Utah 2009

We loved this picture of Carter flying a kite on the beach

Cecily buried...but protected from the wind

Joni, Rhett and Olivia made some homemade hummingbird brew that attracted some hummingbirds. Too bad they are so fast we didn't grab the cameras in time for a picture (the birds were fast not the mad scientists). The brew consisted of melted sugar, otter pops, twizzlers, and water. Joni thought it was weird that Joel, Rhett and I shared a blanket while star gazing at night...now that I just wrote out that sentence I guess it does sound strange.

Carter loves bugs...Dad and Susan striking a pose...speaking of striking a pose, check out Bess and Cecily...this one reminded us of a high school dance. We told them to pose and Cecily went to town posing, then Bess really got into it. I mean really got into it...hahaha

For some reason this picture reminded me of the African ladies who carry baskets on their heads while trekking through the water...sorry Joel.
Glen and Rhett laughing it up after dunking my Dad in the icy lake

Last week we were in Utah, and we were able to see some of our favorite places that we haven't been to in a while. After spending the first night in Salt Lake we stayed in Logan, we love that place. Honestly, if there were more good jobs there I would move to Logan in a heartbeat. We met up for Todd and Kimiko's wedding, then we showed the newest Aggie Madison around campus. We were still used to Eastern Standard Time because we couldn't sleep in. I woke up at 6:45 and took a jog through Logan and ran down along the ridge by the temple, brought back a lot of good memories.

Thursday we went up to Bear Lake and spent a couple of days with some family at a beautiful cabin. We had fun just hanging out with everyone and playing at the beach. The water was freeeeezing and it was really windy, but we still managed to have fun. We played a lot of games, sang some songs, did some skits and never quite got onto a good sleeping schedule so by the time we were done we were completely exhausted. Joni had a rough time because she has been so tired lately, but we really enjoyed getting to know some family we don't get to see often, and those who weren't there were missed. Thanks to Glen and Kendi for being our personal taxi, and Bed & Breakfast...and thanks to my Dad for the cabin.

After Bear Lake we spent a day with Joni's family in Evanston, Wyoming. Joni actually took this picture there that turned out really well. You have to have an eye for beauty to find something like this in Evanston :) Joni's brother Ryan has always wanted to paint a picture on a pregnant belly, and since his wife never let him do it, Joni was the guinea pig...NBA theme and all...

It was good to see so many people we love, we wish we could have seen more of you but the trip just wasn't long enough.

Thoughts from an expecting parent...future dad's view

So I had a wake up call yesterday. Since Joni first found out she was pregnant I think we've both been pretty excited. It's just not how I ever imagined it would be, I always pictured myself crying when I first found out I was going to be a dad and then reading a baby book all the way through because I was so excited...just doing the things an expecting father is supposed to do or that you see people do in movies. It's been weird to go shopping for strollers and think about baby names and all that stuff, but it wasn't until yesterday when I held a 2 week old little girl that the magnitude of this whole experience hit me. That thing that makes Joni's "tumor" in her belly grow each day, and that "kicks" my hand when I place it against her belly is a living, breathing, human with emotions that we will be responsible for.


I think everyone imagines having a perfect, healthy, beautiful child. I always imagined a cute little blonde girl with curly hair, but that's about as far as my thoughts have taken me. Am I ready for this? We haven't even enrolled in a class and we've really just lived our lives the same as we always have. Everyone says "you'll know what to do" or "everything will be allright", but then they smile at me without saying anything and I know they are thinking "you have no idea what you are getting yourself into". Will I still dry heave when snot comes pouring down their face, or when they have a poop explosion while we are waiting in line at the grocery store? I don't think I will ever be able to "bare-hand" a booger like I've seen some parents do.


We were at Babies R US the other day staring at the strollers and this couple must have known exactly what we were thinking. The big macho husband who looked like a college linebacker said "you totally have to get that one, the ease in which the car seat comes in and out is fantastic".
Upon further inspection I noticed this macho frat boy had a full blown Abercrombie & Fitch shirt full of baby vomit, and he didn't care in the least bit...I followed his advice and I was actually excited to have a stroller.

Joni's belly this week...

So here's the deal if you want to know what its like to be an expecting father for the first time, not saying I'm an expert, just a few thoughts:

1) Understand that your wife will be going through a lot of pain, insecurities, and emotions that will be new to her and you will not be able to understand in the slightest. Just listen and be supportive.

2) You will find that there are bathrooms in public places that you never knew existed. In fact, employees will go out of their way to walk a pregnant woman to these secret hideouts.

3) Feeling the first kick is not what you would expect, it feels like she just has a stomach thats hungry or gassy.

4) There is a lot of psychology and thought that usually goes into choosing a name, but when it comes down to it, its just a name and you may be surprised about what names you end up liking.

5) You will most definately be surprised as you see her eat things she has never eaten, and hate things she has never hated. Some of the most delicious foods become nauseating to her.

6) She can smell you making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich 2 rooms away.

7) Her feet and back ache more than usual, so don't think its an "excuse" to be rubbed. In fact, just don't ever think anything she says or does is an excuse if you want to survive through the night.

8) If you see her not wearing her wedding ring don't be offended, because when you see what her one-time-loose wedding ring does to her finger you'll understand.

9) She will cry more...'nuff said.

10) I always wondered deep down if I might feel different about my wife when I saw her pregnant and going through so many physical changes. I still think she is absolutely beautiful, and she definately has that glow.

So I guess if I've made it this far, I think I can make it to actually holding my own child...I think. For now I just have no idea what that will be like, but I don't think it will be like anything I could possibly imagine.