November has started out to be a great month.  We began by going to the San Antonio temple the first Saturday.  We drove four hours and did lots of good work.  Dad and Heather and I left early and had lunch at Kneader's before entering the temple.  Heather has been missing Kneaders greatly and was SO happy to finally have her turkey, bacon, avocado on focaccia bread.  And a piece of carrot cake.  It was great that the restaurant was practically across the street from the temple.  

After lunch we went to the temple and performed four baptisms, ten initiatories, eight endowments and three sealings.  It was a productive day!  We were so happy to get that much done.  

And then we took off to come home.  By way of Black's barbecue!!  Had to stop there for dinner.  We barely made it before they closed, but we DID make it.

Got home about midnight but it was worth the trip.  So happy that we can go there.  

The next Tuesday we got in the car early and took off for Phoenix!!  We were very happy to get to be with Rachael as she went through the temple for the first time.  She came to Phoenix because her parents weren't able to leave the mission to go to the temple with her in Utah.  So all her siblings came to Phoenix!!  What a fun gathering that was!

It was a good drive, uneventful fortunately.  We arrived Wednesday about noon and met Sean and Kristin at their home.  

Stephanie and Vince were already there, Brian and Kinsie and baby Sean and Jared and Jo were arriving later that day.  Jackie and her friend Linda would be coming when she could get there.  She was having car trouble.  They got there late that night.  And of course I forgot to take pictures when it was so much fun to just visit.  

Here is a picture of their kitchen where we spent a lot of time there.  The picture is of a time when they had missionaries over, not when we were there.  

Thursday Dad and I went to the temple to do some baptisms and initiatories and endowments while we had time.  Everyone else was off doing other things.  We also attended a missionary training meeting that was very instructive and enlivening.  What a spirit!  

Friday we went to the temple with all the family, the Rutters, Jerry Pennock, Hendricks and some of their other friends.  It was a lovely experience.  Rachael didn't want anyone but her friends to tell her about what to expect so she went in with no help from her parents. She was humbled and touched.  It was a very sweet experience.

Phoenix is a dry place, but pretty, nonetheless.  We went at a perfect time.  The weather was absolutely heavenly.  Must be the reason people move there and stay.  And then realize they have to be there in the summer too.  

Scott has adapted well to his new home.  He has friends and he has a perky little lizard in his room that he named Demille.  And while Brian and Kinsie were there he enjoyed having time with baby Sean who is a delight.  Such a good baby.  He got passed around to everyone for days and never complained.  

Jared and Jo visiting with Kristin and Sean.  They will be creating a Costa Vida there in the Phoenix area, buying a house and settling down for a few years.  

We loved the visit. It was so good to be around for a few days and get to see everyone relaxed and not in a hurry to go anywhere.  A fun few days!

We visited a ward on Sunday that needs some support.  We are thinking of applying to serve there on a mission.  Sean thinks we could be useful and he can help overcome some obstacles that can arise with our application.  We will see how it works out.  

We are looking forward to Thanksgiving this year because Erin will be visiting!!  She hasn't any actual vacation so we need to soak up as much of her as we can get in that little time.  We will go over to Lara's and have a delicious dinner and satisfying visit.  It is so wonderful to be with family!

We would love to be with every one of you this holiday.  We think of you and pray for each of you every day.  We wish each of you every happiness and joy.  We love you all with all our hearts!