Bigwave's Blog

Golf And a massage

2011-11-22T09:50:00.001-08:00

Had a fun day yesterday. DaNae and I played 18 holes. She did well and is loving golf.

DaNae putting for birdie. She had two birdie putts, but didn't make them.

Beautiful day and the course is good. This is the par 3 16th.

DaNae teeing off on the 17th hole, par 5.

I shot 86, which is good for me. Glad to have new golfer in the family.

Par 4 13th. Water on left, sand all down the right.
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Location:Paseo del Velero,Jarretaderas,Mexico

Surf and Turf from Mexico

2011-11-20T18:24:00.001-08:00

Cheering on the sisters in the Riviera Nayarit half marathon.

The daughters joining their mothers over the finish line.

The proud finishers. Beating their Savannah time.

Danny giving surfing lessons in the deck pool.

Ella loved the bogie board.

They had a long ride on the banana tube.

Sonny loved the water and the beach.

Ella and Rosabelle best buds.

We miss the Dunlaps. They headed home today.

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Location:Paseo del Velero,Jarretaderas,Mexico

Hola from Puerta Vallarta

2011-11-18T11:25:00.001-08:00

Having a great time in Puerto Vallarta. We've been here a week now.
Drew came down and we had 3 rounds of golf. 18 holes now on a great course.
We played tennis on the new courts this morning.

We are in the brand new Grand Luxxe tower 3. Came in on the first day it opened. This is the view from our deck. The River is just in front, then the Bay of Banderas and Puerto Vallarta behind. It is beautiful.

This building is the Punta. Right on the point of the river where the par 3 green was. It's pools should open next week.

This is our big deck. It's nice to sit out here in the evenings.

The kids love this pool. It is warm and I sit in it after golf and tennis.

The little ones are having fun. Luckily we have 3 iPads here. Knox is a gamer. He calls it my pad. Danielle and DaNae are running a half marathon tomorrow.
I'll post more later.

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Fishing in Kodiak Alaska

2011-10-16T09:24:00.001-07:00

This is the oldest church in Alaska, at the mouth of the Karluk River on Kodiak Island, Alaska.

Weather was often cool and rainy, but the fishing was good.

We fished in small boats on the river, and in the ocean for halibut when the seas were calm.

In the afternoon we would fly fish for Dolly Varden.

This was the last days catch of 30 salmon.

These were two nice silvers I caught.

We caught our limits most days.

We would see big Kodiak grizzly bears everyday. We did have one bear scar. We were cleaning our fish last one evening, when this grizzly wanted our fish. The bear in the center wouldn't scar away. Mike Fisk shot a pistol at his feet. He put his ears back and looked ready to charge. Mike was getting ready to shot him. Layne and I on the right were getting ready to leave the fish and run, hence the poor photography. Finally the bear turned and left.!

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Location:Karluk River

Glacier National Park

2011-07-16T21:37:00.001-07:00

Bear country in the park, but we didn't see any.

Gavin and Elijah at the discovery cabin.

The view on the highway to the sun. It only opened last Wednesday.

Lots of cascades down the mountain.

Walking on the glacier at Logan Pass. Grace didn't like the snow in flip flops.

Took a walk along the cedar trail.

The pier at McDonald Lake.

Giles and I checking out the lake.

Grace, Giles and Tavin at the lake.

Sworn in as Jr. Rangers, after a workbook and a test.

Finished the day at Christina's wedding in Kalispell. It was fun.

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Location:Kalispell Montana

Day 2 Livorno, Florence and Pisa

2011-05-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

The cathedral in Florence was extravagant on the outside.

It was simpler on the inside. The outside was to impress Pisa.

It has a baptistery a tower and a cathedral.

It was a crowded day on the streets of Florence, you couldn't hardly walk around.

This is the baptistery showing John the Baptist sprinkling Jesus.

This is the paradise door to the baptistery, so named by Michelangelo.

The touristas on the street.

The Palace and main square in Florence.

The President of Italy was speaking inside this building making it extra crowded with security.

Statue of Neptune.

The troops on the old bridge over the Arno River in Florence.

It was a beautiful day in Florence. We'll need to go there again with more time and less crowds.

Then we went on to Pisa. Debbie doing her best to hold up the tower. They actually injected concrete into the ground on the leaning side to keep it from falling more.

The alter in the cathedral at Pisa.

Inside the cathedral of Pisa was very beautiful.

So was my wife.

The outside of the Pisa cathedral.

The cathedral and the leaning tower.

They say the green, the white and the blue are symbolic of life and the church between earth and heaven.

There are actually four buildings at Pisa. The tower and the cathedral, then in the foreground is the baptistery. and on the far left is the cemetery building. They symbolize being born in the baptistery. Life in the cathedral. Going to heaven in the tower, then burial in the cemetery.

The baptistery had two domes. The sound goes up and reverberates back in a different pitch.

This chant demonstrates the change in the sound. It was beautiful.

First Stop Monte Carlo

2011-05-27T18:17:00.000-07:00

Monaco is the 2nd smallest country in the world, next to the Vatican. It has the world's smallest coastline, about a mile. It was a beautiful place. Lots of fine cars and beautiful yachts.

Our first stop was the Grand Casino. It was closed until 2pm, but it was a cool building.

The palace of Monaco, which was home to Grace Kelly and Prince Ranier. Now prince Albert is getting married there this summer.

There were a lot of hills walking up to the casino and then up the other side to the palace.

Yachts in the harbor.

View of Monte Carlo from the deck of the ship.

The is on the steps of the grand casino, the race goes right in front of it.

The stands were right by the harbor. We walked on the track to get out to the city.

The race goes right by the harbor.

The big Grand Prix race is this weekend.

Cannons guarding the walls of the fort and the palace, overlooking the harbor.

The courtyard of the palace.

Grandma Shirley's Birthday Cruise

2011-05-26T20:45:00.001-07:00

A wonderful 80th Birthday cruise. We love you Grandma

Getting our bags ready and boarding the ship

The Carnival Magic. Brand new ship and our home for 12 days.

Shirley's cabin was decorated when we arrived.

All of the 16 cruisers. This was a suprise birthday dinner the night before birthday.

Blowing out 80 candles would be a fire hazard.

Shirley was suprised and a bit emotional.

The sisters.

Sisters and the daughters.

And with the grand-daughters.

The birthday gondola ride in Venice.

Heading Home

2011-05-23T02:54:00.001-07:00

A couple of pictures of yesterday's tour of Barcelona. I'll keep posting new thingsthis week. Best of yesterday was the Sagrada familia.

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Mom in a go car. Can't rotate this

Nativity scene above front doors.

Alter inside. Will do a better job at home

Sadie's Baptism

2011-03-27T10:20:00.001-07:00

Having a great time in Phoenix. Sadie had her baptism yesterday, and it was very nice. Warm and Sunny, golf tomorrow.

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Location:Phoenix, AZ

Remembering Pepper

2011-02-07T19:45:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of DaNae with her swimsuit on backwards. I think it looks alot like Ella.

The best pictures of Pepper were with Parker and Pepper.

Ella was thinking about Pepper yesterday. She wanted to draw a picture for him and OC and mail it to heaven. She remembered pepper being put in a box and being mailed to heaven, and wondered if he would get the picture. So I'm posting a couple of pictures of Pepper for her to remember him.

A Few Favorite Pictures

2011-01-25T14:57:00.001-08:00

It's slow at work this afternoon, and the machine is down, so I'll try a little blogging from my iPad.

Grace was our Mary for the Christmas story reading.

Fun to have Sonny and Rosabelle here.

Sure cute kids.

Grandma gave Ella a wedding dress for Christmas

She really loved her AMG girl doll and matching night gowns.

New Years was fun in Buffalo at Autumn's blessing.

The kids had fun visiting the dinosaur museum at Thanksgiving Point.

Luckily the giant shark didn't eat them all.
We had a great time tending Dianna's little boys. Miss them already.

Thanksgiving in Phoenix

2010-11-28T15:03:00.000-08:00

We had a great time in Phoenix for Thanksgiving. Half of the family made it down. Drew was a great host to share his home and heat the pool. We had ten adults and 12 kids for the dinner.
It was a great meal and we had lots of fun and games with the fam.
Dinner prep by the girls.

Boys watching football

Sometimes dinner just takes too long. Brit couldn't quite make it.

We had a great time in Drew's pool. He heated it so that the cool days were fine to swim.

Playing thanksgiving bingo with grandpa.

Songs with the cousins and then opening the Christmas jammies.

Fun in the pool.

Foul Hooked Like A Fish

2010-10-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

It was Wednesday and the tide was in and the fishing was slower. Dave Bowers and I were working hard to catch our limit of 5 fish. I just caught my 5th and he was throwing hard to get his fifth, when whack, I got the lure in the side of the head. It was a pretty lime green vibrax treble hook. One hook cut my ear, but didn't catch. The other hook caught the side of my face. In the picture below you can just see the tip of the hook where is was cut off with pliers. Unfortunately the barb on the hook wouldn't come loose.

We went back to the cabin, had lunch, and then Layne washed it with betadine, numbed it with xlyocaine, and used a scalpel to cut through the skin and release the barb, and free the hook. He did a great job.

Layne put on a waterproof bandage gave me some keflex and I was back in the fishing business with no infection.

The end of the week and the cut is healing well. No sequelae. Dave Bowers really felt bad, but it was just an accident. He was much more careful casting though the rest of the week.

Fish & Bears on the Karluk

2010-09-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

We had lots of fun fishing in Alaska on the Island of Kodiak on the Karluk River. The silver salmon were large this year, mostly around 15 pounds each. The first of the week the weather was good and the water calm. This is Dave Bowers showing his little fish in his right hand and my big fish in his left.

This was our morning catch. We had some good fighters and we had our limit by 11am.

This is the mornings catch, we had 10 salmon and on the end 2 steelheads we had for lunch.The bears were everywhere. One morning Dave and I counted 6 bears we could see around us. These two bears walked on the shore 50ft from where Bowers and I were anchored. For the Karluk fisherman this is at the point by the tank. We thought we were fine since we were out in a boat and they were on the shore.

Then right in front of us the swam into the deep water and caught a salmon right in front of our boat. They then just swam out into the more shallow area and kept fishing. Enough salmon for everyone. Often we would come in from fishing and have to move the bears out of the way to get our boats in. These bears were there every day.

We liveed in that brown cabin just above the river.Last year one tried to get in that door you see. That was Bowers and my bedroom. There is just some plastic over the hole in the door where the bear tried to get in. Those two bears live in the bushes off to the right. We would see them walking by the cabin.This is Layne & Malyn taking pictures of the bears while we waited for them to move off. We had a great time. The weather became bad later in the week and we had 50 mph winds that shook the trailer and kept us off the water 2 days. In my next post I'll show you pictures of me getting caught with a lure.

Home from Atlanta

2010-08-19T19:32:00.000-07:00

We had a safe and good trip from Spokane to Atlanta. It was a long hot drive. The first day we went to Rapid City, where there were tons of motorcycles from nearby Sturgis. We did go see Mt Rushmore, which was very nice. Next day went to Indepence Mo. and went to Liberty Jail. Here is Ben and Ella at the jail.

We went Monday to Stone Mountain. It is one big rock. We looked at the faces and then to the gondola to the top.

Knox and I at the top of Stone Mountain. You can see around you forever.

A quick kitchen update. Looking good. Finishing touches of backsplash tomorrow. I'll send an update next week with better pictures.

Happy Birthday Dorianne

2010-07-21T21:36:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Dori. We had a pool party and dinner on the deck. Since we don't have a kitchen yet. It was a beautiful day. Dorianne received some great presents. We surely love her. Dori had her favorite ice cream cake.

Love the kindle.

Construction coming along. The cabinets look great. The white island really sets it off. Can't wait until next week when the granite countertops are in and the tile floor done. Getting closer.

Construction Update July 15th

2010-07-15T21:21:00.001-07:00

The construction is coming along. You can see the veneer going on the cabinets now. All the appliances and sink are out. Fun cooking meals on the barbecue, or eating out more. The tile is in, but it won't be put in until we leave for Boise. The cabinets will all be done next week. Debbie has been working hard on the dust control. Ben put the sheet rock in around the new window and most of the trim. We bought the sconces to go on the wall tonight. Looking good. We'll keep you updated on the progress.

Cool in LA

2010-07-13T19:50:00.001-07:00

It was cool for our visit to Danny and Danielle. In the 60's most of the time. The sun broke through late in the afternoon sometimes. It was good for us because Spokane was smoking hot.The beach at Santa Monica, you can see the pier in the background. Not too many swimmers.

Litte Sonny was the reason we were there. He is so cute and so good. We love him to pieces.

Rosabelle was supposed to get her stitches out, but they put if off 5 more days. She is a cutie and one smart barely 2 year old. Thank you Danny and Danielle for a fun stay at your house.

Construction Zone

2010-07-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

The remodel on the house is going slow. Ben and DaNae took out the tile floor and we got the sub-floor down, but the tile was backoredered. Hopefully be in this week. Ben put a new window in the dining room where the wall of mirrors was. It looks very nice, but Mom wants some sconce lights on either side and the electrician hasn't come by yet, so Ben can't put the sheet rock back up. Hopefully this week we'll get the kitchen painted. Then the tile in and then the cabinets. It will be close to get it finished for when the kids are coming in and we're heading to Boise.

I'll try to be better updating my blog for my very few fans who are complaining.

Lots of work to do in the kitchen, at least the dust is gome.
New window on the deck, gone is the wall of mirrors. I miss it, but the window is nice.

Home from the Cruise

2010-05-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

Made it home from the Mexican Riviera Cruise. We had a great time. Made new friends, and saw the sights and beaches. Ate lots of good food. A Fun and a safe trip. Mom and captain Jack on the pier in Cabo.

Los Arcos, lands end. This is the view from our balcony when we woke up

The two ships in harbor in Cabo. the only day we had to tender in.

The sapphire Princess, a beautiful ship.

This is a video from our balcony in Cabo.

Boys Golf Trip

2010-03-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

David, Drew, Denton and I had a fun golf vacation in St George and Mesquite. We played some beautiful courses, although the weather was cool some days and rained on us one day.
The prettiest course was Wolf Creek in Mesquite. It was a tough day, but there were good shots and bad shots and fun all around.

This is the first hole. You can see green all around are the red rock.

This is the tee box on a par three. A good climb to get up there.

This was the hole. 185 yds to the green. No one was on. Drew made it short right.

This is the Sand Hollow course in St George. The greens were lightening fast.

This is the tee box on one of the prettiest holes. We all played the hole well.

Video of my tee shot. My famous pull slice. Although I was driving good that day.

Brushed by hurricane Rick

2009-10-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

Last night Debbie were woken up by howling winding and surging surf. About 3:30 am we got up and looked out the deck. The winds were 65 mph and the waves were just crashing in. It wasn't raining then just blowing.

In the morning we rented a car and drove up into the Sierra Madre mountains to the little town of San Sebastian. We got lost a couple of times on the way, but with my poor Spanish and some english from a truck driver we found the turn off to this quaint mountain town.

We had some rain there, but had lunch and toured the town and came back down. When we got to Puerto Vallarta it was a toruential rain. The roads in some places were like rivers and I doubted the little car were we driving would make it through. We make out fine. No wrecks and found the new Costco and the new walmart. Then off to Fajita Republic for dinner. By dinner the rain had quit and the skies cleared. I'm going to play golf again in the moring.

Hope the weahter stays nice now the storm is over.

Cloudy Puerto Vallarta

2009-10-19T11:42:00.000-07:00

We're glad to be back in Mexico. The hurricane missed us but big swells took out some of the beach by the old Mayan Palace. Lots of contruction here. The Grand Bliss is going up next to the Grand Mayan and the Grand Luxxe is done inside and should open the end of Jan 2010.

I'm going on a walk to the new golf course this afternoon. We did the owners update which took all morning and we didn't buy anything.

Here are a couple of pix of the construction from our room.

Halibut Fishing

2009-09-23T09:22:00.001-07:00

The biggest halibut I've seen caught, 200 lbs. By Malyn Malquist.

A couple of the salmon I caught.
Where we lived in Karluk

Old men and the sea

Got one on.

Our catch of the day.

A scruffy bunch heading home.

Malyn sent me some pictures from our halibut fishing the first day off the mouth of the Karluk River in the Shellikof straits. He caught the biggest halibut, I caught the next biggest. It was the best day halibut fishing we have ever had there. ll total halibut were caught.

Back From Alaska

2009-09-21T22:11:00.000-07:00

We had a great trip to Kodiak Island, Alaska. Our flight was cancelled to Kodiak the first day because of weather, but we got in early the next morning and made it on the charter for halibut fishing. The weather was kind of rough, Dale Reese got sick, but he still managed to catch fish. We caught 14 halibut, the largest was 140 pounds.

Saturday we flew to the Karluk River. The weather was good and the ocean calm so we went out in our boats to the ocean for halibut again. We caught 11. A couple of 80 to 90 pounders then Maylyn got a barn door. The halibut was huge. We estimated weight by length and girth to be 196 lbs.

The salmon fishing was the best ever. We had our limits early in the morning, then went out in the afternoons to catch and release. I landed more than 100 fish. I even got a nice steelhead.

We saw bears every day. It was funny to see them try and catch the red salmon. Home safe and sound. Total of processed fish was 1349 pounds.

Flat Stanley went with me. He was nearly eaten twice.

Flat Stanley says sorry BYU. Maybe next year.

Phoenix Hot Hot Hot

2009-07-05T08:11:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update. Fun in the pool. Dog vs boy swim race. Kelmen's baptism was awesome.

Then last night Drew and Denton did surgery on me.

Home from Mexico to Snow

2009-04-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

We had a great trip to Puerto Penasco. The week was quiet. We went into town for dinner on Tuesday and there were not many gringos there. It was very pleasant and we had a nice dinner of shrimp at The Point and watched the sunset.

Friday a storm came through with high winds. It was tough playing golf with 30-40 mph winds. Then that night it blew harder and rained. The high tide took sand over some of the fairways on the golf course. The golf course was tough. I didn't break 100 all week, but I got lots of practice out of the sand. Sometimes out of one trap to another trap. Plus the rough is one big sandtrap.

We had fun with the little kids, thank goodness they had an indoor pool with the temps in the low 70's. The little girls really did love the water. Over all we had a fun trip and were completely safe. Mexico is really taking a hit on its tourism. Great time to travel there now.

Sunny in Puerto Penasco

2009-04-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

We/re Having fun in Mexico. Today was a nice day, in the high 70’s. The boys played golf on the Peninsula de Cortes course here at the Mayan Palace. There are 100 sand traps and one lake. Plus if you hit off of the fairways, the rough is like one big sand trap. There is also on lake. I hit two in the lake off the tee, and Drew hit three in the water and took a 12 on the hole.

The kids have had lots of fun in the water. The indoor pool was hot today and the kids loved it. The outdoor pools are cold. The beach is huge. Tonight we watched the sunset and walked all the way out thru the tidal basins. We found starfish and conch shells.

It has been fun and I'll post more with other pictures later.

Fun Weekend in SLC

2009-03-23T16:52:00.000-07:00

Friday afternoon the boys picked me up from the airport. It was 75 degrees, we immediately went to the airport golf course, wingpoint, and played 18 holes. Saturday we went to the zoo on a nice morning.

Sunday we helped bless baby Jackson. With Edon's family and our family it was a record for a blessing circle, especially when half the men were facing the wrong way. Then Sunday afternoon we had the opportunity to go to the last session of the Draper Temple dedication.

We played games Sunday night and it was a blizzard driving home and snowing good this morning when I left Salt Lake. At least we had a couple warm days and a great fun weekend with the fam.

Moose on the Loose

2009-02-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

We had a cow and calf moose in the yard today. The snow and cold weather has pushed them down to the valleys. Mom, Dori and Gavin had a fun time tracking them this afternoon. The calf was all over our yard grazing.

Bunches of people showed up taking pictures. So Mom started taking pictures of the people watching the moose. She called the fish and game department, but they just said they were aware of them and leave them alone. So they are still wandering around the neighborhood. Our yard is becoming a wildlife refuge for moose, deer and raccoons.

Cold Northwest

2009-01-26T20:06:00.000-08:00

It has been a cold snowy winter. At least the hot tub is good. There is still lots of snow, we've only lost some of it. Not much thaw here.

The girls from the warm climates have been here this week. LA and Las Vegas seem a lot better when it is cold here. Those little girls are so cute here. I tended them on Saturday while the girls went to Bride Wars. The only casualty was Rosabelle's blowout up to her shoulders. Grace took her first steps yesterday, now she will really be into everything. I'll miss DaNae and Ella, and Danielle and Rosabelle when they leave this week.

Princess Cays & Home

2009-01-16T13:02:00.000-08:00

Today we were at Princess Cays. It was cool and overcast, but we went anyway. We had one of those clam shell covers, but there was no sun to keep out, only protection from the wind. It was still nice to get off the ship. Barbara & Cliff went snorkeling even if the water was cold.

Dinner last night was escargot, caviar, lobster and shrimp. It was very good. The stage show was also new and high tech. The scenes were all proejcted and looked real.

Bingo starts in 15 minutes. Debbie the bingo master is going to that. I'm going to trivia.

Packing our bags tonight. Home to the cold tomorrow. Talk to you all tomorrow.

To Hell and Back

2009-01-13T20:54:00.000-08:00

Today we were in Grand Cayman. It is a beautiful island. We rented a taxi and went to the town of Hell. It has some volcanic outcroppings so the original explorers named the place Hell. The owner of the little shop in Hell is named Ivan. I had my picture taken with him, but he likes the girls picture with him better. He kept kissing Barbara on the cheek.

We then went to 7 mile beach and had some quality beach time. The water was chillier than Mexico, but nice and clear and it was a warm day. Mom and I swam and then took a long walk down the beach, but didn’t do the whole seven miles though. There were 4 ships in port including the Disney Magic, but didn’t see David’s in-laws.

Ocho Rios Jamaca Mon

2009-01-12T14:57:00.000-08:00

We had fun today. Cliff and Barb had fun on the zip lines. We then went to the falls. It was prettyand we climbed the falls. They are amazing that it is such natural limestone like steps up.

The Ruby Princess is only 8 weeks old and still they have started on painting the outside. Having fun, going to the early show tonight and then dinner, since we ate a late lunch after the falls.

Wiiner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

2009-01-11T20:27:00.000-08:00

Hi, having fun sailing the Carribbean. Getting nice and warm now. We'll be in Ocho Rios, Jamaica tomorrw. Barb & Cliff are going to do the zip lines in the rain forest, then we are going to Dunn's River Falls.

Today they played wii@sea on the big screen. Then they showed the football playoffs. Pretty good watching them arond the pool.

Mom Won the blackout bingo today. The pot was $400, but she had to split it with someone. Anyway first time we've won Bingo. Tonight was formal night and the production show. It was good. Having fun. Miss you guys.

Welcome Home to Winter

2008-12-27T14:22:00.000-08:00

We picked the best days to travel to and from Chicago. The day after we left it snowed 2 feet in 24 hours in Spokane, the day before we left Chicago 500 flights were canceled and the day after we left they had freezing rain and shut down the city.

We woke up this morning to another 6 inches of wet snow. It took a couple of hours to shovel. The front steps had 3 feet of snow drifted on them to get cleared. Having even thought about the back deck yet, except for maybe a trail to the hot tube. We are thankful for Dori and Brent who shoveled for us and kept the cats alive and in the garage while we were gone.

We are sticking in there though, can't wait for our cruise in 10 days to the Caribbean.

Merry Christmas from Chicago

2008-12-24T09:31:00.001-08:00

Mom's busy with the Christmas Eve dinner. We just had a photo shoot with two week old Jackson. He looks big for his age. I'll put in a couple of pictures.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas. We'll talk to you all tomorrow. The weather has been bad both here and Seattle, so we hope we make it home.

We love you all and miss you.

Below Zero in Chicago

2008-12-22T07:21:00.000-08:00

Very cold here. It is -3 here as I write. We went to church here yesterday. It is an interesting ward, in Hyde Park, just two blocks from Obama's house. We drove by his house on the way home from church. He is in Hawaii for Christmas, so we were able to go by the house.

Their ward ranges from University of Chicago professors, to students, to the poor black people of the hood. Everyone was nice, just a very eclectic ward.

We've been keeping warm here cuddling the baby. He really is a good baby. He loves the Wii and guitar hero.

Merry Christmas, I'll post more later.

Playing With the Baby

2008-12-18T15:23:00.000-08:00

Chicago is chilly, but sunny today. We were able to get out of Spokane before the big snow storm hit. Our baggage didn't come with us, but it did arrive later and we got it okay.

Little Jackson is a keeper. He Slept most of the night last night. Basically it is eat, sleep and be held by someone. We sure love our newest grandson.

Keep shoveling snow, hopefully our cats are keeping warm somewhere.

Fun Time in Utah

2008-12-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

Sorry I'm slow getting a post out. We were in Utah last weekend for Ashley's baptism and we had a fun weekend there. Besides the baptism David, Ben and I played golf, went to Body World 3 with David and Dori, and had our family Chistmas bingo party.

Here are a few pictures I took. Didn't take too many.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-01T21:39:00.000-08:00

It was great to have Denton and Krystee here for Thanksgiving week. It was pretty quiet after Mexico and fun to have them home. We went to movies, bowled and played lots of games. Krystee and I were the Hand & Foot champions.

We have lots of animals around. Grace would stand at the kitchen slider on one side and pepper standing on hind legs on the other side, so I brought them together one night. Grace loved petting pepper and he enjoyed being inside for awhile.

Santa is missing a deer. We found Rosy doe in the yard on Sunday morning. She jumped in front of a car I guess. I had a deer the other night jump right in front of us going up our driveway. We need David up here to hunt them.

Happy Holidays to all. We be traveling most of December.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008-10-31T09:37:00.000-07:00

David give the evil eye. DaNae the angel.

DaNae's birthday

I haven't updated for awhile and last night I was making picture CD to send off and had lots of space, so I put some old pictures on it to fill it up. I thought some old pictures would make a good Halloween post. I put the ghosts and globlins on tomorrow.

One Hot Mama

The St. George Marathon and Girls Trip

2008-10-08T23:15:00.000-07:00

The finishers were Ben, DaNae, Dianna, then Dave and Dorianne. They were all great. We were so proud of their accomplishment.

Just got back from the St. George Marathon last weekend and being with the girls for their trip to Las Vegas. The weather was hot, except for cold and rainey for the marathon day. Here are an assortment of pictures.

Here is Ella's new halloween costume.

The group at Lake Las Vegas

Happy Birthday Derek

2008-09-24T22:19:00.001-07:00

It has been fun to have Derek here for a rotation. Last night we celebrated his birthday a day early.

We started with dinner at Wolf Lodge. We had the swinging steaks for an appetizer. (Rocky Mountain Oysters) Gavin really liked them. We told him they were just like chicken nuggets only from bulls.

We came home and opened presents. We put the old won't blow out candles on the cake, and had cake and ice cream. It was a fun night.

We'll miss Derek going home on Saturday, but his poor wife needs him home. Happy Birthday Derek, number 29.

A Busy Cool Labor Day

2008-09-01T17:58:00.001-07:00

We had a busy Labor Day today. The boys went golfing this morning, Dad won. The kids had pony rides on a Shetland pony named flower. Then we took a hike to Little Payette Lake and watched a helicopter haul logs. The kids made brownies for FHE treats. We went to Goldfork hot springs to warm up and then had family home evening. The kids are tired and being put to bed as I write this.

A Unique Church

2008-08-31T12:12:00.000-07:00

We are in McCall, Idaho for the week. Today is Sunday and we looked up the McCall 1st ward on the church's website. Only problem the building is being renovated and is closed. They said they are meeting in a barn, so we thought that would be a unique experience for church and well it was. The weather has been nice, but today is is 48 degrees and rainy. We followed directions to the barn. About 20 minutes from town. The barn was really like a pavilion. Open at both ends unfinished walls and really open air. They were only supposed to meet their 7 weeks, but this is their 11th. Being Labor Day weekend there were lots of people visiting. Someone said about 60% were visitors. Getting there we had no problem finding the turnoff because there was a big line of cars going there. The palace was packed. They had to keep moving the horses out of stalls to get more chairs in.

The meeting started 20 minutes late trying to get the people in. The kids thought it was fun, the only church with horses to pet. The horses were neighing at the sacrament and kept trying to get the bread. The people by the stalls keep watching for the horses head coming over the stalls.

They had the two missionaries speak. The first from Colorado said he had trouble turning his Scripture pages, his hands were too cold. It rained and hailed through most of the meeting. The second missionary was from Mexico. He said he thought he'd been sent to the promised land, but it was cold. The bishop said he hadn't seen anything yet. The crowed was all in coats and blankets. There were 652 people crowded in that barn, but the spirit there kept us warm, plus we all choose a child to cuddle. I was warm thanks to Ashley.

The Bishop closed by his testimony of their spirit of sacrifice and lack of complaints like their pioneer heritage. they'll be back in their new chapel next week. I was a great adventure, and they closed church after sacrament meeting because it was so cold.

Growin' Me a Coonskin Cap

2008-08-12T21:36:00.000-07:00

I told all the grand kids we had raccoons come and eat the cat food. The other night Danielle, DaNae, Mom and I were all in the hot tub when the raccoons came out. They came in by the pool and then climbed right over the gate. There were five of them. They then got in the little police car, and then crossed high in the rocks and down under the deck. Mom was getting nervous so she armed herself with the top of the hose bin like a shield. However they failed to attack us.

Tonight they came to eat again, four this time. When they get a little bigger I think its time for a coon hunt and skin them for my cap. What do you think. Shoot them, scare them, or feed them.

Cousins Camp

2008-07-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

This has been a busy week with all the little kids and some of the big kids here. We have had lots of fun. We started Tuesday night with a birthday party for all the kids since grandparents can't make it to every birthday party. The kids all got presents of a beach towel and a squirt gun. Then they broke a pinata filled with candy and had an ice cream cake.

Wednesday was cold in the morning, so we went to the kids museum and then to Riverfront park to feed the ducks and ride the carousel.

Thursday we went to the Ryder Ranch and had a wagon ride, rode horses and the roasted hot dogs and made smores. Riding the horses was the big hit even with Ella and Carson.

Today we had the children's Olympics and tomorrow is Silverwood. Running out of time tonight. Post more later.

Happy Birthday Dorianne

2008-07-21T21:09:00.000-07:00

Today Dorianne is 27. We went out to lunch with DaNae and the kids to the Red Lobster. Gavin saw the live lobsters in the water tank and deceided he didn't like lobster.

We had a little party for Dori and she opened presents. Then grandpa tended the kids so they could go out to dinner.

We love you Dorianne. Happy 27th.

Firestorm Spokane Valley

2008-07-10T22:29:00.000-07:00

As I was driving home tonight about 5:30 pm, I saw a big column of smoke. I came home the back way because our 22nd hill is torn up to repair sewer and repave. As I got to the top of our hill I saw that the fire was over in the dishman hills area. We drove to Costco and you could see the whole hillside was on fire and huge clouds of smoke. We drove home up Argonne and 32nd and saw people with sprinklers on their roofs and watering down their trees. They did a manditory evacuation from Sprague to 48th Ave. and from Park Road to University.

Watching from our bedroom window now that it is dark you can see the dishman hills all ablaze with fire. We have a great view from our window. I tried to take pictures, but it was too dark and far away.

Luckily it isn't on our hill. They broke our main water line this morning and the whole hill is without water. Thank goodness for our storage, plus they have water trucks filling up containers for people on the hill. Overall and exciting day.

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-05T09:20:00.000-07:00

We had a fun 4th of July. Dori and Brent and the kids came over and swam. Gavin in now officially a swimming machine. He goes off the diving board and down the slide all by himself. We put a life jacket on him and now he is bulletproof in the water.

Then we had a great barbecue dinner outside, complete with a 4th of July flag cake by Dori. Then we went to the fireworks in Liberty Lake. They had music in the bandstand by Too slim and the taildraggers, and then the fireworks. The fireworks were better there this year, but they do them out in the lake and it makes them too far away. Next year we're getting a balcony at the Coeur d' Alene resort and watching them there.

Happy Birthday Grandma

2008-06-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

Sunday was Debbie's birthday. We spent most of the day waiting for Danny and Danielle and Rosabelle to get home from the hospital. They thought she might be jaundiced, but her bilirubin was okay. They take her into the pediatrician to recheck it today.

We barbecued steaks and had cheesecake, Mom's favorite, for dessert. The we opened all the cards and presents from the family. It was very nice.

It's Monday now and I'm heading back to Spokane this afternoon. Mom is here to help with the baby for another week. She is just a cutie.

Rosabelle One Day Old

2008-06-21T21:42:00.000-07:00

Litte Rosabelle is such a sweetie. She has been so good for the new parents. You do have to be patient with new parents. I watched as they tried to dress her in a long sleeved shirt that drownd her. Then it took 6 hands to swaddle her. She looked like a little papoose when they finished with her. She loves to be held by everybody and already is partial to the green binky.

She is coming home tomorrow. Will post new pictures and Mom's big birthday bash.

Hello Rosabelle Jo

2008-06-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

It was a long night for Danielle and Danny. They text Debbie at 3:30am that she was dilated to 8cm. Then they call just after 4am that she was fully dilated. We got there at 4:30am and they were just going to put her up in position to push. Mom stayed in to help while I went to the lobby to nap.

Dr. Chan came in a 6:30am and she was born at 6;33. She had aspirated some meconeum, so the suctioned here and gave her percussion therapy and suctioned some more until she was breathing clearly. She is a beautiful, perfect little girl. Roseabell Jo Dunlap. Welcome to the family.

Waiting For Baby D

2008-06-19T23:21:00.000-07:00

Today was Danielle's due date and she went into the hospital this morning to be induced. Not much happened until 9am. They put in a cervical dilator to help soften the cervix. They left that in place until 9pm when she was 90% effaced, but still only dilated to 1cm. So about 9:30pm they started her on the pitocin. When we left over an hour later she was getting some contractions and they were perking up. She still hadn't had her epidural. The nurse said she probably still won't have the baby until morning. We left to go to bed and Danny is staying there with her.

She is doing very well. We love her tons. Can't wait to see baby girl Dunlap. Nine letters to her name. Three syllables. An older name. Still a mystery to all but the Danny's.

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T20:33:00.001-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all you fathers out there. Especially to the fathers of my little grandchildren. It was quiet around here today with Debbie at Danielle's on baby watch. I did enjoy dinner at Dori's and opening presents there. Then we watched Tiger make his open comeback for the playoff.

I enjoyed every ones presents, even used a few already.

Gavin gave me La Tenga Moya wrapped up for fathers day. I brought it home and it escaped, and attacked Pepper. Luckily Pepper is brave and caught that snake in the grass. Mexico will be safe next time we go.

I love you all. Dad

A Day at the Zoo

2008-06-06T22:21:00.000-07:00

While we were in Chicago we went to Linkon Park (really Lincoln Park). It is a big area where the Chicago Zoo is. It was a beautiful warm day and we took some pictures of the animals. I told Derek I put some on the blog.

They also had a conservatory there with thousands of beautiful flowers. I tried to shoot a few of them. They were easier to get close to than the lions.

All in all we had a fun trip to see Derek and Edon in the big city.

Beautiful Day on the Links

2008-05-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

Today David Jr. Brent McAllister and I played in a golf tournament at the Coeur d'Alene Resort.

It was a pharmacetical meeting at the resort and they had a golf tournament before the meeting started. David came to have a display at the meeting and Brent helped him, but the major reason for coming was the golf.

The day started out cool, but ended up about 75 degrees and sunny. We were six under on the front, but only one under on the back to keep us out of contention winning the scramble. We still had lots of fun. We scattered some shots, but usually someone came thruough. On the 14th floating green David was pin high, but right in the rough. I was in the sand in front, the others didn't make the green, rather made the water.

I had one par three shot four feet from the pin, to bad it wasn't the closest to the pin hole.

David and Brent are still at the meeting. Post more later.

Chicago, My Kind of Town

2008-05-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in Chi-town this weekend. I'll give a quick recap and then we have to get to bed. Thursday, got in late, went out to dinner and placed games, stayed at the Residence in downtown. Friday spent most of the day at the Science and Industry Museum, then went to Gino's east for dinner. Saw the Blue Man Group that night. They were good and very funny.

Saturday, went up to the top of the Hancock building to the observatory. Checked out the building with Oprah's penthouse. Went to the candy factory and dinner by Derek's apartment in Indiana. Then went to Indiana Jones movie. Today went to church, had a great dinner here and relaxed and played games. Tomorrow, Derek has to go into the hospital for awhile, then we are going back downtown, maybe the Zoo or the Field Museum. Home tomorrow night.

WARNING WARNING WARNING

2008-05-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

Do not take pre-pubescent girls to this store. It will empty your wallet and severely stress all to the plastic that you carry.

We're walking around downtown Chicago and the Debbie and Edon wanted to go into the American Girl store. I thought the place was freaky. Little girls were smiling and giggling and Mom's and Dad's just shaking there heads. Watching them exit the store with their little girl carrying her new doll, wearing the same outfit that the doll had on and with the same hair color and the same hairstyle. Believe this did not happen by chance.

You go in and pick out your doll. The girl of the year this year is Mila. She is an active girl, meaning you have to buy her roller blades, soccer outfit and golf clubs. Her motto is play with passion, win or lose with dignity.

So you buy the doll, $100, buy her outfit, and one for your daughter, her accessories. Chose her hair color, then take her and her doll to the beauty salon and get matching do's.

Then everyone goes to the dining room for lunch. The waiter, then seats you and gets highchairs for the dolls. It really was funny to see them exit down the escalator, 3 floors to this store, with the little girls glowing and the Mom and Dad shaking their heads. I thought about David and Tara and their beautiful little girls. Beware, be warned, be quick to pass it up.

Summer in the City

2008-05-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

Finally we are getting some better weather. Yesterday was 78 degrees. They said it was the best day since Sept. 15th 2007. This weekend it is supposed to be between 85 and 90. Our weekend of summer. We'll think about cleaning out the pool and getting it started.

I haven't taken any new pictures with my new camera. I'll try to get on the stick this weekend and take some outside. So I'll put a few pictures on from the trip to Salt Lake the first weekend of May. Next weekend we go to Chicago to visit Derek and Edon and we'll take lots of pictures.

Last Weekend in SLC

2008-05-08T23:15:00.000-07:00

I was in Salt Lake with Mom last weekend for Gordon's graduation from the University of Phoenix. It was a fun weekend with the graduation and the family dinners on Saturday and Sunday.

Friday, David, Ben and I played golf and I beat David by 3 strokes. Saturday was the graduation and dinner at the Thompsons. Sunday we took Ella, Grace and Gavin on trax, then went to dinner at David's. Monday, Dori and the kids and I drove back to Spokane. The kids were great and the long ride went well.

Here is an assortment of the many pictures. Sorry I couldn't show more.

Fun in Utah

2008-04-27T21:04:00.000-07:00

I just flew back from Utah today. Ben Durtschi graduated from BYU in construction management. The ceremony, was early, short and memorable. Gordon Thompson graduates next week.

We then went bowling, played minature golf and games. The favorite this time was animal lotto.

My favorite was playing with the little grand kids. I wish I could post more pictures. The girls and boys were so cute. Nine of our 12 were there.

Danielle's shower was Saturday, and the family turned out to show here a fun time and shower her with baby gifts for baby girl Dunlap. I'm going back down next weekend and will post more pictures.

Spring Day in the 509

2008-04-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

Woke up to the white stuff again this Saturday morning. The snow is in backyard was just about gone and Gavin and I were going to put up the trampoline this morning. Then we were going to trim the yard and I was going to hit a bucket of balls. This weather is crazy here.

Justin and Jade are here from Montana and Gavin and Jade have been playing pirates and the princess. I'm thinking more about Arizona for the winters. Enjoy conference today. Got to run.

Gobal Warming (NOT)

2008-03-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

This is not trick photograhpy. I am not reposting the same pictures. This is the third day in a row of snow this week and it will continue at least until Monday April Fools Day.

Coeur d' Alene has demolished the record snowfall for a winter since they started keeping records in 1890. The previous largest snowfall was the winter of 1915-16 when they had 124.3 inches. With this snowstorm today Coeur d' Alene is now over 150 inches. That is in town, not on the slopes.

The Russians are predicting a new little ice age. I think I'm in that camp. I think Mexico is the answer for the dark months. Dr. Lamm and his family left for the Grand Mayan PV today. Great timing. I wanted to try out my new driver on Wednesday, but it was snowing and I ended up with a colonoscopy instead. Go figure.

First Day of Spring

2008-03-20T11:54:00.000-07:00

As I woke up this morning I'm missing Mexico way more. For the 1st day of spring we had a couple of inches of snow, and it will be cold and rainy and snowy for the rest of the week..

I did have a good birthday. Thank you all for the cards and great presents. I can't wait to use some of them when the weather warms up. I'm looking forward for the next year. Maybe this will be my last year working full time, we'll see.

Heading Home Today

2008-03-16T11:07:00.001-07:00

Its sad. We're leaving the sun and heading for home. It has been a great week. Nobody sick, no problemos, only David teasing Gavin.

David's family and Grandma have left. We be going in an hour. It is surely beautiful here. Lets start planning the next trip and who is going. Love you guys. Talk to you Monday

View from the ninth floor

2008-03-14T13:24:00.000-07:00

I took a video with my little flip video camera of the view from our room on the 9th floor in the new tower. Its a great view, but only fair video. Anyway here it is.

Friday Already

2008-03-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that its Friday already. I'm not ready to leave yet. The weather has been 80 degrees every day, almost cool in the mornings. The girls are up at the spa having massages, so I thought I'd update the blog. We played golf yesterday and I had David 5 shots on the front and then lost on the back getting into their hard sand traps. It was a beautiful day though. Then Gavin and Ashley and Megan did the dolphin kids swim. It was fun for them. I'll send some pictures. Wish you were all here.

Great time in Mexico

2008-03-11T19:58:00.000-07:00

It has been absolutely georgous here. Warm and sunny. About 80 and sunny everyday.
We played golf yesterday. I beat them and we also saw a big crocodile on the 6th hole.

Today was David's birthday. We went dowtown and shopped some. Watched whales from the malicon. Then we went to dinner at Pipi's. It was great. I'm in a hurry to go up and play games with the fam, so this is short. I'll include some pictures, more to come later.

Beware the Ides of March

2008-03-01T12:45:00.001-08:00

March 1st and its sunny and 45 degrees. I guess that is coming in like a lamb although looking at the yard there is still plenty of snow and ice still is on the pool.

I feel like golfing, but that will have to wait until Mexico. Just thought you'd like to see all the snow there is. It has been melting slow at least and no flooding anywhere yet.

Sun & Fun in Miami

2008-02-27T09:25:00.000-08:00

Derek and I had fun at the ACRO meeting in Miami. The meeting was only fair, but the beach and 85 degree weather was great. We had a great view of the bay from our room at Bayside. Watching all the cruise ship go in and out made you want to catch one.

South beach was fun. We saw Enrique Iglasias practicing for the Today show on the beach. Then walked down the street and had dinner.

It was a fun trip, but lots of flying. I'll put on a few pictures of Derek and I.

A Few More Pictures

2008-02-06T10:14:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to add a couple of more pictures of the beach and ship.
We missed all of you on the cruise, so next year lets plan on all together. Maybe for my retirement party.

Criusin' and Relaxin' in the Sun

2008-02-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

We had a great time on the Carribean Princess. It is a sister to the Grand Princess, a huge ship. It had 3150 passengers. We had three sea days and stops in St. Martin, St. Thomas and Princess Cays on the island of Eluthrea.

It was fun to get away and be warm. Our favorite part was the spa. We went into the steam rooms and warm tables everyday and had massages one day. They did a facial as part of the massage special. I thought that was kind of goofy. I like the hot stone massage best.

The food was good, we ate plenty of it, but we did walk over a mile every day on deck. The Princess ships have a huge movie screen on deck showing movies day and night, that was fun. I won trivea three times. Basically we just had a relaxing time. In St. Thomas we went to Megan's bay, which is beautiful and had a relaxing day on the private island.

We had so much fun we put a deposit down on another cruise. The next cruise will make us elite princess members. Maybe the next cruise will be the mediterranean.

Now we are back to the cold and snow. It snowed yesterday again and more in store for tonight. So much for global warming this year.

Snow Snow Go Away

2008-01-09T11:41:00.000-08:00

Well, winter really has hit us. Yesterday it snowed lightly most of the day. After we got the ice off our driveway we've been trying to keep it clear. Yesterday we shovelled three times.

Last night we had 8 inches of snow and just got it all off. The driveway is shrinking however. The snow keeps getting higher on the banks and encroaching on the driveway.

Mom is busy panicking about her first night as shift coordinator at the temple. Lots of call already about workers cancelling for tonight.

My shovelling pal Gavin had a sleep over last night and is waiting to play some games, so got to run.

We Had a Merry Christmas

2007-12-30T09:39:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas. There was lots of snow for sledding and shoveling. There we tons of presents under the tree. The best part was having David and Tara and the girls, DaNae and Ben and Ella, and Dori and Brent, Gavin and Grace staying with us.

We got a family Wii which was a hit and played lots of other games. We swam at the indoor water park, went to movies, jump and bounce and the kids museum. I have bruises and ball marks from playing racquetball with David, but we had great fun. It was really sad to see David and his family leave for SLC yesterday.

Here are some pictures of Christmas Eve dinner,the tree and baby grace, and the kids waiting on the stairs to open presents. I'll try to put in a video clip of sledding.

Slumber Party at Grandma's House

2007-12-09T22:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday night Dorianne and Brent went out to dinner with friends, so we asked Gavin over for a Polar Express slumber party. Gavin and I started by making a snap together ginger bread house. It was cool and easy to do. Gavin liked gluing on the little pieces best. Then we watched the polar express movie on our new 52" LCD TV. We had popcorn and snacks and lots of fun. Gavin's little bed is now down in the basement and he wouldn't sleep down there, so guess he was in bed with us. He woke us up in the middle of the night and it took us awhile to get him back to sleep. This morning we went in the hot tub, had pancakes for breakfast and then went to church together. He really likes to hang with the old folks. I only with some of the other grandchildren were around so they could hang with us too. Gettin' ready for Christmas.

Snow has Melted

2007-12-04T16:14:00.000-08:00

We had some big snow storms last week and Saturday and Sunday, but the weather warmed up and the Chinook winds have melted it all. Today it was in the 50's. They say more snow is coming. I just hope it is not more rain.

We're getting ready for Christmas. Debbie is getting all the packages ready. She is getting the last of them in the mail tomorrow.

Last night for family home evening we went to the stake center on 29th to the Christmas Creche exhibit. Every year the get more displays and more beautiful nativity sets. This year they had a children's room and Gavin had fun coloring a nativity set, doing a cutout and attaching clothes pins to them. It was cute. Then we all had our picture taken. It was a good evening, but Gavin left his picture in the restaurant where we ate dinner later and wanted to go back to get it. Luckily Brent took pictures and can print another one off.

Looking forward to the holidays. I'll take some pictures of our tree and the Christmas lights.

Last Day in Paradise

2007-11-23T10:55:00.000-08:00

Last day in Puerto Vallarta, we are leaving tonight. We had a fun Thanksgiving. We went into town and ate our traditional Thanksgiving dinner at PiPi's. Then we walked down the Malecon. They were having a big mass in the amplitheater, complete with a large mariachi band. Great music. Then we went across the street to the plaza and they had folk dancers performing there. It was pretty entertaining.

Ben and DaNae and Ella left this afternoon. It was sad to leave them. Ella is such a doll and a happy baby. Mom and I are alone again for the day. So we are going to la playa for a siesta before we head to the airport. Que le vaya bien.

Lazy Tuesday

2007-11-20T19:36:00.000-08:00

Easy day today. Last night the girls went to the spa for massages, then we played two deck hearts until Midnight. Today we had breakfast at the buffet and Gordon and Di and the kids had their last swims and we took some pictures. Mom cried when they left. She loves all of her children so much. They are all special. Mom is feeling better today.

Tonight we went to a new resturant, El Estudio. It is just past the sun market at the marina. It was very good and cheap. A couple from Ogden told us about it. The owner is an artist and displays his paintings and his wife runs the resturant. We may hit it for Thanksgiving. Their specialty is cocconut shrimp.

Got to run and play games. They are waiting for me. Dad

Beautiful Monday Morning

2007-11-19T08:36:00.001-08:00

Hi all. It's a sunny Monday morning. We have our towells out by the shallow pool and the big white balls. Going to enjoy the last day here for Denton and Krystee. Our family is getting smaller here. It was crowded last night, but good to be all together. We played double deck hearts and Dianna won. We're down to one room now.

We took a couple of pictures with Ella this morning while getting our spots. Post more later.

Sunny Sunday

2007-11-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we played in the ocean and made sand castles at the beach. The kids really had fun. Parker says he wants to move to Arizona and go to high school with Kelmen. Mom and I were taking Sadie and Kelmen out in the waves. We were out pretty far and still standing up when a big wave broke on us and knocked us all down and Mom lost here sunglasses. Kelmen and Sadie wanted out after that.

Today we had our own little church service and it went well with a combination of talks, songs and kids activities. Drew and his family left today for Phoenix. Kelmen didn't want to leave and it was sad to see them go. We really had fun with them this week.

Last night we went to eat at a Mexican resturant in Paradise Village Mall. Mom threw up all night and has a headache and fever now. We all ate the same food, so it is probably the food. I hope she is feeling better tomorrow. Everyone else is feeling well.

Another day in paradise, 88 and sunny.

2007-11-16T06:30:00.000-08:00

Buenos dias from the Grand Mayan. We're ready for another day in the sun. Yesterday we played tennis. Mom and I took Carson and Ella on a long walk in the strollers. We walked down the beach to the Mayan Palace, then along the golf course where they are remodeling it. Some of the natives were fishing in the pond on number 14 the short par three and getting some nice fish by netting them.

We spent the rest of the day around the pools with the kids. The weather is beautiful and no sunburns yet. It has been 88 and sunny everyday. Ben is coming in tonight and tomorrow we are playing golf again.

Last night for dinner we went the La Laguna resturante. It was good and the kids had fun seeing all the little turtles in the lagoon. We wish you were all here with us.

2007-11-14T12:52:00.001-08:00

Hola from Puerta Vallarta

2007-11-14T12:26:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has taken me so long to write from Mexico. We've been busy having lots of fun and sun.

Deb and I came in on Saturday. We were the only ones here so we went to Fajita Republic for dinner and had a quiet night since we started on a 5am flight.

Sunday we went to church early. At 9am the back row was filled with gringos, the natives came about 9:10. It was fun although we didn't understand much. We then walked down to the main drag and had breakfast and got supplies at Mega. We had stuff to stock all three rooms with essentials. Filled up a taxi going back to the Grand Mayan. The others then came in Sunday afternoon. The rooms are very nice, but a tip and Mom crying still couldn't get us right together.

We did have a fun slumber party with the grandkids in are room that night, I told them all stories.

We are on one end of a hall and Drew on the other with Gordon and Di two floors up. The only consession is we are all in the same building.

Monday we had the breakfast buffet and played in the pools all morning. The kids really like the wave pools and the inner tubes. The tubes are free now, didn't need to bring any. Oh well..

Yesterday the boys played golf. The are redesigning the course by Jack Nickolas. So we play the front and three on the back three times. It was fun though. Drew was the best with me 2nd. Denton and Gordon also played well. Kelmen would tee off with us then hit it up the green. He has a great little swing.

Last night we went into PV and had dinner at Pipi's. It was lots of fun. We took one of the local buses back to Wal-Mart and the kids had a blast as the but sped down the narrow cobblestone streets. Drew had them yelling arriba arriba.

I'd better close now and add some pictures.

Fire in the Street

2007-11-09T18:56:00.000-08:00

Last Friday night Debbie and I were sound asleep at about midnight when I heard a big bang and saw an orange light on the ceiling. I had to wake Deborah up to look out the window and a fireball was on the street right in front of our house. I called 911 and headed outside. A small SUV was up in flames at least 20 feet in the air. The fire engines came and I watched them put out the fire right from my curb. We never got the whole story, but a couple of teenage girls and a boy were supposedly up four wheeling and when they came down the car caught on fire. Probably a broken fuel line.

Bring back any 4 wheelin memories DaNae?

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T19:27:00.000-07:00

We're hangin' out with the Danni's tonight. No spaghetti for dinner. Ordered pizza and we'll play some settlers. The girls made me go to a chick flick today, Dan's real life. To slow for men, but some funny parts. Not many trick or treaters tonight. Heading home in the AM. Glad to head home to the slow traffic and not so many freeways. I'm getting old I guess. Or make that I am old.

LA is Lovely

2007-10-29T10:19:00.000-07:00

We're at ASTRO our radiation oncology big meeting in LA this week.
The fires are mostly contained and the air is better. The weather here is nice and warm.

Mom and I have been hitting the party circuit. Saturday night we hit the Impac party at the old hotel Figueroa. Last night Danny and Danielle went with us. We first hit the Phillips party at the Peterson Auto Museum. It was fun to see the old cars. Then on to the big Varian Party. Somewhere between 3500 and 4000 people were there. It was in Hollywood at the highlands which is right by the Gorman Chinese theater and right in the middle of hollyweird.

It was fun, but crowded. I tooks some pictures, but will have to add them later.

Ella's First Steps

2007-10-21T18:50:00.000-07:00

We had a great Sunday dinner today. Halibut from my fishing trip, rice, rolls, salad, artichoke dip by Dori and brussel sprouts.

After dinner the home teachers came, then practiced having Ella walking. Here is a quick video of her attempts. She is doing pretty darn good. She'll be off on her own soon.

Costume Show

2007-10-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

Its Friday night at the old casa. We had tamales and pollo sopa. Gavin wanted to put on an after dinner costume show and use his new batman jammies Grandma bought him today. So we all dressed up, sang songs and told scary halloween stories.

My first blog

2007-10-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

Its getting to be a family thing, so I will not be undone. I am a man of few words so my posts will be short and sweet. My favorite things are my family, my wife of 37 years and are almost 12 grandkids. I love golf, raquetball, fishing, football and horsehoes. I am wearing down at work and looking forward to cutting back or retirement. Well this is a good start. Keep you all posted.