ANNUAL TRIP TO ST. GEORGE KICKS OFF THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER

September 1st found the Fullers, the Richards and ourselves in St. George, Utah to watch the three productions at the Tuachan Theater there. This has become an annual trip for the Fullers and ourselves but, the last two years, Don and Dana have joined us. We secured a three bedroom condo at World Mark's Estancia and spent Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights there. The shows we saw were' When You Wish', 'Sound of Music', and 'The Little Mermaid'. Each show was unique and beautifully done in its own right. The weather was a little warm but by the time the shows began it was somewhat comfortable. Dave and Suzette joined us for the productions each night. During the days we hung out at the pool, went to the temple, and just visited. One of the days were able to go through Don and Dana's new home they are having built in St. George. They plan to live there 6 months out of the year, as soon as Don retires. We are so excited for them. This year we did a little more cooking at the condo rather then going out to dinner every night. That was a nice change. Of course, we had to have our fresh peach sundaes every night after the productions. It is always a fun four days with family. 

The day before we left St.George, we noticed an interesting car in the World Mark parking lot. It was painted in such a way as to remember the victims of 9/11. The owners were just getting into the car so we asked them about it. They said they have several such cars and take them around to different cities to ride in the local parades. We were so impressed with this couple's love of our country. 

Sunday morning before we left for St. George, we attended Garrett and Kristen Fuller's sacrament meeting so we could all be present for the baby blessing of their new little boy, Harvey. Garrett gave a beautiful blessing and we were glad we could be a part of this occasion. 

As soon as we got home from St. George, we bought peaches to start the canning process. The peaches were real late coming on this year because of our cold and wet spring. I was canning and freezing peaches almost right up to the weekend before we left for a cruise. I ended up canning 35 jars of peaches for ourselves and 24 pints for Mom and Dad. I didn't do any frozen fruit cocktail as we had several left over from last year. I did do 13 bags of slush. Hopefully that will be enough when added to what I still had in the freezer from last year.

On September 11, we attended the annual stake fair held out in the Stake Center's field. It was well attended despite the threatening weather. It had been raining all day but cleared just soon enough to set up the inflatables, booths, and food tables. They served sloppy joes, watermelon, chips and vegetables. It was surprisingly tasty. I brought cookies and cream brownies to add to the dessert table where there were a great variety finger foods to select from. It was a great community event.

Paul and Todd attended the BYU vs USC game on the second weekend of the month. We have been so discouraged with the team this year, (just like the last two years), we often wonder why we buy season tickets. I opted to let Todd have my ticket as he was home that Saturday and would be one of only a few games he would be able to attend. Surprising, we won in overtime 27 to 30. 

Picture taken from the TV as I watched from home

The last weekend of the month, Sam called and said he and Kathy were in Utah and would love to come visit us on Monday. We let them know that we would be leaving on a cruise that day but invited them to come to dinner on Sunday. We had a great visit with them. They are in the process of getting their home ready to put on the market. They are afraid the housing market is going to crash as soon the liberal California lawmakers begin to limit the number of oil drilling permits. That will definitely affect Bakersfield as oil drives that city's economy. Sam and Kathy are looking to move to Utah but not until Dad and Mom pass on. If their home sells, they will live in their 5th wheel in a trailer park if needed. We are so grateful for their constant care for Mom and Dad. They are such a blessing to all of us who live farther away. 

The sight as the ship was leaving the New York harbor.

As mentioned, we left for a cruise at the end of the month, Sept 24 to be exact. We took the red eye Monday night to Atlanta, Georgia and then boarded a flight to New York City. When we arrived at the airport, we got onto a transfer bus that took us to the ship terminal. There we met Deon and Gary. We boarded our Princess cruise ship soon after they arrived and spent 10 days cruising the east coast, up into Canada as far as Prince Edward Island, and then down the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City. Our ports included Newport, Rhode Island; Boston, Massachusetts; Bar Harbor, Maine; St. John's, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Quebec City, Quebec. From there we, boarded a train to Montreal, Ontario where we spent a day and a half. We then got a train to Toronto and another train to Niagara Falls, New York. We stayed there a day and then drove to Buffalo, New York to catch our flight home to Utah. We were gone a total of two weeks and saw some amazing sites. I especially loved all the historical connections of many of the locations to our own American history. A fun, fun trip.


And then there's Aria and Avery......

Avery started to walk this month. She was really late in walking but she loving the new freedom she has.

Avery also started sitting at the big table for Sunday dinner.  No more high chair for her.

Aria building a tower from Jenga blocks and playing with the game of BLOKUS