Recently I hiked the Timpanogos trail with two of my sons. The trail to the summit from the Timpooneke Trailhead is about 7 miles one way with about 4500 feet elevation gain. I was hoping to also go with my husband but his knee started hurting him the day before so he decided not to go. I met my boys at a parking lot near the mouth of the American Fork Canyon at 6am and we drove up together. Scott and I had reserved a parking spot at the Timpooneke Trailhead a few weeks before ($12) so when we arrived about 6:30, we were happy to be able to drive right in.  We were hiking in the dark for first 20-30 minutes but after that we didn't need our flashlights. It was cooler weather than we've had in a long time so we were happy to have warm jackets. I think temperatures were in the 40's for most of the day. After a mile or so, we saw a moose! We were so close to him, I was a little scared he might charge us so the picture I got was not great. He crossed the trail right after we pa...

 My mom celebrated her 80th birthday this week! We had a surprise family party for her at my brother's house on Monday as part of our Labor Day celebration.  Some of her children and grandchildren wrote poems in her honor. My father's poem was a song to the tune of the Jeeves and Wooster theme music. His performance was quite entertaining.  My sister also put together a Jeopardy game of questions about my mother. Since my mother has some entertaining idiosyncrasies, these questions were pretty amusing. For example, one question was "Mom's name for the so-called family member that is actually a grocery store." Answer:  Who is Uncle Harmon's? I also held a luncheon for her on her actual birthday with some of her friends in the neighborhood. I served grilled chicken, rice pilaf, tomato salad, spinach and berry salad, green beans from my garden, lemon bars, some sliced peaches, and zucchini muffins. This is the best time of year for food from my garden. I think ev...

 I am overdue in posting for Mindy's birthday which happened last month. Here are some pictures from her senior year of high school! Felicity's wedding Wearing my wedding dress Canoeing on Utah Lake Biking the Provo River trail on the 4th With her nephew At Kurt and Lauren's wedding Starting her senior year with the same backpack she started kindergarten with Birthday dinner with friends Turning 18! Mindy sang a solo/duet at a fundraiser for her choir. We enjoyed the Vocal Point concert, especially Mindy and Camille. Visiting the Grand Canyon after Christmas: Sadly, the kindergarten backpack didn't survive until the end of the year. Last high school choir concert! Mindy took a photography class. We toured the Saratoga Springs Temple open house. For spring break, we visited Kansas City and went to the temple and other historical church sites: Outside the Provo City Center Temple: Graduation happened! It was a good year! Happy birthday, Mindy! We love you!