Well, it is definitely autumn here. I think the autumn foliage is already past its prime. We haven't had any frost yet, but we've been close and I don't think it will be long.

Last week, we had 4 inches of rain in about 36 hours. The ground was already pretty wet beforehand, so there was a lot of water around here. Old Business 51 in Rothschild was closed from Wausau Tile to Lignotech because of water over the road. Water was rushing from the river through the area where the bike path is (where Sarah and Dad went cross country skiing and Joanna and Janet rode their bikes to Briq's) and covering the road. It was doing the same thing on the other side of the river and there was water in all the low-lying area along the freeway and in the big pond thing that's always empty along that same bike path. The dam near Domtar had lots of boats and docks stuck in it, having been torn from their moorings. Many people had water in their basements, but not us, thank goodness!

Progress

Afton's photography skills are improving. Here are some of her shots taken with my camera a couple of weeks ago. Notice that they are not of her face but are real pictures. You go, Afton!

Really?

While I was in Virginia, we went to a farm where kids can pet baby animals. It was fun. But what really made me laugh was this sign that I saw when I got out of the car.

Happiest Place on Earth

Afton has outgrown her Elmo obsession and is now focused on Mickey Mouse and Co. One morning recently, Tracy had done her hair in two buns on either side of her head. Afton adored this hairstyle and told her mom she looked liked Mickey Mouse. Later that week, we went to a craft store to pick up a few items. While Tracy was busy choosing frames, Afton and I wandered around the store. We walked past a display that had a bunch of headbands. There was a red one with white polka dots and Afton immediately identified it as "Minnie!!" What could I do? I had to buy it for her.

Maybe because of Afton's current obsession, or maybe just by chance, or perhaps it's the slick Disney marketing machine, but the Virginia Scoresbys have also been getting Disney junk mail, including some inviting them to visit Disney World--"The Happiest Place on Earth."

I beg to differ. Losing Logan two weeks ago has only confirmed my belief that the temples dotting the earth are the happiest places on earth. As Preston said, if there is any comfort for us, it is the knowledge that Joseph and Tracy knelt across an altar in the Manti temple in 2003 and were sealed by the power of the priesthood. Logan is theirs forever and because of that same sealing power, all of us can be with him again, too. I'm thankful that we have beautiful and obedient children (and you know that includes the in-laws!) who have chosen to live righteously and to marry in the temple. I'm thankful that Afton and Logan, Macey, and Lauren are sealed to their parents and to us and their great-grandparents and so on in a powerful chain of priesthood ordinances.

We may someday get to Disney World with Afton and our other grandkids, but we can and will be in temples together often and I'm so very thankful for that blessing.