We started clearing the lot to build our house last Sep 2009 (exactly a year ago). We cut down, cut up, chipped, stacked and burned about 70ish trees. It was more work than we could have ever imagined (even with a Bobcat skidsteer and a gator). Later when we decided to position the house differently than originally thought, we decided to bring in some professionals to do the next 60. It was worth the money. 
Dad is definitely where he loves to be... Fifty-two feet up in the air, balanced on a complicated truss system designed by him. So, here is the house as of a few days ago. Its looking a little larger than Les and I anticipated. But never fear, there is plenty of storage shelving designed into the truss in the very large attic space (thanks to dad).
We headed to the mountains for a long weekend. Les had a conference at the Grove Park Inn, so we stayed there with the kids. It is an old spa retreat from the early 1900's. Everything is craftsman and stone. Even though it was rainy, it was beautiful and even relaxing. The kids wanted so badly to go to the spa section to "relax". They were so disappointed when I told them that you had to be 18 to go in (not to mention that it was about $180 just to go in, without services). We did get the huge athletic indoor pool to ourselves for an afternoon, and we also toured the Biltmore, the winery (where we all tasted the grape juice), and the farm.
In the midst of selling our house and going to 2 family reunions out west I was also the Stake Girls Camp Director for the third year in a row. It was a blast! I am going to miss it this year. Where are the Super Heroes? was kind of the theme. As you can tell, we had a lot of super heroes in costume make appearances at camp. It became a super hero training camp. Even our kitchen staff brought their capes!
We finished up the Reunion trail with fireworks on the Fourth. One of the best American traditions ever! And yes, I am neurotic and made my kids wear matching 4th of July stuff.
A couple of photos here show us hiking the back of Timp. Then we were on to Boise, ID where we had another reunion with the Robison's and it was a great reunion! (Thanks Robyn!) Water fights, good food, swimming and the best... adult Mission Impossible were all part of the shindig.
Cascade Springs hike, the Olmpic Park, matching dresses, training on the bobsled run and carrying the torch were just a few of our activities in Heber. More to come...
