It's Chili Out Here

On Sunday we received a family pass from EJ to attend the annual Chili Open at Wheeler Farm.  This is a big event that the Rotary Club has been a part of for years and we were happy to take the kids for some of the fun.  Since we weren't into the frozen 3 par golf, we made our way over the kiddie events and spent some good time playing around.

I think the kids favorite activity was the face painting.  We stood in line for about an hour, but the kids were so excited to transform into exciting characters or super fans.  Dede became a butterfly, Alex was Mr. Ute, and D morphed into a pint-sized Spiderman.  They looked great and it was a highlight of the day.

While we were at the event we made sure to hit the photobooth.  It was fun to see the kids try to figure out when the camera was going to shoot.  Tara didn't seem to have a problem with it though.  She was ready!

Can you really go the Chili Open and not take a couple puts for a prize?  We didn't really want to go outside and golf, but there were plenty of chances to have a fun time putting indoors.  Kennedy almost made her first shot.

Thanks to EJ for making our fun day possible.  It's so incredible that the Rotarians put their time and energy into raising money for good causes.  We loved the Chili Open and hope to come back again next year!

Diary of a Jazz Fan

Earlier tonight I attend my first Jazz game of the season.  Ryan got some tickets from work, so a few of us from the ward headed downtown for some NBA action.  Along the way a quick stop to Moochies set the stage for a fun evening.  The Jazz were playing the Kings so the game marked the return of Jimmer to Utah.

It was obvious that the crowd was a pro-Jimmer one.  I had no idea just what homers the byu fans would become.  Every time Fredette touched the ball the crowd went nuts.  Every missed shot elicited a huge grown and a Jimmer 3 sent a few fans in hyperventilation.  It was unreal.

I've been a part of some ex-Utes returning to play the Jazz and I've never seen anything like this.  Sure, I wanted Van Horn or Miller to do well, but these people were actively rooting against the Jazz.  CRAZY!

In the end the game came down to a final shot for the Kings.  Jazz were up two and the crowd was on their feet.  Of course the ball ended up in Jimmer's hands.  He raised and fired a three for the win.  I know the crowd was praying the shot would fall.  It was the storybook homecoming for a loyal zoobie.  There was only one problem.  Jimmer ain't in college anymore.  The ball was far left and never touched the rim. JAZZ WIN!  Just the way it should be.

37

Another year, another birthday.  This year I turned 37.  No milestone to mark.  No big regrets from 36.  Just another bump in the road.

I found it interesting this year to track my birthday in Facebook.  I've never been good at wishing people a happy birthday in FB, but this year I decided to turn on my birthday feature to see what would happen.  The results were surprisingly fun.  It was pretty cool to see how many friends would take the time to post a little note to me on my birthday.

Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes; whether they were virtual on FB, or presents with my family - it's nice to know people care.

Thank You Grandpa!

One of the best moments from Lynn's funeral was a special musical number by the grandkids and great grandkids.  Mckel took an existing song and altered the lyrics for her grandpa.  The kids did a wonderful job and it was incredible to have our kids pay tribute to Lynn.  Here is a quick peek at their rehearsal...

Photos of the Day: Lynn's Viewing