Yosemite with the Moss'

We had such a fun time with the Moss family in Yosemite NP. We met at the campground on Wednesday evening....after a 12 hour drive for us, and several hours from San Jose Calif. for them. What a great reunion! The boys and grandpa jumped right in with playing ball, and checking the area out. Becky and I started dinner and talked. Good times! The park is so beautiful, and the mountains are amazingly grand. The pictures to not do it justice. We went on several hikes.....longer than than the boys wanted most of the time.....but were very good about it and did very well. We hiked to this waterfall. In the spring this waterfall is about ten times bigger, but we thought is was great just the way it was.

The weather was beautiful and pleasant. For being the off season, there were a lot of people. I guess you can't expect to have the park to yourself. The boys sure love to hike and play with grandpa...and he sure loves to hike and play with them.

We took one day to go to the waterfall, taking our time to enjoy things along the way. Lots of big boulders and trees to climb and water to throw rocks in.

Our camp was a bit different from other camp grounds that I have been in. The tent/cabin was a three sided cement structure, the forth wall is canvas. It had a double bed and a bunk bed, and some selves. It also had elctricity. Then on an inclosed patio space there was a table and a place to prepare food. A firepit was also provided. Not bad at all!!! We had two camp sites right next to each other. We ate yummy food at the table, and played games there as well. The "cute" squirrels were all over the place. And by the time we left they truly were not so "cute" anymore. It became a battle of the fittest for our food. We didn't always win!!!

There was a wonderful and beautiful river and beach area by the camp site. Of course the guys all jumped in the freezing water. Becky and I took pictures and enjoyed the unbelievable view. The water was really very cold, but all the boys (except Isaac) went all the way in.

Because we went in September, we missed the impressive waterfalls that Yosemite is famous for, but we still had some breath taking views, and didn't lack in amazing things to see. Wow what a world God created for us to enjoy......and respect.

I took about 300 pictures! Everywhere you looked was something to take a picture of. This is the Half Dome that is so famous in the Park. Beautiful!! The family in the picture is not bad either.

We hiked around the BIG "Sequoia" trees that are part of the park. Some of these trees have been there for 2,000 years. We loved walking among them, and the kids could play and climb. There were fewer people here, and that made this so pleasant and gave me a chance to "feel the spirit of the trees". I loved it!

So much beauty, but the really great thing was just being able to spent time with the Moss family. Thank you so much for inviting us to tag along!! Playing, laughing, hiking, swimming, eating, talking, joking, getting really dirty, yes....all these things are better shared with the ones you love. We love you all!!!!!

We saw some wildlife that grandpa would want you all to know about.

coyotes, deer,.....and he saw a black bear on our way out of the Park Sunday morning (about 4:30am). And of course the huge, fearless, squirrels.

It Has Been A Long, Long Time

It has been a very long time since I have blogged, and there have been many wonderful things that have happened in the past few weeks. I want all of my family to know that I have enjoyed spending time with each and everyone of you. I am posting a few pictures to represent some of the adventures we have had. I wanted to share a picture of Grandma W. first. This was taken in July. She was having an OK day, and I think she looked good. She just had her 88th birthday on Sept. 1st. Happy Birthday Mom/Grandma. She is loosing weight now, and maybe not doing as well . Deb went with me to visit with her Tuesday. Thanks Deb.

We had a great family party on the 18th of Aug. It was a celebration of many things. We welcomed home Deborah and Stephen from China. We said "Good-bye" to Dan and Angie who moved to Moscow ID. the next day. We wished Josh and Deena "Happy Anniversary". We also wished myself, and little Ellie "Happy Birthday". We welcomed Ginny here, from China, to live with us. And we said "Glad you are here" to Rachel and her kids. It was a great time with food and games, and the Skokos' brought back presents for all from China. The little girls are posing with their new umbrellas. All the gifts were fabulous......mine was a real pearl necklace and earrings. Very nice!!!

Good food, fun and company

Rachel would be heading back to Lubbock TX.

Dan and Angie would be leaving for Moscow ID.
Glad that they could see and visit with each other before they went.

We are glad to have Deb and Stephen back. They had a good experience there in

China. Welcome home!!

We are happy to welcome Ginny in our home. She is here straight from China and is a graduate student at the University of Utah. A real joy to have around. She has cooked us some Chinese food, and loves to learn and do new things. We have had her on the bikes, playing tennis and on a hike as well. We are glad to have her be apart of us.

Good family times!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just had to include the Snoasis :)

The 19th, Dad and I drove up to Logan and helped to pack up the last of Dangie's stuff into the cars and trailer. Then off we went to Moscow. Lots of gas, stress, and hours later (16) we arrived at their new apt. I think it is very cute and know that they have made it cozy and comfortable. We spent a few days with them and got to see the university campus and walk around Moscow. I love the cute houses and think it is a great little town. We went to a couple yard sales on Saturday, and we went to the Farmer's Market. We will look forward to visiting again. We love you Dan and Angie!!!!

This was one packed trailer!!!!!

When we got home, we had Jake and Annie here. And so we were off again. This time to So. Utah, with Josh and Kids and Deb and Stephen. We had a 5 day camping and family history trip. I know that others have already posted information about this trip, but I wanted to share a few pictures, and add that it was such a great time. I was so thrilled to have family together once again. Love it!! Love it!! Love it!!

This picture is at Newspaper Rock. Everyone is trying to be one of the drawings on the rock. Very impressive!!

We camped in some beautiful spots, and enjoyed having our tent trailer along. But we were sure glad that Josh had his truck. He drove that truck in and out of some pretty tricky spots. And we would not have gotten some places without it. Thanks Josh!!

So glad that we could all do this!! It will always be one of those great memories.

Lastly, Deb and I had the opportunity to bring out the Snoasis machine and help the "Hale Family Theatre" throw a Hawaii party for about 600 people. We had a good time serving up ex-small cones with 8 choices of flavors. It was fun to see the smiles on people's faces and have them enjoy our little treat. I could do this every once in a while. Thanks for helping Deb. Hale Theatre is going to be kind enough to give us season tickets as a thank you. Good deal for us!!!!

Dad and I are very excited and looking forward to meeting up with David and Becky and boys next week in Yosemite, California. The fun just goes on and on.