We were asked to head up the committee for the picnic this year; we planned for 700 people and had a terrific time with our wonderful missionary friends who served with us.

We have been here in Salt Lake City, serving as missionaries full-time, since June of 2006. Perhaps it's time to set up a source of updated information for friends and family to visit and see the latest information!

Right now, it's the season for the various crews to set up the hundreds of thousands of Christmas lights on Temple Square, using cherry pickers and lots of volunteer labor to do the job. The huge Cedar of Lebanan which stands by the fence and gates between the Temple and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building was decorated with all red lights about a month ago; it's probably the biggest project of all and isn't even attempted every year.

Leaves are turned and falling rapidly; this was General Conference weekend and we saw thousands of visitors. Our apartment faces the Conference Center, and we are aware of all of the action including the TV station trucks that park on our street to do their job.

This is a new experience, but we will get photos posted from time to time! We, like all missionaries, love to receive mail and that includes e-mail.