Sweden Visit

With some of the restrictions lifted, and airlines prices pretty low, Christina headed to Sweden for a week to visit with Margareta. While there, the family celebrated birthdays, and Christina got to enjoy a slice of the boring cake. 

Heading Back to Campus

The wonderful fall break has come to an end. It is time to head back to Phoenix, friends, classes, and dorm life. It was great having Lukas and Noah home for a few days. 

News Flash - It is Only October

 Tuesday morning, we woke up to snow on the ground. Not just a dusting but a good 2 inches in the back yard and enough for our guest to head outside to make some snowballs before heading back to warm and sunny Phoenix. 

It feels entirely too early to have snow on the ground. Fortunately, it all melted by the late afternoon. It is only October, after all. 

Leftover Cake

Since it was Lukas' cake, he had the privilege to finish it off. 

Chilly

 We went from fall to winter in a day. Temperatures below freezing required us to dig up the tomato plants and donate them to a new warmer home in Phoenix. The guys arranged for the first fire of the season - there are few things as cozy as a good book, warm blankets, fire, and friends hanging out in the living room. A perfect way to end a great day. 

Sunday Hike

Bob, Lukas, his friend, and I headed out for a Sunday afternoon hike around Campbell Mesa. Noah took the opportunity to go for a long bike ride. 

It was a great way to spend a leisurely afternoon. 

Happy Birthday, Lukas

 We celebrated Lukas' birthday on Saturday with a tasty dinner, cake, and gifts. He was excited to have his family, a friend, and his mentor here to celebrate with him. It is hard to believe that this guy is now 20. 

Lava Tubes

 The three guys headed out to explore the Lava Tubes on Saturday morning and then to the Aspen Grove, where "all of Arizona" had gathered to see the Aspen leaves. 

They arrived home a bit worn out but excited to have checked  Lava Tubes off the bucket list. 

Fall Break!

 Lukas and Noah along with a friend of Lukas' spent fall break in Flagstaff. What a joy to have them here. 

Since it was Friday evening, pizza was on the menu!

 

Bedroom Window View

 Fall is here! The Red Maple tree in our front yard is such a beautiful and joyous sight as I open the curtains in the morning. 

On Our Way

 We drove Noah back to Phoenix on Sunday. Bob had found an exciting trail south of Sedona that he wanted to explore. Since it was on the way south, it seemed fitting to stop. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the water cool. So, true to form, Bob and Noah set out to dam up the water flow... some things never change. 

Making Flatbread

 Chicken Shwarma calls for pita bread. Since none had been purchased, the choice was heading back out to the store or make flatbread at home. Making it won out! Bob and Noah whipped up a batch. Note that Noah has adjusted so well to Phoenix that he needed to break out his warm Comfy to not freeze. How is he going to survive a winter break in Flagstaff?