Raining but still Smiling

Oh my gosh we had so much fun at Yankee Candle but it didn't compare with our joy when Callie and Elizabeth greeted us with their happy faces. Callie immediately bonded with Becky and Ben and was so cute about showing us Scott. He is so adorable and we immediately had our arms outstretched to hold him. Callie and I took her dolly for a walk along a wooded path and I was so glad when Becky came along because Callie can really go fast when she decides to. She just takes off and never looks back. It is so cute to see her pushing her dolly along in a little stroller across rocks and down the lane.

We were so happy that both Brian and Jared took an extra day off so they could join with us in everything. Brian took us around Dartmouth and the Hospital where he is doing rotation.. Since it was Stake Conference we did not go to church but you can see by the picture that we held our own little meeting in the Farm Chapel and Brian read from a very old bible that was sitting on the old pulpit. Lots of fun sampling all the cheese and other goodies as we stopped at places along our way exploring and looking for covered bridges. The glass blowing was so interesting and the goblets they made while we were there were so beautiful...and expensive...

It is easy to see why they love it where they are. Everyting was so lush and we enjoyed hiking around, seeing all the amazing old homes and the beautiful flowering trees. The best of all was when we celebrated Callies 2nd birthday. She was so cute putting the frosting on her own little cake and opening all her presents. Like Garrett we must have taken over 200 pictures of Callie and Scott. We felt so welcome and loved by everyone. Again the red carpet was spread and we felt your love.

On our way to Burlington we stopped at a wooded site near the small village of Sharon, Vermont to see the Joseph Smith Memorial at the birthplace of the Prophet. The tour was so informative and there was such a feeling of peace in that beautiful spot. Soft sweet music could be heard from far off in the trees surrounding the monument.

Our last night was spent in an old mansion that had been converted into a bed and breakfast. A sharp contrast to where we had been a few nights before when we were staying by beautiful Lake Champlain.

Home again and the memories of a wonderful trip will stay with us forever as we compile and re visit in memory the opportunity that was ours to spend time with family. How blessed I am to be part of such an amazing family. Thank you for your love, your tender care and for making this last week one that I will treasure forever.