Catching up on the last half of 2009

In July we drove to Nauvoo, Illinois, where we met Nathan's family and saw Steve's brother's family in the Nauvoo pageant. The city, the temple, the historical atmosphere and time spent with family were wonderful. One of the professional cast was a friend Carianne met while doing a nursing internship in England this spring.

In August, family came to say farewell to Carianne.

Ashlyn and Corbin

Emma

We all climbed Devils Head Mountain, including my mother, Gigi!

Sweet Carianne

Lady bugs loved Morgan...or the other way around

We took the opportunity to climb Mt. Timpanogos the day before Carianne entered the MTC

Carianne is serving in Tegucigalpa, Honduras with Hna Naa from Tonga.

Hna King learning to carry firewood on her head

During that trip we were able to see our newest grandson, Lochten King, born to Jameson and Kamrah on 21 July 2009. For news on their triathlon trip to Australia see their blog, kingkronicles.blogspot.com !

Back at home it was time for our 2nd Annual Relief Society Triathlon, which I started last year after requests from women who wanted to try doing a triathlon. It was fun preparing together for several months, and then on race day there were 15 women participating at Aurora Reservoir! There were many stories of individual accomplishments and of overcoming challenges. I will miss my calling as RS president, but I cherish friendships made. Come join us next summer for the 3rd Annual!

Steve and I had been training for the Crescent Moon Triathlon in September, but he ended up being out of town. I was worried about going all alone, but then good friends Terri and Rich came to support me! I was very happy to improve my times in each area and take 1st in my age group.

Somewhere in there we started a kitchen project...refacing cabinets and new countertops. Hopefully the tile will be done soon and we can call it finished!

This Thanksgiving it was our turn to have all the kids and grandkids at our house!

Playing in the hats Kamrah made everyone.

The gang lassoing Connor

Hiking in Castlewood Canyon

Giddy up!

So that meant that Steve and I would be all alone for Christmas...for the first time. I treated a few patients in the morning, then we talked to Hna King on the phone with all her siblings!!! Then Steve and I visited an Assisted Living home in Parker where I sometimes see clients. We gave pumpkin bread to the residents and just talked...they have such interesting stories. Then we had a friend over for dinner and a movie. Here are some Christmas scenes in our beautiful town of Parker.

Come see us sometime! Happy New Year!