Christmas tree Documentary

We found the "perfect" Christmas tree. Well, is there
such a thing as the the perfect tree? This year there was for the Millers.
No bare sides, not to full, not to skimpy, good overall shape,
and most important...soft needles (aaaaww.)

The Hunt. Summer scoped out the prospective trees high on

Daddy's shoulders. But soon wanted down to get a closer

look at the white fluffy stuff on the ground.

Summer soon realized she could have snow cones all year long.

She nestled in over this tree stump for 10 minutes licking the

snow. The only reason she left is because we physically forced her

away, as to not leave her behind to be eaten by wolves. oh my!

Onlookers gazed at the perfect tree as Andrew drew out his

mighty saw to cut it down! (Ziggy came to visit us again...hence

the foxy looking pup)

Seeing how the battery was running low, the 4 inch trunk was

a mighty fight for the young strapping lad, BUT he pervailed and

conquered its longing desire to remain in the wooded grove.

After much snow-licking, dog chasing, and tree cutting observation,

Summer shown signs of exhaustion. Thank goodness for a

fine K-9 companion that will lend a soft shoulder to rest

her weary head on.

Alas, the tree is complete! One last trimming on the

bottom portion, some fresh water, lights and ornaments,

then celebrating to boot. Our 8th Christmas tree hunt

comes to a close.

Golf Ball frenzy

Andrew and our brother-in-law, Adam, sort of have this tradition in the late fall to hunt for golf balls at a local golf course. The ponds are practically drained of water, so it makes the hunting and gathering a bit easier. Imagine a feast of golf balls laying wide open in the exposed mud bottoms of the ponds. The ball gathering is quite exciting for the boys, and apparently better than animal hunting, since Andrew turned down duck hunting due to this fun acivity.

The process is quite complex, but once the balls are gathered and carried in five gallon buckets, they are soaked in hot soapy water, and stirred ocassionally with a broom stick. Then they are ready for TLC, through individual hand wiping.

Andrew then hands the polished ball to Summer, who proceeds to throw it in the rinse bucket. (cheap labor)

The balls await a final hot water rinsing in the bath tub. Then they are carefully placed on a towel to air dry. The golf balls will then be transported to Hyrum, UT where they will be teed off the edge of Hyrum reservoir into the water again.

228 Golf balls in one hour

Pretty Girl

Summer dressed up for us. She did it all on her own...what great taste in style! Note the bracelet, hair attire, and glamorous shoes (thanks to cousin Kaiya for sharing from her shoe collection). Summer was quite excited to be dolled up, and strolled around the house for some time before tiring of the high heels. What a character, we cannot get enough of her silly antics.

Halloween Road Trip

Summer, Fischer, and I recently went on a road trip. We went down to Cache Valley for Halloween weekend...Summer and I stayed with my parents in Richmond, UT for a few nights, then Andrew meet us on Halloween to head south to his family's home in Hyrum, UT. All together, we visited grandma and grandpa Lefgren, great Nana and Grumpy, Noni and Papa, great grandma and grandpa Miller, Aunt Kathy's family in Pleasant Grove, UT, ...and a good friend of ours, Sarah Collett and family. (Andrew left us after Halloween to get back to work, we really missed him). We were on the road for 8 days. IT was well worth it, and much fun. Thanks to everyone's hospitality and great friendships.

trick or treating with Grandma Lefgren, the green haired witch!

Noni the crook nose witch !

Grandpa Lefgren

Great Nana and Grumpy

Great Grandma and Grandpa Miller, cousin Sophie (the other bee), and new baby cousin Miles

Summer loved the trampoline at Sarah's house...hmmm, we may have to get one.

Playing fairies with cousin Kaiya, and throwing a fit

cousin Kaiya sprinkling flying fairy dust ... she can fly!


petting new puppy Teepa...Fischer's new cousin.

she is so cute, what a good puppy

pure Bumble

Summer Bee

Summer truly got into character this Halloween. When she was mad, she was mad as a hornet, when she was busy, she was one busy bee, and she made all of our hearts buzz with love because she is too cute!
She loved wearing her costume, and whenever we got her out of the car to hit up another house for candy, she always pointed at her wings and said, "bee".

Ode to Summer (the season)

Victor, Idaho...well, what more can I say? Small town, altitude is 6500 ft, great views of the (tops of the) Tetons, kind people, huckleberry shakes, wonderful hiking, mild beautiful summers, frigid winters, Thai restaurant, vast amount of space to spread out, adventurous fishing, and rivers to float galore. Now the first snowfall has come and the close of summertime is quite sad to me. The opportunity to go outside in shorts, tees, and flip flops is over. The warm air, long bright days, and the sun browning my skin is already missed. Although I hate to see the summer weather go, surprisingly the scenery remains beautiful around me...just in a different way. I will miss you dear summer season and look forward to our next encounter,

most likely, in June 2009.

(This means more trips south to warmer weather will be expected. Yay, time with family

and friends in Utah and California!)