The A-7 Ranch

The A-7 Ranch is locate on the north side of the Catalina Mountains and consists of about 42,000 acres. Don has been working on a fire management plan for the area (what to do in case of a wildfire, where the structures and accelerants are located, where the wells are, which roads can be used by personnel, where the helicopters can scoop up water, etc.). We went hiking in the area so that I could see what he has been working on. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and I even remembered to take the camera!

This is one of the old corral fences near one of the ranch houses.


There were some horses grazing in the area where they grow the hay.



I was amazed at how many of the cacti are still blooming. We've had a great monsoon season, and all of the plants seem happy.



The birds looked happy too. It was such a beautiful day.



There were several varieties of wildflowers blooming...

...and the cattle were shading themselves under the trees.

On top of a bluff there were the ruins of an ancient village. Some of the wall work is still intact.

There was a cable cart that went from bank to bank over the San Pedro River. I had a fun time pulling myself along, letting go, and zipping back to the other side.

It was a beautiful day on a beautiful ranch. Thanks for taking me, Don!

Family Dinner

Last week my father's youngest sister Carrie and her husband Bill came down from Oregon to visit. We enjoyed having them. We had a family dinner at my brother's house.

This is Bill and Carrie sitting with my mom.


Gary and Adam (Adam will be graduating this year from the University of Arizona. We are SOOO proud of him!


My sister Susan and my sister-in-law Carol.


My cousin Roger with Don.



My sister Joni (just moved back to Tucson from Denver) and Roger's wife Jean.

It was good to get everyone together.

And I Took...No Pictures

I can't seem to remember to get the camera out no matter what we're doing. We had a big barbecue at our house for some new members of our ward...no pictures. We went to the temple...no pictures. We had an apostle here in our stake and we sang in the stake choir...no pictures. We had friends over for Sunday dinner...no pictures. We had a night of guitars and harmonicas...no pictures. We had an HOA meeting in our old neighborhood and got to see some of our friends...no pictures. I went to seminary for the first time (I substituted for the regular teacher)...no pictures. We have had some great thunder storms and rain storms with beautiful clouds rolling over the mountain just east of us...no pictures. The new soccer season started and a friend of Don's came to take pictures (those are his pictures posted below) and, you guessed it...I took no pictures. Oh well. Enjoy the pictures that Dave took. That's Don in the gray and orange shirt with black shorts (blue stripe) playing keeper. His teammates are in orange shirts.

The Weeks Are Flying By

It's been a busy few weeks, and I haven't blogged at all. The time seems to be flying by.

Cristian and Jennifer moved to an area outside of Sierra Vista. Yesterday we made a trip down to see them and to take the last of Jennifer's things (including her German Shepherd) to her.

This is Cris and Jen in their kitchen.



This is the view from their back yard.


We are happy for them to be settled into their first home.

The week Jen and Cris were moving, I was home trying to hold down the fort and Don was in Idaho Falls spending time with his sister, Dallas, and some other family members in Utah. Below are a few of his pictures.

Don enjoyed the change of climate and scenery, and being with family that he hasn't seen in quite a while.

Today we made a rather long "to do" list (all the things around the house and yard that haven't gotten done in the last few weeks). I will try to be more consistent on the blogging, but with the list I'm looking at, don't hold your breath.

CONGRATULATIONS, JENNIFER AND CRISTIAN!!!

A couple of weeks ago we welcomed a new grandson into the family...yesterday we welcomed a son-in-law! Jennifer and Cristian got married at the Justice of the Peace in Bisbee. We drove down there for a wonderful day with Cris's family and our family. Here are a few of the pictures:


Nicole was Jennifer's witness. The girls sure have grown up. Where did the years go?


Jennifer is my mother's youngest grandchild, and we were glad she could be there.


Jennifer and Cristian waiting to go in to see the judge.

Family members...

Nicole stood with Jenn and Cris's brother Carlos stood with him.

The ring...

The promises...

The first kiss as husband and wife...

The newlyweds...

The confetti...

A picture with grandma...

A picture with his mom...

A picture with me...

A picture with the two sets of parents...

Waiting to eat at the Copper Queen hotel...

A yummy lunch...a happy couple.

We love you both and wish much happiness in your new life together!

Tanner Maxwell Thompson

We are so excited to welcome this new little grandson, Tanner Maxwell Thompson, into our family. He came into the world on July 6, 2010, weighing 8 lbs. and 5 oz., and measuring 21 inches long. Mother and son are both doing well and are home from the hospital as of today. Nathan was able to be there for the delivery, and Tanner's siblings are all happy to be able to hold him. Congratulations, Nathan and Sarah!

YEA!!!

The big news for the week is that Nathan made it safely back home to Germany and his family! We are so excited to know that he is back with Sarah and the kids! CONGRATULATIONS, NATHAN AND SARAH on a successful deployment and safe return! We are so happy for all of you! YEA!!!