26Aug2009--Painting the House

Hi All,

Here are two pictures of the house before being painted and afterwards. Do you like?

Trip to Grand Canyon and Tucson, August 2009

We had a wonderful trip to the Grand Canyon and Tucson with Mike and Andrea.

Sandy and I left early Friday morning to get to the Ten-X campground which is just outside of the Canyon. We got a campsite and then went into the canyon and did some sightseeing. Andrea and Mike met us at the campground later that evening.

The next day we went to the canyon and did some sightseeing together and then Mike and Andrea went on hike down the Bright Angel Trail. We got back together and then went to the IMAX where we saw an IMAX presentation of the Grand Canyon. Mike, Andrea and Sandy then went to an Indian gathering where native Americans did dances and sold stuff. Sandy said it was quite good. I stayed and made dinner.

The next day we drove to Tucson and went to the hospital where Mike is a resident. Monday Andrea went to work and Mike and I played tennis and went to the Air Force museum and “boneyard” where they keep old jets. It was really interesting. That evening we went on a hike up Lemon Mountain. There is a small ski lift up there and we hiked to the top of the lift.

The next day, Mike and I played tennis and then Sandy, Mike and I went swimming in their apartment’s pool. It was a big pool and very fun. We then went to see Andrea teach a class. She is an outstanding teacher. I could tell the kids were really motivated and love her. She teaches kids that have problems. We then went to Wendy’s to eat and Sandy and I then drove to Flagstaff.

We stayed with Ryan and Doris that night. It was very good to talk to Ryan and Doris. We talked for multiple hours and heard about their difficulties with Maryanne. We left the next morning and drove to Utah.


The Grand Canyon from the South Rim

Andrea and Mike at the Grand Canyon
The old people

Andrea and Mike in the Grand Canyon shuttle
A B1 bomber

Zoo trip with Spencer and Preston

We had a lot of fun tending Spencer and Preston while Nate and Beth went to the Uintas to stay in a cabin with their friends. We went over to their house on Friday night. Saturday we went to the zoo. The trip was just about perfect—we saw the Siberian tiger up close and personal as he was feeding, the gorilla came right up to the glass where we were watching, the bird show was great, we got to pet a python and the weather was perfect. Here are a couple of pictures:


Spencer and Preston with their maps so we'll know where to go!

The Tiger feeding



Spencer waiting for the train

The boys walking on a spider web

Family Night 27 July 2009

We had the monthly family night this week. It was great to have Nate/Beth and Brian/Mindi’s families over to the house with Grandpa and Grandma Monson. We saw some great pictures and heard about the wodnerful time Brian and Mindi had in Paris. They had quite a neat trip. As usual, the grandchildren entertained us all. One example of funny things the kids said: Jaimee was walking around and her pants kept slipping down. Grandpa Dick pulled up her pants. She was offended and said,

“Craig, did you know your father pulled up my pants?”