November

Adam started off the month with the annual hike to Four peaks with the ward young men. This year’s hike was a bit different because it snowed that weekend and it was too cold and snowy to hike to the peak like they usually do. So, they ended up hiking to the amethyst mine instead and had a wonderful time. 

The following weekend, we went to Mesa for Graeden and Tiffani’s wedding. The day before the wedding, Adam went on a fun buggy ride to sycamore creek.

I enjoyed helping Tiffani and Heather with the wedding flowers. Adam provided great comic relief while we worked. 

 He even tried his hand at floral design. We think he should stick to construction work.

We wish Graeden and Tiffani all the best as they begin their life together. 

Now that Eliza is no longer at Basic training, she has a lot more privileges. The best one is getting more phone time! Getting to FaceTime chat with all three of the kids on Caleb’s P-day is the best!! I’m so grateful for technology that gives us these opportunities. 

Speaking of Being Thankful, 

Thanksgiving this year was very different for Adam and I. With none of our kids home, we felt a little sad. We did have a wonderful feast with most of the Quist Family at the Hulse’s home. We enjoyed eating and visiting and playing games together. Each of the kids were able to call, including Elder Gurr, so it ended up being a nice day after all. 

Eliza did a 7mile run on Veterans Day with some of her friends at Ft. Sam.

She enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with some of the branch members. It was hosted by the Peterson’s. The Peterson’s are military relations missionaries on the base and have been so kind to our Eliza.

Sarah is still loving life at BYUI

She was able to take a picture of the first rime the tro talked together since they all left! 

She went in a trip with her roommates to Cambri’s house for a weekend and loved it! 

She even did a little horse back riding. 

She loved spending Thanksgiving weekend with Aunt Mally. It was awesome, they had thanksgiving with Aunt Lynn and Uncle Bill, went and saw aunt Thayle, and then spent time with Nathaniel and Kristine and their kids. 

Elder Gurr loves being in a biking area and is having great time working and serving with Elder Vowell.

He and several other missionaries were able to attend the Idaho falls temple. 

Elder Gurr and Elder Vowell enjoyed their Thanksgiving feast  with the Miller family. (Elder Gurr is not the best at sending photos. This picture was taken and sent to me by Sister Miller)

We love seeing Elder Gurr so happy!

Although we are apart, We all have so many blessings to be thankful for! 

October

Adam and I went on a weekend getaway up to Green’s Peak to watch General conference in the mountains. We loved spending this time together to be uplifted by wonderful messages from the Lord’s anointed. The fall colors were so wonderful to see white out on the ranger on Saturday! 

I spent my birthday this year with these wonderful ladies on a Disney Cruise!!! We went to Castaway Cay and Nassau. It was an amazing vacation! I absolutely loved spends my Birthday snorkeling with Lydia at Castaway Cay. I made so many fun memories. 

While I was on my B-day Cruise, Adam took Daisy and Graeden and Jewellana on a trip to explore more of Utah with Richard and Calli’s family. He had an awesome trip too! 

Eliza has continued to thrive at Basic Training. Her weekly calls each Sunday are one of the highlights of our week.

She completed the Forge, a super challenging test of all she has learned at basic training and even managed to do it with a smile!! We are so incredibly proud or her!

Sarah has gotten super close with all of her roommates and FHE brothers.

She loves that the Temple is so close and enjoys going with Becca and Lindsay every Tuesday

Caleb was transferred to Kuna ID this month. He is a little sad to be leaving beautiful LaGrande, but is excited to get to serve with his new companion Elder Vowell (who is from Taylor AZ!!!) 

This is Elder Gurr and Elder Rees visiting with some members in La Grande.

“The field is white…”

One family Elder Gurr became friends with, had a son who loved mountain biking. They were able to arrange a mountain biking excursion with the Elders.

Elder Gurr and Elder Vowell with a friend from the Kuna. 

Adam and I went on a fun Double date with Richard and Calli. We went on a buggy ride near Green’s Peak and then had dinner at the Molly Butler Lodge. 

The best part of October was getting to Drive to Ft. Sill in Oklahoma to spend a day with Eliza and watch her Graduate from basic training. Lydia came with us and was a great co-pilot to Adam and I as we took turns driving the motorhome.

Family Day began with an award ceremony for the entire platoon. Eliza was one of only about ten soldiers in her entire platoon to receive a rank advancement at basic training. 

 Eliza’s battle buddy’s dad wasn’t able to make it to family day, so we happily invited Victoria to spend the day with us. 

Our first stop was the Craker barrel for some Breakfast/lunch. 

We spend the rest of the day just hanging out, doing a little shopping and playing games in the motorhome. 

That evening, Adam gave Eliza a fathers blessing and we got in a group hug before we had to say goodbye to Eliza for the night.

The Graduation was quick and efficient. Our trainee is now officially a soldier in the US Army. 

Well done Pvt. Gurr!!!

We had about an hour to spend with Eliza after the graduation. She is now on her way to Fort Sam Houston where she will train to become a physical Therapy specialist. 

Adam and I (and Daisy) took our time traveling home. Lydia stayed in Oklahoma to spend some time with a dear friend for a few days. We took a little detour to see a natural bridge in New Mexico. 

Poor Daisy is back to being an “only child”.