Last Weekend

Dave joined us for the weekend and helped create a few photo moments.

And Kay brushed the dust off his old mission scrapbook and reminisced with the boys.

Spencer loves Monopoly and so we played a few grueling games.

Kay the "Mortgage Man" ended up with all the money and prime property.

We'd rather not talk about the racquetball game.

The time has finally arrived and through all this Spencer has collected a long list of advice from family, friends and complete strangers - lots of fun!! Although, we are now busy packing his bags, collecting all kinds of anti-itch cream and mosquito repellent and are up to our eyeballs in white short sleeve shirts, basic black or blue slacks and conservative sandals. He is ready and excited to go!!

Fall Leaves and Farewells

We LOVE the mountains!

The beautiful colors and clean air.


We decided to have a picnic up Alta and hike to Cecret Lake for our final weekend with Spence. And we were lucky - the leaves were beautiful and the crisp autumn air was perfect.


FAREWELL SPENCER

Farmington Pond Swing

Brett was in Salt Lake this weekend for an interview and everyone gathered at the "old house" where we all enjoyed Kay's famous ribs and a visit to a family favorite, Farmington Pond. It is a picturesque little pond where locals go to fish, picnic and feed the ducks. And, as usual, we found our old tree swing. Everyone took a turn swinging out and over the pond - it looked easy.

Alissa and Brett made it look so easy that I decided to give it a try!

Farmington Pond

I made a great splash and swallowed a lot of pond water in my efforts to be more adventuresome!!

Gourmet Cupcakes

Laura and I were perusing the aisles of Barnes & Noble and we found a real treasure: 100 Best Cupcake Recipes! We have spent the summer experimenting with cupcakes. They are the rage right now and you can find any kind imaginable. In Rexburg, Idaho you can spend $4 for one gourmet cupcake - very popular. Laura's favorites include: Cookies and Cream, Chocolate Celebration, and Red Velvet.

The garden is out of control!!

Crazy Drivers

The highlight of "Dad's Birthday Bash" was when Scott willingly volunteered to take the "93 babies" (those with a learner's permit) driving. Katelyn, Laura and Jordan all loaded into Scott's Toyota and cruised the streets. They had a grand adventure and nominated Katelyn as the scariest driver. Although, Katelyn quickly passed the award to Susan from Mexico City. Katelyn claims (and she has witnesses) that Susan drives over curbs and solid double lines in the road.

They returned safely (kind of) and parked the car in the middle of the street, because Scott feared for the mailbox! Good times!

Dad's Birthday Bash

We celebrated dad's birthday Sunday with a dinner that included pigs-in-a-blanket, sloppy joes and Kay's famous ribs. The party also included gifts and home-made peach ice-cream with chocolate cake. (Dad's favorite!) Happy Birthday Dad!!

Rotary Race

Kay was busy Saturday morning with the Centerville/Farmington Rotary Race. The run was held to raise money for the Freedom Memorial in Farmington established a year ago this September 11. Runners started the race at the Memorial, then the race wound around the foothills and up several trails into the mountains. It was a tough race, but many commented that it was one of the best. The Rotary collected over $5,000.00 to donate to the Memorial.

Sophomore Year!

Laura is now officially a Sophomore at Viewmont High! She also has her learners permit, so she is driving the streets and lovin' it. She is a social butterfly and always on the go. It's crazy how fast time passes. We love you Suppy!

Hugs for "POPS"

There is a tradition in my dad's family that has been carried on for several generations. Instead of being called 'grandpa,' the grandchildren know them by Poppy or Boppy. Now that my dad has his first grandchild, he has carried on the tradition and he is affectionately called, "Pops." Abby luvs cuddling and giving hugs to Pops.

Romantic Night on the Porch

Dave is dating a cute girl named Alissa, but more affectionately called, Miss S. After a crazy day with people in and out of our house, there was little food to be found. Dave and Alissa were at the house wondering what they could eat on a late Sunday night. The only food left was a can of spaghetti sauce and noodles, but no meat. What to do?? Dad came to the rescue. Only Dad can make a bland can of spaghetti sauce and noodles a romantic night to remember. Dad started brewing with his creative juices and came up with a candlelight dinner on the porch. Complete with his proudly purchased Albertson's table and fruits from the garden. What a guy!

Dancin' it up with 'G Ma Dayton'

Dave recently attended a wedding for his best friend, Mike, aka Bob, in Ohio. Dave and Grandma Dayton danced the night away! Lookin' good!