I love your hat

Several years ago Becca got a "Golden Access Passport" from the National Parks system, which gives her and her guests a lifetime admission permit to any national park. So as we approach the Ranger Station at the entrance of parks Becca holds the card to show the ranger. She has developed a patter to speak with the ranger. If it is a park where we have previously been, like Yellowstone, she may say, "Coming back". But often she catches the ranger's attention by saying "I love your hat". That almost always get a big smile, as it did with Jamie, the ranger at the entrance of Canyonlands National Park. She even posed for a photo-op for Becca (who took this pic from her backseat window of the Saturn.)

Finally heading south

October 2, '10 the Auswanderers pulled the chocks in Springville and headed south on I 15. This is a couple of weeks later than our original plans.

Highway 6 running southeast from Springville toward Price goes through mountain passes where some fall color can be seen.

The highway follows the rainroad which follows the river. The driving was slow but we weren't trying to rush. In the afternoon we got to a little community called Green River. We checked into the Shady Acres RV Park, where we will spend Sat and Sun nights. Monday we continue south to Moab. Our plans are to see the two national parks in that area. For all of the times we have been in and through Utah, this will be our first time seeing the southeast area.

Meg and Mom at Manda's Sept 25, '10

Meg brought her family from New Hampshire to celebrate Mom's bday. Well, it seemed like it.

Meg's girls love to pose. Here is Jessi

And here is Kaitlyn, wearing the same hat.

Bethany cuddles their creature.

Malia loves to have her picture taken.

Becca got a turn with the creature

It was time for the traveling Hammaris to continue west to Boise. Here is the goodbye photo -from l to r --Mom, Kaitlyn, Meg, Jessi, Becca and Grandma Hammari. (Bethany, Malia and the creature are already in the backseat). Grandma flew to NH to help arrange for Meg and the Little Women to come back to her home in Boise and drive back with them. She deserves great credit for keeping this crew under control and heading in the same direction. Mahalo Carmen!

Uncle Ganon does the hula

A few days ago our ward had a community party and talent show.

The Bishopric decided that their talent would be to dance to the music of the Hukilau. They were rehearsed and did a pretty good job. Aunt Heidi was asked to create the hula skirts which she did with Mom's help.

IMUA BOYZ!

Macy Comes to Visit

A few days ago Amanda and Eric came to SLC for a missionary reunion. Mom and I were given the sweet opportunity to care for Macy for a few hours.

Dear Macy, Thank you for coming to visit Gramma, Becca and me.

We will always remember the sweet experience of being with you for a few hours. You were a perfect baby. You didn't cry once, which is amazing when you think about it. After a four hour car ride from Rigby to SLC your Mom and Dad gave you to us in a parking lot in Bountiful and we took you on another hour trip down to Provo. You and Gramma talked and played in the back seat and you made Gramma laugh and laugh. You quietly pooped your pants but didn't complain. Gramma changed you out in the open on a picnic table. No problem. Then we took you to the ward party in a park where you had never been, surrounded by strangers you had never seen. You slept for a few minutes but the noise woke you up. Still no crying. Gramma and I tried to feed you but there was so much going on around us with loud music and many children running around, you didn't eat much. Then it got dark and you got restless. I walked you around while the party wound down and Uncle Ganon did the hula. The Bishopric danced to the music of the Hukilau. They were rehearsed and did a pretty good job. Next we packed up went to Ganon and Heidi's house and got ready for bed. Heidi thoughtfully left the front door unlocked because they would be late helping to clean up after the party.You enjoyed most of your last bottle and had quieted down, until the cousins got home and began racing around the house. That got your attention and you sat on my lap and we watched them from the rocking chair. Finally, the day caught up with you and you began rubbing your face on my shirt. Your Mom had told me that that was one of the signs that you were ready to go to bed. So I laid you down in Heidi's little crib. You got comfortable as I rubbed your back, and that was that.

Love, Papa

Malama pono a hui hou