Bandelier National Monument

Yesterday we took a trip up to Bandelier National Monument where we hiked around some of the ancient ruins of the Pueblo people. There were a few caves that had ladders we could climb and actually go inside the dwelling. Those caves were a welcome relief from the rain. It started raining on us half-way through the hike and didn't let up until we were on our way home. We were all very cold at the end of our excursion from the near-freezing rain. We just kept telling the kids that it would be a grand adventure we could talk of for years to come--"Remember the time we got rained on at the cliff-dwellings?"

From Cumorah's Hill

Last weekend was our Stake's performances of "From Cumorah's Hill." We have been very busy the past few months preparing for this event since I directed it. It was a lot of work, time and stress, but I think it was worth it. We had 130 voices in the choir and almost 40 in the orchestra. The youth had a great experience and did a phenomenal job. Julianne was awesome to help with the children and all the housework that I didn't get to, (which was significant.) And Arthur was a great support in building platforms for the set, singing with the choir and he even grew and dyed his beard for his prophet role. It was a wonderful experience for our stake, I would definitely do something like this again! . . . But I'll wait a couple of years.


Arthur working on the set


After rehearsal


Orchestra rehearsal


Here I am leading the alto sectional


Arthur and I in our "concert attire."

Sledding!

On February 17, 2007, we went sledding up in the Sandia's with our friends the Schmutz Family. Dallin & Daphne had a blast with their little friends Bobby and Loralyn. Poor Sean tolerated it as best as he could. That little boy just doesn't find the joy in snow.