Another Great Christmas

Again, Alice and I stayed in "our motel" in Ogden on December 24th. We went to a movie and exchanged gifts on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, we had breakfast at the motel, then visited McAuleys, Gardners, and Jensens. About 6 pm, everyone gathered at Kristi's for dinner. It was a great day.

Weeping Cherry

One of our favorite things about our house is our Weeping Cherry Tree. We had never seen one before, but it came with the landscaping. Here are the 3 stages of the tree from blossoms, to fall colors, to bare with Christmas lights.

Mary'ns Concert

Maryn is in the girl's choir at her school and they had a concert on December 15th. We sat so far back that I couldn't get enough light for a still picture and I had to zoom in so far for a video that the picture is very shaky, but the sound is pretty good. Maryn is 4th from the right.

Brianne's Birthday

We celebrated Brianne's Birthday on December 10th. She loves live theater, so we went to a play about how the boy, Kris Kringle, came to be Santa Claus.

Nikkail's Concert

Nikkail has been playing the violin less than a year, but she is in the advanced orchestra. (Note her school uniform.) She played a solo comprised of a medley of Christmas carols in her December 9th concert. I've included a small video clip.

Another Great Thanksgiving

We stayed overnight at the same hotel as last year, but changed a few details based on what we learned before. First, we only stayed one night -- which made it easier for families. Second, Kristi rented an extra adjoining room so that Liam could go to bed while the older kids/adults stayed up and played games. Third, we rented a "Board Room" so that we could have a fireside (which turned out to be a "morningside"), dinner preparations, dinner, and after-dinner activities without having to leave the hotel. Picture 1: The dads were the lifeguards. Picture 2: I think everyone had fun at the pool. Picture 3: Wednesday evening, Brianne supervised the construction of turkeys. Picture 4: The turkeys were the centerpiece for our Thanksgiving dinner in the "Board Room." Picture 5: There were fun games going on all over the hotel (including in the elevator) -- some of which we were unaware until we saw Maryn's photos.

Jackson's Birthday

We celebrated Jackson's birthday on November 13th so that we wouldn't run into the Thanksgiving holiday. We saw "Megamind" with him.

General Conference

On October 2nd, we took Justen and Maryn to the Saturday afternoon session of General Conference, followed by dinner at a restaurant. It was a great experience and I couldn't wait to report it in my blog, but a series of quirky mishaps delayed the process. I took my camera to conference, but was unsure whether or not I would be allowed to take a picture before the session started. Upon learning that I could, I took out my camera and lined up the perfect shot. But, alas, the camera batteries were dead (Mishap #1). Undaunted, I rummaged through my camera bag to find the spare batteries I always carry. There were none (Mishap #2). Maryn, however, announced that she had brought a camera and offered to let me use it. This time, I successfully clicked the perfect picture -- or so I hoped. Afterward, Maryn went to upload the picture to her computer to send it to me. Her camera cable was missing (Mishap #3). So she ordered a new cable and it finally arrived. It was the wrong one (Mishap #4). But, she ordered an SD-Card Reader, it arrived, it was the correct one, she sent me the picture, and it was perfect! And she even sent Thanksgiving pictures as a bonus. But that's not the end of the story. I typed the blog entry, then tried to upload the picture. I lost them both (Mishap #5). So now, I'm trying again and hoping it works this time!

Horse Update

Alice got a new horse and the three horses got a new home. She was able to lease a 3-acre pasture that belongs to a gated community (in the background of picture 3) near the Temple. Picture 1: The pasture has a pond in the middle that is spring-fed, so the horses will have water all year round. Picture 2: This is a view of the pasture from the northwest corner -- which is the highest spot. Picture 3: Legend and Beauty running free in their new home. Movie 1: Alice's new horse, Misty, is a Tennessee Walker mare -- about 7 years old. (Notice that her gait is so smooth that Alice doesn't even bounce.) Alice bought her so that the grandkids or kids in the ward can ride with her. Currently, Nikki Searle, a Laurel in the ward, is Alice's riding buddy. Movie 2: Beauty is still Alice's riding horse.

Grandkids

We had a portrait taken before Michael and Emily left town. Since Trent was working out of town, we decided to have it be of us and the grandkids. Yesterday, Alice and I took Justen and Maryn to do baptisms for the dead in the Salt Lake Temple, then saw the Joseph Smith movie.

Best Family Reunion Ever

Wednesday evening, July 21st, we met at Lava Hot Springs (about 35 miles southeast of Pocatello, Idaho) for a Dodge Family Reunion. Teri and Kristi's family were all there. Michael's family drove out from Georgia and were all there. Suzi's family was all there except Trent (who is working in Ohio for the summer). We stayed at a KOA on the Portneuf River, which included a cabin for Alice and I (Picture 1) and a group tent area for the others (Picture 2). Brianne provided games in a "special game tent" (Picture 3) and "cousin bracelets" (Movie 1) and some treats for all. The river cascaded beautifully beside our camp (Picture 4) and there were even fun diversions for little boys (Picture 5). Most of Thursday was spent tubing on the Portneuf River (about a half mile from our KOA (Pictures 6-9). There were a few spills (Movie 2), but everyone had an enjoyable time with minimal scrapes and bruises. After breakfast and bracelets Friday morning, we packed up (Picture 10) and went home.

Bauer's Birthday

Bauer went bowling and to Chuck-A-Rama with almost all of the cousins.

Chase's Birthday

For Chase's birthday, he rode a carousel at the mall, then enjoyed lunch and the playland (not necessarily in that order) at Burger King. He invited Kelsey to go along and he "personally posed" the second picture.

Justen's Birthday & Ordination

On Saturday, June 26th, we took Justen to dinner and a movie for his birthday. On Thursday, July 1st, he went with us to do baptisms for Alice's ancestors at the Draper Temple. On Sunday, July 4th, he was ordained a teacher by his father.

Fireworks

Maryn, Nikkail, Draeden, Liam, Jackson, Maggie, Jada, and Bauer spent the night last night and we did fireworks before they went to bed (except Liam, who was already asleep). Maryn assisted in lighting them (the second picture).

Update On Alice's Horses

The first picture is Alice with Legend and Beauty. Alice has been working with Legend to teach him how to be ridden. Most owners have a professional "break" their horses, but the "teaching" method seems much more humane. Monday was the first time she rode him with a saddle. The video shows the second time she rode him with a saddle (Tuesday, June 15th).

Youth Conference

We were the Ward Youth Conference coordinators again this year. We had a few youth and leaders coming and going, but we had an average of 52 youth and 12 leaders. We started by doing baptisms at the Salt Lake Temple, then we climbed Ensign Peak, toured the conference Center, watched the Tabernacle Choir rehearse, and had a fireside. Both Thursday and Friday nights, we stayed in the dorms at the University of Utah and ate our meals (all-you-can-eat) in their dining hall. On Friday, we watched the Joseph Smith movie at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, played games, swam, attended a concert, and had a bishop's fireside. Saturday morning, we had a testimony meeting and it was gratifying to hear how many youth had felt the Spirit -- especially at the Joseph Smith movie. The first picture above was taken at the base of Ensign Peak, the second was taken at the top.

Draeden's Birthday

Draeden likes quesadillas and playlands, so we went to Carl's Jr. for his birthday.

Jada's Birthday

Jada's birthday is Friday, June 4th, but we celebrated over the Memorial Day weekend. Jada, Jackson, Maggie, Bauer, Maryn, Nikkail, and Draeden all spent the night at our house after Sunday dinner. Monday they went horseback riding, rollerblading, and to a movie. Jada had a great time. (I think everyone else did, too.)

Brianne and Kelsey's Dance Recital

Brianne and Kelsey had their dance recital on May 21st. The first video shows Brianne (usually in the middle). The second is too far away and too washed out of Kelsey, but if you can find her (usually in the middle), it shows her dance pretty well. The third doesn't show much of Kelsey's dance but it shows her much better.

Much Ado About Nothing

On May 19th, Jackson starred in the 2nd grade production of "Much Ado About Nothing" and sang a solo at the end.

Deer Near Walmart

On May 17th, I spotted these deer in a field near Walmart. As you can see, the field is next to the main road and you can see Lone Peak High School in the background on the left. It didn't seem like anyone else saw them, so I hurried home and got my camera.

Liam's Birthday

Liam is still a little young for an activity, but we got him a "front loader" and celebrated a bit with him.

Racquetball With Justen

I've started playing racquetball with Justen twice a week. He is improving rapidly and my soreness the next morning is increasing proportionally. So, now I'm racquetball partner AND music collaborator with my grandson. How many old men can say that? Life is good!

Kelsey's Birthday & Baptism

Kelsey was baptized by Jeff on April 24th, 2010. My parents, among others, were in attendance. For her birthday, she wanted to go "earring shopping." Afterward, we caught her eating ice cream with this old man.

Maryn's Birthday

Maryn actually celebrated her birthday in New York City. When she got home, all she wanted was black tennis shoes (pictured above), so we took her out for dinner and got her black tennis shoes (but not in that order).