Follow the Prophets---What did they teach us during the October General Conference? Please add a “tag” and your insights by each member of the Twelve, and the First Presidency.

                                               

 

                                       

 

                                        

 

                                         

 

                                          

What a game!

We attended our first BYU football gave of the season on Saturday evening. Sarah and Frank took off from work a bit early. Start time was set for 5:00. We could see a storm brewing to the southwest as we drove (south) towards Provo.

Meanwhile in Provo: First it looked like this--

This was the Cougar Walk, as the team arrived at the stadium, where the students had lined up to greet them before the game.

By the time we arrived at the parking lot near the stadium, it looked like this--

The game was delayed, due to weather—lightning and high winds, and incredible rain—for just over an hour. We went to get something to eat at a great new Mexican grill –Manuel’s. It’s new, and really good.

We went back to get our same parking spot, still rainy, still game delay. Dinah was rapidly losing what little interest she’d had in attending the game. She’s not a real fan of football, yet. We called Helen to see if perhaps she had any rain ponchos. She said she’d dig some out and bring them down to us. She lives about 4 minutes from the stadium. Dinah saw this as her way out of the game. She opted to go to the grocery store and then back home with Helen and David. By this time, we didn’t need the ponchos, the rain had worked itself out and the weather had settled into a perfect temperature for a great football game.

We saw lots of this--

QB Taysom Hill ran for three TDs.                                                                          (While Texas could do nothing but watch!)

There was lots of this--

                                                                 

Justin Sorensen is finally healthy this season. He didn’t miss all night.               Cody was back!

                           

KVN was everywhere!                                               Bronco seemed pleased with the outcome!

It was a spectacular evening!

Where we stayed--

I’ve already posted a picture of the tent cabin we stayed in. Here is a shot of the Marina at Colter Bay. The water was lower than this picture shows, but the mountain view is the same—Spec.tac.u.lar!

A Day at String Lake

Frank has a bucket list. It’s not tangible, it’s not written down somewhere. But there are several things that he’s always wanted to do. One of those things is to canoe on String Lake in Grand Teton National Park. String Lake connects Jenny Lake and Leigh Lake, both of which are deep, glacier fed mountain lakes.

We arrived in time to get a perfect spot with a picnic table just up from the beach. About five minutes after we got set up with and awning for shade and chairs on the beach, at least two families arrived, eying our table and beach space. We were glad we hadn’t arrived any later! We blew up the raft and the new two man inflatable kayak and launched the canoe and settled in for the day.

Grandpa, Grace, Benjamin                    Abby and Whitney                                         Grace and Benjamin

Grace actually spent most of her day in a water craft. Which ever one was headed out, she climbed in and went along.

Jared and Caleb                                    Dinah, too much fun!                           Eli (Caleb and Jared)

  Sarah, Benjamin, Grace                  The corpse on the left is Hannah               Dinah

Abby and Hannah                           Gracie, waiting for the next boat!                  Caleb

It was a glorious day. My one regret is that I never got into a boat. I was perfectly content to enjoy the view from the beach, taking pictures and such. Then, it was time to be done, and I’d not taken the opportunity.  But, the scenery was lovely and we had an awesome day!

After the lake, several of us headed over to Jackson Lake Lodge for a swim and a shower. Because we were camped at  Colter Bay, we had access to the pool. The water was the perfect temperature in the pool. The water in the shower was COLD! But it was good enough for a shampoo and a quick rinse! Felt great!

Back to School

7:15 am and the house is quiet. Not totally thrilled. It was a short summer. We had such good times. But I suppose I’m ready for fall. The weather has changed ever so slightly; I’m always amazed that the earth knows when September is approaching. I don’t seem to marvel as much over the change to winter, spring, and summer, but I’m fascinated but the subtle yet sure changes as Autumn approaches. I love tomatoes and apples and peaches and farmers’ markets, and cool evenings and mornings.

The kids headed out the door by 7:10.

Dinah is in 9th grade this year. This is her last year at APA. We’ve had such good experiences at this charter school, but I’m a bit relieved that it’s her last year. APA has opened another new school, Draper 2, which Dinah and all of the Draper Jr High students will be attending. In an effort to accommodate so many from their massive wait list, they’ve expanded and enlarged the student body. Only 60 9th graders, but 173 7th graders. Our very favorite aspect of APA has been the smallness. I remember attending the parent information meetings, as we were learning about APA and their mission and vision. They promised that the mission statement was such that some things would remain constant, one of which was the size. Caleb’s 9th grade class graduated 24. Perfect! I think, in an effort to enroll as many as possible into the school, they’ve lost their vision as far as size goes. And, I’m sure the salaries of the executive directors go up as the numbers increase. But, we love the education provided and we only have to deal with the silly stuff for one more year.

Caleb is a junior at WJHS. He’s got a fun schedule organized—solid academics, with choir, musical theater and seminary to give balance. He is serving as Seminary Council president and has already asked his homecoming date to the dance. As long as the weather holds, he’ll be able to drive to school—Frank rides his scooter to work. A new wrinkle for him this year will be balancing homework, social activities, and a part time job. So far, Chick Fil A has been great to work with conflicts in the summer—scout camp, EFY and family activities. As much as Caleb needs the money for choir tour—to NYC—he’ll have to keep his work hours in check to keep his ducks in a row!

 

I told Sarah, at breakfast, that since I didn’t take a picture of her on her first day of her job at DI I’d take one of her this morning. Here she is, toast in hand (and mouth) headed off to help people learn job skills. DI seems to be a good fit for Sarah. She has several refugees, from third world countries, that have found their way to DI and she enjoys helping them find their way as they learn English, social skills, and basic job skills. It’s fun to listen to her and Frank “talk shop” in the evenings.

I had a lovely evening, last night, back in rehearsals with Sterling Singers. It’s a large, non-audition community choir. We have two extremely talented conductors. The two hour rehearsal is quite exhilarating. I’m reminded of how grateful I am for music in my life.

Crock pot meals

Crock pot freezer meals

So I'll know where to look for them!

Grand Teton vacation

We had a wonderful Frank Hintze family reunion last week, up at Colter Bay, which is in the Grand Teton National Park. We stayed at the tent cabins, which Frank in particular appreciates. It seems he doesn’t have to set up a tent when we arrive.

The tent cabin has two log walls, two canvas walls, a nice heavy canvas roof (sadly it didn’t rain), four cots, and a pot belly stove, all on a cement slab. The cement slab is a great commodity when it comes to getting kids up out of the dirt to eat, sleep, and perhaps to take a bath in a bucket!

We all, except Jared and Bekah, arrived Wednesday afternoon/evening, in time for dinner—Philly Steak sandwiches. We didn’t expect Jared and Bekah until Thursday afternoon, she originally thought she’d have to work until noon on Thursday. Just as we finished up dinner, they came walking into camp. Yay! All present and accounted for! It seems Bekah had been able save up some overtime and take off Thursday after work.

One of the best things we did was to assign out breakfast each morning. Abby and Steve did and Omelet Buffet on Thursday morning. So good! We cleaned up and headed out to hike half-way around Jenny Lake, to Hidden Falls. I was all mentally prepared for a lovely 2.3 mile, level hike, right along the lake shore.

Just getting started,                              throwing rocks back into the lake,                The only way to hike!

Manly –Jared and Caleb                    Dinah—I am Yao!                                       Living on the edge!

Well, about a half mile into the hike we were informed that we would be taking a detour—up and around what is the old horse trail. Several switch backs, more climbing, and more sun. It probably added about a mile extra to our hike. I set a goal to keep up with the 2, 3, and 4 year-olds! Mostly I made that goal.

Benjiman and Uncle Caleb         Can’t beat the view!                          Abby carried Whitney the whole way

My encouragement!                         Pit stop                                 The reason……

 

The river at the end of the hike was heaven on my feet. The kids splashed around, we were all refreshed after about 30 minutes.

Cool water                                         Makayla testing the water        It was all their idea! (I think!)

Happily, there is a shuttle boat back to the dock--

What long, hot hike?                    Waiting for the boat….            Our group was too large for that one

Sure glad we didn’t have to hike all the way around the lake!

 

                   It was a great day, tired feet not withstanding!