.
Let's just go down the list, in no particular order:
The Shaw's, the Gessel's, the Hartzel's and the Coleman's housed many of our family member's with accommodations that could give the Waldorf Astoria a run for its money.
My dear friend Becki came down to Chamber's Property to take our family pictures on the most beautiful, yet freezy breezy October day.

7 of our 8 kids, our 18 grandchildren and Grandma & Grandpa Talbot

 

 



Our neighbors were so generous. We borrowed folding chairs, a portable crib, a table, a bunt pan, a crock pot, 'fridge space and garbage can space. Every time I turned around I needed something and they graciously came to my rescue!
We were able to keep everyone fed, and it was really fun to see everyone visiting and happy. Chris brought his special friend, Ellen, and it was great getting to know her.

Ellen and Chris

 



They left on Sunday in order to get back to BYU.
The rest of us spent Monday in Seattle going to the Locks, Troll Bridge, and Pikes Market.

William sitting on the troll

 

The Salmon Ladder at the Locks

 

DeeDee & Mark were invaluable this weekend!

 



Then everyone left for the airport and we came home. Sorta.
We were invited to dinner and FHE at Bob and Heather Call's home. It was a lovely ending to a great weekend. Then we came home and crashed.
We are blessed, that is for sure.

Hilarious!

Gracie in Coleman's Halloween glasses

Baptism / Blessing day!

 

 

 Handsome Tyler.   

This is the most photogenic boy I've ever seen. 

Our oldest grandson, Tyler was baptized today. His dad did a really great job preforming the baptism and his confirmation. Look how happy Tyler looks! Lot's of aunts and uncles and grandparents and cousins were there. Ella and Coleman were so happy to be there on Tyler's special day!

Also, Blake was blessed right after Tyler's confirmation, also by his daddy Ben. It's not appropriate to take pictures in the chapel, but we weren't in the chapel for Blakes blessing, so I snapped this picture. It's kinda fuzzy, but I thought it was just a cute picture of Ben holding up Blake afterward. It was a special day, and a fun weekend with everyone staying at Erin's.

Quick trip to Utah

We landed in SLC and went to the Draper Temple to do a session. It was the first time for both Ron and myself to go there. It's beautiful. Then we made our way down to Erin and Ben's in Lehi. Tomorrow is Tyler's baptism and Blake's blessing.

Nature's Halloween decor

How's this for a cool Halloween picture? This is hanging off the CBU (central box unit) around the corner from my house. As much as I hate spiders and everything concerning them, I couldn't help but see the beauty in this as I went to pick up my mail. It's been foggy misty here today and there were tiny jewel-like drops of dew hanging off this web that made it sparkle.

A little baby holdin' time

We got to see and hold baby Lincoln yesterday at the hospital. There's nothing like holding a baby fresh from heaven. While we were there, Lincoln had his  routine hearing test. This little guy passed with flying colors!