Around the Four Corners--Utah, Colorado, New Mexico

This will be a fairly long blog as there are lots of pictures. We had the great opportunity to go traveling to see friends and family. We started in Arizona (home) and drove to Utah where we stayed with Bill and Judy Peterson for the first Sierra Leone Freetown Mission reunion. We had a great time seeing some of the elders (sure missed the ones who didn't come). We watched the two sessions of General Conference together (the brethren also went together to the Priesthood session). We had dinner prior to the priesthood session and dessert afterwards. We got to meet the Wires and the Mauldins for the first time--they served in Liberia while we served in Sierra Leone. We only talked on the phone--never face to face. It was great meeting them. We also got to meet Mariama Kallon who is originally from Sierra Leone.

Mariama with Sister Mauldin

Some of the Elders (including wives and future wives)

Taken during dinner just prior to getting ready to go to the priesthood session of Conference.

After conference--gathering for dessert

We were surprised to see Brother Kaikai (not sure that is spelled correctly) originally from the Hill Station branch. He is living in Ogden. He had come in June.

Should have gotten a picture with Bill and Judy Peterson. Loved staying with them. We miss seeing them and the Squires. What wonderful friends!!!!!!

We left Utah on the Monday after General Conference and went to Denver to see our eldest son and his family. We had a great time doing some work on his backyard fence. Wish we could have gotten a before and after shot of the fence. It was fun to work together on a project and see the finished product.

After some hard work, play time is in order. Phil, Parker, Blaine and I went bowling while Braden and Steph stayed home. Braden needed a nap. Parker did very well--we were all grateful for the excuse to use the bumper guards while bowling.

Parker after a particularly good roll.

Parker showing his excellent form.

Parker trying to give Grandad a little direction on how to bowl a strike.

This is how you do it, Grandad!!!!

Getting ready to throw another strike!!!!

Giving Dad some pointers as well.

After bowling and a delicious lunch of hamburgers and shakes, Phil went off to give his music lessons and the rest of us headed to the Barnum and Bailey Circus. What a fun time!!!!

Parker helping with a tug of war (known as a tug of peace in Sierra Leone).

Parker watching some activities prior to the beginning of the actual circus performance.

The show begins. Wish we could have gotten more shots, especially with the 2 boys in them.

Saying goodbye to the Colorado Jones group. We had a wonderful time with them. We hope to get there again soon--after the snow comes and goes.

Braden, Steph, Parker and Phil--Thanks again for a wonderful time!!!!!

From there we headed to New Mexico. We arrived Thursday late afternoon. We spent Friday morning with the kiddos while Derek and Melanie went to get their car registered and drivers' license. We went to the park and had some fun. After Derek and Melanie got back, we headed to the zoo.

One of the favorite animals was the polar bears--Maeley's favorite animal. Chase kept asking the polar bear to get in the water.

Melanie, Maeley, Chase, Zoe and Papa heading into the zoo.

It was a beautiful day. The kids were so good and enjoyed looking at all the animals. The animals were pretty active so it was fun for the kids.

Leaving the zoo.

The next day, Saturday, we got up early (5:00 a.m.) and headed to the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque (just 10-15 miles away). Maeley wasn't sure at first that she wanted to hang around these giant balloons. One of the balloon pilots had blasted his propane burner used to heat the air in the balloon while she was close to it. It startled her and really upset her. After some of the balloons that were very close lifted off and the sound and fire weren't so close to her, she really got into it and loved seeing the many varied shapes and colors of the balloons.

Maeley and Chase enjoying watching the balloons while having a little breakfast.

WARNING!!!! Lots of Balloon pictures

Sunday before going to church, we took some pictures with the kids.

Chase, Melanie, Zoe, Derek and Maeley

We left Monday morning to return home to Arizona. Thanks Derek and Melanie for a great time. We had so much fun.

We love being with the kids and grandkids. Family--that's what life is all about. We are so glad that "families can be together forever through Heavenly Father's plan" because we always want to be with our own family.