We had a really fun Thanksgiving. The Clarks came over from Minneapolis. We played lots of games, ate lots of good food, went on a fun hike at the Dells of the Eau Claire, did a couple of puzzles and Mary Ann and I even did our traditional craft day. It was fun to have the house full of people. Here are some photos. Janet even made one of the pies, a pumpkin one. I guess she's trying to compete with her brothers. The picture is of a little pie she made with the leftovers.

Here are some of the things I'm thankful for this year:

1. Two beautiful, talented, kind, and smart daughters-in-law and one wonderful, sweet, talented, intelligent son-in-law. It's such a blessing to our family that our oldest three children have found spouses who are such good people, trying to live the gospel. We love you, guys!

2. Safe travel. Our family travels a lot, for fun, for work and for school. I'm thankful for all the years of safe travel that we've had.

3. Missionaries. It's been awhile since we've had a missionary out and it brings a special spirit to our home. Now we'll have two. I don't know exactly how we'll afford it, but I'm thankful for Joanna and Sarah's desires to serve missions.

4. Health and strength. We all have our ups and downs, but the little granddaughter on the way and the return to health and strength of Sarah's knee are miracles to me.

5. I think we have the best friends in the world. They're scattered all over the world, and we don't get to see them much, but they have made us so happy over so many years. This summer, I had the opportunity to get together with one of my college roommates. I hadn't seen her for almost 30 years, but we still have the bond that existed back then. I count some of my seminary students, who are now adults, as friends, too, and that's a wonderful blessing.

There are really too many other things to list, but I know that the Lord has blessed us. I hope you will all spend a few minutes pondering all that you have to be thankful for.

Well, basketball season has started. Last night, Janet had a game in Kaukauna, which is 1 hour and 40 minutes away. On a school night, no less! She got home at 11:50 and still had homework to finish. Obviously, none of the coaches care too much about academics. None of them have kids older than elementary school, either.

Anyway, the DC Everest Evergreens lost to the Kaukauna Galloping Ghosts, 66-64. (Don't you just love these mascots?) Janet played well, scoring 13 points, including three 3's. The team has 11 girls on it and 10 of them got a lot of playing time, so Janet did well for the time she was in. Everyone is still trying to figure out the coach's strategy (or lack thereof!) Just when the starters are picking it up and coming on, he pulls them out and puts in the subs.

This was a non-conference game. The conference season starts Friday when Everest plays Marshfield. Incidentally, both Kaukauna and Marshfield's colors are orange and black. It makes me a little nostalgic!

Can't wait 'til Sarah can join us for twice a week games!

Go Evergreens!

Okay, okay. I know it's been awhile since I posted anything. I guess life has been boring here. But finally, I have something new to post.

This past weekend, we made a quick trip to Fargo, ND, to go to Brandon Hendrickson's wedding reception. It was very nice, but the best part, as always, was being with family and friends. We stayed overnight with the Hendricksons and went to church in the Fargo 2nd Ward. When we lived there 25 years ago, there was only one ward, but now there are two wards and a student branch. There were only a couple of people we knew there, but that's okay. It was fun visiting our old haunts.

Here is a picture of the chapel. It's the building where Ben, Emily and Joanna were blessed. Janet went to YW in the room that used to be the nursery. It's where Joseph figured out that if he sat at the head of the table and ate his snack quickly, he'd get another one, because the teachers couldn't remember where they started passing them out. It's also the place where Joseph was a big hero with the boys in Primary when he was a Sunbeam because he could "Name That Tune" in one note. I think it was "Book of Mormon Stories".

After church, we drove around and showed Janet the married student housing where we lived. She was thrilled. :( But Rene and I enjoyed it. Here's a picture of the very apartment we lived in for 3 1/2 years, 264 E University Village. It looks exactly the same, just a little more run-down.

Sorry, Sarah and Janet. Since we moved when Joanna was three weeks old, this probably doesn't have much relevance to you. But we have happy, happy memories of living in Fargo, ND.