Tammie and Kids in S. Utah

We got to spend some quality time with Tammie and kids (Trent had to work to support the family) in S. Utah around the 24th of July. We did some really fun things including hiking in Zion's and the weather was really quite tolerable. We also had a lot of fun hanging out with Doug and Laura and kids. Here we are hanging out at the Upper Emerald Pool. We were joined by our good friend Ralph Pugmire. Tyler posing on one of his favorite boulders. Ashley and Tyler at Weeping Rock. We went to a fun place for the kids called Jumpin' Jacks. Grandma Pat made it down the slide and Grandpa made it on the Carousel

July 2009 Birthdays

We had the good fortune to go to St. George a couple of times in July. Once around the first of the month to celebrate the 4th of July as well as birthdays of family members.

In St. George, spending time in a pool is a must. You got to love the hats (even if the young kids won't wear them.)



We took Doug and fam to Mesquite to the seafood buffet. Really quite good. Doug looks satisfied, eh?



Laura and kids also had a good time and feast.




A pretty cool St. George sunset.



Celebrating Kiara's birthday. She happens to love Thomas the Train.




Laura made this cool "4th" cake.



And for good measure here is a cute picture of Elizabeth and Jason's new little son, Keaton.

Whitewater Trip June 2009

We had a great time on the Snake River. This year we were joined by grandson, Thatcher; Pat's sister Sandy and niece Tracy. We had a super time and the weather was good when we needed it most - between putting up camp and taking it down.

Here is Grandpa and Thatcher resting up for the arduous trip down the river.



Miss Tracy in camp.



It takes a little man and woman power to move the rafts on each run.



Grandpa and Thatcher getting ready for the first run.



The four rafters. Patty wasn't able to go down this year due to potential back concerns.



But she did work hard on transportation, being the offical photographer, chief cook and bottle washer.



A couple great shots of Mt Moran and Oxbow Bend.




It was an obsolutely beautiful day in the Grand Teton National Park.




A shot from the back of Tammie's old place of employment - Jackson Lake Lodge.




Hidden Falls was beautiful (and really roaring).




This is a clip of our first, and probably best run through Lunch Counter rapids. We really got slammed right at the tail end. One of our key riders, Christi, got tossed out up in front and Grandpa Jay had to lend a hand to pull her back in.




We really wanted everyone to see a moose. On the way to Teton Village we found a couple! A baby with her "mother". (hint: there is a joke about this if you pay attention.)

"Keaton"

On June 17, 2009, Elizabeth and Jason welcomed Keaton Richard Andersen to the family at 4:10 AM (This also happens to be Jason's birthday). The cute little guy weighed in at 6 lbs. 13 oz. Height 18". Congratulations!

Air Show on D-Day

On Saturday, June 6 2009, Patty and I joined 200,000+ of our closest friends to watch the Air Force Show at Hill Air Force Base. This is also the 65th anniversary of D-Day. It is was of the few activities on earth that I would allow myself to get caught up with this many people.

This pilots are incredibly skilled at flying these amazing machines. We were at the show for 8+ hours (my fried face will attest to that). The weather turned out great with temperature at around 75 degrees and beautiful skies (see pictures).

Here are the Thunderbird F-16 jets waiting for their turn.



During the day there were numerous stunt planes with incredible pilots.



Grandma Pat and friends



The Air Force parachuters.



F-16 in brilliant skies.



Another stunt plane



Grandpa standing by a F-16 that he would love to fly in.



An incredibly large C-4 (I think that is correct). Makes a person seem small.



Amongst the crowd. We enjoyed talking to our new friends that we sat by all day.



Even though these were taken with a small digital camera, they turned out fairly well. We thought the grandkids would like to see them. (Thunderbirds)

The Last Chapter - Nauvoo, Cathage, & N. Missouri

Carthage is a somber place. Again, the Church has done a nice job of restoring this sad but historic spot in Church history.



I'm not much of a photographer, but this one turned out OK. I took this picture through the bullet hole in the door where the Prophet and others were staying. In the background is the window that Joseph went out of.



Outside the jail by the well where the Prophet laid.



This is the tomb back in Nauvoo where Joseph, Hyrum and Emma are buried. Their old homestead is in the background (now owned by the Community of Christ Church).



On our way back to Kansas City, we spent a night in Jamesport, MO, the largest settlement of Amish west of the Mississippi. We enjoyed visiting with them and seeing their skills with wood, quilting, etc. This picture is of a community phone booth that they use.



The Amish do not like their pictures taken, but we did take one of their mode of transportation.



We stayed in a B&B in Jamesport and really enjoyed ourselves. We stayed in the Blue Room (named for obvious reasons).



Adam-Ondi-Ahman is fairly close to Jamesport. When we went there we were literally the only people around so it was pretty inspirational to think of all that took place and will take place in the future.





I won't bore you with all of the details regarding Spring Hill, Tower Hill, etc., but I encourage you to read the references in the D&C. I did want to see and stand on Preacher's Rock at Tower Hill. The Prophet preached here many times as well as ancient prophets, no doubt. When we got to the turn-off for Tower Hill the gate was still locked. So, being my son's father, I jumped the fence and ran the mile or so up Tower Hill. I was not about to go this far and be denied. My self-timer shot turned out OK. With the birds singing, the flowers coming out and the incredible reverence in the area, it was awesome to be there and ponder.



Our last official tourist act was to visit President Truman's Library and his private residence. Suffice it to say that it was a terrific place to visit. We spent about 3 hours in the library and could have spent twice that. We had our own private tour of his home.

All in all . . . a truly remarkable trip.