Happy Birthday Evaly!

We enjoyed a nice little get together with Grandpa, Karen & Rod, Jenessa, Lynnae & David, Ted & Annette and kids, Evaly & Nathan and our adorable grandchildren last Sunday afternoon! It was nice to be with everyone as it has been a little while since we had got together. Evaly's birthday is really Saturday the 27 th and Andrew will be turning 15 on the 29th! Adrienne and Andrew have both been doing some growing again...going to be tall kids! Jenessa told us that she is interested in becoming a lawyer. Lynnae is anxiously awaiting news on a certain dietician type of job at a computer company that creates software that calculates food values...whew! What an explanation...she explained it better to me. Oh well....David is liking school and much appreciates being out of the "brick moving" business. Karen is taking a very difficult microbiology class in preparation to go into nursing. She has worried and studied a lot over this class. It definitely paid off. She got the only 100% in her class on her first exam. Congrats! That's the news I can remember at the moment. Everyone seems to be doing okay! I sort of forgot to take pictures since it was at our house and I was busy with food etc. I even forgot Evaly's gift till right before she left which is why you don't see others around except for McKell who somehow sneaked back into the house after being seatbelted into the car. That's okay...isn't she cute peaking over her Mom's shoulder? Oh yea....someone forgot a pink zipper up the front sweatshirt that says PINK on it? Anybody claim it?

Brent begins the Seminary/High School Era

Yes, here he is...the Freshman! Strange for all of the family to realize how old Brent is now. He is just about his Dad's height, has the biggest feet in the family and we're definitely seeing some thicker facial hair.... He is loving being a "Hawk" and certainly is a busy young man. I'm sure he will enjoy all of the neat experiences of high school. Go Brent!! He is also really enjoying Seminary and is friends with the teacher. He is working hard on Scripture Mastery already.

The first field show is the first of October so we look forward to putting that in our blog. I'm sure that will bring back some memories for Evaly and Cami.

Take me out to the Ball Game....

take me out to the crowds....Buy some peanuts and cracker jack....I don't care if I ever get back so it's root, root, root for the home team....if they don't win its a shame...For it's one, two, three strikes you're out at the old ball game!!! Since Mark and Christy and baby Parker were in town over the weekend and Christy loves baseball we had to take in some Angels baseball.

On Saturday we headed down to Dana Point for some beach fun and kayaking. Grandpa joined us and we enjoyed a beautiful day, a yummy lunch and great company!

After church on Sunday, we had a dinner and hung out at our house and let the kids and Cannon play to their hearts content while the adults talked, slept, watched TV or worked on a computer.

Monday was another full day of cruising around Fashion Island, riding the ferry from Balboa Island and BBQ'ing our lunch at Evaly's. We also said our good-bye's to Mark and Christy and Parker as they headed home to Arizona. What a great weekend!

So terrific to spend time with those we love! Bye, bye baby Parker!

Tomorrow is another big day....Brent starts high school! GO HAWKS!!

Hike to Ensign Peak

I've wanted to hike Ensign Peak which is a short but "all uphill "hike in Salt Lake. The elevation of the peak is 5,414 feet but the hike itself is only 1,100 feet above street level. Since I was in town for BYU Education Week (which by the way, was absolutely fabulous....more to come on that later) I decided to do the hike with my friend, Debbie.

The views and the sunset were beautiful! Here is the Great Salt Lake in the background.

A view of downtown Salt Lake and the temple nestled in between buildings. The state capital building is to the left.

This is the monument that marks Ensign Peak. The history of the peak is as follows:" Before he left Nauvoo, Brigham Young said that Joseph Smith, the deceased prophet, had appeared to him in a vision and shown him a place where the banner of liberty should wave. When he viewed this peak as he entered the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847, Brigham reportedly said, "This is the place," adding "I want to go there." Two days later, still weak from fever, he insisted on climbing the summit. Eight others made the hike with him where they spent several hours in prayer and counsel. They gazed over the valley and made plans for a new city. They wanted their new home to become "ensign for the nations" of which Isaiah had prophesied in the bible, hence the name Ensign Peak. No ensign, or flag, was flown on that occassion, but perhaps a yellow bandanna, tied to a cane, was raised as a symbolic gesture. Within a few weeks, an American flag was hoisted on the summit.

Guess what?

My son is so smart! I tried and tried to figure out how to do a slideshow on my blog without success. He went on and had it figured out in no time at all! Yea! Love all my talented kids! Anyhow, enjoy my slideshow of the second country we visited on our cruise, Malta! Thanks again Brent!

Picking wild blackberries

Mom was in the mood to do something we used to do when we lived in Grand Terrace many years ago....we went into the canyon and picked wild blackberries! It was a beautiful day and lots of fun though, if you've ever picked berries of any kind, you know all about those dreadful thorns!

Can you see the waterfall cascading gently down the rock face?

Dad was supposed to be on a hike to San Gorgonio this weekend with the scouts but due to a lack of interest that didn't happen. However, here he appears to be wishing he was up that mountain enjoying that hike.

Our pickin's! Blackberries over ice cream tomorrow anyone?

La Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona

La Sagrada Familia is a massive Roman Catholic Cathedral. Construction on it began in 1882 and has continued uninterrupted to this day!

You may wonder, as I did, how this constant construction is funded. Tours of the cathedral are a large resource and donations from devout Catholics worldwide keep the construction going.

The detail of the facade is absolutely amazing. Originally designed by Antoni Gaudi (1852 – 1926), who worked on the project for over 40 years, devoted the last 15 years of his life entirely to the endeavor. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2026. On the subject of the extremely long construction period, Gaudí is said to have remarked, "My client is not in a hurry."

Rod, we think working for this construction company is recession proof!! It's a lifer!!

Family Get Together Aug. 3rd

We had a nice day at Ted & Annette's. We enjoyed a little Mexican for dinner...that was homemade Carnitas...yummy! It was nice to have Lynnae & David back in California. They are pretty settled in their apartment now. Lynnae is looking for work as a dietician. David is getting ready to start back in school to continue his business degree.

Notice Andrew's new smile! No more braces though Adrienne was sporting a new pair!

Somebody's Daddy just turned 29! Happy Birthday Nathan!

Cheesy Smiles....don't they look as though they were caught red-handed sneaking more dessert? Well, it was hard not going for seconds with homemade ice cream.

So what do you do in the summertime.....

One of the things I love about Evaly's blog is how she captures everyday events. I get hung up on the concept that I should only put the "big events" on. But why? I don't know...after all, my life is really a lot more about all of those little things. I also hate putting myself in pictures because of my weight but that seems dumb too. It's who I am. So, I am going to change my ways and put on simple events and do it more often. So, on that note, this is what we did yesterday and we had a blast!


Go Brent!!

Look at the style, grace, finesse of that shot! Unfortunately, I never even broke 100 but I had a good time trying! At least I beat Brent....barely! LOL

Young Women's Girl's Camp

I returned from Girl's Camp about a week ago. For those of you who know me well, you know I am not a camper; especially not a tent camper. But I did just that and actually had a terrific time.

This was no ordinary camp where food was concerned. A caterer in our Stake provided all the food and I am telling you that in spite of hiking and working beyond the norm, I'm sure I gained weight. The food was unbelievable! ! The caterer set up a full working kitchen in the woods including a sink and warming trays like restaurants use. Crazy!

Jackson Flats was our campground. It is located just a little above the city of Wrightwood. The Pacific Crest Trail runs alongside the campground. One can hike northbound all the way to Canada or to the south and reach Mexico.

Enjoying the hike!

The wildflowers furnished breathtaking color all along our route!

If you look carefully, you can see Jackson Lake peeking through the magnificient pine trees.

More of Barcelona--Parc Gaudi

This most unique park was designed by famous architect, Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926). His style is ornate and ostentatious; in a word, gaudy! (His name, Gaudi, is probably where our word gaudy originated.) Fun place with a great view!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS!!!

Thanks for entering my little blog contest. It was fun to get some of your favorite quotes and what they mean to you. Brent drew 3 names out of a cup and here are the winners...drum roll please......!

Light colored stickers & ribbon go to......CHRISTY

Medium colored stickers & ribbon go to......LYNELLE

Dark colored stickers & ribbon go to.....CAMI

Lynelle, please send me your address. Christy and Cami, since I am going to be seeing the both of you quite soon, I think I will give you your prizes when I see you. Enjoy!

Famous Las Ramblas Street

Las Ramblas is a gathering place for the people of Barcelona and tourists. It has great shopping for tourists as well as great shopping for "pick pockets" so you better keep your purse/wallet close! My Dad was targeted twice (we're thinking it was because he is a senior citizen) but since he was aware of the threat he was able to thwart the attempts. It was a great place to eat and people watch and we did that often.



One of the best places to check out on Las Ramblas Street was this farmer's market. Fabulous selection of beautiful fresh fruit and veges. all homegrown.



But my Dad & I enjoyed the gelato probably the most of all. Every flavor imaginable...yum!



Another feature of the farmer's market was it's fresh seafood. You could even sample their seafood before you bought if you don't mind raw fish.


Las Ramblas----Ken's favorite little spot!