Graduation

There are two weeks set aside just for LDS training. President Dahlquist has always been an inspiration to Steve, and he was at Philmont all week. He was the speaker or presenter for a lot of the training. He always has that smile on his face, and when he talked to you, you felt like you had his undivided attention. A great man.
Steve receiving his certificate from President Dahlquist. The photographer was a little slow with the button!?

Ice cream story

This was such a fun evening! LuAnn and Sam Baxter, Lesa and McKell Porter, Rick Dustin, Steve and I decided to walk over to the Trading Post for ice cream -- Well they had closed just before we got there. The young man with the big smile to the right of the picture was sweeping the floor. I knocked on the window and pleaded our case (what case, I don't know) but he opened the door and made us all ice cream. Such a nice young man. We all sat outside and shared special stories, wonderful Spiritual experiences, and then we each told how we met our spouses, and those special times. Each story was so interesting, inspiring, and unique. There was a real special bond felt that evening and I will always remember it.

Western Night

Outfitted for Western Night!
Steve and Toby made belts, and they branded them with Philmont ranch brand.

This is the hotel we had lunch in.
Each morning the cub scouts would do the flag ceremony.
Bill Burch, a life long LDS scouter, and Bolo-tie carver for 50 years. He carves all kinds of faces, and gave a lot of us the opportunity to carve. I took that opportunity and carved a cowboy bolo for Steve. It turned out pretty good and Steve liked it. Bill turned 84 this month. He has carved thousands! You can see the beginning of my cowboy!

Philmont

Philmont Scout Ranch!! I went kicking and screaming, just didn't want to go. What am I going to do all day? I don't know anyone, and I am tired of hearing about Scouts!! Those were just a few of my gripes!! Boy did I ever change my tune. This was Sunday, we got there Sat. around 4, and you can see I am smiling already. This was our little abode for the week. Close enough to the potties, yet far enough away. Sleeping conditions were great-imagine that-all the comforts of home. We pushed the 2 twin beds together, the nights were cool, even had to sleep in our sleeping bags. I bought some wool in Taos so I had something to do while we were there. Never even took it out of the bag, only got to read for a little while one time. We had a wonderful time. I was the second best experience I have had in the church since we were members. The Pioneer trek being the first. It was just like a little Zion, there was a wonderful Spirit there. If our whole family was there I would have liked to lock the doors behind me. Beverly and Toby Gonzales were our neighbors and we became good friends right away.
Tuesday afternoon was an off time and we went into the little town of Cimmeron. This was taken in a old hotel. We had a great little lunch there with good friends.
Patriotic Day - The sidewalks were lined with American flags, all the military were recognized at the morning flag ceremony, and that evening there was a children's parade. Every evening there was something fun going on.

4th of July, Taos

The fireworks lasted for an hour, and what a celebration the 4th of July is. I am proud to be an American, and enjoy all the blessings of this country!

Cowboy

Thats my cowboy!!! But he is back to beeing a city slicker again :<(