Cathy and I went up on the Mesa this afternoon, just for a ride.  Here are a couple of pictures of the area around the Visitor's Center.  We had quite an adventure on the way back.  Coming down the mountain we saw a big moose in the trees just off the road.  That was cool.  Also, coming home we hit some rain.  I was passing a semi just before the bridge over the river east of Palisade on I-70, and the truck hit a big puddle just as I was going by, totally submerging my windshield in water.  The wipers couldn't keep up and for a few seconds I was blind with a semi on one side and a concrete barrier on the other, while going around a curve at 60 mph.  Luckily the wipers finally got the water off so I could see.

Then, just before Horizon Drive, the rain hit so hard that visibility went to zero for everybody.  I had just passed a semi, again, and the only way I could see the road was to follow the taillights of the semi in front and keep my eye on the semi behind.  Some people pulled over, but I was not that bright.  By Horizon Drive the rain had slowed enough to see.  Just after the interchange we saw an accident where an SUV and a truck had gone off the road in the center median.  Quite a drive home.

I have been watching the Olympics pretty much every evening during the games, and haven't taken the time to post.  I didn't post when the grandkids were here either, so I think I have 1 post so far this month.  Do they kick you off the blog if you don't post?  Don't wanna find out.

Not much new to report.  I went to the Monticello temple last Saturday and did a bunch of initiatories.  I was going to stay for a session too, but another member of our group had some names to take through and wanted me to take one with him, and he had gone to the earlier session while I was doing the initiatory thing, so when I was done I waited for him to come out of the celestial room so we could go in for the next session, but he came out after the next session had started, and I was not dedicated enough to wait another two hours for the next one, so we changed clothes and left.  Was that a long sentence or what!  It was still a very good experience.  Cathy could not go, but maybe she can go next time.

I get to change jobs in about 4 weeks.  As soon as another PST is trained up, I get to move into the traffic unit job, which means handling accidents instead of writing parking tickets.  7 or 8 years of parking enforcement is enough.  

Not this weekend, but next, we go to Denver for Ethen's baptism.  Congratulations Ethen!!    

Our amazing grandkids

After Erik finished his frantic study for the bar exam, he and Jennifer went to Las Vegas and we got to watch the grandkids for a few days.  I will be honest and admit that by the end of a day I (Cathy too) am frazzled and aching for some peace and quiet, but I feel blessed to be able to spend some time with them.  Of course, now that Travis and Rebecca live 2 miles away, we get to see Loralei a lot too.  It's when the four of them get together that life gets interesting!

Ethen is smart as a whip, and has an overdeveloped sense of right and wrong.  He really believes the rules should be obeyed, whether it's no shoes in the McDonald's play area or if you are playing a game you should finish it.  He's a sensitive soul who is also growing into a mischevious (is that spelled right?) little boy.

Mia is a sweetheart.  She likes to socialize and get along, and is reluctant to force her will on others.  She has a strong sense of fairness, for herself but for others too, and is patient and friendly with others.  She is kind and loving and a joy to be around.

Kendall is a hoot.  She is having a bit of a hard time with Mom and Dad being gone, but has warmed up to her grandparents and provides constant moments of enjoyment for us.  She likes to push her limits, loves to be outside, and wants to be a big kid.  She is developing a real personality right before our eyes.  She is not afraid to stand up for herself with the other kids too, although she is too small to win any arguments.

Loralei is learning how to have siblings.  She likes to push her limits, and it doesn't matter if it's with an adult or a kid.  She can be hard headed and can be very loving and concerned too.  She doesn't know she is only 2 1/2 years old; she thinks she is at least as old as Mia.  She is beautiful and smart and is a handful.  Her smile can melt your heart.

Taken individually, each grandchild is a masterpiece of God's creation.  Taken together, watch out or they will drive you crazy!