Hi all,
I thought I'd better get some Yosemite/guys trip photos up before the girls upload their NY pics. So, in this photo, we were at a scenic lookout point, and dad had his leg up on a stone wall, supporting my massive binoculars. Standing very close to him was a European guy and his lady. At that exact moment, dad let go one of the loudest farts I've ever heard! People a few miles away on Half Dome almost fell. The euro guy muttered something like, "Damned Americans," and he and his girl left. This was a priceless moment Greg, Adam, and I won't soon forget!
I've missed blogging! Good to hear a little blurb from Kyle and Adam. Well, we finally did it! Dad and I went to Costco and bought us a new TV--and it's awesome. We got a nice Sony 52-in flat screen. Tomorrow we'll get the HD hooked up. Even without being hooked up to HD, it's so much better than the old one. Our neighbor helped Dad get it put up. Now the upstairs is looking good, what with new carpet, paint, TV and soon to be leather recliner. Our 3 days in San Francisco last week were fun. We went to a crazy show that's been ongoing for 40 years there--Beach Blanket Babylon. We also saw Mama Mia and hit some good restaurants, plus a bus tour of the city. The weather was unseasonably warm, too--mid eighties to near 90. Dad's doing a good job of losing weight--ten plus lbs. gone without too much effort--just cutting way down on sugar and smaller portions. So, all of us in the family needing to lose some poundage, let's get serious and get healthy! I'm looking forward to a few weeks at home until our New York trip, which I'm SO excited about--can't wait! Hopefully some pics of Yosemite will be coming to you soon. Dad took some good ones, but hasn't quite figured out how to post them. Let's hear from everyone on the blog! Love Mom
We haven't been blogging lately. What gives? Anyway, I haven't posted to Yosemite pics yet, but thay are forthcoming. I will also post some pics of the hike that Corbin and I did this past Saturday - Orderville Canyon in Zion. It was really fun and really hard. I think it was about 13 miles. I started law school and it is going well so far. That's it for now - I'll post pics later.
The first photo in the show is of Garrett helping Grandpa build a fire for the marshmallows we roasted for Smores on our first night in Bearcat territory. Kids had a blast... a bit too much chocolate however as Garrett's indulgence in at least a full bar and a half kept him, and therefore us, up all night... The show moves on to the pics of us enduring, oh I mean enjoying, the Mid-State Fair! Giddyup and Yeeee Haaaw! Honestly, it was fun for the kids and the 100+ degree heat, well... um.. it's all in the name of love. Seriously, personally we are talking major sacrificing for the love of my children. How do you think Ms. Paranoid feels about the stability of the TEMPORARY carnie rides and the caliber of the operators? But she was on the ferris wheel TWICE! And how about the caliber of the other fair attendees? And the suffocating heat? And the dirt and dust? And a note, the pic of everyone sitting down on a bench - Let me give a couple more location details... the bench is outside the restrooms, to the left of Dad is a long row of porta-potties and to Don's right is a garbage can. Just don't breathe through your mouths folks, at least we have shade. So anyway... we had a fun filled day of fair rides, fair food and fair animal manure! The sideways pic is of Garrett mimicking Don with his hands on his hips... so cute. As far as the rest of the time in Paso, we did not chronicle the trips to the antique stores, or as Olivia referred to them, "grubbage stores", but much fun was had there as well as luck. I found the perfect ribbon cabinet, because yes, I have enough spools of ribbon to require a piece of furniture. Olivia really wanted a typewriter, but was a bit disappointed when I explained that specific ribbon was required, and even I didn't have that kind. We also went down to Morro Bay and the Shell Store and fed the seals. Garrett LOVED the marine life! We had a great time visiting Mom & Dad!
Cabo looked fun from the pictures, but I bet it was more fun in person. Yep, it was - I know because I was there. It was relaxing and awesome, Luke and I actually played tennis everyday so we got some exercise. We had a really great time there. We look forward to going back. Although, I did get Montezuma's revenge this time. I thought that I was impervious to it after my mission and the fact that this was my 4th time in Mexico - but it may be tied to my stomach problems. I guess next time I will have to better about circumnavigating.
And next week is our father and son's adventure! We are all growing out our 'staches to commemorate the occasion. We will take pictures of those so stay tuned.
Mason, Audrey, and myself went and saw the new Batman this weekend. It was awesome!! Anyone who hasn't seen it yet should go as soon as possible. It is really good and Heath Ledger is really creepy as the joker. Wouldn't recommend for younger kids. Nebraska was really awesome as well. I met so many cool people and some people who will be key in helping me get in to dental school in a year or so. Everyone keep posting! Oh and also check out the Greg Garrett blog at rocknjbells.blogspot.com and check out Tanner's hot date.
It's me again! Just thought you guys would enjoy these pictures of my new rap group, Pine Street Elite. It consists of (left to right) Mack Daddy Flex, Rest Eazzzy, and White Chocolate. Not pictured is our lead singer, J Ivory. We wrote a rap for the talent show about all the funny things that have happened here over the last five weeks. We perform it on the fourth of july so we're excited/nervous. Only a week and half left here, I return to Vegas on the 12th of this month and then return to Utah whenever I can get there. Hope all is well with everyone!
hey everyone...i think i started a blog??? I will get a friend over to help me , but i want you to know i am trying. It's gregandjamiegarrettgang/blogspot.com This is my goal for this week since I won't be going to Girl's camp as I originally planned. Wish me luck with blogging...i need it!
XOXO
I reallly enjoyed the recent blogs and pics. Everybody, keep them coming! Our trip to Reno for the sealing and ring ceremony of one of our 3rd ward couples was awesome. We enjoyed the family visits (Andrea and fam and Grant and fam). Grant has a sweet new office, and he and dad spent part of one day installing a large pull-down screen and whiteboard in one of the rooms there. Our trips continue--tomorrow bright and early we leave for SLC for the class reunion on Saturday. The 4th should be fun at Kevin and Angie's, although I'll miss seeing our family there. Last week we went south for dad's business and I enjoyed my time at Alison's. There were lots of preparations going on for Isabella's birthday party last Friday. I'm sure it was a success. Andrea, how was Hawaii? I'm sure you'll be posting about your trip. Not much news. Love to you all. Mom
Kyle, I'm glad you're enjoying your time so much in Omaha. When do you head home?
So today was totally awesome! We got to go to the Omaha Zoo, which is the second best in the nation (to San Diego's) and we saw some pretty wild animals. The big guys from the foundation that funds this program nation-wide came to visit us and said (although they may say this to everyone) that in the 20 years one of the guys has been doing site visits ours was the best one yet. If anyone wants to see ALL my pictures from Nebraska thus far and the awesome zoo animals... Here is the link to my web albums that have all this and other pictures in life
In our quest to get rid of the Tahoe (Awesome), and get something more fuel efficient (wah waaah), I came across one of the most beautiful cars of all time. The 1996 (yes '96 not '86) Buick Roadmaster Estate:
How come they don't make these wonderful family haulers anymore?! Gosh, I bet it gets great gas mileage too. Although, Michelle and I would be fighting over who gets to drive it. I bet if Natalie met a guy who was rolling in one of these, she'd instantly be in love. I don't think anyone could make this car cooler. And you know what? . . . . I'm pretty sure Steve Stevenson drives one of these.
I went to the doctor's today and they said that maybe I am just a little too sexy for my stomach - which is why it is rebelling against me. No, they said that the blood tests and the ultrasound didn't turn anything up. So I will schedule an appointment for an endoscopy in order to see what the deal is. At least I am losing weight because my stomach hurts more if I eat more. So I am consuming about 800 to 1000 calories a day which is resulting in rapid weight loss. I am losing like 10 lbs. per week. I can't wait to be able to eat again so I can get back up to my ideal weight of 450 lbs! Psych! Maybe my body is just imposing a dieting mechanism. Thanks for your concern and prayers.
Com muito amor e carinho,
Adam
I was on my friend's blog and she just went on a trip with just her and her two kids. She was raving about how awesome this was - theportablebaby.com/gogokidz.html - to all of you traveling parents - check it out! Not much else going on in Vegas - I think the heat is finally here to stay. Yeah!
Love,
Natalie
I would like to first let everyone admire the stereotypical Nebraska native that is our bus driver, his name is Rick. Take a minute to let that soak in with all it's glory and beauty. Ok, now on to the good stuff. Second pic is myself taking impressions of another student here from cali with the aid of a first year dental student. The third is my bowling team that dominated at, you guessed it, West Lanes in Omaha, NE. And last but certainly not least is the gang (my gang) at the College World Series watching Gerogia come back in the 8th inning to pull off a 4-3 victory over Stanford. Well I'm having so much fun here it should be illegal in such a territory known as Puerto Rico. I was going through all the pictures I have here just after three weeks and can honestly say that although it will be good to be home, I will truly miss this place and all the aweosme people I've met, experience of a lifetime.
I just got done doing my workout..we also have P90X! we've had it for a while and i've lost about 20 pounds!! Not much new that my mom probably hasn't updated you on i'm sure, mostly wedding stuff. i'm going to start school again in september, 600 more hours then i'll be able to take my master esthetician test! Ryan also starts school in august. Our plan is to move to Vegas next summer although my parents are not to thrilled about it. Jaylon is having his tear duct procedure done on the 25th so no more goopy eye!! i'm a little nervous because they have to put him out but grandpa gave him a blessing so i know he'll be fine. Not much else going on with us Jaylon is just getting big and has quite the personality. Love you all.
Maggie
i combed out jaylons hair..its so long
his pose when he even sees the camera!
Cal with his Bob the builder hat. The 2nd pic is him touching some car's hood ornament for luck. He has stopped, but for a couple of weeks when we would be in a parking lot, every car we passed he would have to give it a touch. Another obsession of his is playing in the car-he doesn't just like it-you have to peel hime out of the car. So that's Cal's latest. Alison-it's good to see you posting!!! nothing else happening! Andrea
Yesterday was a special day as it was the first time I ever spent over $40 fillin' up my tiny gas tank in the Civic. I think I put in like 9.6 gallons and it was like $40.44!! Yay. The bright side? I do get 29 mpg around the city even with the AC on. Our Tahoe is a different story, but that thing has been seeing a lot of garage time lately.
Mom and Dad just left yesterday after a long Utah-Vegas tour. It was fun having them around. I tried, but I couldn't find any sweatshop work for Mom to do. Dad hung out at the strip one night with Bob Ball and he didn't come home until like 6:30 the next morning. But I'm sure he had fun. They made the long trip for Matt and Tanner's respective graduations. Congratulations to both of you fellas!
Alison, where are the pics of the liquid poop extravaganza? I don't know if I believe the whole stroy without some evidence. Also, Garrett's pose would be painful for the man bits especially if the concrete was cold.
Kyle looks like he's having a good time. That will be a really good experience. Hopefully Kyle doesn't get hurt by one of the 473 daily tornados - the weather back there is craysay! Well, that's it from here. Love to all!!
Now I'm not a man, but I can't think this would be comfortable... This little nudity was due to strippage necessecitated by huge liquid poop extravaganza. Fortunately we were outside and Garrett was standing, otherwise... YOWZA! As it was, I have to give kudos to Crocs. So many conveniences associated with these little rubber shoes, including a runny poop catcher. Down the leg and into the shoe where it stays until you hose it off. It's the simple things... It was Isabella's last day of 1st grade today. The girls are swimming right now as it is finally a beautiful day... swimming, fighting, swimming, fighting... this is going to be a long summer, but at least I have a break from homework assignments. That would be the homework I have to nag her to do and the homework I have to do for her. See below my recent assignment. She (translation me) was to make a box car for a drive-in movie. The child had to be able to carry it themselves and to sit in it during the movie. My friend told me that some parents really get into it... um yes that would be the parents that made the car with a seat and wheels that really rolled and then of course Isabella's friend's father is an engineer so the lights on her car really worked. So much for my tulle covered wrapping paper tubes that served as bumpers.
This is little Olivia receiving her gold medal following her performance at Little Gym. She is verrrry excited about it. As well she should be. The skill and level of difficulty... I thought for a moment I was in China. Can it be? Am I at the Olympics? But seriously, it is so adorable to see her get so excited. I am especially excited because we get to go to Isabella's performance today. But before that I must tend to my garden. That would be the tomato plants and various other vegetables we planted yesterday. I am gettin all prepared so I shant be fearin. I've been working on my food storage, ok, "thinking about working on it", "working on it", however you want to put it, anyway, Lisa came and stayed for a few days and got me all motivated so I'm gettin on it. Must run and do my most favoritest thing in the whole wide world... LAUNDRY!
