November 1-2, 2008, Flagstaff to Linden to Mesa, AZ

As the sun began to set Sunday evening we bid goodbye to our 3 White Mountain families and made our way down old US 60 to Mesa and the East Valley , our home for almost our entire life.

We will be residing temporarily with our daughter Melissa, husband Russell and their family of four in Gilbert while we prepare for our missionary service in West Virginia. We are scheduled to be at the Provo, Utah Missionary Training Center on January 5, 2009.

These last 60+ days of travel have been a wonderful, memorable experience, confirming upon us the beauty of this America, the goodness of its people, the blessing of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, resonating with ever growing power in every part of this nation and the world. As we have traveled we have, through the miracle of modern technology, taken our family and many of our friends along with us, with daily postings to our blog, receiving responses and updates from so many of you as we went along. What a choice eperience for us! We love each other, our country, our family and or God!

This is the day to exercise our right to vote in this wonderful experiment called American Democracy; a nation "of the people, by the people and for the people." May we each help ensure that it "shall not perish from the earth."

Here are two of Kelly's daughters, Catelyn and Elsie. Catelyn (on the right) said if I took this picture I would have to put it on the blog. So, here it is! Two perfect charmers, these granddaughters!

It was so fun to be with our White Mountain families once again!

Sunday, after attending Stake Conference and listening to our Church leaders address all 88 Stakes of the Church in Arizona by satellite braodcast, we gathered for dinner at the home of our daughter Rebecca (she is the shy one with her arm raised in the air), husband Randy(to her left). They and their four children also reside in Linden, just a mile or so from Ann and Steve.

Seated next to them is our oldest daughter Kelly, with her husband Brock (cell phone in ear). They have a home in nearby Taylor with four of Kelly's children and regular visits from Brock's five children. This is a big family! A close friend of Randy & Rebecca is seated to the left. In the forground with only her head visible is Alexis, youngest daughter of Randy & Rebecca. (These candid shots are not necessarily approved by those in the picture).

We had enchiladas with rice, chips and salsa. A wonderful southwestern meal after many weeks in country that doesn't know how to make Mexican food. It was great to be with all of them!

Here is Joshua, showing off his great form and supurb agility.

On Saturday, November 1, we made a quick trip from Flagstaff to Linden, Arizona, to the home of our daughter Ann, her husband Steve and children Beau, Gracie and baby Joshua (Josh was tucked in bed when this picture was taken). Gracie always gives up her room for Grandpa and Grandma when we visit. They are so kind and good to us. It is always a joy when we can stop in for a visit.