family picture

Rachel wanted me to post the old family picture so she could make a copy. So here it is.

Happy Birthday Deena

Deena I am sorry that I was out of town playing on your birthday, but happy birthday to a wonderful wife and mother. We love you and we appreciate the great family that you and Josh have. I hope that you felt fussed over and that you feel appreciated and loved.
Your efforts are showing good results. Your family are lucky to have you to nurture and care for them. I enjoy the time I am able to spend with you, Josh and your children. I don't know if there is anything I enjoy more than spending time with family. Thank you for the part you play in our lives. Have a great year and may your wishes come true.
Love, Dad

Moab Area Trip

We just got back from Moab bcause Dad had business there for the Bank. We, Deb and Andrew, Dad and I, had a great time. We took the Delicate Arch hike, and the Double O hike in Arches. Next day we did Goblin Valley and Little Wild Horse Canyon. Andrew had never been to any of those places and was amazed at the unique beauty there. The weather was perfect!!! Sunny, with that beautiful blue sky that is so striking against the red cliffs, but not hot. Annie would have worn a sweater even. The only thing that would have made it better is to have had some of you there with us. love ya all mom

We just returned this weekend from Pisa and Florence. The kids loved The Leaning Tower, though they were bummed because they are too young to go up in it.
In Florence we decided to take the kids into one of the museums. We picked the one with this famous statue of David. The kids did a great job inside of the museum--they were very fascinated by Michelangelo's works especially (Eli asked me afterward if I thought he should make things out of wood or out of stone when he grows up).
Gabriel took particular interest in the Statue of David. We saw this view as we approached it. After looking at it for a few minutes, he looked up at me in the most serious way and stated, "Mom, I need to see his bum now." It was so funny and cute!
Later as we walked around the statue, I was telling Eli and Adam how Michelangelo had studied the human body so that he could make this statue so accurately. I pointed to David Moss's flexed leg muscle in front of us and showed them how similar the shape of the statue's leg was. Gabe heard me saying this, looked up at his Dad, and exclaimed for all English comprehenders to hear (this is most of the people there), "Dad, He looks just like you!!" This is quite a compliment since this statue is supposed to be the ideal man's figure!! I certainly won't be found disputing the statement!! :)

remember these books???

i found these ready-set-grow books at the thrift store, i dont know which ones we had as kids- but they all have that same cheesy late 70's flavor.

Dad's Birthday

We had such a good time this weekend celebrating dad's birthday. We went for a hike in the beautiful autumn colored mountains, watched conference on the TV, and had a party with Deb and Andrew, Josh and Deena, Caleb, Sammy, and Drew. Thanks to all of you for phone calls, cards, and other displays of love.