China Trip October 7-22

"Nin hao"
A few highlights of our recent trip to China...

"wo ai ni"
Love, Mom and Dad

More Banff

After tent camping for 7 nights we opted to stay in the Banff Springs Hotel/Castle.
We appreciated:

• running water
• hot running water
• restroom within 6 feet
• lights
• ice machine
• a bed
• carpet
• etc, etc, etc...
  

Our final trail followed a series of strenuous switchbacks to the summit ridge and upper terminal of the Sulphur Mountain Gondola, just over 5 miles.

Bear warnings were every where, along with instructions on fighting back if stalked/attacked, or playing dead if the bear felt threatened. We found it incredulous that if we surprised a bear we were to speak to it calmly then play dead for 2 minutes. If the bear was still harassing us we could then begin to fight back.

• We attended the Banff Branch (satellite broadcast of Stake Conference in Calgary
• Gorged ourselves on chocolaty, caramel, cashew bear claws
• Headed for home via Radium Hot Springs
• Regrettably camped near Whitefish, Montana (10 trains overnight)

And hurried home without stopping for gas. That was a mistake. Our prayers were heard and when we did find "fuel" we pumped 20 gallons into our 18 gallon gas tank.

The Lord is mindful of us. He is watching over us and will continue if we will let Him, trust Him and follow Him. We show our love to Him be loving you, our family and friends.

You gotta see Banff for yourselves.
Lane & Carolyn
Dad and Mom

Camping Trip to Banff

Tonight we arrived home from a spectacular road trip into the Canadian Rockies. Particularly, BANFF National Park in Alberta Canada.

• tent camping a total of 7 nights
• cooking our meals over fires

Enroute to Banff we:

• stopped at Glacier National Park in Montana
• drove the famous "going to the sun road"

• camped at Waterton National Park in Alberta Canada
• visited the Cardston LDS Temple

A highlight of Banff is Lake Louise. We canoed on it for an hour before treating ourselves to lunch at the Chateau on the lake (our first purchased meal in 6 days). Unforgettable service, view and food. Other highlights are pictured here...

to be continued...

Labor Day Weekend

So lucky for us there were 2 cancellations for the Havasupai hike. Our group of 19 had reservations for the Havasu campground in the Grand Canyon, Arizona. Jerel, Stephanie, Caden and Carlie let us tag along for the Labor Day weekend adventure. If the Bullocks ever invite you to do anything do not hesitate! Buy some sleeping bags, borrow two back packs and jump in with both feet.

Havasu memories:

• in-SUV movies and snacks
• Upon seeing my country-fried steak Carlie exclaims "a huge chicken nugget!"
• sleeping under thunderclouds
• drying out the dripping bags
• Jerel making Lane's backpack disappear (onto a mule)
  
• skipping down the 10 mile trail
• the hiking Bullock's linking hands
  
• the milky turquoise colored water
  
• oatmeal breakfasts and tuna lunches
• Authentic Navajo tacos for dinner
• Mooney Falls via caves, chain rails and ladders
• sleeping under the stars
  
• Lane's jacuzzi discovery
• the sense of relief when we climbed out of that hole

See how lucky we were!
Lane & Carolyn
Dad and Mom

August Adventures

Week #1 - Lincoln & Carrie - Everett, WA

We were introduced to Maggie and instantly fell in love!

Played, hiked, picnicked and explored with Matthew, Scott and Luke. We also watched "Alvin and the Chipmunks", dined at Charles E. Cheese, petted a goat and rode a pony. Carrie prepared a new favorite of ours, her curry chicken and baked up a batch or two of her famous chocolate chip cookies. Lincoln BBQ'd for us and listened to our ASG updates. The Bullocks came to town and we joined with the Hansens in a hike to Lake #22. The day was unforgettable; lush forests, stunning scenery, fresh smell of moss in the damp woods, a picnic with family beside a spectacular lake. Six miles and nine children. The kids all did super...the adults worked to keep up. We loved this week!

Thank you Carrie & Lincoln for inviting us. It is a joy to be in your home and see how well you manage life with four beautiful kids. The accomodations were sweet and the company even better.

Week #2 - ALASKA with dear friends

Lots of fishing for fish, posing with fish, devouring fish, dreaming of fish, wishing we had even bigger fish, and wondering how we were gonna squeeze fish into our suitcases. Saw glacier upon glacier upon glacier, saw orca and humpback whales, saw record warm temperatures in Juneau, saw Ahmad in a baseball cap. The Corbitts are cherished friends. Our freezer full of fish reminds us of our Alaskan adventure together.

Week #3 - The Hansen Family - Everett, WA

We played with Dalia and Tesila while Britni went high adventuring. She is tough! Enjoyed beaches and playgrounds, candyland, movies, storybooks, making ponytails, fast food, and sunny afternoons. Lane and Brian picked blackberries for hours and Lane bottled over 100 jars of jam or pie filling. All too soon Lane made me leave so Brian could have his family back.

Week #4 - Jamming and crabbing

We drove south towards the Oregon coast, driving past the former Creek home in Longview, stopping to crab, relaxing on the beach at haystack rock, eating Tillamook fudge and ice cream, visiting Clayton's family in Hillsboro and driving home.

It's always so nice to go away and nice to come home again. We love our life together, love our family, love the happiness, peace and comfort the Gospel of Jesus Christ provides. Remember to say your prayers, count your blessings, tell your spouse (child, parents, beta fish, dog) that you love them, read the scriptures and your patriarchal blessing...if you don't have one yet, get it!

We love you forever and ever!

Mom & Dad

Carolyn & Lane

July Highlights

Glancing at these photos you would think

that July was just one big party!

But that's just not true. Take a peek...

...uhhh, ummm, what can I say?

We had some great times in July.

Can I have another slice of blue lego cake?

Happy Happy Birthday to our favorite

people celebrating the month of their

arrival on this planet; namely-

Tyson, Greg, Jerel, Jerry, Taggart,
Luke, my papa Dennis "81"

AND finally, a girl joins this mix of gentlemen.

WELCOME MAGGIE 7/25/09!!!

For anyone seeking advice I say
to listen to a prophets voice.

"Make the Gospel of Jesus Christ the
center of our lives. This attitude is what
will pull us through whatever comes our
way. It will not remove our troubles from
us but rather will enable us to face our
challenges, to meet them head on, and to
emerge victorious."

Pres. Monson - April Conference 2009

Amen, and amen.

Love, Mom & Dad

Carolyn Annette & Lane Steven

Jackson Hole

Mom & Dad Creek love Jackson & the Tetons.
We tagged along on their recent trip.

(Next time perhaps some of you will tag along with us.)

Share your favorite J.H. memories...
love, Ma & Pa