Spence & Gayle's Family Blog

2012 Off To a Busy Start!

2012-01-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

My sister, Patricia, held a house-warming at her and Kelly's new residence in SLC. Gayle and I could not attend, but Alicia and Jared made it down. Here is Alicia holding one of the triplets.

Olivia and Brandon had a good time.

Robert and Tracine got in on the triplet tending action as well.

Jessica and Tanner made it over to share their smiling faces.

Kelly's mom, Kathy Rose, and her friend.

Kristen and Courtney.

Mark and his wife mugging with Kelly for the camera.

Rob and Carly helped finish some dessert off.

Julie and Jared, cousins and friends.

Jared enjoying practicing his parenting skills.

We had a dinner get together for my birthday this month. Here are Adrian, Arleen, and Brittney.

The "haystacks" were great!

McKel and Avril always are happy to have a family gathering.

The two bearded guys sat side-by-side.

Avril assisted in the candle blowing work.

Also this month, my dear dad started residing at The Legacy House, just down from Logan Regional Hospital. Gayle decorated his room and I did the labor (moving furniture, etc.).

Patricia brought up the triplets during the month to visit their grandpa at The Legacy House.

I thought I'd throw in some random shots of the girls being girls at home. Here's McKel grinning in the TV room.

Avril loves books. Here she's sitting on the banana chair and thumbing through one of her collection.

McKel looks like she'll be going down the same literary path as Avril. Her attention span is a lot shorter, though.

Both girls, warm inside while it's winter outside.

The other big news this month is that Avril had surgery. Out came the tonsils and adenoid tissue. In went ear tubes (not in the foregoing order).

Papa looks like he's falling asleep post Avril's surgery in the recovery area,while Avril seems pretty alert after coming out of anesthesia. We got to watch the whole thing on closed-circuit TV and have it recorded on disk for future enjoyment and posterity. (January 25th)

Some More December Memories

2011-12-29T11:21:00.002-07:00

Here are various shots downloaded from our other camera, and one from Gayle's android phone, that capture more of our December experiences.

Avril and McKel, enjoying some time together when Alicia took them with her for a visit up in Montana.

Ali and Avril in Montana.

Since Alicia and the girls were gone on the 25th, we celebrated part of our Christmas with them on the 26th.

Gayle and McKel, sharing the excitement.

A recent, random shot of McKel (from up in Montana).

Avril really liked opening stuff.

Ali and Avril sharing some Christmas fun.

McKel, playing with one of two toy phones she got! I'm sporting the two macaroni necklaces I got from the two girls.

The living room rug was the perfect place for opening gifts.

Santa even brought a fun game that both girls can play.

Finally, here is a wintery shot from Gayle's phone taken at night, earlier in the season after a brief snowfall (it has been very dry lately, without a good snow for several weeks).

December Photos

2011-12-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

In addition to the usual company and ward parties this year, we also held a family get together down at Chuck-a-Rama to celebrate both McKel's and Alicia's December birthdays. Here are Avril, Alicia, and McKel.

Some of those at the table - We love being able to have Tracine's dad, Lee Hales, join in the events too. Jared, and Adrian & family were there too.

Brittney, Arleen, and Adrian.

Us. I had just begun sprouting some holiday season whiskers. Jared has a head start.

Alicia, sporting some new duck feet pajamas! Nice and warm.

McKel posing on the decorative rocking horse (not to really be ridden).

Ali and McKel.

The grandparents.

On Friday, the 23rd, Trish, Kelly, Olivia and boys were able to come up, so we got together for some preliminary Christmas celebrating up at Grandma Joyce's (and Grandpa Spencer's).

Kelly, Trish, and Olivia.

Grandma Joyce and grandpa Spencer - terrific hosts.

Tracine, Sam, and Spencer Lee came over but Robert wasn't back from Illinois until the next evening.

Arleen and Parker. Adrian and George. And Brit with Edison.

Jared's baby handling services were required also.

We gathered for some early present opening while Trish el al. were there.

Jared and Gayle, with the bright snow and sunlight from the backyard behind them.

Julie (Susan's daughter) came up from her duties as an Engineering prof. at BYU for some festivities on Saturday. What would Christmas be without some caroling around the piano?

Julie had invited Brit to come up early so they could hit the volleyball around in the backyard. The cold didn't seem to bother Brit, playing in a sleeveless top and having moved from Azusa, California just a few months ago! Sam was helping with the volleyball practicing too.

This could be the same pose as on almost any Christmas day, or other big family breakfast (although this was a Christmas eve meal) except that this year I'm letting the whiskers go. The beard was much more visible when it was a mixture of reddish-brown and blond (last time I grew one was about 14 yrs. ago). Now it's mostly grey and white. I enjoy the kitchen duty, especially if it's just flipping pancakes.

Robert, back to Zion from Zion. Explanation: he is working in a place called Zion, Illinois. Utah is known in some cases as Zion (or his home ward and stake, for that matter). So he has returned to Zion, having come from Zion. Tracine is beaming to have him home.

Gayle's Trip to Georgia for Beth's Services

2011-12-29T10:18:00.001-07:00

Over Thanksgiving 2011, Gayle's younger sister, Beth, passed away from complications incident to neurofibromatosis. Gayle flew back to Georgia to be with family and attend Beth's services. Here is a photo of Gayle and Beth together in October of 2010 in Milledgeville, Georgia.

Beth and Gayle in 2010.

David, Katie, and their new addition, Blythe. David is son of Richard and Rosemarie (Gayle's sister).

Two of Gayle's three step-brothers (Kenneth passed away a few years ago). This is Wendell and Guy. Wendell lives with his family in Florida, and Guy and Jean live up in Tennessee.

Gayle, Robert Meier (Beth's husband), Richard, and Rosemarie.

Rosemarie and Gayle outside the church where the funeral service was held.

A group of cousins, re-united.

Emily (Rosemarie's daughter), Chester, and their talented family (they are very musically inclined).

More of Gayle's cousins, Cathy, Anne, and Dale.

November, including Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T21:26:00.001-07:00

The two sisters in matching pajamas, sitting under a cover on the sofa in our TV room on a cold November night.

Trying out the toboggan in our front yard after a mid-November snowfall.

We got together for Thanksgiving with Grandpa and Grandma Parkinson, Trish and Kelly and their kids, Adrian, Arleen, and Brit, and Jared. Later, Robert and his family came by too. Here are Trish and her three boys (yes, triplets).

Alicia, McKel, Avril, and Kelly's daughter, Olivia (10 yrs. old).

I always get drafted to carve the turkey, even though I'm not great at it.

And grandma Parkinson is always so well prepared and organized, even though she thinks she's not. She runs a great kitchen!

Jared enjoyed caring for the three baby boys. Here he is with Edison. As you can see, some of us gave our faces a rest for the holidays. Some of us did so for longer than the holidays, in fact.

Olivia and her hirsute dad, Kelly, who is sporting a very nice looking beard.

Adrian, Arleen, and I think that's Parker.

Avril loves her big high school cousin, Brittney.

McKel and her Parkinson grandparents.

Gayle, posing with her father-in-law.

The Glenns. A handsome couple!

Arleen always gains much satisfaction in working with children. Here she is with Edison.

Avril loved the pies (she had some of the chocolate pie too). And later in the evening she insisted on more pumpkin pie (of course I had to help her eat it).

Yes, I was giving my face a rest from shaving for a couple of days too. Here I am in the process of feeding some chocolate pie to McKel, as you might discern from her face.

Adrian, giving Parker a rest.

The patriarch of the Parkinson clan, taking it all in.

Brit with Edison. Brit also likes helping with the kids, and she's good at it too.

Don't know if it was the tryptophan or just the caloric intake, but some of us got pretty drowsy after the meal.

Meanwhile, Trish played some beautiful music, including some Christmas carols. Parker didn't enjoy it after awhile, though.

We were very happy that Robert, Tracine, Spencer, and Sam were able to drop by. Brian, though, is on his mission down near Mexico City.

It takes a village (as Hillary would say). The significance of this shot is the following: the triplets were born on the same day, as you might expect. It was April 16. Adrian was born on April 16. Eleven years later Jared was born on April 16. And when Adrian was dating Arleen, he didn't believe her at first when she said she was born on April 16, but she was, in fact. So in our immediate family we have 6 souls born on April 16.

Olivia and Brit were able to hang out together too. They're both beautiful girls. And the significance of this photo, you may ask? Brittney was born on August 11. Four years later Olivia was born on August 11.

Back home, Alicia grabbed the camera and took a couple of shots of the girls on our stairway. As plainly visible, they were indulging in some brownies.

Had to throw in this one showing McKel being very animated!

Wanted also to get the mom in. You can see where the girls get their looks.

Gayle took off this evening after our Thanksgiving activities in order to get to Trish and Kelly's to stay the night at their place in Salt Lake City. She is flying out tomorrow very early for Atlanta. We got sad news about 3:00 a.m. Wednesday morning. Gayle's younger sister (55 yrs. old) passed away in her sleep. She had many health challenges, but this was still unexpected. The viewing will be tomorrow night and the funeral service Saturday.

Guatemala part 3

2011-11-07T21:33:00.001-07:00

Indigenous folks we passed en route to Atitlan - amidst the maize fields.

No. The volcano is not erupting. Turns out that there is often a cloud there from the micro climate formed above the caldera.

One of several volcanoes around Lake Atitlan. It was worth a second photo for the blog. Panajachel is below.

The scenery around the hotel was breathtaking and included a waterfall in the mountains above the hotel. This is a look across the lake (2nd largest in Guatemala, and a very deep lake at that). The lake's elevation is about 5,500 ft. and the climate is known as eternal spring.

The artwork and gardens at the hotel were to die for. Just ask Gayle. Our room (we swapped with the boys so they could have two beds) was on the end of the 3rd (top) floor (and was #315, visible in this shot)and looked out on the garden and the lake. Unbelievable views.

More of the hotel outdoor walkway on our floor.

Looking back toward Panajachel. I should mention that I got in several good runs this week, including a couple back at Camino Real in Petén on the gravel road next to the lake. Here at Atitlan several of the Marshes and the Cospers' daughter got in a run with me. Some of us had to back off of the hill route due to a massive mud slide that had covered the road. It was a very nice run though.

Our bed in #315 at Hotel Atitlan.

Yes. Believe it or not, this is what we looked out at from our room.

The gardens were amazing.

Many exotic plants we'd never seen before.

An infinity jacuzzi next to the pool. We tested it out later.

Jared in the evening.

Looking back at the restaurant and the mountains behind the hotel.

Here's the pool, just beyond the restaurant's outdoor seating.

The catamaran was loading to head across the lake to visit Santiago de Atitlan. Here we are on the dock with a couple of the guys helping with the voyage. You can't see in this photo, but just behind us there is a gazebo and lamp, etc. underwater. Turns out that the lake level has risen about 15 feet over the last several years. It goes through cycles.
Jared, catching some rays on the trip across the lake.

Some of the group (Rich, Trevor, and Charlene chatting) on the trip over.
Jared and Dallin en route.

Jared's smart phone (Android) wide angle shot on the way to Santiago de Atitlan.

These are in no particular order, but here are some shots from the Hotel Atitlan. This is part of the breakfast spread. There were beautiful decorations everywhere.

One of the displays in near the restaurant.

Bringing back more orange juice at breakfast. I could've had watermelon, pineapple, or papaya juice too, probably.

Gayle, about to eat chicken & vegetable soup at lunch. I went for the black bean soup. The lemonade was fantastic too. I had mine with mineral water.
Note Gayle's right eye. She woke up one morning at El Camino Real Hotel at Petén Itza and it had swollen shut. As best as we can tell it was a mosquito bite in her eye socket next to her nose. I slip this shot in here because the next shot was a couple of days later at Atitlan and the swelling was still noticeable.


A photo at an evening event (birthday party for Ted Fairchild, one of our group). Gayle's eye is getting better.

A wall in an art store in Santiago de Atitlan. Out of place with the other photos, but colorful so I'll leave it here.

Fruit anyone?

Outdoor seating at the restaurant.

And this would be indoor seating for breakfast.

Another shot out of place. This is a lady selling cloth in Santiago de Atitlan.

Two of the locals in their traditional dress.

The garden right below our balcony.

More of the garden at the hotel.

Kicking back at Hotel Atitlan.

One of the hotel staff with the guys.

Garden, looking out at the dock.

Life, imitating art.

It must be a popular hotel, there's a helicopter landing pad.

One last look down at the hotel, just to the right of the ugly green tower hotel. Next, on to Antigua Guatemala.

The guys in their "Man Cave" section at the back of bus #2 en route to Antigua. Antigua was the ancient capital of this central part of Latin America. It is a very scenic, artsy, colonial city. Our hotel was a very old convent, restored and turned into a ritzy hotel, complete with several museums inside. The following Antigua and final Guatemala City photos are not in a particular order.

A local band with 6 guys playing the marimba. They were performing not far from the downtown plaza in the evenings.

By far the fanciest McDonald's I had been to. Here's a look into the McCafé where Rich, Pam, and Terry are talking.

Another part of the McDonald's. There also was a spacious garden area with seating, a kids area at the back, an Internet area, and the usual dining area.

On a hill above Antigua, with our Guatemalan t-shirts on.

Jared and Erin above Antigua.

Dallin, the local, above Antigua as well.

The young singles club - Jared, Rebecca, Dallin, and Erin.

The youngsters eating out. Steve Marsh, Erin, John Marsh, Jared, Dallin, and Rebecca Marsh.

Somewhere in Antigua.

Inside the Casa Santo Domingo Hotel, in Antigua.

More local color.

Inside our room at Casa Santo Domingo, a colonial convent converted into a hotel.

These doors open into a private, small garden area.

Trekking up the parking lot driveway toward the buses to leave for the capital city.

The guys ready to board load their stuff on the bus so they can visit the city before leaving.

A couple of adventurers.

A mural in one of the hotel museums, with Pam May to the right.

Near our hotel room.

Our room from the outside.

Looking in with the door open. You can see the fireplace at the back left, and the doors to the garen to the right.

Beauty everywhere around at the hotel.

More convent decorations.

Artwork all around.

Rebecca and Jared relaxing at a jade museum and factory we visited.

Checking out a jade marimba at the factory.

Wearing a jade encrusted costume at the museum/factory. Guatemalan jade is significantly harder than the more common Chinese jade.

We, of course, hit the market.

We also visited a couple of the many Catholic churches in Antigua.

More decor back at the hotel.

Dallin blended right in.

Gayle wanted an artsy shot of hot chocolate.

Colorful street selling.

Old colonial vs. modern street market.

A shot of a pathway inside the convent/hotel.

In the hotel somewhere.

More convent/hotel artwork. A marriage ceremony was held here the night we stayed.

Jared and parrots. I believe somewhere in the Casa de Santo Domingo Hotel.

So scenic I have to show another shot of Antigua from the hill above it.

Jared, the Mayan king. Although for those interested, many LDS scholars think the Olmecs and Jaredites are correlated, whereas the Mayans correlate time-wise and probably location-wise with the Nephite/Lamanite civilizations.

Back at our Guatemala City hotel, the Barceló. We held a great testimony meeting the night before leaving. Here are Steven Marsh, Erin Elton, Jared, Colleen and John Walker, Rebecca Marsh, Dallin Large, and John Marsh.

A farewell kiss from the guys to send Rebecca on her way.

Guatemala part 2

2011-11-06T20:50:00.001-07:00

After our excursion to Quiriguá we headed out to northern Guatemala to the state of Petén. En route, we passed by some military personnel. Jared and Dallin wanted to have their photo taken with one of the guys so I asked and he said it would be OK.

I couldn't tell exactly where this fit in, probably back at Quiriguá, but Jared and Dallin were in the same clothes as the other shots on this day so I stuck it in. They are with Erin Elton, daughter of one of the former Walker missionaries. She lives near Dallin in California but found out he was going on this trip while they were both attending a young singles meeting on the east coast and Dallin overheard her talking about the trip. They couldn't believe they were both going on a Walker Guatemala trip.

The Camino Real Hotel near Santa Elena is right on the third largest lake in Guatemala, the Petén Itza. It is lowland and in the jungle. It's a great hotel. This is in the dance area where we also sang karaoke. Dallin is dancing with Rebecca Marsh (daughter of John Marsh and niece of Henry Marsh the olympic steeple chaser from the 80's). Becky also had two single brothers on the trip.

Jared and Erin dancing in the jungle.

Several of us tried karaoke. Here Gayle and Erin belt it out. Erin has a very nice voice, as does her father, Byron.

There were lots of exotic plants around the hotel (and everywhere else, for that matter).

The first site we visited in Petén was Yaxha (pronounced Josh-ha, more or less, per our guide, Aquilino).

The dudes, taking in some vitamin D.

Father and son, apparently looking at something in the jungle.

Jared, on top a VERY steep pyramid at Yaxha. Frankly, I experienced mild acrophobia, mostly when others got too close to the edge. The Laguna Yaxjá (spelling per map) in the background was very scenic.

Jared, holding up a stela. Actually, in some cases the actual stelae are taken to secure locations for study and preservation and replicas are set up. Not sure which this is.

Gayle, atop one of many pyramids.

In these ancient sites, many of the surrounding hills are actually unrestored pyramids. At Tikal, for example, the forest had been cleared in the late 1800's and yet when we were there the jungle had completely taken back much of the area and all the unrestored pyramids. Once inhabitants left, often it is suspected due to degradation of the surrounding environment, the cities were lost to the jungle.

That's me on top. You can click to enlarge if you don't believe me.

Lake Petén Itza was fantastic. It is clean, warm, and beautiful. This is a dock below our hotel. We went swimming and kayaking. A Swiss guy had retired and built a beautiful home overlooking the lake just around the bend. We went kayaking past his house (and dock and boats).

Jared and Dallin had just pulled in with the kayaks as dusk fell.

We had to get this sign. How many times do you see a "Jaguar crossing" sign? This is Rich May, one of my former companions (we served in Tampico together) and his sister-in-law, Terry Wilkinson. Rich is an immunologist in Birmingham, Alabama (but was raised in Ojai, California). He's been a stake president and Area authority, and right now is serving his second time as a bishop.

Also not the type sign we would usually see.

Although this was a small guy, there really were crocodiles in this body of water at Tikal.

Overlooking part of the main square (so to speak) of Tikal. The numbers of "buildings" here (and at other ancient Mayan cities) were incredible. We didn't have the time and money (usually one goes by helicopter) to get to the more recently studied El Mirador up in northern Petén. Its size even overshadows Tikal. Its La Danta pyramid is not as tall as, but is more massive than the one at Giza, Egypt. Charles Lindbergh and other pilots who saw it and other pyramids in that part of Petén thought they were seeing many volcanoes.

Group shot at Tikal. Trevor and Charlene Ashton, Rich and Pam May, Kenny and Terry Wilkinson, and yours truly with Gayle.

One of many large carved masks at Tikal. I need to point out that the pyramids, when in use, were all stuccoed and painted different colors. And all the open areas for walking were also stuccoed.

The young bucks at Tikal.

John Marlan and Colleen Walker!

Wish I had a recording of the howl these howler monkey make. Amazingly loud and scary.

Buzzards circling in the jungle around one of the multiple "temples" at Tikal. The hill just outside the shot to the right is another of the temples, but not uncovered.

We had an amazing local guide on this leg of the adventure. All I can remember is his first name, Aquilino. He has never been to the US but speaks English very fluently.

Jared with a Mayan temple in the background, rising above the forest.

Another shot of the center area of Tikal. Roofs cover some of the artifacts being preserved and studied.

Another one of us. Note the scaffolding in the background as work is being done to shore up and preserve the ancient structures.

Jared in the jungle. Has a nice ring to it.

That evening we went to see the lake island of Flores (from the shore) and mainly to visit one of the local LDS branches in Santa Elena, to see students who had benefited from the Walkers' foundation, Las Gaviotas (the seagulls), which provides tuition for poor students to complete public education (which is free only for the first 6 years). Each recipient got to stand up and express gratitude and report on their progress.

Wish I'd taken better shots of El Camino Real hotel, but here's one of thte sidewalk going past each building of rooms, which overlook Lake Petén Itza.

And here's a shot of the breakfast spread that awaited us each morning.

A look over a roof top area toward the lake.

There was a nice pool and jacuzzi, but I'm not sure which part of which this particular view takes in.

We left the Santa Elena area and retraced our earlier journey as we headed to our next adventure site, the Atitlan area. They let us disembark the buses in order to walk across a scenic bridge. This spanned a narrow part of the Lago de Izabal, the largest lake in Guatemala. I didn't realize it at the time, but we were very close to the Castle of San Felipe, a place a Guatemalteco friend of mine (Adrian's neighbor) said we should try to see.

Even though this is Guatemala, we were close enough to Mexico (in distance and culture) that hand made corn tortillas were still very common in the area. After we crossed the bridge, this was one of the places we passed on foot as we approached the gas station where the buses were re-fueling.

Guatemala part 1

2011-11-06T12:01:00.003-07:00

President John Marlan Walker, our wonderful former mission president (Mexico North '71-'74) and superb tour guide. Check out his hat! While wearing this cap he calls himself "The General." Nowhere else could you get the archaeological insights, tour organization, fantastic accommodations, spirituality, and camaraderie, all at a great bargain!
A photo of President Walker with a visiting general authority, elder Thomas S. Monson, at the Mexico North mission home on Jamaica street in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon - early '70's.

Although we received a great binder full of archaeological information, I haven't read it all yet. So I won't try to show too much esoteric stuff, nor try to explain a lot of it. Our first day, after flying the red-eye and landing in Guatemala City, we drove in our two tour buses up at Copan, actually across the border in Honduras. There had been considerable flooding and mud slides, but we were only held up awhile due to a mud slide. It did rain a fair amount this first day in Central America, but we loved the experience. This is one of many stelae at Copan. Jared's in the background.

At this site, some important ancient works were covered from the elements to help preserve them and allow further restoration efforts/studies to proceed. Here is some of our group under the canvass.
Gayle and Jared, also under the canvass and out of the rain for a minute.
Gayle and I under the jungle canopy, slightly protected from the rain. I'm sporting my Peru t-shirt from our last adventure with Pres. Walker two years ago.

Just to give you a flavor of the Copan surroundings. Plenty of howler and spider monkeys in these areas.

Gayle, protecting herself from the rain and resting on some Copan ruins. The river not far behind these ruins actually had to be re-routed many decades ago to prevent further destruction of part of Copan.
Standing in front of one of the many artifacts (a stela, plural stelae) left by the ancient inhabitants.

The nicely kept grass areas in most of these ruins were actually stuccoed areas used by large communities. The stucco has long since deteriorated, and it's easier to keep the jungle out and keep things nice for tourists with grass. Note the massive tree in the background. There are many Ceiba, bread nut, and mahogany trees around, with the older ones getting impressively large and supporting other flora growing off of the jungle floor.
Looking down from part of Copan.
Jared and his friend Dallin at Copan.

Gayle, pointing down the precipice.

The guys enjoying the experience.
Part of Copan in the rain.
The rain, by the way, was not cold at this latitude and altitude.

Some of our greeters near the Copan exit (and entrance).

The whole trip featured great food (although the snacks we brought along for the bus rides got a little boring). I am joined here for breakfast by Dallin Large (living in Santa Monica and from Saugus) and Jared. I believe this is at Hotel Longarone in Rio Hondo, Guatemala.
Posing while I finish my black beans, eggs with salsa, and corn tortillas.

The "lichas" (lichees) were unusual but quite tasty.

The day after Copan we headed further north and east up to Quiriguá. En route we passed banana plantations and even saw a small plane crop dusting. At this site important stellae were covered by thatched roofs.

Resting on the steps at Quiriguá. I should mention that all the ruins we visited on this trip were Mayan ruins, from several eras. Something like 22 Mayan dialects are still spoken in Guatemala, with Spanish as a second language.

Gayle, near a Ceiba tree.

The stelae at Quiriguá were quite tall and impressive.

An unusual lizard was just behind this chain-link fence.

One of many. These were actually carved on all sides.

The trees were amazing.

Another shot of this setting.

Gayle, having fun being on an adventure.

We had to horse around a bit too.

Banana trees right next to the ruins. Interestingly, we ran into several people (not all from the same group) from Barcelona Spain. I always enjoy chatting to Spaniards in Spanish.

We'll close out this segment with yet another tree shot.

Misc. end of Oct. early Nov.

2011-11-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

Gayle in her Dolly Parton role, after having dressed Avril in her pumpkin outfit for Halloween.

"Dolly" giving McKel a quick bath in the kitchen sink on Halloween.

The first significant snow of the year, on Saturday, November 5th. Here's Avril, snotty nose and all. Although she's seen snow before, she is now old enough to get excited about it. All she could talk about was making a snowman and snow angels. Of course she had to frequently eat the snow.

It wasn't good packing snow, but we did manage to make a small snowman. Avril requested that I get a carrot for the nose! Gayle added the scarf and hat.

Hugging the snowman.

A recent professional shot of McKel. What a cutie (and handful). She's walking now, but generally just a few yards at a time.

Avril is growing up too fast!

And speaking of growing up too fast, here's Brittney, now 14 and a Freshman at Logan High School.

October except for our Guatemala Trip

2011-10-30T21:34:00.000-06:00

We reprised our Dolly and Kenny roles at an early October hoe-down at a Logan 8th ward dinner, singing "Islands in the Stream."

The dinner included "road kill" desserts, such as this Petrified Porcupine, complete with a crow eating its guts (Jenifer Isom prepared this one, and took the prize).

Janet Garn was part of a Relief Society skit and really hammed it up in costume.

Bishop Firth looked the part in his authentic fox hat.

And Jeff Pease showed his prized teeth and mullet hair-do.

Spencer Parkinson, my nephew, joined my dad (Spencer Parkinson), me, and other family members for his birthday dinner on Thursday the 27th at the Sizzler.

Brittney, a freshman, looks up to Spencer, a senior, at Logan High School.

Enjoying the birthday root beer float.

Avril loves "reading" books, even ones that were discarded by the school district and are many decades old!

Avril's pre-school had a Halloween costume party the same night as Spencer's birthday dinner, so the girls went to it instead.

McKel was a watermelon!

Avril was a pumpkin.

Avril, playing in the pool

Fishing at the party.

Today our friends for many years, the Dollars from Fresno, came by to visit. Here are Brooks and Patti with Gayle.

The girls, tasting the yummy cheesecake Gayle made for the Dollars and us.

Fun at the Pool

2011-09-18T21:02:00.003-06:00

Saturday we decided that for our extended family activity (Family Home Evening) we would go to the Sports Academy pool together. Jared couldn't make it, but Adrian and his family could. Here are the girls posing before Adrian and his family got there. Brittney brought along a friend, Abigail.

Avril had a blast using a frog float device.

McKel had a life preserver with a seat in it. She loved the water.

Here the girls are, waiting for Adrian and family.
Finally the whole crowd joined in the fun - Abigail, Avril, Brittney, Arleen, Adrian, McKel, and Alicia are shown.

Some September Fun

2011-09-16T23:04:00.000-06:00

It's great having Adrian, Arleen, and Brittney nearby. They help out a lot. In the case above, Avril is lending a hand to assist Arleen in washing Alicia's car.

We recently implemented a standing FHE whereby any of our family (who are now all in town) who are around can gather once a week for a family night. We kicked off the new tradition a few weeks ago and included the great grandparents as well. This first time we had a dinner also.

Here's a shot of Brit, Jared, Arleen, and Adrian.
Here are some of us at the other end of the table.

The activity that night included some water balloons. Here is Brit with some she got ready.

Gayle with the two youngest grand girls.

And Avril loves being outdoors. She likes the flowers.

We played water balloon volleyball. Brit learned the game while at her ward's Youth Conference shortly before.

Gayle and I made a good team.

Adrian and Arleen, with McKel a bit unhappy at the moment.

We gathered and made the trek to the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City on Labor Day. The baby carrier (the apparatus, not Brit) is a very useful item. Here Brit shows how she carried McKel much of the zoo visit.

Here's the whole family at once at the beginning of our Hogle Zoo fun.

McKel got to see her first elephants.

Here are some of us observing the elephants.

Avril and I watched from the upper level.

And here are what we were looking at.

Avril on top of a rhino statue.

These were the real deal.

Avril likes to refer to her drink in the lion.

We were observing some napping Bengalese tigers here. Very large indeed!

The trip wouldn't be complete without the carousel. Cousin Brit helps Avril.

A bit of down time for a frozen treat.

More folks enjoying the frozen stuff.

Here's a later FHE (9/12) for which one activity was to help Brit start learning how to ride a bicycle. The helmet is important!

Papa is about to attempt to teach bicycle riding.

Avril insisted on riding her "bicycle" also.

Avril loves to participate.

This FHE was also fun.

We're about to launch into a two wheeled adventure.

A Busy Week in August

2011-08-21T20:54:00.001-06:00

Tuesday, August 16th, was Gayle's and my 34th anniversary. We chose to celebrate it by enjoying family. We went with Brit, Arleen, Adrian, Alicia, Avril, and McKel up to Tony Grove, a mountain lake high above Logan. We had an evening picnic and proceeded to hike around the lake.

McKel was impressed by the watermelon.

Avril has become fast friends with Brit, her cousin who recently moved from Azusa, California.

I was assigned to cut the watermelon. Everything is a bit more work when carrying a baby.

Gayle and our eldest, Adrian, relaxing on the wall before our adventure.

McKel discovering a new favorite food, watermelon.

We weren't the only ones looking forward to a picnic. We eventually shared some of our pistachios with this friendly chipmunk.

Avril had a blast and actually walked nearly the entire circumference of the lake on her own, hanging out with Brittney.

Several folks were fishing, and we got to see a guy pull in a nice trout from the shore.

Looking at the south end of the lake. That's Alicia, Brit, me wit McKel, and Avril.

Of course Avril insisted on sticking her hand in the water. She wanted to go in.

Grandparents with their youngest grandchild.

Heading around the west side of the lake, just under the crest of the mountains, and thus in the shady zone. This is the side with the spectacular wild flowers. Even this late in the year, and probably because the of especially wet winter and spring, the flowers were very beautiful.

A snippet of the view of flowers.

Up closer. The flowers are small, delicate, colorful, and pretty. And there is a very wide variety of them.

More.

And some more.

The next day I was able to take Avril to the ward Primary's water day at the neighborhood park. Avril was a bit young for it, but still had lots of fun. Here she is with Ellie and Julie, two of Alicia's recently added piano students. They are the Stockers' grand girls from Japan who are staying here this summer.

Avril, examining the ball we used (I helped) to put someone into the water in the dunk tank.

Checking out what the other kids were doing, as she stands by our mode of transportation to the park, the big red wagon.

Avril didn't quite get the whole water balloon thing. She just wanted to squish them and play with them. She didn't want them to break.

I should mention also that we had a new car delivered to our house on our anniversary. It's a Honda Odyssey van, so we can haul around more family members now that they all live in Logan. Here are the great grandparents with Gayle in front of the new vehicle (and the color is Mocha - with gold specs).

Jared gave me a hike with him for my Father's Day present, and we've been trying to schedule it ever since. After several postponings, we finally did a Wind Cave hike up Logan Canyon on the 17th after he got home from work. Fortunately we were quick hikers and made it down before it got too dark to follow the trail. Here's Jared just as we were about to hit the trail.

The view south, across the canyon, looking at the cliffs below the Crimson Trail, another great hike.

Jared, en route to the Wind Caves.

We're in the second half of August and there is still snow up above Third Dam. This is looking south/southwest from the trail.

Jared has lifted weights over the years and is more buff than I am.

It was dusk, so it's a bit harder to see, but you can tell that this rock is hollow.

And from another angle.

Me, resting before the trek down. It's only a 1.3 mile walk, but it goes up 900 feet in elevation, so it's not exactly a walk in the park.

Averl with Laurel and Taggert Rapp, Amy's children (Amy is one of Alicia's friends from high school).

Today, the 21st, we drove our new van on its maiden voyage. We, along with Adrian and his family and mom and dad with Robert, Tracine, and Spencer Lee, attended the blessing of Kelly and Trish's triplets. Robert blessed Edison and I blessed George. Parker was blessed by Kelly's friend. Afterward we had a nice family reunion and luncheon at Kelly and Trish's home. Here's a group shot, minus Spencer Lee, who took the photo.

And here's just the Spencer K. Parkinson family.

August So Far

2011-08-14T20:06:00.003-06:00

Gayle and Brit took in a movie (Tangled) at Smithfield's outdoor park venue.

Brit, kicking-back for the movie in the park.

A shot of the movie experience.

We recently came home to startle two small fawns in the front yard. They scurried around the back. Usually deer just hop the fence. These guys were too small and got stuck in our backyard. I eventually had to go up the back hill and open the gate. One of them found the gate but the other I had to herd out.

One of our favorite times: book-reading to the grand kids, especially on the front porch rocking chair in the evening, right after bath time!

Although we don't have photos, on August 6th Adrian and family accompanied Gayle and me to go to Clarkston to see the famous Martin Harris Pageant. It was awesome and we had a great experience. It was a scenic drive through the valley farmlands to get there too.

Brit and family celebrated her 14th birthday at Golden Corral on August 11th, just before we headed off to the Cache County Fair.

The great grandparents joined in. This illustrates why you don't want to shoot photos with bright light behind the subjects!

Alicia and Avril (wearing some of her food) enjoyed the offerings.

Here's a view of some of the participants.

The Golden Corral staff did their customary Birthday embarrassing exhibition for Brit.

It was worth it because of the special dessert that came with it.

Avril, reflecting on the merits of chocolate.

Some people just like to broadcast what they had to eat.

Even McKel sampled some of the food. Here she is in one of her favorite modes of transportation.

Nana and Avril.

The first really fun thing at the fair was when Alicia and Avril got to ride on a real pony for the Young Ward Yound Women's fund raiser! The horse's name was "Spike."

We were able to escape the puppy petting without buying one (miracle). McKel loved them.

Adorable.

We got to see the goats next.

Then we went into the bunny, pigeon, and chicken building. There were many weird varieties of all three. Here's an example of a strange looking chicken.

Next it was off to see the pigs. One big hog got loose while we were in the aisle and it went running up and down the aisle with a boy chasing it to catch it.

We looked at the sheep and even went under a big tent to watch the 4-H sheep contest as the judges deliberated and judged the various entries.

We took a break for rest and refreshment and Brit helped Avril enjoy the canal that runs through the fairgrounds.

Arleen and Alicia relaxed under a tree at the canal.

The baby carrier has the benefit of causing McKel to fall asleep.

This is how we got the two small girls around much of the fair. At this point we were now in the cow building.

Avril was just a little leery of getting her photo taken so close to that big old cow, but the lady said it was very friendly.

What would a fair be without rides? Alicia, Avril, and Brit about to go for a spin (literally).

Avril absolutely loved the carousel, and squealed every time she went around.

Adrian's family hopped on the Ferris Wheel to see the valley from above.

And Avril got a refreshing swing.

This was lots of fun too.

And the last ride was a cool car ride on a racetrack. She kept her hands on the wheel the whole time.

July and Adrian's Family Move

2011-08-14T19:25:00.002-06:00

McKel is maturing rapidly. She pulls herself up at every chance and wishes she were running around with Avril.

Alicia and kids went with us to the middle-school to watch July fireworks (on the 1sts in Logan). The automatic sprinklers starting coming on so we had to re-locate. The little girls fell asleep before the grand finale, but we had a great time.

Gayle and I took the Mountaineer to Azusa to help Adrian and his family sort and pack for their big move up to Logan. Brit had her hair done while we were there. Here she is, modeling her new "do." We started off the July 4th week by having a youth fund-raising pancake breakfast at their ward that morning. We have photos in Gayle's camera and once we can get them down loaded I'll add them.

We worked very hard for several days before driving with a car load of stuff back to Logan, while Adrian and family stayed behind for a couple of weeks until the ABF trailer was delivered for filling up a section with the rest of their boxes and items. However, while in California we did make it down to Newport one afternoon to hit the beach. Here's a shot of a rose not far from the Newport Harbor entrance (also just a block from the famed Newport Wedge body-surfing spot).

Shot from near the Newport Harbor entrance, not far from the Newport Wedge.

After visiting the Wedge, we went back up the coast a bit to a pier in Newport. Here's a shot back down (south) toward the harbor entrance. It was a week-day and the waves were almost non-existent - but see the crowd in spite of this.

Gayle, Brit, and Adrian on the pier at Newport.

Later in July, back in Logan, Gayle and the girls celebrated the 24th (Pioneer Day) by going to the parade.

McKel, in a pensive mood as she contemplates the pioneers' sacrifices.

Nana and the girls.

Somewhere in the general time frame Patricia made a trek up to Logan and some of us were able to see her and the triplets mid-day on a work day (during lunch hour). Left to right we are holding Parker, Edison, and George Glenn.

Grandma Joyce (to the boys) wanted in on the action too.

Also, Gayle and the girls made it to the local Zoo recently. Here McKel takes a breather from all the exciting animal observations.

And Avril, sporting her Montana shirt, considers the wonders of the animal kingdom.

Checking out the swan.

Alicia, sharing some nutrition with Avril.

We celebrated Dad's 85th birthday at the new Chuck-A-Rama all you can eat restaurant. Here he is with his bride.

Often when we're in a hurry, we bath the girls in the kitchen sink. Avril had worn her hair tightly braided this day, and we were impressed with the effect it had on her hair when we took the braids out.

Another hair shot, while Avril plays in the water.

Prior to Adrian's family move up to Logan, Gayle (with my assistance) prepared their mobile home from being a drab empty place to a warm and welcoming home. The best made-over room was what became Brittney's room. Check out the colors!

Of course Brit's own bathroom had to match the color scheme of her room.

And just down the hallway from Brit's room is the study. The sofa opens into a bed too, for visitors.

Here's the computer desk and chair.

The master bathroom.

The master bedroom.

Looking the other direction through the master bedroom into the bathroom.

And two full closets in the master bedroom to the right.

Gayle and I also painted the living room and Gayle decorated it.

A corner of the living room near the counter shared with the kitchen.

The porch deck with table and chairs for enjoying the shade outdoors.

The cat and sign at the front door. Adrian made the sign in wood shop at school back in Saugus, and we had kept it all these years. Now it's being put to very good use.

Here's a shot of the kitchen.

That's a brand new stove/oven on the left.

Looking from the kitchen into the living room.

The other corner of the kitchen, looking at the glass door cabinet.

All of that in this mobile home!

In this general time frame Jared bought an old motorcycle for tooling around town. Here he's showing his little nieces.

The happy family at their new home.

McKel, checking out some toys.

And learning about mirrors.

Summer Skiing - Jared and Spence

2011-06-26T21:56:00.002-06:00

Jared and I went up to Snowbird on June 25 for some summer skiing. Just off the aerial tram, here's Jared about to head down the backside for several runs with me in the terrain serviced by the Mineral Basin Express. The tram and two upper lifts were operating. You could ski to the bottom of the resort, but there was an extra charge for another tram ride up, so we skied the top without going down. I had arisen early to help Gayle get garage sale stuff out on our driveway. Jared and I still got off shortly after 6:00 a.m. and were on the tram before 8:30 a.m. (after just missing a previous tram).

Here's what it looks like on the front side of the mountain from the tram disembarking area. That's Jared's shadow. The lift operating on this side was the Little Cloud lift. Jared and I plastered on the sun block. Unfortunately, his bandana slipped back a bit and he fried a band across his unprotected forehead.

This is a view looking down the Mineral Basin terrain, towards the southeast approximately.

Here's Jared looking at folks on the Mineral Basin Express. The snow was OK in most spots, but in some flatter areas the slush about grabbed your skis out from under you.

Yours truly. We should've used backpacks. Instead, my camera is slung around my neck, my right pocket had keys, my bulky glasses case with my regular glasses (in case I really wanted to see clearly), a map of the area, and a bottle of sun block (which accidentally squirted in my pocket and on my wallet and phone earlier). In my left pocket I carried my wallet and cell phone (which had no reception up there, even on the peak). Nonetheless, I skied unencumbered and didn't notice any of this.

Jared, down near the lift base of the Mineral Basin Express. There never was more than a minute wait. Most of the time we were able to ski right up to the chairs. This particular one is a quad (4 person lift chairs).

"Can you hear me now?"

Here's looking up at the Little Cloud lift.

Jared, taking a breather between turns. He only wiped out once (our parabolic rental skis differ from the older, longer, straight skis we used to use, and they can wander on you). In the wipe-out, his hand punched the snow. It wasn't until later that we noticed he had cut up his fingers in the snow.

This is the view down Little Cottonwood Canyon into Salt Lake valley. Note that the peak with the tram landing (named Hidden Peak) is right at 11,000 ft. Two years ago Gayle and I were in Cuzco, Peru. Cuzco is a good-sized city situated at an elevation higher than 11,000 ft. There are Andes peaks not far away from Cuzco that are considerably higher still and are snow-capped. And Peru is not far from the equator.

Jared on a run on the Little Cloud side.

Although the snow was not fast, and run-ins to jumps were slow, there were a couple of nice looking jumps on the slopes. Later in the day we watched several young guys do some gutsy, twisting, flipping, tip-crossing jumps. Most of the guys landed them too. It's hard to see, but I shot this just as someone was twisting into some kind of trick. Generally, it was so bright I couldn't see the camera screen and just had to point and click. As we drove through Salt Lake City en route home, we saw the car's outside thermometer reading go up to 91 degrees F.

Late May to Mid June, 2011

2011-06-19T12:34:00.002-06:00

Avril, ready for church on a spring day.

Avril, watching a kayaker at First Dam at the mouth of Logan Canyon.

McKel, catching some of the first real spring sun rays at First Dam.

Papa, letting Avril feel how cold the snow run-off water really is at First Dam.

Ina, Alicia, and McKel, enjoying the outing.

The Buick Park Avenue, just after being sprayed down for a picture to put online. We sold it in one day.

McKel, entertained for a few moments.

Adrian, Arleen, and Brittney are moving up to Logan (we all hope). Gayle and I have been looking at trailers they might be interested in purchasing. Here is an example.

Alicia recently took the girls for a swim at the Sports Academy outdoor pool. Here McKel models her new swimming attire.

"Look, I can almost crawl!"

The sisters, about to hit the pool.

I have a feeling these siblings will be best of friends growing up!

Alicia and Avril in matching pattern Sunday best.

Yesterday (June 18) Gayle and I went to a wedding reception up in Preston. Here's the lucky couple - a co-worker at Gayle's employment and her returned missionary groom.

While in Preston I had to swing by my Grandpa and Grandma Keller's home (where my mother grew up). The garage I had painted for my grandpa was in sad shape, and some colors were changed on the house, but it was still recognizable.

And here's my Parkinson grandparents' home in Franklin. This is where the iron deer came from that sit on my parents' lawn in Logan. It had changed even more. Gone were the barn, garage, and other sheds, chicken coops (as far as I could tell), etc. Of course we didn't go inside.

Just to show the influence of Samuel Rose Parkinson and his descendents, here is the name of one of the roads in Franklin.

En route home, Avril grabbed onto something to catch it.

Once she snagged it, she was quickly able to dominate it and bring it under her control!

Easter and Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-10T21:48:00.001-06:00

Jesse had a Stampede football game and during halftime the kids got to hunt Easter eggs. Here's Avril with a start of her collection. Note that it was a very cool and wet spring!

Out on the field at a Stampede game!

Here are the girls all dressed up for Church on Easter.

The proud mom with the cute girls.

Avril checks out her Easter basket

It's always nice to get some sweets on Easter

And hunting for eggs in back of Grandma Joyce's house was loads of fun.

Mother's Day with the cute girls

Grandma Joyce and Gayle always love flowers. Adrian and Arleen sent some to Grandma Joyce, Gayle, and Alicia this year.

McKel is getting strong

Won't be long before she's crawling

Gayle with the Mother's Day blooms from Adrian and Arleen.

Late Winter/Early Spring 2011

2011-04-10T20:43:00.002-06:00

We start off with a shot of papa holding Avril at the Disney On Ice show in the Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City on March 12. Papa and Nana took Avril, McKel, and Alicia and had a grand time.

Donald Duck, Mini Mouse, et al., were very good skaters!

McKel and Alicia bonding during the show.
A week later, Gayle and I attended a surprise birthday party for Dr. Héctor Mendiola, who has done tremendous work for Latino immigrants in Utah.

Héctor's birthday cake.

Still going strong at 84 years old, teaching English, computer skills, and high school equivalency, as well as pursuing Latino causes.

Alicia showing some bread she made as part of one of many meals she has been making lately for the extended family.

And a bowl of delicious cookies.

Avril, playing in her blow-up bouncing play house with Jordan King and Brendon Eliason, two neighbor boys.

And this spring, just as in the summer, fall, and winter, the deer walk across our yard (and eat) as if they own the place.

Jesse's football team, the Stampede, had a recent game at Roy, UT. Here, papa Bryan holds McKel while the action proceeds.

McKel seems to be staying warm.

Avril made quick friends with Destiny, the daughter of a Stampede coach.

The three girls at the Roy game.

And here are the four girls recently at grammy's (great grandma's house).

Uncle Jared pitches in and helps with the girls.

Jared and Avril, showing affection for McKel.

On conference weekend, Steve and Susan made it up to the folks' home for a Sunday visit.

Likewise, Spencer (the third, and the LHS pitcher), Tracine, and Robert made it over for the visit. You can see McKel in the carrier on the floor behind Spencer.

Avril and McKel getting their bath at nana's (grandma Gayle).

Yesterday, to entertain the girls while Alicia and Gayle worked in the house, I took the two little ones for a long walk. I carried McKel in a front pouch while I pulled Avril in the over-sized wagon. Jesse was accepted at Auburn (grad school for psychology) so recently he and the family moved in with us for the next few months to save money while they rent out their townhouse.

Gayle's helping Avril get bundled and positioned for the walk. Note that it was April 9th and we had just had fresh snow. In fact it snowed while we walked.

Daddy comforting McKel.

McKel recently.

Gayle and the youngest of the grand-daughters.
I should mention that I went on my usual annual tradeshow trip to NYC, NY. I've gone so many times that I know mid-town (Times Square, Javits Center, etc.) pretty well. It was cold this year, but I did get a jog in at Central Park. Otherwise, things are hectic with the newly crowded house, but mainly it's the challenge of organizing the extra stuff that's tiring. Well, that's all for now --

Avril's Birthday and Gayle's Birthday and in Between

2011-03-06T22:09:00.001-07:00

Avril and McKel posing on our living room sofa mid February

And as McKel started tipping over, Avril supported her

Dallin Parkinson came up from the "Y" after picking up his date in SLC. They came to town to see a comedian, Brian Regan, perform. Jesse and Alicia joined them for the performance. We were able to chat with Dallin and his date at mom's and dad's.

Leisa Firth made these awesome shoes by hand for McKel

Gayle helped Alicia put on a grand birthday dinner and party for Avril's 2nd. Here Jesse and his brother Shelby assist in the kitchen.

Avril is a huge fan of the Cookie Monster and his pal Elmo. So Gayle created a Cookie Monster cake.

And here we have Avril's photo with the cake and her 2nd year birthday card

She's sporting the cute outfit Alicia got her, which by the way, she wore to church today (March 6).

Jordan King, from next door, is one of her pals and helps Avril a lot.

Amy (background) brought along Laurel

Taggert, Amy's boy, also joined the fun

And coincidentally, one of Avril's friends is named MyKell (same pronunciation as McKel).

Tracine helped with baby McKel, who seemed quite at home in Tracine's arms

We all tried to coach Avril in blowing out her candles

Papa Bryan helping Avril with her cake and ice cream

And Spencer Lee read to Porter (MyKell's younger brother) to keep him occupied

Jared and Jesse trying to relax amidst the commotion

Jordan helped Avril with unwrapping her presents

Alicia and McKel

The great grandparents

Just to help you visualize a bit of the chaos

Avril appears to be attempting to kiss the semi eaten Cookie Monster

Yesterday, a few days after Gayle's official birthday, we joined for dinner at the Sizzler

Jesse was out of town in Auburn, AL interviewing for grad school. His girls all joined in for the dinner though. Here are two of them with Gayle.

Gayle and her complimentary root beer float

Jared (known by Avril as JJ) holding McKel

And here I am on my McKel rotation

Truly Amazing

2011-03-01T23:29:00.002-07:00

First of all, you must forgive me for hacking in to my parents' blogger account. It is for a good cause though, promise. I want to give credit much deserved and show some love for my AMAZING mother. (This is Alicia by the way)

Secondly, everyone needs to wish my mama a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! It is actually tomorrow (March 2nd).

Gayle is a truly amazing mother of three:

...and Grandma of three beautiful girls:


Brittney

Avril


and McKel

She is also an amazing wife:

a chef:

an artist:

a hair model:

a cheerleader:

a seamstress:

a landscape designer:

a sister:

a hot babe:

a friend:

and just plain goofy:

HAPPY 62nd BIRTHDAY MOM! (You totally don't look 62). We love you!!!!

Puerto Rico 2011

2011-02-14T21:30:00.001-07:00

I attended and presented at a global sales meeting for my company at El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. I arrived January 29 and the meeting lasted till Feb. 4th. Gayle flew out on the 4th and joined me after the meeting for some quality time together. I had been to Puerto Rico twice before on business. I love the island because the population is Spanish speaking, the weather is great, the island is very scenic, I like the food, and they have good surfing too (and the water's warm). Here are some shots from the trip.

Our room was down below the main hotel areas. One had to take the "funicular" (tram) to get there. But we liked it because it was right next to the marina. Here's a shot I took from the balcony the first day I got there - looking at the Caribbean.

Also from my balcony looking towards Palomino Island as the shuttle catamaran leaves with a group of guests to the resort's activities on the private island.

I made it over to Palomino before Gayle got there and this is a shot I took of the sun breaking through the clouds to the west. Fajardo is not far from El Yunque rain forest, but since Gayle and I had been there before, and been to several rain forests, we didn't visit it this time. Also, Vieques Island is not far off shore from this eastern end of Puerto Rico, in case you're interested. For my team-building time (our one afternoon off from the meetings) I kayaked, snorkled, and stand-up paddle boarded - all at Palomino.

Palomino's main beach area. As you can tell, it wasn't crowded. Our company later had a great closing dinner on the island, complete with a very good band that even played some Juan Luis Guerra music at my request.

This gives you a flavor for the upper hotel area, looking at one of the pools overlooking the water towards Palomino Island. My meetings overlooked this area. By the way, our opening session included a mini-concert by "Nota." They are a Puerto Rican a capella group that makes all their instrument sounds vocally, in addition to their fantastic singing. They've been on TV and are quite good. I got a signed CD from them.

I zoomed in looking out the other direction, to show the small island with condominiums on it. I suppose the residents use watercraft to go to and from the main island.

Looking in the same direction, but not zoomed, so you can see more pools. Note how strong the wind blows, bending the palms. It kept things comfortable. This was the first week of February and the temp ranged from the coldest at night of about 72 F, to the warmest of about 84 F. It rained occasionally, but not for long.

Gayle arrived late on Friday. We rented a car and drove back to Fajardo. The next morning we enjoyed instant oatmeal in coffee cups.

Back at Palomino, just after getting out of the catamaran.

Wading in the warm Caribbean.

Just to show the palms.

Close-up -- enjoying the warmth, while Utah shivers.

I got in my jog by criss-crossing the island on its horse and hiking trails. I wore the rash guard (black top that is used under a wetsuit) to avoid having to use sun screen on my torso.

Gayle made me do another pose.

We later hiked up one of the trails I had jogged on so we could visit a gazebo. Here's Gayle looking out from its deck at the beach and a smaller island below. I had kayaked, paddle boarded, and snorkeled off the small island earlier in the week.

Back outside our room we took a few shots of the plants next to the building.

Just outside our room.

While it did rain, we saw a couple of rainbows, and it never got cold.

I had been waiting for a chance to have some good mofongo. Mofongo is a Puerto Rican dish that is green plantain, smashed and cooked and lining a special bowl, into which various options can be placed (chicken, fish, shellfish, shrimp, etc.) and served in a creole sauce. I had fish mofongo this night. We ate at Pasión Por El Fogón, a restaurant not too far from the hotel. It was highly recommended yet not too expensive.

Gayle enjoys her shrimp. Here she's biting into an "amarillo" (literally, a yellow), which is a sweet banana deep fried. They are very good. I also like tostones, which are sliced plantains, smashed and fried. They also have plantain chips in stores (like potato chips). Guineos are the sweet bananas we're familiar with. By the way, frijoles are called habichuelas in Caribbean Spanish speaking islands.

El Conquistador is right above what's known as BioBay. It's one of the few places in the world where a type of dinoflagellates (micro-organisms) that bio-luminesce grow year round. At night, in the lagoon, you can see the water glow whenever it is disturbed (like when you paddle). You go with an excursion group and paddle from the bay in a channel through the dense mangrove stands into the lagoon. Here's a photo of Gayle and me in our two person kayak, floating next to others out in the lagoon at night. We had a blast, even though Gayle was very worried about how windy it was. You don't really feel the wind once you get into the mangroves and even out on the lagoon it wasn't bad. It reminded us of how at certain times out at Oxnard in California the sand would glow at night when disturbed, also from bio-luminescence.

Here's a photo (below) of the Fajardo branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We attended their services. I tried to interpret as best as I could for Gayle, but it's hard when they speak so fast in Puerto Rico. When I try to translate, I lose the next few sentences.

We enjoyed their Relief Society, Priesthood, Gospel Doctrine, and Fast and Testimony meetings. The Aaronic Priesthood young men wore white shirts and ties and looked very sharp. The gospel doctrine teacher was a sister who had served a mission in Bakersfield, California. Her husband is a local police officer. The YM president was an immigrant from the Dominican Republic. There was a great spirit in the meetings.

We walked through the "Coqui" water park at the resort. Coquis are the famous Puerto Rican frogs that make a whistling sound at night. I'm standing next to the water park with the Caribbean behind me.

After Gayle and I walked/jogged through the neighborhood next to the BioBay (where we saw our kayak company's owner's home) we packed up and left for our own adventures. First stop, nearby Luquillo where I had to rent a board and try the surf at La Pared beach. Luquillo faces north and is around the bend to the north west of Fajardo. So this is the Atlantic you're looking at. Gayle didn't get any good shots of me actually surfing, because I only stood up a few times, and for limited amounts of time. It was quite windy and I had to catch the middle break. I had a hard time getting out, and the current was pretty strong. But I had a blast and didn't have to get used to the water temp.

A kite surfer invaded my space after awhile. Here's a short video clip. The sound will give you a clue as to the windiness of the day.

I got a great work-out and enjoyed it. After changing and a meal at McDonald's in Luquillo, we headed back south to explore the eastern and southern parts of the island. We had been to the west and north years ago on a previous trip so we decided to explore this part of the island.

Somewhere south of Fajardo, on the east coast - to show what the scenery was like.

We stumbled upon "Inches," a well known surf spot on the southeastern part of the island. I wish I had surfed here instead, but we saw no boards for rent, and we had already spent time at Luquillo earlier. This spot required no effort to paddle out, since the waves only broke at the reef. Note the boat at anchor mere yards from shore. And the waves broke in a nice consistent left-hand break. This is a Caribbean surf spot. The waves won't be as regular or as large, but it sure looked fun. Gayle even enjoyed just watching as several young guys, some girls, and a stand-up paddle boarder went out and rode waves. We finished our adventure by driving to Ponce, where we really didn't do anything special, though we had more Puerto Rican cuisine that night at the hotel. We spent the night in Ponce, spent time jogging and at the pool side in the morning, then crossed the island through Caguas up to San Juan, where we checked into the Howard Johnsons and immediatelly headed across the street onto the beach. I swam while Gayle read and then we both watched several kite surfers. These guys liked to go airborne for many yards. We ate at another Puerto Rican place that night and were up bright and early to return the rental car and fly home to Utah.

Rest of January 2011

2011-02-14T21:25:00.006-07:00

NOTE: Be sure to click on "Read More" after this photo to see the whole post!

Gayle fixed some great home-made pot pies from scratch awhile ago. Here's a shot of the one she took to my mom and dad's for dinner.

Alicia recently had a photographer do baby photos when McKel turned two weeks. Here are the proud parents with the new arrival.

Jesse, holding his new one.

McKel, resting on the comfortable cover.

Taking a snooze in a purple tu-tu.

Alicia had some photos taken of Avril at JC Penney's recently. Here are some of them.

And here's a photo from Brittney's 13th birthday last summer (previously posted) so we can get all our granddaughters on the page. She lives in Azusa, CA and is enjoying being a teenager.

Rosemarie, Gayle's sister, gave Gayle an Adora Butterflies Belle doll because it reminded her of what Gayle looked like when she was a girl. The doll is from the Marie Osmond collectible doll line (signed by Marie). Compare the above with the shots of Gayle when she was in elementary school - see below.

And here's another --

Alicia and McKel.

She's starting to get a little personality.

Avril sure loves her baby sister!

All set for a car ride.

Dressed casual.

Here's Avril, dressed up in a leopard skirt and boots!

And here are the Valentine's Day themed decorations in our entryway area.
To end off the month, I should mention that I traveled to San Francisco in late January to visit a business partner and a customer (Genentech). It was a brief, productive trip, and I found the weather very agreeable.

Spencer's Birthday 2011

2011-01-16T10:50:00.005-07:00

Had a nice gathering at Sizzlers with Robert, Tracine, Lee, Spencer Lee, and my folks, along with Alicia, Jared, Jesse, and the two little girls

The big Six O (60). As a baby-boomer, it still doesn't seem this can be.

At the dinner table

Lee, Spencer Lee, and Tracine. Spencer had gotten an amazing "girl's choice" dance invitation, complete with goldfish in his bathtub, etc.

Jesse and his girls

Tracine got me some great Armadillo slippers!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-16T10:18:00.009-07:00

We had a delightful Christmas eve at Grandpa and Grandma's, with Robert, Tracine, Sam, and Spencer Lee, along with Alicia, Avril, McKel, and Jared. Jesse had to work. We had quite the breakfast spread as an evening meal.

Pancakes, fruit, bacon, eggs, etc.

Some of the blueberry pancakes that were consumed.

These two are skinny but have hollow legs! Spencer (L) and Sam (R).

Robert and Tracine teaming up to cook eggs.

My role has become pancake flipper

Avril, Alicia, and Jared

Grandpa and Grandma enjoyed the company

Gayle and I bonding

Avril loves playing in the spare toy room downstairs. She's going night-night with some dollies on the floor.

Alicia played Christmas carols to accompany our singing

We read about the savior's birth from Luke

Robert and Tracine traded off getting to hold McKel

Avril had fun opening things

Gayle got a nice scarf

Spencers 1, 2, and 3

The next morning we had Christmas present opening at our house. It was McKel's first and Avril's second Christmas.

Jared had fun with his nieces

The proud grandma with McKel

Avril, enjoying her stick horse

Alicia dressed McKel in a cute Christmas outfit

Later that evening, Kelly and Trish came up from SLC and dropped by after visiting his mom

Over the weekend we also made it up to the folks while Kelly, Trish, and Olivia were visiting and were able to watch Kelly and Trish battle it out in ping-pong

Jared was there too.

Two of Gayle's thoughtful Christmas gifts were a delux Scrabble game (rotating board with ridges around the cells) and an official Scrabble dictionary! We have to train in order to compete when we're in Georgia with Gayle's sisters and spouses. Gayle reminded me to point out that we've played 5 times so far, and she has beaten me every time!

Alicia's Birthday Family Dinner

2010-12-22T21:53:00.006-07:00

Gayle labored tediously all day on the 21st to prepare an awesome, delectable birthday meal for Alicia. Here are some photos to help you appreciate the spread:

Sweet potato souffle. Some like it with pecans, some don't. So Gayle prepared it both ways.

And here's the yummy broccoli casserole.

You've got to have fresh dinner roles!

And a tasty ham ties it all together

What's a nice Utah family dinner without Jello? Fruit in it makes it even healthier.

Alicia's favorite cake is a pineapple cake using a recipe handed down from her maternal grandmother, Martha.

Jared enjoyed the gathering, and assisted with the babysitting duties. You can tell how comfortable McKel feels in his arms.

Another of uncle Jared and McKel

The proud parents (and birthday girl)

Chatting with the other uncle - Shelby, aka "Chubs"

Grandpa Bryan at Avril's beck and call

The truly great grandparents. We also enjoyed the company of Robert, Kristen, Carly and Brandon Crockett, but lamentably did not capture them in any photos.

Avril really gobbled up the food on this occasion, much to grandma Gayle's satisfaction.

Granddad Spence lighting his daughter's birthday cake candles

Ali, pondering what to wish for

Success! Of course we didn't include all the candles this time.

McKel and December So Far

2010-12-22T21:25:00.009-07:00

Much happened in December. Here's an early Dec. photo of Avril sitting on our sofa.

Nice tails, girl.

December 10th, a day later than the due date, Alicia was induced into labor.

The two moms.

It took a lot longer than expected, even after being induced. And Jesse had worked all night the night before this long day.

I didn't work the night before, but it was still long, so I rested when I could.

It was worth the wait. Here's McKel moments after birth.

Alicia and McKel united shortly after delivery.

The parents and newborn.

Grandma and baby

Great grandparents and the new addition

Avril, Jesse, Bryan, and McKel on the hospital sofa

Uncle Jared with McKel

Proud grandma Gayle

Shelby, showing his baby holding skills

The three Yarger men

Ali, Avril, Gayle, and McKel

The two Yarger sisters!

Bundled up for her first car ride, in this case home.

Carme gave Avril a tent, which I put together for her. It includes a sleeping bag and inflatable chair.

After a recent snow, Avril watched me snowblow from the garage steps. Gayle wrapped her up to stay warm.

I'm sure glad for modern snowblowers

We finally donated our flocked Christmas tree, which we purchased after it was used as a store display at Lumber City in Burbank in 1983. We got a screaming deal because it came with all the decorations as well. So it served us well for some 26 years or so. In its place this year, Gayle simply took our all-purpose evergreen tree that she uses year round (e.g., with seasonal decorations such as for Halloween and Thanksgiving) and turned it into a Christmas tree as well. The above shows it in its current incarnation.

Here are some decorations in the entrance area of our home

More decorations near the front door

As one goes up the stairs to our second floor

And the nativity set in our living room

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-27T12:13:00.006-07:00

It's been a pleasant Thanksgiving season. Here are some shots and commentary...

Avril was thrilled to have the Muncy family come for a visit (family of Brandon and Nancy, my sister, from Elk Grove, CA) because she developed a real attachment to Lizzie, Nancy's youngest. Here they are playing dolls downstairs at the great grandparents' home.

Here's Alicia between her father-in-law, Brian, and Jesse, her hubby.

Tuesday night during the wee hours of the dawn I came down with some virus (even though I had my flu shot this year). So I spent Wednesday lying in bed with the chills and aches and pains. Today is Saturday and my strength is not fully back, but I'm much better. The above shot was on Thanksgiving day as I read John Adams (a great read, by David McCullough) while resting at the LSP residence (my folks).

Jared also rested on a nearby sofa while I read. Turkey tends to do that to you.

Here is a shot of Gayle's sweet potato souffle and some of the decorations.

The family patriarch enjoyed all the company.

Here are the Muncys, less Stephanie who is on a mission in Alabama. Left to right: David (Freshman at USU), Ben, Chris, Nancy, Brandon, Lizzie, Jessica, and Tanner (Jessica's husband). We also had Brian, Jesse, Alicia, Avril, Gayle, Jared, Patricia, Kelly, and me at the feast. The next day we had a birthday celebration (Jesse, Brandon, Tanner, and Chris all had birthdays in November). Sam and Spencer (two of Robert and Tracine's sons) also came by for the festivities as did Brandon's brother Kelly and two of his kids, Raquel and Tony. In fact, Ryan and Melanie Crockett came by for a visit as well, but had to leave before the main event. Jessica made a variety of yummy barbecued chicken options as part of the spread. Brandon, David, and I played guitars afterward. Ping-pong and other activities also ensued.

Sam and Spencer (the youngest Spencer) Parkinson getting attention from the matriarch, Joyce Parkinson.

Nancy, Gayle, and Joyce on Thanksgiving Day.

I should mention that a blizzard blew in on Tuesday evening. Wednesday, while I was laid up inside, Gayle took lots of family shots for Jesse and Alicia. Here's one out back of our house showing our "White Thanksgiving." Temperatures went below zero mid-week at night.

Here's one of the indoor shots. It's hard to tell from this photo, but Alicia is due in less than two weeks.

Alicia and Jared. We also called Adrian, Arleen, and Brittney and they all enjoyed Thanksgiving at Adrian's home in Azusa, with Ray (father-in-law) and Rachelle (Arleen's sister) coming over for the feast. Arleen cooked the whole meal!

November Pre-Thanksgiving

2010-11-22T09:16:00.004-07:00

Well, even though we took very few photos, it's been an active month so far. I'll mention a few of the events. It's always difficult to try to reconstruct the schedule after the fact (given minimal effort to do so). Therefore, here are some of the items I recall:
* On the 5th I took a half day of PTO (vacation day) to attend a USUCCU (chartered credit union) extended board meeting - lunch, a few hours of training and strategic planning, and then a dinner with wives at the downtown Iron Gate Grill. I serve as a volunteer member of the board of directors of the credit union.
* The following week I launched a new product - a 2000 liter single-use bioreactor. This entailed two webinar sessions (training over the internet and phone) to our field personnel, and on that Friday a launch party I hosted at the company, complete with a presentation and a drawing for some prizes.
* Gayle and I got to tend Avril for two days while Alicia took Jesse on a trip for his birthday. I always enjoy time with the granddaughter! I took one of those days as PTO and spent the whole day with her.
* Last week we had another very well attended ward Temple Night. We've emphasized temple attendance and doing it as a ward lately, and the spirit there has been great. The next night we had the Young Women in Excellence program and afterward we (the bishopric) took the wives along to go visit Patriarch Lowell Jenkins at Sunshine Terrace where he's recuperating from a series of strokes.
* I took another PTO (as you can tell, I have too many left at year-end and the policy is use them or lose them - and last year I lost some) on Friday the 20th. That evening Gayle and I had Ralph and Marian Stephenson and Robert and Janice Lamb (two neighbor couples) over for dinner. We had fun just talking about nearly everything.
* Yesterday was a big day at Church. We changed bishoprics. The former bishopric (including yours truly) and wives met with the stake presidency before sacrament meeting for a testimony meeting. Then in sacrament meeting the ward sustained Casey Isom (plastic surgeon) as bishop, with Eric Eliason as 1st counselor and Ben Haynie as 2nd counselor. It is a great bishopric and we look forward to serving with them. Craig Mortensen and I dropped by Cris Lewis's house after church to give him a priesthood blessing (he has had some health issues of late). Later that same afternoon Eric came by and already called me to a calling (can't divulge it until I'm sustained).
--- So here are some photos:

Avril learned what a belt is and wanted to try mine on. Then she had to test out my sneakers too.

Here are Robert and Janice Lamb (left) and Ralph and Marian Stephenson (right). We had Gayle's great chicken crescent rolls (with gravy) and her squash casserole. I made my specialty - cabbage salad. The ladies wanted the recipes so I took those by today (Monday) in a heavy snowstorm.

Here's a shot sent by Leisa Firth of the new bishopric - Ben Haynie, Casey Isom, and Eric Eliason

And here's a photo from August of 2008 - on the day Bart and I were set apart as bishop Firth's second set of counselors.

In order - me, bishop Firth, and Bart Griffiths.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T21:47:00.006-06:00

Sugar n' Spice Home Decorator store had a witch costume contest the week before Halloween. Alicia entered and used Avril as a "prop." Avril was Glenda, the good witch from the musical "Wicked."

Gayle, applying make-up to Avril.

The sweet little good witch

Alicia all decked out as a witch

Mother and daughter witches

Avril had fun. But the witch's hat was difficult to keep on her head!

"Papa" with the witch after the costume change

Some of Gayle's house decorations for Halloween and autumn

This is the first year Gayle did a "Halloween Tree." The little witches were hand made by Gayle many years ago.

Another witch in the front room (Gayle made this; and the face is made from panty hose).

Our front entry with pumpkins (which Avril calls "Punks").

More fall decor

Some of the scary decorations

The front porch with flowers still hanging in there as the weather gets colder

A dummy on our front porch rocking chair

A shot of the autumn scenery looking out past our berm

The back deck as leaves build up. I can't keep up with the falling leaves this time of year.

Our back hillside

Some of the neighborhood kids trick or treating.

And here is Avril, as a dragon, with her good friend from next door, Jordan King (as Jack Sparrow).

Alicia was a Ladybug, but Jesse didn't want to be that kind of bug. So Alicia made him be a VW Bug.

The family in costume

Holding the dragon

Georgia Trip - 2010

2010-11-01T20:55:00.009-06:00

The second week in October Gayle and I flew to Georgia to visit our family out there.

We always enjoy jogging around Social Circle, GA (where we stay at the Sells's home in town) and taking photos on walks. Here is a typical southern home in town.

And this one is across the street from the other. Lots of pecan and magnolia trees all around.

Some of the homes were already festooned with Halloween decorations. This one had a pirate theme.

They only had a skeleton crew working when we went by.

A symbol of the old south.

Gayle, in them ole cotton fields back home.

A shot of some of the beautiful foliage at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville. When Gayle attended it was Women's College of Georgia. We walked the campus and spoke with folks and were quite impressed.

Some leaves on campus

More changing colors on campus

Beth (Gayle's younger sister) and Gayle on a shopping spree in the Milledgeville mall.

Beth and her husband, Robert Meier.

Gayle and I at the Meiers' home.

We also visited Rosemarie (Gayle's older and other sister) and Richard Sells. One day they took us via Rutledge to Madison. Here they are in Rutledge outside the hardware store, near where we had lunch at the Yesterday's Cafe.

Rosemarie and Gayle in Rutledge

Richard Sells and I in front of the cafe, hangin' out with a local.

Here are some pretty flowers in downtown Madison, Georgia. Gayle's mother always loved Coleuses. Richard taught High School and worked for many years in Madison.

Downtown Madison (named after President James Madison).

The city added a beautiful new park and stage area near downtown. Emily's family bluegrass band performed on this stage. Emily is Rosemarie and Richard's daughter (our niece).

Two sisters by the park fountain in Madison.

We later went to the restored underground area under the old ice box facility where there are several great art stores and a cafe.

Richard next to the Madison Artists' Guild sign outside the building.

Richard and Rosemarie now live outside Social Circle in the country and let us use their home in town when we visit. Their home in town was built in 1833 and is a historical marked house. In the country, they have a garden. Here are some of the remaining okra pods that haven't been picked yet (and are getting a bit too large). Richard says they're on steroids. Note the chili peppers growing below the okra.

Among other things, Richard made this sign for their anniversary this year: "Sandy Ford Experiment Station - Rosemarie Sells, Plant Manager, Master Gardener."

They gave us a guided tour (in this golf cart) around their 13 acres in the country.

Gayle shot this from the back of the cart while looking back down the path

Richard and I admiring the pretty brook that flows through their property. In the next several years a dam is being built and they will have lakeside property.

Richard is an artist and loves creating sculptures out of metal. This one he's thinking of calling "Hell Bee" (note the butcher knives in the wings).

This is Predator and was featured in a magazine

This is out of focus because it's too close, but it is a wild plant called Hearts a Bustin' and grows near their home.

And this is called American Beauty Berries. It also grows wild around their house.

This is looking down at their driveway, which leads out to Sandy Ford, the road near their home.

Still life on their kitchen table. Note the eggplants.

Rosemarie used the eggplants as inspiration to create these handmade pottery pieces.

Custom made majolica glazed tiles by Rosemarie (also an artist).

Emily's husband, Chester, is an engineer. With the slow economy he had to leave his building firm and take a job as a city engineer quite a ways away from Social Circle. So he got a pass at the city's RV park and converted a small trailer into a sleeper that can be pulled by his Miata. Here's a shot of the back end, where he opens it up to do cooking.

A side view into the trailer showing part of his bed and the TV (the campground has cable, and he has a cable connection on the trailer).

Here's his Miata and the trailer, which also has ventilation and air conditioning. He stays down part of the week, and commutes the other days.

Abbey, Emily holding Amanda, Chester, Ashley, Aaron, and Andy (Andrew). Abbey, Emily, Aaron, and Chester play in a blue grass band with a relative and call themselves Blue Heaven.

We went to church with Richard, Rosemarie, David, and Katie in Monroe at a Baptist Church.

We had a brunch at Hardee's after the service.

Alycia Rickords's Baby Shower

2010-11-01T20:38:00.005-06:00

On October 9th, Alicia and Gayle helped pull together a baby shower for Alycia (King) Rickords. Thanks also to Leisa Firth, Lindsay Grover, Brooke (Alycia's friend) for food contributions.

The decorations and food were excellent.

The milk chocolate fountain was a hit

I was charged with keeping Avril occupied. But as you can see, part of the time I chatted with the "girls." Alycia is on the sofa to the right, in the black top (not to be confused with our Alicia, which is both spelled and pronounced differently).

Five of the participants were pregnant.

Here's a profile shot of four of them. The two on either end are Lindsay and Alycia, sisters.

Avril had a fun time too.

YW Dinner for the Logan 8th Ward Bishopric

2010-11-01T20:30:00.003-06:00

On October 6th the Logan 8th Ward YW prepared and served a wonderful dinner for the bishopric. The event was held at Karen Thomsen's house.

Shauna and Bart Griffiths, Leisa and Mark (bishop) Firth, Gayle and I

Ronna Jensen and Brenda Flores with some of the YW

The salad was awesome, and very health promoting

The pasta was great too

As was the garlic bread

Even the entertainment was fun (this was a parody of the bishopric)

Where Do the Months Go? It's October.

2010-10-03T20:48:00.011-06:00

Early in September Avril and I attended a stake baptism. Here she is all dressed up, with her hair curled, ready to go.

In front of the fireplace upstairs.

Side shot.

With Raggedy Ann.

A pensive pose.

With the sweater on.

We noticed these mushrooms on our berm and thought we'd get a shot.

I traveled to Providence, RI for the Bioprocess International tradeshow. I got to go to dinner the first night with Carl and Susan Crockett, who now live in Newport, about 45 minutes away. Here's a shot of the capitol building, not far from my hotel.

And here's a shot back at the hotel - Westin.

Family shot in our backyard. Ready to go to Jesse's friend's wedding reception.

We attended the Church sponsored Latino event at the tabernacle lawn in Logan. We're in front of a booth representing Ecuador.

Avril enjoyed the sucker.

I'm wearing my Mexico shirt. We also attended the Farmers Market at Merlin Olsen park right after the Latino festivities, but forgot to take any photos. We got some fresh peaches and homemade bread at the market.

Avril, bathing in our sink. Grandma Gayle got creative with the hairdo.

Another view. She's holding her fishy friend.

We attended the Saturday, Oct. 2nd, opening session of the LDS conference in the Conference Center across from Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

Here we are with the tabernacle choir and organ in the background.

Looking down from a balcony at a lobby.

The view from one terrace across to the temple.

Some of the flowers on temple square, in front of the Visitors' Center.

Avril got to try on some costumes early, before Halloween. Here she's sporting a Tigger look.

Close-up of the Tigger outfit.

We had lunch here between conference sessions. Here's a shot of Gayle's handiwork on the veggie plate. The tomatoes and cucumbers came from our neighbor's garden.

Gayle and Alicia prepared this diaper cake in preparation for Alycia Rickord's baby shower.

Gayle snapped this with her new phone as a practice shot.

Another of Gayle's phone shots showing outside scenery and Avril with her hair fixed up.

David Muncy and Get Togethers

2010-09-04T21:16:00.003-06:00

Brandon Muncy brought David up for David's freshman year at Utah State University. Available family members met to join in a Golden Corral meal with Brandon and David.

Father and USU student, David, at the Golden Corral.

Today, the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, Trish and Olivia came up to Logan so those of us on hand visited mom and dad Parkinson at the homestead for a lunch (pancakes, eggs, bacon, watermelon, grapes, etc.) Avril wanted to ride the deer first, of course.

David proved handy in the kitchen, which is good considering he's living away from home now.

Jesse and Avril spending quality time together!

And Alicia is showing more than ever now. It won't be that long before Avril has a sister.

Dad Parkinson hugging one of his daughters-in-law, my companion Gayle.

The Jesse Yarger family.

Olivia, contemplating how many pancakes to start with.

One of my few specialties, pancakes.