Beckoning

Mt. Olympus caught my eye yesterday with bright reds in the canyons.

Had to get up there and immerse myself in fall.

Colors burst into life at about 1700 ft.

Got a pedicure this afternoon and started my new book.

Almost fell asleep while waiting for my toes to dry.

Nick asked if he grilled burgers, if I'd pay. Yep.

Had my writer's group. Nice talk with Chris.

Read my new book the rest of the evening. 

Downright luxurious. 

(Dan's gone on business.)

Twilight

That pink light tho!

Willow Lake Evening

Originally we'd planned to backpack to Willow Lake and camp.
But I haven't had many quiet nights at home in the last month and my psyche needs it.
So I bailed on the sleepover and in the end, so did everyone else 

because it's getting down to 30 tonight with predicted snow!

But we had an early dinner at Porcupine Grill then started hiking at 6:15.

The colors are AMAZING!

 

Even saw a moose at the lake!

Love the ladies.

Loved coming home and putting my pajamas on.

Loved sitting on the couch working on my blog in my pajamas and slippers while Nick sat at the kitchen counter doing Calculus homework and chatting from time to time.

But I definitely ate too many sour cream & onion Ritz chips.

Cowboys Football

Stayed up until 3:00 a.m. last night finishing a show I started on the plane.

The Mare of Eastown. It's been a while since having a show that's too good to stop and knowing I could sleep in today if I wanted. So much drama, trauma, plot twists and surprises!

Couldn't stop thinking about it this morning. 

PT Conferences for Nick today. He has all A's so said I didn't need to go. 

But I like meeting the teachers and just checking in and making sure all is well.

Check out the photo his seminary teacher had. Hasn't been updated since 9th grade!

On my way home, I was stopped at a red light and looked over to see Dan chatting outside of Harmons!

Monday Night Football tonight and Dan and the boys were excited to party.

Nick invited all his friends over, Chris had his and Marty and Lizzie came too.

Dan bought wings for everybody.

And the Cowboys won and Dak had a great game! 

Boats, Pizza & Ice Cream

Yesterday on our bike ride, I noticed people boating on the lake and thought it would be a fun group activity. When I suggested it, everyone agreed it sounded way better than going to church.

(Okay, Courtney had to talk us into skipping so we could maximize our short time better and she was definitely right.)

We walked through the 77th street flea market on the way home, then a pizza feast for lunch back on the roof. Walked back to 77th street for Mister Softee ice cream cones before we had to leave to the airport.

It's been so fun. Everyone has commented on how much fun we've had and how we've done so much without feeling too scheduled and that it's been nice to have downtime as well. 

So grateful for a family that gets along so well and enjoys being together!

Looking forward to coming back for Thanksgiving. 

In spite of knowing it will be so so so so cold!

Petersen's Sealing in NYC

 

Perfect day! Congrats to Courtney & Michael on their sealing...

time and all eternity. #FamiliesAreForever

This little girl said, "Stop, Dad! I want to see the princess!"

After leaving the temple, we walked to Central Park for photos.

Walking back through Central Park Courtney & Michael ran into two separate groups of friends they knew. How fun is that to get to see people while in your wedding dress when you didn't expect it?

Several strangers cheered ("May all your troubles be small.") and shouted congratulations.

We went to lunch afterward (Greek brunch) near their apartment,

then back to enjoy the perfect weather on their amazing rooftop deck.

We heard shouts of congratulations and couldn't tell where it was coming from until the workmen stuck their hands out from the construction covering!

And then noticed that the family in the building across from us were all waving and cheering the newlyweds! So, so cute that everyone was so excited to see a bride and groom!

We all headed back to the hotel to rest before dinner. 

Dan and I took a walk after naps and then decided to hop on bikes for a short ride up Amsterdam and back to the park.

Then dinner at a Korean BBQ downtown on a top floor with gorgeous views of the city.

Gelato afterward at Eataly and sat in Madison Square Park to eat.

We were overjoyed that the weather was absolutely perfect for being outside.

The over 50 crowd all headed home to bed, but the young ones went to Times Square.

End of the most perfect, fun day!