Actually, this vacation seemed like the perfect mix between fun and activity, and R&R. I feel pretty good, and other than the fact that I'm not with Ang and the kids, I'm happy to be home and back to work. It's a good feeling to come back and resume my schedule - which is probably the exact reason companies give us vacation in the first place.
The blog obviously suffered during our trip, and unfortunately, I don't have the digital camera with me to upload pictures, so it will continue to suffer somewhat for another couple of weeks until I get the pics. This isn't the best because I feel like the readership is somewhat precarious anyway, and if you all sense that I'm winding down, you may be lost. Well, rest assured I'm not winding down, just away from my computer for a little while.
Here are a couple of random thoughts:
The Tour de France wound up yesterday with the ceremonial last stage, which followed a really great time trial stage on Saturday won by American, Levi Leipheimer. In the end, he rode a great race but ended up just 31 seconds short of the leader's yellow jersey, but made the podium in 3rd place and that's a great result for him. It was a very controversial tour with a couple of big names getting kicked out, and frankly, I'm just waiting for the next revelation of who tested positive...
And speaking of controversial, I'm actually finally interested to see Barry Bonds break the HR record. I've been against it the whole time, hoping that pitchers would throw AT him rather than pitch to him, but I now realize it's inevitable (duh, he's 1 away from the record...) and am interested to see history, tainted as it may be.
I played golf 3 times this last week with my favorite golf buddies - my dad and brothers. That was awesome!!!! Also enjoyed tennis with Dan, swimming a couple of times with many, good eats (especially the Poor Man Cupcakes!!! and the Cafe Rio and the Sat. night burgers).
Cougs football is slowly starting to circle my thoughts, threatening to puncture the "it's-too-early" wall I've tried to put up until we get closer. I can hold off a little longer, but it's looming larger and larger...
I started Harry Potter 7 yesterday and have already blown through 100 pages. Pretty good so far.
It was awesome to hang with family on both sides - we love them all very much.
Out
Monday, July 30, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Mid-Vacation Check In
One of the great things about being on vacation is that most of the time, you either don't have the time, the Internet connection, or the desire to worry about things like updating a blog. Well, I actually have all three today and so I thought I'd just give an update to anyone still reading this.
We're having a great time. Our families have been so great to us - really bending over backwards to make sure we're happy, fed, and having a good time. It's great to have Kennan back with us, and to be together as a family again...just in time for me to leave back to CA for a couple weeks while the rest of the fam continues the mountain vacation.
Highlights have included swimming; hanging with cousins, siblings, grandparents; badminton with Kennan; great eats (even the leg of lamb!); bball with bros and dad; golf with bros and dad; and sleeping in (Angela).
I'll update more later - hope everyone's doing well.
We're having a great time. Our families have been so great to us - really bending over backwards to make sure we're happy, fed, and having a good time. It's great to have Kennan back with us, and to be together as a family again...just in time for me to leave back to CA for a couple weeks while the rest of the fam continues the mountain vacation.
Highlights have included swimming; hanging with cousins, siblings, grandparents; badminton with Kennan; great eats (even the leg of lamb!); bball with bros and dad; golf with bros and dad; and sleeping in (Angela).
I'll update more later - hope everyone's doing well.
Friday, July 20, 2007
"...Cuz I'm Aaaalready gone..."
The great Eagles tune aptly describes my workplace efficiency this morning... physically I'm here (in shorts and flip flops mind you, which actually isn't unusual at all here), but mentally I'm miles away. I love vacations.
Here's what our day is going to look like:
Here's what our day is going to look like:
- leave work around 11:30
- finish packing the car (just a few things left)
- load up the troops
- hit the road around 12:30 PT
- Angela fall asleep around 1:00 PT for the rest of the trip
- fight traffic from San Jose through Sacramento
- first DVD of the trip - I'm guessing "Night at the Museum"
- give the kids Dramamine before we hit the Sierras
- stop in Reno for gas at the Shell station around 4:30 PT
- keep driving - maybe a late afternoon napski for the kids
- second DVD of the trip - I'm guessing 'The Incredibles"
- stop in Elko for gas at the Shell station around 8:30 PT
- take contacts out in favor of glasses
- third DVD of the trip (if Angela caves) - I'm guessing... I have no idea
- stop in Wendover and pull a few slots (just kidding)
- enter Utah airspace around 11:30pm MT
- everybody but Dad dead to the world by this point
- iPod cranking
- drive through the stretch west of Tooele with all the "Drowsy Driving Causes Crashes" signs
- blow through SLC at around 1:00am MT... probably wishing we could stop
- arrive at Christine's house in Provo around 2:00am MT
- the party begins.............
Thursday, July 19, 2007
T minus 1 day and counting
Tomorrow at this time we'll be stuck in traffic in the Bay Area. Not really the best way to get things rolling on our summer vacation, but it's a reality that we have to just plan for. We've been feeling especially grateful for our family and good friends lately. You all make our lives so much better - we hope on some small level we can do the same for you.
We get asked a lot what our long-term plans are...stay here, buy a house, keep renting, move back to Utah, move back to Texas, etc., etc., etc. We don't know the answer to any of these questions, but we'll let you in on our thinking. We would love to be able to purchase a house in our current school district and in our current ward. We don't know if that will be possible. We think we could be here for many more years, but we also leave our minds open to other possibilities that may present themselves later. In other words, the current plan is to stay in California, but we can envision certain specific scenarios that would facilitate a move elsewhere. We're grateful that we have a good frame of mind that allows us to stick in our current situation as long as it seems right, and we don't feel an urgent need to make any changes. Hope that answers your questions.
We'll see most of you very soon! Love you all.
We get asked a lot what our long-term plans are...stay here, buy a house, keep renting, move back to Utah, move back to Texas, etc., etc., etc. We don't know the answer to any of these questions, but we'll let you in on our thinking. We would love to be able to purchase a house in our current school district and in our current ward. We don't know if that will be possible. We think we could be here for many more years, but we also leave our minds open to other possibilities that may present themselves later. In other words, the current plan is to stay in California, but we can envision certain specific scenarios that would facilitate a move elsewhere. We're grateful that we have a good frame of mind that allows us to stick in our current situation as long as it seems right, and we don't feel an urgent need to make any changes. Hope that answers your questions.
We'll see most of you very soon! Love you all.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
World's greatest recent inventions (according to JR)
We had our new home teacher over last night and we found out something really cool about him - he built the world's first functioning microwave oven. Pretty cool, huh? So I'm sitting here at my desk surrounded by a bunch of cool little gadgets and I started thinking (dangerous, I know): "what are some of the coolest inventions of the last, say, five or ten years?"
So I'm going to compile a small list. I'm sure I'll miss some great ones that maybe others can chime in on, and I'm not talking about the boring ones like clean water systems in third world countries - I'm talking about the really cool stuff that makes MY life better (ok, that was quite tongue in cheek, but seriously...).
10. Sport Turf for football fields: no more of those horrific astroturf fields - this has greatly enhanced my football viewing pleasure. And anything that means less Cougs will get hurt is always a good thing in my book.
9. Back-up sensors for cars: just imagine the pain and expense this has saved people (also grouped into this car innovations category are self-parking cars, cars that turn on without a key, cars that open up when the key gets close, and hybrid cars).
8. Bose Noise-canceling Earphones: OK, I admit I don't have these because the Morgan had to go to preschool last year. But have you ever tried them out? They're unbelievable! They make my life better just knowing they're out there, and someday I may have a pair.
7. Flat-screen monitors: I have a 24-inch monitor, and with a phone call to the techie guys could have another one in like an hour. I remember the day when monitors were so big and heavy that they took up half your desk, and if you ever had to move them, you were left with crushed fingers and a hernia.
6. Portable DVD players: This has single-handedly made our frequent drives through forsaken places possible. I'm not sure what's worse - west Texas or Nevada, but the good thing is, the kids have never even seen those places, because they're watching DVDs and not fighting (usually). One request for portable DVD players next version: please insert a mechanism to systematically destroy any DVD starting with "Barbie" and ending with "Rapunzel".
5. Bluetooth headsets: these babies are cool - it knows whether it's my desk phone or my cell phone that's ringing, and I can be out in the hallway and still take the call. I don't have to take my cell phone out of my pocket, and no wires you have to fumble frantically with to find the earpiece before the phone stops ringing. I must call for a moratorium, though, on all those wannabes who walk around with their earpiece in all day, whether they're on a call or not...that doesn't work for me.
4. Google products: This sounds like a plug for my company, but they really make my life better. Gmail - no more deleting emails as I hit the size limits; Calendar - Ang and I sync our calendars together so we know what we each have going on; Blogger - this may not make YOUR life better, but I think it's pretty cool; Docs & Spreadsheets - we share packing lists, schedules, and many other docs; Picasa - photo sharing has never been so easy, high-quality, and free (well, it was free when you just showed someone your prints, but you know what I mean) - love the easy edit features; Talk - coolest thing is you can attach whatever picture you like to your name - I like that.
3. Blackberry or other email/calendar/phone devices: I know some of you curse your blackberry, but just think about how this has changed your life...you always know when an appointment is without having to open up your computer and check; you can do a lot of critical work from the golf course via email and IM and the nice wind-canceling headsets (see above); you can keep every important contact and piece of data in your pocket for use at any time; you can check scores and read articles in church; and you can fake like you're important by whipping it out and thumb-typing furiously with an important-looking scowl on your face.
2. iPod: I ran 14 miles this alone morning, and I would not have made it without my trusty iPod. I had my training partners Bob Marley, Los Lonely Boys, Linkin Park, Yellowcard, and many, many, many others to keep me company. Special nod to the "Shuffle" feature! And of course, digital music and MP3s obviously go hand in hand with iPods as a key invention.
1. DVR: I don't even need to explain why this is so cool - no more commercials, no more VCRs, no more missing programs you like but don't even know are on, pause, replay, watch something while recording something else, etc. Two things that would make it cooler would be if it automatically knew to keep recording until the end of the game if it goes over the allotted time slot, and if it automatically deleted anything recorded off the Disney Channel.
So there you have it.
So I'm going to compile a small list. I'm sure I'll miss some great ones that maybe others can chime in on, and I'm not talking about the boring ones like clean water systems in third world countries - I'm talking about the really cool stuff that makes MY life better (ok, that was quite tongue in cheek, but seriously...).
10. Sport Turf for football fields: no more of those horrific astroturf fields - this has greatly enhanced my football viewing pleasure. And anything that means less Cougs will get hurt is always a good thing in my book.
9. Back-up sensors for cars: just imagine the pain and expense this has saved people (also grouped into this car innovations category are self-parking cars, cars that turn on without a key, cars that open up when the key gets close, and hybrid cars).
8. Bose Noise-canceling Earphones: OK, I admit I don't have these because the Morgan had to go to preschool last year. But have you ever tried them out? They're unbelievable! They make my life better just knowing they're out there, and someday I may have a pair.
7. Flat-screen monitors: I have a 24-inch monitor, and with a phone call to the techie guys could have another one in like an hour. I remember the day when monitors were so big and heavy that they took up half your desk, and if you ever had to move them, you were left with crushed fingers and a hernia.
6. Portable DVD players: This has single-handedly made our frequent drives through forsaken places possible. I'm not sure what's worse - west Texas or Nevada, but the good thing is, the kids have never even seen those places, because they're watching DVDs and not fighting (usually). One request for portable DVD players next version: please insert a mechanism to systematically destroy any DVD starting with "Barbie" and ending with "Rapunzel".
5. Bluetooth headsets: these babies are cool - it knows whether it's my desk phone or my cell phone that's ringing, and I can be out in the hallway and still take the call. I don't have to take my cell phone out of my pocket, and no wires you have to fumble frantically with to find the earpiece before the phone stops ringing. I must call for a moratorium, though, on all those wannabes who walk around with their earpiece in all day, whether they're on a call or not...that doesn't work for me.
4. Google products: This sounds like a plug for my company, but they really make my life better. Gmail - no more deleting emails as I hit the size limits; Calendar - Ang and I sync our calendars together so we know what we each have going on; Blogger - this may not make YOUR life better, but I think it's pretty cool; Docs & Spreadsheets - we share packing lists, schedules, and many other docs; Picasa - photo sharing has never been so easy, high-quality, and free (well, it was free when you just showed someone your prints, but you know what I mean) - love the easy edit features; Talk - coolest thing is you can attach whatever picture you like to your name - I like that.
3. Blackberry or other email/calendar/phone devices: I know some of you curse your blackberry, but just think about how this has changed your life...you always know when an appointment is without having to open up your computer and check; you can do a lot of critical work from the golf course via email and IM and the nice wind-canceling headsets (see above); you can keep every important contact and piece of data in your pocket for use at any time; you can check scores and read articles in church; and you can fake like you're important by whipping it out and thumb-typing furiously with an important-looking scowl on your face.
2. iPod: I ran 14 miles this alone morning, and I would not have made it without my trusty iPod. I had my training partners Bob Marley, Los Lonely Boys, Linkin Park, Yellowcard, and many, many, many others to keep me company. Special nod to the "Shuffle" feature! And of course, digital music and MP3s obviously go hand in hand with iPods as a key invention.
1. DVR: I don't even need to explain why this is so cool - no more commercials, no more VCRs, no more missing programs you like but don't even know are on, pause, replay, watch something while recording something else, etc. Two things that would make it cooler would be if it automatically knew to keep recording until the end of the game if it goes over the allotted time slot, and if it automatically deleted anything recorded off the Disney Channel.
So there you have it.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
A random drive-by Tagging
Here I was, reading Caroline's blog, minding my own business, when BAM!!! - she tags me. So here are the answers to the standard question:
4 Jobs I've Had:
- Lawn mower
- Construction worker
- Finance
- Controller
4 Movies I Can Watch Over And Over Again:
- Bourne (Identity & Supremacy)
- That Thing You Do
- Gladiator
- Tommy Boy
4 Places I've Lived:
- Utah
- Australia
- Austin, Texas
- Bay Area, California
4 Favorite TV Shows:
- Lost
- The Office
- The Unit
- Prison Break or 24 ... it's a toss up
My Favorite Foods
- Barbecue
- Tex-Mex
- Vietnamese/Chinese
- Italian
4 Websites I Visit Daily
- BYU football related: Cougarfan.com, TotalBlueSports
- Google Finance
- blogs
- ESPN.com, Drudge Report tie for 4th
4 Places I'd Rather Be:
- Maui
- Fly fishing
- Europe
- anywhere with my family
4 People I'm Tagging: (meaning you copy and post yours on your blog..)
- Vince Young
- Roger Federor
- Levi Leipheimer
- Bronco Mendenhall
A couple of Tour thoughts
Yet another rider who I have not cared for too much has impressed me again this Tour. Christophe Moreau, who I've always viewed as kind of a pouty pretty boy, really impressed me in Sunday's stage. He rode hard in leading a chase group, where a bunch of would-be contenders just let him drag them along, for almost the whole stage. I was impressed with his work ethic and his pride in himself in riding the right way. I was not impressed with some of the big names who just sat on his wheel and then jumped around him at the end after in-fighting and posturing the whole time - Alejandro Valverde, Iban Mayo, and Cadel Evans to be specific.
It's too bad to not have a real GC contender among the Americans anymore. I like Levi Leipheimer and think he's an outstanding bike rider, but I just don't know if he's going to be able to separate himself. Maybe he can, and I think his strategy is to just stay with the big boys for now, but I haven't seen anything inspiring from him yet.
I'm enjoying the outstanding individual efforts that are coming out this Tour - some old names reviving themselves and some new names exploding onto the scene for one special day. It's a neat event that seems to bring out peoples' best and worst.
It's too bad to not have a real GC contender among the Americans anymore. I like Levi Leipheimer and think he's an outstanding bike rider, but I just don't know if he's going to be able to separate himself. Maybe he can, and I think his strategy is to just stay with the big boys for now, but I haven't seen anything inspiring from him yet.
I'm enjoying the outstanding individual efforts that are coming out this Tour - some old names reviving themselves and some new names exploding onto the scene for one special day. It's a neat event that seems to bring out peoples' best and worst.
Trip Plans
We have worked out a plan for our trip to Utah starting this weekend. We're excited to see family and a few close friends, and to spend a lot of "quality" family time in the car.
The first three days are with the Utah County troops, and we're especially excited to get our Kennan back with us! Then it will be up to hang with the Salt Lake/Bountiful clan for another three days before heading to the Homestead resort for some R&R without kids. From there it's another day here, another day there, and then I'm on a plane back to reality while the family stays and plays.
I can't claim total depression about being home alone for a little less than two weeks. There will be ample time for a little extra work, a few rounds of golf, a few too many Xbox games, probably a bike ride or two... I'll keep you posted when the time comes.
But in the meantime, we prepare for the trip. Piles of laundry, packing for extended time periods, heaps of sporting equipment and kid stuff - ah, the joys of the summer vacation. And the funny things is ... we can't wait!
See y'all soon
The first three days are with the Utah County troops, and we're especially excited to get our Kennan back with us! Then it will be up to hang with the Salt Lake/Bountiful clan for another three days before heading to the Homestead resort for some R&R without kids. From there it's another day here, another day there, and then I'm on a plane back to reality while the family stays and plays.
I can't claim total depression about being home alone for a little less than two weeks. There will be ample time for a little extra work, a few rounds of golf, a few too many Xbox games, probably a bike ride or two... I'll keep you posted when the time comes.
But in the meantime, we prepare for the trip. Piles of laundry, packing for extended time periods, heaps of sporting equipment and kid stuff - ah, the joys of the summer vacation. And the funny things is ... we can't wait!
See y'all soon
Monday, July 16, 2007
Looking ahead
I'm going to get in big time trouble for this picture, but, well, sometimes things are just too good to keep to yourself.........
My queen....
We had a fun weekend. I took Micah to see the new Harry Potter movie and we both liked it. We also went swimming at a friend's pool, and we had a date with some great friends while the kids were at a swimteam party. Sunday was a bit crazy with all of our responsibilities - I think I need to come to work on Mondays to rest up from my church duties.
We have a great week ahead of us! Mostly we're prepping for our trip to Utah, which will be our annual long exodus of Ang and the kids, with me back and forth a little bit. We're even looking forward to the drive on Friday or Saturday, depending on how we feel. I'm so excited to see Kennan again - she's been having so much fun at her cousins' that I'm not sure she's even going to want to come home. We've missed her so much; our family feels too small and too quiet without her around. I think that's what I'm looking forward to the most - seeing our Benz again. But a little golf with the bros and dad, some relaxation time, and seeing friends and family won't be too bad either.
My queen....We had a fun weekend. I took Micah to see the new Harry Potter movie and we both liked it. We also went swimming at a friend's pool, and we had a date with some great friends while the kids were at a swimteam party. Sunday was a bit crazy with all of our responsibilities - I think I need to come to work on Mondays to rest up from my church duties.
We have a great week ahead of us! Mostly we're prepping for our trip to Utah, which will be our annual long exodus of Ang and the kids, with me back and forth a little bit. We're even looking forward to the drive on Friday or Saturday, depending on how we feel. I'm so excited to see Kennan again - she's been having so much fun at her cousins' that I'm not sure she's even going to want to come home. We've missed her so much; our family feels too small and too quiet without her around. I think that's what I'm looking forward to the most - seeing our Benz again. But a little golf with the bros and dad, some relaxation time, and seeing friends and family won't be too bad either.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Weekend
Not a lot on tap this weekend, which is just fine with us! We've had significant trips the last two weekends in a row, which were great, but it's also good to have a "catch-up weekend". The agenda holds things like fixing the kitchen faucet, straightening a closet or two, some house and yard work, and some fun things like a bike ride with Micah's new bike, and maybe, just maybe, I'll see if I can sneak out with Micah to go take in the new Harry Potter movie.
I had a church vs. the World moment last night. I gave up tickets to go see our favorite comedian, Brian Regan, so I could go to bishopric meeting since I missed it the last couple of weeks. I felt good about being there, but I'm sort of wishing I went based on the feedback of how good it was. Oh well, there'll probably be another chance someday...then again, there will also be another bishopric meeting - plenty of them. Anyway, it wasn't too hard of a decision and was good for me to be there. Just thought I'd share that internal struggle with you.
Have a great weekend!
I had a church vs. the World moment last night. I gave up tickets to go see our favorite comedian, Brian Regan, so I could go to bishopric meeting since I missed it the last couple of weeks. I felt good about being there, but I'm sort of wishing I went based on the feedback of how good it was. Oh well, there'll probably be another chance someday...then again, there will also be another bishopric meeting - plenty of them. Anyway, it wasn't too hard of a decision and was good for me to be there. Just thought I'd share that internal struggle with you.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
When did it become July???
Man, I look up and it's already July 12th. I started thinking...what have we done so far this year? I'm sure you were also thinking, what have John and family been doing all year? Well, here's a little peak into our 2007 so far... (in no particular order, just as they come to me, which can be incredibly random knowing my brain)
1. Brig turned 1
2. Morg turned 5
3. Benz turned 7
4. Micah turned 10
5. I left Cisco
6. I joined Google
7. Angela's had 117 girls nights out
8. Two trips to Utah
9. Matt and Rebecca got married
10. Dave and Meredith got married
11. Went skiing twice
12. I was released as Elders quorum president
13. I was called into the bishopric
14. Dad and Mom came to visit
15. Ezra was born
16. Jake and Emmy were born
17. Micah and Kennan were in Wizard of Oz
18. They were also in like 12 other year-end school productions
19. I played three new golf courses that I've never played before
20. We had our 13th wedding anniversary
21. Ang turned 34
22. The Jazz made the Western Conference Finals
23. BYU made the national championship game
24. Highland Rugby won the national championship game (not against BYU)
25. Micah and Morg moved into a bunkbed that Grandpa made
26. I have run 390 miles (not all at once)
27. I have played basketball 35 times with no significant injuries
28. I have played tennis 10 times with the same guy and not won one set
29. I won the brothers' NCAA final four pool - well, that's how I remember it
30. LOST
31. Ang and I took a trip on a plane without kids for the first time in 6 years
Hmm, no wonder it's hard to keep track of time - we've been busy.
1. Brig turned 1
2. Morg turned 5
3. Benz turned 7
4. Micah turned 10
5. I left Cisco
6. I joined Google
7. Angela's had 117 girls nights out
8. Two trips to Utah
9. Matt and Rebecca got married
10. Dave and Meredith got married
11. Went skiing twice
12. I was released as Elders quorum president
13. I was called into the bishopric
14. Dad and Mom came to visit
15. Ezra was born
16. Jake and Emmy were born
17. Micah and Kennan were in Wizard of Oz
18. They were also in like 12 other year-end school productions
19. I played three new golf courses that I've never played before
20. We had our 13th wedding anniversary
21. Ang turned 34
22. The Jazz made the Western Conference Finals
23. BYU made the national championship game
24. Highland Rugby won the national championship game (not against BYU)
25. Micah and Morg moved into a bunkbed that Grandpa made
26. I have run 390 miles (not all at once)
27. I have played basketball 35 times with no significant injuries
28. I have played tennis 10 times with the same guy and not won one set
29. I won the brothers' NCAA final four pool - well, that's how I remember it
30. LOST
31. Ang and I took a trip on a plane without kids for the first time in 6 years
Hmm, no wonder it's hard to keep track of time - we've been busy.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Le Tour
I didn't think I would be very interested in the Tour de France this year because of all the doping and drug problems international cycling has had. However, I have found myself intrigued by the race, and as is my usual habit for this three week stretch every July, I follow it every day.My favorite stage so far was Stage 1, and in the true spirit of all the politics of the day, I have flip flopped on one of the main riders of this Tour. I have long been a Robbie McEwen hater - not caring much for his tactics or his attitude. However, over the last year or so I have come to realize that in all the swirling controversy of the sport, this Australian sprinter has been constant, unchanging, and frankly very refreshing. So yes, I had started to like him before Stage 1, but I like him even more after.
He crashed about 15 miles from the finish line, which put him in serious trouble because he and his team had to use all their energy to even get back with the main group, let alone contest for the big sprint finish to try and win the stage. The Peloton (main group) was driving hard, but he and a few of his teammates slowly pulled them back. He regained contact with the group literally within the last mile of the race, and then without any teammates left to pull him to the front, he wormed his way through the whole pack (~180 riders) and literally blew by the fastest bike riders in the world at the last second to take a dramatic victory. I was incredulous - it was truly an amazing feat.
Just wanted to share that because it was so unexpected...
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Pics - July 4th, Micah bday, Philly
Patriotism at its finest (but missing Morgan and our freckled Kennan!)
Learning how to pose
See, he actually DOES have hair
Micah's birthday "cake"
The "thanks for a good gift" hug
Micah's new bike
Who wouldn't wear goggles to eat lunch?
Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks at the Reading Market (note the original Cheese Whiz)
Nate & Jenny's house with the crew
Dan & Hailey's row house
Ang in front of Independence Hall
The Liberty Bell, with the security guard in the background (wearing green)
Ang and Rocky hangin out
The finale dinner - the perfect end to a great tripMonday, July 9, 2007
Philly
Angela and I had a fantastic trip to Philadelphia over the weekend. The only stresses were really around our flights - our flight on Thursday was delayed an hour, thus leaving us 10 minutes to make our connection in Salt Lake to get to Philly on the last flight out of the night, which we barely did. Then when we flew home, we had plenty of time to make our connection in Atlanta, but apparently our bags dawdled and missed the flight, forcing me to go back to the airport late Sunday night to retrieve them.
But it was the in-between stuff that really mattered: Dan and Hailey were kind to stay up late (which turned out to be a theme for the weekend) and pick us up at the airport. It was great to see them, and we slept at their awesome home that night. The next day was our walking tour through the Historic District, and it didn't disappoint. I have to say, though, and this is going to sound very corny, but as great as the historical sights were, the highlight of the day by far was just walking with Angela, holding hands, talking, laughing at people, and missing the kids together. We did see some great things though: the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross home, Ben Franklin grave and museum, the Delaware River, and Amish people at the Reading Terminal Market.
Speaking of the Reading Terminal, we had a lot of fun walking through there and looking at all the interesting foods, eating Rick's Cheesesteaks (both Friday and Saturday), and buying little treats. LOVED the steaks! It was also awesome to see Nate, Jenny, Grant and Jack at their home, where we stayed that night after a fun dinner and another late night (poor Hailey). We sure wish we lived closer to all those guys!
Saturday was more relaxing, and was full of fun with family. It was great just hanging out, and the highlight was probably dinner at a fun Italian place by D&H's house followed by Rita's Gellatis - pure, fat-filled bliss. Sunday was a rewarding trip to sacrament meeting and then it was the long trek home to see the kids.
They did very, very well without us, and HUGE thanks go to our friends, the Baughs, for taking good care of our precious cargo. Brig was so happy to see us - he kept going between mommy and daddy, trying to figure out who he really wanted most. We sure missed our Kennan though - this is very hard for us to not have her with us, even though we know she's having a good time in Utah.
I'll upload the pictures of our adventure later, but I want to get this up without any more delay...
But it was the in-between stuff that really mattered: Dan and Hailey were kind to stay up late (which turned out to be a theme for the weekend) and pick us up at the airport. It was great to see them, and we slept at their awesome home that night. The next day was our walking tour through the Historic District, and it didn't disappoint. I have to say, though, and this is going to sound very corny, but as great as the historical sights were, the highlight of the day by far was just walking with Angela, holding hands, talking, laughing at people, and missing the kids together. We did see some great things though: the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross home, Ben Franklin grave and museum, the Delaware River, and Amish people at the Reading Terminal Market.
Speaking of the Reading Terminal, we had a lot of fun walking through there and looking at all the interesting foods, eating Rick's Cheesesteaks (both Friday and Saturday), and buying little treats. LOVED the steaks! It was also awesome to see Nate, Jenny, Grant and Jack at their home, where we stayed that night after a fun dinner and another late night (poor Hailey). We sure wish we lived closer to all those guys!
Saturday was more relaxing, and was full of fun with family. It was great just hanging out, and the highlight was probably dinner at a fun Italian place by D&H's house followed by Rita's Gellatis - pure, fat-filled bliss. Sunday was a rewarding trip to sacrament meeting and then it was the long trek home to see the kids.
They did very, very well without us, and HUGE thanks go to our friends, the Baughs, for taking good care of our precious cargo. Brig was so happy to see us - he kept going between mommy and daddy, trying to figure out who he really wanted most. We sure missed our Kennan though - this is very hard for us to not have her with us, even though we know she's having a good time in Utah.
I'll upload the pictures of our adventure later, but I want to get this up without any more delay...
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Happy 4th of July!
What better way to celebrate the 4th of July with pancake breakfasts, pool parties, fireworks, and a guys' night out screening of "Live Free or Die Hard"? All quality entertainment, but let me say this - having gone into that movie with relatively low expectations, I was more than pleasantly surprised - it was awesome! Of course it was over the top, but man was I entertained! Some high quality stunt work happened in that movie, and I am appreciative.
We're also starting the official celebrations of Micah's birthday as Ang and I will be out of town for her actual b-day on Saturday. She's a special girl and we love her so much! Hard to believe she's 10 years old now. We got her a new bike, along with some other knick knacks that she will enjoy. We celebrated with the Lyons at their pool - Maldonado's pizza and a donut stack cake. Tonight she will choose her restaurant for her special dinner, and combined with her b-day lunch with Dad at Google, she's getting some good eats for her birthday.
Angela and I are headed out to Philadelphia for a few days to have a no-kids-allowed trip. CAN'T WAIT!!! We're going to stay with Dan and Hailey, and Nate and Jenny, and are super stoked to hang with them and to see their hood. Have we mentioned we like visits to California as well? Sorry ... got sidetracked. Anyway, I'll report on that little adventure after the fact. That also means I may be offline for the next few days - hope you can stand it (yeah, right).
Adios
We're also starting the official celebrations of Micah's birthday as Ang and I will be out of town for her actual b-day on Saturday. She's a special girl and we love her so much! Hard to believe she's 10 years old now. We got her a new bike, along with some other knick knacks that she will enjoy. We celebrated with the Lyons at their pool - Maldonado's pizza and a donut stack cake. Tonight she will choose her restaurant for her special dinner, and combined with her b-day lunch with Dad at Google, she's getting some good eats for her birthday.
Angela and I are headed out to Philadelphia for a few days to have a no-kids-allowed trip. CAN'T WAIT!!! We're going to stay with Dan and Hailey, and Nate and Jenny, and are super stoked to hang with them and to see their hood. Have we mentioned we like visits to California as well? Sorry ... got sidetracked. Anyway, I'll report on that little adventure after the fact. That also means I may be offline for the next few days - hope you can stand it (yeah, right).
Adios
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Weekend Report
I teased this yesterday, but as most of you know, I drove with Kennan and Morgan to Utah last weekend. We left mid afternoon on Friday and returned around midnight on Sunday. It was a really fun trip, but probably good that Angela and Brig weren't with us because it would have been more of a production and hard for the little guy. We were lean and mobile, without any significant arguments in the car, and thanks to Dramamine, Morgan had no carsick problems. We probably spent 1/2 as much on gas driving the Volvo as we would have spent driving the Expedition, but my stiff knees these last couple of days are testament to having less room to stretch out while driving...a small trade off.
It was so fun to see all the Richards cousins and most of my brothers and wives. We spent Saturday with them, having a great big pancake breakfast, going on a small hike, playing in the
fountains at Liberty Park, and seeing the movie Ratatouille. It was then down to Provo where we I deposited the kids at Christine's and then made my way up to The Canyons ski resort for Haloti's wedding. It was really fun - you had to ride the tram up the mountain to the reception/party at the lodge at the top - pretty spectacular. It was awesome to catch up with some of my best friends in the world - Brigham and Haloti, 
and a few others. I also got a chance to chat with a couple of NFLers, Reno Mahe and Ed Mulitalo. They were really nice to take time to talk.Sunday was a special day as I got t
o participate in Spencer's baby blessings of their twins, Jake and Emmy. That was the first time I've seen twins blessed, and Spencer did an amazing job with the blessings. We left right from there to drive to Layton and, although we missed Caroline and Clint's baby blessing, we got to see all the LeBras family at their house for the BBQ. The kids enjoyed seeing all their cousins on that side, and all the aunts and uncles were there as well. We have such great families - we're very lucky!
It was then time to say goodbye to Kennan as she is staying with her cousins Milly and Katy-bug for the next three weeks until we rejoin them in Utah. It was sad to leave her there, but she will have a great time. So Morg and I headed back to the car and drove the long drive back to CA. We made the much-anticipated stop at McDonalds, and Morgan lasted as long as she could until the active weekend caught up with her around 6:15, after which she slept for pretty much the rest of the way. She was a fun little travel partner, and it made me so grateful for all our wonderful kids.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Back from the Dead
Last Monday I reported that I was not feeling well, but didn't really make reference to that again. As you might notice, I haven't posted since last Wednesday, and that was because the stomach bug finally got the best of me. I tried on Tuesday and Wednesday to fight through it, getting past the weakness and the loss of appetite, because I wasn't exactly "sick" in the classic sense. Well, until Thursday that is...
Thursday was a true sick day - I don't like being sick, I don't like all the bad things that go along with being sick, and I don't like missing work because I'm sick. Luckily I was a bit better on Friday, and was extremely grateful in the late afternoon to feel the nausea leave my body and to have the strength start to come back. It was just in the nick of time too, as we had a big weekend ahead of us!
I'll do a separate weekend report entry tomorrow when I've had a chance to download my digital pics, but in summary it consisted of 28 hours in a car, 2000 miles driven, two trips to McDonalds, one entire book on CD, a tram ride, Polynesian dancing, Ratatouille, baby blessings, and saying goodbye to one of the girls for the next three weeks. So how was your weekend?
Thursday was a true sick day - I don't like being sick, I don't like all the bad things that go along with being sick, and I don't like missing work because I'm sick. Luckily I was a bit better on Friday, and was extremely grateful in the late afternoon to feel the nausea leave my body and to have the strength start to come back. It was just in the nick of time too, as we had a big weekend ahead of us!
I'll do a separate weekend report entry tomorrow when I've had a chance to download my digital pics, but in summary it consisted of 28 hours in a car, 2000 miles driven, two trips to McDonalds, one entire book on CD, a tram ride, Polynesian dancing, Ratatouille, baby blessings, and saying goodbye to one of the girls for the next three weeks. So how was your weekend?
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