A New Granddaughter

Kemery Swensen was born Monday, September 22, 2008. She weighed in at 6 lbs. 13 oz. and is 19-1/2 inches long. Congratulations to Chari and Brian and of course the other three siblings (Hillary, Carter and Whitney). Photos can be seen on Little Details blog.

Washington DC

Ken and I went to Washinton DC to checkout our nations capital and see the sites. The weather was absolutely wonderful and we had a great time. It took us a while to learn how to used the metro ticket machines so we could actually get onto the metro and by the end of the week we even figured out how to transfer to a different line.

The first day we got off the metro and walked about 5 blocks then turned around and went back to the metro station to ask directions. We were headed the right direction already but we just need to walk a few more blocks. Later we found out there was a metro stop very close to the monuments we walked to. Oh well, it was good exercise.

I put together a slide show of some sites we were able to visit. We visited a lot more places than the photos in the slide show but we weren't allowed to take pictures everywhere so here's a sample. Enjoy.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

New Calling

So, I just read Chari's blog and want her to know I'm glad it's her (Gospel Doctrine Teacher) and not me. Chari will be released from the nursery and she will do a great job even if it's without the smarties and crayons.

I was just released today from the nursery and sustained as the Compansionate Service Leader. So tonight I asked the Relief Society President what that really means and I learned more about the calling than I ever knew existed. There's alot more to some callings than I ever expected. I hope I will have the compasion I need and the wisdom to know how to be a successful Compasionate Service Leader.

Remembering Woody

Fourteen years ago we got a puppy and called him Woody. Actually, Cindy got him as a birthday present for her 14th birthday. Cindy moved away after high school and couldn't take Woody with her so he became our dog (Ken and Ann's). Fourteen years ago we fought to save his life and at 9 weeks old he had his first $1,000 surgery. He would have more operations later in his life. He was the tiniest, cutest little puppy and we all fell 'head over heels' in love with him. He was part of our lives and we loved watching him play and learn new tricks to entertain us. Woody would do almost anything for a treat. He finally learned to jump through a hoop, dance, jump, roll-over, and play dead. He entertained us all with his gumball machine which he learned how to use as a puppy. It meant more treats everytime he pushed the handle down.

Now 14 years and 3 months later, Woody has gone to doggie heaven where he can play with all the little children there and see his mom and siblings. Woody will be missed by all of us but we'll always keep his wonderful memories in our hearts.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

22 + 19 =

Two great bike rides in sunny, warm (well actually hot) Wisconsin. We headed for the Great River State Trail on Saturday and rode about 22 miles (round trip) through small cities, prairie lands and adjacent to the Mississippi River. The trails are abandoned railbeds that have been turned into great biking, hiking and walking trails. Some are used for snowmobiling in the winter time.

On Monday we went north again and rode the Elroy-Sparta trail to the first tunnel. We had to have flashlights and walk our bikes through the 1/4 mile tunnel. We saw cranes (birds), farm houses, small cities, and beautiful scenery on the trail. Next time we plan to start at another location and ride to the other two tunnels on the trail.







































Any suggestions on how to make a bike seat more cushy for riding long distances would be greatly appreciated.