the bench

Recent pictures

2010-11-01T23:55:00.000-07:00

So, I feel some responsibility to post pictures on this blog. You'll note that by "some" I mean "almost none", seeing as how I've posted, what, 3 times in the last year? I have put some on Facebook, haven't I? Doesn't that count? I think the problem is that I take 300 pictures over the course of a few weeks and then I look through them, and there are either (a) one or two that are any good, or (b) they are all just normal pictures of my kids, and there's nothing special about them, other than they are my kids, and I happen to think they are really cute. Even when they are just standing there, in the door to the bathroom, looking at you.

Plus, my phone has a few cool apps on it for cameras, that do these cool effects. So, gotta use those, right?

We've use that Tiger costume now for three of them. Ok, see, this next one may seem repetitive, but that's such a Gwen face, that I have to put it in.

And this one, well, I can't explain why I like it so much: Probably the inherent Aerinness of the face. And Gwen waiting patiently, as a tiger, with a bink. It's just all kinds of awesome.

Jack's Birthday and Such

2010-06-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

Well, Jack "graduated" from kindergarten. Thank goodness he passed metalshop. Aerin was only there for the free cookies.
Sometimes, not knowing how the hell to operate your camera can result in cool pictures.
Gwen likes to sit with people like this, just sit and hold their ears. Drives Apryl crazy but Halle seems to like it.

Jack wanted to go bowling for his birthday.
He's really pretty good.
It's all in the body language he imparts to the ball while it's pursuing the pins.
Hooray, a spare!
He also got a scooter, a Hot Wheels scooter.
These are the bowling cupcakes that Apryl made. Cool, huh?

It's been a long time. A long time.

2010-03-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

But, we were outside today, all day, doing yardwork, which I hated when I was a kid/young adult, and now that I have a house, I still hate, but hate while doing. Anyway, to alleviate the drudgery, I took some pictures. I've always thought that my kids are much better looking outside, when the natural sunlight can interact with their eyes and such.

Jack is a character.

This is some version of Calvinball.

Aerin knows kung fu.

Gwen's eyes take up half of her face, I swear.

She looks like an elf.

I'm so glad our neighbor across the street on Darah gave us her old swing set. It never got used when we were at Bullpen, but now that we're here, those kids love to swing.

And, my parents gave us their old swing, thing, and Gwen seems to have a tongue fixation.

Jack LOVES Dancing With The Stars. And he loves dancing with the stars.

Halle's Party

2009-12-12T08:29:00.001-08:00

Halle was super excited to have her family over for her party, including...

her cousin Ava, as well as...

her aunt Shelby, who likes to wrestle with Aerin.

She was especially glad to get some presents.

Apryl made this awesome cake, made up of a bunch of cupcakes. You can see the delicious, edible candles, with delicious edible flames.

It's Halle's Birthday!

2009-12-09T13:37:00.000-08:00

She is seven (7) years old. I cannot beLIEVE that we have a child that old. She is beautiful and I love her and I'll post a bunch more pictures tonight or tomorrow of her when she was younger and such. But for now, here she is at lunch today (please excuse the crappiness of my camera-phone):

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T22:01:00.000-08:00

Well, the truth is, I forgot to get any pictures of the food. Not that people like to look at pictures of food, but Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays which seems to be centered around eating (Halloween and Valentine's Day being the others). But since everyone except Robyn, Keith and Ava were here, Greg took a bunch of pictures of people. So, here are some of them:

This is just the "snack" side of things.

Hanging out after dinner.

Uncle Trevor keeps the kids riled up. In fact, now when my kids ask me for a piggyback ride, I tell them they'll have to wait until uncle Trevor visits again: I can't compete.

This is our house.

Kids, Kids and more Kids

2009-10-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

Gwen did this on her own, of course.

Aerin always wants "a little tiny drink" of whatever I'm drinking.

Ava and the kids at the pumpkin patch.

Aerin Potter.

Gwen Potter.

Jack and Lainey would go so high on this thing.

This is one of the first pictures I've taken since reading that photography book. This shot has a wider aperture setting than normal. I think it works.

James is home

2009-10-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

Ok, so, I took a whole bunch of pictures, but most of them were terrible, lighting, blurry, etc. I'll try and fix that for next time. But first, Gwen went on a jaunt through the airport.

Then, James came home

with a belt buckle.

And then he played on the trampoline with my kids.

BYU-Tulane

2009-09-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

Well, it seemed like they started slow, but the facts appear to be that they scored on their first 6 possessions. I was put off, I suppose, by the field goals on the first two drives. I wish Bronco would risk a little more down inside the 5 yard line; I think it's important for the boys to have experience, gained in JV-type games (Tulane) with that kind of do-or-die scenario.

Kariya looks pretty good. Maybe it's Harvey Unga's hammy, but Kariya looks better right now. The defense certainly looks good enough to make last week look like no fluke. They're quick and get to the ball, they swarm, they hit hard, and for the first time in memory, they appear to be good tacklers, with good technique; head in front, wrap up, hold on. The only BYU team I have any memory of that were good tacklers was the 1996 team that went 14-1. Speaking of which, I watched that game on Altitude the other day, and it was pretty good. I forgot that the 1996 team had such a good defense.

Max made a couple of terrible throws (including his pick), but a couple of real good throws. But I'm still worried. That TD throw to Jacobsen that he wrestled away from the defender, that was actually not a very good throw. Jacobsen saved him.

Kids and More Kids

2009-09-12T10:08:00.001-07:00

Aerin explains it all.

Gwen will be doing all of our cooking from now on. She prefers continental style.

She will also be handling all conducting needs.

She likes to sit in the drawers.

Those kids love the trampoline more than anything.

Except when they don't.

Jack is a daredevil

2009-08-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

He's really shy about people, but not about risking his body:

Berry Picking

2009-08-20T13:46:00.000-07:00

The kids wanted to go pick something, so we went to Roger's mom's house (Grandma Merrill, now), to pick some of her famous strawberries. These are the strawberries she uses to make her amazing, the-rest-of-your-life-will-seem-weak-by-comparison strawberry pie. We got some red potatoes too.

Halle was pretty helpful with the strawberries.

Jack mostly just looked and chased after this cat. It kept pouncing on people who were trying to pick. It's the neighbor's cat.

I mostly just held Gwen.

In other news, the kids like to ride their bikes all the time. I need to get Jack an actual bicycle, but I just haven't gotten around to it.

Aerin is beautiful.

My "Reminder" Pile

2009-08-20T12:53:00.001-07:00

So, I write down reminders on Post-It Notes, so that I don't lose the pad I wrote them on, and they can all be in one place. This is what my desk looks like today-I tell people I am busy but they say "yeah, yeah", that's what they say, they say "yeah yeah". Well, who's doubting now? You, Thomas?

Birthdays

2009-08-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, due to the vagaries of fate, from July 29 to August 13, there are 6 birthdays in my immediate family, my dad, motherinlaw, daughter, daughter, wife, brother. So, we try to consolidate.

First, the Aerin, who is 3 years old-August 3, 2009.

The Family before church, Aug. 2.

A consolidated birthday party, because a three-year-old and a one-year-old won't know any better.

Gwen didn't understand why she was getting gifts, but it's all the same to her.

This is how she looked on her actual birthday. So different from when she was only 361 days old, don't you think?

She already thinks she's a movie star.

Gwen at church

2009-08-02T12:58:00.001-07:00

Sitting on the shelf.
Ben

Quick Survey

2009-07-21T06:32:00.001-07:00

How many of you would go to a tattoo parlor called "The Bleeding Cowboy"? Show of hands? Kind of like going to a restaurant called "The Exploding Bowel", isn't it?

Golf

2009-07-20T22:14:00.000-07:00

Explain how it makes it less of a sport because it has different rules and emphasizes different areas of physical endeavor? Does everything have to be the bloody NFL? I mean, I like football as much or more than the next guy, but jeez-holding everything up to the NFL for comparison makes me throw up a little in my mouth. Especially when I see how Tsar Goodell treats his peons...

A remarkably long without pictures

2009-07-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

By which I mean, I've gone a long time without taking any. Which is weird. I didn't really take any at the 4th of July, even. Here's Gwen the mountain goat.

Aerin bugging me in my reading chair.

Kylie and Aerin, muggers for the camera.

Gwen, playing on the grass during the fireworks. What fireworks?

These fireworks. Yes, it was lame. I screwed up and got the lame fireworks this year.

Gwen didn't care much. She was just glad to be out in the sun.

Conor was glad to be out of the sun.

Drank a lot of this. Just like this picture.

Hey, it's a new post

2009-07-01T19:56:00.001-07:00

Here's what's going on: Halle, Jack, Aerin, and their cousin Camryn waiting for Old Faithful to erupt.

And right after it's over.

And then walking back to the car after the eruption, the kids decided to stop and pose. Cam was so nice to indulge Aerin in a piggy back ride the whole way back.

We drove through Grandma Syd's favorite spot, Firehole Canyon, on the way back. It's petty steep, so we had to keep a hold on Aerin. I think they all wanted to chase the chipmunk down the slope.

Halle and Camryn.

Pushing Gwen in the shopping cart:

Aerin is a BoSox fan- that's my girl.

It was hailing like nuts.

View from the hammock:

The tramp:

Taylor Swift

2009-06-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

I hate to be a crank about this, or seem obsessed, but that girl is everywhere. Idaho Falls has 5 country music stations within earshot, and I've had the recent experience of having her on 3 of them, and Carrie Underwood on the other two, all at the same time. I think Taylor is fine as a songwriter, but I long to hear someone else sing those songs. Not Carrie. Someone ELSE.

Then, I go home last night, and the CMT Video awards are on (quick question: do those folks actually feel like they won something? Or are they as vaguely embarrassed to receive a VIDEO award as I am to watch it?), and Taylor Swift performs live, once with Def Leppard (Poor Some Sugar) and once alone. And.She.Is.Terrible. It's like watching an 11-year-old perform at a talent show. She weaves around the pitch like a driver with 12 beers around the center line. And her stage presence is cringe-inducing. Like she is doing a parody of a parody of a rock star. And boy, is she gangly.

Don McLean was wrong. YESTERDAY was the day the music died.

Today's Pet Peeve: Misuse of the word "clinch"

2009-06-12T21:26:00.000-07:00

You see it more and more these days, presumably because there are more rounds of playoffs. But friends, "clinch" and "win" are NOT synonyms. They have related meanings, but they cannot be used interchangeably. Tonight's offender was a Sportscenter graphic (really, of all the institutions, THEY don't know better?) stating that the Penguins had "clinched" the Stanley Cup. No, they won the Stanley Cup. The game, and the series, and the playoffs are over. They have not assured that they will win the Cup, it is already won. You "clinch" a division, or a game, when you have done something that assures that you will win the division, or the game, when the time comes. Like, the way the Rangers will clinch the AL West in, like, August this year. They will "clinch" in August, and "win" in September.

Drives me nuts.

Jack Dancing

2009-06-09T22:49:00.000-07:00

I apologize in advance for this video. It is a small snippet of what was about a minute and a half of Jack dancing to a Wiggles polka. It was so hilarious I delayed getting the camera until it was almost too late. Try not to feel too teased.

Jack's Birthday

2009-06-09T22:25:00.000-07:00

The big 0-5. The NBA Finals were on tonight, and I was reminded how they were on 5 years ago, in the delivery room while we waited for Jack to come out. And I was also reminded how I hate basketball. In the words (and accent/inflection) of Trevor: "I hate you so much."

On a lighter note, Apryl made shark cupcakes, with life-preserver cupcakes and little-Swedish-fish-about-to-be-murdered cupcakes. See how cute?

A close-up.

You can see how excited Jack was to open his presents. Actually, this is his no-nonsense, "I just told you how it is" face.

Tons of his cousins were here, to liven up the party.

The whole gang.

Kelsey and Gwen.

Jack forgot to wait until we were done singing to blow them out, and he remembered after he'd blown out two. Or so.

Jack is constantly asking me to give him a piggy-back ride, so uncle Trevor was nice enough to pinch-hit.

The last while

2009-06-06T22:31:00.000-07:00

We went to Logan a few weeks ago, and stopped by Grandma Darlene's grave.

Then we had a picnic with Josh and Wendy and Kylie and Lainey. Lainey on a Rice Krispie Treat.

We borrowed Jim's canoe, and just like Lewis and Clark, we paddled it. Although, we didn't paddle it all the way...

Apryl is cute.

Gwen has really caught on to this whole "eating" thing. I've been telling her for years how cool it is, but she's a late bloomer, I guess.

There were trees in the park that the kids enjoyed even more than the water.

Kylie, minutes before her death-defying tree hang.

Aerin, two feet off the ground.

Lainey, holding on for dear life.
Then we got to ride Jim's SWEEEEEEET!!!!! bikes that he restored, Cushman scooters.

Here's the hang. It was like 20 minutes. She's got very good arms.

Halle played it safe.

Last week, we just hung out here, on our freshly-mowed lawn.

Played a little ball.
How long is "a while", anyway?

Indulge me

2009-05-30T21:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry, had to post this picture, taken with my phone today. Too cute.

Recent Events

2009-05-26T22:28:00.001-07:00

Is that a great blog post title or what? So original! So fresh! So descriptive!

Jack getting his diploma. Now he has a license to say he's sorry when he hits another kid.

Singing songs of joy.

Apparently, Jack's favorite letter is H. I don't know why.

Halle pushing Aerin in the shopping cart.

Gwen falling asleep in the chair.

The kids at their picnic table. Wish I had a picnic table.

Gwen, or as she is known down south, "Pepe".

Halle is a bookworm, just like her mom.

Jack in his sweet half-suit. I need to get one like it.

Baby-in-a-box. The kids love to hang out in boxes.

I have a picture like this for every one of my kids. I should go find them.

Playing with cousin Kylie.

Jack has an interesting look in this one.

Aerin asleep with Ichabod the duck.

The kids swinging at Grandma's.

Two very different shows

2009-05-26T21:39:00.000-07:00

Glee and Deadliest Warrior are not exactly the kind of shows you would normally watch back to back but I did tonight, and I liked them both, for different reasons (obviously).

Glee was funny, and too true, and used the stereotypes in a slightly satirish way, but it wasn't cruel to the stereotypes (well, not TOO cruel). As one of my friends said, it's right up my musical theater alley. I hope they find an excuse for Matthew Morrison to sing, or I'm gonna be really bugged. Of course, we'll need to wait until September to see, since that's when Episode 2 and the rest start.

Deadliest Warrior is fun, but they have GOT to cut down on the trash talk and spinning. Because it's boring. And stupid. And not why anyone would watch it. Besides, you can always tell who the loser is when you see a weapon do something awesome, like decapitate three heads with one swing, and the other side uses the first argument of the loser: "Well, well, well, you'll have to hit me first." Oh, really Captain Obvious? Is that the point of a fight? Gosh, if you hadn't said something, I'd just have stood here holding my claymore, expecting that the mere sight of it would strike you dead. Well, so much for that plan. Sheesh.

Or my other favorite "HEY, EVERYONE! I AM A MORON!" argument: "we will win because we are true warriors, and will never back down!" Yeah, unlike your opponents, who are tax accountants. Oh, wait, they're warriors too. Shoot, there goes that out the window.

That show has a lot going for it, like, well, seeing a claymore decapitate three dummies with one swing. But the talky-talk has gots to go.

The Supreme Court

2009-05-10T22:42:00.001-07:00

So, it was interesting. We were very first, to start at 8:50, and we went in about 8:30 or so, and went to the open window, where the Clerk,Mr. Kenyon, and two assistants were eating pastries. Oh, how I envied them! But the free breakfast at the hotel was mediocre, so I just had a glass of apple juice. Anyway, they sent us upstairs to sit on the "sweat couches" (that's what Mr. Kenyon said they called them, and for good reason). But then the marshal came and opened the courtroom, and we went in, and as soon as I walked through the doors I felt at peace.

After a few minutes an older gentleman came in and sat down behind us. I hadn't seen opposing counsel yet, and wondered if by chance he'd hired someone else to present the argument for him. I stood up and introduced myself, and he told me his name, but said he was just a visitor from out of town, from back east, an attorney out attending Supreme Court arguments to become better educated. Interesting.

At 8:45 I took my place at the table, and sat while Mr. Kenyon sent the marshal back downstairs to look for opposing counsel, and the other parties. I asked him if people ever failed to show, and said that it happened occasionally. Occasionally? I can't IMAGINE forgetting to show up for a Supreme Court argument. Anyway, the marshal came back, whispered something in Mr. Kenyon's ear, and then gave me a funny, sympathetic, hard-to-describe look. Mr. Kenyon said, "normally, people do 20 and 10, but it looks like you can just take it all." I said, why don't you set it up as 20 and 10 anyway, and we'll go from there. He did, then he buzzed the Justices, and they came out and we were off.

I only lost my voice 2 or 3 times in the next 25 minutes, although we'll have to check the audio when it's available to tell for sure. I thought most of the questions were right up my alley, ones that I had thought about, and figured they would ask me. A few at the end stumped me a bit, about whether it made it a difference if the land for the road were granted in fee simple or as simply a right to use, but I think I was clear that I didn't think it made a difference, for the purposes of this case. I sincerely hope that the Justices weren't confused by the issues the way the opposing parties were. An adverse ruling now would require the Supreme Court to rewrite the doctrine of implied easement by prior use. I think that's pretty unlikely, though not impossible.

Afterwards, Justice Horton was the last to shake my hand, and he stayed just a bit longer than the others, to tell me that I did a really good job, and he was smiling and seemed like he really meant it. He had also laughed at two of my jokes during the argument, so maybe that was part of it. Then Mr. Kenyon told me that they'd called opposing counsel's office and he was there, working away. He initially said that he just plain forgot, and then he said he'd recently had back surgery. In either case, I'd love to be a fly on the wall when he calls his clients to tell them that he forgot to go to Boise to argue their case in front of the Supreme Court. As the kids say, "Awk-ward".

I loved it. I'd love to do it again. It's so much fun when you are prepared, you know?

Here is Where I Was

2009-05-08T10:52:00.000-07:00

Last night, afterhours. I forgot to get a picture of the courtroom inside. I was worrying about other things. You know, it's true what Jesus says-- if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear. It's both a prediction and a command.

Scrubs

2009-05-06T16:41:00.001-07:00

You know, the one thing that has been a constant blight on that excellent show is the face of Krista Miller. She used to be pretty, but then she had that awful work done, yet they kept giving her tons of face time, and lines. And it's uncomfortable to watch her talk. Like, sqwicky kind of uncomfortable. Why do people still do that to themselves? Has Mickey Rourke taught us nothing?

Terrible People doing Terrible Things

2009-04-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

That's what we call the shows that Apryl likes to watch, like Grey's Anatomy. It's filled with people who do terrible things like lying to their moms about being cured from cancer, just to get the mom out of their hair. Or Private Practice, where the main character is something that I won't say on a family blog, but it kind of rhymes with Andrew Bogut. Anywho, she "falls in love" with a married man, whose wife is having a baby, and the main character is treating the wife, and it's all supposed to be admirable.

Or Brothers and Sisters, where...ah, you know, it's not even worth it. But I watch snippets and think, how can these writers not see how the one normal, considerate, kind character they have, they try to make him look like a crazy greedy Republican whatever. It's just a little bit stomach turning.

I'm such a killjoy.

Disney's FastPlay

2009-04-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

is a vicious lie. I like Disney, I do, I think they made a fine motion picture back in the day, but I feel that they hate me. Honestly, they hate me. Why else would they make it a Herculean task simply to get a DVD to play the movie for which you purchased the DVD? Do they think I bought the disk so that I could sit through 15 minutes of previews for shows that came out thirty years ago? Land of Time XLVII? What percentage of their customers are purchasing Peter Pan for themselves, versus how many are purchasing it for their kids, who will want to watch it RIGHT NOW. Seriously, what frickin' genius decided that DVDs will henceforth NOT play the movie when you pop it in, but will instead make you sit through 15 minutes of dreck, after which you will be permitted to access the menu and select Play, and THEN, sit through another 5 minutes of warnings. So, if you want to watch something, add an extra 20-25 minutes to your plan. Disgusting.

Not that a company like Dreamworks is any better, where they've disabled the menu button for the first 10 minutes. Is it any wonder that people illegally download the movies from bittorrent and simply, I don't know, WATCH the movies? What other industry is so resistant to their customers actually accessing the material they sell?

Do NOT, under any circumstances, select "FastPlay." It is actually "SlowPlay as you wait through ridiculous previews"

More pictures, from Easter

2009-04-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures from Easter. I have fallen prey to the classic blunder of thinking that everyone will find pictures of my kids as fascinating as I do, but I don’t care. If you’re offended, it’s likely that your computer is equipped with a doohickey that will allow you to navigate away from this site, to some spectacle more worthy of your time, like this, or this.

Easter outfits, in the backyard.Where do kids learn how to pose? It's not like I've ever sat down with them and gave them mugging lessons.
Halle was impressed by the twirling capabilities of her dress.
Matchy-matchy.

Ok, the next three pictures were taken with the rapid-fire and are presented as a series. One, a good picture; two, a classic Jack-look to Halle; three, Jack looks like he should be holding a pitchfork and wearing hornrimmed glasses.

Aerin on Grandma Syd's horse.
Gwen before she was too slobbery.

Apryl even had an Easter outfit.

Pictures from the past little while

2009-04-17T21:33:00.000-07:00

On the New Trampoline. Aerin is actually quite bad at jumping. Just needs more practice.Rapid-shot mode is awesome.
Gwen outside, looking for something to eat. *shudder*
Our huge sliding glass door to the backyard.
Our huge sliding glass door to the backyard.Aerin on her "new" (shhhh, don't tell her) bike.

I love the smell of misery in the morning. Smells like... well, misery. Heh.
Sitting on the countertop, making faces. I says to them, I says "Halle, what are you guys doing?" She says, "Just sitting on the counter, makin' faces."
Jack does love him some LiveWire.
Halle is crazy.
So is Aerin.
Really crazy.
Sometimes I think Aerin is a movie star.
Those of you who know Halle know that this is a classic Halle-face.
Wide-angle shot of the counter where they like to sit and make faces.
I know that the blush in her cheeks is from crying, but I still think it's dang cute.
On one of the days that it snowed in April at our new house. Can you feel the excitement? Apryl says she couldn't get them to come inside.
Another classic Halle-face.
Jack is wishing he had gone to the U.
The girls in their polo dresses that they have now outgrown. Sweet, we got one use out of them. That's a solid return on investment. Seriously, though, how cute is this?

Oh, and Gwen matches, although hers was purchased somewhere else.
The boy doesn't like wearing a tie any more than his old man does.
Gwen is a Cougar, but not a "cougar", obviously. She's just a baby!

Test

2009-04-17T21:32:00.002-07:00

I want to see if these pictures are big enough.

WBC

2009-03-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

So, I'm watching the World Baseball Classic and a few things occur to me. First, why are the Cubans playing so shallow? Are they racist and think the Japanese are a bunch of singles hitters? Two, why do so many of the Cubans look like gringos? Three, why would the Japanese hold up the runner from first on the double in the 4th, then wave the runner from 2nd on the single in the 5th?

Most important, I noticed both the Japanese players (who I assume are speaking Japanese with each other) and the Cubans (who I assume are speaking ~~Cuban~~ Spanish) nod to each other when they mean yes, and shake their head when they mean no. When did all the languages get together and decide on that rule? Humans are amazing.

Free Credit Report Dot Com

2009-03-06T23:27:00.000-08:00

They are bastards. It's true. I did actually read the fine print, I just forgot to call and cancel, because, well, because I have a life. And because I'm a moron.

The guy behind me

2009-02-25T18:35:00.000-08:00

This mofo better shut up when Brian Regan starts or he's going to get cut, I swear.

Guy Fieri

2009-02-23T20:02:00.000-08:00

Seriously, what is the deal with that guy? His frickin' JOB is to go around the country eating the best food, hanging out in the kitchen, talking to people about which pit beef sandwich they like the best? That is so unfair. It's my dream job. I hate him.

He went to the Burger Bar in Roy, Utah on the episode I saw yesterday. They have buffalo burgers and obviously Mormon women working the counter, with wall-hair and bad eye makeup. I want one. A buffalo burger, that is, it sounded delicious from Guy's description.

The other knock against Guy, besides the fact that I hate him is that he is a spokesman for TGI Fridays, which is the restaurant that the Devil would own, if the Devil owned a restaurant. I have never had a meal there that was even half as good as a meal at McDonalds, if you had put your McDonalds meal UNDER your tray and sat on it, and THEN ate it. Never again.

1 random thing about me

2009-01-28T19:19:00.000-08:00

1. No one has tagged me to learn 25 random things about me.

Deep, I know.

8 things about me

2009-01-18T21:12:00.000-08:00

Minz tagged me because she knows I will do this.

Here are the Rules:
1) Post rules on your blog
2) Answer the six '8' items
3) Let each person know by leaving them a comment

8 Favorite TV shows:

1. PTI
2. Man vs Wild
3. Good Eats
4. Sportscenter
5. Psych
6. Burn Notice
7. The Backyardigans (I know you're curious so I'll tell you: Tyrone is my favorite)
8. Modern Marvels

8 Things I did yesterday ( I wrote this on Saturday so it applies to Friday):
1. objected to the form of a question
2. watched Anchors Aweigh
3. had a bright idea
4. fed Gwen
5. used "so's your face" as an insult
6. resolved not to go to the dentist unless I absolutely HAVE to
7. discussed with Halle what a "doofus" is
8. wondered how Kathryn Grayson managed to become a big star

8 Things I look forward to:
1. Getting my refund for the last time
2. watching Wilbon
3. my first Mountain Dew of the morning
4. going to Scotland
5. having my back stop aching
6. some days, dying, because then people couldn't call me
7. Seeing Defiance
8. when Apryl has finished a book so we can talk about it

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Outback
2. Cracker Barrel
3. Mimi's
4. Carrabba's
5. Goodwood
6. Chilis
7. Taco Bell
8. whoever makes those packaged sandwiches you can find at convenience stores

8 Things on my wish-list
1. Focus
2. a heads up on the next baby
3. a Jeep
4. learning Mandarin
5. an interesting Elders Quorum lesson
6. Apryl to be happy
7. trip to Scotland
8. new clubs

8 People I Tag
1. Jesper
2. Seymour
3. Ron
4. Trig
5. Yolanda
6. Burt
7. Matt
8. Mark

In case you were curious...

2009-01-11T17:38:00.001-08:00

Yes, you are to blame. I know you were going to ask me, so I'll just tell you now: it's all your fault.

Technology

2009-01-10T19:49:00.000-08:00

I am typing this on my BlackBerry, while I watch Keith's fight, on the internet, using my office computer to buffer and play the live stream, and Syd's computer to view it remotely (it wasn't working at all on Syd's alone). Isn't technology amazing?

More thoughts on Texas

2009-01-06T13:40:00.000-08:00

I've since read some statements that Mack Brown and Colt McCoy made after the game, such as "I'm going to vote us No. 1" (even though Mack is obligated by the rules of the coaches poll to vote the winner of the NC game No.1) and "I don't think there's anybody in the country who could beat us right now". Hey, Colt, were you watching that game that you were playing in? You guys almost DID lose. And if I'd been coaching OSU in the last 3 minutes, you certainly would have lost. If you don't get a generous spot on a fourth-down play in the final drive, you would have lost. If Tressel would've played for the chip-shot winning field goal, instead of for a quick touchdown, you'd have lost.

Their arrogance is only overtaken by the standard USC fan's arrogance. "We never lose to anybody!" Yeah, except for the annual mediocre Pac-10 upset special. It's your own fault Trojans.

Texas-Ohio State

2009-01-05T22:28:00.000-08:00

Great game. Colt McCoy is remarkable. But seriously, how do you not play for the win, when you have the ball, with 2 minutes left, knowing that you can't stop the other teams offense? If I'm Jim Tressel, once I'm inside the Texas 30, I'm playing to run the clock, and kick a chip shot, game winning field goal.

Of course, the crazy USC fan on the SI message boards will surely show up and claim that it shows how overrated both Texas AND Ohio State are. That guy's nuts; every team but his is wildly overrated, he can't even see that he claims teams USC beat are overrated, thus, logically, making USC's wins less meaningful. Why are college football fans so stupid?

Insult to Injury

2009-01-04T17:22:00.001-08:00

Here's a tip: when you were put in charge of preparing a talk or lesson or whatever, and you spaced it, don't compound your sin and insult the audience by saying "um, you know, I was really busy and I didn't really have a chance to prepare much, so, just bear with me." Sorry, I will NOT bear with you. In fact, how dare you demand my indulgence after telling me you don't care enough to even prepare.

The Secret Life of Toys

2008-12-24T22:44:00.001-08:00

Ward Parties

2008-12-13T21:38:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm such a snob. And a sinner. We had our ward Christmas party tonight, and it was.... Well, it was.... I don't know where to begin. You see, one of the ladies in the ward had written what I will very generously call a "script" for the Christmas program. But it was alternately haphazard (the script portion that simply said generally that the Primary would be doing a skit, had, next to the "children exit" line the reminder "No clomping!", as though any of the kids would ever see that reminder) and overly specific (such as having one speaker start at 6:53, and the next at 6:56). It also contained interjections which looked like regular parts, so you're reading along and then BAM! it's talking about what Nephi should do in a scene that's explained three pages ago. Very confusing.

Then there's notations telling every actor when to start thinking about getting ready, when to get ready, when to be back-stage but ready, when to be in the wings, and when to go on. Seems like a lot of that could be inferred by each actor (all of us adults, at least nominally) on his own. Then, there are the instructions at our walk through, where the director tells one participant that his speech is very important and he needs to emphasize his words, and he does it so slow it's like he's, well, a little slow, and she says "Exactly!" and I think "*shakes head in shame*".

So, it's not like I think I'm the world's greatest actor (that is James McAvoy), or that I'm too good to be in stuff like this. It's just, well, I don't have a lot of time to spare. And I've already ranted and raved about how I resent (even though I probably shouldn't) the Church exercising what Constitutional lawyers know as "field preemption" over my social agenda. But would it hurt to make stuff like that really good, and easy to follow, and as uncomplicated as possible? And I know my mom would say "well, it's just a ward party, what's the big deal, what are you so upset about?" but that attitude is part of the problem. We expect church stuff to be lame. In fact, we're surprised when it isn't.

Up til now, the only person I've told my snobbish thoughts to are my wife (other than texts to my boss and brother that I honestly and without hyperbole wished I had a broken leg). Does that make me a nice person, that I keep my snobbery bottled up? Or does it make me a hypocrite? Stay tuned for the answer...

The Theory of Blogging

2008-12-11T21:24:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I have something I desperately want to blog about, but I am afraid that the people involved in the story, even if I give them pseudonyms, will recognize themselves, if they happen to wander across my blog in the future. The thing is, none of them are current readers, as far as I know. I mean, as far as I know, this blog has, like, 2 readers. Me and Apryl. Well, I think Mindy reads sometimes too. And ShaLyse left a comment a few days ago. And Lizanell does sometime, and I think Nicole...

Anyway, my story is about people who are not current readers, nor likely to be future readers. What should I do? Stay with the boring and innocuous? Or complain?

Cracker Barrel-Mobile Blogging

2008-12-07T11:13:00.000-08:00

I swear, the kids like the chairs more than the food.

Mobile Blogging

2008-12-06T22:29:00.001-08:00

Why doesn't the email function work for Blogger? Don't you folks want to see this cute picture of our trip?

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T22:09:00.000-08:00

First off, let me say, I kind of think that Thanksgiving is a weird holiday. It's on a Thursday, and always on a Thursday, Friday is a phantom holiday, where some things are open, some things aren't, etc. Plus, there seems to be no universal tradition associated with it other than eating. Which, you know, is something most people do every day anyway. Oh, turkey, stuffing, the works? Yeah, that's called "Sunday dinner" once a month or so. I don't know. I find Christmas much more satisfying. Nevertheless, I now offer a veritable cornucopia of photos from the day:

Whipped cream, with a side of pumpkin pie. Mmmmmmmmmm.

Brooke's boy Maddox. That's not Brooke with him, it's Shelby. He's sure a cutie.

Apryl hanging out with Gwen. I don't know if we told most people, but Gwen is just a shortened nickname. Her full name is Gwenedict Arnold Mason.

Gwen happy in the swing. I don't know what it is with swings and babies (it'd make me damn sick to be swung), but I'm glad they like it.

This is the part where Conor explains that you have to put all your food into a big pile and mash it all together until it's unrecognizable and then put gravy on it. Jack is confused.

Halle surveys the scene.

Trevor and Aerin are excited to eat.

The kids go outside afterwards to burn some calories.

I started using the rapid fire mode of taking pics and caught some mid-air action. I wish you could see the last two, one right after the other. It's really cool, stop-motion photography.
This was just really funny to me. Aerin trying casually to use her spoon to get some turkey.

New background for the holidays

2008-11-19T12:45:00.000-08:00

I probably should have waited until after Thanksgiving. But I didn't. Happy Non-denominational Mid-Winter Holidays!

Kids and Random Musings

2008-11-18T22:07:00.000-08:00

Jack wants to suck your...orange gatorade. Admit it, he looks crazy.

The oldest is almost old enough to help out with the youngest. Reliably help. Almost.

A quick nap before dinner.

What is it with people expecting favors? I mean, asking for favors, sure, but trying to emotionally strong arm you into favors? Where an objective observer would surely comment upon the chutzpah of the other person in even asking for the favor in the first place? These emotional bullies, these social terrorists, they can kiss my grits. Seriously, folks, nothing will make me madder faster than trying to take advantage of my good nature, and use my courtesy against me, as a crowbar, to force me to do your bidding. It's fairly easy to spot, and it's very unbecoming. Knock it off.

Trunk or Treat

2008-10-30T20:49:00.001-07:00

I love Trunk or Treat. It's like speed dating. You can get a full haul of candy in like 5 minutes.

Recycling old costumes can still be cute.

Or, you can buy new ones from the store.

Halle's costume smelled like fish. Which is weird because the last costume we got from Disney smelled like fish. I think it's the plastic they use, but it didn't smell like fishy plastic, it smelled like fish. We febreezed it good and hard.

How bles-sed the day when the cow and the ti-i-ger shall li-ie down to-ge-e-ther with o-out an-ny ire...

Halle looks insane. Insane Snow White Posse.

This is Gwen's $30 onesie that, because she is so fat so soon, she will probably wear only once.

Halle's new boots.

Mobile blogging 2

2008-10-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

We are just passing Blackfoot, viewing the damned SNOW everywhere, and I have the kind of heartburn that makes you wish you were dead. I had been taking Prilosec, because it works great, but I didn't want to be taking it for the rest of my life. Guess I'll just freaking have to.

So, is Idaho done with good weather? Do I now have to spend the next 6 months wishing I lived in Arizona?

Mobile blogging

2008-10-11T15:07:00.001-07:00

Sitting in church, posting to the blog. Awesome.

Dateline: My Creaky Chair

2008-10-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

I have my old law school chair in my home office/bedside computer area. It's old. It creaks like Dick Clark's knees. It even broke the other day when I leaned back in it and I thought I would plummet to my death 2 and a half feet down. The creaking is only a problem because Gwen has been going to sleep lately by laying on our bed next to me whilst I work-from-home (all hail technology!). But it may be time to purchase a new one. The cool thing is, it may be an allowable business deduction. How much of a nerd am I that I honestly get excited at the thought of a deduction?

Gwen is chubby. Apryl says all the kids were this chubby at this time of life, but she seems chubbier than normal. See? I mean, she's cute, don't get me wrong, but, well, you know. She's got an awesome shade of blue eyes, I hope they stay the same.

I love that the kids are close enough to play together.

Gwen's Blessing

2008-09-19T21:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some choice pictures of the special day.

Jack kept saying "it's an X-wing", like anybody needed to be reminded.

I know, she got pudgy pretty quick. Frankly, the sooner the better, cause the sooner her stomach can hold 8 oz, the sooner she will sleep through the night. And I will quit nodding off in traffic.

I love this woman

2008-08-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

Gwen, moving around

2008-08-23T20:53:00.000-07:00

Tagged by Minz

2008-08-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you: Mindy Gale
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
6. Let your tagger know when your entry is up.

(1) I love pickles but I hate cucumbers. My wife loves cucumbers but hates pickles.

(2) I am a golf fanatic, but the thing about golf that I love the most is golf architecture. In fact, if I were going into college right now, I'd get a degree in landscape architecture. If I happen to hit the Lotto despite not playing the Lotto (where my odds are only slightly worse than those who DO play), I will quit being a lawyer and will go back to school in landscape architecture, get a degree, then pester a golf course design company until I get a job.

(3) I have a serious, I'm-not-joking-even-though-people-always-assume-I'm joking problem with watching movies. Even hour-long Psych or Burn Notice is tough for me (Burn Notice less so this season because it kicks such royal can). I don't know what it is, but having to sit still and watch a two, maybe two-and-a-half hour flick is nearly unbearable for me. For instance. I bought The Prestige by accident last year when it came out (long story). Still haven't watched it. Luckily, no problems with reading a good thick book.

(4) I am a language snob. I look down on people who've never heard the term "bona fide", who think it is "for all intensive purposes" and who cannot tell the difference between plurals and possessives. I try not to be a jerk to their faces (and succeed most of the time), but it just gets my nerves a-janglin'. Why am I such a jerk?

(5) I am a jerk.

(6) One of the things I love best about my kids is catching that glimpse of what they'll look like in 20 years. It's a fleeting thing, a millisecond or less, but you see the adult, and it sets you back. Of course, when it's my girls, and I think about them being good-looking 17-year-olds, I have a mini-coronary, but then I push the worry down into that little room behind my spleen, where it can all come rushing out at once to overwhelm us in December 2018. When I'll be 40.

~~Six~~ Five people tagged randomly: Charisa, Jenny, Trevor, Amy, Chelsea.

More Gwen

2008-08-10T18:23:00.000-07:00

Gwen

2008-08-08T21:47:00.001-07:00

7 lbs 12 oz. Unfortunately, her birthday is 08.07.08, not 08.08.08. The doctor only did inducements on Tuesday and Thursday (so you can go home on Saturday).

Star Wars Golf

2008-07-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

Spike Star Wars Spots | Movies & TV | SPIKE.com

This picture is for Chelsea Ashton

2008-07-18T22:47:00.001-07:00

She should come over the next time she's in town

What's on your iPod/Zune/non-denominational mp3 player??

2008-07-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

Ok, you're supposed to put it on shuffle and list the first 10 songs, to give the flava of your musical taste:

1. Save the Last Dance for Me Michael Bublé

2. That's How Love Moves Faith Hill

3. Mass Company of Jekyll and Hyde

4. Forth Eorlingas The Two Towers

5. Possibilities Weezer

6. New Strings Miranda Lambert

7. County Galway- 1892 Far and Away

8. Turn Around They Might Be Giants

9. I'm Still on Your Side BB Mak

10. Stay Awake Dishwalla

Well, of these, how many would I skip if I were on a long trip and wanted to listen to the whole thing? Probably #2 and 3. My shuffle feature has a weird sense of humor. For example, it LOVES the Corrs. It'll play one of theirs, 2 other songs, come back to the Corrs, go to Diana Krall for a song, back to the Corrs, etc.

So, what does that say about me? Anything?

Family Reunion

2008-06-15T21:56:00.000-07:00

Well, we just got back from the Nolan Cherry family reunion,where we meet up with Apryl's brothers and sisters and families to tell stories about Nolan and his practical jokes, play games, eat too much and watch Gage throw up (actually that's not WHY we meet up, it just happened). So, here's Jack and Kelsey telling each other over and over "You're silly."
"No, YOU'RE silly".
"No, YOU'RE silly".
Then, here's Jack rappelling for the first time in his life, as calm as the sea after a storm:
Then, Kylie and Aerin and Jack joined the Ogden Fire Department:
This is where David Gale lives, under a dinosaur's left foot:
Then Aerin went to Japan: And she did not need any prodding to do this, either: Then, Halle was elected President:
Then we had pictures:

We threw out our old monia

2008-05-29T21:06:00.001-07:00

And got NEW-monia instead! Well, Apryl got it first and then she gave it to me, even though I hadn't kissed her the whole time she was sickly. And I sound like I have a little German breadmaker in my throat. And boy do I have a lot to do tomorrow so I can't just stay home and miss work.

However, I did manage to finish 3 books over the long weekend, and Apryl has started the Skystone series, so I'm pleased. The Well of Ascension was good, but I was kind of bored in the middle, but then the end was good, and cliffhanger-y and so now we're just waiting until October 10, 2008.

Is this the kind of rambling, essentially empty post I should do more often? Show of hands?

Here's a picture of a kid: See the Mickey Mouse hand? It's a plate we got for the kids in New York: we got the pants and the shoe and the mouse head too. They love 'em.

Out of the blue, we noticed that Halle's two front bottom teeth were loose and she said that she'd hit Aerin's head. So, we go to the dentist, and he said that it was just her adult-person-type teeth coming in (we'd thought she was too young for that).

Aerin loves Shelby (even thought this picture looks like she's trying to get away).

The kids before choich. Jack specifically asks for the Mohawk every Sunday.

Mario Lopez

2008-05-05T21:44:00.000-07:00

is incredibly short. I forgot to tell most people this story, so here it is on the blog. When we were in New York, we were on our way back from a show, and as we're passing like Duane Reed or something, this guy and this girl come flying out of the door and they bump into Apryl. And I notice that the girl is gorgeous, like perfect hair, teeth, face, beautiful. Preternaturally beautiful. So, I look at this pipsqueak she's with, to see what he's like, and I notice he is wearing a ridiculous wife beater with some logo on the back, and a sweatshirt tied around his waist and I think, what a loser. Then I see his face and think "man, he looks like such a pretty boy."

Then, Apryl nudges me, and tilts her head at him and whispers something about Mario Lopez. So, I look again and it's freaking Mario Lopez. And he is, honestly, like 5 foot 6. I could crush him like a bug. I've never felt like I'm that big a guy, but sheesh. This guy was AC Slater, whom Bayside feared?Mario Lopez and hobbit, both actual size.

Anyway, we walked right behind him for a few blocks then he and his gal pal turned left and the girls in our group tried to get a surreptitious photo of him. I wish now I had taken one, so I could post it here, but I didn't really care at that point. I was tired, and it was only Mario Lopez and I was basking in my own disappointment regarding his tiny, tiny body.

New York

2008-04-23T22:03:00.000-07:00

Well, as many of you know, we went to Knew York two weeks ago to see a bunch of shows. It was fun. Really fun. Really, really tiring. All that walking, Apryl was 5 months pregnant (now that I think of it, she's actually still pregnant), a large group that many times required us to stand around and wait (and I do mean "stand" as there wasn't anywhere to sit). Still, the shows were great, we got some great pictures, which I will now proceed to post. At the top of the Empire State Building. Very windy. Great view.

Backstage (sort of ) at Wicked. I loved learning about the backstage trappings, how it came to be, etc.

Starry, starry night at the MOMA. So much of what was there at the MOMA was crap. Like, the kind of stuff that is so ridiculous it cannot be parodied. A blank wall, with a plaque that explains what the "artist" was going for when he attached a plaque to a blank wall. This is "art"? But Van Gogh, there's no question about his talent.

Apryl after Young Frankenstein. It was funny, and Sutton Foster was AMAZING. She is...well, anyway. Some of the older folks we went with left, at intermission, I guess because they were offended. The rest of the older folks who stayed said they were disappointed in the show because they liked the movie so well. I like the movie but I didn't feel that way about it. We got to go on a backstage tour later because Heidi's best friend from high school was in the show.

This is me sitting in the monster's chair.

Apryl on the steps to the laBORatory.

Me knocking on the front door to Castle Frankenstein.

On the boat to the Statue of Liberty.

Here's a fine shot of Lady Liberty by herself.

This poster doesn't mean what you initially think it means. Funny how current political context informs everything you see.

Apryl after Mary Poppins. We loved it, it was our clear favorite. We were on the front row, and it was just magical, in every sense.

Apryl in Times Square. Monday is the best time to be in Times Square, almost empty. Saturday was in-sane. With the New York skyline behind us. It was a fun trip, but next vacation I take, I'm going to make sure Apryl's not pregnant, and that we have a little more free time planned in.

The Playground

2008-04-12T20:44:00.001-07:00

There was finally some (moderately) good weather so we decided to go to the playground. And the thing is, "good" weather is relative. Anyway, here are a few pictures of that.
Halle at the top of the tunnel slide.
Jack at the bottom of the slide.

Then the kids went to feed the ducks (and geese and damned dirty seagulls).
And Shelby with Aerin.
It's nice to be outside again. It's been a long freaking winter.

Robert Goulet rocks

2008-03-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

Much better than Gene Kelly, if you ask me. But then, I'm more singer-inclined than dancer-inclined.

My family at Easter

2008-03-30T19:57:00.000-07:00

This is awesome

2008-03-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

I saw that Tspoon had done this

2008-03-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

so, I decided to as well.

20 years ago: I was 10. I went to the Encampment but not til August. I helped my dad build that tower, and by "helped" I mean I stood around and watched. Sometimes. I have no other memories of being 10.

10 years ago: In southern Chile, being sick. About this time, 10 years ago, I was being accused by the mother of the slimiest, low-downiest, loseriest companion evAH! of having stolen his luggage, despite the fact that a) he disappeared on me in the middle of the night, b) I never saw him again and c) he stole MY fanny pack (known in the UK as a bum bag). Slightly comical, as my mission president did not believe the charges.

5 years ago: Halle was a wee little baby, I commuted from BYU to Idaho Falls pretty much every week, I took the LSAT and got ready to go to law school. I don't remember planning it, I just woke up one day and there I was, applying to law school. In case any of you are out of the loop, I got in.

3 years ago: In law school in Moscow, now with Jack and Halle, moved from the not-as-sucky place on the hill to the great place by Rob's house.Was taking Jimmy Mac's class and leaving halfway through because I was so BORED. Got an A, though (final question on the exam: "Please rank the current United State Supreme Court justices from most conservative to least conservative (none of them are really liberal)". Hah). Learned that, when they're pouring tea, get your cup out.

1 year ago: Trying to get acclimated to being an attorney. Now with Halle, Jack and Aerin. Nothing exciting to report, really. Moved from Kenna's house to a townhouse, found that smaller is easier. Narrowly avoided making a colossal housing-bubble mistake.

So far this year: Had my first trial, still waiting for the result (it was a bench trial). Knocked up my wife. Got a new suit.

Yesterday I: Cleaned the house, had a migraine, took a hydrocodone, watched 4.5 straight hours of the Backyardigans with a little Mary Poppins thrown in, finished the Eyre Affair. Highly recommend it.

Today I: drafted a Stipulation, an Answer and Demand for Jury Trial, a demand letter...etc. Had green milk and rice pudding. Was castigated for only wearing green pants, rather than a whole green outfit.

Later tonight: I'll finish the dishes. I promise.

Tomorrow: I'll take Jack to school and go to Blackfoot to hear some verbal gymnastics.

This year I hope to: be in a show, make my targets, have a healthy baby, go to New York, get my wife a kick-ass birthday gift, play more golf than I did last year.

I tag: Your face. Honestly, what did you expect me to say?

You know,

2008-02-25T10:10:00.000-08:00

when you think about it, Mountain Dew is kind of a dumb name for a soft drink. It's like they're trying to sound hill-billy-ish, but cool, and, from the recent ad campaign, I'd say they don't want people to think about the hillbilly aspect at all. Still, when I stop to think, I think, "I'm drinking something called 'Mountain Dew'? Might as well call it what my wife does: Panther Piss."(She is not a fan of the Dew).

My Good Friend Krummenacher

2008-02-23T11:16:00.001-08:00

A picture of one of my kids

2008-02-21T14:23:00.000-08:00

Why I am putting this on the blog? A) Because we decided to tell people and this is an easy way to not miss anyone, 2) it's kind of a cool picture, the 3-D aspect of it, and third) I have received requests to do more posts and more pictures.

Aerin Laughing

2008-01-12T09:01:00.000-08:00

I just think this is funny.

Christmas Tradition

2007-12-24T22:52:00.000-08:00

The kids in their Christmas Eve pajamas.

Nat

2007-12-24T10:16:00.001-08:00

This IS Christmas, for me.

Jack as a Wrestling Tiger

2007-05-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

More from Utah

2007-05-09T21:57:00.000-07:00

Tell me this isn't the coolest thing ever.

Halle with the Jaguar.

Moose!

Recent Trip to Utah

2007-05-09T21:39:00.000-07:00

Aerin at HogleZoo.

Halle with the Milk Mustache.

Jack on a Rhino.

Prepping for Easter

2007-04-01T22:16:00.000-07:00

The kids, as the Easter Bunny, the Easter Lamb, and the Easter, um, Daisy?

More Arizona

2007-03-27T22:16:00.000-07:00

This is Apryl and Halle with the camels:

And this is Jack and Halle riding the ponies. Who did I think of when Halle said "Dad, I wanna ride the pony!" Any guesses?

Trip to Arizona

2007-03-27T21:21:00.000-07:00

Well, we packed up the kids and went to Phoenix (Gilbert) to visit some friends from law school. The drive, hell. The rest, pretty fun. It rained so bad on Thursday night that we couldn't golf Friday morning (the course was "built on a flood plain"). Still, good times.

This is the kids with their cousins, Scooter and Dizzy. Aka Lainey and Kylie.

This is Apryl and Aerin in Arizona. Page, to be exact.

Pouting

2007-03-08T21:18:00.000-08:00

Jack does this funny thing now when he is sad. He walks all drooped over, it's cute. See?

Sunday after Church

2007-03-08T20:23:00.000-08:00

Amazing how they'll all sit still every once in a while for a picture.

Kid Update 2

2007-02-08T17:14:00.000-08:00

Halle

Kid Updates

2007-02-08T17:12:00.000-08:00

Jack

Another one of Aerin with the good camera

2007-01-04T22:03:00.000-08:00

This is how she smiles most of the time, like she's just about to laugh, and then she gets out a "hah" kind of sound. She's such a happy baby.

The look on Halle's face...

2007-01-04T21:47:00.000-08:00

Here's a new family picture we took with my uncle's awesome camera, on a timer. Doing this with my kids almost killed me. Seriously.

Very funny Pachelbel Rant

2006-12-27T22:20:00.001-08:00

Christmas Morning

2006-12-25T12:27:00.000-08:00

Jack and Go, Dog, Go

2006-12-25T12:17:00.000-08:00

When I was little, I LOVED this book. And since Jack likes dogs, and this book rocks, Merry Christmas!

Aerin and Brooke

2006-12-25T11:10:00.000-08:00

Blast from Christmas Past

2006-12-16T13:36:00.000-08:00

Bergman

2006-12-16T13:06:00.000-08:00

I've told people I think Ingrid sometimes looks like Debra Messing (actually it's the other way around. Anyway). Except, I don't know, there's a certain seriousness to Ingrid that Debra lacks. Maybe it's the accent, maybe Ingrid's just better looking. K P N sus 2?