A Halloween Baptism

Our fourth 8 year old to be baptized this year was Oliver. Although his birthday was at the beginning of the month, it took place on Halloween, Grandma Caroly gave one of the talks. We enjoyed visiting Aunt Gwen, age 90, who is my chief consultant for the family history of the Lallatins, Moffats, and McLeans that I am writing, I hoped to have it done by now but my tumble and brain surgery earlier this summer slowed things down, but I hope to have the first draft done by Thanksgiving. I had a great time sharing old timer stories with my brother Spencer. It was a bit chilly but no snow.

We visited the Layton Temple site to take rocks with our names on them to be placed in the concrete under the foundation.

We also hunted for ducks and geese in the city park.

The baptism went well.

That evening we went Trick or Treating and warmed ourselves around a campfire in the backyard. At one house we got hot dogs fresh off the grill, at another fresh donuts and hot chocolate. Everyone came home with lots of candy.

Of course we had to collect eggs from the chickens every evening. They were every color imaginable.

We made it back in time for me to work all day at a polling station for the national elections November 3.

Wendy Needs a Babysitter

The middle of October, Wendy and Daniel needed a babysitter while they flew to a convention. They discovered that with the cheap airfares, for only $50 they could fly-in the professionals, Grandma and Grandpa, much cheaper than hiring someone locally. We gladly did it even though it was quite a bit colder than in Florida, While there we made it to the cemetery at Sleepy Hollow. We didn't see Rip Van Winkle or the headless horseman, but did follow what looked like a yellow brick road of fallen leaves.  

Visit to Owen's Baptism

 Owen turned 8 in May and was supposed to be baptized. However, with the Corona Virus lockdown it couldn't take place until the first part of September. Flights were cheap so we were able to fly up to take part. We got to go sailing at the lake cabin, take a sauna, plan our family reunion for next summer, and enjoy the baptism.

Great Grandson Mark

 We're now great grandparents. At the beginning of the summer Mark was born. With the corona virus going around, it was a couple of months of waiting before we could hold him. Here are pictures of his mother, great grandmother Caroly, and great grandfather Roger (aka Mickey Mouse) holding him. Isn't he handsome?

New Driveway

 With all the hurricanes passing by Florida, we've had lots of rain, meaning our yard and driveway have become a mud bog. Our sweet generous children chipped in money for 13 truck loads of shell to create a race track type driveway high and dry out of the mud. Here are some pictures of the work in progress and the semi-finished project. We just need to smooth it out and even out the edges to make it look nicer. The horses have enjoyed the racetrack in front of the house.

Walk About

 As part of my recovery from brain surgery, I take 2 to 4 mile walks most every day. One thing wonderful about living in Florida is that the scenery is delightful. Here are pictures from on of our favorite walks, a boardwalk through a swamp. Enjoy the view!