OUR ETERNAL FAMILY

Christmas 2011

2011-12-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

     Wow! It was a very interesting Christmas this year. One that will be in our memories for quite some time. We traveled to Boise to celebrate with Steve's brother's family, which is always a fun time! We left on Friday and did a little shopping on the way. That night we went to Cortney's house for the 1st annual ugly sweater/gingerbread house decorating contest. We had a great time, but our roof kept collasping on us. Needless to say we had to come up with a different design before the time was up. (Just like on that cake decorating cooking show.)
     Saturday morning, Steve and I did our annual Christmas Eve shopping spree to the Boise mall and other places. It is always nice to spend time together. On Saturday evening, we had dinner and then to the Christmas Eve get together. Then the excitement began!  After we had done the sock filling routine, Steve remembered that a gift he had bought was not to be found. (This was now about 1:30 A.M.) I suggested he go out and look in Scott's garbage to see if it was thrown away. He had just receive a new flashlight from a friend so he took it with him. The next thing I know Becky is calling Steve to see where he was. Well I said he was out looking in the garbage and she said, "Oh no, I think Scott just went out and beat him to a pulp." Apparently the girls had seen the flashlight from the window and thought someone was in the backyard. So Scott, Chase, and Cameron went out to investigate. In the meantime, Steve used his trusty new flashlight to shine in Scott's eyes and was saved. We all had a really great laugh from that episode.
     Christmas morning was another story, Cameron (Whitney's husband) spent half the night with the stomach flu. Powell woke up not feeling well either and my stomach wasn't the greatest. Anyway to make a long story there short, Cameron had to go home and spent the rest of the day you know where, Powell spent his entire day in bed with the same thing (other than he only vomited twice), and then I came down about 4:00 with the gomboo!
     No that was not all!!! After our gifts were all opened and we were getting ready to go to church, Jared opened his mother's new Ninja blender and the blade dropped out and sliced his foot open which meant a trip to the emergency room. Then that afternoon he also came down with the stomach flu!
     I am sorry to say that we did not get any pictures, but that might have been a good thing. Anyway we are back in the pink of health and despite everything had a wonderful Christmas. It was a beautiful time to remember our Savior's birth and His purpose for coming to this earth. We are so grateful the the many blessings our Heavenly Father has given us this year. We have a strong testimony of the gospel and are blessed to enjoy all we have. We love our families and pray that the coming year will be a joy in our lives.

Our Trip to Adam-Ondi-Ahman & Nauvoo

2011-05-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

During spring break we took a trip to Adam-Ondi-Ahman, Far West, Haun's Mill, Hannibal, MO, Nauvoo, Liberty, and Independence. Tom & Nancy showed us a wonderful time in AOA, Far West, and Haun's Mill. It was just a spiritual high to see and walk the footsteps of the early saints and our ancestors. We were so thankful for this adventure.

From the field at AOA looking up the valley and hill.

Amish buggies in Jamesport, MO.

Standing on preacher rock at AOA.
This is a place where Joseph Smith gave a sermon to the saints.

One of the many ponds on AOA. The sun was just peaking over the fog.

A welcome sign to AOA.

A marker at Haun's Mill. This is about all that is there now.
(Yes, it looks like my camera strap is also in the photo.)

Sitting in front of markers on the temple grounds at Far West.

Tom & Nancy at the AOA work center before we left.

At the lighthouse overlooking the mighty Mississippi in Hannibal, MO.,
home to Mark Twain.

Nauvoo Temple with Joseph & Hyrum statue on their way to Carthage.

Carthage Jail. This is the room Hyrum & Joseph were killed in.

This is the lot of ground that my GG grandparents owned in Nauvoo, IL.

Powell in the Post Office/store in Nauvoo.

Upper room in the Red Brick Store where the School of the Prophets was held.

Powell overlooking the valley at AOA.

Replica of Liberty Jail.

To top our trip off, on the way to the airport in Kansas City, we were able to see the new Kansas City Temple from the freeway just after the Angel Moroni had been placed on the spire.

Thanksgiving

2011-01-20T20:54:00.000-08:00

I am just a bit late on posting updates. This is our little family gathering at Mom's for Thanksgiving. We were very happy that Chase (my nephew) could come and be with us for the holiday. I am sorry to say that I didn't take any pictures for Christmas, so this is the extent of the holiday photographs.

Powell's Eagle Project

2011-01-20T20:48:00.000-08:00

Powell worked on his Eagle Project this fall. He was asked by the Rupert Christmas Lighting Committee to redo some of the big Christmas decorations that are hung in the square every year. He had to take off the old tinsel and put on new for each piece. Some of the wiring and lights also needed to be replaced. Here are a few pictures showing what he did, from beginning to finished project.

This is the project after the old tinsel had been taken off.

Help from the Teacher's quorum

Putting on the finishing touches

Hanging lanterns with new tinsel, wiring, & lights

Finished product before the city hung them in the square.

Finish decoration hanging in the square.

Jackson & Yellowstone

2010-08-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

Last week we had the opportunity to take a trip to Jackson Hole and Yellowstone. We had a great time enjoying our Heavenly Father's creations. It is a bit sobering to think of how active the earth is in Yellowstone. We were quite relieved to know that we had left Jackson the morning before they had a 4.8 earthquake. While in Jackson, we went to the Bar J Chuckwagon dinner and show. It was so fun. We also had the opportunity to celebrate our 19th anniversary. The day we were in Yellowstone, we heard was a record for the number of people that had been there this summer.

This was taken as we were on our way to Yellowstone. When we got up that morning it was pouring rain in Jackson. That is why there are those heavy clouds above the Grand Tetons. It was still a beautiful morning and day. A very nice couple from York, Pennsylvania took this picture for us. They were also on their way to the park.We actually stopped to take this photo on the way back out of the park.

This was an area where the big fire took place in Yellowstone. We could not believe how the vegetation has grown back. In some places it is more dense than before the fire. It was absolutely beautiful.

This is only one point of the Continental Divide we passed on our way to Yellowstone.

"Old Faithful" This eruption took place about 11:30 a.m. The bottom photo shows it at its peak and then I took the first one. Old Faithful is in the foreground and is on its way down, the geyser in the background was actually shooting higher in the sky than Old Faithful.

Various geysers around Yellowstone

Looking back at Old Faithful and the Old Faithful Inn from the boardwalks around the area.

People waiting for Old Faithful to erupt and then during the eruption. This was the second time we watched it. The second eruption was much higher than the first one.

Mud pots at Yellowstone

These two photos were taken from the pickup window. It is quite a funny story. As we were coming back to Jackson from Yellowstone, we were about half-way when all of a sudden we were at a stop and go pace for about 45 minutes. Well when we came upon all the action, people were stopped on the side, crossing the road to take pictures of these two elk. That was what was backing the traffic for about 3 or 4 miles.

Family advertising

2010-07-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

I am posting this to my site for those might be interested in some cute handmade accessories for your stylish outfits. These are made by my nieces and they are beautiful. Here is the site address http://www.petalonover.blogspot.com I am sure they probably take orders if you are interested.

Our Spring Break Trip

2010-05-09T18:15:00.001-07:00

During spring break, we took a trip to Zion National Park, The Grand Canyon, Lake Havasu, AZ, & Las Vegas. We traveled a lot of miles and saw many great sights. It was interesting that we let home with the heater on in the pickup, then had the vent, the heater, the air conditioner, the vent, and back to the heater again. We had a great time together and we also were able to visit my aunt, Bonnie in Lake Havasu. Powell had a eye opening experience in Las Vegas. While in Vegas, we had the opportunity to see "The Lion King" on stage. Wow! What a production. It was soooooo good. These are just a few of the pictures we took.

This is just before going into the mile long rock tunnel at the beginning of Zion's National Park. It was kind of scary to me thinking of all that rock above you.

Taken out the side of our motel at Tusayan, AZ. This is about 6 miles from the Grand Canyon.

On the edge of the Grand Canyon. It was kind of chilly but the snow was melting.

The Grand Canyon

Powell in front of the London Bridge in Lake Havasu, AZ. We enjoyed the 80 degree weather while we were there.

The M & M candy store on the strip in Las Vegas. This is a whole wall with different

kinds of M & Ms.

The new bridge that will replace driving over the Hoover Dam. It is almost complete. It rises over 900 ft. above the Colorado River here. Way too scary for me!

We had to take a picture while leaving Las Vegas.

Update!

2010-05-09T18:10:00.000-07:00

I guess I should give an update on Powell's competition at the state for National History Day! He was in the Junior Division for historical papers. They awarded a first, second, and third place in the division. Powell, however, was awarded a special division for an outstanding paper on a western topic from the Charles Redd Center from BYU. He also won $100 for this award. He was pretty excited and we were very proud of him for his efforts.

KUDOS FOR POWELL

2010-02-24T19:18:00.000-08:00

We are so excited for Powell. He just received word today that he won first place in his division at the regional National History Day competition. The theme for this year is Innovations in History. He chose to do the Transcontinental Railroad. He did the research and wrote his 1,900 word paper on how the railroad change the country in many ways. He will now go to Caldwell to participate in the state competition in April. We wish him the best there.

POWELL'S SCOUTING

2009-07-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

These were taken at Camp Bradley (the boy scout camp near Stanley, Idaho). Powell spent one week there and was able to earn eight merit badges. Steve also went up for 2 1/2 days. They had a great time, but were chewed up with mosquitos and no-see-ums.

(It looks like everyone enjoyed themselves sitting around the campfire.)

These were taken last week while Powell was on a 50 mile hike with other scouts in our ward. They were in the Sawtooth Mountains and were up as high as 10,000 feet.

Their backpacks in a tree because

they had a bear in camp.

FAMILY REUNIONS

2009-07-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

This is a bit late in coming, but I just around to getting the pictures edited and ready to post.

In June we were able to attend two family reunions. The I.R. Pierce reunion that has been going for 44 years and the first annual William & Fay Huls reunion. Powell was the photographer since he received his new camera for his birthday. He loves to take pictures, but not always when people are looking at him. I am only posting pictures from the Huls reunion since all the Pierce pictures are blurry. We had a great time at both reunions, but the most fun was at the Huls reunion as it is the first time we have all been together for a long time. We still had a few people missing, but hopefully they can come next year.

William & Fay Huls 1948

Ted, Lon, Tom & Fay (Mom)

Tom, Fay(Mom), & Lon

Christopher, Steve, Kathy, Natalie, & John

Katie(we were so glad you were able to stay for this, It was great to see you.) In back is Tiffany, Camille, & Juliet

Nancy, Camille, Juliet, & Tiffany visiting

Maya & Jared

Carter Rhudy

Hayden Rhead

Tiffany, Rob, Chance, and Nate visiting

Jennifer, Natalie, Lacie, & Kathy

Bauer Freeman

Birthdays

2009-06-01T21:34:00.001-07:00

On the 16th of May we gathered to celebrate Mom's birthday. We took her to dinner and then we sat and visited . It was a great time and I think she quite enjoyed herself. This picture of Natalie and Maya with Mom is the only one I took all day. I think it turned out well.

The next weekend on the 22 & 23 we had a birthday/slumber party for Powell's 13th. He invited four of his friends plus his cousin, Jared to celebrate with him. According to some of them, this was the highlight, letting the alpacas eat grain off their backs.

Doesn't this look like a bunch of celebraters?

After all the alpaca excitement, Powell opened his gifts and then we had cake and ice cream. To top the event off we took them all to see "Night at the Museum II".

It was an action packed weekend, with the party, going to the cemeteries, and helping Cortney and Chase with their new yard. We had a great time and hopefully everyone else did as well.

Now I must add the most exciting news of all, SCHOOL IS OUT FOR THE SUMMER!! YEA! It is so nice to have a break.

Whitney's Wedding

2009-05-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

Whitney & Cameron's engagement pictures
Whitney & Cameron just outside the temple on Friday night.
Whitney & Cameron with the Gibson & Johnson families.

It turned out to be a beautiful day for Whitney & Cameron.

We were a bit worried when we woke up on Saturday and it

was pouring rain. When we came out of the temple, the clouds

cleared and the sun came out just in time for pictures. What a

wonderful wedding and time with family. (Steve made her

bouquet and did all the flowers for the reception. He always

does the flowers beautifully. )

Easter Sunday

2009-04-20T20:47:00.000-07:00

We took the opportunity to go to Pocatello on Easter weekend. We had a great time visiting and shopping. On Easter Sunday we went to church with my mom. After church we did Easter and took some pictures.

Fay Huls, Powell, & Steve

Easter Sunday 2009

Fay Huls, Powell, & Bavia
Easter Sunday 2009

Fay Huls, Bavia, & Steve

It is always nice to get away from home for a few days. Mom likes to have visitors and it is always fun to see her and be able to give her a break from being by herself.

SPRING BREAK!!

2009-03-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I updated. I guess we have not done anything note-worthy. This week however, is spring break. YEA!!!! We took the opportunity to get away. We went to Salt Lake for a few days to play, rest, visit family, and do family history. It was a great time.

We left Sunday after church and stopped in Pleasant View to visit with Ron & Verlee. To our pleasant surprise Alan Kerbs joined us for dinner and visiting. It was great to see everyone and have a great time together. After we said our goodbye's we venture forth to Salt Lake and checked in.

On Monday we started a day long trek to Provo, which included shopping, sight seeing (The Living Planet Aquarium, it was great and very interesting), and visiting with Whitney. It is always fun to visit with her. She is getting very excited for the big day. We tried to make contact with Katie & Jeremy but schedules did not work out for us. Maybe next time.

On Tuesday we spent most of the day doing our family history session. We both found some new information so the trip was a success. We also met, by coincidence, a couple that Steve has known for years. Then we saw them again in the Distribution Center. It is amazing who you run into when you are on vacation.

We came home Wednesday and are now enjoying the rest of the break. I have never understood why vacations always whiz by and work does not. Anyway we had a great time and the weather was wonderful.

Klondike

2009-01-25T07:46:00.001-08:00

Powell and Steve had the opportunity to go up on

Pomerelle Friday night for the Klondike. This is a

picture of Powell in the snow cave he and his fellow

scouters built. If you can't tell Powell is in the

third hole.

Grandpa's birthday

2009-01-25T07:30:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday all the Gibson children and grandchildren

surprised Grandpa Gibson for his 80th birthday. We

cooked dinner for him and then had cake and ice cream.

It was a great time to all be together. We should do it

more often. Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

Our Gold Panning Trip

2009-01-24T10:48:00.000-08:00

Last August we had the opportunity to go to the Yankee Fork of the Salmon River and pan for gold. Steve's cousins own several gold mines in that area and have been wanting us to come for awhile. We had a great time and were able to see the wildlife and beautiful scenery in that area of Idaho. It was so interesting to walk the streets of the ghost town, Bonanza and Custer. Bavia thought that was great. She was just a bit nervous though when we drove to the top of Mt. Estes with a sheer drop on her side of the road going up. We also were able to explore some of the other deserted mine camps in the area. What a history lesson. We had such a good time. We thank Durrell & Marilyn Moon for their hospitality and giving us such a grand experience.

Bavia & Powell at the overlook at Galena Summit.

Steve & Powell at Redfish Lake. You just can't believe how

clear the water is here. It is so clear, you can see the huge

trout swimming in it. Notice the jagged mountain peaks in

the background.

Powell & Bavia on the boardwalk at Redfish Lake.

Powell coming down from the 9700 ft. summit of Mt. Estes.

Steve & Powell panning for their gold.

An old mining cabin on the backside of Mt. Estes.

Our newfound friends standing by Steve, Marge & Bill.

She is 88 and he is 91 years old. This is their cabin.

We ate dinner at their house and what a fun couple

they are. They come here and spend all summer every year.

The other couple is Marilyn and Durrell Moon, Steve's cousins

and the owners of the gold mines.

This is at the gate of the Lucky Custer Mine owned

by Durrell & Marilyn Moon. Don't we look excited?

A playing table in the saloon at Custer, Idaho.

Wow, that must have been a rough game!

Powell at the opening of an abandoned mine

shaft at the Lucky Custer Mine.