A Drive along the Boulder

Every weekend feels like an adventure as we pack a lunch and find a new road to discover. It is one of the greatest things about moving to a new area where everything is fresh and new and there are discoveries around every corner. We knew we needed to take advantage of the last nice weekends we have left so we took a drive along the Boulder river. We saw antelope running along the road, men fishing the boulder, a wildfire burning in the distance and a breathtaking waterfall. To our suprise it was almost 90 degrees out so Gavin had to take off his long sleeve shirt and enjoy the playground of the Mcleod Montana School with Dad. We ended the day at a fish hatchery and then it was off to Carter's football game. What a weekend! Zach spent the day in Yellowstone with his scout troop observing the geysers and the boys all had a camp out with Dad at Pine Creek the night before. Needless to say.. Sunday WAS a day of rest. Happy First days of fall everyone!

Happy Fall

Happy Fall Everyone. I love this time of the year when the morning awakes with crisp air and the kitchen smells of pumpkin cookies and chicken noodle soup with hot rolls. I would love if you would share your favorite fall recipes with me! Send to robertsjessie@yahoo.com.

oops..

Just a quick Sorry to SARA for putting an H at the end of her name! All the Sarah's I know have one so I am sorry about that. You are wonderful, unique, and an amazing mother! Hope all is well.

Dinner with the Elders

We enjoyed having the missionaries over to our house on monday night for some last of the summer bbq. The boys really enjoyed playing candy land with them and laughing at how funny Brother Maloney was. By the way.. He is the same missionary that would eat frequently with Eric and Sarah in Missoula! How fun is it that we get to feed him now?! I heard that he loved Eric's pancakes for dinner so I think I will give it a try next time. I am craving Pumpkin Pancakes! I am ready to bake. I love fall!

Special Day

We had the priviledge of attending Stake Conference last sunday in Bozeman and it was a wonderful meeting! We have an amazing Stake President here and his words are always very powerful and uplifting. I want to share just a few thoughts:

Do you have any part of the world in your home? How do we dress? What language do we use? What TV do we watch or movies? How can we remove ourselves from the things of the world and focus on family? I have been trying to do this. It seems to be a constant battle with all that we are exposed to each and everyday.

We also were very excited to hear from Elder D. Todd Christofferson. It was a big event for an apostle to come to Montana, in fact they mentioned that they only come every 16 years or so.

He spoke about how our covenants give us strength in a difficult world. And the Prophets messages of young men to serve missions, strengthening our marriages, rescue those who are drifting, and minister to the rising generation (our children).

After the meeting was over, Elder Christofferson invited all the children to come up and shake his hand. He commented to Zach how much he liked his suit and tie, and thanked Carter and Gavin for coming. It was so touching that I couldn't help but cry as I watched my boys. They seem to be getting older each day.

We love all of you! We think of you daily and pray for you. I hope everyone is feeling joy and comfort in our Saviors love.

Preschool started

We decided to keep Gavin in preschool another year so that he can be better prepared for kindergarten next year. Here he is on his first day. He was very excited and even picked out the flashy shoes at the store for his big day. He is enrolled in St. Mary's and I am grateful for what a private education can do for him but it is a little different being a catholic school. His teacher was trying to teach him how to pray. Aaron and I had to laugh a little at that. :) But overall it seems to be an excellent school. He goes all day on mondays and tuesdays! It allows me a little time to run to Bozeman for things. Happy School Bubba!

Happy Labor Day

Aaron did a much better job at capturing this picture. I gave it a try but the boys were so tired and Gavin was crying by the end of the day and they didn't want to take anymore. :)

LABOR DAY DRIVE THROUGH THE GALLATIN

We started off the day heading down the Gallatin Canyon and stopping at a campground to look for our first treasure. This was my first experience of geocaching. I found a peaceful spot to sit on this rock while my boys hiked up the hill to find whatever treasure was awaiting them. (I would have joined but still nursing this knee from surgery). As I watched them come back down they were full of smiles as they found the treasure and inside were some plastic kids toys and Gavin had a plastic puppet monster on his finger and a handful of snail shells. That is gold to a five year old! We found another treasure using our GPS in Bozeman under a bridge on a bike path. This was a fun find because it contained a "travel bug". This is a cache that has been travelling in many places and we can find out where by going online. The boys are excited to plant this in a new place! We will keep you posted.

A Little Town called ENNIS

Thoughts of Grandpa Web

Today as we pulled into the beautiful landscape of Hebgen Lake and the Madison River valley my thoughts were turned to Grandpa who loved this place more then anywhere else. There were many stories told about this place and his love for the river and for the many birds that live in this part of the country. We just lost Grandpa and he will be dearly missed by all of us. I can only imagine the great adventure he is on now, as he liked to call it, and all that he is seeing. You will always be with us and each time I pass this part of Montana I will think of you.

So grown up

Zach has hit that age where its not cool to have pictures taken and since mom is never far from her camera, he had tried to figure out ways to stop it from happening. I love these pictures because they capture Zach in his true form. I love this kid.

FEARLESS AND FREE

Gavin did not care for one minute how cold the water was. He was determined to get his suit on and go for a swim. He was the first one to launch off the log and cannon ball into the water. His proud mom cheered him on with camera in hand. You can see how cold the water was.. look at that face! It didn't stop him from going again and again and when we got back home he asked when we can go again. GO GAVIN!

Nice Day for a Swim

My brave little boys were so thrilled to be able to go swimming in the Lake even though it was freezing. We had to laugh when we made Maggie swim around because we knew she didn't want to just jump in the frigid water but we had to see that she could swim. Needless to say, she swam great and as fast as she could to the shore. Aaron pulled a big log out into the lake for a makeshift boat and it suited them just fine, when they could stay on it of course!

Hebgen Lake

The Billings Montana Temple

We started the day early and I was anticipating seeing my new temple for the first time. It is perched below rock cliffs on the outskirts of the city and is surrounded by beautiful flowers. What a wonderful sight to see a temple again. Only a couple more years and I will be taking Zach to do baptisms for the dead. I cannot wait! And neither can he.

A place of Peace and Rest

This is the view of the back of the temple and the stained glass windows are where the celestial room is located. What a beautiful and peaceful room. As you enter you are immediately drawn to the window seats and can see reflections on the carpet floor of colors reflecting off of the enormous glass chandelier which hangs high above the room. This was my first experience of a new and smaller temple and I realize that no matter which of the Lord's houses you are in, the spirit is with you. What a blessing to do the Lord's work.