OUR WEEK--Cascade Springs

"This does not look like Boston. This is pure Utah," I told the kids as we wandered through Cascade Springs, with its waterfalls, deer, and freshwater springs, surrounded by mountains.

Michael drove with us up American Fork Canyon and wandered with us through the Springs.

Sometimes it felt good to just sit down and put our feet in the stream.

We passed a bride with her retinue, taking pictures in this very picturesque spot. That motivated me to take photo essays of some of my very photogenic grandchildren--Sophia...

Mia...

and Emilie.

We drove through Wasatch Mountain State Park into the Heber Valley as sunset turned the sky rose.

OUR WEEK--Red Butte Gardens

"This is your week," Camille said, as she moved with her tribe into our house from July 18 to 25. She would be away from her Boston home for seven weeks, allocated to various adventures--10 days visiting Mormon Church historical sites, a week with the Spendloves in SLC, a week with the Eberts in Newport Beach, a weekend in St. George with adult friends, a shared week or two for friends and family all jumbled together, and then 10 days driving home by way of Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore, Chicago, and the Cedar Point, Ohio, roller coaster park.

We spent Monday night of Our Week at Red Butte Gardens. We took a picnic and sat on the grass, watching a show put on by Cambodian and Vietnamese dancers.

We brought Subway sandwiches for Mike, Camille, and the kids.

The Vietnamese lion dancers prowled through the audience, chased by the children.

After the show, we wandered the gardens, enjoying the summer evening.

We watched a tiny moon rise in the sky.

Annelise's Big Day

Annelise was confirmed a member of the Church on July 18, 2010. She was baptized in the Susquhanna River, just like Joseph Smith, as her family drove west through Pennsylvania. The Sunday after Annelise and her family arrived in Salt Lake City, we all gathered at the home of Annelise's Ebert grandparents for the ceremony. Annelise's Grandma Ebert gave her a brand new white dress with little pearls on the sash.

Annelise greeted her guests--Grandpa David... Ezra...

Grandma Carol and Mia...

Uncle Mike...

and all the Eberts.

Steve announced the program.

Annelise's cousins sang, "I am a Child of God."

Grandma Gretta talked about the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

Grandma compared the comfort the Holy Ghost can give with the comfort of a beloved "blankie." As visual aids, she brought the blankies Ezra, Jono, Mia, and Annelise loved so well. Some of them have been loved to shreds.

Annelise's grandpas and uncles gathered round to give her a blessing and confirm her a member of the Church. Afterwards, it was time for presents, including a candy poster from Uncle Craig and Aunt Carolyn.

And it was time for Grandma Ebert's great dinner, with cookies in the shape of "A's" for Annelise!

Annelise was princess for a day and everyone wanted to pose with her!