Conner received his mission call on Friday. We were anxious to find out where he would be going and it took all of my self control to not peek in the envelope before Con got home from school that night! Conner has been called to serve in the Chile Osorno Mission. He will enter the MTC on June 24, 2009.

Mike, being the technology guy that he is, had our eight other children and their families call into a conference bridge so that we could all be there when Conner opened his call. Aimee and Wade and the girls were at Disneyland, Jake was at work, and Jess and Steve were in a different time zone at the time, but it was great to be together- even on the phone.

We went to Cheyenne this weekend to see the latest edition to Erich and Wendy's brood. Isabell Grace Hunsaker is doing well and is now two weeks old. Collin is a good big brother and Hannah is not sure what to do yet... More to come on that front I'm sure! It was a nice 50 degrees in Cheyenne on Saturday, I hated to come home to the sub-zero temps here in Star Valley.

We also got to see the Frenches in Kemmerer on the way out, and we also saw Sagan and Jake and Conner too. I will post some pictures here and on my Facebook for all to see. Just a regular Family reunion this weekend!

I am really a big fan of fall colors photography, although I never have my camera when I see some great colors. This year the day before the leaves all fell off the trees for good, I took this picture of the Aspens and Cottonwoods just outside our front door at home. I have never seen so many red Aspen tree leaves as this year! Where else could you live and have such secluded beauty right outside the door.

We are so blessed to have this new home, and live in such a beautiful valley. There is now about six inches of snow, and today started out at -10 degrees below zero. This must be why the population has not increased too much in the area. What a blessing, to have sub-zero temperatures to keep the Californians and New Yorkers away...

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Shelley and I wish each of you Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

We are getting ready to host four of our five kids and their families over the holidays. We are very excited to see them, Conner came home from Rock Springs last night, Jess and Steve are coming on Sunday the 21st, Sagan and Jake will be here on the 23rd, and Aimee, Wade and the girls will be here on Christmas Day. We wish that Erich, Wendy and fam could come but Erich's work schedule and Wendy's little bun in the oven won't allow it.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone and catching up, especially on bowl games and board games. There are several championships at stake on the Wii and at cards.