Seeing Dylan in his Sponge Bob bath towel always makes me smile.
8/25/10
8/24/10
Fathers and Kids Campout
I know I'm crazy right. The day after we got home from our rain out in the Uintas the ward was having the annual Father Kids campout. Since I felt a bit cheated over our short trip to the West Fork of Black's Fork - we were in. At least Alex, Dede, and I were in (sorry D - maybe next year). The campsite was up past Oakley in the Smith Morehouse part of Weber Canyon, close enough to justify another trip. We had a great time. Alex didn't puke this year. Kennedy wasn't the only girl. In fact, the kids had tons of friends to play with. I loved it because I had a lot of "guy" time with the other dads. It really is a fun tradition and I'm glad we were able to make it.
And the best part of all - no RAIN!!!
8/23/10
Rained Out
I guess you could say our camping trip didn't end up the way we had planned.
We love camping in the Uintas. The cool nights, the warm days, the wonderful views, and the remoteness of it all add up to one of our favorite places. We had planned our annual camping trip for the past few months. We had the raft, the tents, the food, the gear, everything was set for a great trip.
The only problem was the weather wouldn't cooperate with us. When we first arrived the wind was blowing - hard. Still, we managed to set up our tents and enjoyed our night around the camp fire. We knew things would change and the winds would die down. Sure enough, the morning saw the winds disappear. Unfortunately, the winds were the precursor to the storm.
It started innocently enough. A light sprinkle while the kids and I were down throwing rocks into the river. When we came back to camp it was raining a little harder and we shifted to the tents. It was fun. Lots of games and a little wrestling. Still, the rain was coming down steadily and it wasn't getting any lighter as the clouds continued to settle in. Things were looking pretty bleak.
After several hours of waiting out the storm it got to the point where we were asking ourselves: Is it worth it? Here we are with 5 kids and 3 adults huddled in a tent trying to stay warm. We knew the storm couldn't last forever, but it had certainly lasted long enough. We packed up the tent and gear and then - it stopped raining. Of course, it stopped raining after we were done packing. The trip was over, a little wet and way too early. Still, I think everyone had a smile on after we got home.....
Here are a few of our favorite pics:
We love camping in the Uintas. The cool nights, the warm days, the wonderful views, and the remoteness of it all add up to one of our favorite places. We had planned our annual camping trip for the past few months. We had the raft, the tents, the food, the gear, everything was set for a great trip.
The only problem was the weather wouldn't cooperate with us. When we first arrived the wind was blowing - hard. Still, we managed to set up our tents and enjoyed our night around the camp fire. We knew things would change and the winds would die down. Sure enough, the morning saw the winds disappear. Unfortunately, the winds were the precursor to the storm.It started innocently enough. A light sprinkle while the kids and I were down throwing rocks into the river. When we came back to camp it was raining a little harder and we shifted to the tents. It was fun. Lots of games and a little wrestling. Still, the rain was coming down steadily and it wasn't getting any lighter as the clouds continued to settle in. Things were looking pretty bleak.
After several hours of waiting out the storm it got to the point where we were asking ourselves: Is it worth it? Here we are with 5 kids and 3 adults huddled in a tent trying to stay warm. We knew the storm couldn't last forever, but it had certainly lasted long enough. We packed up the tent and gear and then - it stopped raining. Of course, it stopped raining after we were done packing. The trip was over, a little wet and way too early. Still, I think everyone had a smile on after we got home.....Here are a few of our favorite pics:
8/19/10
Sweet Stache
In preparation for the camping trips I've decided to change things up a bit. Usually, the only change in my look is the length of my hair, but this week called for something a bit more interesting.
The scary part of the new look is how much grey is taking over my chin. Is Just for Men - Beards on the horizon?
The scary part of the new look is how much grey is taking over my chin. Is Just for Men - Beards on the horizon?
8/18/10
Lagoon
A few days ago we packed up the van and headed to the happiest place in Utah. I guess it doesn't quite sound the same as journeying to the magical world of Disneyland, but Lagoon is the best we got here in Utah. The kids were so excited it may as well have been Anaheim.
We had a great time. Kennedy measured in at 50" which allowed her entry to all the rides, no more Kiddyland for our big girl. At first I thought she'd chicken out once she saw the size and movement of rides like Samurai, Cliffhanger, and Colossus - but she was a trooper. She went on every ride, now she didn't like them all, and had a fun experience. My favorite was watching her duck her head as we went through the loops on the Fire Dragon. Kennedy certainly didn't enjoy being upside down. Good thing it didn't last too long, and even better - nothing came up on any of the high adventure rides.
Alex is still a bit too small for the bigger rides, but he had a blast with Liam on all the miniature rides. We made sure we had him go with us on anything for 36" and up so he went on the Tidal Wave, Flying Aces, Rattlesnake Rapids and a few other highlights. The best part of Lagoon for Alex was the anticipation of looking at all the different rides. He'd be in line for one ride and couldn't stop "window shopping" for another. Tara finally had to convince him to stay put and take the rides one at a time.
Lagoon was a lot of fun. We're glad Alicia's family invited us to tag along and share in the experience. Adding to everything was the fact we ran into Paul and his family and Brant's family was there too. You're always surprised when you can bump into someone you didn't expect. Fortunately, I didn't ask, "What are you doing here?" I know, they're just enjoying the happiest place in Utah - just like us.
We had a great time. Kennedy measured in at 50" which allowed her entry to all the rides, no more Kiddyland for our big girl. At first I thought she'd chicken out once she saw the size and movement of rides like Samurai, Cliffhanger, and Colossus - but she was a trooper. She went on every ride, now she didn't like them all, and had a fun experience. My favorite was watching her duck her head as we went through the loops on the Fire Dragon. Kennedy certainly didn't enjoy being upside down. Good thing it didn't last too long, and even better - nothing came up on any of the high adventure rides.Alex is still a bit too small for the bigger rides, but he had a blast with Liam on all the miniature rides. We made sure we had him go with us on anything for 36" and up so he went on the Tidal Wave, Flying Aces, Rattlesnake Rapids and a few other highlights. The best part of Lagoon for Alex was the anticipation of looking at all the different rides. He'd be in line for one ride and couldn't stop "window shopping" for another. Tara finally had to convince him to stay put and take the rides one at a time.
Lagoon was a lot of fun. We're glad Alicia's family invited us to tag along and share in the experience. Adding to everything was the fact we ran into Paul and his family and Brant's family was there too. You're always surprised when you can bump into someone you didn't expect. Fortunately, I didn't ask, "What are you doing here?" I know, they're just enjoying the happiest place in Utah - just like us.
8/13/10
8/11/10
Summer Days
We've been pretty busy with fun stuff this summer, but sometimes it's just nice to hang out at home and relax. The other day, the kids were having fun building a fort and playing together. The fort actually lasted three days and saw plenty of action, even though Dylan destroyed it a couple of times!
Here's to summer fun and enjoying the last couple of weeks until school starts!
Here's to summer fun and enjoying the last couple of weeks until school starts!
8/10/10
8/7/10
An Evening with RUSH
A couple of nights ago I took a journey back in time. For me the journey started in 1988, but for others the trip took them back to 1974. Everyone had the same destination though - the RUSH concert from the Time Machine Tour. I know I'm a total nerd, but I was so excited to attend another RUSH concert. I'm just glad Rob and Ross are die hards and they let me tag along.
Thursday we headed back to USANA and spent three and a half hours listening to some classic songs by "the world's biggest cult band." They had a great setlist which included the entire Moving Pictures album (probably their most acclaimed work). Here's a look at the playlist:
"The Spirit of Radio"
"Time Stand Still"
"Presto"
"Stick It Out"
"Workin' Them Angels"
"Leave That Thing Alone"
"Faithless"
"BU2B"
"Freewill"
"Marathon"
"Subdivisions"
Intermission:
"Tom Sawyer"
"Red Barchetta"
"YYZ (song)"
"Limelight"
"The Camera Eye"
"Witch Hunt"
"Vital Signs"
"Caravan"
"Love 4 Sale" (Drum solo)
"Closer To The Heart"
"2112" - "Overture" and "The Temples of Syrinx"
"Far Cry"
Encore:
"La Villa Strangiato"
"Working Man"
I think the funnest part of any RUSH show is people watching. This is definitely a concert that attracts some diverse people. With a loyal following that includes mostly guys who like harder music - there are some wild looks going. At one point in the show we had a long haired guy walk right up behind me and start grooving out. He had a joint in one hand, a beer in the other and he was ready to party! Needless to say we were all a bit relieved when he left, even more so since he didn't spill his beverage or drop his smoke in our area. The sad thing is - this guy isn't even out of place at a RUSH concert!
Here's another RUSH tradition - a fun opening video to introduce the concert. In this one the fellas are taking a trip through time with the "gafiltar"....
8/5/10
Self Portrait in Pastry?
My mom is our family's designated cake designer. Over the years I can't tell you how many dragons, balls, flowers, etc she's been asked to make. For Chloe's birthday this year the cake of choice was a Chinese girl. Now, it may just be me, but do you see a resemblance? Is this art imitating life?
Albion Basin
We try to hit Albion Basin every year to see the wildflowers. We aren't always successful, but we made it this year, although Kennedy was MIA as she was with her nana and papa in New Harmony.
As always, Albion Basin was beautiful. We headed up on a Friday with Charlene, not realizing that it was the busiest day of the year so far up there. After a struggle to find parking, we hiked down a fun trail through the amazing wildflowers and mountain views. I didn't get many photos since I was wrestling with Dylan and Alex, and the ones I took weren't great because I was on some funky setting (still trying to figure out my new camera), but here's a couple we got.
A funny sidenote: As we hiked out of the trail and headed to Charlene's car (we parked hers at the bottom so we wouldn't have to hike back up to our car), we realized one small, minor detail: We left Char's keys in my car at the top of the trail. No way was I going to hike back up, so I hitched a ride with a nice older couple out doing some birdwatching back up to the minivan. They saved the day and we had a nice chat about some colorful woodpeckers I saw in my yard that morning. You gotta love nice people who will help you out in a pinch!
As always, Albion Basin was beautiful. We headed up on a Friday with Charlene, not realizing that it was the busiest day of the year so far up there. After a struggle to find parking, we hiked down a fun trail through the amazing wildflowers and mountain views. I didn't get many photos since I was wrestling with Dylan and Alex, and the ones I took weren't great because I was on some funky setting (still trying to figure out my new camera), but here's a couple we got.
A funny sidenote: As we hiked out of the trail and headed to Charlene's car (we parked hers at the bottom so we wouldn't have to hike back up to our car), we realized one small, minor detail: We left Char's keys in my car at the top of the trail. No way was I going to hike back up, so I hitched a ride with a nice older couple out doing some birdwatching back up to the minivan. They saved the day and we had a nice chat about some colorful woodpeckers I saw in my yard that morning. You gotta love nice people who will help you out in a pinch!
8/4/10
Long Distance Dede
Kennedy headed down to her Nana and Papa's house earlier this week. For the past month or so, Dede has wanted to take a vacation down to New Harmony and she finally got her wish. I have to say it's been a little lonely in our house without our Dede girl. She has such a big personality that you can really feel her absence. I'm sure she's having a great time playing with her cousin Chloe and enjoying Southern Utah.
Tonight we decided to call Kennedy using Skype's video chat. It was a bit chaotic trying to talk and watch one another, but it was fun to hear Dede's voice and to see her smiling face. I have to assume she misses us a bit as well. She actually told Alex that she loves him! That's a far cry from last week when she asked if she could give Alex back. I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder....
8/2/10
Says it All
Pat Bagley shares some of my favorite opinions in the Trib. For those of you who aren't familiar with some of his recent work I think he has accurately captured the general mood around Utah. Classic!
| Aug. 1, 2010 |
| July 16, 2010 |
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