From Jedi Knight to Black Belt-don't mess with Park!!

Parker has been a very dedicated student in Tae Kwon Do. He just received his first degree black belt. So whether it is dueling with a light saber or awesome kicks "you've got skills!" these pictures are with Ms. Wong, one of his favorite instructors. CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Some things never change!

When B was a baby, if he was tired, he would fall to sleep doing whatever he was in the middle of at the time ie. highchair, sandbox or playing. If we didn't get him to bed on time he would ask "Can I take a n-a-p" (he would spell it because always did, thinking he wouldn't know what we were talking about ha!) He was one of those perfect sleeping babies. Boy, did Hannah change all of that.. a literal rude awakening for us all!!

Just wondering

Since the parade on Saturday I have been just a little bugged. As the color guard approached us, we stood up and saluted the flag as it went by. WE WERE THE ONLY ONES ON THE ENTIRE BLOCK!!! I found it annoying that no one else would stand up and show respect for the flag. I was always taught that it is proper flag etiquette. Maybe it is just a " small town Utah or Nevada" thing. Please tell me that patriotism and respecting our flag isn't a thing of the past. I am sure the uniformed men carrying the flag must have been a little disgusted themselves. The more I think about it the more torqued it get. What do you think?

Happy Birthday to you!!

Today we celebrated Parker's birthday! He informed all of us that this is his day of stepping from boyhood into manhood, all that we know for sure is that life would be very boring without him to entertain us! He is rather outspoken compared to his older siblings, we never quite know what he might say. Thanks big 11 year old for keeping life interesting!

I love a great parade!

A fun part of living downtown is the college life. The Aggies sponsor a fun "picnic day", an open house of sorts for the school. We are in the middle of it when we step out of our door. It starts with the parade. It features all sorts of clever entries. Parker got to ride in a million $ hydrogen fuel cell car (sorry no photo). These are just a few photos to give you and idea of what it is like. After the parade everyone walks to the campus to see the events ranging from cow milking to the famous"doxie derbie" ( hilarious daschund racing), each department sponsors some kind of event. It is a long standing tradition and a lot of fun to be part of. Some of these photos include the double decker buses that the college uses, the "wimcycle" bike club, and of course marching bands. This humboldt student asked Hannah to throw a pie in his face and she gladly granted his wish.

maggot art

An event not to miss is Chandler's favorite, "maggot art" amusing fun sponsored by the entomology students, Don't knock it until you've tried it. Here's what you do:

• Gently grab maggot with tweezers
• Dip it in desired color of paint and drop on blank canvas
• When it has used that paint, move on to next desired color until satisfied with work
• Put maggot back in container

Each creation is a unique work of art and you will never look at maggots the same!!

battle of the bands

This is one of my favorite events at picnic day. All of the UC bands compete just a few blocks from our house on the banks of Lake Spafford. They play well into the night. These bands are a lot of fun to watch. They are crazy and I think it is a requirement to wear a wacky outfit. I threaten that I am going to join the Cal-Aggie marching band. I love hearing them practice and march through downtown.