Cali 09

Alright, so this may end up being a long post, so I decided to do slide shows rather than just adding mucho photos. The family went down to CA for our first real vacation in a long time. Before I get going on the recap, let me first give props where props are due. Thank a ton to Milo and Jan for everything, including taking the kids for three days while Shannon and I escaped, then spending all week with us, it was awesome. Kudos to my third brother Reed Chu for buying the family dinner at his restaurant, it is great food. Big props to my good friend and former Balboa Blvd sprinter Robby Cuillard for the day of golf at Wood Ranch.

Alright, here we go. So Shan and I dropped the kids off at her parents house last Friday and Ventured down to Long Beach where we boarded the Carnival Paradise for a three day fiesta to Ensenada. We got a much needed rest and rejuvenation. To our surprise, when we woke up Saturday morning, we were pulling into port in Ensenada right next to the most famous ship in the Caribbean, or Pacific in this case. That’s right, The Pearl. I forgot that is where they filmed all of the Pirate movies, and will film the upcoming movies. We couldn’t get close, but our tour guide got us as close as he could.

So, you'll see a picture of our waiter entitled "Check Check". You see, our first night on the ship at dinner, they seated us with another couple, and the waiters all started saying check check with a quick Asian accent. We asked what it meant and they said nothing. We determined that because there were two pretty girls sitting at our table, it was "Waiter Code" for check out the girls. That said, he was the best, most entertaining waiter on the cruise. Sunday was spent out at sea, so we sat by the pool and watched the drunk get more drunk, played a little miniature golf, (yes Shannon won), ate good food and watched a musical show the cruise employees performed.

We got back Monday morning and raced to Disneyland where we met the kids, Grammy, Poppy, Jess and Tammy for a fun filled day of Magic. Note: The term Magic used in this blog refers to long lines, closed rides, bad expensive food, bad parade, early closing time and hot sun. That said, we did have a good time and the kids really enjoyed the rides and for the older kids, revisiting the place they only had foggy memories of. It really was a good time, despite all the Magic. In fact, I almost got a little emotional when I was on the Nemo ride with Rylee as I thought about how lucky we are to still have her with us to enjoy that time, and that she now had a piece of Disneyland in her very sharp mind.

So, on Tuesday we head over to California Adventure, and I think it was decided by all a much better day at the parks. Rides were better, lines were shorter, more to do, more characters out, better food and way better parade (thanks to Milo we had VIP seating for the parade). The older kids really got into the rides and couldn't get enough. I think the next time we go to CA, we will need to introduce them to some real rides at Magic Mtn. Rylee loved the Playhouse Disney show and all of the princesses walking around. It was also fun to see all of the kids just being kids and happy to be doing things together.

So, Wed and Thurs I worked and Shannon and the kids went on shopping and beach excursions with Grammy. We were able to stop by Reed Chu's store in Westlake for dinner, it was great to see him and his beautiful wife again. I'm sorry, but we totally forgot to snap pictures while we were there, but Reed still looks the same. The food was great and the company even better. Afterwards, we went up to Valencia and saw Jess and Tammy's place, then back to Ventura.

Friday, I escaped with Milo and a couple guys from Hayward Baker to play some golf at Wood Ranch thanks to Robby. I was hoping Robby could play with us, but that just didn't happen. Thanks for the round Rob, and because you didn't play, I won.

Here's some beach fun.

On the way home, we stopped and saw my Grandparents in Lancaster and shared a Pizza. I think it is cool that the kids have a chance to know their Great Grandparents. And again, we were losers and didn't snap any photos. Anyway, we are home now and life is good. Chickens are alive and the dog is back, yippy. Until next time, peace.

02:11:51

Yup, that is my time - I did it, I completed my goal and a check off my "bucket list" (that I don't actually have)!

Saturday morning at 4:45 AM my alarm went off - I got myself all dressed all the way down to my fancy running "smart wool" socks and shoes, ate my banana and my last dose of water. At 5:15 AM I starting loading the Expedition up with people as crazy as me and off we went to finish line, there to be bused 13.1 miles up to the starting line of the Top of Utah Half Marathon.

My only real goal was to run the whole way. I really didn't care how fast, but I did not want to stop and walk. Deep down though I really wanted to finish with about 10 minute miles, but was hesitant to set that goal for myself with this being my first attempt at such a distance. Coming across the finish line w/ thousands of people everywhere and seeing my time on the clock I was pretty overwhelmed with a sense of accomplishment! The best was seeing Rylee's little head above the crowd on her dad's shoulders and then I had a visual on my little cheerleaders. Thanks guys!

Here a cluck, there a cluck, everywhere a cluck, cluck

The kids did a great job painting the coop and getting it all ready for the chickens (with a little help from mom and a lot of help from dad)

Cody is the chicken master with all of his experience this summer helping Bob with his garden and with chores around his farm!

All the kids love to hold and carry around the chickens. I think these might be the most loved chickens in the world.

I must admit that Patty got a taste of the chickens first off, literally, but we keep an extra close watch nowadays.

School has begun....

And there you have it!

Poor Rylee...you see, they do things a little differently here than we are used to. Rylee got to go to school on Tuesday of this week (almost a week later than the other kids) and then she has had to wait until today (Thursday) to go again; however, she is SICK with a fever and all the other things that come with it. Poor little thing, she was so excited to go back to school too. The teachers have half of the class go one day and half of the class go another day and then finally they put them all together. My guess, a break in period for the teachers!

Just like their dad....

This summer the boys have been able to participate in some golf clinics at Logan River Golf Course. They just finished their first week and are anxiously awaiting their next week coming up in August. The first few days they work on the basic skills of putting, driving, sand shots, etc. and work mostly at the driving range. The final day of clinic they get to split up into groups of 3-4 and they golf several holes on the course. They LOVED it!

In the meantime, Rylee and I were enjoying the nature the golf course had to offer!

George Washington

5/21/09 (Mrs. Merritt's 5th grade class)

As you can see, I am quite behind; however, this was a huge project that Cody worked on at the very end of fifth grade. He typed a 6 page report, created a home-made puppet, brought a WOW factor (something to hand out to people coming to observe the fair, which was the bowl of cherries), and had to dress up as his famous person! He got an "A"...way to go Code!

Arrow of Light

May's Pack Meeting, Mr. Cody did it! He earned his Arrow of Light and a few months early at that. We are very proud of him. He worked very hard and proceeded to accomplish this goal a few months early. Good work Codester! (5/21/09)

June Wrap-Up

I know I know, we are pathetic bloggers, but here is a summary of our June 09 highlights. I think there may also be some May 09 in here as well.

Cody dressed up like guess who for an end of the year school project.

Rylee introduced her head to our coffee table.

We had some visitors from AZ.

We celebrated Tauni’s birthday in Logan canyon with a moose.

We found out someone is expecting.

Juice earned his wolf.

He also earned some stitches like Rylee.

Shannon and Helene took the kids to the American Heritage Center. (this pic may be from April)

Rylee and Ella jammin.

Cody and I went to his first campout, which turned into a trip to the emergency room. You see, he didn’t always attach himself to the harness when climbing the rock wall.

He is now limping with a broken foot.

I started a fence for who knows what animals.

And we end June with a good o’l night on the trampoline.

July is ramping up to be even busier, so you might here from us at the beginning of Aug.

Freckles

Rich - Rylee, how did you get a freckle on the bottom of your foot?

Rylee - I don't know...I stepped on some freckles!

Oh man...

As I am laying on a massage table with the sounds of relaxation all around me (okay, it was wonderful, but I was really getting massage therapy on my shoulder so it was a bit painful, but relaxing all the same) little did I know my children were frantically trying to get a hold of me. Wouldn't you turn off your cell phone if you were getting a massage?

As I am sitting waiting for my chiropractic appointment to follow my therapy I decided to check my phone - 6 missed calls and a text message from Ethan saying "Call me now."

Ethan was just finishing up golfing when he got the call from Alyson that Rylee had split her head open. Alyson did such a great job in taking care of Rylee. She took her right across the street to our wonderful neighbor who comforted Ry with songs and prayers together until her slacker parents got there.

I met Ethan and Ry at the urgent care where Dr. Esplin (our neighbor and friend) was on call. She was a brave girl and got stitched up without a wimper. She had split her forhead to the skull, which was more than I needed to know at the time, but at least her scar is close to the hair line so her bangs should cover it right up.

When we got home I had learned that Sharon had already been over and cleaned up all the blood out of the carpet and the trails of blood that connected our homes.

I am so grateful for wonderful friends and neighbors, doctors, anesthetic, and for a wonderful daughter who took all the right steps in taking care of Ry.