Sarah and Jeff wanted to have a little 24-hour getaway to Park City, so they asked us to watch their boys. Turns out Eli is now old enough to be able to stay by himself because he had an early bike race the following morning. Popping a wheelie at the finish line at one of his races.
We were sad Eli missed out on some fun activities we had planned with Carson, Lincoln, and Jonah. Starting off with their request of going to dinner at Texas Roadhouse. YUM!
The three boys happily went along with our idea of attending a concert in the Brigham Young Memorial Park.
The singers played various instruments, and the entertainment was upbeat and not too boring, so we think the boys had fun participating in that activity. I saw Lincoln tapping his finger to the beat, so he appeared to be enjoying the music.
Sitting outside in the park listening to music for an hour is very calming and peaceful for the soul.
Meanwhile, Jeff and Sarah were fitting in as much fun as they could in the short time they had together.
Not only was Jeff so thoughtful in taking Sarah on a getaway, but one day he picked some flowers for her from their yard. I was impressed with how well he did arranging the flowers in the vase. Impressive!
We all declared Our Town to be our least favorite play we have ever seen at Hale. We asked a random man to take our photo, and I was sure he wasn't aware of including the paraphernalia that was artfully arranged off to the side of the backdrop.
So I have included it. I just love how much decorating Hale does for each and every play.
Now on to reporting about one of our most favorite plays, The Scarlet Pimpernel, at the new Ruth Theater with Dallas, Rebecca, and Caroline. Fabulous!!
Another absolutely fabulous play was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was so colorful and so fun and the songs are very catchy. We all loved it a lot!
Caleb and Natalia, who have been living in Vanuatu, were in town for Natalia's sister's wedding, so Mark and Michelle decided to make the trip down from Yakima so they could spend some time with their son and daughter-in-law.
It was fun to see all of them at the Ward family dinner in Andy and Amanda's lovely backyard.
Rachel was put in charge of taking a family photo of us since all the brothers and sisters were there. I had to laugh when I saw the individual photos she took as we were all trying to get ourselves standing in the right birth order while waiting for Mom to make her way over to us.
We can see Rachel caught me in a not-so-picture-worthy moment.
Saved the best for last. I love this photo of Sam!
Finally, we were all assembled in the correct birth order: Sam, Kim, Mike, Nani, Andy, and Mark. I am continually thankful and amazed with our parents who get even more beautiful with age. Love this Ward family of mine!!
When the rest of Mark's family arrived in town for their own family reunion, they took the opportunity to try out the Minecraft room at Escape Boredom. Looks like they enjoyed themselves.
Claire was certainly happy when football season started up once again. Very impressed with all the time it must have taken her to make this stadium out of paper.
Sarah's family got the chance to use the family tickets to attend a BYU football game. They said it was a lot of fun.
Caroline does an awesome job organizing trips to the temple to do baptisms for the dead. This time her siblings and Eli were able to go with her along with her grandpa and her dad.
Why am I there one might wonder? And the only one not in my Sunday best? They so kindly included me in their after-temple breakfast. It was a joy to be in the presence of such fine people eating a delicious meal together!!
Barbara is good about getting her temple-going family members to join her at the Bountiful Temple for a sealing session with Glen as the sealer.
Barbara recruited her sister, her daughter, and her granddaughter, along with their husbands. It was a sweet experience.
Time for back-to-school photos of the grandchildren. Caroline, Spencer, and Madison.
Eli, Carson, Lincoln, and Jonah.
Newland earning high praise at his basketball camp.
Wynne, Magnus, and Montgomery.
Kade, Levi, and Maverick.
We have discovered a nasty problem in our yard. Three problems to be exact. Three large mole holes. UGH!!! So annoying!!!!!! After putting out mole killer and smashing down the large mounds, we had our fingers crossed.
Then, much to our horror and dismay--we found a fourth gigantic mound had appeared. All in the front yard. Why couldn't these have been in the backyard at least where they would be a lot less conspicuous? Making guesses on how many more manifestations we will have before we get this under control.
Now a much more pleasant subject--dinner at Jan's. Hurrah for all of us who are able to once again enjoy her entertaining hospitality now that she has recovered from her accidents.
Her fall decorations remind us a change of season is upon us. Not only did she set a gorgeous table and fix us yummy salmon, potatoes, and vegetables, but she also made each couple a huge caramel apple take home treat. This woman goes all out and we love it!!!
We have such wonderful friends. Happy fall to all!!
