Fall Fun in Arizona

Our vacations include planning different destinations and of course food! One of our first stops on the way to the Grand Canyon was a little cafe with great pies!

This is Dan (as in Daniel Boone), Lloyd and Rayme sporting their coon skin caps getting ready for our adventures at the Grand Canyon. It was rather chilly that morning we were at the Grand Canyon, but it did warm up to a balmy 50 degrees (as long as we were in the sun it seemed warmer).
The first time I visited the Grand Canyon I was in awe, and couldn't believe how beautiful and the creation of it was an overwhelming feeling. It still makes me feel a bit of disbelief of it magnificent wonder.

Another thought, I wonder when the first pioneers came west and came upon this natural creation what they thought?

Cheryle, Dan, Dawn, Lloyd, Donna & Rayme at the Grand Canyon (not to close to the edge).

Dan & Rayme close to the edge. (A little to close for Cheryle and mine comfort.)

The next stop on our vacation was Sedona, and we took a Jeep Tour in the back country. I love gnarly looking trees, and I wasn't disappointed because I was able to take quite a few pictures of the unique looking trees.

I am not sure if you can detect the color of the jeep, but it is Pink! I highly recommend the Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona. We had a great driver - Kristen! No, we didn't let the guys drive!


Definitely a wild ride!

I love taking pictures of the scenery in Arizona.

Earlier I said we like to eat and here is one of our stops - gotta love Texas Roadhouse.

Breakfast outside on the patio in the middle of October!
A vacation wouldn't be complete without a friendly game of Hand & Foot!

And a daily midnight swim in the 97 degree pool. Dawn likes her pool warm, the rest of the us think of it as a big bathtub.

I had a great time with great friends and lots of fun!

It isn't the destination it's the journey. I can't wait until our next journey.

Dutch Oven Delight

Friday night, Rayme & I hosted a Ward Adult Dutch Oven Cookout/Potluck. It was a fun and learning evening. It was to help teach how to use their dutch oven especially under an emergency circumstance, and enjoy the wonderful food.
Being that this is an outdoor event, and the briquette's are used (meaning the use of fire). Weather is a factor, important issue to consider! Yes, again I was watching the weather to try and predict the weather and the forecast wasn't looking favorable. Being in the the great Pacific NW - yep you guess it - rain! As you may understand rain can have several definitions here. When Rayme started the briquette and it wasn't raining yet, and then it started sprinkling after the coals were started and about the time everyone showed up it started pouring rain. Since this event was taking place on your patio (no cover), Rayme fashioned an awning with tarps to cover our guests.
In spite of the rain, we enjoyed some fabulous food, such cowboy type of beans, a couple of different kinds of stews, Carmel apple crisp, and peach cobbler, ribs. Mmmm - good.
Some of the people wanted to know if we were going to cancel the event because of the rain. Rayme's response - No way! If we really had an emergency chances are it is going to be raining.
I would have to say all in all it was a successful night.

New Adventures

Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we have opportunities to serve in different positions (callings). Since our ministry isn't paid, we all help out. Let me make it clear we don't have a sign up sheet asking for help in Sunday School or working with the youth,etc. Callings are issued with great thought and prayer and are inspired. (Sometimes I think maybe desperation, but I know better.)
Well, I have a new calling - Stake Young Women's Secretary!
Previously I have held callings within the Young Women's organization since my girls where little, and even in the Stake YW. But it has been about 10 years since I have worked with the young women. I have forgotten how busy the youth are. I think in the week or so, I have been to about 3-4 different events, and about that many more are planned for the next week.
If you remember a previous post about being in my PJ's by 6:00 - no more! Maybe we can plan an activity including wearing your favorite PJ's??!!
I am excited about this new calling, and the wonderful women that I will get to serve with. My observation is that people that serve with the youth tend to be more young at heart too. Do you think this is my way of not growing up?