Aren't you glad you're not a photographer for this group!?
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Ty's Last Derby...
Twist your head to the left and you can read his name...
Not fast, but cool. Ty competed with the "Ty car" we obviously needed TJ's expertise - he came in 2nd or 3rd in every race... It was fun and who else can say their car actually said their name!
The spoons...well that's Ty's other amazing talent. We saw the deer today wandering across our yard... 
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
It's a good thing I am not thin skinned....
Wish Ty luck tonight as he competes in his final Pinewood Derby.... with the Ty car. I will post pictures later on.
This latest Tian-ism was too good not to share before I forget:
This morning Tian and I are snuggled in the chair having a Hallmark moment, or so I thought. I leaned back and looked into her gorgeous black eyes and knocked on her head and asked," So, what's in there?" She looks reflectivley back at me and replies,
"An egg."
"An egg? What's in the egg? I ask.
"A nest," she says matter- a- factly.
"And what's in the nest?" I am totally interested - the creativity here is impressing me.
"A bird," she shrugs.
"What does the bird say?" Now, I think, this is going to be good. In her best fake whistle-ly tone she says,
"Lala, a happy song."
How fitting - she nailed her personality. I dared fate and hoped for somehing equally wonderful and asked, "So what's inside my head?"
With her eyes twinkling in the morning sun she replies,"Nothing."
I think I am going back to bed!
This latest Tian-ism was too good not to share before I forget:
This morning Tian and I are snuggled in the chair having a Hallmark moment, or so I thought. I leaned back and looked into her gorgeous black eyes and knocked on her head and asked," So, what's in there?" She looks reflectivley back at me and replies,
"An egg."
"An egg? What's in the egg? I ask.
"A nest," she says matter- a- factly.
"And what's in the nest?" I am totally interested - the creativity here is impressing me.
"A bird," she shrugs.
"What does the bird say?" Now, I think, this is going to be good. In her best fake whistle-ly tone she says,
"Lala, a happy song."
How fitting - she nailed her personality. I dared fate and hoped for somehing equally wonderful and asked, "So what's inside my head?"
With her eyes twinkling in the morning sun she replies,"Nothing."
I think I am going back to bed!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Boys with too Much Free Time
See- we actually have studied something for school. The boys have constructed a medieval village and of course, it has been complete with tireless attacks and counter-attacks and wild chases through the house and shouting about unfair tactics.
The boys have spent the last couple weeks trying to construct a Quinzhee back on the creek. Days of shoveling snow off of most of the pond and heaping it into a huge pile, packing it down and hollowing it out have almost paid off. There is enough room inside for 2 boys and one naughty dog. OF course, a simple Quinzhee wasn't enough they had to make it into some devil dog... what could be more fun than entering a bloody mouth of some creature ? ( I know I could think of about a million things :o)
It was so cold out we had to warm up the little guys in the dryer - don't worry we used the gentle cycleWhile the boys played in the freezing cold - yes, I did keep them in for the -20 degree days, but not without MUCH whining ( that doesn't include mine) - the little guys plays Chinese Laundry. IT was all fun in games while I ironed until Trace jumped out of the dryer, slammed the door and stood in front of it! He seems so quiet and innocent, but that twinkle in his eye...
We have decided we have joked about it too much, since Saturday , Tom was helping me work through the mountain of laundry that was taking over the sun room and Tian ran in and asked Tom, "Daddy can I do Chinese laundry with you?"
We are trying to finish up the Middle Ages and one of our projects was to make a meal. Okay, so the boys didn't grind wheat with a stone, but the hand grinder gave them an idea of the effort involved especially when they realized that they only ground enough wheat for 2 loaves of bread. 
Tian and Trace didn't want to miss out on the fun. So make a note not to eat any whole wheat products at our house for a while. The kids discovered playing in the wheat was quite addictive - they literally could not keep their hands or arms out of it. Don't worry Trace only spit a few of the kernels back in when he realized it wasn't quite as tasty as he imagined.
TJ at the MTC
okay- I am finally composed enough to add the pictures of TJ at the MTC. It was a bittersweet day. Until then, I never really understood what bittersweet was - it was geat to see TJ so ready and on the brink of such an exciting adventure, but so sad to see that first chapter of our life together coming to a close. I still can't believe that 19 years have passed so quickly.....
We are told to take our last pictures and TJ is sent in one door and we can't go with him...we are all worried this is the good bye moment. Not yet - just the scary first real step. I am relieved he was kind enough to look back at us and at least seem a litle worried. Unlike the first day of Primary or kidnegarten when I was dismissed me without even a backward glance.
TJ receiving instructions as he checks in 
one of the hardest things I have ever done....
I hoped it would be clearer... it is in French :o) we were wondering if he will get one in other languages if he travels to other islands.
Tom and I headed back to Salt Lake after we dropped TJ off. The program was very short: a song, a brief talk by the mission president and his wife and then the goodbye. We were told to think of a band aid - in other words fast and quick is better. TJ headed for the door marked missionaries - we through the "family " door and parking lot. It is easy to se that they are used to doing this - we were in and out of the MTC in 15 minutes. Tom and I decided to head back to Salt Lake so we wouldn't be tempted to break into the MTC to take him back :o) We went back to tour the Salt LAke on a non foggy day. The mountains in the distance reminds us of Colorado and our life there when TJ was a baby. A good day to reflect - we start to get sappy so we head back to temple square for some more organized cry sessions :o)
The full size replica of the Christus in the vistor's center in Salt Lake - it was phenomonal...
We had dinner at the Lyon House and head back to the hotel to catch our lonely flight back home...
We are told to take our last pictures and TJ is sent in one door and we can't go with him...we are all worried this is the good bye moment. Not yet - just the scary first real step. I am relieved he was kind enough to look back at us and at least seem a litle worried. Unlike the first day of Primary or kidnegarten when I was dismissed me without even a backward glance.
TJ receiving instructions as he checks in 
one of the hardest things I have ever done....
I hoped it would be clearer... it is in French :o) we were wondering if he will get one in other languages if he travels to other islands. Tom and I headed back to Salt Lake after we dropped TJ off. The program was very short: a song, a brief talk by the mission president and his wife and then the goodbye. We were told to think of a band aid - in other words fast and quick is better. TJ headed for the door marked missionaries - we through the "family " door and parking lot. It is easy to se that they are used to doing this - we were in and out of the MTC in 15 minutes. Tom and I decided to head back to Salt Lake so we wouldn't be tempted to break into the MTC to take him back :o) We went back to tour the Salt LAke on a non foggy day. The mountains in the distance reminds us of Colorado and our life there when TJ was a baby. A good day to reflect - we start to get sappy so we head back to temple square for some more organized cry sessions :o)
The full size replica of the Christus in the vistor's center in Salt Lake - it was phenomonal...We had dinner at the Lyon House and head back to the hotel to catch our lonely flight back home...
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Pilgrimage to Utah
So we finally made it to Utah for the first time! WE have had a fun filled couple days touring all things Utah : BYU, Deseret Book, Emergency Essentials, Missionary Mall, Temple Square, tabernacle and Tom's favorite: the Great Salt Lake and Tj's request ( although not very Utah) Body World. IT is the display that has been touring with real human cadavers - it was VERY interesting.
WE bring TJ to the MTC tomorrow and I am hoping time will creep VERY slowly - I am not ready for him to go. I am excited for him to start this new chapter in his life and looking forward to his transformation into an independant adult, but I sure wish I could turn back time...I miss the little boy who used to skip everywhere he went and called himself "Super TJ the One" I promised I wouldn't get all sappy so back to the sightseeing...
Monday TJ started the day harassing his dad - which included hiding a muffin wrapper in his eggs ( which Tom ate) and pulling out his chair. All this before 8 am....Tom lowered his standards and brought us to BYU. Fortunately for him it was the first day of classes so there was no visitor parking to be found... We were able to do some shopping and see the mountains.
Today, Tuesday, we stayed in Salt Lake and started the day touring Temple Sqaure in a snow storm. We were able to seee the tabernacle that held General Conference up until 8 years ago. It is a phenomonal building without even factoring in the fact that it was built over 100 years ago. The building has perfect acoustics that we saw demonstarted with a pin drop and speaking without a microphone, all of which could be heard clearly from the "cheap seats" in the back. The organ, that made the Mormom Tabernacle Choir famous, was as amazing as I had imagined. We then headed to the visitor center and saw a few videos that described the construction of the temple. Truely a phenomonal feat - how do people even imagine that such feats could reasonably be accomplished.... The temple, although at first glance from the street seemed less impressive ,was even more amazing that the pics when viewed up close. Phenomonal stone carving, perfectly fit stones. Can you imagine this was done with no modern equipment... truely awe inspiring. We finshed up the formal tour in the gallery with some amazing paintings and the beautiful replica of the Christus - an amazing sculpture.
We then made it to the chapel and TOm was in a hurry to make it to the new conference center. Unbeknowst to me, the best example of a green roof in the US. The center is an engineering marvel with HUGE cantilevered balconies, a VERY impressive pipe organ and keep in mind this 21, 000 seat center was built in 3 years!! I would love to take a class on the enginnering involved...Tom was just in awe that was completed by 3 construction firms working togetehr in 3 years. I think TJ wished we would just quit asking questions:o) The painting throughout were amazing - the prints I have seen do not do them justice. The roof, which TOm could go out on has full size growing trees to represent the mountains and another area with native grasses , reflecting ponds, and amphitheater, waterfall etc etc Wow...
WE then braved the snow in our compact rental car and headed out Antelope Island State Park to see the Salt Lake - TJ got a pic of a buffalo and I'll post pictures when we get home . IT was sad not to be able to see much due to the snow, but still fun to see the visitors center. I had no idea that sand here was round granules and the amount of dissolved minerals in the water was impressive.
TJ was happy to leave and we headed to the university exhibit of Body World - it was amazing. Needless to say, I am deteremined to get into better shape. I have heard mixed reviews about the display, but my review is it was AMAZING and the murmurs I heard from people were awe and amazement at the human body . Better yet ,we found something else that makes TJ squeamish- you will have to ask him which section :o) And for all who are wondering Tom made it through without a single dry heave or even having to take a break :o) The display here was VERY educational and very tastefully done.
We rounded out the day with a trip to Mormonabilia - a souveniour shop of all things Mormon - nothing too great, but it was fun.
I will post pics sson - keep us in your prayers tomorrow -
Mom forgot about our fabulous meal Monday night. I felt like buddy the elf when the delivery guy dropped it off at our hotel room. You should have seen this pizza it was ginormouse. Thak goodness dad only ordered one large pizza. We've barely made a dent in it.
-Elder Turner
WE bring TJ to the MTC tomorrow and I am hoping time will creep VERY slowly - I am not ready for him to go. I am excited for him to start this new chapter in his life and looking forward to his transformation into an independant adult, but I sure wish I could turn back time...I miss the little boy who used to skip everywhere he went and called himself "Super TJ the One" I promised I wouldn't get all sappy so back to the sightseeing...
Monday TJ started the day harassing his dad - which included hiding a muffin wrapper in his eggs ( which Tom ate) and pulling out his chair. All this before 8 am....Tom lowered his standards and brought us to BYU. Fortunately for him it was the first day of classes so there was no visitor parking to be found... We were able to do some shopping and see the mountains.
Today, Tuesday, we stayed in Salt Lake and started the day touring Temple Sqaure in a snow storm. We were able to seee the tabernacle that held General Conference up until 8 years ago. It is a phenomonal building without even factoring in the fact that it was built over 100 years ago. The building has perfect acoustics that we saw demonstarted with a pin drop and speaking without a microphone, all of which could be heard clearly from the "cheap seats" in the back. The organ, that made the Mormom Tabernacle Choir famous, was as amazing as I had imagined. We then headed to the visitor center and saw a few videos that described the construction of the temple. Truely a phenomonal feat - how do people even imagine that such feats could reasonably be accomplished.... The temple, although at first glance from the street seemed less impressive ,was even more amazing that the pics when viewed up close. Phenomonal stone carving, perfectly fit stones. Can you imagine this was done with no modern equipment... truely awe inspiring. We finshed up the formal tour in the gallery with some amazing paintings and the beautiful replica of the Christus - an amazing sculpture.
We then made it to the chapel and TOm was in a hurry to make it to the new conference center. Unbeknowst to me, the best example of a green roof in the US. The center is an engineering marvel with HUGE cantilevered balconies, a VERY impressive pipe organ and keep in mind this 21, 000 seat center was built in 3 years!! I would love to take a class on the enginnering involved...Tom was just in awe that was completed by 3 construction firms working togetehr in 3 years. I think TJ wished we would just quit asking questions:o) The painting throughout were amazing - the prints I have seen do not do them justice. The roof, which TOm could go out on has full size growing trees to represent the mountains and another area with native grasses , reflecting ponds, and amphitheater, waterfall etc etc Wow...
WE then braved the snow in our compact rental car and headed out Antelope Island State Park to see the Salt Lake - TJ got a pic of a buffalo and I'll post pictures when we get home . IT was sad not to be able to see much due to the snow, but still fun to see the visitors center. I had no idea that sand here was round granules and the amount of dissolved minerals in the water was impressive.
TJ was happy to leave and we headed to the university exhibit of Body World - it was amazing. Needless to say, I am deteremined to get into better shape. I have heard mixed reviews about the display, but my review is it was AMAZING and the murmurs I heard from people were awe and amazement at the human body . Better yet ,we found something else that makes TJ squeamish- you will have to ask him which section :o) And for all who are wondering Tom made it through without a single dry heave or even having to take a break :o) The display here was VERY educational and very tastefully done.
We rounded out the day with a trip to Mormonabilia - a souveniour shop of all things Mormon - nothing too great, but it was fun.
I will post pics sson - keep us in your prayers tomorrow -
Mom forgot about our fabulous meal Monday night. I felt like buddy the elf when the delivery guy dropped it off at our hotel room. You should have seen this pizza it was ginormouse. Thak goodness dad only ordered one large pizza. We've barely made a dent in it.
-Elder Turner
Monday, January 05, 2009
Our First Trip to Utah
Our first glimpse of teh temple at night. TJ took a quick shot from the car. Honestly from the street the temple looked much smaller than we expected. The next day we walked temple square and saw the difference a little change in perspective can make
The next morning in the snow....
the marina on the Salt Lake
the huge cantilevered balconies in the conference center. Truely an engineering marvel...
the conference center still with its displays up for Christmas
We ordered a pizza for dinner - Tom figured a large might be enough. ( thank goodness he only ordered one!) It is the biggest pizza I ever saw
It snowed most everyday we were there. TJ and I in the snow on temple square.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)