Monkeys I tell ya, monkeys with markers!

My parents were cutting edge techies - why was that? 

Was it because their sons were interested in it

 or did Dad just really like it? 

I don't know but it made us smile 

to see octogenarians on a computer

 sending emails and posting on facebook.

I have an septuagenarian friend 

who daily texts his grandson. 

He says it keeps them talking and connected. 

What a guy! 

I value these examples 

and have a goal 

to embracing technology. 

I don't always love it at first - it hurts my head. 

Does it do that to you?

Katie got me to embrace reading and studying

 my scriptures/lessons with tech 

by patiently showing me how it was working for her

 and now I'm converted. 

Thanks sweet Katie Kate! 

Sarah, Katie and Liz have also converted me 

to blogs and the internet for recipes - it's the best!

There's one holdout in all this tech however, 

it's the "Big Grid" paper calendar 

(picture from the internet)

hanging on the inside of my kitchen cupboard door. 

I've tried half a dozen calendar apps 

but haven't been able to make the leap. 

I'll keep trying so

if you have a favorite calendar app

 please do tell!

The month of October has been craaaazzzy!!! 

My "Big Grid" calendar looks like 

monkeys got a hold of it 

(picture from the internet)

with a pack of markers, 

markers in each hand and foot, 

markers drawing all over those "Big Grid" spaces!

Last weekend 

WSU had a one day fall break on Friday for UEA 

but the twigs were swamped with homework 
and I already mentioned the monkeys with markers

so leaving on vacation for our favorite slickrock,

orange sand, 

and towering slot canyon walls

wasn't in the cards.

We all talked about it as a family

and decided we could escape for a day 

if we went somewhere really close 

and the twigs did homework while we were there 

so we ran away to Midway, Utah. 

While the twigs were doing homework, 

The Mr. and I went for a walk 

and found another monkey 

poking fun at the golf course danger sign.

Our little get away 

was just what the doctor ordered. 

Now we're back 

and ready to take on

the rest of

what the monkeys did with markers to October. 

=D

Poof! Just like that! We're out of kids.

It happened just the other day.

Our girlie had her 18th birthday

and poof! 

Just like that! 

We're out of kids. 

Happy birthday precious girl!!! <3

FORE!!

This guy loves the game of golf! 

It all began in North Carolina.

Occasionally, on his mission

when he was in Statesville, North Carolina

they had district activities

and one of those activities was golf. 

He was smitten!

Our friend had a set of clubs 

he was wanting to sell 

so Zac and our girlie took them for a try. 

I got the following pictures from her. 

She loved playing too 

and now we have two people hooked on golf!

How about this putt? 

Zac looked for his line and took his shot. 

It was looking so good!

Aww man!

That was going to be a birdie

but it's in for par. 

“Golf... is the infallible test. 

The man who can go into a patch of rough alone, 

with the knowledge that only God is watching him, 

and play his ball where it lies, 

is the man who will serve you faithfully and well.” 

-P.G. Wodehouse

Giant salamanders, spitting snakes, and a fireman pole...

When the twigs were just little, 

one of our favorite places to visit 

was Red Butte Garden. 

We loved that beautiful green place, 

especially the children's garden area. 

Labor Day, we got a chance to get together 

with Sarah, Darren and their little ones 

so we headed to good old Red Butte Garden. 

Wow how things had grown!!

Talk about beautiful!!

The children's garden was still a favorite.

Hunter, do you remember climbing 

on these big salamander dudes?

The water feature snakes 

were a hit. 

and the guys made it through

 safe and dry one way, 

but something about coming back the other direction

 was a little trickier. 

Thanks for being a pal, Zac. 

There were koi in the pond and 

this little girlie sure liked them! 

When Sarah saw Zac 

climb the giant flower pot

she decided she needed to do it too.

Then this little guy came down the pole,

fireman style.

Good times  =D

Red Butte Garden, 

thanks for sharing the beauty you're creating

 in this dessert. 

Sarah, Darren and kids,

thanks for spending the morning with us.

We never get enough of you!

A week in Alaska, day five and six...

We got to see our

"could not find nicer relatives" 
again on Sunday.

Scott and April saw a friend from Idaho too!

Everyone in the congregation at church was so welcoming. 

It amazes me how the same sweet spirit is present

no matter what ward or branch you attend. 

We got to enjoy 

one last Alaskan

ramble out yonder

on their beautiful trails.

Thanks Scott and April

for the great idea

to visit Alaska! 

It was a winner!