My family

I love to blog because not only does it help me to stay in touch with my mother, sister, friends, and nieces in South Africa, but it allows me the opportunity to find out how my children and grandchildren are doing. Because I also use it as a diary, I would like to share some news. Today George was called to serve as second councillor to the Sacramento Stake President. He will continue to also serve as a bishop of Laguna Creek 5th ward until a new bishop is called. One of my greatest fears when immigrating to the United States nine years ago was that we would not have the opportunity to serve. All these fears were unfounded. I know that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me. I recently stopped doing day-care and so will have more time to spend with my grandchildren. I love to be available to help out when my daughters need me. I also want to spend more time with my sweetheart George ( a week day lunch date every now and then will be a nice distraction). I feel so grateful for my four precious children, for their wonderful spouses, and for my beautiful grandchildren. Dylan is growing bigger everyday and as his other granny said, "There is no mistaking him for a girl". He has the biggest hands and feet I think I have ever seen on a baby! Baby Sharon is speaking clearly now and is just as spunky as me. Kamryn has stated preschool and loves it. Katie has started kindergarten (grade O) and can read and write now.

Picture's of Dylan

Welcome Dylan to our family. We all love you my darling.

Checking his weight, height and reflexes.

He has an active rooting reflex.

Sam did great.

Not long after delivery.

The newest apple of my eye.

A tender moment.

Bonding.

Dylan has many fans.

All bathed and clean.

Except for the nose he looks like a Long.

A funny moment. After Kamryn met her baby brother she asked to see her mothers tummy. After looking at the still round tummy she exclaimed, "Oh, another Dylan".

Mamma, Dadda, and their pigeon pair.

I have a grandson, Yippee!

Can you read my T shirt?

Proud dad with his new son

Dylan Lindsey

My first grandson Dylan was born on the 9/9/09 and if you don't think those numbers are fluke then let me add the time ................2....3....4 (2H34). He is absolutely perfect! I love him already! His weight was almost 8 lbs and his length almost 20 inch. That is a big baby for the Longs. Baby and mom are doing well. I will post pictures later this evening.

Labor Day Celebrations

After unloading the bicyle we began cycling on the bicycle trail. Only pedestrains, horses, cyclists, and skaters use this trail (no motorists). It is approx 50 km long. However, we only cycled about 35 km today. Notice the beautiful American River in the background.

Off loading the tandem before we began our 35 mile cycle along the trail next to the American River. Some of the most exquisite scene's in nature can be seen along this trail!

Soon after we began cycling we picked up a thorn. George changing the tyre. He comes totally prepared. Almost every cyclist that passed us asked if they could help. How impressive!

The tarred bicycle path ends at the Sacramento River, close to where the American and Sacramento rivers meet.

Part of the Old Sacramento celebrations was "a Cowboy from the Wild West!" Showing off his shooting skills.

Old Sacrament.

The I Max Theater is close to the California State Capitol Building.

We locked our bicycle in Old Sacramento and walked over to the Imax Theater where we watched "Whales and Dolphins" in 3 D. An excellent documentary

Some officers on horseback also enjoying the festivities in Old Sacramento.

Me, standing in front of the Mormon Batallion stand

One of the earliest Mormon pioneers to arrive in california was William B Ide. After the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Ide headed for Oregon with his wife Susan and five children. An old fur trapper at Fort Hall convinced him to go to California instead. They arrived at sutter's Fort on Oct 25, 1845. Soon afterwards Ide received word that the Mexicans were going to run the "Americanos" out of the area. He was one of a group of 30 men who rode to Sonoma and captured the Spanish General and his garrison of men. The group established the Republic of California and created a flag. They chose the grizzly bear, representing strength and unyielding resisstance as their emblem. Ide was chosen to serve as California's first and only president. However, 26 days later they turned the republic over to Captain Fremont an official of the United States of America.

After watching some people riding the old rail cart we cycled back to our car'

Taking a break from cycling by swimming in the American River.

It takes me a while to immerse as the water is icy cold. Refreshing when you are boiling hot and perspiring.

Ahh wonderful!

Labor Day is a holiday we celebrate working by not working! I had hoped that my beautiful Samantha would spend some of labor day in labor, however Dylan knows better. Here are some pictures of how George and I celebrated the day.