Fall in Minnesota

We are settling in to life here in Minnesota. It's beautiful and, yes, sometimes it's chilly. The autumn colors here are amazing. We are getting some good time in as a little family, despite Mark's crazy schedule. And we love our time when we get to play with the Driskills and the Childresses too! It's wonderful having family close by. Here are some highlights from our most recent adventures.

Two weekends ago we gathered to send Tyler off on his mission with a grand farewell. We played at French Park,

had a big dinner all together, played games, celebrated Ai's birthday,

and got to make lots of good memories with Tyler before he headed off to the MTC to prepare for his mission to Slovakia. I sure love this amazing young man. When he spoke in church he bore such a powerful and sincere testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I felt so lucky that Kimball and I were able to join him and his family when he was set apart as a missionary because the spirit there that night was incredible. Tyler will be a mighty missionary. I am so excited for him!

When Tyler was baptized 11 years ago, I flew up to Minnesota to be there. It seemed so right to be here again as he set off as a missionary!

This last weekend was MEA so the kids were out of school for a couple of days. We went to Interstate State Park with the Driskills to see the fall leaves and explore the potholes there that were made by melting glaciers long ago.

 We stopped by a crazy sculpture garden on the way home too.

 And yes, we are getting ready for Halloween around here...

 and having fun with our happy 6-month-old Baby Sam.

 Happy Fall!