The Mierins family had an exciting week. We celebrated Andy's birthday Sunday in the way he wanted, being home. He appreciated the opportunity to spend the day with his family without any distractions. Saturday (October 16th) Gail and Andy celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary with an exciting date to the movies.

The regular routines of work, school and responsibilities around the house continue. The boys continue to do well. Nikolas has gotten interested again in the piano. He, on his one initiative, has been diligently practicing and getting better day by day. The boys are excited for fall and especially the chance to build fires with their Dad in the wood stove. We are still enjoying some beautiful fall weather. Not much else to report. We hope all is well where ever you may be.

What a fantastic week this has been. It got cool and cloudy this week, but then for the weekend the sun came out and it warmed up into the 70's. One benefit was Andy finally got to have a fire in the wood stove. Gail, as difficult as it was, had to admit the wood stove actually was a great thing to have. She was not excited about it when we first moved in, but had so admit she enjoyed sitting in front of it in the rocking chair all toasty and warm. Andy was excited to spend Saturday morning getting and stacking wood for us to use in the wood stove. Our garage now has a good supply for us to use through the summer.

Gail and Andy had busy weeks. Andy has gotten himself involved in a cause to ban the sale of synthetic cannibinoids in the community. He participated in several presentations to various city councils considering a ban of the substance. He was mentioned in an article in our daily newspaper the Elko Daily Free Press. The cause continues this week as the group attempts to get out county to institute a ban.

Gail has remained busy with the production of the "Forgotten Carols." She is the music director and has rehearsals twice a week. She continues with her voice lessons and maintains her ever busy schedule.

Matthew went on his first scouting overnight camp out Friday evening and when he returned reported he had a great time. Nikolas was left at home with Andy Friday night and they enjoyed a good time together.

Saturday was a great day. Gail's sister and brother in law came for a visit. We had a nice time and benefited from the handyman skills of Gail's brother in law. Our front door is now fixed and we can no longer see the outside through the bottom of the door.

We hope you all have had a great week.

How grateful as a family were are for General Conference. This one was particularly memorable both for the quantity of things spoken which touched our hearts, but also because Andy got to fulfill a dream begun 12 years ago when he decided he was going to take Matthew to his 1st Priesthood Meeting in the Conference Center. They both left Saturday morning and returned on Sunday. Andy got to spend time with one of his best friends and even saw a friend from law school he has not seen in several years. Matthew and Andy came home a very happy boys.

The rest of our week was fairly typical. We went to work and school and outside of the normal routines not much happened. We did continue to enjoy some wonderful weather. It continued to be in the 80's and 90's this week, but it looks like the nice weather is about to come to an end.

We hope all is well in your neck of the woods.