Missed it

I Seem to have missed about half of September, at least as far as the blog is concerned.  I am glad I take photos.  I think I wouldn't remember anything I did without them.  So here is the synopsis.

 

Bishop Castillo performed his first 'after the mission' wedding.  They wanted a Very small ceremony so Rod obliged, but we had to make it a celebration so there was cake, Martinelli's, and some flowers.  We are very happy for them!

 

 

Like many folks around here, I had to photograph the eclipse of the 'blood moon'.  It was fascinating!

This is the view from the back of our condo.  Of course, photos don't do it justice.

 Then there was a birthday...an 8th birthday.  My sister's eldest daughter.  I kind of love that her kids are my grandkids' ages.  Mormons!

 

 Our Mom usually has made baptism dresses but she just wasn't up to it this year so I stepped in.  My niece's delight made it very gratifying!

That is a cute family there!

 

 My cute husband planned a surprise activity for us!  It was going kayaking on the lake, just the two of us.  We had such a good time.  It was lovely and warm which is very nice when you are in the lake water.  I loved it!!!

 Thanks to our kids for lending them too us!

There was an animal running on the arm of this saguaro to the cliff.   

We were not alone, but I was glad when this one passed.  One of the things I love about canoeing is the quiet....not possible while this was near.

 We stopped in a cove and had lunch that Rod had packed.

Look how the water sparkles!

 

 

With our heat, the water is quite a lovely green too.

There were a couple of sadnesses...

 

Rod discovered a broken part on his new backpack.  We are hoping REI will fix it for him.

 During our day on the lake, I got a sunburn on my finger....a place I never have been burned before.

 That is because I had to take off my ring.  I lost the diamond out of it.  Because they are wielded together I can't wear just the band.  The setting is vicious without the stone. I was grateful that I didn't feel too broken hearted about this...just sad.  I think the mission helped me feel less 'hung up' on Things and more focused  on relationships.  What a blessing that this marriage relationship is eternal!  A little piece of carbon won't impact anything about that.

 

 We had a fun Fiesta as a combined activity with the Spanish branch tied to our ward.

 

  I told Rod we had to wear our Spanish outfits even if they don't really 'go with' the theme.  We just won't get many chances and we have to take advantage of any that come along to 'get our money's worth' from them.  I loved it! That skirt is such fun to dance in!

A Chilena!!!

There were various encounters with the grandkids that aren't recorded, but we met up with these cuties as they went to Wally World for photos.  Sure do love them.

 

So grateful to have such an amazing family!