Greetings from New Hamphire

Dear Friends,

Wow, all the blogging I thought I was going to do...the best laid plans. Sorry! I think I am the most sorry, I really need this daily exercise in my life. I plan to go back and write about a lot of the wonderful things we have been doing over the last, I don't know how many days. I have a hard time keeping track of time as it is, but on vacation, it is hopeless. I think it is Tuesday, but I wouldn't stake my life on it or anything.

So far we have been to Utah where we spent four jammed packed days and celebrated Aynslee's 8th birthday and baptism. It was a wonderful day and Missy prepared a delicious meal afterward. We enjoyed Hazie's 3rd birthday in a canyon with a fun BBQ, friends, fishing and even roasting marshmallows by the river bank. She loved it, we all did. We went to a fall festival, visited with Missy's parents and had a full day of church. It was a busy and fun time. We were pretty tired when we jumped the plane for Rhode Island.

Arriving in Rhode Island was really wonderful. We had the Mad Hatter's ride from Chicago over and it didn't even bother me, I was just so excited to see the kids. We enjoyed seeing how much the boys had grown and matured in the 10 months since we had seen them. Of course Robert and Laura are just great and their new location is absolutely fantastic. They are living on an island resort actually. The island is the most tranquil place I think I have ever been. We fell in love with New England at first sight and the honeymoon is far from over. Those first five days we just relaxed and got acquainted with their island...LOVE it.

Their house is just right. A little smaller than they had in Italy and downsizing is never easy, but Laura has turned it into a little heaven on earth. She is such a talented decorator. I am so proud of the home she creates no matter where they live, it always feels like the best place they have ever had. Rhode Island, at least where they live, is like a bird sanctuary. When the windows are open all you hear are the beautiful birds singing away. I don't think there is a quieter more relaxing place anywhere. I was practically catatonic from relaxation by the time Saturday rolled around and Jim's leg has improved significantly.

On Saturday we left (sadly without Robert) for our week long trip around New England. We spent 3 delightful days in Maine! Oh my, how we did love it there. We arrived here in the White Mountains of New Hampshire last evening and will be here until later tomorrow. We are staying in a very "different" bed and breakfast here. The words, camping inside, bizarre decor, and 'not the Awhawnee' come to mind. But more on that later.

This morning after a nice breakfast here, we took the advice of our Inn Keeper and set off for a spectacular Fall Foliage day trip. I don't think I have ever seen anything in Nature that is more beautiful. There are no words and even the pictures cannot do it justice. Only the human eyes with their panoramic view of it all at once, can really take it in. It has been joyous to behold...all day long. This is New Hampshire's gift. We have taken so many beautiful pictures but, I don't have any photos to add right now, as Jim has the camera and is off to a zip line experience with Laura and the boys.

I have enjoyed my few minute of peace and quiet to reconnect with all of you. Now I am going to stop by as many blogs as I can before they return. Tomorrow we are heading out for Quechee Gorge, VT...just a few miles from the famous Woodstock of the 60s, but more importantly just a few miles from Sharon, VT where the Prophet of the Restoration was born. Exciting times.

Love to all,

Bon

P.S. Not a clue why the new computer, along with Picasa is putting One Designing Woman (which you cannot fully read as I have enlarged the photo) but just so you know the photo above was taken by One Designing Man! Those of you who recognize this location will probably love it.