Boise, Lehi, Stansbury and Beyond

BEYOND: Geocaching beyond Tooele!

The last few weeks have been filled with highs and lows and ups and downs. I guess that's why I am sporting a makeshift "umbrella". Labor Day was a high...a geocaching adventure with Wonton Cache'n to some new places to explore. Here we are on the trail. We found 4 caches (one was a 2-stage) and we really enjoyed the pleasant temperatures, the excercise and the fun company.

Here's the view from our first cache find...from atop the Stockton Sand Bar (deposited long ago by Lake Bonneville). Getting there was pretty tricky in the CRV and bushwacking up a hill. We found the trail on the way back.

Geo-Dancing on the Sand Bar...Grandma and Brie!

Little green paper lanterns.

Of course, Mr. Geo Idiot found a sunflower to photograph for me. Cache #2--Quiet Places This was a very unique cemetery up a canyon on the outskirts of a ghost town named Mercur (after mercury in mining days.)

Most of the graves were surrounded by picket fences. Only one had a legible "headstone." Found our 3rd and 4th caches up Ophir Canyon.

STANSBURY: The Sunday before Labor Day was a celebration of Colby's 4th Birthday...FUN!

Here are the yummy chocolate birthday cupcakes....served with chocolate ice cream, of course. Nice ending to great BBQ hot dogs and good salads.

Some of the party goers.

Colby and the loot!

Opening presents.

The birthday boy blew out the candles before we could finish the song!

Meanwhile Brie is mastering the art of jump rope. She prefers to turn the rope backwards!

Birthday Boy Colby is chillin' in his PJs and readin' a book.

We finally got to visit "The Man Cave"...eclectic decor and cozy atmosphere. Dad & I love it!

LEHI: On the Saturday before Labor Day I attended The Kirkham Family Reuion (George William Kirkham (my great-great-grandfather) and his 4 sons (George who is my great-grandfather, James, Joseph & Hyrum (twins)) and their descendants in Lehi. It was a celebration of 150 years since the Kirkhams entered the Salt Lake Valley...1859. There were more than 100 people there and I got to hear some interesting stories about conversion and early life in Utah. After lunch I followed a map to view homesites and the cemetery.

The original "Tithing Barn" is still standing.

One of the homes George (a carpenter) built and lived in. He helped build the St. George Temple, the Salt Lake Temple and the Assembly Hall and Tabernacle.

Me and Marge Mower, up from Phoenix--91 years old.

Marge and one of her children, Susan (Suzi) who lives in Provo.

My cousin Jana (her father, Dick, is my Dad's brother) and her husband Jimmie from Far West, Utah.

My grandparents.

My great-grandparents...George married 2 Russon sisters, Mary and Sara (my ancestor).

My great-great-grandparents, born in England, sailed to the USA & traveled to Utah via ox cart.

BOISE: The end of August and first week in September I spent 8 days moving Mom from her home to assisted living. It was easier in some ways and harder in others, than I had imagined, but I feel she is in the best place considering her needs.

The 3 girls on the porch on Crestwood for the last time.

One more shot of Roddy eating a peanut on the patio.

Entrance to Grace Assisted Living Center at Fariview Lakes.

Grace Memory Care Unit...not yet 4 years old.

Mom in front of the door to her room with a new autumn wreath and her old brass vase of irises.

Mom relaxing in her swivel rocker at Grace.