Hot Air Balloon

I seldom take pictures when Alisa is around because hers are so wonderful and I am lucky to get any part of it centered. But she wasn't able to "chase" the balloon and watch it land. I have always been fascinated with the beauty of a hot air balloon in the sky and can only imagine what the ride would be like -- but alas the thought of being that high without some kind of protection is too frightening for me therefore I will stay firmly on the ground and enjoy the beauty from afar.

I was first grateful to be on the ground when I saw how he attached the balloon to the bucket. It was only a big T with the rope around it.


Josh and James look happy at the prospect of the impending ride.


I couldn't quite get the effect I wanted but it was an awesome sight to see the jet and the hot air balloon in the same sky.


Chasing the balloon becomes a game of hide and seek. You can see it, but all roads do not lead to the empty field. Brian Kelly was the "chase" guy. In real life he is a "writer" and he was the editor for the New Era ( youth church magazine) for many years. He and his partner started the balloon races at the Provo Freedom festival. It was a pleasure to share the "chase" with him. I learned alot about Hot Air Balloons.




Everyone is still smiling a the landing.


Amazing to think that whole balloon fits in the bag the boys are sitting on.


Sam keeps reminding me that he "bought" the hot air balloon ride at the auction. It was Sam holding our auction number up that won this awesome experience for the boys. Thanks to Rich for letting me have a great time at the PTA auction.

Fun at Strawberry

On one of our trips to Strawberry Leanna and Family went with us. Adam helped Rich make a "ropes course" for his young men's group. It was a good think Adam was there to help us. Dakota had a great time.



The homeowners association has "Christmas in July." We had taken the boys to the cabin with us and it just happened to be the "holiday" weekend. Since there weren't that many children James and Sam were treated to lots of crafts and then a visit from Santa. They decorated the 4 wheeler and were in a parade.



We went up again last week and it was a little cold outside. Luke and I spent most of our time in the cabin and Rich "supervised" James and Sam. It's a good thing I belong to the Fruitland Wildland Fire Council because I think we have a family of "fire bugs"

BOSTON

The Boston Adventure
After driving to Boston, we were supposed to get to Daija's apartment, unpack, and then meet Daija and Jonathan downtown to have dinner. As travel luck would have it-- it took us what seemed like an hour to drive 10 miles. Ashkii got directions from Jonathan on how to catch the bus by their apartment and then change to the "T" and ride the subway to the restaurant. We did ok with the bus other than not having the right change. We got to the T and bought some fare cards. Things were going well, but while we were buying the cards we heard some guy yelling at the top of his voice. Someone goes to investigate and there is a major problem. We are supposed to take the red line but there happens to be a fire at the next stop. They have buses outside to take us where we need to go-- The only problem is -- WE DON'T KNOW WHERE WE ARE GOING. We try to hail a taxi, but of course they are all busy and who wants to take 8 people! We are determined to get to our destination. "Daija -- you stay put -- somehow we will make it to you" While Ashkii is on the phone, madly trying to coordinate with Daija, Rich suggests that we go back down and hope the red line is running. They say it is!!!! We are excited as we get to the red line -- it is leaving in just a few minutes. We think our problems are solved. Off we go -- we make it one stop and there is a medical emergency now at the next stop. The guys gets on the loud speaker and keeps us updated that there is an emergency - "the emergency people have been called -- now they are on the site -- now they are transporting that person out of the subway -- now we can go". Meanwhile Brooke is telling us that it is "Goldy" luck to have these things happen. We finally get to our destination and have a wonderful reunion with Daija and Jonathan. We had a great dinner.

Richard and Ashkii both loved their lobster!!!









Boston Saturday
We went on a "Boston Duck Tour" It was a tour of Boston that was on land and sea. They were old WWII amphibious vehicles. Trevor drove the "duck" out in the Charles river. Savannah didn't want to go on a "duck" but was soon having a great time.






















TUFTS DENTAL SCHOOL

After the duck tour we had a tour of Jonathan's school. We always knew he was smart, we didn't realize how "artistic" you have to be to be a dentist. He showed us his tools, his "mouth" and the labs and classrooms where he spends most of his time.



























Farewell to Boston

After a wonderful weekend and yes we did listen to some of conference we drove to the Boston Temple and enjoyed it's beauty and then returned home.

White House Tour

t
Auction: You know when I said in an earlier blog that I didn't get the tickets to the White House Tour? The real buyer had buyers remorse and off course could I say no to tickets to the West Wing. Rich and I flew into DC on our way to Boston and met up with Ashkii and Brooke, Trevor, and Savannah. We almost didn't get our tour because they were having an event at the White House and our tour was only when they weren't busy and after hours. We got to see the Oval Office, the Rose Garden, and the Press Briefing room. We didn't get to see the situation room since they were having an event and it like the staging area.


The Press Briefing room is much smaller than I had imagined. The Oval Office never has a piece of paper on the desk. They have people that just take care of paper flow. The desk is intricately carved and very beautiful. I think we saw a few more rooms, but those were the ones that stood out in my mind. We then drove somewhere and since I was a bit tired, I am not sure where we ended up but we slept at a Marriott and Ashkii has the art of negotiating a good price down. We got up Friday morning and drove to Boston. It was a very cool tour and we enjoyed it very much. I also felt a greater appreciation for our freedom and the ability to walk where the president walks without fear.

Hide and Seek

It's a new game that the Josh Linton family will have to play for a while. After having Lehi's own version of extreme home makeover, Josh and Alisa will be left with the job of trying to figure out where things have been put away. This morning Josh asks me where the flyswatter is. I don't know == where would someone put a fly swatter? Good luck finding things Josh.

When Josh and Alisa left for Disneyland I decided that I would deal with the news of Alisa's cancer by doing what any sane Lattin would do -- work -- physical labor work -- what better place than Josh's basement. I didn't end up working that hard, because I had a army full or willing workers ready to do anything needed. Here are a few of the fun pictures.


Being tall has it's advantages.

The stories and blessings for me personally have been overwhelming. I have listened to the stories of how Josh and Alisa have touched someone's lives. I have heard how they are so grateful for her beautiful photography or how she was so friendly to someone new in the ward. Sorry Josh your photography isn't inspiring but I heard you were great to have around and boys don't share quite as many reasons for helping -- they just help. I can't thank the people that rearranged their schedules to accommodate mine. Thanks to the Larabee's for coming when it wasn't convenient. I was touched by the father and son working together for a common purpose.

Brother's, sisters, cousins, aunts and uncles all had a helping hand and willing heart. Kari tackled the lizard window without any fear.













John and Julie Peterson
Who said dancers are not handy guys? Julie said that touching the ironing board must count for helping. But she is keeping Amy company.













Since these aren't the real electricians we were hoping for no mixed wires. We had wonderful light at the end of the evening.









What is it about a closet that could make so many ladies smile? Thanks neighbors and friends

Thanks to Tracie for helping out in the organizing department. New friends were instantly made and smiles filled the house for days.










Even the littlest helper is on the job











I know that anyone who reads this and isn't in this valley would have come to help. Just knowing of your willing heart has been uplifting for me. Your prayers are appreciated. This was a fun project.

School Carnival

James school has a fund raising carnival each year. I was expecting Josh and Rich to come to the carnival not long after I got there with the three boys. I got there without my phone which isn't such a bad thing -- but I couldn't find out when I would get an extra hand to help with the boys. I have forgotten how to keep track of three lively boys. Luke was starving so we got him a hotdog. That went pretty well. Then we went to the fish pond. That is where I ran out of hands. James and Sam didn't have pockets so they wanted me to hold on to their prizes. I had stuff in my pockets, my purse was overflowing and I was trying to hold on to Lukes food, plus keep track of the boys. Then it was time for the AUCTION.

They have a live auction and a silent auction. Well last year I outdid myself and ended up with a huge leather chair that I really didn't need. I warned Rich that he probably ought to try to make it to the auction to keep me from doing something stupid. I really wanted the 6 tickets to the White House special tour. Last year they sold for $3000 -- this year only 1600. That was a bargain -- but I restrained myself. But the hot air balloon ride was too much of a temptation and it is really fun to bid. I had Sam and James help me hold up my bidding number. Although while Sam was holding it for me -- we did bid on a few extra things because he was just holding it up at random times. The auctioneers finally figured out to look at me for a nod to confirm whether the number in the air was an actual bid or just Sam helping. I also bought tickets to Tuacahn. Well next time Rich will try to get there earlier.

Gardner Village

Today James, Sam, Luke and I went to Gardner Village. We went to the little petting zoo they have there. Thanks to James making us read about the different kind of goats ears last week at the fair we were able to recognize the goats with the different ears. Sam like petting the bunnies and James and Sam both liked touching the goats horns. After I convinced Luke that picking up the compost was not a good idea because there was animal poop in it, James was pretty careful where he stepped. James and Sam rode the ponies while Luke and I watched. We then went over to Twiggs and Moore to pick up Alisa's picture by James Christensen that had been framed. James announced that he knew James Christensen and when the lady acted a little like that might not be accurate he continued to tell her that he had been to his house. They did help me out of the store with the picture because they probably could tell that I wasn't going to be able to hold a picture and keep track of Luke at the same time.

We then went and looked at all the witches and this one was above the little river and James of course wanted to know how the wheels were turning. Had no real good answer.

Frosty Lobster 06

Since we are so techno savy I'm not sure how to set Frosty Lobster up as a contributor therefore this crazy 8 is from him:

8 Things I'm passionate about
1. Strong Military
2. Liberty
3. Business
4. Tennis
5. YM Organization
6. Family
7. Self Reliance
8. 72 hour kit

8 Things I want to do before I die.
1. Go to U.S. open
2. Win the U.S. Open
3. See Mike get married
4. See James get married
5. See Trevor get married
6. See Sam get married
7. See Savannah get married
8. See Luke get married

8 Things I say often
1. Holy Buckets
2. Thank-you
3. Whoa
4. Julie, What is this?
5. Did you say Rich on Line 2
6. 15 Love
7. Our Father in Heaven
8. Amen

8 Books I've read recently
1. Missed Fortune
2. Preach my Gospel
3. Aaronic Priesthood Manual #2
4. Book of Mormon
5. New Testament
6. D& C
7. Cast Book (Hill Cumorah)
8. For the Strength of Youth

8 Songs I could listen to over and over
1. How Great thou Art - Elvis Presley
2. Because I have been given much
3. Circle of Life - Elton John
4. 1st song on Aida sound track
5. This Time you gave me mountain - Jim Neighbors
6. Star Spangled Banner
7. Desert Flower
8. Onward Christian Soldiers (MTC)

8 Things that attract me to my best friends
1. They have lots of energy
2. They work hard
3. They are compassionate
4. They are smart, clever, or wise
5. They teach me
6. They let me lead sometimes
7. We have the same goals and values
8. They are reasonable

8 Things I've learned this year
1. Things that don't change stay the same
2. Being good on the inside determines how well we serve on the outside
3. Organized love is better than generalized concern
4. Meetings don't have to be endless to be eternal
5. I was born in 1950
6. The world is very dangerous
7. Situational awareness is more important than ever before
8. The greatest cause of death is birth

8 People I think should do 8
1. Mike Linton
2. Jonathan
3. Bob
4. Cheryl
5. Ashkii
6. Brooke
7. Shaun
8. Dick

Crazy Eights

Alisa suggested that I be one to participate in the crazy 8's exercise. It was thought provoking and I realized that I had some things that I love to do that I haven't done -- like reading a new book......

8 things I'm passionate about
1. my family
2. my garden
3. people
4. watching my children dance
5. good musicals
6. Wearing sunscreen
7. new ideas
8. church

8 things i want to do before i die
1. Go on an Alaskan cruise
2. Have a sprinkler system that works and someone else knows how to fix it
3. Beat Michael at any game (fairly and with no help)
4. Landscape the cabin property
5. Take Josh to Argentina
6. Watch the Hill Cumorah Pageant
7. Fly to Bridgeport
8. fly fish and actually catch a fish in the strawberry river

8 things i say often
1. I don’t know
2.You’ve got to be kidding
3. What?
4. Say that again
5. I shouldn’t eat that, but……..
6. How do you do that?
7. This phone just dropped my call
8. The sprinklers need fixed

8 books I’ve recently read
1. The magician’s nephew
2. The lion the witch and the wardrobe
3. The horse and his boy
4. Prince Caspian
5. Sports Nutrition Textbooks
6. Scriptures
7. Do Archie Comic books count?
8. I seriously need to reevaluate my passion for reading

8 songs i could listen to over and over
1. Dreamers by Sarah Brightman
2. Candle on the water
3. Time to say Goodby
4. I dreamed a dream ( Les Mis)
5. Cats soundtrack
6. Aida soundtrack
7. Joseph soundtrack
8. Walt Disney soundtracks

8 things that attract me to my best friends
1. they love me in spite of me
2. they listen to me
3. they don’t get upset when I change gears in the middle of their stories
4. they are patient with me
5. they don’t care how I dress
6. they don’t care that my house is messy
7. they give me hugs when needed
8. they are patient with me

8 things Ive learned this past year
1. That there are tons of people that love our family
2. That life if better if east coast kids are a non-stop flight away
3. You’re never too old to miss your mom and dad
4. Family is what is most important
5. Babysitting isn’t so bad
6. That the yard will live more than a day without me to tend it
7. There is a missionary experience for all of us
8. Other people can help you if you are willing to let them

8 people i think should do '8'
1. Daija
2. Richard
3. Diane C
4. Christy A
5. Camille
6. Mike
7. Leanna
8. Ashkii

Hill Cumorah 2007

The story:

600 years before the birth of Christ, the prophet Lehi is commanded to take his family into the wilderness. They build a ship and sail to ancient America. The Pageant tells the story of these people as recorded in the Book of Mormon. After Christ's crucifixion in Jerusalem, He appears to the people in ancient America and establishes his church among them. A prophet named Mormon condenses the history of these people and records it on metal plates. He gives the plates to his son Moroni, who buries the plates in the Hill Cumorah. The Pageant ends with the coming forth of this ancient record through a modern-day prophet named Joseph Smith. This record is known as the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

The Linton/Heaton Connection


Daija was Sam's wife. Sam was the son of the Prophet Lehi that was commanded to leave Jerusalem.

Daija didn't get to dance allot, but she was on the stage for a number of scenes.






Jonathan was a Lamanite warrior. He fought a great battle with his awesome sword , but alas he died every night














Richard was a restoration apostle. We have apostles today just as in Christ's time.

He looked the part with his beard.














Vicki was a flag bearer. Didn't have much to do with the story, but pageants start in a big way and all the cast followed the flags to the stage from the audience for the opening scene.






We had a little free time and went to some historical sites. This is the Whitmer farm. It was the farm where the church was organized and part of the Book of Mormon was translated.

The Hill Cumorah Pageant 2007 was a wonderful experience. Every night we were able to bear testimony of the Savior and his love for all of us.

Twin Lakes June 2007

Fishing from the road is something Grandma said she had never seen before. But it is where Jonathan caught the biggest fish.
Jonathan rewrote the clean it if you catch it rule and it is now the clean it if you eat it rule.






We caught 9 fish from the same rock we have been catching fish for over 40 years.










The Lake is still serene and beautiful. As usual it is as clear as glass in the morning and you can see a perfect reflection of the mountains in the lake.









The kayaks were fun for Daija and Jonathan.
Vicki has yet to tempt fate and try keeping upright in one.

Strawberry Bridge Project May 2007

Since we now own property next to the river, Rich thinks we need a bridge to get to the other side. Therefore you can see the log moving project.





Sammy is not quite sure what is going on, but is being a good spectator. Alisa and Vicki are back at the cabin hoping the boys don't kill themselves or lose the 4 wheeler down the river.