Thursday, July 31, 2008

Who Is "Lebbie?"




We're not sure if "Lebbie" is a "she," "he," "it," or even a teenager.



Who is this mysterious "Lebbie?"

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Children's Musuem

We had fun at our recent trip to the Discovery Gateway, (Children's Musuem). Ashley made a friend, Sage brought a friend, and Kyle and Grant played together, as usual. We played in a play farm, a playhouse, and we got to make water projects. We also got to learn about helicopters, and what they do, and why they were made and such. We had a great time, and will soon go on another fun trip soon. We will go to Bear Lake, on Thursday, July 30th or somewhere close to that, and I bet we will have fun at the Lake. We really miss everyone, and hope to see you soon!

Tribute to the T-Man

For those who don't know, Tyler is turning 7 today!! Happy Birthday T-Man!


Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Christmas 2008


Where does everyone want to do Christmas this year? Bako or Utah?

Monday, July 28, 2008

Steamboat or Jackson Hole in Jan?

Anyone want to ski in January?

Thanksgiving with the Austins in Va

Of course there is the annual Thanksgiving in Va. We are going in 2008, and hopefully will in 2009. I hope we can also get back there in the spring of 2009. Poor Steve and Jennie practically die without us. Anyone interested in this trip?

Sun Valley 2009


Another option is Sun Valley-Redfish Lake. Let me know of any interest here.I'm posting all of these so everyone can let me know of any interest. Of course I would never go on ALL of these vacations.

Family Reunion 2009


Another option, as Shannon proposes, is a family reunion. I think we should definitely plan it. When is best for everyone, and where is best? Everyone please vote. I think Virginia would be great, but can anyone go back there?

Hawaii 2009


I'm planning vacation days for next year. Another option is Hawaii. I can get a really good deal on a condo on the Big Island. It would be a family deal. So far the only interest has been by Chris. If we go, I get my freq. flyer trip set up way in advance, so unless I hear from anyone within the next few weeks, I will go ahead and plan it without you.

Anyone for Mt Rushmore?


Judy wants to go to Mt. Rushmore next year. Possibly May or during the summer. Anyone interested?

More Sun Valley pix




Family Reunion 2009??

While at Big Meadow we discussed the idea of having a family reunion next summer in Utah. This could become an an annual event, alternating years between Bako and Utah. I wanted to get some feedback on who is interested, willing to attend and help plan. If we start planning now, we can get something set-up in advance so everyone can attend. Also, any thoughts on locations? Do you want to camp or stay in a cabin, condo or hotel?? What price per night could your family afford? All these factors will play into the decision on location. So post your ideas and we can get started planning!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Steve and Chris Learn Hard Stuff at Sun Valley








Steve and Judy met Chris and Holly and brood at Sun Valley for an educational legal seminar. Although the main focus was of course on learning stuff, we found time to hang out at the pool, ride bikes, see movies (Meet Dave, Hancock, Batman) and romp and swim at Redfish Lake, the prettiest lake in the world. Sun Valley is gorgeous, with an alpine village, lakes, lots of trees, and tons of flowers.

Andrew has big day at G'dog's




Andrew Bluemel had a big day at Steve and Judy's home. The afternoon started off with a lime popsicle and root beer, followed by swimming, running with the dogs, a fudgesicle and ending up with lots of bread and delicious Costco Sanoma chicken salad.

Kyle Peterson at Show and Tell

Friday, July 25, 2008


Hey, we have 10 kids, 9 of them not presently incarcerated, and 17 grandchildren. So could you non-participants start putting up some posts and comments?

Dad Reviews X Files

OK, it was a good solid "B." But when is the real X-Files movie coming out? No aliens, no flying saucers, and they should have left 10 minutes of the Scully and Mulder soap opera on the cutting room floor. Could spell the end of the franchise. Has the legs of a centipede. (the use of industry terms shows I am an "insider.")


I for one do not think Sharol is a car seat Nazi. I have seen too many cases where kids are thrown from cars and killed.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Some Info From the Family Car Seat Nazi

Here is some information for those of you who think I am a car safety freak. I'm just trying to keep my kids as safe as possible in the car.

http://www.carseatsite.com/RF_Handout2.pdf
http://www.carseatsite.com/RF_Handout2.pdf
http://www.carseatsite.com/RF_Handout2.pdf

Great Deal!!







Want a dog for your family, but don't want to pay hundreds of dollars up front, and deal with shedding, barking, and house training?? Then I have a deal for you!!
Our dog Penny is in need of a home (temporary or permanent) so Keith and I can afford a place to live while we finish school.
Penny is a great dog, full grown at a meager 10 pounds. She's hypo-allergenic since she doesn't shed. She is 100% house trained, and has not had an accident in over a year. We've trained her to go twice a day, once in the morning, once in the evening. She is very playful, but not needy attention wise. She knows how to sit, lay down, shake, get off a couch/bed/chair, get in her bed, get in her crate, shake, leave it and take it. Penny loves kids, and has a lot patience.
We have left her alone in her room while we are gone all day, and have come back to a room just as we left it, no chewing or going to the bathroom.
We would keep her, but rent rates have gotten so high in Orem/Provo, it's not feasible for us at this time. If you think you don't want the dog forever, but are nice enough to do us a HUGE favor, we can take her back once we graduate in August of 09.
If you or someone you know can give Penny a good home, we would rather not sell her to strangers.

*Utah dwellers, don't worry about the winter, Penny is a great inside dog, and she actually loves the snow!
*If she goes into heat while you have her, her puppies can sell from $400-$700!!!

Monday, July 14, 2008

Mike's 1st Triathalon




Mike competed in his first triathalon last weekend in Logan. With a completion time of 1hr 20 min. he finished 29th out of 150 people overall and 7th in his age group. With a little more training he is sure to finish in the top 3 next time. It is nice to see he is following in the footsteps of his wife who complete her first triathlon several years ago. We sure are proud of him!

Sofia turns 2!


The day we arrived home from Big Meadow, we had a little party with cake & ice cream for Sofia. Her favorite toy is her new baby stroller. After opening up she had no interest in any other presents. The video is of her dancing to one of those annoying music cards which she loves!

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Disneyland 2008





Shawn, Amy and Tyler flew to Calif. and stayed with us the Sat. before Big Mdw. Keith and Leslie are living with us for the summer, and we all went to Disneyland and Calif. Adventure.



Here are some more Big Meadow photos.



As always Dad told the Old Quill story around the fireside, and, as always, everyone ridiculed the "ring of fire" story. Show business looks so easy to the untrained. Everyone's a critic.

The Great House




It seems we ended up with the largest tent, which included a sitting room and a queen sized Aerobed. We wanted some of the little people to enjoy its ambiance, so Judy and I invited Chris and Holly up to the "Great House" for drinks (root beer). I thought it would be a good break for Chris, since he is all cooped up in his little starter tent. Shawn was invited too, but only to serve.

Treasure Hunt




The kids also really enjoyed their treasure hunt. It led from camp to the "pole" in the meadow to the creek to Rock Mountain. There was treasure for each one of them.

Snipe Hunt


The kids had a great time snipe hunting in Little Meadow. We saw a snipe running across the meadow but nobody could catch it. If we had caught it, there would have been chocolate covered, barbequed snipe for dinner the next night.

The mysterious stranger


we were telling scary stories around the campfire. All of a sudden, Erik looked in terror at a mysterious stranger sitting behind everyone else in the darkness. "who's that?" he fearfully asked. I guess he thought it was Old Quill. It was really only Mike Tenant. But Erik was really afraid. Mike passed up the temptation to raise his arms and slowly advance on the group. He just told who he was. borrrring.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Chris in Photo

There's Chris-hiding behind Holly's skirts as usual.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Big Meadow 2008

The whole group (minus Matt who was MIA)
Andrew, Kyle, Indiana Jones (Erik), and Tyler
Sofia, Sage, Andrew, Amber and Ashley
Andrew drinking his "chocolate"