Fall in Central New York

Last Saturday, Nathan and I went out to enjoy a beautiful fall day, and rake a relative few of the seemingly endless leaves that fall from the trees in the yard. Fortunately we had two rakes - Nathan was eager to help and he was a great helper! He was properly attired with his BYU hat and his blue jacket.

He was a little hesitant to play or jump into our pile of leaves, but it seemed like he was having a good time helping and watching his dad fall into and be buried in the leaves (check out the video below).

Now a week later, it doesn't look like we have done anything with all the leaves that have fallen in the past week. The trees in the front are almost bare now, but the trees in the backyard are still very full - lots more fun in the upcoming weeks!

We have really enjoyed the fall colors here in Groton as well as the surrounding region. Last Sunday, we drove to Owego, NY for Stake Conference. It seems fitting that right before you arrive at the Owego Stake Center you cross over the Sesquehanna River. Anyway, the drive south to Owego took about 65 minutes and it was beautiful! The drive was filled with the rolling hills colored in bright reds, oranges, and yellows, contrasted with green fields and blue skies. It was definitely the most beautiful fall drive in recent memory! It seemed that around every corner or over every hill there was just gorgeous countryside. For any who have not seen New England in the fall I would definitely recommend it - there are probably more spectacular places than here, but we certainly enjoyed our drive last week.

"Mommy had Surgery"

So this last Wednesday I came home from work, changed my clothes and we went to the Surgicare in Ithaca to meet up w/ my podiatrist. I had some plantars warts on my feet that were very resilient and were not responding to the office treatments. So I decided to just take the plunge and have them use a lasar treatment to remove them. It was strange to be the patient in the bed and have the nurse starting an IV on me. She was very good considering my little veins. I have to say that the medicine they gave me to sedate gives you such an odd feeling--and I am glad that I don't remember any of the procedure!I just woke up w/ numb feet and big bandages on them!

I knew that it was going to be a painful and long recovery process, but now after the fact I am really coming to the realization how true that is going to be!! Thankful I have some time off from work and a very supportive little boy that knows how to help mommy put her shoes on, and a husband that is taking care of the house and me. I hobble around the house in my surgi-boot and one slipper. It makes me feel very lazy to be sitting around so much and not be tired or doing something useful! I just keep telling myself that I need to get my feet on the road to recovery before going back to work on Tuesday night. There is no slowing down I am afraid for the night shift nurse!

Niagara Falls Trip

We went to Niagara Falls with Spencer and Brooke and had a great time seeing the Falls from all different angles. Nathan loved seeing the waterfalls and has since commented how "loud, loud" it was!

Here is a view from the Observation Deck overlooking the American Falls with the Horseshoe Falls in the background.

The view looking back on the American Falls with the Observation Deck and Rainbow Bridge in the background.

MAID OF THE MIST!

These are pictures from our trip on the famous ride that provides spectacular views of both of the falls. Nathan wasn't too sure during the ride, but afterwards he wanted to get back on and have another boat ride.

Video Clip from our journey on the Maid of the Mist:

Horseshoe Falls from the Maid of the Mist

Nathan was very excited to have his Maid of the Mist raincoat and wanted to ride again after we got off.

Beautiful setting with the rainbow and the Maid of the Mist boats nearly crossing.

Video from Hurricane Deck under the Bridal Veil Falls!

Halloween Review

HALLOWEEN!

We've had some fun Halloweens in the past. Here is a review of our costumes and some of the fun we've had.

2006

Pirates of the Cayuga

Nathan in his monkey costume

2005

Deb, Pumpkin Baby, and Napoleon

2004

The Boy Scout and his Smore

Spence & Brooke's visit to Ithaca

This last weekend Spence & Brooke came to visit. We had fun showing them all the sights, I even saw some new places on campus. Nathan was very excited to see his uncle and aunt. We toured campus friday. On Saturday after the am session of Conference, we went and saw the end of the Cornell vs. Harvard football game, and then on to Ithaca falls.

I am just learning how to work this blog site, I think it is going to be fun to keep up w/ our family...so now we just need to get them on and have them post pictures, etc!

Liz