Running from Gustav

Dena and I just got back home from what was supposed to be a long weekend at the beach. We rented a condo in Gulf Shores with our friends Jenny and Clay. Gustov had other plans however and we were evacuated a day earlier than we had planned. We at least had one nice day out on the beach. It took several hours longer than it should have to get home because of all the traffic headed north. Hopefully the storm won't cause as much damage to those still down there as we are afraid it might.

My Turn!

well pretty much the same thing that happened to Keith just happened to me. i spent about 3 1/2 hours looking through scanned photos on dad's old laptop (the one that pretty much lives in my room) and couldn't stop laughing at some of them. it started out as a search for baby pictures of me, because at my high school, they ask seniors to submit a quote and baby picture for the yearbook and the graduation slide show. no, i'm not a senior (yet), but it's not like i had much else to do today. anyways, i ran into so many pictures that i just loved, so i decided to make a new post.


How did we pull this off?


My brothers!


Wow, not surly teenagers at all!


I think they're happy... what do you think?


Jealous? Me too.


Bryce's "Bachelor party."


Stupid Ralph. I hated that rabbit.


Mmm... community water!


What can i say? I like to eat my pudding in the nude.


I yike my sister. :)


There are no words.

there are about 60 more pictures that i wanted to put on here, but dad said to keep it to 6 or 8. i only did like... 12. whoops.

"*sigh* i love our family."--The Incredibles

For Bryce

This is for my big brother.
His name is Bryce.
Today is his birthday.
He is old.
I like him.
He is neat.
He is strong.
He used to make me mad a lot, but now we're friends.
He is funny.
I like playing cards with him.
He is smart.
He likes to ride bikes and drive his car very fast.
He is a good car driver.
He is a good big brother.
I miss him.










Thanks, Dad, for the awesome photo CD. Sorry to the 3 younger kids who weren't in these pictures- guess the slides dwindled after a while...

29 years later...

Just to help wash the afterbirth out of your mind from the picture Keith posted, I thought I'd give everybody a much nicer birthday picture to enjoy. Of course I haven't bothered to shower yet so it's not really that much nicer. But I'm sitting here all by myself on my birthday and it's raining outside (and will be all day) so I don't have much else to do.

Hot Mamma!

So, I was going through my shamefully disorganized CD collection today and came across the photos that dad made a little while ago. I got way too involved and completely distracted while looking at the old photos cause it was so fun to look at mom and dad when they were young. So, I got half way through and had to stop to make this post: Mom, you are a fox! I mean, look at these photographs! Especially the "what?" shot in the woods, what a hottie. Dad, ya done good.


Mom doing the "big foot" pose with less hair and more class.



I love this picture.

So, I don't know. I guess I got excited about these pictures. Its strange to see your parents at the same age you are at now. Oh, and Dad, you're good looking in the photos too, but I got the feeling you were doing most of the picture taking, so there weren't as many of you. But, mom, just wanted to let you know that you are beautiful.







And then there is Bryce.....




Happy early Birthday man, you've come a long way. Love you guys.

A Quick Hello

Rachelle's best friend came for a visit this past week and we had a great time. We got to do a lot of things we usually do and even more things we have never done before. Alicia has never been out west before, so it was fun to see her react to all the mountains and big sky. I still get pretty geeked out over the mountains. We went to Snow Bird for the fist time and took a ride on the tram up to the top of the mountain. It was beautiful and about 30 degrees cooler at the top than down in the canyon - I can't wait until the Fall.


Fun on the mountain


One of Patrick's hockey games

I start work next week and we plan on moving around the same time. It should be an interesting week after all is said and done. Not to mention poor Molly went to the vet yesterday to get her girl parts gone - so she is pretty pathetic right now and Rachelle and I are fussing over her like she is made of glass. I am definitely looking forward to Labor Day. Love you guys.

Almost Home

We're sitting here in the Las Vegas airport waiting for our shuttle bus to St. George, and we thought we'd update our adventures. I think we left off in Huntsville and leaving for Atlanta on Thursday. So that's what we did. Bryce took me to the airport on his way to work and we rented a car (red Toyota Corolla) and drove to Atlanta. Bryce loaned us his GPS gadget that works with the laptop so we were able to navigate the back roads of Alabama without any trouble and got to Terry's about the time she got off work. We spent the evening visiting and catching up. We also got to see Haley, Lauren and Chad. On Friday, we decided to go to the Georgia Aquarium downtown. It is a great place and we had a good time and I took a boatload of pictures.

I think this grouper wanted to swallow the guy on the right. He might have been able to do it. He wasn't even the biggest fish in the tank. They had 4 whale sharks in there that were about 18-20 feet long. It was a cool place to spend the day. Bryce and Dena drove down Friday night and again we spent the evening talking and just being together. Saturday, there were several plans, but what ended up happening was the girls went shopping, the boys stayed home and napped and we all went to the Braves game in the evening. We also got to meed Chad's girlfriend Crystal and their baby Cailen (sp?). The baby went to the game with us and we all had a good time passing her around. She likes the games (this was not her first).

I was sitting there with Mom and told her that life doesn't get much better than this: Sitting at a Braves game, holding a baby, my wife is with me, and the Braves were winning. Life is good.

We got home late from the game, but not as late as Lauren, Haley, Bryce and Dena. They were going to go to a late movie after the game, but got stuck in killer traffic and didn't get home til about 2:00. (am!)
Sunday, we got up, said goodbye, drove back to Huntsville, dropped off the rental car and Bryce and Dena took us up to Nashville where we got on a plane and flew BACK to Atlanta where we had been in the morning. Don't ask us why, but our tickets to Nashville thru Atlanta were cheaper than just going to Atlanta. And on the return trip, Delta wouldn't let us skip the Nashville-Atlanta leg and just catch the flight to Las Vegas in Atlanta. Some rules don't make no kind of sense. But after a couple of delays, we finally got into Vegas about midnight (Pacific time) and went to our motel for the night. This morning we got up and lazed around until the motel shuttle took us back to the airport, and here we sit, waiting for another shuttle to St. George, where the Todd shuttle should pick us up and get us home. It's been a long trip but a really enjoyable one. We want to thank Bryce and Dena for a wonderful time as well as Terry and Ferrell. It's been lots of fun. We're going to have to do it again sometime. Hopefully not wait for another 30th anniversary. It's kind of hard to believe we've been married 30 years, and kind of hard to think we haven't been married forever. It just feels natural to be married. Good thing, too. We love you all and are looking forward to the get together at Thanksgiving. Mom always needs something to look forward to and Thanksgiving should do the job. Love, Dad

Latest from Alabama

Mom said I needed to update our adventures again (not sure why every day is a necessity, but oh well). Today (Wednesday) has been a goof off day, just doing some laundry and playing Wii. But on Tuesday, Dena was off and Bryce was able to get off a little early, so in the morning, Dena, Mom and I went to a botanical garden and had a good time seeing the little bonsai trees (above), the butterfly garden and so forth. The weather was a little rainy, but cool and nice.

After lunch, we met Bryce and drove to a nearby State Park called Cathedral Caverns. It is a cave system that used to be owned privately and was taken over by the state about 8 years ago. For some reason we weren't expecting much, but we were all pleasantly surprised. We walked in there about 3/4 of a mile (much easier than the hike up to Timp Cave) and saw some pretty cool things in there. It was a small group of about 10 (Bryce wanted to lose a couple of the noisy little kids) but was pretty good altogether. There were a lot of stalagmites coming up from the floor that didn't seem to have a corresponding stalactite above it. They also tended to be really tall and skinny instead of cone shaped. The picture below is the portion that earned it the name Cathedral Cavern.

After we got done at the cave, we drove to Scottsboro and went to a store that claims to have all the merchandise left on airplanes from all over the country. It's called Unclaimed Baggage. It's like a really big thrift store with all kinds of things there. Lots of clothes (of course), CD/DVDs, and who knows what else. I really shouldn't have started listing it all because there really seemed to be at least one of everything you can think of. Some of the prices seemed kind of high for used merchandise, but it was lots of fun to look around. Mom found a nice turquoise necklace that she liked, and we ended up getting it for her for her birthday. They kicked us out at 6:00, so we went out to dinner for Bryce and Dena's anniversary (happy 8th!) and that was it for the day. Now mom says I have to stop and make specialty for dinner, so I guess I better go. Headed to Atlanta tomorrow. Don't know for sure what happens then. We'll let you know, though. Dad

smarty pants

On Sunday, driving home from church, we had a little conversation with Pyper. I forget what it was about, but she made some comment that just made Aaron and I realize (again) that she's one smart cookie. Aaron said something like, "Pyper, how'd you get to be so smart?" And she goes, "Because I am! Because Jesus filled me up with smarts!" After we laughed our heads off we said that, yes, she was absolutely right.

Dad trying again

One more time to try and figure out how to load a picture that you can access. Hope it works this time. This is actually a different picture from before - same spot, different run (the first). Mom said the second run was scarier.

Testing...

We're trying to figure out why Dad's pictures won't allow you to enlarge the photo, so I'm going to post a zoomed in picture of mom's face.

You'll Never Believe This!!

Dad and I are having quite the adventures here in Alabama!! On Sunday, Bryce was driving in an autocross not far from here, so we tagged along. The track was laid out on the parking lot of a local high school football stadium and even though it is August in Alabama, there was a nice breeze and the tempurature was bearable, especially in the shade. Bryce and the other drivers had a chance to drive the course three times during the first heat and two more times during the second heat, in an effort to make their best time. Here is the part you won't believe--Bryce and Dad conviced me to ride along on Bryce's first run AND I didn't even scream or grab his leg. Of course, I don't think I remembered to breathe until we were done, either. Good thing the laps were less than a minute to finish.

Dad here, now. We really had a good time at the race. Mom not only went once, but took a lap with Bryce the second time through in the afternoon. She may not have been quite as calm as all that, though. If you can enlarge the picture below, see if you think the expression on her face is a smile or a grimace.

I got to go for a couple of laps with him as well. We may have been either a distraction or bad luck or too much extra weight, because he ran his best time on the lap he was alone. Mom got a decent video of my last lap with him and we'll show it to you next time you catch me with the laptop. It was really fun to see the variety of cars that came out to run - everything from a Lotus Europa, to old BMW sedans, to go-kart looking F5 cars (very low and fast) to new street cars (Bryce's Subaru and lots of Mazda Miatas) to big Mustangs (yes Jennifer, I took pictures), to some home built kit cars. Since they were separated into classes, it was competitive for everyone. They also had an Emergency Services Challenge where they had cops, ambulance drivers, and firemen all taking turns driving a Ford Taurus to see who could get the best time without killing any cones.

They had some friends come over for dinner Sunday night and grilled some outstanding steaks and had a really good dinner. Much fun. Today (Monday) we just chilled here at the house while Bryce and Dena had to go to work (poor souls). I think I'm rapidly becoming addicted to his Wii. It may have to come home with me. Or else I have to put in a few more hours at the rock shop and get my own. And a big screen TV to use it on. And games. And... Ooops.

Got carried away. Hope you guys are doing well. And I hope Todd and Jennifer aren't having as much fun as we are. They are supposed to be behaving at home. Posting more later when more happens. We plan on going to Atlanta on Thursday morning and goofing off some more between now and then. Bye for now. Dad and Mom

Exodus

Not a whole lot has been happening here in Salt Lick, but a few things are changing and thought I would let everyone know. Rachelle and I are moving to a new apt. at the end of this month. The place itself isn't much bigger (sorry to those of you that have stayed with us in the past... it's gonna be just as cozy) but it is nice and we feel like it is a really great deal. We will literally be less than a mile away from where we are now, but it has a cute back yard for Molly and the neighbors are really great.

Rachelle is doing well at work and has found all sorts of extra activities to keep her busy. I have been volunteering with a developing science and art museum called The Leonardo which is bringing The Body Worlds exhibit to SLC. I'm really excited for it and should get some free tickets, so if anyone is interesting in seeing the show let me know... I know it sounds a little morbid, but if you get the chance to come, I promise seeing the preserved bodies will be worth it. Crazy.


Other than all that, life is pretty normal. Rachelle's best friend is coming for a visit this week and I start teaching the week after that. I thought I would include a few pictures of the past few weeks for every one's viewing pleasure. Later!



Timpanogos Cave



Yes, another picture of Molly. Sorry.

Ultimate fun

Dad here. The title may say it all. We're having lots of fun here in Alabama. Bryce has been in an Ultimate summer league and on Saturday they had their season ending tournament, so we got to go watch them play a couple of games. Todd's probably jealous. The weather was nice and we had a good time.

Bryce got beat up (shoulder and ribs) but seemed to have a good time as well. He said any picture that shows the bottom of both feet is a good picture so I'll include the one below.

Unfortunately, this amazing effort at a block went for nought. He got a full hand on the disc, but somehow the other guy managed to catch it anyway. I think this is when Bryce said goodbye to his ribs. But we came home, cleaned up, rested, watched some Olympics, played on his Wii and generally just goofed around until Dena got off work. They took us out for sushi to cap off the day. Mom struggled a little with the chopsticks (sorry Kimberly) but it was a great day.

There is a car rally on Sunday that we're going to go to and I'm looking forward to that. Bryce has threatened to take us on a lap or two with him, which should be fun. Except the part about wearing Dena's custom painted helmet. It looks good on her, but a pink and teal helmet that says 'Subygirl' may look a little funny on me. There will be no photos of that. But I'll try and take a few of what's going on. Hope you are all well and having almost as much fun as we are. Dad

Mom and Dad say hi

So Mom and Dad made it safely to Huntsville today. We went to pick them up in Nashville this morning and then drove back to Alabama to have some sandwiches for lunch. We spent the afternoon on a nice hike up at Monte Sano state park. The weather today has been spectacular, especially compared to the 90+ degree days with 1,000% humidity for the last month. It was a pretty strenuous hike at times, but there are some really neat limestone formations that we got to see, so it was worth it.
I think they're planning on visiting Atlanta later in the week to visit with the Towns family and we'll join them on Friday to spend a couple of days there.
Dad took a few really neat pictures while we were out and about today.

Laters





Also, as an aside, if you haven't already seen this slow-motion video capture of a lightning strike, I recommend that you czech it out.
http://www.todaysbigthing.com/2008/08/07

Aaron's very productive Tuesday

Yesterday Aaron surprised us by playing hookey from work. He "slept in" until about 8:30 then made himself a very ambitious To-Do list for the day. It included:

-work out

-scripture study

-laundry

-dishes

-tack cables to wall

-hold Hakan for 5 minutes (so cute, right??)

" Pyper " "

" Sarah " "

-mow lawn

-look for hand shower kit

I should mention the state of our house prior to his deciding to undertake these things. In a word, DISASTER. It was a bit messy before we left for our last trip to Rexburg, but in the past week since we've been home it's only gotten worse. I've been scrambling to catch up on shoe orders after being gone for a week, and of course Aaron has to work everyday. What little progress I am able to make during the day in one area seems to get undone before the next day has even started. It was just too overwhelming.

Dishes and laundry would have been huge tasks in and of themselves, but he started by cleaning our bedroom (which was the WORST) and bathroom and even vacuumed them both, then went on to finish every single other thing on his list! Well, almost everything. He wasn't able to get the TV cable tacked down because we couldn't find any bleedin' cable tacks! At TWO STORES! See, I've been wanting to have satellite connected to the TV in the bonus room upstairs, which has no jack for it (super stupid). Sooo, we had to run a 100,000 foot cable from our bedroom at the far end of the house, down the hall to the TV there. The hand shower kit proved to be much easier to find and install. We figured this would make bathing the kids much faster and easier, especially since Hakan hates having to lay down in the bathtub to get the soap out of his hair, and he freaks out if you try to dump water on him to get it off. Hopefully this will be tolerable for him.

Anyway, the reason I'm writing this is because I'm so grateful to have a husband who realizes when things get to be too much for me and takes matters into his own hands now and then. I was able to spend the whole day focusing on shoes and am now right on schedule, and will have Thursday-Sunday "off" from shoes to focus on other projects. I can now walk into my bedroom and breath a sigh of relief instead of keeping the lights off, blinds and curtains shut, hoping to see as little of the mess as possible. My bathroom doesn't make me shudder and when I walk through the kitchen I don't get crumbs and sand stuck to the bottoms of my feet. We all have clean clothes and underthings again, even clean towels & sheets! HOORAY!!!

What a wonderful guy!

Celebrate!

i fixed my blog... don't worry! just thought i'd let you know.

um i'm trying to think of anything else i could say just to make this a decent sized post... well, school starts in 15 days and i have yet to meet with the school councelor to discuss my credits and what EdNet classes i need to take. the way it sounded when i met with him at the end of my sophomore year, i'll either have to drop band or take an early morning psychology class. there was some other option, but i can't remember what it was. mom and i are hoping that we can get this meeting thing out of the way before she and dad go on their anniversary trip like next week, but we haven't heard from the school about anything, so we'll see how that goes.

in other news, my job situation is changing a lot in the next couple of weeks. see, starting in february i've been working at the local pharmacy as an after school job. but the problem with that job was the hours. on the days i worked, mom and i would have to take different cars into town for me to work a 2 hour shift. now do the math in your head between $4 a gallon in gas, about 18 miles to the gallon in the truck, 40 miles a day, $7 an hour, 2 hours per day. it did not work well in my favor. so after working there for like 6 months, i finally got the nerve to tell one of the ladies i work with that i can't afford to work there anymore. she said she understood, and that my bosses would too. so i haven't technically quit yet (woah i just realized that today is payday at the pharmacy... haha) because i haven't seen my bosses since i told Karren. but i'm basically done with working there.

also, my other job (as a "Barista"... haha i love that term) is quickly coming to an end. next friday, the 15th is my last day of work since they're open from 7-2, and school goes from 8:15-3:15. which is a huge bummer, because this is the greatest job. how many of you are excited to get up in the morning and go to work? seriously. because i am, for dang sure! plus, i get free treats every day. =]

the last part of this change is that i've dropped off and application at Honey's Jubilee... one of the grocery stores in town. =/ unfortunately, this is one of the jobs i've said from day one that i never ever ever ever wanted to take. i'd just be a front checker which is the only job i'd want there at all, but still... something about working in a grocery store is not really on my list of "Things I'd Love To Do With My High School Years." you know? anyway, i don't really know if i'll get that job or not. we'll see... if i don't, well than i am officially unemployed... unless you count cutting out shoes for sarah. haha

well that's about it for me... love you!

♥--Jennifer


Ashton and I at the mansion... cute! Summer '07

Anger and frustration!

well my personal blog is currently undergoing construction and will be down for probably a while.

in other words: i broke it, and i don't know how to fix it.

is anyone literally amazing at this kind of thing? =]

♥