Logan's birthday, Utah fun, and trip back home

This was a good week! Full of family, fun, friends and traveling in the car!

Monday, July 28, 2014

I had originally planned to take today off so we could drive home to Washington. But when we found out that Morgan's baptism (scheduled for Saturday, August 2nd) was going to be at 9:30 a.m., we realized that we could go to the baptism and still be on the road early enough to make it home before it's too late.

So I worked today. And got a really cute picture of Logan!

Logan looking cute with a hat from Steven!

Tuesday-Wednesday, July 29-30, 2014

We saw some friends, Adam and Amber D'Agostini, on Sunday at Steven's post-church reception gathering. Since we extended our stay, we decided to go visit them at their place in Eagle Mountain on Tuesday after work. The kids had a great time playing in the backyard while we grilled up some tasty burgers and hot dogs. They had a super tasty jalapeno ranch sour cream condiment that had just enough kick. Their three kids are pretty close to our kids in age. Emmelise and Ford (their youngest) are about five months apart, and it was cute to see them playing together. Amber took the picture below when Emmie was giving some love to Ford, but he was interested in the show on TV. Hah!

Emmelise hugging Ford

On Wednesday, we met up with Layne, a friend I made while in the stats department at BYU, and his newlywed wife, Annie. It was so good to catch up with him and also to meet his wife. He's been working at Beneficial Life as a life insurance actuary for the last four years in SLC. After introducing them to the kids, we put the kids to bed and went to Cold Stone for some ice cream. We wish we could have visited longer, but they had to get up early the next morning for work, so we talked a little more and then said goodbye as they headed north.

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Tonight we celebrated Logan's birthday a little early while we were still in Utah with family! Suzanna suggested the idea this morning and quickly planned a fun little party. We had pizza from Papa Murphy's and then recycled my birthday balloon and a few decorations from the Ogdens'. She made some cupcakes and I wrapped a couple of gifts we had for Logan. Here are some fun pictures from the party!

Logan with his birthday decorations!

Birthday boy and birthday cupcake

Proudly displaying his TMNT shirt!

His reactions when he opened the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles shirt and the stuffed snake we bought at Discovery Gateway last week were awesome! I was so glad to get them on video. "A new snaaaaake! Yes! I wanted to get it!" he shouted with a big grin on his face while pumping his fist in the air! It was classic!

Here are links the video clips:

TMNT shirt

Stuffed snake

Friday, August 1, 2014

We met up with Laurie and Jemma tonight in Holladay after work. On our way up, we stopped by the Provo cemetery first to visit Papa Rich's grave. It's hard to be there sometimes, as it doesn't feel like we're really any closer to him while there, but I do like going down, especially with the kids.

Visiting Papa Rich's grave

Our trip to Holladay was nice. We met up with Laurie and Jemma at a new burger joint, Tony Burgers, and then headed back to their place for an hour or two. The kids played on the trampoline for a while before we gave them a quick shower and threw them in the van to head back to Provo. Mom was with us as well, and it was nice to sit in Laurie's backyard for a while as the weather was nice and the sun was setting. We even did a few sparklers, left over from the 4th of July. The boys loved those, of course!

Jumping on the trampoline with Jemma

Laurie lighting a sparkler for Logan

Little brother, big sister

With Emmie

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Today was a long day! We did a lot of our packing last night, but what wasn't done, we had to do this morning before going to Morgan's baptism at 9:30 a.m. It was so good to be at the baptism today with all the family (except Hayley)! Jordan joined us in the circle for Morgan's confirmation. Mom gave a nice talk about the Gift of the Holy Ghost and the gifts and blessings of the Spirit.

After the baptism, we changed our clothes and said goodbye to everybody, and hit the road by 11:00 a.m., Utah time. The GPS told us it was a solid 12.5 hours to Vancouver (it showed us the arrival time in the destination time zone), so we made it our goal to make it there by then, including stoppage time. We made great time, as Suzanna drove the first half. We didn't stop until we had passed through Boise and made it to Caldwell, Idaho, where we stopped for gas and lunch. I drove after that point, and we made another quick stop 100 miles later in Baker City, Oregon, where we used the bathroom one more time, topped off with gas, and then got the kids in pajamas. Unfortunately they didn't fall asleep until we were about an hour from home, but finally it was quiet and we got to finish the home stretch in peace.

It's 806 miles to Vancouver, we've got a full tank of gas...

When we got home, I took Emmie up to her room and, as I stood in the dark, my eyes started adjusting and I noticed that something was very different! I knew that a couple of Suzanna's friends (Sara and Heidi) had been up to something while we were gone, but I had no idea that they had totally redone Emmie's room! It was amazing! They painted the walls, hung cute pictures of Emmie from our recent family photos, painted the changing table, redid the dresser drawers and even put up curtains, a mirror, a clock, and a few other little things. It was awesome!

Emmie's crib

Close up of the photos

New curtains, clock and pillows

Painted changed table, flags and vinyl, and blessing dress

Dresser and mirror

I took Luke with me to Walmart to get a few essential groceries. Logan was totally out, so he went down fine, but Luke was wide awake and hungry, so we drove through Wendys and I put him in the cart for the first few minutes. Here's a picture of my big five-year old enjoying a burger in the shopping cart. People must have thought I was crazy for having a young kid with me at the store at 11:30 p.m.!

Luke and his burger

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Today was a day of rest. At least, we tried to make it a day of rest! I had a Bishopric meeting early this morning, but we all got a nice nap after church for a while. At some point in the afternoon, there was a knock at the door and a whole group of friends showed up, wanting to play with Luke and Logan! We don't normally let the kids play on Sunday, but this time we did let them see and play with their friends for a while since it had been so long! It was good to see them playing happily with all the neighborhood kids.

The neighborhood kids!

And a bonus pic of Emmie, sitting on the counter, enjoying some chocolate chip cookie dough!

Emmie and the dough!

It's good to be home! We had a great time on vacation, but it's nice to be in our own home again!

msh

Happy birthday, and other fun adventures

As I was preparing to celebrate my 29th birthday last Tuesday, I decided that I wanted to make a list of 30 things to do in my 30th year. I initially thought I should just make a list of 30 things to accomplish by the time I turn 30, but I could probably fill it up with things I've already done. Instead, I wanted to make it a list of things I'd like to do for the first time.

You see, actuarial exams, both studying for and worrying about results, more or less have occupied my 'free time' and brain power since I graduated from college in 2009. As of last month (when I attended the Fellowship Admission Course in Virginia), I'm now completely done with exams (!!!), so I'm free to spend time on hobbies, projects, fun experiences, etc.

I'll post about my 30x30 list another time, but one of the items was to write in my journal every week. By that, I really intend to document our happenings, and this blog is a great way to do that. So without further ado, here's my first weekly journal entry:

Monday, July 21, 2014

Suzanna and Mom took the kids to the Curiosity museum today while I was working. At one point, my phone alerted me that I had received a text message. I looked at my phone and laughed when I saw this really cute picture of Luke dressed like a pirate, swinging his sword and saying, "Arrrr!"

Luke, the pirate

A couple minutes later, I received another photo of Logan, also dressed as a pirate with a sword, but with a very pleasant look on his face and a hook for a hand. I had a good chuckle!

Logan, the cheerful pirate

The third I received was this picture of Emmie, in the "baby" water table. I haven't ever seen something like this before, but I was intrigued by the idea! She seemed to be having a good time, and I was so glad the kids got to spend a couple hours exploring and having fun with Suzanna and Mom.

Emmie at the water table

After work, we met up with some of Suzanna's family (Jeff, Shauna and Ashly) at the bowling alley for a couple games for an early birthday party. With Steven coming home on my actual birthday, we decided to do this tonight instead, and it was GREAT! The boys were so funny while they were bowling, and I was pleased that they did so well. Luke even had a strike to start the second game!

Logan and Luke, having a good time at Fat Cats!

Logan intently watching his ball travel down the lane

Final scorecard. Jeff had the overall high score!

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

My 29th birthday! Another very full and fun day! I took the day off and, at precisely 8:26 a.m, I took this "usie" (selfie, but with all of "us" instead of just me) with Suzanna and the boys. Emmie slept in a bit, so no baby girl in this shot.

At 8:26 a.m., my birth minute!

The four of us headed out, determined to hike to the "Y" on the mountain. The boys were excited and started out enthusiastically, but it wasn't too long before Luke started complaining, saying that he wanted to turn around and walk back down because it was too hard. It was a good moment to talk to him and explain that even though things are hard, it doesn't mean we should give up. I told him how cool it would feel to be standing up on the "Y" overlooking the valley and then to be able to say anytime he sees the "Y" that he hiked all the way to the top!

We took plenty of rests and I even gave a few piggyback rides, but we made it and had a great time! Luke and Suzanna even ran a little on the way back down! We all had sore muscles later that day (at least Suzanna and I did!), but we were so glad we did it and then had a really tasty french toast and pancake breakfast at Kneader's.

A few pictures from the hike:

Standing at the "Y" trailhead

Luke leading the way!

Logan, excited and determined

Getting close!

Another "usie," this time at the "Y"!

Logan taking a little break on the way down.

Mom made me some really tasty cupcakes and wrapped a nice gift for me and included this cool square Happy Birthday balloon:

Nothing says Happy Birthday like a balloon and cupcakes!

Yum!

Luke and Logan went with Shauna to do some errands before heading up to the SLC airport to pick up Steven, so we took Emmie with us when we went to dinner with Mom for my birthday. She treated us to a really tasty burger at Burgers Supreme, one of my favorite burger joints anywhere. I had a really tasty green chile cheeseburger and we all left with full tummies and happy hearts.

My three favorite girls! Mom, wife and daughter!

Mark and Emmie

We headed out to the airport after dinner as well, but we had to stop at Exit 279 near Lehi Main street because our rear tire on the driver's side burst! I should have taken a photo, out there on the side of the freeway in the hot afternoon sun on my birthday, jacking the van up while cars and trucks speed by just a few feet away! It was a little scary, but we got it done quickly and still made it in time to welcome Elder Ogden with the rest of the family!

Welcome Home Elder Ogden!

The family awaits!

Emmie and Logan were having a great time playing on the luggage carousel

Elder Ogden getting mauled by his two nephews

Once we finally arrived at the Stake Center back in Provo, President Warner told Elder Ogden that he couldn't release him from his mission, but rather that his mission would continue in a different, post-Russia transfer, where his focus should now be turned toward getting a great education, finding good work, and getting married so he could begin his most important missionary assignment: that is, teaching his children and raising them up in a righteous home. It was a great reminder to me about my responsibilities and my continual "mission" that I'm engaged in every day. Elder Ogden taught us about developing Christlike attributes and shared a heartfelt and humble testimony. The evening left us with a warm assurance from the Spirit. It was a wonderful experience.

Despite having been over 24 hours since he began his journey home, Steven happily played with Luke back at the Ogden house for a while. His name tag and missionary clothes were still on as he and Luke played with some stuffed dogs. It was really cute to see them playing, as Luke welcomed Steven home so warmly and Steven gave Luke the attention he wanted.

Luke and Steven playing with the stuffed dogs

It was a great birthday! Memorable for sure!

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Not much to report about this day. Suzanna and I did go for a 6.6-mile run/ride tonight up past University Mall and down by the shops on University Parkway near 500 West. We had this great view of Squaw Peak, so I had to take a photo:

Squaw Peak in the evening

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Pioneer Day (in Utah) saw us back in Lindon, celebrating with pizza, swimming and a great firework show! Ever since Utah legalized aerials, firework shows in Utah have gone to the next level! I'm sure people spend a LOT of money on these fireworks, but they are great fun to watch! Steven came swimming with us after pizza, and Logan and Emmie really wanted him to play and swim with them.

Lots of Suzanna's cousins and relatives were there, with their loads of fireworks, ready to light them up and start a show when the sun went down!

Emmie sitting on a blanket, ready for the show!

Friday, July 25, 2014

I took another day off work today, this time to go with the kids up to Discovery Gateway in Salt Lake, where we first took a stop off at the Clark Planetarium and watched a cool show on the ceiling of the dome theater, where we got to watch a 3D-like movie without the glasses! We hung out there and at Discovery Gateway for a while, enjoying watching the kids play and explore.

Suzanna and the kids in front of Discovery Gateway

While in SLC, we decided to stop by Primary Children's hospital to pay Hayley a quick visit. She's been in isolation there after her cancer treatments, so I left Suzanna in the car with the exhausted kids who were napping.

This cool sign greeted me at her door. She's so creative!

Welcome to the Sinner Sanctum: Enter at your own risk!

Later on, after all the kids were home and in bed, and now with Jeffrey back in town for the weekend from his summer sales job in the Portland area, the four of us boys played a game of Risk, like we used to do before Jeffrey and Steven left on their missions. I was fortunate to be the big winner, knocking all three of the others out in the same turn, thanks to turning in cards for a lot of reinforcement troops and then collecting cards and more reinforcement troops from each of them as I knocked them out.

Risk! An actuary's favorite game!

Saturday, July 26, 2014

David and I played a round of golf at the Executive course at East Bay this morning. It reminded me that I ought to get into golfing sometime! It's fun! I wasn't too great, but it sure felt good to hit a ball and send it sailing up into the sky and toward the hole.

The highlight of today was our trip tonight to Salt Lake to see Wicked with Mom, Jeff, Shauna and Ashly! Suzanna and I saw it in Portland a couple years ago and totally loved it, so when we found out it was going to be in Utah while we were there, we decided we should go. After a very tasty Indian dinner at Kohinoor in Orem, we cruised up and parked across the street from the Capitol Theatre with plenty of time to spare. The doors hadn't even opened yet, and while we were waiting, we bumped into Laurie and her Meacham in-laws! Small world! Turns out they were up there going to see Wicked as well!

Capitol Theatre

Our group of Wicked goers!

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Steven spoke in church today and gave a great exhortation to all in attendance to be diligent and thoughtful home and visiting teachers. He told us he wanted to take us all in a firm grip, look us in the eyes, and tell us that we need to take these responsibilities seriously. I thought at one point he was going to say something like "and speak with enough fire to singe your eyebrows!" a la Elder Holland!

We enjoyed a nice afternoon and evening, hanging around the Ogdens' with family and friends and then had a tasty steak dinner at Mom's with Laurie and her family. Good times and good memories!

My pretty wife, with a ring around her neck

And yes, I did in fact toss that ring from across the room and land it on her neck. :)

msh

P.S. I'm not sure every weekly journal will have so much detail! Phew, tiring!