Dusk at the Draper Temple

While in Utah the first 2 weeks of this month, we drove up to the new Draper Temple one evening. Unfortunately, we got a late start and dusk was already fading. I had hoped to get some photos at sunset, but the sky was getting drowsy by the time we arrived. Also, unfortunately, I forgot to take my monopod! Pictures after dark, with no stability for the camera? Help!

The temple exterior lighting is amazing, and I just had to try. These photos are a bit off-sharpness, of course.

The Seder at Brett and Lynda's Home

Grandpa and I were privileged to be among the 13 guests asked to take part in a Passover celebration in Brett and Lynda's home. Never have we been invited to sit at such an exquisitely-appointed table! Lynda has collected her special items from all over the world, including the Holy Land, and of course her expertise and knowledge come from her years of research and teaching Ancient Israeli Studies, specializing in Feast Days and Traditions.

Brett was the perfect right hand in helping all this to come about, including organizing the kitchen so things unfolded like clock-work, and attending to 3 large lamb roasts which came in from the grill, succulent and tender and seasoned just right.

It was an evening of much enlightenment and spirituality.

We were amazed at the attention shown to detail, both in the table settings and the script, which took over 4 hours of involvement, once we were all seated around the table.

Thank you, Brett and Lynda for offering this exquisite experience to us!
It was no surprise that your companionship produced something of the highest quality.

A Most Special Day in Manti

This was Brett 'n Lynda's sealing day, April 11th, in the Manti temple!

Grandpa and I were very late in coming back out of the temple, and all of the 'people' pictures had been taken. Zac was the designated photographer for accomplishing this, but others had their shutters popping also. So, since it was such a serene and lovely place, and since such an amazing event had just taken place, and since Grandpa and I were 'staying over', we returned much later to walk around the temple grounds. It was very stormy!

I kept the same settings as the storm blew around us on purpose: so to see the changes the wind and rain brought to the atmosphere, rather than adjust my camera to the changes. The blue hues were just part of the effects of the changing conditions.

NOVA GRACE'S BLESSING DAY

The morning was stunning, yet serene, just like Nova herself:

One would not think this was such an important day for Nova!

Becky and Heidi calculated that this dress, a Molter heirloom now, is at least 104 years old. Nova models it well:

Something nudged Heidi's funny bone, but it is still a great mother/daugher photo:

Nova is part of the 4th generation to be blessed in the gown; maybe even the 5th:

Heidi, Jeff, and 7-week-old Nova:

Cousin Griffin takes a turn:

CHRISTMAS MORN AT OUR HOUSE

Dick's Lionel 1940s train has given miles and miles of holiday joy to first, himself, and then 3 generations of offspring! Who wouda' thought? Here is great-grandson Dakota, enthralled:

And the 'engineer' of the year: grandson Griffin:

We got a lot of miles from the traditional standing rib roast as well!

Here are some shots I will call "Accessorizing". Carter. the Cossack thought he should have Dick's Hungarian fur for his next 2 winters in north-eastern New England:

A scrunched-up Nova in new winter velvet:

Keegan seems pleased with his new slope-wear:

Caleb, "bring on the snacks":

...ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE...

The Willows Nativity:

What to my wondering eyes should appear, but:

Hand-carved Hungarian nativity:

Hand-made pottery folk art Hungarian Nativity:

This is the scene none of the grandchildren know: Grandpa working out the bugs of his vintage train. When they arrive, it is always in working order!

...not a creature is stirring...!

All the neighbors' snow blew into our driveway during the blizzard:

Stepping (not!) out from the garage side door.

It seems no place was safe during the fierce winds! Here, INside the garage the snow was drifted (all doors were closed all the time of course) :

THANKSGIVING!

I got these a little out of order as I posted, so I will explain as I go. The Howells and most of the Cherry family gathered at our home (Grandma & Grandpa's) for The Dinner. We all wish we were still living in the mountains, and the subject comes up every time we share a holiday tradition.
Here are some pre-dinner pics, including Tori and Jeff,:

And Caleb with fiance Nikki:

AT the dinner table, horsing around; Caleb planting a kiss on his brother Keegan: (soon it will be an even match!)

Some of us had not yet seen Nikki's uniquely gorgeous engagement ring. Heidi and Nikki:

Tori, being Tori:

And Keegan, sans piano bench, but still making wonderful music:

Griffin, entranced:
After dinner snack; Dakota on his own:

Grandpa still carving as Carter digs in:

Avvi takes cover under the Thanksgiving tree:

Our table ala Norman Rockwell:

Nova's first family gathering, at 2 weeks old. She seems to be enjoying it Grandpa cleans the carcass of turkey #2, for leftovers:

Tori, after-dinner boredom:

Caleb, "Up to here on tryptophans!"

The 3 lovely Howell girls:

Everyone gets a turn with Nova; here, cousin Jessica:

Cousin Leslie:

Aunt Becky:

Our Thanksgiving table, close-up:And otherwise:

As evidenced, above, I do not take good flash photos. For 2 reasons: I don't know how; and I don't like posed photos of people, so I have to hurry to get candid (some of these I said "hey", so I could catch a face) shot, thus not giving the flash much chance. A good time was had by all, whether captured in a photo or not; another downside of wanting only candid shots.