Holiday

At least it was for the kids! They were excited to have a Monday off that coincided with the elders preparation day. FINALLY a chance to climb Camelback with them. And none too soon. Elder Endemano leaves for home next Tuesday. Above you can see one of the steeper climbs at the beginning of the hike. From what I hear, Jeffrey was a mountain goat-racing up and down. I think Elder Endemano took the rear position to make sure none of my kids toppled down the hill! Jeffrey found a tailor made spot to rest up while everyone else decided which path to take next. Somewhere along the ling, Elder Gee taught the kids how to play Quaker meeting. It's kind of like the quiet game, except that you add not moving to silence. They had a lot of fun the elders. They were all so happy to be together. Later at dinner, the kids had fun telling us all of Elder Gee's jokes.

When we drove up to the office, there in their suits ready to head off on exchanges. Seeing them was a relief, it meant no little Bassetts (Jeffrey) went running off the side of the mountain. Jeffrey got offended earlier in the morning when I prayed for him by name that he wouldn't get hurt or wander off. I guess he's forgetting what happened last time!

Jess ran into her friend Walker from Mesa hiking with his family. It was just a coincidence that they were there, too.

After dinner, we finally took my Christmas present on a trial run. The awesome 'twig' with all the marshmallows on it is Amanda's stocking stuffer. Jessica gave me a whole bag of s'more fixin's (including several packs of peanut butter cups to use instead of Hersey's), but those were gone long ago. It feels like we've been roasting marshmallows a couple times a week since Christmas.

Mark gave me a whole stack of firewood that we've been using regularly with the indoor fireplace, but the house has started to smell like smoke, so no more fires inside until next year.

And this is the perfect alternative. I love it!