tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70392548756530205212024-03-13T22:07:16.625-07:00Masonologyma·son·ol·o·gy : The study of Masons, thier habitats, behaviors, and relations.Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-38516714657017165612023-01-12T16:50:00.001-08:002023-01-12T16:50:12.369-08:00I want to be here right now<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCmjKUEmSdjCr9wVjCc1Hz7cs9sCuu_bqJCkLA51xsdsKR2D3PZpkjQmhTmsl7X3Ke_p2t2chts5kii5q90HtYcVNUTPxRsVGcjJFNraP9qDFjcISQqWjMxBtvAl2K7k8OIzQ6udwSb8ATcXkc8PX0RfghWLgXAU4YB5qrFDWivUp4Yj27ywgFiwVgEw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1249" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCmjKUEmSdjCr9wVjCc1Hz7cs9sCuu_bqJCkLA51xsdsKR2D3PZpkjQmhTmsl7X3Ke_p2t2chts5kii5q90HtYcVNUTPxRsVGcjJFNraP9qDFjcISQqWjMxBtvAl2K7k8OIzQ6udwSb8ATcXkc8PX0RfghWLgXAU4YB5qrFDWivUp4Yj27ywgFiwVgEw" width="320" /></a></div><br />I totally forgot I had a blog. Thanks for reading. Its been like 10 years since I was active on this thing - what a fun little journal.<p></p>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-75030086830907905552015-08-27T11:16:00.001-07:002015-08-27T11:16:40.605-07:00Hello? Is this thing still on?Just wondering if anyone actually looks at this, anymore. We haven't blogged since the day we discovered Instagram. Just makes it sooooo much easier, ya know? Anyway, here is the last picture that was taken on my phone. I didn't take it, I think my kids did. Enjoy!<br />
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Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-35987698044312510812011-12-10T21:29:00.001-08:002011-12-10T21:55:35.638-08:00Abbey's Piano Recital<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Admittedly, I have been dreading this day for quite awhile. Today was Abbey's first piano recital. Its not that I wasn't excited for her (I was), or that I can't stand to listen to piano (I actually enjoy the songs she plays)... its just that I didn't want to have to sit and listen to anyone ELSE'S children play piano. Much to my surprise, I found that I really enjoyed the whole thing. The recital was downtown in an area where the older homes are being restored. This particular home has been transformed into an art center. There are paintings and sculptures throughout the house. It was really awesome. About half of the performances were Christmas songs, and I actually really liked all the arrangements, etc. The whole thing lasted about an hour, and afterward, we had delicious eclairs (which may explain much of the good vibes I had about the afternoon).</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Yeah, this house makes an awesome art center, but wouldn't it make an even BETTER haunted house?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Here is Abbey introducing herself and her piece. It was funny to see her get a little nervous (whoa! I just noticed the statue in the background. Nothing brightens up a piano recital like some racy graven images, eh?) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Afterward... all smiles!</span></div>
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Grrr... I forgot to start recording her until halfway through her performance. I had my phone on my lap, ready to go - but maybe I was the nervous one. I did catch some of her first song and then the second song she played with just one hand. On a related topic, does anyone know how to upload video to this blog and retain the video quality? </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzs07EBPHD_BtLJdK8bz5_PjRPseofMDUTQB-fQvq9tWq-nhnolzE8IFmEWxqXZ3dJeB45Auc1hjOjtpmKOqA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Great job, Abbey! We are proud of you.</div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-78020711398756122822011-11-24T20:57:00.001-08:002011-11-24T22:07:00.449-08:00Happy Birthday Abbey<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You've come a long way, baby! We love you!!!</div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-62708626266552243762011-11-15T19:00:00.000-08:002011-11-24T20:46:44.728-08:00Safety CheckCan you spot the danger in this picture?<br />
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If you think you know what it is, please speak up. Leave a comment with your observed safety infraction.</div>
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<span style="color: red;">After 9 days, we still have not received a correct response.</span><span style="color: red;"> The answer I was looking for was:</span> <strong>Puddle of water at home plate</strong>. <span style="color: red;">Sorry, nobody wins the prize.</span></div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-70896984028167166412011-11-14T17:30:00.000-08:002011-11-15T08:45:46.005-08:00Things Big and Scary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Halloween may have been weeks ago, but I am going to attempt to re-create the mood today by showcasing some of our 'scary' encounters in nature this fall. First off, check out this wasp/hornet's nest we came across recently:</div>
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That thing is hanging about 15 feet in the air and is just bigger than a basketball. Yikes!</div>
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This little guy was hiding out next to my neighbor's garbage can the other day. That is my foot in the bottom-right of the picture. Just for some perspective, I wear a size 14 shoe and that is one of those big boxes they put apples and such in.<br />
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I actually like spiders, and I think it is cool that we live in the far northern edge of a tarantula's range. They are most active (and likely to be seen) in September/October when the males go all nomadic in search of a mate. Hey, you can't fault a guy for that - so, we only kept him in the box long enough to take a picture, then set him loose in the foothills above my house.</div>
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This below, my friends, is a photograph taken while Emily and I were attending our second annual Bigfoot Show (yes, you read that correctly). The sculpture behind Emily is allegedly a life-sized creation of a Sasquatch. I really enjoyed the show, but I remain unconvinced that a large hominid roams the wilderness undetected. However, I REALLY wished I would have taken a picture of the Bigfoot feces that was on display at the show. The finder of said feces claims that it was found about 5 miles from my house. Ooooooohhhh!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LR0rDu39BNA/TsDGkO2lUYI/AAAAAAAAAmg/q_Fi3vj56-0/s1600/2011-09-03_20-56-52_43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LR0rDu39BNA/TsDGkO2lUYI/AAAAAAAAAmg/q_Fi3vj56-0/s640/2011-09-03_20-56-52_43.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-4834842129600624612011-11-13T21:52:00.000-08:002011-11-13T21:53:11.308-08:00Some Stuff We Did This Fall...<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We spent a weekend at my buddy's cabin:<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGVfCalXeHo/TsCWLVRnUYI/AAAAAAAAAjU/BFljPLiPRV0/s1600/SummerHaloween11_1020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGVfCalXeHo/TsCWLVRnUYI/AAAAAAAAAjU/BFljPLiPRV0/s640/SummerHaloween11_1020.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">We bought bicycles this summer, and have really used them quite a bit:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ARRcoOsie3k/TsCWdTWRumI/AAAAAAAAAjc/Ru2sb6H--Qo/s1600/SummerHaloween11_1035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ARRcoOsie3k/TsCWdTWRumI/AAAAAAAAAjc/Ru2sb6H--Qo/s640/SummerHaloween11_1035.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These probably aren't the best photos of how the bikes were used, but you get the idea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XaCQVXyJQG4/TsCka2Hst9I/AAAAAAAAAkU/ayCK0moqJOw/s1600/SummerHaloween11_1041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XaCQVXyJQG4/TsCka2Hst9I/AAAAAAAAAkU/ayCK0moqJOw/s640/SummerHaloween11_1041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is one of our favorite biking trails. We went up there one day without the bikes, but with a camera:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ku3b3kT1Zbc/TsCW-6rje2I/AAAAAAAAAjk/e5fnwZi06Rw/s1600/SummerHaloween11_1051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ku3b3kT1Zbc/TsCW-6rje2I/AAAAAAAAAjk/e5fnwZi06Rw/s640/SummerHaloween11_1051.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_rRPmZyVrv0/TsCXL4C6y_I/AAAAAAAAAjs/VJ2ntQkGpvY/s1600/SummerHaloween11_1052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_rRPmZyVrv0/TsCXL4C6y_I/AAAAAAAAAjs/VJ2ntQkGpvY/s640/SummerHaloween11_1052.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l81h_53N1y4/TsCXc7e0ybI/AAAAAAAAAj0/9eWsUdLM2tY/s1600/SummerHaloween11_1054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" nda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l81h_53N1y4/TsCXc7e0ybI/AAAAAAAAAj0/9eWsUdLM2tY/s640/SummerHaloween11_1054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNho_6UYGDE/TsCXsn3vDvI/AAAAAAAAAj8/wlrSMDJjTi0/s1600/SummerHaloween11_1067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fNho_6UYGDE/TsCXsn3vDvI/AAAAAAAAAj8/wlrSMDJjTi0/s640/SummerHaloween11_1067.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tq6R-7PuWGY/TsCllpxwLpI/AAAAAAAAAkk/qaZY6L95zLA/s1600/SummerHaloween11_1068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tq6R-7PuWGY/TsCllpxwLpI/AAAAAAAAAkk/qaZY6L95zLA/s640/SummerHaloween11_1068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We went to Lagoon for Frightmares. This dumb ride is older than I am. Somewhere, there is a photo of me in that same spot when I was about 4 years old.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F1G6cA-m4hs/TsCkAqFKO6I/AAAAAAAAAkM/2oSfKYO_XjM/s1600/2011-10-01_13-44-28_944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F1G6cA-m4hs/TsCkAqFKO6I/AAAAAAAAAkM/2oSfKYO_XjM/s640/2011-10-01_13-44-28_944.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, yeah. We also saw this Bald Eagle (look close).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_ATB0MZTTA/TsCklroV6LI/AAAAAAAAAkc/OYh7M3KszlE/s1600/SummerHaloween11_1083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_ATB0MZTTA/TsCklroV6LI/AAAAAAAAAkc/OYh7M3KszlE/s640/SummerHaloween11_1083.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fall seems to have gone by really fast this year. Snow is already starting to fall here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-15446839420674097252011-11-12T14:43:00.000-08:002011-11-12T16:18:18.131-08:00What My Kids Wore for Halloween 2011<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">OK. You've asked, and I am here to please. Without further ado, I present to you evidence that I am still alive and well in cyberspace and that yet another year of Trick-or-Treating as happened:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXV0SUfya0k/Tr71t28wAcI/AAAAAAAAAi8/POJ8J9KZGJ4/s1600/SummerHaloween11_1134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FXV0SUfya0k/Tr71t28wAcI/AAAAAAAAAi8/POJ8J9KZGJ4/s640/SummerHaloween11_1134.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Now, let me see if I've got the costumes right. Mylie was a fairy, Garrett was Mickey Mouse (he wasn't happy about it in this picture, but he grew to love it), and Abbey was a ... prep-school plaid-pink wearing witch, I guess?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7qsF2oa5v-o/Tr74yoZMzZI/AAAAAAAAAjM/0i1OZZlyCL8/s1600/SummerHaloween11_1102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" nda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7qsF2oa5v-o/Tr74yoZMzZI/AAAAAAAAAjM/0i1OZZlyCL8/s640/SummerHaloween11_1102.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--LQpW8lHgkU/Tr74mQRE8NI/AAAAAAAAAjE/vii0JxAKdkA/s1600/SummerHaloween11_1095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" nda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--LQpW8lHgkU/Tr74mQRE8NI/AAAAAAAAAjE/vii0JxAKdkA/s640/SummerHaloween11_1095.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-76598677311521209312011-06-17T20:49:00.000-07:002011-06-17T20:49:26.135-07:00Beard Ballot 2011My beard, which was born at scout camp, is nearing its 2-week birthday on Sunday. It has been itching me like crazy, and I came home from work tonight determined that it must go. However, I'm beginning to feel a sort of closeness to it. I need your help. Please use the comments section to vote 'yeah' or 'nay' to my keeping the beard. Your help is much appreciated... <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzDp8s9SzZU/TfwbkMRzfhI/AAAAAAAAAio/d3_0tItrQck/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzDp8s9SzZU/TfwbkMRzfhI/AAAAAAAAAio/d3_0tItrQck/s640/DSC_0004.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Yeah, that's quite a bit of gray you see in there.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-37M7NDABfE4/Tfwba_abEPI/AAAAAAAAAig/qqYJPXk_a_8/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-37M7NDABfE4/Tfwba_abEPI/AAAAAAAAAig/qqYJPXk_a_8/s640/DSC_0002.JPG" width="640" /></a>Abbey asked me to grow it as long as Santa's Beard. She probably assumes that since I already possess his round physique, my transformation to Old St. Nick will be sure to follow. Little does she know that saying this is only HURTING her chances at Christmas time.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zEugU2O6nw/Tfwbe_sof-I/AAAAAAAAAik/BXxjX706OWo/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1zEugU2O6nw/Tfwbe_sof-I/AAAAAAAAAik/BXxjX706OWo/s640/DSC_0003.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">She actually asked me to either "Grow it as long as Santa's... or just grow a mustache". Yikes. I'm beginning to seriously wonder what kind of guy she will end up marrying. She one time told us how she thinks Mario (yeah, the Nintendo guy) is very handsome.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FsWr4tlIwv8/Tfwbs2wJlRI/AAAAAAAAAiw/wiDLTvFpwEg/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FsWr4tlIwv8/Tfwbs2wJlRI/AAAAAAAAAiw/wiDLTvFpwEg/s640/DSC_0006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">There has been a noticeable decrease in the number of hugs and kisses I receive from Mylie.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--72rfRfh1ak/TfwboxuQFNI/AAAAAAAAAis/vXq3OOyFgBY/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--72rfRfh1ak/TfwboxuQFNI/AAAAAAAAAis/vXq3OOyFgBY/s640/DSC_0005.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My vote is 'Nay', but we can let the voters decide...</div></div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-41318371154267492362011-06-15T22:33:00.000-07:002011-06-15T22:33:07.601-07:00Foxy LadiesI'm lucky to have a great commute. It takes about 15-20 minutes of my day and it is a nice time to relax and enjoy the views of the mountains, etc. I pride myself on the fact that I don't text and drive. Don't get me wrong, I think texting is fine and all (albeit a bit overused) - I just think there is a time and place. I'm so glad that I use my morning and evening commute to simply drive. I listen to the radio and I'm always on the lookout for anything interesting. Every day, I drive by a farm in North Ogden, where I spot deer frequently. Tuesday, I saw something a bit different in the field. The hay had recently been cut, and I spotted an animal perched on the far side. At first, I drove by and simply wondered what I saw. Then, it was killing me. The more I thought about it, the more I thought I saw a coyote. I flipped around and parked my truck next to the field. I keep a pair of binoculars in my pickup, so I grabbed them and jumped in the bed of the truck for a better look. There saw a beautiful red fox, staring at something intently. Excitedly, I went home and grabbed Emily and the kids and we returned with our camera. Things got even better when I realized what mommy fox was staring at: She had a den nearby, with at least 3 pups (aka kits) playing about. I was able to snag a few precious photos:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GaduRUrbgj0/TfmRk3BpJyI/AAAAAAAAAiI/6gZS0LBmQwY/s1600/2DSC_0911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GaduRUrbgj0/TfmRk3BpJyI/AAAAAAAAAiI/6gZS0LBmQwY/s640/2DSC_0911.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-MDPw5qm_I/TfmRvAxHUVI/AAAAAAAAAiU/vzoFaXeoXB0/s1600/DSC_0913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-MDPw5qm_I/TfmRvAxHUVI/AAAAAAAAAiU/vzoFaXeoXB0/s640/DSC_0913.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMeGqEeOn1g/TfmRvxycjqI/AAAAAAAAAiY/1nW8Y6QqPsc/s1600/DSC_0916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="474" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMeGqEeOn1g/TfmRvxycjqI/AAAAAAAAAiY/1nW8Y6QqPsc/s640/DSC_0916.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Meanwhile, the mom watched me carefully. Eventually, I made her nervous, and she let out a VERY loud bark, and disappeared into the trees. I didn't get a great shot of her, but she is beatiful, I tell you. She is very blonde, for a red fox. That is likely why I mistook her for a coyote originally.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tcKsYPfndg/TfmRw2AF2LI/AAAAAAAAAic/XSvXsAAZr3Y/s1600/DSC_0905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--tcKsYPfndg/TfmRw2AF2LI/AAAAAAAAAic/XSvXsAAZr3Y/s640/DSC_0905.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Update: The foxes were there again this morning. I sure hope they stick around.Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-83475987210844071722011-06-13T22:41:00.000-07:002011-06-13T22:49:02.508-07:00Zion Adventure 2011Below are a few photos from my latest adventure. Last week, I led a group of Varsity and Explorer Scouts on a 5-day High Adventure in Zion National Park. From the moment I became involved in Scouting, I knew I wanted to visit Zion as a high adventure activity. Zion has been my favorite place to visit, since I began trekking there about 15 years ago. This year's agenda was altered considerably due to the severe flooding, but we still managed to have a great time. Most of all, it was adventurous.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cAwm9UrcjCk/TfbgM6p_pPI/AAAAAAAAAgc/P_vFY5VX6J0/s1600/CIMG2908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cAwm9UrcjCk/TfbgM6p_pPI/AAAAAAAAAgc/P_vFY5VX6J0/s640/CIMG2908.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I wish pictures could ever do this place justice. I like this picture, but it is impossible to truly capture the moment.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rfcIy7C3g_w/TfbgWdYGk1I/AAAAAAAAAgg/bWYhuj895Rw/s1600/CIMG2899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rfcIy7C3g_w/TfbgWdYGk1I/AAAAAAAAAgg/bWYhuj895Rw/s640/CIMG2899.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Displaying the fine art of the Cannonball</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRoLv_5ljlU/Tfbg9LTk4cI/AAAAAAAAAgk/GQatHLrunPo/s1600/CIMG2883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRoLv_5ljlU/Tfbg9LTk4cI/AAAAAAAAAgk/GQatHLrunPo/s640/CIMG2883.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what happens when you go with teenage boys. They hunt EVERYTHING.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fu9GWtm-04w/TfbhcwRAzvI/AAAAAAAAAgo/zOwGySMh8rs/s1600/CIMG2912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fu9GWtm-04w/TfbhcwRAzvI/AAAAAAAAAgo/zOwGySMh8rs/s640/CIMG2912.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what happens when you go with adult men who think 'they've still got it'.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dtL-HiQBytc/Tfbhlgo1CII/AAAAAAAAAgs/WpJIDQnV56s/s1600/CIMG2919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dtL-HiQBytc/Tfbhlgo1CII/AAAAAAAAAgs/WpJIDQnV56s/s640/CIMG2919.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what happens when a Dutch tourist falls 20-feet. This was seriously no laughing matter. We came across this guy, and he really needed our help. That isn't a beard you see on his face - its blood, bubbling out of his mouth. He was missing teeth, had a serious head wound, broken bones in his legs, in need of stitches around his knees, and couldn't remember anything in the past few weeks (including coming to America and taking this fall). Three of us, myself included, joined the Search and Rescue squad, and spent the better part of 3 hours assisting his rescue. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6BhxeRdhIY/Tfbho8CETNI/AAAAAAAAAgw/K-LV0nRkhAY/s1600/CIMG2920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6BhxeRdhIY/Tfbho8CETNI/AAAAAAAAAgw/K-LV0nRkhAY/s640/CIMG2920.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were about a mile up Hidden Canyon, which is fairly remote and hard to get to. Fortunately for Martin (the 'Flying Dutchman'), we had a medical professional with us. Phil Burnett (in white above), was a true superstar and possibly saved Martin's life.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJwJ316Ci-4/Tfbh2BpuewI/AAAAAAAAAg0/B-XtXpc-CwA/s1600/CIMG2921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HJwJ316Ci-4/Tfbh2BpuewI/AAAAAAAAAg0/B-XtXpc-CwA/s640/CIMG2921.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We eventually got Martin in a transport sled to keep him safe for the rugged trip out of Hidden Canyon. I was astounded when we offered help to the rescuers, and they willingly accepted. "We need all the help we can get", they replied. A few minutes later, I was carrying Martin like a Pall Bearer, only over large boulders, and across tiny ledges. The operation was very military-like, in that there was a squad leader, and we would yell commands like "copy that" while en route.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLK0AhUqR_8/TfbiBoThFNI/AAAAAAAAAg4/Q-Y7wETIG-U/s1600/CIMG2923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLK0AhUqR_8/TfbiBoThFNI/AAAAAAAAAg4/Q-Y7wETIG-U/s640/CIMG2923.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We took turns hauling the sled and a bunch of gear down the mountain to a place where a helicopter could reach him. We would carry him until we tired out, then would 'bump' out of the sled and let someone else take over. This was exhausting. The big pack you see in the forefront weighs upwards of 50 pounds.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f4BKedUD3Jg/TfbiHQzbXtI/AAAAAAAAAg8/G5I3skgme-4/s1600/CIMG2925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f4BKedUD3Jg/TfbiHQzbXtI/AAAAAAAAAg8/G5I3skgme-4/s640/CIMG2925.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Zion Search and Rescue told us this was the most difficult rescue they had performed in over 18 months. The terrain was rugged, and once we carried Martin out of the canyon, we had to get him up the mountain to a point where he could be airlifted.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wuYHD77dwG4/TfbiSTzjdGI/AAAAAAAAAhA/DkY_iWBfY94/s1600/CIMG2927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wuYHD77dwG4/TfbiSTzjdGI/AAAAAAAAAhA/DkY_iWBfY94/s640/CIMG2927.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After over an hour of work, we finally got him to an open spot up on one of Zion's cliffs, where the helicopter could reach him. What you don't see in this picture are the 1,000 foot cliffs on either side of this flat spot.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9gHB4QuWdNY/Tfbig_JMCuI/AAAAAAAAAhE/-vSk5-IBrds/s1600/CIMG2951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9gHB4QuWdNY/Tfbig_JMCuI/AAAAAAAAAhE/-vSk5-IBrds/s640/CIMG2951.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We hurried down the mountain to watch the airlift.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWdHRlN1aoY/TfbuBOnrCgI/AAAAAAAAAh0/1pgajinoKOE/s1600/DSC05717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWdHRlN1aoY/TfbuBOnrCgI/AAAAAAAAAh0/1pgajinoKOE/s640/DSC05717.JPG" t8="true" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was truly miraculous that we were able to get him safely onto this point (upper-right, above). In another life, I want to be a Search and Rescue professional. They are true heroes.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UFjShma6G6Y/Tfbijg-Kz2I/AAAAAAAAAhI/lOUCu76K1Lg/s1600/CIMG2952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UFjShma6G6Y/Tfbijg-Kz2I/AAAAAAAAAhI/lOUCu76K1Lg/s640/CIMG2952.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Best of luck, Martin. I hope he could at least enjoy the view.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f2NgdBIBxZ8/TfbjSeK1OGI/AAAAAAAAAhM/hdMEhwykNEk/s1600/P6090020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f2NgdBIBxZ8/TfbjSeK1OGI/AAAAAAAAAhM/hdMEhwykNEk/s640/P6090020.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Besides saving lives, we did some serious hiking.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dk66n0tPp3M/Tfbj5Iyy-DI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/4509LgbkLJM/s1600/SAM_0761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dk66n0tPp3M/Tfbj5Iyy-DI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/4509LgbkLJM/s640/SAM_0761.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My sheer size, and tolerance of cold water sure came in handy.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-i28SedFrM/Tfbkm0aDKNI/AAAAAAAAAhU/x9XwMksqnSU/s1600/DSC05467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R-i28SedFrM/Tfbkm0aDKNI/AAAAAAAAAhU/x9XwMksqnSU/s640/DSC05467.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here I am leading the boys under a small waterfall.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rbbigEcCHek/Tfbk6sMxD9I/AAAAAAAAAhY/g-lPTL-y6CI/s1600/DSC05536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rbbigEcCHek/Tfbk6sMxD9I/AAAAAAAAAhY/g-lPTL-y6CI/s640/DSC05536.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I thought these things were extinct???</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lOG2PTLZlVQ/TfblLncYBiI/AAAAAAAAAhc/WEhNcLOE3U4/s1600/DSC05581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lOG2PTLZlVQ/TfblLncYBiI/AAAAAAAAAhc/WEhNcLOE3U4/s640/DSC05581.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">These waterfalls were our trail.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H25_VErf6WE/TfbtUkTm4eI/AAAAAAAAAhw/So5hxLX8R2M/s1600/DSC05589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H25_VErf6WE/TfbtUkTm4eI/AAAAAAAAAhw/So5hxLX8R2M/s640/DSC05589.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">In order for the boys to maintain thinking I am cool, I never let on that I have a paralyzing fear of snakes. I lied and told them how cool I thought this was.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YfT_6h-z6aQ/Tfbu3pODZ6I/AAAAAAAAAh4/B2h13nZ6VtE/s1600/CIMG2906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YfT_6h-z6aQ/Tfbu3pODZ6I/AAAAAAAAAh4/B2h13nZ6VtE/s640/CIMG2906.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I love Zion.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thiCm27dMGk/Tfbu9y2dHrI/AAAAAAAAAh8/R2jjM55347c/s1600/CIMG2907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thiCm27dMGk/Tfbu9y2dHrI/AAAAAAAAAh8/R2jjM55347c/s640/CIMG2907.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Slot canyons are so cool, and I believe the perfect activity for a high adventure. To get to this point, we had to trek across the desert, wade up a river, climb up a 25-foot cliff, and swim through ice-cold water. It was well worth the journey.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OTTdmN4E2vc/TfbloHMmfHI/AAAAAAAAAhk/IGfmC-zM-T8/s1600/DSC05621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OTTdmN4E2vc/TfbloHMmfHI/AAAAAAAAAhk/IGfmC-zM-T8/s640/DSC05621.JPG" t8="true" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Subway.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lO1uLczqdew/TfblsTtuY0I/AAAAAAAAAho/w7-n8DoHjog/s1600/DSC05623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lO1uLczqdew/TfblsTtuY0I/AAAAAAAAAho/w7-n8DoHjog/s640/DSC05623.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can see how it got its name, right?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I6DyGm4fsHM/TfbmHyMHDEI/AAAAAAAAAhs/9Cu5tdPkjPA/s1600/DSC05663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I6DyGm4fsHM/TfbmHyMHDEI/AAAAAAAAAhs/9Cu5tdPkjPA/s640/DSC05663.JPG" t8="true" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Serious Hiking. I loved every minute of it.</div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-18388315424712635422011-06-04T22:16:00.000-07:002011-06-04T22:25:13.767-07:00This one time... We were in a pickleI'm thinking about incorporating a new series to this blog, where I jot down some random memories and/or stories. These may bore some of you, but I think they are worth documenting. Perhaps they even give insight as to how I developed into the dude that I am. I'm calling it 'This one time...'<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Dateline: May, 1998</em></strong> <em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(it may have been 1999. I'm not quite sure.)</span></em><br />
<br />
It was a beautiful spring afternoon in Logan, Utah. I think it was a Sunday, because I remember thinking that not much was going on the rest of the day/evening - but I know for sure that the next day was a weekday.<br />
<br />
We were just recovering from the long, snowy Cache Valley winter, and I was itching to get into the mountains a bit. I called up my on-again/off-again girlfriend (the very same woman to whom I am currently married) and asked her to join me on a nice drive up Logan Canyon to visit <a href="http://www.onlineutah.com/oldephraimhistory1.shtml">Old Ephraim's</a> Grave (Old Ephraim was the last grizzly bear killed in Utah, prior to the Grizzly becoming extinct here). The snow was about all melted, and trees were beginning to blossom.<br />
<br />
We headed out on our little excursion with no particular reason to bring anything other that the clothes we were wearing. After all, this was to be the classic 'Three-Hour Tour' kind of a drive. A jaunt up Logan Canyon, then turn down a jeep road and 4-Wheel-Drive almost all the way to the monument. We started out in the late afternoon and drove for a couple of hours. Logan Canyon was beautiful, and the further we drove, the better the views got. We were near the tops of the mountains, where the vistas were stunning and the snow melt was very recent. As we drove, the road was getting more and more wet, and I was growing concerned about the conditions. Eventually, we rounded a corner and decided it would be unwise to go any further down the road. The road was soaked, spotted with puddles of water between 12 and 18 inches deep.<br />
<br />
I put my truck in reverse and started to back up, looking for a place to turn around. The road we were on was cut into the side of the mountain, with a not-too-steep, grassy hill dropping off our right-hand side. As I backed up, my truck veered slightly over to the right-hand side of the road, near the edge. I put on the brakes, but it was too late - the saturated mud upon which we sat just sloughed away, and began running downhill like a muddy avalanche, carrying my truck with it.<br />
<br />
We slid about 50 feet downhill, eventually stopping in a puddle of mud and water about 2 feet deep. I tried driving both forward and backward, but it was no use... we weren't going anywhere. It was about 7pm, and we still had about 1.5 hours of daylight left. I spent most all of this time wading about in the watery mess trying anything in my power to free my truck. I pushed while Emily drove. I tried rocking the truck back and forth. I gathered branches, rocks, and anything else I could find and jammed it under my truck tires. Nothing I did was getting me out of here - it was perhaps even making it worse. The front of my truck was embedded in the mud, while one of the back tires was completely off the ground. It really was quite the sight, and a horrible predicament to be in.<br />
<br />
All my efforts to free us only really accomplished one thing: It got me really, REALLY wet. Remember, I was wading about in a puddle of water, and I pushed and pushed until I fell in the water multiple times. My clothes were drenched in muddy muck - and it was starting to get pretty cold.<br />
<br />
It was now nearly dark, and I informed Emily that we were not going to be driving home. No other human being had come by in the hours we had been there, and I certainly didn't expect to see anyone come by at night. I recommended to Emily that we begin walking back to the main road - which was approximately 7.5 miles away.<br />
<br />
"What in the world do you plan to do when we get back to the road?", Emily asked me. "Hitchhike back to Logan", I replied, "We should get back to the road about 2am. We can hitchhike home, and come back in the morning to get my truck." Well, there was no way I was convincing her to accompany me to some nighttime hitchhiking. She thought that was a terrible idea. She also wasn't fond of my second alternative, which was to allow ME to hitchhike alone, while she waited. So, that left us with one alternative: Spend the night and deal with this in the morning. <br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My truck at this time was a 1992 Toyota Regular Cab Pickup, like this one:</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fzVEkJ91Tiw/TenWBsL9ySI/AAAAAAAAAgY/W85c2McBWlA/s1600/toyota_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fzVEkJ91Tiw/TenWBsL9ySI/AAAAAAAAAgY/W85c2McBWlA/s1600/toyota_large.jpg" t8="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Mine didn't have the skid plate, but my oversized tires were way cooler. Awww, I miss that little guy)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This was not exactly the most comfortable place for 2 people to sleep, especially considering the forward-leaning angle at which the truck sat. Comfortable or not, it was dry and it was all we had. I did have a plastic blue tarp that I kept behind the seat - but that was about it as far as shelter. We still had over 1/2 tank of gas and a working heater.<br />
<br />
I was freezing. The temperature had dropped drastically, and as I said before, I was drenched from head to toe. I knew I had to get out of these wet clothes soon. I stripped down to nothing but my underwear and threw the wet clothes in the bed of the pickup.<br />
<br />
It was pitch black now, and I was barely clothed, sharing a tarp with my girlfriend, trying to get warm. So, it wasn't ALL bad, I guess.<br />
<br />
Well, the heater did work - however, my tailpipe was only a few inches from the top of the water and Emily could swear that all the exhaust was coming right into the cab of the truck, so she was very reluctant to let me run it. A few times throughout the night, we couldn't bear the cold anymore, so we would run the truck for a little while and allow ourselves to heat up some. But for the most part, it was a long, miserable night. Temperatures were well below freezing the entire time.<br />
<br />
Around 5 am, the the morning finally arrived. It was no longer total darkness. Although there was no direct sunlight yet, blackness had given way to shades of blue and grey that told us the warm sun was on its way. Now came the REALLY tough part. Somewhat reluctantly, we got out of the truck to begin the trek out. Naturally, I went for my clothes first thing. Remember the great idea I had to strip them off and discard them in the bed of the truck? Horrible idea. My shirt, undershirt, pants and socks were frozen together in a giant clothescicle. I couldn't even break them apart.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, I still had to get out of there. Clothes or no clothes, we had to walk out. I got the last of the warmth that I could in my truck then Emily and I headed back down the road we drove in on. Both of us shivering, we started briskly walking back to Logan Canyon. Did I mention that I was wearing tennis shoes without socks and a pair of underwear (garment bottoms) - AND NOTHING ELSE??? I was really hoping Emily wasn't looking too closely. Obviously, my attire was very revealing - and I was freezing cold <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(if you know what I mean)</span>.<br />
<br />
Moving helped keep us warm, but I was still shivering like Michael J. Fox operating a jackhammer (tasteless joke, I know). As we proceeded down the trail, we kept watching a line of sunshine inch its way down the mountain. It seemed to take an eternity before it finally was able to peer far enough down the canyon and hit our freezing bodies. Eventually, it did hit us, and even warmed us enough that I was able to wear my shirt (but still not my pants).<br />
<br />
I think it was about 8:30 or 8:45 am when we got really close to the main road. I was still essentially naked from the waist-down, my pants had done very little thawing, and the shirt I was now wearing was caked in mud. I couldn't imagine this being a very appealing wardrobe to a passing motorist. Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately), the Logan river runs very near the road, and I saw this as an opportunity to get dressed and a little cleaner. I waded into the water, carrying the frozen wad of clothes and soaked them until they were pliable enough to put on my body. I removed my shirt, and doused it a few times in the river as well, so that it was as clean as possible. Once dressed, we made a B-line for the road, desperate to flag down the next car that passed.<br />
<br />
It didn't take too long (maybe about 5 minutes) for a car to come by. It was an officer from Utah State Parks and Recreation, who was on his way to an interview in Logan. We sat in his car for awhile, and he took down all of our information and was a great help (come to find out, he knew my Uncle Larry pretty well. hmmm... small world). I felt so lucky that we found him, because he had a CB and was talking to a dispatch officer who was offering to call our roommates to come help us. They also called both of our employers and explained why we would be late to work. To this day, I still don't understand why he just didn't give us a lift down the canyon (perhaps because I was dripping wet), but he left us there and drove off. Help, he assured us, was on the way.<br />
<br />
About AN HOUR later, I saw my roommate, Scott, driving his truck toward us. He looked like he was on a Frankenstein-hunting mission, because there was an army of people in the back of his truck with shovels, pitchforks, torches, etc. (OK, maybe they didn't have pitchforks and torches - but they did have a bunch of tools, some of which seemed to provide little value to the situation).<br />
<br />
And they also had a tow-rope. Scott drove up to the spot where we spent the night and in about 5 minutes my truck was freed. As his 6-cylinder Toyota helped extract my 4-cylinder Toyota, I recall him yelling out "V-6 POWER!!!". Despite the humiliation of getting stuck, the physical exhaustion from the lack of sleep, and the worry I had for missing most of the workday, my overwhelming emotion at that moment was envy. I had secretly always been envious of his larger engine. Grrrrr. But, there was also relief. We had been stuck for about 14 hours, and we were finally free, warm, and among friends. The rescue party consisted of both of our roommates, and some random people Emily's ward. Upon receiving the call from dispatch, Emily's roommates had called her bishop, and he had been able to gather a number of people to assist. To be honest, I really just wanted someone to hurry up and get us off home - I don't know why the army of garden-tool-bearing students needed to be assembled. I felt like time was an issue here - have these people never head of hypothermia? (that reminds me of this one OTHER time...) Oh well, I really was grateful they came.<br />
<br />
Free at last: I drove home, dropped Emily off, and we both got ready for work. We were very tired, but I was just grateful to be able to have a hot shower and to know we were safe. I remember my truck was so muddy both inside and out that I took it to a car wash and actually used the power-spray on the INSIDE of the cab.<br />
<br />
Thinking about it now, I don't believe that I've been back to Old Ephraim's grave since. I think its high time I pay that place a visit.Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-72704010558423122602011-05-31T14:55:00.000-07:002011-05-31T14:57:55.930-07:00Things Which Are Not Safe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tff6hvWsuDg/TeQOR0gfYsI/AAAAAAAAAfk/5lN9nrjYMvc/s1600/Spring_2011_581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tff6hvWsuDg/TeQOR0gfYsI/AAAAAAAAAfk/5lN9nrjYMvc/s640/Spring_2011_581.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Allowing your 18-month-old to play by himself on playground equipment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVzBnHge_zI/TeQOWySiwZI/AAAAAAAAAfo/0kN96Pn9Hko/s1600/Spring_2011_584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVzBnHge_zI/TeQOWySiwZI/AAAAAAAAAfo/0kN96Pn9Hko/s640/Spring_2011_584.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Peering over any edge, when you've been walking less than one year.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMLi2qBCzoI/TeQOdhP81JI/AAAAAAAAAfs/sybh96Ncfm4/s1600/Spring_2011_586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nMLi2qBCzoI/TeQOdhP81JI/AAAAAAAAAfs/sybh96Ncfm4/s640/Spring_2011_586.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Attempting to slide while blinded by a bad hairdo.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gfQYQFauFc4/TeQOivI12eI/AAAAAAAAAfw/YQdUECwC2Ls/s1600/Spring_2011_587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gfQYQFauFc4/TeQOivI12eI/AAAAAAAAAfw/YQdUECwC2Ls/s640/Spring_2011_587.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Somehow, finding this hair an improvement.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf0wsaKfsa0/TeQOmtAc7hI/AAAAAAAAAf0/4idPIgF1JkA/s1600/Spring_2011_590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf0wsaKfsa0/TeQOmtAc7hI/AAAAAAAAAf0/4idPIgF1JkA/s640/Spring_2011_590.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thinking Abbey will protect you from falling.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AR6O_3woEH0/TeQOr0T6qQI/AAAAAAAAAf4/hGwVEhYNBEk/s1600/Spring_2011_591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AR6O_3woEH0/TeQOr0T6qQI/AAAAAAAAAf4/hGwVEhYNBEk/s640/Spring_2011_591.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Using delivery-room-inspired playground equipment.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw3-A5eLd84/TeQOxk3Fn1I/AAAAAAAAAf8/ldVu5li204o/s1600/Spring_2011_593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw3-A5eLd84/TeQOxk3Fn1I/AAAAAAAAAf8/ldVu5li204o/s640/Spring_2011_593.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The daily fall.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87bDeyDBDIg/TeQO3IiTujI/AAAAAAAAAgA/cdCWI56gAFU/s1600/Spring_2011_597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-87bDeyDBDIg/TeQO3IiTujI/AAAAAAAAAgA/cdCWI56gAFU/s640/Spring_2011_597.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whatever this is.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3IskVZdoHUg/TeQO7c0i_0I/AAAAAAAAAgE/tkcJT1Rb2Ys/s1600/Spring_2011_595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3IskVZdoHUg/TeQO7c0i_0I/AAAAAAAAAgE/tkcJT1Rb2Ys/s640/Spring_2011_595.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hoping your dad will catch you (he won't).</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEb8OklN1uY/TeQPGZQtqSI/AAAAAAAAAgI/If57PLC294Y/s1600/Spring_2011_601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEb8OklN1uY/TeQPGZQtqSI/AAAAAAAAAgI/If57PLC294Y/s640/Spring_2011_601.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Brushing your teeth at a sporting event. This may not be unsafe, but it is (at a minimum): unsanitary, uncouth, unnecessary, unusual, unwelcome, and unwise.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XHSOzfFO5l0/TeQPialcaAI/AAAAAAAAAgM/E6wWsQXySe0/s1600/Spring_2011_629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XHSOzfFO5l0/TeQPialcaAI/AAAAAAAAAgM/E6wWsQXySe0/s640/Spring_2011_629.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This just looks like a potential for disaster.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6RznFt8ltSo/TeQP1ZUikLI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/F6ioaW75Y3w/s1600/Spring_2011_653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6RznFt8ltSo/TeQP1ZUikLI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/F6ioaW75Y3w/s640/Spring_2011_653.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Running with your shoelaces untied.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1Ab0S3zMeE/TeQQgkZpDzI/AAAAAAAAAgU/7tDI8wBSzHc/s1600/Spring_2011_684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1Ab0S3zMeE/TeQQgkZpDzI/AAAAAAAAAgU/7tDI8wBSzHc/s640/Spring_2011_684.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Trying to stop Mylie from scoring. Don't even try it.</div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-20426636013149747712011-05-30T11:42:00.000-07:002011-05-30T11:42:41.312-07:00Ho- Ho- Ho!... Merry Memorial Day!(I seriously have a friend whose mom refers to this holiday as "McMorial Day". That cracks me up every year.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYMi8omt-0s/TePhhBslSmI/AAAAAAAAAfU/ipXfflPjnO8/s1600/Spring_2011_778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYMi8omt-0s/TePhhBslSmI/AAAAAAAAAfU/ipXfflPjnO8/s640/Spring_2011_778.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div> Yeah, this is what we woke up to this morning: About an inch of snow. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sfgvNhfqtws/TePhwTvVkBI/AAAAAAAAAfY/IVviHrKuZVQ/s1600/Spring_2011_779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sfgvNhfqtws/TePhwTvVkBI/AAAAAAAAAfY/IVviHrKuZVQ/s640/Spring_2011_779.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div>I must admit that I had some mixed emotions about it. I had planned on shingling the house today, but Mother Nature saved me from that. Instead, I'm blogging.<br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DGkOYsEqQMo/TePh9WkE29I/AAAAAAAAAfc/YpdUAu1ME3M/s1600/Spring_2011_786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DGkOYsEqQMo/TePh9WkE29I/AAAAAAAAAfc/YpdUAu1ME3M/s640/Spring_2011_786.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This snowman was made from 100% Memorial Day snow.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jQr-WiqVde4/TePiCOYWBCI/AAAAAAAAAfg/p_PyO0jjZT4/s1600/Spring_2011_787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jQr-WiqVde4/TePiCOYWBCI/AAAAAAAAAfg/p_PyO0jjZT4/s640/Spring_2011_787.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've read a few comments how we never post pictures of our kids. Well, here you go. This particular day, they hung out in their pajamas until noon - when this picture was taken. I can't blame them, there is really nothing to get dressed for.</div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-11065776030678549542011-05-29T20:23:00.000-07:002011-05-29T20:23:46.614-07:00Hawaii Wrap-UpI know. You are sick of me posting about my vacation. Well, to be fair, the requests to see pictures of Hawaii were the inspiration for my renewed interest in blogging. Besides, it was awesome. Alas, this will be the last post about our trip.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L4xG3VRxlWA/TeMHsiruneI/AAAAAAAAAdk/pWz6xRC4MeA/s1600/Hawaii_2011_324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L4xG3VRxlWA/TeMHsiruneI/AAAAAAAAAdk/pWz6xRC4MeA/s640/Hawaii_2011_324.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wailua Falls</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Au9lnaVFf-A/TeMH5EIqswI/AAAAAAAAAdo/XeHzWAuoPhQ/s1600/Hawaii_2011_346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Au9lnaVFf-A/TeMH5EIqswI/AAAAAAAAAdo/XeHzWAuoPhQ/s640/Hawaii_2011_346.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Does Emily look a beach-goer, or a farmer?</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro9L0Aev9lY/TeMIG2rv5EI/AAAAAAAAAds/ovyyBDjLeMQ/s1600/Hawaii_2011_387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro9L0Aev9lY/TeMIG2rv5EI/AAAAAAAAAds/ovyyBDjLeMQ/s640/Hawaii_2011_387.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are our good friends Dave and Sarah, in whose condo we stayed (thanks again). Major thanks to them for convincing us to take this trip. I always felt like Hawaii was something 'other people' did. I never envisioned myself taking the trip until they came to our house one night and talked us into it. It was WELL worth it.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhNCTTqmMr0/TeMIYZJcPDI/AAAAAAAAAdw/-x34hwimKWw/s1600/Hawaii_2011_393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lhNCTTqmMr0/TeMIYZJcPDI/AAAAAAAAAdw/-x34hwimKWw/s640/Hawaii_2011_393.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check out the backdrop we had while swimming.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VIPPpTmt3LM/TeMImAusvaI/AAAAAAAAAd0/V7--vKJO1QI/s1600/Hawaii_2011_414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VIPPpTmt3LM/TeMImAusvaI/AAAAAAAAAd0/V7--vKJO1QI/s640/Hawaii_2011_414.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lighthouse</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8mwMYjK2m9M/TeMIyyWm2nI/AAAAAAAAAd4/4yVx_rns8Jk/s1600/Hawaii_2011_434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8mwMYjK2m9M/TeMIyyWm2nI/AAAAAAAAAd4/4yVx_rns8Jk/s640/Hawaii_2011_434.JPG" t8="true" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This dude had the biggest nipples I've ever seen. They were like soda cans.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JxOPj8AP37w/TeMJCDpG55I/AAAAAAAAAd8/jf3GblWeVPY/s1600/Hawaii_2011_438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JxOPj8AP37w/TeMJCDpG55I/AAAAAAAAAd8/jf3GblWeVPY/s640/Hawaii_2011_438.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tour of a restored Hawaiian Village</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2nDjS-bM3M/TeMJGu2QbHI/AAAAAAAAAeA/bqVE5SSA6Nc/s1600/Hawaii_2011_469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e2nDjS-bM3M/TeMJGu2QbHI/AAAAAAAAAeA/bqVE5SSA6Nc/s640/Hawaii_2011_469.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Looking out over Honalei Valley's taro farms from Princeville</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcNP1yPl32g/TeMJN-NZnHI/AAAAAAAAAeE/yi2VlJ1ROTQ/s1600/Hawaii_2011_480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcNP1yPl32g/TeMJN-NZnHI/AAAAAAAAAeE/yi2VlJ1ROTQ/s640/Hawaii_2011_480.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Shipwreck Beach. It may look pleasant, but the surf really beat us up.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4CiBGfV4jU/TeMJSr3ab-I/AAAAAAAAAeI/M1rvM5H9Bgw/s1600/Hawaii_2011_518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4CiBGfV4jU/TeMJSr3ab-I/AAAAAAAAAeI/M1rvM5H9Bgw/s640/Hawaii_2011_518.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Waimea Canyon. Here is the gang again. It was so fun to vacation with friends (not to mention NO KIDS!!!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eA7RQLYh5yg/TeMJXx2DjkI/AAAAAAAAAeM/Q4LTWmhi_ZU/s1600/Hawaii_2011_504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eA7RQLYh5yg/TeMJXx2DjkI/AAAAAAAAAeM/Q4LTWmhi_ZU/s640/Hawaii_2011_504.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beautiful scenery. HORRIBLE picture of both of us.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGAwsP0-F7k/TeMJclPmKMI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/kbnDDPSuPXc/s1600/Hawaii_2011_554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGAwsP0-F7k/TeMJclPmKMI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/kbnDDPSuPXc/s640/Hawaii_2011_554.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was taken at the end of the day, and seconds after I crawled out of the ocean.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZ7Sb3UUXhE/TeMJhNNX6KI/AAAAAAAAAeU/2dFq_-2P6YA/s1600/Hawaii_2011_577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qZ7Sb3UUXhE/TeMJhNNX6KI/AAAAAAAAAeU/2dFq_-2P6YA/s640/Hawaii_2011_577.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Twilight on the beach.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gEiFKxdBn8w/TeMJmksBK5I/AAAAAAAAAeY/1QrAAvRFHpY/s1600/Hawaii_2011_579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gEiFKxdBn8w/TeMJmksBK5I/AAAAAAAAAeY/1QrAAvRFHpY/s640/Hawaii_2011_579.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was the last picture we took in Hawaii. I'm getting emotional just typing that.</div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-47120652330010915532011-05-28T23:33:00.000-07:002011-05-28T23:33:44.309-07:00Vacation Life HackingInspired by <a href="http://lifehacker.com/">this website</a>, I <strike>proudly</strike> present to you:<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Step-by-Step Instructions for Weaseling Your Way Out Of Rental Car Damage:</strong></span><br />
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The trick here is all in what you tell the agent when you rent the car. Do your work early, and this whole experience can work in your favor.<br />
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Step #1. Decline any and all insurance at the time of rental. However, tell the agent that you are interested, and will probably return to buy the insurance when your friend gets in town. After all, you need to come back to add him as a designated driver, anyway.<br />
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Step #2. Inflict some damage to the car, as shown below.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvCxTioTfxQ/TeHZVABmDYI/AAAAAAAAAco/LllLkV5SvNg/s1600/Hawaii_2011_371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvCxTioTfxQ/TeHZVABmDYI/AAAAAAAAAco/LllLkV5SvNg/s400/Hawaii_2011_371.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step #3. Panic. Yes, you read that correctly. Freak out, my friend. Realize that this could cost you a pretty penny. Desperation will actually be your ally in this situation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step #4. Use said desperation to somehow pound a dent out of a bumper with your bare hands.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step #5. Continue about your vacation as normal, except for the crippling fear that will linger in the back of your mind anytime you think about the damaged vehicle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step #6. Return to the rental agency on the <strong>final</strong> day of your vacation to add the friend as an authorized driver. The key here is to arrive at twilight, when the lighting in the parking lot is very poor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step #7. Put on the performance of your life when talking to the agent. When adding the new driver, pretend that he is simply more comfortable buying a single day's worth of insurance. Then, pretend to let him talk you into buying full coverage protection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step #8. When the agent tells you she needs to do a visual inspection of the vehicle, resist the urge to wet yourself, scream like a little girl, and/or run out of the building. Instead, calmly make a joke about wrecking the vehicle (as if that could happen!!!) - this will really add to your story.</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8(a). Completely expect to be nominated for an Academy Award at some future point for your performance.</div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8(b). Eventually recognize that said performance had little to do with acting skill. It is amazing what a cheapskate will do to save a buck. It is more a reflection of a personality flaw than a talent.</div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step #9. When agent isn't looking, wipe sweat from brow, and begin whatever form of prayer you practice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step #10. Assuming your vehicle passes the inspection in the poor lighting, fill out a few forms, and pay the small fee for a single day of insurance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step #11. Later on, drop off the vehicle as quickly as possible, and board your plane home. <em><strong>Did that really just happen?</strong></em> Minus the one day's worth of insurance, you are off scot-free. Net savings: approximately 97%.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step #12. Use the 6-hour plane ride to ponder what part of your soul has been hiding that kind of fiendish behavior all these years. Eventually, shrug it off and consider yourself extremely lucky.</div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-86824867143391490722011-05-28T22:16:00.000-07:002011-05-28T22:16:10.133-07:00Nā Pali Coast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bear (or is it Bare, I seriously don't know) with me - this Hawaii thing is almost over. Soon, I can move on to writing the blog I really want to write: The one where I mock my brother-in-law, Andy, publicly about his baldness and his inability to recognize literary masterpieces when he sees them. In the mean time...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Behind us is the Nā Pali Coast. It is one entire side of Kauai that is <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">inaccessible </span>to motor vehicles and remains completely undeveloped. You can't drive there, but there is a great trail that runs along it. 11 miles, with beaches, waterfalls, etc. along the way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h3zfTECwMQM/TeHRFuqY6WI/AAAAAAAAAck/5WgLXN_4RuQ/s1600/Hawaii_2011_412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h3zfTECwMQM/TeHRFuqY6WI/AAAAAAAAAck/5WgLXN_4RuQ/s640/Hawaii_2011_412.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is view of the coast is from Ke'e Beach. The snorkeling is fantastic here, as the beach is <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">surrounded </span>by a cool reef. There were 4 sea turtles always swimming just off shore. Besides the turtles, I loved seeing the parot fish, eels, and humuhumunukunukuapua'a. (alright, I admit. That last sentence was just an excuse for me to use the word humuhumunukunukuapua'a).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7J9-a7IHbTw/TeCPBpUzGxI/AAAAAAAAAbs/9ugVtpQaccI/s1600/CIMG2643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7J9-a7IHbTw/TeCPBpUzGxI/AAAAAAAAAbs/9ugVtpQaccI/s640/CIMG2643.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking down from the trail onto Ke'e Beach. Note the reef I mentioned above.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQXm2MrzzCU/TeCPKKh1rTI/AAAAAAAAAbw/lqF5tN3Y2Zw/s1600/CIMG2653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQXm2MrzzCU/TeCPKKh1rTI/AAAAAAAAAbw/lqF5tN3Y2Zw/s640/CIMG2653.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I felt way better about myself when hiking without a guide.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTsSRxwhzqY/TeCPjv-dnKI/AAAAAAAAAb0/LJSUMd5VZXw/s1600/CIMG2663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YTsSRxwhzqY/TeCPjv-dnKI/AAAAAAAAAb0/LJSUMd5VZXw/s640/CIMG2663.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was our destination. Kalalau Beach.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQiVnWabOac/TeCPuh2fvWI/AAAAAAAAAb4/dNCYbRaCWj8/s1600/CIMG2665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KQiVnWabOac/TeCPuh2fvWI/AAAAAAAAAb4/dNCYbRaCWj8/s640/CIMG2665.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hippies have made these dumb rock shrines in various places around the island. Note the freak doing yoga at the top. I bet he hasn't showered in months.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPrOHqdPFbo/TeCP1UA4_YI/AAAAAAAAAb8/R42AagRlAUk/s1600/CIMG2672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPrOHqdPFbo/TeCP1UA4_YI/AAAAAAAAAb8/R42AagRlAUk/s640/CIMG2672.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dave and I found a small cave.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJDFghB0wiI/TeCQBuUUb8I/AAAAAAAAAcA/1xbJrUa7FbI/s1600/CIMG2678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kJDFghB0wiI/TeCQBuUUb8I/AAAAAAAAAcA/1xbJrUa7FbI/s640/CIMG2678.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We intended to swim here, but the surf was <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">treacherous</span>.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HihBd_LDB2g/TeCQLLPVzUI/AAAAAAAAAcE/ydhAEMw_n1A/s1600/CIMG2682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HihBd_LDB2g/TeCQLLPVzUI/AAAAAAAAAcE/ydhAEMw_n1A/s640/CIMG2682.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Emily and Sarah on the beach. They will use this photo for their Book Club show-and-tell.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKOrTiLlj5Q/TeCQVOe6HaI/AAAAAAAAAcI/Y8feKqL1yhs/s1600/CIMG2686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKOrTiLlj5Q/TeCQVOe6HaI/AAAAAAAAAcI/Y8feKqL1yhs/s640/CIMG2686.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cooling off in the river, prior to making the return trip.</div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-15623823592023710172011-05-27T21:58:00.000-07:002011-05-27T22:30:38.562-07:00Science Experiment<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm still experimenting with this blog. Anyone like the new layout? But, speaking of experiment, here is one I conducted in Kauai:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DMkXCz4TvYI/TeBcTFjxefI/AAAAAAAAAbc/HDocLMOv0L0/s1600/CIMG2742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DMkXCz4TvYI/TeBcTFjxefI/AAAAAAAAAbc/HDocLMOv0L0/s640/CIMG2742.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hypothesis: I believe If I go fast enough, I can run/walk on water.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--sCTbfn1SK4/TeBcZjgZegI/AAAAAAAAAbg/J6hR3SKfrgE/s640/CIMG2748.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Finding: I'm not fast, and fat guys float. Body fat = buoyancy. <br />
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This place is called Queen's Bath. It is a little cove that is protected by some lava rock. <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Occasionally</span>, the waves splash over the top, but for the most part, it is a nice, protected place to swim.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qemk0WFGCIQ/TeBcgCL3P1I/AAAAAAAAAbk/JWII4bRYfto/s1600/CIMG2773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qemk0WFGCIQ/TeBcgCL3P1I/AAAAAAAAAbk/JWII4bRYfto/s640/CIMG2773.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">It is nice, unless some SERIOUS nerds stop by. We had the place to ourselves, until this lady below showed up.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYHJcIpiXkw/TeBiUV15FxI/AAAAAAAAAbo/ABSgLIqNQcc/s1600/CIMG2749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cYHJcIpiXkw/TeBiUV15FxI/AAAAAAAAAbo/ABSgLIqNQcc/s640/CIMG2749.JPG" t8="true" width="640" /></a>I knew I'd better get out of there, or I wouldn't be able to resist laughing <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">uncontrollably </span>at the sight.</div><div style="text-align: left;">She waddled on in with a too-tight bathing suit, flippers, pink snorkel and personal floatation device (<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">also apparently unaware of the above buoyancy principle</span>). I guess her idea of snorkeling consists of a small, isolated pool of water with limited aquatic life. I still wonder why she would need flippers in 300 square feet of water with no noticeable current. She hovered motionless around the bath, seriously moving so little that we wondered if she was still alive. For all we know, she could still be there...</div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-76841764631601493642011-05-27T08:37:00.000-07:002011-05-27T08:37:53.296-07:00So, I'm a blogger nowOK, 3 posts in 3 days. I'm on a serious roll. Thanks to my sister-in-law and fellow blog-enthusiast, Mary, I learned there is a new interface for creating these blogs. I was on some old version, basically rubbing 2 sticks together to make fire, when all you other bloggers out there were using a blowtorch.<br />
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This post is nothing more than a trial for me to try some new tricks. I guess while I'm at it, I will bore you some more with posts about Hawaii. Below are 2 of my favorite things about visiting the islands:<br />
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It is REALLY easy to wake up early and get going. Because of the time change, your body makes you wake up very early. This particular morning, Emily and I woke up at 4:30am and went out to watch the sun rise. We relaxed in this hammock, and watched a ton of dolphins and a few whales out in the ocean.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kTwq0hLzDB8/Td8iIiJETgI/AAAAAAAAAbU/2jl8Z7Np1Lw/s1600/CIMG2693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kTwq0hLzDB8/Td8iIiJETgI/AAAAAAAAAbU/2jl8Z7Np1Lw/s400/CIMG2693.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Speaking of animals, we saw so many sea turtles. They were all around us while we were snorkeling. Here is a great photo of a turtle bum.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqX0oCP6cn0/Td8mmGOdolI/AAAAAAAAAbY/ZI7qcdUxmfQ/s1600/CIMG2800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqX0oCP6cn0/Td8mmGOdolI/AAAAAAAAAbY/ZI7qcdUxmfQ/s400/CIMG2800.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Also, I loved the Hawaiian Shave Ice. This little shack had great stuff. Like the rest of the island, there were wild chickens and roosters all around you.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e0zgggy6L90/Td8iARShR_I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/xk90E-DvTHE/s1600/CIMG2641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e0zgggy6L90/Td8iARShR_I/AAAAAAAAAbQ/xk90E-DvTHE/s400/CIMG2641.JPG" t8="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This post was ridiculously dumb. Forgive me.</div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-72656493176660933212011-05-25T23:21:00.000-07:002011-06-04T22:54:56.068-07:00Jungle Trek<div align="center">One of our favorite activities on Kauai was a 5-hour kayak/hike adventure we took to 'Secret Falls'. We, along with about 9 other people, were led from the coast inland toward our destination. It was a guided tour, which was OK. For some reason, however, I couldn't handle the fact that this guide was trying to actually 'guide' us. I REALLY wanted him to know that I was a kayak owner, and that I am also an avid hiker. Emily told me I sounded like a 6-year-old know-it all for most of the day. In retrospect, she was right.</div><br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6MRkzMZCy_I/Td3yxGowkhI/AAAAAAAAAaA/JjM4uedBLTA/s1600/CIMG2574.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610907636182585874" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6MRkzMZCy_I/Td3yxGowkhI/AAAAAAAAAaA/JjM4uedBLTA/s640/CIMG2574.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center">Setting off on the Wailua River. The guide had the audacity to try to tell me how to paddle.</div><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mEeT360Xi5w/Td3yxtGAZVI/AAAAAAAAAaI/RZydWje2UDs/s1600/CIMG2575.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610907646505805138" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mEeT360Xi5w/Td3yxtGAZVI/AAAAAAAAAaI/RZydWje2UDs/s640/CIMG2575.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center">Eventually, we headed down a more narrow fork of the river.</div><br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oJ-5xFmygL4/Td3yyM7z9LI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/tuGogCkE0cg/s1600/CIMG2580.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610907655052981426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oJ-5xFmygL4/Td3yyM7z9LI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/tuGogCkE0cg/s640/CIMG2580.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div align="center">Then, we began trekking through the jungle (I totally could have done this without being guided).</div><br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_qHwJlKG-A0/Td3yyZX_MiI/AAAAAAAAAaY/sCuUfFOSDBc/s1600/CIMG2582.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610907658392384034" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_qHwJlKG-A0/Td3yyZX_MiI/AAAAAAAAAaY/sCuUfFOSDBc/s640/CIMG2582.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center">The trail crossed the river in a few places. (I totally didn't need the rope. The guide and I got into a little argument when I tried veering off the trail here.)</div><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JJtVf78p-Q/Td3yyn4cCZI/AAAAAAAAAag/IEPsCTQrLFU/s1600/CIMG2590.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610907662286588306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JJtVf78p-Q/Td3yyn4cCZI/AAAAAAAAAag/IEPsCTQrLFU/s640/CIMG2590.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div align="center">Anyone ever heard of a walking tree? When our guide was telling us about them, I actually listened to him. </div><br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-60b4Za8edkI/Td300sMdnJI/AAAAAAAAAbI/Wz4kpQbl5gc/s1600/CIMG2620.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610909896827313298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-60b4Za8edkI/Td300sMdnJI/AAAAAAAAAbI/Wz4kpQbl5gc/s640/CIMG2620.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
Trudging on through the jungle. This was soooo easy for me.</div><br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nm_xHlwoWUc/Td30zL0G0BI/AAAAAAAAAao/NLCwtfNsrTg/s1600/CIMG2598.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610909870955352082" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nm_xHlwoWUc/Td30zL0G0BI/AAAAAAAAAao/NLCwtfNsrTg/s640/CIMG2598.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div align="center">When we got to the falls, Emily needed to pee REALLY bad. I captured the moment.</div><br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nz8yb1TzoFU/Td30zs7sAdI/AAAAAAAAAaw/wSpoy8FAL2E/s1600/CIMG2600.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610909879845519826" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nz8yb1TzoFU/Td30zs7sAdI/AAAAAAAAAaw/wSpoy8FAL2E/s640/CIMG2600.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div align="center">This may look like us posing in front of the falls, but it is really an excuse for Emily to relieve herself. I joined her to save face.</div><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEmF31lrQVc/Td30z3wufbI/AAAAAAAAAa4/Sg8lBCjcbDw/s1600/CIMG2608.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610909882752335282" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uEmF31lrQVc/Td30z3wufbI/AAAAAAAAAa4/Sg8lBCjcbDw/s640/CIMG2608.JPG" width="480" /></a> </div><div align="center">Then, I stayed for a swim.</div><br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQdIt3CzEd4/Td300Y2mkuI/AAAAAAAAAbA/xZjpmBnReg8/s1600/CIMG2617.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610909891635352290" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DQdIt3CzEd4/Td300Y2mkuI/AAAAAAAAAbA/xZjpmBnReg8/s640/CIMG2617.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div align="center">Sensing that I was an experienced outdoorsman, Dave and Sarah joined me behind the falls (note that Dave was experiencing severe nipple irritation). Wild horses couldn't drag Emily any further into the water than that. Her reluctance to re-enter the pool made me seriously question whether she had merely peed out there - or done something more sinister.</div><br />
<div align="left">*Note from Emily: Eventually, I joined the party and had fun swimming under the falls.</div><div align="left">**Note from Brandon: Even though I stood under 120 feet of falling water, I still felt the need to shower when I got home.</div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-37352750441894469812011-05-25T22:08:00.000-07:002011-05-26T00:20:58.749-07:00Hawaii<div align="center">Let me be honest with you: I hate blogging. It is tedious, and I would like to think that I have better things to do (which I don't). I do, however, like the idea of having a journal to keep memories, and the ability to share some cool things with friends/family far away. Those of you who still read this blog obviously have NOTHING better in life to do, as you are diligently checking in to read the same post over and over again. You should have abandoned this blog long ago. I imagine you out there, holding on to your 'Masonology' bookmark, like I am hanging on to all my cassette and VHS tapes. You know you'll never again receive entertainment from them, but you just can't bear to get rid of them altogether.<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Well, today is different, my friends. I'm blogging. We went to Hawaii and had such a great time I wanted to document it here. Without further ado, I present to you:<br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv6cdnQ-YUo/Td3hZ1wxQ3I/AAAAAAAAAZg/B638ro3XPQc/s1600/CIMG1760.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610888544818119538" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vv6cdnQ-YUo/Td3hZ1wxQ3I/AAAAAAAAAZg/B638ro3XPQc/s400/CIMG1760.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"><br />OK, there will be some 'ado'. I have decided that rather than battle this awful blogging software, I will just post a series of smaller blogs. Maybe 4-5 pictures in each run. Let's get rolling...</div><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xIdYTdkyaRQ/Td3usjuwziI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/6HVg_SpFtkU/s1600/CIMG2551.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610903160046538274" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xIdYTdkyaRQ/Td3usjuwziI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/6HVg_SpFtkU/s400/CIMG2551.JPG" /></a></p><br /><div align="center">This is Hanalei Bay, on the North Shore of Kauai. We stayed in a condo not far from here. If this looks familiar to you, perhaps that is because it is where they filmed 'South Pacific' and a few other movies. Or, maybe it looks familiar to you because you've been there, or I've already bored you with these pictures.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I33PscHG2Y4/Td3hae71hKI/AAAAAAAAAZo/nVFHK2lXvG8/s1600/CIMG1768.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610888555870389410" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I33PscHG2Y4/Td3hae71hKI/AAAAAAAAAZo/nVFHK2lXvG8/s400/CIMG1768.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div align="center"><br />One of the first things I did in Hawaii was buy this boogie board. I loved that I was suddenly a guy who owned a boogie board. It kind of changed my life for a few days. Not that I rode it much at all, but just owning a boogie board made me feel really hip. When in its presence, I wanted to use words like 'bro', 'rad', 'tubular', etc. I resisted this urge, primarily because I didn't want to sound like a washed-up 80's celebrity (yes, I'm talking specifically about Charlie Sheen). I spent my last few hours in Hawaii desperately running around a Wal~Mart, trying to sell a gently used boogie board which was too big to fit in my carry-on luggage. I still miss it...</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5qs48SEudug/Td3haqwpllI/AAAAAAAAAZw/vh4yINSYt14/s1600/CIMG1770.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 224px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610888559044695634" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5qs48SEudug/Td3haqwpllI/AAAAAAAAAZw/vh4yINSYt14/s400/CIMG1770.JPG" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">In addition to the boogie board, I also feel like I left a part of my soul in Hawaii. I miss it already. We really did have a great time. </div>Brandonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04205984092688319676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-85364322422569672502010-11-07T21:33:00.000-08:002010-11-08T10:16:26.774-08:00Nine months in pictures<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Ice Skating at the ice sheet. Notice the curling targets, this is where the olympic curling took place. They give curling lessons and have leagues, I may be interested.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd6cwIqQLI/AAAAAAAAAVY/483jTqXUI64/s1600/Spring+2010+082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd6cwIqQLI/AAAAAAAAAVY/483jTqXUI64/s400/Spring+2010+082.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Grandpa Sorensen's Funeral. These are my dad's brother and sisters (minus Randy who was sick in the hospital. Now passed on with my grandma and grandpa)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd7rU-ipfI/AAAAAAAAAVc/yJLhG2AFpYE/s1600/Spring+2010+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd7rU-ipfI/AAAAAAAAAVc/yJLhG2AFpYE/s400/Spring+2010+026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Some of the cousins and sister (no, Jamie is not nursing)</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd77skV4uI/AAAAAAAAAVg/5LydIqwoWmA/s400/Spring+2010+021.JPG" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> Baby cousins: Sammy, Garrett, Ginger, Dallin.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd8BTRe1vI/AAAAAAAAAVo/B9cIKBPKmck/s1600/Spring+2010+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd8BTRe1vI/AAAAAAAAAVo/B9cIKBPKmck/s400/Spring+2010+031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Hiking with Dad<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNeAJrd2DGI/AAAAAAAAAX8/3mqVd9TRYZ0/s1600/2010+Daddy-Daughter+Hiking+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNeAJrd2DGI/AAAAAAAAAX8/3mqVd9TRYZ0/s400/2010+Daddy-Daughter+Hiking+013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Ogden Valley and Pineview Resevoir </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd8XWezLjI/AAAAAAAAAVs/hqXH-eISJcA/s1600/2010+Daddy-Daughter+Hiking+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd8XWezLjI/AAAAAAAAAVs/hqXH-eISJcA/s400/2010+Daddy-Daughter+Hiking+008.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd8cO0oNyI/AAAAAAAAAVw/ZnHilX0YtQI/s1600/2010+Daddy-Daughter+Hiking+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd8cO0oNyI/AAAAAAAAAVw/ZnHilX0YtQI/s400/2010+Daddy-Daughter+Hiking+026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Back to Fallon<br />
Weinie roast at the flats (I don't remember it being such a dirty place as a kid) Ashley and Abbey<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd8ofTm-OI/AAAAAAAAAV4/MezId29d7og/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd8ofTm-OI/AAAAAAAAAV4/MezId29d7og/s400/021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd8rhewiUI/AAAAAAAAAV8/3ZK2ubFg1gk/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd8rhewiUI/AAAAAAAAAV8/3ZK2ubFg1gk/s400/022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> The two boys: Dallin and Garrett<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd8upX1ILI/AAAAAAAAAWA/Y37Q-PKvVzo/s1600/025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd8upX1ILI/AAAAAAAAAWA/Y37Q-PKvVzo/s400/025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Day trip to Donner memorial: On the way back to Reno I was so hungry the thought of eating my family didn't seem like such a bad idea.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd8yfTw94I/AAAAAAAAAWE/pjNYXVqYvpI/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd8yfTw94I/AAAAAAAAAWE/pjNYXVqYvpI/s400/050.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Donner Lake<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd828zUg-I/AAAAAAAAAWI/kBv8AkHREy8/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd828zUg-I/AAAAAAAAAWI/kBv8AkHREy8/s400/055.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> I couldn't keep Garrett out of the water so I finally just took off his clothes. <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd86Q6eWnI/AAAAAAAAAWM/OQJQDZPO3x8/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd86Q6eWnI/AAAAAAAAAWM/OQJQDZPO3x8/s400/062.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Back to Ogden<br />
We took the gondola up to the top of snow basin and did the short hike to the top of the peak with the Prisbreys<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd88oQF3II/AAAAAAAAAWQ/u8xwIti5MVI/s1600/084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd88oQF3II/AAAAAAAAAWQ/u8xwIti5MVI/s400/084.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Family reunion in Heber City<br />
Theater room/girl headquarters<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd9XbVL04I/AAAAAAAAAWU/NVnUeN9Mc1k/s1600/126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd9XbVL04I/AAAAAAAAAWU/NVnUeN9Mc1k/s400/126.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> minute to win it games</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd9bXqjxTI/AAAAAAAAAWY/wp9Z5o-Jhto/s1600/123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd9bXqjxTI/AAAAAAAAAWY/wp9Z5o-Jhto/s400/123.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> hot tub<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd9fZ_5CXI/AAAAAAAAAWc/XAlZ9beA3oU/s1600/101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd9fZ_5CXI/AAAAAAAAAWc/XAlZ9beA3oU/s400/101.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Wish I would have taken more pictures of the reunion, I did a horrible job in that department.<br />
<br />
School starts<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd9kuSjSsI/AAAAAAAAAWg/vUA21x98gvw/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd9kuSjSsI/AAAAAAAAAWg/vUA21x98gvw/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Abbey's walk to her first day of first grade<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd9ntpcBwI/AAAAAAAAAWk/QaMevk2Sb_s/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd9ntpcBwI/AAAAAAAAAWk/QaMevk2Sb_s/s400/009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd9p6sQ3ZI/AAAAAAAAAWo/iJOIKEOo2XE/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd9p6sQ3ZI/AAAAAAAAAWo/iJOIKEOo2XE/s400/012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Mylie's in pre-school<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd9yyhc51I/AAAAAAAAAWs/WI-XmhAy1Nc/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd9yyhc51I/AAAAAAAAAWs/WI-XmhAy1Nc/s400/018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> I ran the Top of Utah half Marathon 2hrs 12 min. (I wish I could say those were nursing boobs, but I was done months before the race.)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd95JoXASI/AAAAAAAAAWw/wRCcT-DwCEM/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd95JoXASI/AAAAAAAAAWw/wRCcT-DwCEM/s400/045.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Fall Soccor. Mylie #4<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd9_m1xD7I/AAAAAAAAAW0/8WkRKf58Roc/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd9_m1xD7I/AAAAAAAAAW0/8WkRKf58Roc/s400/051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> I don't know where the camera was for Abbey's game so heres the best pic of her in her uni.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-C3bvAtI/AAAAAAAAAW4/InISTyNhlBU/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-C3bvAtI/AAAAAAAAAW4/InISTyNhlBU/s400/047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Hogle Zoo<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNeQLKsvvLI/AAAAAAAAAYA/qREbtFKT8Uk/s1600/079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNeQLKsvvLI/AAAAAAAAAYA/qREbtFKT8Uk/s400/079.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Can you spy the Gorilla?</div><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-FW8FX6I/AAAAAAAAAW8/x3bovy6dwvo/s1600/082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-FW8FX6I/AAAAAAAAAW8/x3bovy6dwvo/s400/082.JPG" width="400" /></a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Mylie wanted to learn to ride a bike without training wheels (her idea)...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-PKyewtI/AAAAAAAAAXE/mQ8XeZ1NyAc/s1600/095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-PKyewtI/AAAAAAAAAXE/mQ8XeZ1NyAc/s400/095.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> ...5 minutes later</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-VdNhSbI/AAAAAAAAAXI/qjm2wJrrFx8/s1600/098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-VdNhSbI/AAAAAAAAAXI/qjm2wJrrFx8/s400/098.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Garrett doing what he does best.<br />
In the heat vent<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-YXs0EBI/AAAAAAAAAXM/G3ZCvR3oeNY/s1600/104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-YXs0EBI/AAAAAAAAAXM/G3ZCvR3oeNY/s400/104.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Obviously that child lock doesn't work<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-epJGfXI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/i9DoZPSoZ-A/s1600/108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-epJGfXI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/i9DoZPSoZ-A/s400/108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Practicing for his career as a contortionist. Hoping to work as a street performer in Vegas one day.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-jbOmOKI/AAAAAAAAAXU/ap-rQ34XR_o/s1600/149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-jbOmOKI/AAAAAAAAAXU/ap-rQ34XR_o/s400/149.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
Sweet<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-n3DBEBI/AAAAAAAAAXY/yJWRvIgTyhU/s1600/105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-n3DBEBI/AAAAAAAAAXY/yJWRvIgTyhU/s400/105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Happy Birthday Garrett!<br />
Balls out Party<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-rkCt9RI/AAAAAAAAAXc/vwDr_C5YzmE/s1600/120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-rkCt9RI/AAAAAAAAAXc/vwDr_C5YzmE/s400/120.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-wLISitI/AAAAAAAAAXg/x-kct18blrw/s1600/112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-wLISitI/AAAAAAAAAXg/x-kct18blrw/s400/112.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Halloween<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-2DfBjWI/AAAAAAAAAXk/xSKO8dZ1T8c/s1600/144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-2DfBjWI/AAAAAAAAAXk/xSKO8dZ1T8c/s400/144.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Yoda, Dorthy and a Fairy<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-9vTa8II/AAAAAAAAAXo/vObOA5brygw/s1600/160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd-9vTa8II/AAAAAAAAAXo/vObOA5brygw/s400/160.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Yoda wouldn't keep his hat on so for pictures we had to hold his arms down.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd_BK6vQqI/AAAAAAAAAXs/I3guR2Sveiw/s1600/153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd_BK6vQqI/AAAAAAAAAXs/I3guR2Sveiw/s400/153.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Trick-or-Treat<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd_Ep4PdTI/AAAAAAAAAXw/e-V56YM1fS8/s1600/154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd_Ep4PdTI/AAAAAAAAAXw/e-V56YM1fS8/s400/154.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Jazz Game</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Abbey got a hug from big T Baily</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd_HPzsLjI/AAAAAAAAAX0/y0xILQ_p6Mc/s1600/169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd_HPzsLjI/AAAAAAAAAX0/y0xILQ_p6Mc/s400/169.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> She was also afraid of heights. (both terrible pictures, I know, but you get the idea.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd_JmM-1kI/AAAAAAAAAX4/8M0vet9Ov1Q/s1600/171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/TNd_JmM-1kI/AAAAAAAAAX4/8M0vet9Ov1Q/s400/171.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>See ya in 6 months</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953932961328241877noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-81956315668713101582010-03-13T20:43:00.000-08:002010-03-13T20:43:03.766-08:00Happy Birthday, Mylie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blowing out the candles on her lady bug cake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S5xljwoZyhI/AAAAAAAAAVI/Qo0xt6VA9vs/s1600-h/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S5xljwoZyhI/AAAAAAAAAVI/Qo0xt6VA9vs/s400/010.JPG" vt="true" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did you know that four year olds don't wear pull-ups to bed anymore, and four year olds don't bite their baby brother's cheeks anymore, four year olds also brush their own teeth, and four year olds can pick up their baby brother and walk around with him?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mylie...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gives the best hugs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Strong willed</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Loves dresses</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Compassionate</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Scared</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dainty</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953932961328241877noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-90825934668901667492010-03-08T13:38:00.000-08:002010-03-08T13:40:30.703-08:00CraziesDo you ever think your kids do silly things? Here are just a few those moments in our family.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">This is what is called "going through the tunnell". </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S5VPaRWMpKI/AAAAAAAAAUA/n428Ngysg6I/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S5VQ3oZpTFI/AAAAAAAAAUI/wdIVzp6_xyk/s1600-h/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S5VQ3oZpTFI/AAAAAAAAAUI/wdIVzp6_xyk/s400/005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Thisis what's called "putting your foot in your mouth".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S5VQ-PGtGAI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/WxcrRxcdzMs/s1600-h/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S5VQ-PGtGAI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/WxcrRxcdzMs/s400/047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what's called "going on a pic-nic"...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S5Vmp5QUXVI/AAAAAAAAAU4/NGr-cjFtnj0/s1600-h/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S5Vmp5QUXVI/AAAAAAAAAU4/NGr-cjFtnj0/s400/006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">...apparently they only brought food for the ants.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S5VmuvQBc7I/AAAAAAAAAVA/5WFKFx29Iis/s1600-h/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S5VmuvQBc7I/AAAAAAAAAVA/5WFKFx29Iis/s400/007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what is called "emptying the dishwasher" (when the girls empty the dishwasher, I have them stack the dishes that belong in the above cupboards on the counter, they think its funny to make towers out of them.)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S5VRF0XOh8I/AAAAAAAAAUY/YrjISPs1BP8/s1600-h/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S5VRF0XOh8I/AAAAAAAAAUY/YrjISPs1BP8/s400/010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This is what is called "sleeping". </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> Sometimes on weekends we let Abbey and Mylie have a sleepover downstairs. They watch a movie and sleep in their sleeping bags. This is where they chose to sleep last weekend. I'm pretty sure there wasn't much sleeping going on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S5VmbP7bj-I/AAAAAAAAAUw/-OOYUrbDQBY/s1600-h/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S5VmbP7bj-I/AAAAAAAAAUw/-OOYUrbDQBY/s400/022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Garrett was a little jealous of their sleepover so he had one of his own.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S5VlVvW6igI/AAAAAAAAAUo/QiTFvoP66ag/s1600-h/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S5VlVvW6igI/AAAAAAAAAUo/QiTFvoP66ag/s400/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953932961328241877noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7039254875653020521.post-85459316171082436382010-01-15T08:50:00.000-08:002010-01-15T08:58:28.486-08:00He's a FanAs a result of last nights buzzer-beater against the Cav's...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S1CWg3g17NI/AAAAAAAAATo/8gRwEz8CIbI/s1600-h/CIMG1957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S1CWg3g17NI/AAAAAAAAATo/8gRwEz8CIbI/s320/CIMG1957.JPG" /></a><br />
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The Jazz picked up a new fan.<br />
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He will be cheering them on at his first game in the Energy Solutions Arena tomorrow night. Go Jazz!<br />
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Quote from Brandon a week ago "Have you ever hated your favorite team?"<br />
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Quote from Brandon last night "When you're doing what is right on and off the court the Lord steps in and majic happens" (some of you may recognize this quote, any BYU fans want to guess who Brandon stole that one from?)<br />
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Those two quotes pretty much sums up this Jazz season.<br />
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Other cute photos of the little fan.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S1CWt17imwI/AAAAAAAAAT4/dRthexryPPA/s1600-h/CIMG1954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S1CWt17imwI/AAAAAAAAAT4/dRthexryPPA/s320/CIMG1954.JPG" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S1CWovmiO_I/AAAAAAAAATw/FPQtSlamo5k/s1600-h/CIMG1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_xrG5a9Ume8g/S1CWovmiO_I/AAAAAAAAATw/FPQtSlamo5k/s320/CIMG1950.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div>Emilyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16953932961328241877noreply@blogger.com15