Our house on blog hill... 2 boys, 2 girls, 2 cats and a dog

IMG00150.jpg

2009-07-12T19:52:00.000-06:00

Contemplating my blogging future with Wendy and Gabe on the back porch... Now that Brooke and Gabe have moved back from NYC, I am considering retiring as a blogger. For some strange reason I'm so conflicted over this decision?
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Annie at Tuachan...

2009-06-20T23:50:00.006-06:00

This week we took a trip down to St. George to soak up some rays at the pool and also see the musical Annie at Tuachan theatre. I thought this photo of the rainbow was pretty cool...it rained the entire way down to St. George. Luckily the clouds lifted just as we pulled into our hotel.
I had to mix a little work in with our trip. Jack thought it was funny to splash me as I was headed out to the hospital.
Sophie took advantage of the 90 degree weather to work on her diving.
Annie was incredible. The kids are so talented in that production. If you haven't seen a play at Tuachan you need to check it out!

Genealogy get together...

2009-06-20T23:34:00.005-06:00

My cousin Jennifer Young has developed an interest in genealogy. Last week my parents had everyone over to help Jennifer with some research. We pulled out old family albums and Jack thought some of the names of our Swedish ancestors were hilarious!
Aunt Peggy (my Dad's sister in foreground) and Sue (my Dad's cousin in the background).
Peggy's boyfriend, Robert, graced us with his presence. Robert is a storyteller extraordinaire, he possesses a vast repertoire of useless information.
Jennifer, my cousin, is seated next to her husband Matt. They are newlyweds but are secure enough in their relationship for Jennifer to call out Matt when he passes gas at the dinner table.
Who said genealogy isn't fun???

Bonneville Shoreline Trail...

2009-06-20T23:20:00.003-06:00

My parents just moved to Sandy. Their house is just a few blocks from the Bonneville shoreline trail. We go to eat dinner over at their house most Sundays, so at Wendy's suggestion, we have incorporated hikes into our Sunday routine.
I think Wendy has had these green leisure pants since I've known her. All these years and they still haven't grown on me?
There are some pretty spectacular views from this vantage point.
The mountain streams are just starting to pick up in volume. It has been such a cool June that there is still quite a bit of snow along the Wasatch front.

Another milestone for Jack...

2009-05-28T20:30:00.004-06:00

Jack and Sophie both had Ms. Tonya as their preschool teacher. She was awesome and the kids will miss her desperately.
Jack and his buddies were hamming it up during to graduation festivities.
Some more dancing...
I can't believe Jack is growing up so quickly!
Ms. Tonya couldn't come up with a hat to fit Jack. We tried not to bring to much attention to it because he was a little self conscious!

Weekend in NYC...

2009-05-23T12:06:00.004-06:00

We took a ferry around Manhattan. The views were fantastic, from the water you can see Brooklyn, Manhattan, New Jersey and Staten Island.
The space between the buildings is ground zero. The glass structure is called the winter garden, it is a temporary 911 memorial.

Standing at the bottom of Trump Towers is pretty cool. From this vantage point you can see the building sway with the breeze.

Wendy is frantically searching for her purse as we enter FAO Schwartz.

Weekend in NYC...

2009-05-23T11:20:00.004-06:00

A random woman got tired of waiting for us to pose for the picture in front of Radio City Music Hall. Just as Gabe snapped the picture she intentionally jumped in front of us. Other than our experience with her, we found most of New Yorkers very hospitable.
As creative a shot as I could come up with on the crowded streets of Manhattan. I do enjoy the facial distortions in this shot.
Wendy is taking a breather in Central Park, it was a little chilly that day.
Transferring subway lines through Grand Central Station is quite an experience!

Our weekend in NYC...

2009-05-23T11:10:00.003-06:00

Hanging out in Times Square with Brooke and Gabe...waiting on the results of the lottery to get tickets to Wicked.
Not a cheesy pose, I'm genuinely that excited. Total tourist.
Waiting in line at one of NYC's famous bakery's, Magnolia. I've never had a better cupcake!
Empire State building is in the background. Do you recognize the building next to it?.....Yes, it's the infamous haunted apartment building from the movie Ghost Busters.

"Enchanted"

2009-05-02T18:43:00.005-06:00

Sophie has been enrolled in "Up with kids" for a year now and they finally had their spring performance, Enchanted.
Sophie played three different roles in the play. She had speaking parts and did some singing and dancing.
Too cute!
Very theatrical...(she gets that from her mom)

Spring baseball...

2009-05-02T18:20:00.003-06:00

Jack graduated from t-ball to little league ball this year. This is a big leap, machine pitching and playing the outfield!
Jack has adjusted pretty seamlessly to the machine, here he is hitting a double.
The wind up...
And the hit...

Sophie's 1st soccer game of the spring season...

2009-04-18T19:16:00.005-06:00

Sophie dreads playing goalie, although she's really good at it. The only mishap was when I was pleading with her to pose for a picture and the moment see looked up at me the other team shot one by her. It turned out OK (luckily for me), her team won the game 4-1.
Jockeying for a loose ball in this shot.
Sophie and her cousin Abby leading a charge down field.
One of these girls is about to get a ball in the face !

Easter at our house...

2009-04-18T19:03:00.004-06:00

Since my parents are in between houses and my Grandparents deserve a break, we hosted Easter dinner at our house this year. Aunt Jeannie was immersed in her coloring while letting some chocolate pie digest.
Ricky and Marge joined us for dinner as well. Jack was giving Grandpa Don the rabbit ears during the picture.
Jack was deep in thought..."hmm, I wonder where I should hide my candy from my mom?"
Happy family!!!

Southern California Vacation

2009-04-07T18:08:00.005-06:00

Getting in a little pool time in St. George, even though it was about 55 degrees!
Sophie looks guilty, she's probably not supposed to be putting her hand in the water.
Posing at the front gates of Sea World.

Shamu was definitely the high point of Sea World. Jack has decided he wants to be a "shark trainer" when he grows up.

Southern California Vacation

2009-04-07T17:31:00.005-06:00

Wendy and Sophie boarding a ride at Disneyland, the females in the family proved to have much more stamina for rides than the boys.
Disney almost drove me to drinking...in this photo my beverage is an innocent Dole Whip (pineapple juice and vanilla ice cream).
Sophie and Jack just got done with the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" 3D movie. Jack is not faking a stomach ache, shortly after this photo he threw up!
Wendy is teaching Sophie to drive? That's a scary thought!

Posing in front of the magic kingdom. Wendy is so proud of her fanny pack!

Southern California Vacation

2009-04-07T17:25:00.004-06:00

The Disney magic does not come cheap!
Sophie was getting into her "valley girl" character.
Jack laughed so hard at me in this hat that he almost peed his pants (that is not urine on my shirt, we had just got off of Splash Mountain).
Sophie loved rock climbing, she has no fear of heights.

Jack needed a little down time every afternoon. I usually joined him for a little siesta on some bench or concrete ledge in the park. Space is at a premium at Disney, if you can find three feet of unoccupied real estate you have to claim it.

Southern California Vacation

2009-04-07T17:20:00.004-06:00

Wendy really, really, did like that fanny pack. She didn't relinquish it the entire week. She had band aids, hand sanitizer and rain ponchos packed inside. What a nerd!
Sophie found a build a bear store in downtown Disney. She broke me down and I let her make a special Disney bear.
Photo opportunity with Mickey.
Jack refueling with some Lays potato chips after a long day at the park.

Jack's favorite store in downtown Disney was the Lego store. He talked us into a huge Indiana Jones kit that had over 275 pieces. It took me 2 hours to put it together. It lasted about 10 minutes before Jack took it apart.

Southern California Vacation

2009-04-07T17:07:00.003-06:00

Jack was showing off his guns.
Sophie wasn't going to be outdone.
On day #3 at the park we got a visit from cousin Chase and Aunt Krystyn from Phoenix. It was really fun to spend some time with them.
Chase was a little overwhelmed by the whole park scene.

You can't leave Disney without the ears!

Spring fever has hit...

2009-03-23T17:16:00.004-06:00

I was driving up Provo Canyon and noticed the snow was starting to melt, bridal veil falls starts to look really cool this time of year.
Another shot of bridal veil falls.
Jack riding his bike and getting some rays on his white boy legs.
Jack was showing off some of his skills.

A few random pictures with my new camera...

2009-03-10T23:06:00.003-06:00

The full moon from our back porch...I froze my butt off to take this shot.
I brought Wendy home a dessert...she's on a diet. That means she just eats the dessert slowly. There's fewer calories that way.
This cat sheds so much, as soon as it gets warm I'm kicking him out of the house!
Sophie and Wendy after school knocking out some home work.

Pooped out...marathon outlet shopping

2009-03-01T08:56:00.001-07:00

This message was sent using the Picture and Video Messaging service from Verizon Wireless!

To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.

Note: To play video messages sent to email, QuickTime® 6.5 or higher is required.

Valentines potion...

2009-02-14T09:44:00.005-07:00

Sophie and Jack were really excited about Valentines day this year. They attempted to make root beer floats but it morphed into something else. Jack finally proclaimed that it was a "potion". Their hearts were in the right place?

Monster Performance...

2009-02-07T19:52:00.004-07:00

Opening tipp

One of 5 steals

One of 12 blocked shots!

Getting pumped up for the game with her iPod.

Here's Sophie's stat line for today's game:

12 blocked shots

2 points

5 steals

Too bad her team hasn't won yet! Despite all the losing, Sophie loves to play basketball and she is a defensive force to be reckoned with.

This is what we do together as a family.

2009-01-25T18:57:00.001-07:00

Now that we have multiple laptops, this is a frequent scene in our house. Me on my computer in the recliner, Wendy on one side of the couch on the computer and the kids in the other end of the room on line as well.

Annual Junior Jazz night at the Jazz game...

2009-01-14T21:06:00.004-07:00

We always have fun going to Jazz games but Monday night we were in for a special treat. It was Junior Jazz night and Sophie's coach is college buddies with Kyle Korver (Ashton Kutcher look alike that plays for the Jazz). After the game Kyle was kind enough to let the girls down onto the court for pictures and autographs.

I'm done shoveling...

2009-01-03T13:51:00.002-07:00

It's snowed almost everyday over the Holiday break. At least Sophie and Jack are still having fun out in the cold. What kid wouldn't have fun in 5 foot drifts?

Vacation at the Holiday Inn...

2008-12-30T14:53:00.006-07:00

Bryson, Brooke, Krystyn and Gabe took Sophie, Jack and Chase for an overnight vactation at a hotel. Swimming in the pool and lots of quality time with their uncles and aunts and cousin is the funnest thing in the world for the kids.

Go kart racing, round 2....

2008-12-24T12:04:00.005-07:00

We went and rode the karts again, this time Gabe, Brooke and Krystyn were in town to participate. This was a highly anticipated and competitive event. Wendy handily won first place. Aunt Brooke was most surprising with a second place showing, her skills on the kart far surpassed her skills in a car? Bryson was rather disappointing, he spun his kart around three times during a twenty lap race. My times were not impressive but I did beat Gabe...ha, ha.

Good times on the Polar Express...

2008-12-20T08:29:00.002-07:00

If you (or your kids) are a fan of the movie Polar Express, the Heber Creeper Polar Express is a must on your holiday list. We obtained tickets a month ago, they sell out fast. We were joined by Grammy and Gandpy, Bryson, Brooke and Gabe. The ride up Provo canyon was a little dicey at times but we arrived on time to jump on the train in Heber. I would guess the temperature was around 15 degrees (at that point accuracy doesn't really matter). The train itself must be a least 100 years old, it is decorated to match the movie version and yes, it is heated by a vintage wood stove.

The ride itself takes you through the Heber Valley to Soldier Hollow and takes about an hour and a half. Along the way we were visited by Santa and Mrs. Clause and fed cookies and hot chocolate by Santa's elves. The kids were enchanted by the atmosphere on the train. I'm convinced that the Polar Express adventure will be the highlight of the Christmas season for our family.

Wendy is so excited to ride the train downtown...

2008-12-13T10:19:00.003-07:00

We have established a tradition of going downtown every year around Christmas to check out the lights at Temple square. Every year I suggest we ride the train downtown and Wendy shoots it down with a different excuse. This year I prevailed, we rode the train and had a great time. I secretly think Wendy has a phobia concerning public transportation. Check out the expression on her face!

Go Kart racing...

2008-11-29T09:26:00.003-07:00

Friday night we ventured outside of our comfort zone. Normally our family Thanksgiving holiday activities include board games and movies. This year we took a walk on the wild side and did some go kart racing. These were no ordinary go karts, they were high speed machines designed to slide around a slick track. Needless to say, riders were required to wear the crash helmet and four point seat belt harness. I don't know what was more fun, the actual racing or watching everyone try to squeeze into those little helmets and tight racing seats?

Volunteering at Sophie's school...

2008-11-26T17:38:00.003-07:00

I took the entire week off of work, it's been good to spice up the routine a little. Today Wendy, Jack and I went to Sophie's school to volunteer. We helped the kids create a turkey out of Nilla wafers, chocolate icing, chocolate covered cherries and chocolate chips. The kids had fun, Sophie told me I embarrassed her and the "turkeys" looked nothing like birds. It was a good day!
(Notice that Wendy does not leave home without her Diet Pepsi)

Jack has an addictive personality...

2008-11-26T09:55:00.001-07:00

Jack got a Nintendo DS for his birthday last month. I don't think he has put it down yet. This makes me worry about a few of his apparent personality traits, I truly hope he never picks up a cigarette.

Never a dull moment at Disney on Ice...

2008-11-16T13:35:00.002-07:00

The Disney special effects are pretty impressive. Jack is sitting next to me mesmerized.

Recession??? I don't see any sings of one.

2008-11-16T13:14:00.001-07:00

Disney on Ice is expensive and they don't miss an opportunity to market the Disney goods. It's no surprise that Sophie inherited her mom's shopping gene. The Energy Solutions arena was packed, apparently $8.oo snow cones and $10.00 popcorn didn't scare anyone away.

78 Things About Me...

2008-11-08T23:05:00.003-07:00

Okay, evidently I am a victim of peer pressure. Several of my blogging friends have kept this going, so I thought what a challenge to come up with 78 things about me! NO, Brian did not have any part of this, he wanted me to put in that disclaimer!

I am an only child, but have a half brother & half sister from my mom, and a half brother & half sister from my biological dad.
I have only met my biological dad twice, once when I was 5 years old and when I was 19 and he was dying.
I have never shed any tears from his death.
I have a bad habit of laughing at inappropriate times, such as my dad's funeral.
Sophie, myself, & my mom all have the same middle name, Marie.
I love living in Utah, because of the seasons.
I love living on Heartland Cove, because my kids love all of the neighbor kids & I love all of my neighbors!
I have a fear of earthquakes & being unable to get to my children.
I drink 7-9 Diet Pepsis a day!
I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.
I play the lottery every time we go to Colorado, $2 quick pick powerball.
If I won the lottery, the first thing I would buy is knee surgery for my dog!
The second thing I would do is pay off my house & totally gut it & start over.
I have lived in Salt Lake for 7 years and never been to ski resort during the winter.
But, we go to the different ski resorts 2 or 3 times in the summer.
I love my church calling, because I get to spend time with my husband.
I love my husband with such an amazing level of passion & respect, he will never be able to comprehend.
Sophie acts like me as an adult, but as a child, Jack acted like me.
I failed college 101 economics twice, finally the third time I passed with a D.
I switched my major in college 7 times, social work, sociology, business, hotel & restaurant management, elementary education,general ed., finally family studies & human services!
I met my husband at a party in college.
I told my friend I thought he talked to much.
He told me he thought it was cool that I worked at a mexican restaurant.
Brian proposed to me in front of that restaurant.
It's one of my most cherished memories of our beginning.
I have to eat baked goods everyday
I also have to eat dark chocolate everyday.
I sing Hush Little Baby to my kids almost every night.
I am a night owl.
I have to take something to sleep.
My daughter loves mornings which make it easier for me to get up.
I love working out at the gym 4-5 times a week.
I love to feel sweaty, i feel like i've accomplished something great.
I have to get new running shoes every 6 months, its a quirky thing!
My favorite month is October.
My favorite holiday is Halloween.
I have a crush on Kid Rock!
I would love to get a tatoo if i could take it off.
I love raunchy reality TV.
I miss having a cocktail occasionally.
I miss going clubing, with my girlfriends.
Even though I miss it, I love my life so much more now than a night out.
When Brian & I got married I told him I would never become Mormon or live in Salt Lake City...HaHaHa!
I took 5 years of french & if needed to, I couldn't find the bathroom, sad!
My favorite all time movie is Urban Cowboy!
I make the best chocolate chip cookies, ever.
If I had money to blow, I would keep the plastic surgeon busy.
I fear my hair is going to fall out.
I love to watch my kids sleep.
I learned this year " I must accept the things that I cannot change"
It gave me a whole new perspective on my life, that I am truly grateful for.
I love to laugh aloud when now one is at hame.
Even though, I come across as a loud mouth, do it my way or else, I really fear confrontation & am a people pleaser.
Since living in Salt Lake we have gone to Cafe Rio on average 2 times per week, that totals out to be 728 chicken salads, pork burritos, tostadas, chips & queso.
My first car was a 1973 baby blue Pontiac Grand Prix.
I never changed the oil so the engine blew up a year later.
I live for warm weather.
In the summer time the kids and I live at the pool.
Smelling sun tan oil makes me miss my mom.
My favorite part of Christmas is a Nativity Scene. I can sit for hours and just look at it.
My favorite vacation spot is St. Thomas, USVI
I have never been to Hawaii.
I have no desire to visit Asia.
I have a fear that people won't like me.
Our first apartment cost $350 a month to rent and it had aquamarine green & orange shag carpet.
Our second home was 100 years old and we were the 3rd owners.
Our third home, is where Sophie was born. I was so homesick, I cried for 2 years.
Without that experience, I would not have joined the church, i would have not move to Salt Lake City, or gone through the temple with my family.
When Brian goes out of town I sleep with a knife under the bed & a golf club next to me, because I have a fear of someone breaking in.
My favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip.
I ate it every night when I was pregnant with Sophie, & so did Brian & he gained 30lbs!
My favorite junk food is KFC or Taco Time.
I miss my suema so much it hurts.
I am constantly trying to get Brian to move back to Kansas, his response when pigs fly, if that was to happen Kansas would be the place.
I have an annoying habit of talking through movies!
I also have pop corn, no butter, add a box of Milk Duds to the popcorn & a Diet Coke with a shot of lemonade when I am at the movies.
I hope one day to be able to travel to Europe with my husband & kids for a summer!
I love to make lists!

Five year old's having fun at Fat Cat's

2008-11-08T09:24:00.003-07:00

Jack and his crew did some serious bowling at his 5th birthday party. Jack really likes to hang out with his buddies. Thanks again to everyone for the awesome gifts and making the trek out to the bowling alley to share Jack's special day with him.

Baby hummingbirds

2008-11-01T23:31:00.001-06:00

Baby hummingbirds
Originally uploaded by utahmike07

My nieghbor Mike took this picture, all credit to him. However, this nest is in a tree in our yard. Jack discovered it this summer. As I look outside and see the last of the leaves falling off the trees and the birds long gone, I thought it would be nice to revisit a pleasant summer memory. Thanks again for the awesome picture Mike.

Halloween was good...

2008-11-01T17:40:00.003-06:00

Halloween finally came and went. It seems like the build up has been all month long, we've been to a scarecrow festival, a witches festival, a corn maze and a haunted house. The trick or treating almost was anti climatic. The weather cooperated (mid 60's) and the kids had fun. Jack did wear down early and I carried him most of the way. Come to think of it, I've carried Jack every Halloween of his entire life! In case you are wondering, Sophie was a "good witch" and Jack was a "bad cop".

Sophie is participating in a play (Enchanted). I couldn't resist sneaking into her practice and taking a picture, too cute. The performance isn't until later this winter.

2008-10-30T18:00:00.003-06:00

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Bungee jumping...

2008-10-21T14:50:00.004-06:00

After spending a long weekend away from the kids, Wendy and I decided to do a family activity last night. We waited in line for two hours to let the kids do some euro style bungee jumping. Basically you strap into a harness and get slingshoted 40 feet into the air, if you are good at it you can do flips. I knew Sophie would love it but was a little concerned about Jack. I assume he liked it, as you can see on his photos he was grinning ear to ear. Sophie even attempted a few flips.

Battle of mediocraty...

2008-10-19T22:13:00.003-06:00

It's a good thing we got to spend time with friends and family in Boulder this weekend, otherwise the drive out to Colorado would not of been worth it! K-State and CU both have extremely mediocre football teams this year. At least they were evenly matched, although CU prevailed 14 to 13.

The best part of the weekend is surprising Wendy with an unexpected visitor from South Carolina. I have been in cahoots with Wendy's best friend, Susan, for over a month planning a surprise visit to Utah. We pulled it off and I kept the secret. Susan tagged along with us to Boulder where we met up with other friends from Seattle and Denver. It was a fun weekend despite the boring game.

Mile high fun...

2008-10-19T08:37:00.001-06:00

I think we may have to rethink our tradition of going to the Kansas State-Colorado football game. I'm convinced we cause them to loose, it happened again yesterday! Wendy and Jessica had fun with the mascot Willie despite the outcome.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

The Vomit Comet

2008-10-15T20:03:00.000-06:00

I fly to St. George twice a month on one of these babies. I've been doing these flights for about seven years now. As I was bouncing around on the plane today I figured I've amassed over 500,000 frequent flyer miles the HARD way!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Project Runway, Sophie style...

2008-10-12T21:17:00.002-06:00

Every Sunday night we gather round the tv and watch project runway. Sophie and Jack especially love it. Tonight Sophie surprised us all and came out in a "wedding gown" that she had designed. Jack wants in on the design action as well. After Sophie came up with her outfit, Jack leaned over and asked, "Dad, would it be ok when I grow up if I'm a football player and a designer?"

The "drift and pause technique"...

2008-10-05T21:17:00.004-06:00

My grandfather, many, many, years ago taught drivers education. He is really old now (I think 86) and he still drives. The last time I drove with him was a few years back when we went golfing together. The positive news is he is still active and interested in his family. The bad news is his driving skills have not kept up with his golf game. I remember describing to Wendy (relieved after returning from our round of golf) that he didn't seem to bother looking in his mirrors before changing lanes. I described to her that he had this technique where he'd slowly drift over to the desired lane and then pause...if he heard a honk it meant there was a car present and he would correct. Unfortunately sometimes cars are present and before they have a chance to honk, he "bumps" into them. Over the past few years he's had at least a few fender benders...that we know of. We went up to my grandparents to visit today and I couldn't help but notice more "dings" in his two cars than ever before. I hope the "drift and pause" technique is working out better for his old students than it is for him!

Sophie applied some war paint for her soccer game.

2008-09-27T12:19:00.001-06:00

Four generations of my family...

2008-09-26T23:01:00.004-06:00

It's a pretty special evening when you can gather four generations of your family together for an event that everyone equally enjoys. Tonight my grandpa Don (mom's dad), my father, brother Bryson and son Jack all went to the Skyline vs. Alta football game. It means a lot to me that Jack can have these fun outings with his grandfather and great grandfather.
Even though skyline lost we had a great evening together. (We have a Skyline bias because both my parents went there, my dad played football on several state champion teams there in the early 70's and my grandparents have lived a few blocks away from the school for over 50 years.)

Jack is so proud of himself...

2008-09-24T17:27:00.005-06:00

I came around the corner of our street on my way home from work today and this is what I saw...

Despite her expression, Sophie really is having fun...

2008-09-21T10:45:00.004-06:00

Sophie is competing in a more competitive soccer league this fall. Only six kids play at once and they have moved up to the full size soccer fields. All the girls were sucking a lot of wind but they looked like they were having fun. Sophie is playing goalie (a much needed rest) in the picture I posted.

It's time for fall soccer...

2008-09-18T19:37:00.002-06:00

Jack started his second year of soccer. His team is the "Red Bulls" and he scored a goal tonight! I'm just relived this year he doesn't lay on the ground and pick dandelions.

More wedding pics...

2008-09-14T22:01:00.000-06:00

Another memorable wedding...

2008-09-14T21:43:00.003-06:00

Make it two in a row. This weekend we traveled up to Park City (about 950 fewer miles than last week's distance) for my cousin Jennifer's wedding. The weather and setting were perfect. I love the mountains in the fall and I can't imagine a better setting for a wedding. Jennifer and Matt spared no expense on an incredible weekend. Jack and Sophie got to play a role in the ceremony, ring bearer and attendant. They are becoming wedding professionals. Once again, Sophie danced the night away at the reception. Sophie's favorite thing in the world is to dance and be the center of attention, she has got to do that now two weeks in a row. I don't foresee and more weddings in the near future, stay tuned...

Our little buddy Jack started his last year of preschool today...

2008-09-09T16:41:00.003-06:00

Jack is growing up, he was so excited to wake up today and finally start school. I hope his enthusiasm for school lasts! Next year it's going to be strange to have Jack and Sophie in the same school together.

More wedding pics...

2008-09-08T11:58:00.003-06:00

The kids did a whole lot of dancing...and then crashed hard.

More wedding pics...

2008-09-08T09:45:00.007-06:00

Wendy's mom, dad, Nat and Clayton (the newlyweds) and childhood friend of both Wendy and Jessica, Shanon Butler.

More wedding pics...

2008-09-08T09:38:00.005-06:00

Sophie and Jack both had parts in the wedding. Sophie was the most beautiful flower girl ever
and Jack was the most handsome ring bearer in attendance.

More wedding pics...

2008-09-08T09:35:00.003-06:00

This is Wendy's sister Darcy and her family (husband Brian and new daughter Genevive).

Road trip to Kansas...

2008-09-08T09:22:00.003-06:00

Last weekend we road tripped out to Kansas to attend Wendy's brothers wedding. The wedding went off without a hitch (lots of input from Wendy and Connie) and everyone had a great time at the reception. It was great to see lots of new babies in the family and many old friends. The final odometer read 2500 miles! Sophie and Jack watched about 25 movies in the back seat, only occasionally taking a break to cage fight.

This picture is Wendy's brother Ramey's family. They have three cute girls, Emerson, Bentley

and new baby Denton.

Memorial Day barbeque with cousin Chase

2008-09-02T20:48:00.003-06:00

On Memorial Day we had everyone over to our house for a barbeque. Sophie was having a blast taking pictures of her little cousin Chase. I have to admitt, he was pretty fond of the camera.

Kansas State begins it's march to the Big XII championship today!

2008-08-30T09:51:00.004-06:00

First step toward the BCS, lowly North Texas. Check it out tonight, look for a lot of points from the Cats.

Night out on the town

2008-08-29T22:58:00.000-06:00

Wendy and I went out to dinner recently with a few of her good friends from the gym. Rori (in black) is demonstrating a new bicep workout.

I made a friend at Kneaders

2008-08-24T17:33:00.002-06:00

We went out to dinner with our friends B.J. and Lizz. After waiting in line for a few moments, B.J. reached up and kissed me on the neck. Apparently Sophie was in on it because she had her camera ready to capture the action. Needless to say, I'm not comfortable with male intimacy.

Wedding Crasher

2008-08-21T19:27:00.003-06:00

Jack and Uncle Bryson share a love for dressing up. We have two weddings coming up in September and Jack gets to be a ring bearer in both. The best part is...he gets to wear a tux. Wendy took him to get fitted today and she couldn't wipe the grin off his face. Jack was disappointed he didn't get to wear the tux home.

1st day of second grade

2008-08-13T20:25:00.002-06:00

Wendy making Sophie breakfast...she was harder to get up than Sophie, big surprise. Showing off two fingers for the second grade!
This is our traditional first day of school pose...nose picking.
Sophie is off to a fast start in second grade. She missed her friends over the summer and was anxious to get back to North Star Academy. She loves her new teacher, Ms. Ryan.

Check out my six pack

2008-08-06T21:32:00.003-06:00

I stumbled across this picture on the Internet recently...the photo brings back fond training table memories (that's where football players eat their meals and I ascended to 300 lbs!). I'm #68, we're playing the University of Kansas. The guy next to me, Ryan Young #76, actually outweighed me by about 30 pounds. His belly made him rich ( he was drafted in the 2nd round by the Jets). My belly was the object of entertainment. Incidentally, we beat the Jay Hawks from Kansas...for the 4th time in a row.

Taking a dip at Jeannie's pool

2008-08-02T11:41:00.002-06:00

Bryson and Krystyn and Chase are visiting Salt Lake, so we decided to all get together and swim at Jeannie's pool. It was a good time for all.

World's largest open pit copper mine

2008-08-02T11:29:00.002-06:00

Kennecot copper mine is just 5 short miles to the west of our house. Sophie and Jack have developed a fascination with it this summer. From our front porch, you can see the edge of the mine. It looks like a mountain with the top cup off. When you look at it from the top you see a hole straight down over 1 mile into the earth! The mine has been active for over 100 years in Utah and is the world's largest supplier of copper. The mine is also one of the few man made objects that can be seen from space (the pyramids, the great wall of China and Kennicot Copper mine).

Grandpa Don specials

2008-07-30T20:10:00.003-06:00

Today we went to Grandpa Don's house to celebrate Sophie's birthday. Sophie got lots of gifts and I didn't leave empty handed. Grandpa Don handed these over to me because they "hurt his toe nails." Brandon, if you're good I'll wear them a few years and then hand them off to you.

Some more party pictures!

2008-07-27T11:57:00.003-06:00

The highlight of the party occured when I had to climb up to the top of the slide to adjust the sprinklers and it tipped over.

Can you believe Sophie is already seven?

2008-07-27T11:49:00.003-06:00

Sophie had a beach themed party on Saturday to celebrate her 7th birthday. Activities included limbo, a pinata, water balloon toss and the giant water slide. Several friends from the neighborhood and school came to help her celebrate. Sophie had a great time, before she went to bed on Saturday night she told Wendy and I that she had the best friends in the world!

check out the bird on top of Grammy's car

2008-07-22T23:26:00.001-06:00

Visit to the world's coolest dinosaur museum

2008-07-21T22:02:00.004-06:00

Museum's aren't like they used to be, these dinosaurs are actually mechanical. It's Jurassic Park, Utah style. Thanks for the great pictures Lisa.

Visit to the world's coolest dinosaur museum continued

2008-07-21T21:50:00.005-06:00

Sophie loves New York too!

2008-07-19T09:20:00.000-06:00

Jack loves New York thanks for the shirt Brooke

2008-07-17T10:04:00.000-06:00

Indulge me...please

2008-07-14T22:43:00.002-06:00

Please click on the flickr link on the upper right side of the blog. It took me all weekend to painstakingly upload all 3,000 photos. Every time I'd cue up a couple hundred pictures, the internet connection would go down. It was painful. I'd have to say the persistence paid off, there are some priceless pictures of the kids when they were younger that I hadn't looked at in a long time.

Grandpa and his boys

2008-07-12T15:40:00.001-06:00

Molley and Tiger are FINALLY getting along.

2008-07-09T18:45:00.000-06:00

Soaking up some rays at Stagecoach Resevoir

2008-07-05T22:21:00.003-06:00

I warned Sophie to sit down in the boat. She tested fate one too many times.
Sophie and Jack could not wait to get out on the tube.
Jessica's boyfried Josh was kind enough to take us out on his boat all day. Jack especially liked helping Josh steer the boat.
Sophie held on to Jack with a death grip. At first we thought Jack was scared, I eventually figured out his expression was from Sophie's loving grip.
Sophie liked to go really fast when she had the tube to herself.

The big Steamboat Rodeo

2008-07-05T21:51:00.006-06:00

Sophie says you have to look the part at the rodeo.

The kids favorite rodeo event is the mutten busting.
(the kids go into the arena and chase a sheep) Sophie and Jack worked as a team and really got the competitive juices flowing. It was even more fun for us to watch!

And their off, the lamb is obsured amoungst the kids.

Jack and Dad are celebrating a succesfull mutten bust. Jack wants to train for next years event in the backyard.

The rodeo was winding down and Sophie and Jack were anxiously awaiting the fireworks show.

Independence Day fun high in Steamboat Springs

2008-07-05T21:36:00.005-06:00

Wendy, Connie and Jessica diligently working to find the best viewing spot for the parade.

Enjoying the 4th of July parade in Steamboat. (from left to right, Jessica, Wendy, Sophie, Connie, Jack). Jack liked the floats that squirted water into the crowd the best.

We're amused by the kyackers below in the Yampa river. Ski jumpers were practicing in the background at the same time.

Taking a rest on the banks of the Yampa.

Posing by the horse in front of F.M. Light western store has become a family tradition. We have pictures of the kids in front of this horse dating back to when Sophie was an infant.

working up a sweat at basketball camp

2008-07-01T21:37:00.005-06:00

Tallest one at camp! Sorry boys.
Quenching her thirst after an intense defensive drill.

Working the left hand dribble.

Mastering the back float

2008-06-27T18:40:00.002-06:00

Jack is turing into an awesome swimmer like his big sister. He likes to float on his back and jump off the diving board as well. According to Jack, the best part of swim lessons is getting a treat at the snack shack after finishing with a strenuous swim session.

Diving fun

2008-06-27T18:37:00.001-06:00

What a busy summer! Today was the last day of swim lessons. Sophie loves to swim and mostly dive off the diving board.

Another cat!

2008-06-26T21:31:00.003-06:00

One of our neighbors found a kitten abandoned in a parking lot. Of coarse when our kids heard about this poor kitty they went to work on mom and dad. With a lot of persistance they wore us down and we adopted the cat. Jack has officially named him, Tiger.

A long hard summer day

2008-06-21T18:43:00.002-06:00

Last night we had friends over and made smores in our new fire pit until 11:30. Then Sophie and Dad had to get up at 6:30 to make it to Sophie's first day of basketball camp. Right after practice we rushed home and then Sophie was off to a putt-putt golf-birthday party. Mom, Dad and Jack headed to the pool for a few hours. We all met back home and then headed to Pei Wei to meet Grammy, Grampy and uncle Bryson for lunch. On the way home everyone (excluding Dad) passed out in the car.

Can you guess the combined ages in this picure?

2008-06-15T16:40:00.002-06:00

From left to right: Big Daddy, Wendy, Ricky, Grandma Ruthie, Grandma Bubby, Marge, Grandpa Don (according to my calcualtions, there is appx. 479 years?)

Father's day sliding

2008-06-15T16:29:00.004-06:00

We set up the water slide for the first time this season. It was actually the first day warm enough, despite some pretty cold water coming out of the hose. Sophie and Jack had a great time anyway. Grandpa Don, Grandma Ruthie, Marge and Ricky watched for hours, it was quit amusing.

The ultimate barbeque grill

2008-06-14T19:33:00.005-06:00

It took Grandpa Brent years to find the ultimate griller. He finally found it this year and he is so infatuated with it that he drives around with it in the back of his truck. You never know when you're going to need to pull over on the side of the road and do some grilling.

O'Neil family photo

2008-06-13T23:04:00.004-06:00

In order from left to right: Brian (too much to eat), Wendy (loves every photo opportunity), Sophie (embarassed to be there) and Jack (wants everyone to be quiet so he can take a nap).

Hi Lizzie!

2008-06-13T21:24:00.001-06:00

Hi Lizzie thanks for stopping in and checking out the family!

Stylin

2008-06-13T20:56:00.001-06:00

Tonight we went shopping for father's day. Jack fell in love with this hat. He wanted to get one for himself and a matching one for Grampy.

Welcome Gretchen, Darci, Lisa and Rori

2008-06-11T13:54:00.004-06:00

It would be ideal to see everybody in person more often but i'm glad you all signed up to participate in our blog. Yes, Wendy got new boobs (Gretchen noticed) and according to Jessica I have moobs but my moobs got more attention in San Francisco last weekend. It's nice to feel sexy at my age.

Our friends in San Francisco

2008-06-09T08:48:00.004-06:00

We went out to eat at fisherman's wharf last night. That is a crazy place. I think of New York on a smaller scale. We ate really good seafood and hung out with our friends Thomas, Matt and Becky. The highlight of the evening was the sea lions on pier 39. I tried to get a picture but it was too dark. I can do a pretty good imitation of their bark, if you care to call me i'd be happy to perform it over the phone.

Our first day in San Francisco

2008-06-07T17:41:00.002-06:00

We had a busy first day in San Fran. We got in to Oakland at 7:00 am, and spent an hour stuck in traffic on the bay bridge. We finally got to our hotel and proceeded on foot to Chinatown, Union Square and Fisherman's wharf. My feet are killing me. We ended the day with a tour of Alcatraz which was really cool.

2008-06-06T15:48:00.002-06:00

Dear Mom and Dad,
I love you. I'm having a great time. I got a new toy today and some summer clothes. Tonight I'm going to see Kung Fu Panda and then going out to dinner.
I love you,
Sophie

2008-06-06T15:46:00.001-06:00

Mom and Dad,
I love you! And I miss you. Today I got cars at Target. Tonight I am going to see Kung Fu Panda. Jack

Sophie's Dance recital video

2008-06-04T22:47:00.004-06:00

We're so proud of Grammy

2008-06-01T10:08:00.004-06:00

Grammy has come such a long way with the computer. She now travels all over the country with her laptop. She can look up any personal information ie, phone numbers, criminal records, etc. She get's online to monitor her stocks and now she is blogging! What's next?

love you all

2008-06-01T09:08:00.002-06:00

Sophie, You were amazing yesterday at your dance recital! You are a stunningly beautiful little girl! We are very proud of you. I can't wait until next weekend to have you stay with us.
I love you,
Grammy