Here is another gem: http://www.mildenhallmuseum.co.uk/ located in the heart of Suffolk, England, lies the litttle village known as Mildenhall. There is a smalll treasure (claimed by the crown already) consisting of roman silver, the Mildenhall manor is also discussed, none of which belong to the Mildenhalls at all, but are none the less interesting.The history of the small market town of Mildenhall can be traced back to Anglo-Saxon times although nothing remains of the original settlement except for a large cemetery just outside the limits of the present town. The Domesday survey of 1086 recorded that the town was well established with a church, a mill and a total of sixty-four families, not to mention a flock of a thousand sheep. The whole of the manor of Mildenhall belonged to the abbey of Bury St Edmunds and the abbot had total control over the area, including the right to hang criminals in the market-place. On a less macabre note, a weekly market on Fridays has been held regularly since 1412

The happy couple. In celebration of Briant and Katie's anniversary, I thought that I would post this gem from their wedding two years ago, has it been so long already? Sunrise, sunset. Happy anniversary you two

Love this chilly (or chili) weather! If you look hard, you can see Dexter's ear muffs. We have had an exciting couple of weeks here in Virginia. Rebekah has been released from her calling as the ward music commitee chair person/choir director, but will still be directing the Christmas program. Scott went to the DC temple on Veteran's day with the youth for proxy baptisms, he had a great time and the bishop took time to talk about the importance of our veterans. It was a hoot. Scott also finished up classses for the semester, and is finished until January (he got an A in 'rithmatic) Katya conitinues to grow and learn new things, she loves to talk, if only we knew what she was saying. Rebekah did a music seminar for the youth this last tuesday, teaching them the basics for conducting and reading time signatures. She did a great job, they all think that she is as cool as ice now. For those of you who don't know already the church's website has an amazing resource for learning more about music, check it out at http://www.lds.org/cm/welcome .

Memories from Italy

This time of year always reminds me of my time in Italy and those sweet Pandoro loafs. The thrill of getting your first one of the year, pulling it out of the box in its bag, pouring the included powdered sugar and then shaking the bag vigorously until the whole loaf is covered. Being shaped as a star, and it's golden inards, remind me only of the devine. Maybe it's a curse as in Italy they average for about $4.00 US Dollars, where as here they average here for at least $20.00. La vita e ancora bella.

Pandoro, Golden bread indeed.

And just to rub it in a little bit more...this is where we'll be living next year. We're pretty excited.

And the beautiful view around Waynesboro where Scott grew up. Scott took two of the participants he works with to Lake Sherando where his family used to go when he was young. It's along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Shenandoah National Forest.

And here's Casey and Dexter on the trip. Now I know Dex was an ugly pup, but isn't he handsome now?

Scott went camping on Friday night. Here's casey and him preparing for the trip.

Rebekah went to the optometrist for the first time on Wednesday. These are her new Navy- issue glasses. She is actually far-sighted, but the dr said the prescription is so mild now, not to worry about glasses yet. She's supposed to return in 18 months. So look for some glasses in her future. Scott got a good laugh at her first experience having her eyes dilated.

Nile - The babies' man. Katya loves Nile. She even wants to be around Nile more than her mom. And this is Katya's future husband, Athen Wagley. Anything's better than Mildenhall, right? We saw nile and Renell and Athen on our way back from Scott's Dr's appt on Thursday. They are great friends of ours from Athens and recently moved to Richmond. We had some yummy cajun stew. (Nile's from LA - that's Louisiana). I had to throw in something about food for the Mildenhall ladies. Scott's appt went great, by the way. He doesn't even have to go to physical therapy!

Just to make it a little more obvious how Scott picked the title of our blog. Aren't my parents cute! We're all cracking up because of Dad's hand full of thumbs trying to get the new shoulder boards on.

And she's now a sucker addict. I thought she might be permanently stuck to her ladybug costume by the green sticky mess.

She really loved the antennae.

This is Katya getting ready to go Trick - or - Treating. And she's a lady bug, just to dispell all the arguments about whether she is a mushroom or polka - dotted alien. She had great fun Friday night at the hospital and Saturday night at the Trunk - or - treat. And she's been carrying her stuffed animals around all the time. This is Ben the bear - one of her favorites! Sorry I'm not as entertaining a writer as any of the Mildenhalls. Maybe some of the creative genes will rub off on me while we're together for Thanksgiving.