Rain, Rain, Go Away

Years ago in Alabama, while stationed at Ft. Rucker, we were privileged to know Joseph Reed and his angel wife, Darla.  After Joe's untimely death in a helicopter crash, we kept in touch and have watched JR, Jessica and Jasmine grow to be the most wonderful, amazing, loving people.  JR was even with us in Africa when we served our mission.  He was called to Ghana too.  Anyway, Darla and the girls stopped by on their way to deliver Jessica to college in Provo.  It was so great to see them for a moment.

The guys started our beautiful deck outside our backdoor.  Who is that guy hanging out the office window?

The boss, Bruce, and our house full of water in the huge surprise rainstorm we had this week!  2" of rain in an hour.  Crazy!

Our new wood burning fireplace arrived.  It is so pretty.  The door opens into the living room and the master bedroom.  It might come in handy if we have another winter down here like they did last year.

The plumber finished up under the house and the cooling/heating team is almost done, too.

Had cement delivered today for the front porch arches and we are ready for the inspection.  It has been a good week. :)

Dirt, plumbing and music

We had our little dirt mover back this week to pile up the dirt for our front porch.  It is so much more convenient to just walk in the front door of the house rather than climb in by ladder!  

Not sure if Bruce is running from the little machine or just surprised to see me before 10 AM!

The guys are now constructing the retaining wall for the dirt.  It will come across and join up with Mom's wall.
The plumber is also here today roughing out the plumbing under the house.

We rented an auger to drill the holes for the porch columns.  Then they will fill with cement to build the arch columns.

They have also put in all the basic electrical and we are waiting for our satellite/tv guy to come this afternoon to put in all the internet and tv wires etc before the sheetrock goes up.

We took a break on Sat. evening and went with Dave and Kristine up to Zions Natl Park.  The Utah Symphony was there on the #5 stop of their National Park Tour.  It was outside at the OC Tanner amphitheater and although a little warm, it was an incredible evening, even stopping for dinner beforehand.

The music was fantastic, the scenery breathtaking, and the company delightful.  Thanks to Dave and Kris!

                                                                      Traveling…

We had such a wonderful time this last week traveling up to Logan again.  We celebrated our friend, Brenda's birthday (a couple times), participated in a funeral of a friend, blessed our baby Jackson, and sang with the American Festival Chorus and the Utah Festival Opera in an evening of the "Best of Beethoven".  We had a wonderful time.

A special "Thank-you" to James and Brandi who let us bunk with them for a loooonnnnggg time!

We actually caught up with Angelina and the kids again in Logan and lunched with everyone at Angies.  Just before we left St. George, we were able to go to Tuacahn and see the "Wizard of Oz"

The house is coming along.  The West wall is up and the roof is on.  Doors and windows are cut out.  (Gabe is decorating one)
We also have the framing for the inside walls and looking for electricity and plumbing this week.
Slowly but surely…step by step!