I just had a wonderful visit with my sister, Stephanie. She came to visit for a few days and did wonderful things like fix dinner and take me to my hair appointment. She also took me to the BYUI, Thomas E. Ricks Gardens where we enjoyed talking and looking at the many features. I always come away inspired by the beauty and variety of plants there. I think. "You CAN grow something beautiful and useful in Rexburg!" Most of the rest of the time we talked while she worked on a quilt for her first expected grandchild.
Stephanie walked to the BYUI bookstore and bought some music. there. I enjoyed listening to her play the piano while she tried the pieces out. Ralph does a great job of seeing to my physical needs but I enjoy my sister because she lifts my psyche as well.
She left a few hours ago to drive home to Caldwell, Idaho. I am looking forward to her next visit, possibly in September. She might convince another sister, Priscilla, to come with her.

Every time I try to put a title I get something funny so I am just going to post unntitled. I spent last week at Sara's in Utah while Ralph took a trip to Guatemala with members of his family. He had a wonderful time and learned much. They saw ruins at Tikal and the place where archeologists agree that it was probably the place of "the waters of Mormon" called Atitlan. He brought home souvenirs, choocolate, and a good case of "Montezuma's Revenge".

I had a wonderful time at Sara's and enjoyed my grandchildren. Sara did many things to make the stay comfortable and enjoyable. I especially enjoyed conversations with my grandaughters, Ashtyn and Alayna. We took an excursion to IKEA Monday and all in all had a great time.

Now we are home in Rexburg, it feels like fall and Ralph is busy finishing up his research on his "Homes of the Prophets" project and getting ready for the fall semester at BYUI. He says this feels too much like his doctoral dissertation. I guess its the old school teacher in me but I am ready for fall to be here too.

A SHORT VACATION

More reunion plus pictures

We stayed up at the cabin after the reunion until this weekend. We are going back up tonight and Ralph says he is finding a corner to hide in so he can work on his " Homes of the Prophets " project. In the meantime he has helped his father who is recovering from stomach cancer, done some of his mother's projects, taken two horse rides with his brother, Paul, into the southwest corner of Yellowstone Park and visited with other members of his family. He also went to a car auction in Las Vegas with our son-in-law, Chad, and enjoyed it immensely. The biggest news is that he attended without buying a car. He said he was impressed at Chad's self-discipline not to get caught up in the emotion of car buying.
We got back some pictures of the reunion yesterday which brought many good memories of family at the reunion. Ralph says he will post some on my blog later today. The wildflowers have changed to millions of Sticky Geraniums and Lupine. We also have white daisies blooming now too. I hope everyone enjoys what little bit of summer is left

Family Reunion

We had our Famiily Reunion in Island Park, ID. In my view it was a sucess. Thanks to everybody who helped and participated. My only disappointment was that we did not get a picture of everyone there. A special thanks to Ralph who outdid himself helping and making things work. We decided to stay up at the cabin for a few weeks.

Family Reunion

Family Reunion