John and I took a beautiful drive over the Alpine Loop and down into Cascade Springs. We missed having you and Grandma and Grandpa Rasband with us because you've always been so much a part of a drive in the mountains. We saw a lot of bikers and thought about Mike and Keith. 
The autumn leaves were vibrant. We were disappointed that the colors didn't show up better on our pictures. There was a major fire that burned over Cascade Springs a few years ago and it is nice to see that the area has survived and vegetation has returned though there are still lots of burned tree trunks sticking up. 
The backside of Timpanogos is very steep. We could still see remnents of the glacier. John especially enjoyed driving his new car because it has the manual shift oftion which was helpful for the steep grades. It was a delightful day. Today Pres. Casalino was released as Branch President of the Spanish Branch after serving just over 5 years. All of Pres. Casalino's family was there to support him. Bro. Humphrey of the High Council was called as to be the new president. They even had to open the back curtain for the first time. The East Stake Presidency was also there to show their support because the branch is included in their stake. John blessed the sacrament assisted by six young Hispanic priesthood holders. The second counselor in the branch presidency wasn't called but that makes it just like all of the other Spanish branch auxiliaries which currently have only one counselor. The Elder's Quorum president became the new branch clerk. Seven or eight families moved out of the ward so this was more like a farewell than a release. Pres. Casalino moved months ago. The Andersons ( first counselor to Pres. Casalino) finished their home in Daybreak this week. Pres. Humphrey's counselor, Hermano Tejiero doesn't speak English. Frank Lopez and Craig Whiting were called to the High Council. (Craig Whiting is Bishop White's counselor in the First Ward.) Life continues to be a challenge in the branch. I'm so grateful that we have the opporunity of serving both in the Church and Family History Mission and in the branch. We get to experience the entire range of commitment and experience in church service.
John spent most of the last week mentoring two young missionaries who have been called to be trainers. I had an excellent student who was assigned to the US-British Zone. Wednesday was the annual FH Department business meeting which was streamed via internet to missionaries all over the world. We saw it live in the Little Theater of the Conference Center. What impressed me was the analogy of family history to a healthy ecosystem--all the parts need to be mutually beneficial. They discussed the inter-connected roles of indexing government and church records, commercial software venders, computer companies, volunteers, temple work, etc. and how we need and can help each other reach our specialized goals. What is happening in this regard is simply "a great and marvelous work!" People all over the world are getting their own records accessible via digital images.
Friday, John had a colonoscopy. He had one ten years ago during which a small polyp was removed. The preparation was so traumatic he has dreaded a repeat ever since. Things went much better this time. Three small polyps were removed and he will need to have another colonoscopy in 3-5 years. When he asked the doctor what caused the problem, she said that some of it is genetic. Grandma Lillian Rogers also had polyps for a time during her life but then they went away.
We hope that Mike has returned to Colorado safely. We are grateful for the protection of Desi and the children in the accident and that Mike could go and help with the move. We're so sorry about Desi's father's heart attack and Grandma Bainbridge's cancer. We're glad that Desi was able to take Emily and Mordecai back to see her. There is a very tender bond between them because Desi has taken such tender care of her through the years, especially in Colorado.
We're grateful to hear of Anna progress and to know that she may be able to see. It is good news that Anna will allow herself to sit on Katrina's lap for a few minutes and move her head a bit. Daniel loves Anna and will move her arms around which is wonderful physical therapy. She doesn't cry when he moves her arms. He will force her fists open so that he can hold hands with her. He's always been a hand-holder! Whenever I've been in the car with him, we always hold hands the entire distance.
Kristilyn and the boys surprised us by coming for a picnic lunch on Wednesday on the Temple Square Plaza. The boys were delightful. They were fascinated with the reflecting pool east of the temple. They ran their cars up the ledges by the walks to the "tall-tall fountain" and were impressed with the "lions in the flower beds." I never realized that there were so many sprinkler heads in the flower beds but Grant and James found many of them. They also were delighted to walk on the manhole/water drainage covers.
Keith and Kim have cute pictures and comments on their blogs which we really appreciate. Talisa is really growing up. Julie and Jason's blog is fun because they are able to explain their pictures. We love hearing from Melody and Brandon frequently on the telephone as well as through their blog. We are so grateful for all of our children and for the wonderful home that they have created. You are blessing the lives of your families and those around you both in the church, in your work, and in your neighborhoods. The church is in very good hands with the rising generation.
With love, admiration, and respect--Mom and Dad
