New York... London... Tokyo... Paris... MOAB!!

Each year, we make our pilgrimage to the wonderful land of Moab (twice if we're lucky). I credit dad for getting me hooked on the place. He loved it, and I can't blame him. 

We were able to go down this last weekend with our good friends, Dustin and Cindy, along with their boys. It got to be a little trying, since we were dealing with 4 kids, but the activities sufficiently wore them out (whew!) 

Luckily, with the added help, Ang and I were able to take in a bike ride on Saturday before we took everyone into Arches for some hiking.

The three wingnuts and the three gossips

Me, Ang and two really happy kids at Delicate Arch

Cute family under the Arch 

Chillin' in the Condo with some good cartoons

As I wax philosophical about our trek, I end with a scripture: Isaiah 15:5 My heart shall cry out for Moab... 

For The Ladies

I just caught up with a band that I really admired as a child: Rocka Fire Explosion. I have been so out of touch that I didn't even know they were still together. So imagine how glad I was to find a video of some of their new material. Enjoy!

Mad Skills

Dash has really developed a talent for building with his brick blocks. 

Words do it no justice, so I'm glad to have caught him in action on this video. Enjoy!

Something to be Grateful for

We had a really sobering experience on Friday. We almost lost our little Jellybean. She and Ang were visiting Grandma and when the time came to leave, she went missing. The search began and ended quickly when Grandma found her face-down in the fish pond. I tremble as I type this because I cannot imagine losing my little girl. It would kill me.

Grandma saved the day, catching her in the nick of time. JB was struggling to get her footing in the water and had only inhaled a little bit. A split second later would have been too late. There were adults in the yard with her the entire time... nobody heard a splash... it happened just that fast. She had the chills and a fever all that night. I know because I didn't sleep well. If not for the weight limitations, I would have curled up with her in her crib just to be there with her.

I am grateful every day for my kids, and even more so now, though I didn't think it was possible. Give your kids an extra-long hug tonight.

Hey There Little Red Riding Hood

Let me take a moment to brag on my lovely wife (Ang) and wonderful sister (Shirt). They took a nice bike ride together this weekend as participants in the "Little Red Riding Hood" women-only ride. -With proceeds going to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

This was the first organized ride for both of them. They froze in the low temps (around 39 degrees at some times) and even got hailed on. -But they managed to complete 36 miles as part of a team of four ladies. What's more, they will be riding later this month to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis (hopefully it will be a little warmer this time, since I will be joining them -I'm a wimp).

Way to go ladies!!

Dancing Queen!

I feel bad for leaving Jellybean out on all my posts. So I figured I should share her mad skills on the dance floor. Break it down, JB!

Deep-Diving Dash

Well the Dash has started swimming lessons. He didn't seem to care much for them the first two days, but after mom bribed him with a new train, he started to participate and ended up really enjoying it. He took to it like a... umm... a... he really had a great time. -And there's one more week to go!

Jellybean, on the other hand, became extremely upset that she was unable to participate, and let mom know in no uncertain terms. Perhaps next year, sweetheart!

Go Dash Go!!