Baptism of Miss S

My cousin, Jenny, invited us to her daughter's baptism. The lovely Miss S was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her Aunt, Mitzi, shared a beautiful talk beforehand about the promises we make with Heavenly Father at baptism, and all of the blessings He promises us in return. We're glad we got to be a part of it and celebrate with their family.

One of my other cousins, Krissy, has a daughter who chose to be baptized also. She decided that she wanted to let her friends and family in Arkansas see what it is all about. We didn't make it to hers, but we are very proud of Miss K for her kind example and testimony. Things were difficult for Krissy's family, as the day before was her father's funeral, but we were all grateful to be together to support these lovely girls.

Sorry, Jenny, for not taking any pictures of your incredible Mary Poppins-themed display. Or maybe it was good I didn't capture it, so I won't have to judge myself based on your table perfection. Anyway, I loved it!

Aunt Brenda, cousin Krissy, and Miss K

Johnson Meet-Up

Sleeping before baby comes is always a 

good idea.

We haven't been able to visit Mom's side of the family for a bit, so we arranged with cousin Jenny and the Aunts to meet up and play. The kids ran throughout the house, and the adults ate and talked. Cousin Jason even showed Mr C the horses on the property. We're excited for Baby Witte!

Mr C climbs now, and kept challenging Daddy to foosball. They make a darling pair.

Hogle Zoo

Family friend, Elise, works in the educational department at Salt Lake City's Hogle Zoo. Last fall, she invited us to visit, and we gladly accepted. She was even willing to come in on a Saturday she had off to give a proper tour and introductions to the animals. We also arranged to meet up with the Porters and my sister Cassie and her husband, Nate. I worried over the weather forecast, but it was a beautiful November morning, and clouded over as we were leaving.

We took Miss V to the Idaho Falls Boo at the Zoo when she was just a couple months old, so this is the first Zoo experience she started to understand. We made the entire loop, and I was so proud of Mom-in-law, who has had knee surgery, but was pressing forward the whole time.

Elise knew many of the animals by name, and told us their preferences and habits. Apparently, Hogle Zoo has some of the oldest zoo animals, and many who are nursed back to health. Thanks again to Elise for making our visit to the zoo possible in the first place.

As we worked our way back to the cars, the clouds came, and the rain began. It was perfect timing. We went out to eat with the Porters afterward, and then spent the night at their house, where Miss V and her Grandma Porter made lots of pretend phone calls to one another. 

Cousin Jenny and I got passes for our families this year, so we went to the Hogle Zoo again with her neighbor and Cassie. As we entered the zoo, the giraffes had gathered close to the crowds for a feeding with their impressively long tongues. When I was in second or third grade, we went to the zoo for a special bird show, but the power had gone out, so the birds couldn't perform without their cues. After twenty long years, I'm proud to say that I was able to see the bird show, and it was very impressive. I think that and the elephants were Miss V's favorite parts. She even walked the whole time without having me wear her in the Boba carrier (although it was definitely her nap time by the end). We're looking forward to going again, especially as autumn approaches.

August 2015

August 2015

New Year 2015

Normally we get together with the Porters around New Years, but they had other plans or were not able to make it, so we asked if we could invite the Hoopers to the cabin for New Years. Grandma Sue and Grandpa Porter are very generous people. My parents, brother Ammon, and the Witte family (cousins) came to enjoy the warm cabin, real and junk food, and the icy beach. Bubbles from the loft were a big hit, as well as the musical instruments and Barbie collection.

Video link: Jeremy slides on the ice

Pumpkin Walk 2014

One event that always peaks my interest, and which I missed greatly while living out-of-state is North Logan's own annual Pumpkin Walk, held at Elk Ridge Park. The amazing creativity of local schools, organizations, families, and businesses began over twenty years ago, when the Beutlers converted their farmland into a temporary masterpiece of pumpkins forming well-known characters.

With the draw of Ida Beutler's homemade cookies and hot drinks, about 200 people attended the walk that first year. But it was such a big hit (and word spread so fast), that during the next year, attendance jumped to around 2,000 attendees. 

"The Beutlers took their apple crop and had them pressed into cider for Ida, in her gracious manner, to serve to visitors," said North Logan resident Nancy Israelson. 

With the help of enlisted friends and neighbors, it grew from there. There was one year when it was just too much for the Beutlers to do, so it was cancelled. The problem was that the Pumpkin Walk had become so loved - it left a void in the Halloween fun - so the next year the city of North Logan asked to help carry on the tradition. (The Utah Statesman, 10/29/03)

My parents moved us to the area when I was still in elementary school, and I remember walking as a class all in a line down the street to the park to see the displays.  I very excitedly got to go with Zak, V, Grandma Hooper, and cousin Jenny and her kids. Some favorites were the Lego Movie, The Christmas Carol, Sword in the Stone, and Robin Williams carvings.