MERRY CHRISTMAS

An Angel Foretells Christ’s Birth to Mary
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HE'S OFF!

well, not too far, actually. for the next 3 months he will just be down the street and can see our house if he looks up on the hill. as he is diligently learning russian, we will be trying to have fun without him (he was the life of the party) we are thrilled to have him serve the Lord for the next 2 years! there is no place we would rather have him be, but there will be a noticeable gap in our lives,

guess who happened to be shopping today too?-- Lamont Morgan Junior

easy come, easy go.....

as Colin returns, Josh prepares to head out: 2 suits, check. 8 white shirts and 8 snazzy ties, check. Gortex Eccos (what?!)--a necessity for Russian climate, check. luggage, check. here we go. (We threw in a new suit for Colin too, since his were completely worn out and he starts teaching at the MTC on Monday)

ST GEORGE TURKEY TRI

A FAMILY TRADITION--GOOD TO HAVE COLIN HOME!

last triathlon of the season. we missed having clark and marissa and mindy with us but it was great to have the rest of the family together--amy's first tri--good job amy. (she came in first place in her age division) thanks to grandma karen and grandpa jerry for the continued sideline support!

ELDER GILL HAS RETURNED!

colin's mission president, and his wife surprised the group by meeting them at the airport--a real treat.

PUMPKINS

PUMPKINS

PUMPKINS

SUNDANCE

There is nothing like an October hike when the air has a distinct chill, and blazes of red and orange are everywhere...

notice the lovebirds in the corner

Stewart Falls

Fall is my favorite time of year--especially to hike. I think the reason autumn leaves evoke such powerful feelings is because it says to all of us, not just the omnivore, "..change is in the air--time to take cover, time to get ready." We have lots of planning to do, it seems, every fall. This fall, readying a missionary to leave and one to return. Changes are in the air. We are filled with excitement! The colors that blanket the mountains where we now live are any match for any place we have ever lived, and hiked. We spent the weekend in the coziest cabin, then hiking, biking, playing while Brian got in some work (lecturing at a surgical conference). We enjoyed spectacular scenery right here in our own back yard. (Sundance is 15 minutes door to slope)

We have been spending our family home evenings around the TV supporting and totally enjoying supporting BYU's performing group VOCAL POINT on The Sing-Off. They earned a standing ovation from the studio audience AND from the judges. They were the first group promoted to the next round of the competition. They are great performers. (We have enjoyed them several times here on campus) and it feels good watching them represent our alma mater. Watch! Mondays on NBC.

RISE FROM THE ASHES

LAST YEAR as brian was coming home from work in the wee hours of the morning, he drove past this horrifying site and recorded it on his phone.we watched the rest of the destruction from our bedroom windows that night with heart-sick emotion. So Sunday's announcement came as fantastic news and hopeful optimism as we realized what good can come of tragedy. Another reminder to always "look to the future with joy!"--especially when there seems little hope or reason to do so.

Artist's conception of how the rebuilt Provo

Tabernacle/Temple will look. (courtesy LDS Church)

WHY TRI?

because it feels soooooo good!

because it's great to compete with FAMILY!

because the scenery is spectacular!