O Pioneer

Our weekend of festivities continued as we celebrated the 24th of July.

We spent the morning watching the parade on TV. I have to say this is by far the best spot for viewing a parade. Cool air conditioning. Mute button on Bruce and Dede. Run into the kitchen for some snacks. About the only thing I miss from my youth and actually attending the parade was my Aunt Kaye's stop by McDonald's for some McMuffins. Other than that, the parade I don't miss so much. I'm a little worried though because my kids really seem to like the idea of attending the parade. I better start a campaign against this and fast.

After getting the lawn ready most of the afternoon, we were ready for a BBQ that evening. My family all came over and Hilarie and Tedy joined in the fun. Garlic burgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, all the traditional outdoor food were part of the menu. It was great.

After visiting for a while it was out to the street to light off the last of this year's fireworks. Hilarie had a few leftovers from the 4th and we mixed in a few sparklers as well. I have to say as much as Kennedy hates fireworks, that's how much Alex and Dylan love them. While Dede was watching TV inside the boys had a great time with parachutes, sparklers, snap pops, and some assorted cones. Dylan couldn't get enough of the lights and sounds.

All in all a pretty good holiday. No injuries, good entertainment, full bellies. What more could you ask for?

Swimming and Soccer

We started the summer with swim lessons for Kennedy and Alex and a fun soccer camp for Alex (Kennedy wasn't interested in soccer).

Kennedy of course loved swimming and happened to get in a class with only two students.  She thrived and can now swim pretty much on her own doing some lovely arms and even breaths.  She has her own unique arm style, but it works!

She even jumped off the low diving board in a very nice belly flop and the high dive after several minutes of debating if it was worth it.

Alex, on the other hand, spent the first two days crying and shivering.  Something clicked on the third day and he started getting it.  By the end of the lessons, his swim teacher was using him as an example of how to do things.  I was very impressed with the improvement Alex made and his teacher for putting up with his antics the first couple of days.

Alex also jumped off the low diving board which totally shocked me.  Now, he won't do it again and seems to still be uncomfortable around water, but at least it is a start!

Alex also did a little soccer camp with his friend Adam to start off the summer.  He seemed to like it and did quite well for such a little guy.  I asked him if he wanted to play soccer this fall and he said "No."  Okay then.  I guess we will stick with tee-ball for now.

Backyard Camp Out

Ever since we bought our new tent the kids have been dying to sleep out in the backyard. Due to the fact I had the day off for the holiday weekend it seemed like the perfect time to rough it outside. So we invited over the cousins and to the backyard we went. I don't know how much sleep anyone got, but we had a great time in the tent.

For Your 4th Birthday

Alex,


I'm so excited that you're finally 4!  You're growing up so fast and it's fun to watch develop into such a big boy.  This year you've really made some big strides.  Long gone are the diapers, into the Primary.  Heading into Pre School this Fall, wow - you're getting so old.


I can't tell you how much I love working on projects together.  I know the second I head down to the work bench to grab some tools, Alex won't be far behind.  It's amazing to watch you try to figure how to use all the tools you've collected over the past year.  Thanks for all the help on our projects this year.  From the new bathroom, to fixing sprinklers and doors you've made sure I get the job done right.


You have a special place in my heart and I look forward to spending more time doing our Father - Son activities.  Whether it's riding the ATV, camping in the mountains, watching the Dragon movie, and wrestling in the back yard - I can't get enough time with you.  I love you Alex Boy.  Happy Birthday.


Daddy

Alex's Birthday

Our little guy had a jam packed birthday to say the least.  This has been the summer of the pool and Alex's birthday was no different.  We headed over to Hilarie's pool and spent the morning enjoying the cool water.  It was fun to have a bunch of cousins, aunts, and grandparents sharing in the fun times.

For his birthday Alex really wanted to go play some games.  For a while we've been wanting to try a new fun center called the Incredible Pizza Company.  Everyone packed up and headed out to Draper for a night full of fun.  We got a little nervous however when the parking lot was completely empty.  A note on the door confirmed out suspicions, it read - "CLOSED DUE TO POWER OUTAGE."  With that the party's venue took an immediate shift to the next best place - Chuck E. Cheese.  I don't anyone was too upset and the kids had fun playing all the little games.

After the games we headed home for cake, ice cream, and presents.  Alex didn't want a lot for his birthday. In truth I think he only had two requests: a dragon cake and a fire truck.  Somehow we managed to come through on both items.  Although we also found Alex a Wiggle Car,  so the kid can ride in style.  I think some of the cousins enjoyed this present more that Alex did, but I'm sure it will grow on him.

After a marathon birthday celebration the day came to a close.  We had a great time and our little boy deserved a great birthday!

TinkerBoy

It was only a matter of time.  With a demanding older sister.  A passive little brother.  And a closet full of dress up clothes.  Alex didn't stand a chance.....

Photos of the Day: Swimming down South

Be Strong and of a Good Courage

For the 10th time in the past 12 years I attended Youth Conference this week. It doesn't seem to matter what my church calling is, I end up going to Youth Conference. I'd never admit this to the Bishop, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love escaping with the kids to fun places all over the state and enjoying the great times and spirit filled workshops. Since this year was a Stake Youth Conference I had a little more to do, as I'm currently a counselor in the Stake YM Presidency. That didn't stop me from having a great time with our ward though.

The conference was held at the Reed Ranch located up in the mountains outside of Strawberry Reservoir. Pretty close to home, but just far enough away that you felt apart from the world. It's a great venue, with tons of activities, lots of open space, and a nice temperature drop. I should mention that two other things make the Reed Ranch a can't miss: all the food you can eat, and you sleep in bunk houses rather than tents.

I think the highlight of the event had to be the workshop our ward was in charge of for the younger kids. With over 70 jr. high kids in the same room we knew we had to capture their attention. What better way than through a game show? Let's Make a Deal was a huge hit. We gave cool prized any time a contestant could answer Gospel trivia questions. Kids got a "booby prize" when they answered pop culture questions. It was a good object lesson and everyone had fun. Sam stole the show as the Big Cottonwood Stake's version of Monte Hall.

Other highlights included:

• The unusual field olympics with the Green team.  We were awesome at events like the A frame walk, but the human pretzel did us in.
• Loved the Captain Moroni reenactment with the Title of Liberty.  The kids were great as they all gathered together to join in their pledge of loyalty.
• Horseback riding was an adventure.  I've never riden a horse before, so this was a new experience for me.  I thought it was fun, although I don't think I'm ready for a pair of boots any time soon.
• The stomp was awesome.  The kids were a ton of fun.  Even a bunch of us old guys got in and mixed it up.  I tried my best, but there was no way I could keep up with Mark from the 7th ward.  That guy is an animal on the dance floor.
• The hike of unusual length and wrong turns.  What should have been a mile nature walk turned into a 5 mile death march (not really).  It was hilarious to hear everyone complain about a little extra walking.  Thanks for the detour Eric!

Camping?

Over the weekend we headed North to "camp" with some of our friends from the ward.  Now, I've got to say I'm using the term "camp" pretty loosely since we went to the campground at Cherry Hill Water Park.  This was my first time up to the park, so I didn't know what to expect.  Let's just say it's wall to wall people.  I think they have a hundred or so camp sites and they're all right on top of each other.  We knew if anyone near us sneezed we were so close.


That being said, the kids had a lot of fun.  Camping with their friends from nearby was basically an excuse to stay up late, eat bad food, and play lots of games.  I guess that goes for Tara and me as well.  It was great to sit around and hang out with some of our friends also.  We've known our neighbors for years, but this was the first time we were able to attend the annual camp trip.  It certainly won't be the last.

After our camp site was packed up the fun continued as we took the kids into the water park.  It was great. Dylan hung out in Pirate's Cove.  Kennedy enjoyed the lazy river.  We got Alex to go on the inner tube water slide with us.  We had a fun day playing in the water.  I'm sure we'll head back to Cherry Hill for another afternoon at the park - the campground may just be a one hit wonder.....

Diary of a Utah Fan

I began my quest to get season tickets months ago. Tara told me on my birthday this was going to be my present and I couldn't have been happier. We called the ticket office and learned that seats would go on sale in March. Then it was May. Finally it came down to July 12th.

We were prepared. You could get tickets by Internet, by phone, or in person. We had all our bases covered yesterday. Sam had several people in his office online trying to get in. A few more were calling the ticket sales number. I was teaching when the tickets went live at 10am, but hurried to get in line at the stadium around 11am. Unfortunately - the Internet crashed. The phone lines were jammed and when I got in line - well, let's just say a few others had the same idea.


When the morning started we planned to get bleacher seats at $175, I quickly realized those were going to be gone. The next level up was $210, with a $100 donation to the Crimson Club. After over an hour I learned those too were gone and it was going to run into the big bucks. My dream was over. About twenty people from the ticket window, I got out of line. No season tickets this year.

Who would have guessed when I was going to games back in the 90's it would be almost impossible to get season tickets to Utah Football?

On the lighter side, Hitler's back as BYU's biggest fan.  Let's see how he reacts to the Utes joining the Pac 10...

Utah moves to the Pac-10! from Semper Ute on Vimeo.

Photos of the Day: Ice Cream

Fire up the 4th

Our holiday was packed with festivities.  With the 4th falling on a Sunday this year it gave everyone an extra day to celebrate.  We started out by having a weekend full of BBQ's.  From Friday night when the Chapmans made a visit to Utah, to a Saturday night shindig with my family, and concluding with a Sunday night at the cabin.

A few of the weekend highlights included:

The annual 10th ward 4th of July breakfast.  Since Alicia moved into that ward it's been a tradition for us to mooch in on the good food and fun times.

The Street of Fire on Saturday night.  We had a blast sending off the fireworks that our friend Hal gave the kids.  I should say most of us had a good time - Kennedy ran off screaming the minute the first fuse was lit.

I loved watching Alex and his cousins ride down the hill in front of Tara's cabin.  They had a few wiggle cars and the fun never ended.  Although we were sure a trip to the ER was sure to result when Braxton got cooking.  I was surprised how daring Alex was - he's usually far too cautious to enjoy a stunt like that!

We had a great weekend.  Food.  Friends.  Family. Fireworks.  Who could ask for more?

Denver Trip

When Jared told me last year that his annual conference was in Denver, I wasn't too excited to tag along as I have been in past years. Then he said, "and guess who's playing the Rockies for three games the week before my conference?" Well, who can pass up a good excuse to see the Red Sox play? So we started planning. And then decided to bring the kids. Then decided to see if Jared's parents wanted to come with us, since we would be driving. And then we had a full minivan.

So off we went to Denver. The drive to get to Denver was absolutely beautiful. We loved the mountains and all the fun ski and mining towns that we drove through. The kids liked the tunnels.

Now, I don't want to offend anyone, but once we got to Denver, it wasn't as beautiful. I've been to Denver before, but I don't remember it being so bland. It was pretty much like a really big Salt Lake City but you don't have the mountains as close by. It didn't help that our hotels were right in the middle of industrial parks. It also didn't help that the temperatures were pushing 100 degrees almost every day. But we managed to have fun! Here are a few things we did in Denver.

We drove...a lot!

We went to the Red Sox games-very hot, but fun...and sad that Papelbon lost the game with a walk-off homerun to Giambi---he's so icky!

We went to a really fun waterpark.

We had a picnic a the park-in 100 degree weather and tried to play on the playground-those slides and swings sure do get hot!

Alex got sick and we spent the rest of the day in the hotel.

We went to the Aquarium. Way cool aquarium, way overpriced!

We hit a fun mexican restuarant that was on Man v. Food.  Food was good, but I can say that I wasn't blown away by it.  It was fun seeing the seven pound burrito that was the food challenge on Man v Food, though.

Kaaren and I spent a couple of hours shopping at the 16th street mall while the kids went to the Red Sox game with Jared and papa. The best part was the red velvet cheesecake I bought from the Cheesecake Factory!

We drove home all in one day and the kids were absolutely amazing! No sleep, no movies, just games and singing from the back seat. A miracle!

Denver was a fun trip, but mostly a trip for the kids.  We had some plans to go to the mountains and do a few touristy things, but we ran out of time and decided it was too much driving.  So, we got to do things that we pretty much could do in Salt Lake (except see the Red Sox, of course).  I'm glad we went, but  we won't be making any big plans to hang out in Denver anytime soon!