William - 1-year-old

William had his cake and offered to share it too. We celebrated his birthday in Muret, France with Tati Nelly & Tonton Hubert. For the video, check out our other blog:lemblefrance.blogspot.com

Veronique's Visit - 12 Sept. 2009

Philippe's cousin Veronique visited from Mulhouse, France. She made a whirlwind tour of Quebec/Ontario in the week she stayed here. In this photo, we are at a lookout point on Mt. Royal.

William - 11 Months, 3 Sept. 2009

He ages well!

Our "Garden" - Summer 2009

Philippe planted cherry-tomatoes on our balcony. Our harvest was small-ish, but celebrated!

Branch Picnic - 5 Sept. 2009

With our branch (church congregation) we enjoyed a picnic in the park. For many of those attending, it was the first time to see Philippe without a tie.

Williams First Concert - Sept 2009

He's not exactly in concert tails, but he's virtuoso material to us.

Biospere, Family Day - 8 Aug 2009

I insisted we take advantage of the day and walk in Park Jean-Drapeau. The Biosphere is in the background.

Nun's Island Ferry - 6 Aug 2009

Summer days don't get any better. The Johnsons; Heather, Haydon, Hannan & Gideon, The Lamprechts; Leah, Haydon, Chloe & Ella, and William and I took the ferry to Nun's Island. We walked the perimeter of the island, played in the water park and laughed, a lot.

Exporail - 9 July 2009

With Leah Lamprecht's family, we went to the local train museum. Irresistible!

Bathing Handsome - 10 Months Old

The bath toys are colorful and strategically placed.

Picking Peaches Already - 9- Months-Old , 3 June

Infant labor!

Reading Buddies

Collective librarian ahhh... (pas shhhh)

The desert isn't barren... it has a metal tree

Philippe took this picture as he drove from Salt Lake City to Reno. He took another dozen pictures too - approximately 11 more than I've ever taken while on this "scenic route."

My Singular Uncle, Aunt & Cousin - 18 May

We visited my Uncle John & Aunt Pat and my Cousin Trisha & her girls in Salt Lake City. My Aunt & Uncle gave us an insider's tour of Temple Square. The roof of the conference center had exceptional views. The artwork inside was a Mormon Louvre. Trisha took us to meet some of her other cousins - in that she's my only cousin, it was unfathomable to meet a houseful of hers.

There's nothing better than Sunday family dinner - especially with homemade foccacia bread, lasagne and meringue for dessert!

Dinner with the Belot Family - 16 May 2009

The Belot family run the best Bed & Breakfast in the metropolis of Mapelton! Franz made chicken spicy enough to curl one's hair. Brandy made a breakfast casserole that set the bar at olympic standards. When she saw William she said, "I wan't him." She has 5 handsome boys already - she has distinguished taste (and genes!)

Generations Blessed - 15 May 2009

Philippe and I attended the Rexburg, Idaho Temple. (By divine coincidence,) Philippe met Brother Budge. He was a missionary who had taught his parents over 50 years ago. He recognized Philippe by his last name. I'm deeply touched that his mission service ultimately has been the means that Philippe, William and I are an eternal family.

Thomas's Family

Morgan, Spencer & Benjamin posed for this shot with William. William is blessed with so many lovely, talented, handsome, extraordinary, cousins. (Other cousins of which I could compose any number of superlatives - i.e. Dallin & Drew - had already left for school.)

Yellowstone - 13 May 2009

Thomas was our tour guide for Yellowstone. We saw herds of buffalo (none roller-skating) elk, and moose. The bears were less-inclined to oblige the nature paparazzi. The sapphire sulfur pools in the park were to the ground what the mountain peaks were to the sky - magnificent!

Old Faithful's Fidelity in Question - 13 May 2009

The guide at the "Trading Post" said Old Faithful's eruption occurred during a specific window. We arrived within the specific time, but the "window" was closed. We didn't miss the photo-op in front of the sign.

Philippe, Donna, William & Mom 12 May 2009

Donna, the owner of the Ranch, hosted us. The dark wood cabinetry, wool carpeting, footed porcelain tubs, & fluted light fixtures are nostalgic to me. Although, I remember the landings being taller...