An enjoyable evening

Last Friday evening we were invited by one of our returned missionaries and his wife for dinner at their apartment in Provo. We had a delicious dinner and a fun evening talking about mission memories and getting to know them better. Elder Christian Pingree had played basketball for BYU prior to his mission and had served as one of our assistants during his mission - he was an excellent missionary. His wife Hayley is delightful and a great cook! Hal and I treasure such times as this!

Slowly but surely!

James, Hal and little Preston in front of our work in progress



Progress is being made on our new home - things are moving forward slowly but surely! As you can see, the walls are up, the roof is on and ready to be shingled and the windows are in! On the inside, they are working on the plumbing, wiring and heating system. The framers are almost done! They are telling us perhaps it will be ready by mid December... We will see!! (Can you think of a more fun time to move?)

Mission Farewell, Family & Friends

We returned Wednesday from a 10 day trip to Idaho and Oregon. First, we atended Taylor's Mission Farewell in Boise. We enjoyed visiting with family and saying our goodbyes to Taylor. (We are hoping to see him during his 3 weeks at the Provo MTC). Our next stop was in La Grande, Oregon to spend time with Mary and Lloyd Royer. The Royers served as a senior couple in our mission and are wonderful people and friends!
From La Grande, we travelled to Portland to see Jessica, Adam and Gigi. We then took Gigi and Jessica with us for a 2 night stay on the Oregon Coast - poor Adam had to work and couldn't go with us. We loved getting to know Gigi better - she now actually likes her Grandma and Grandpa Mickelsen!!

We travelled back to Idaho and spent time with our friends - Bob and Susan Taylor and visited other Caldwell friends as well. We made our last stop in Featherville to visit Hal's brother - David. We returned home tired but happy!
Elder Taylor Morris


Hal teaching Elder Morris some magic tricks he can use to capture the interest of children while teaching on his mission.



The Mickelsens and The Royers



On the way to Portland we stopped at The Columbia Gorge Hotel for a delicious lunch in a beautiful setting.



Enjoying the beautiful hydrangeas



Hal,Patty and Gigi on the Oregon Coast



Jessica, Gigi and Hal enjoying the beach



Grandma and Gigi at the Blue Heron Cheese Factory (tourist trap!)



Gigi enjoying the petting zoo at the cheese factory



Gigi really enjoying her first ice cream cone!



Hal and Patty at Depoe Bay



Jessica and Gigi in a park near their home



A delicious dinner with Bob and Susan