Autumn in Minnesota

This autumn has been rather spectacular and as I drive around our area whether it be in a car or on a bike, so many times I am just in awe of the stunning beauty I am allowed to enjoy. I get such a tremendous amount of joy at the creations we have been given to behold and feel such gratitude. Here are but a few scenes of our area. I hope that this will inspire you to come and visit us here...at this time of the year!

Cousins

What a great night this was. You probably think I'm talking about the game where
Viewmont (Cole) beat Layton (Lauren). But oh no! This was a fun night where
cousins met off the field for a memorable photo. Can it get any better than that?

Happy Birthday Dad

On the 26th of August another milestone was reached in our family: Dad, Grandpa George turned a young 87 years of age. He's had a remarkable life and just continues to amaze us. We love him for all the things he's taught us and continues to show us in the way he lives his life. We wish him another great year!

Amazing Race to Duluth, MN

This week has been such fun as Anne and I have spent so much sister time together. Since we didn't get accepted to be in the Amazing Race (one of our very most favorite reality shows), we have been on our own AR. Monday we went to the MOA (Mall of America for all of you!) where Anne was able to see the largest mall in the country. This is where there is an indoor amusement park; if you are wondering if we went on any rides, well the answer is no. We went to H&M, Nordstrom's Rack, and (the regular) Nordstrom. That's it you ask when there are hundreds of stores to choose from. Right.

Next stop: Land's End Inlet (not Outlet, but the same thing). Anne was thrilled to find those shirts marked long (Cole), and some slacks just his size: long.
Next off to the Croc outlet store for a couple of new pairs for our resident CNA, McKenzie. Oh the dilemna of what color to choose when it seemed rather limiteless. I even persuaded Anne to buy herself a pair. Sure, they are ugly, but oh so comfortable! She's gonna love 'em.

Tuesday and Wednesday we were in Duluth, Minnesota. This city is an important port for the tremendous iron ore that is shipped out, plus many other products coming and going.
We rode our bikes (yes, they are old) the approximate 4 miles between (one way) from Gooseberry Falls to the Split Rock Lighthouse. The going down the hills was fun; the going up was hard...well I can only speak for myself as Anne was passing me easily. I have finally admitted that Anne is younger than me!
We took a tour to the lighthouse and marveled at those who kept these posts. It just had to be a very lonely job and cold in the winter!

The next morning we toured the Glensheen Mansion a 23 acre estate with a house of 39 rooms built in 1908. It was pretty incredible to see such beautiful craftmanship. We were amazed at the many innovative things that were created in this house. We loved learning all about this family and the amazing life that they led. Wow!
Afterwards, we walked along Canal Street and saw the bridge raise to let in a boat. We even bought chocolate delectables at "The Rocky Mountain Choclate Factory" (in Duluth?) before heading back to Maple Grove.
And just to be authentic, we did miss our directions a few times, and had to figure out where to go. We probably lost a little time there. But all in all, a good time was had by us and we think we won our Amazing Race!

Hermana Emily's in the hospital

Hey Handy Family,

I know most of you don't read this blog and fewer post something, but let's say you happen by this blog. Please check Hermana Emily--Emily's in the hospital with a blood clot and would very much enjoy your prayers. Thanks, thanks.

Father's Day BBQ June 13, 2008

Several of us gathered at Preston's and Kathleen's home on Friday, June 13th for an early Father's Day celebration. We had a great time at their home just relaxing on a beautiful day. We had hamburgers and hot dogs and lots of other great food: watermelon, chocolate chip cookies (yum!..send the recipe to me Kathleen!), cabbage salad, tossed salad, "Mom's" shrimp macaroni salad, chips, root beer floats and corn. Mark and Preston especially appreciate that Anne's seems to cook like Mom and so they just gobbled down the shrimp macaroni salad. Hey! I never even got a little spoonful you big boys!! Dad/Grandpa George received several gifts and among them were a couple of handsome shirts (blue of course!), a new bird book (one can always use a new one), and a bird feeder. He also received $$$ to go towards his new "walking stick." Such a great day for all of us.

Just a suggestion to the rest of you: get on the ball and create a family blog of your own and/or post family news and photos here where we can all enjoy it! And have you taken the time to vote whether this is a good thing or not? Take the time to do it. This is a great thing that we've started. Everyone (and that means all of us!) can contribute to this and help us all remain connected and knowing how we are and what is happening in our families. Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to contribute in one way or another to our "Comes In Handy" blog. It's a great thing! Can't get any better than this...or can it?

News from Erin & David

We have two very important bits of news. In order of priority:

1. A house for us! About 15 minutes east and slightly north from my mom and dad's house and 15 minutes north from David's parents', we have found a lovely spot to live in. We close July 22nd, which apparently gives us time to a) talk in our parents' ward while we're in it for two months, and b) teach about--irony--blogging this Tuesday for the enrichment ladies. We're quite quite excited about our first big 'ol purchase and affirming that it is indeed a large purchase, we have been a-garage sale-ing to put things in our purchase!
   
2. We have a shiny, brand-new blog now dedicated to not just recipes (Mark also put in a request to "see some pictures of [me] and the kids" on it...I actually don't have kids, a bit of a blockade for me). I am, however, the proud mother of two posts now on our new site.
   

Read about both here. It's a private blog, but all you need to do is send me your e-mail (or pass it to my mom, who'll pass it to me) and you'll get a handy (hahaha) invitation. Just accept it and you're in.

On a side note, Minnesota is beautiful this time of year, a fact you're all familiar with. Oh, you aren't? Well, come on over! It's about time for a family trip, isn't it? There is so much fun to be had here. Come see. (David will grill you a Minnesota/Wisconsin specialty, called the "brat." No, not "brAt," but "brAHt. You'll dwell in fatty goodness upon tasting it.)

I'll even let you view my online "What's Erin Doing in Minneosta" photo album, if you say "please."

Oh, and hey. One more thing. See that poll on the right? Vote!




Love, rain, sunshine, and greenery from Minnesota,

The Sprouts

Rachel and Lisa's First Halfie!!

So, for the past 3 months or so, Rachie and I have been training to run in the SLC half-marathon. We picked a training schedule off of the internet, and followed it as best we could. Each weekend, we got together for our long runs--which ended up to be the best runs of all. It was a great excuse to get together, and get caught up for a couple of hours.

The night before the race, I made t-shirts since the race fell on our Grandpa LaTulippe's 75th birthday. When morning rolled around, we were both really anxious-- we got caught in road blocks, and then Trax was late!! Luckily, we made it to the start line just as the gun went off. The race started up at the Eccles bridge, with a gospel choir cheering us on.

Next thing we knew we were almost to Sugar House Park-- I called my dad from my cell phone to let him know we would be there soon. We arrived to find him and Dave rushing down a side street to see us go by. Mile 5 and feeling good!

By mile 10, our bodies were a bit achy, but we managed to hold our pace and finish in 1 hour and 55 minutes. HURRAY FOR US!! Crossing that finish line was so cool, and all in all, the race was totally fun. Thanks to all the early birds who got up with us to cheer us on throughout the race. Stay tuned for possible marathon news......

In her own words

In an attempt to support the "Comes in Handy" blog, we thought we would post a link to Grandma June's personal history. We know that Steve sent copies to all the aunts and uncles, but we wanted to let people know you can buy more copies at lulu's website.

{After I found the link, I was embarassed to realize that it says "By Nicole Handy." Obviously lots and lots of people contributed and my name is just there because it was my account that uploaded the files.}

We also have a copy of the history in a pdf form. If you would like the file so you can print it yourself, just email us and let us know.

--Garrett & Nicole

Lars and Sidse Family Reunion, June 28, 2008

Grandma June was very, very proud of her Danish heritage and it would be a great tribute to her if as many of you as possible could attend this first, extended family reunion on her birthday, June 28, 2008. See below for comprehensive information and let's do it.



Lars Larsen Family Organization

April 2, 2008

TO: All Descendants of Lars and Sidse Larsen

(Including Descendants of Niels and Hans Larsen)

RE: Family Reunion—June 28, 2008
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Park Bowery

FROM: Mary Gleason Petty, Reunion Chair

Dear Family and Friends:

Almost two years ago, some of us conceived an ambitious plan to identify descendants of Lars and Sidse Larsen, who immigrated from Denmark to the United States in 1866. The second part of the plan was to hold a first-ever family reunion. The date was set for June 28, 2008 at This Is The Place Heritage Park in Salt Lake City, Utah ( www.thisistheplace.org for directions and information). This is the 140th anniversary year of Niels’ and Hans’ arrival into the Salt Lake Valley when they were 16 and 10 years old!

Their’s is an incredible story of sacrifice, tragedy and ultimately, faith, as they played a small part in the Mormon migration of the mid 19th century. We know a lot about the sacrifice and tragedy of the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies of 1856, and although the Larsen story isn’t perhaps as epic, it is nevertheless our story and just as great!. Sidse lost her life at sea; Lars died at Wards Island in New York City. Their daughter was lost but their two boys, Hans and Niels, ages eight and 14, were told by their dying father to “go to Zion and finish the work.”

How they made it to the Utah Territory and what they sacrificed along the way is astounding. They became upstanding men of their communities and produced a prodigious progeny.

The purpose of the reunion is to get acquainted, remember Lars, Sidse, Hans and Niels Larsen and share their stories. We will also share the database and begin compiling a family health history.

REUNION PLANS AND DEADLINES

Steve Larsen has been compiling the database and will provide a CD to each person or family who attends. Please e-mail Steve at slarsen@iupui.edu by June 1. You will need to download the LDS Church family history program, PAF5 from www.familysearch.org It is critical that you do this, it’s free and easy.


Lars Larsen Family Organization
Page 2
4/2/08


Reunion Costs

$15 per person, 3 years old and up.

Some of you have understandably had concerns about the cost for children and what it includes. We apologize that we haven’t more clearly communicated the fact that we’re trying to build a family organization and to cover other costs beyond admission to This Is The Place Heritage Park.

The reunion fee of $15 per person, 3 years and up includes:

Park admission from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Three Park Activities including train, living history, etc.
Liability Insurance (require by the park for group gatherings)
Family History CDs
Bowery Rental
Danish Dessert
Nametags
Historic Larsen Family Display
Bandana (Red for Hans’s descendants, Blue for Niels’s)
Group Photograph
Slush fund

We do not want to prohibit young families from attending and will welcome your feedback. There are certain fixed costs we need to cover, however.

We are planning on attendance of approximately 200!

Registration Deadline—June 1, 2008 URGENT!!!!

It is critical that you send your registration fees by this date. Please make them payable and send to:

David B. Larsen
122 W. 200 N.
Centerville, UT 84014

As of the date of this notice, we have received $1,085 or 72 attendees.



Lars Larsen Family Organization
Page 3
4/2/08

Please include for each person attending:

Name
Age Date of Birth
Address
Phone
E-mail Address
Relationship to Niels or Hans (describe as best possible)

Agenda—2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The family reunion meeting will begin at 2 p.m. in the park bowery and will include the following:

Welcome
Larsen Pioneer Story
Niels and Hans Grandchildren Comments
Q and A
Distribution of CDs
Family Health History
Assess Interest in Trip to Denmark
Refreshments
Set Next Reunion Date
Socializing

What You Can Do
]
Please plan to join us by sending in your registration today and please don’t procrastinate!

Please share this information with your family and provide their e-mail address to Steve Larsen at slarsen@iupui.edu

If you have questions, please contact the Larsen Family Reunion Chair, Mary Gleason Petty at mary@heirlines.com 801-572-4049


We look forward to seeing and meeting you on June 28, 2008 in Salt Lake City, Utah!