My Lisa Marie

So I wanted to let the world know how amazing my wife is. I can't even begin to tell everyone how proud she makes me! As many of you know, Lisa is getting her masters degree. She practically lives on the computer participating in online chats with her classmates, doing a ton of research, and writing big papers. The cool part is that she never complains about it. I think she enjoys learning and loves to apply what she learns to her job. Anyway, besides the school thing, Lisa is so easy to get along with. Of course we have our disagreements but her level of compromise is much greater than mine. She really makes being married a ton of fun. I am so blessed to have married such a great gal. I love you my Lisa Marie!

Independence Day Fun!

Our festivities for Independence Day began on Wednesday and ended on Saturday...


On Wednesday, we went with some friends to the Oakley Rodeo. This was my first rodeo experience, and I have to say that I had a good time - even if I was cheering for the baby calves. It was amazing to see what precision each contestant had to have and how one small error could ruin their entire attempt. Also, while we were there, we unexpectingly ran into Mike's dad and his wife, Dana. They had been seated about ten rows behind us, and they happened to see us while we were taking a picture.

Mike and Lisa at the Oakley Rodeo

On Friday, we went with Mike's siblings to see Stadium of Fire. Mike's stepdad was able to get tickets for everyone, and we had pretty good seats. The event began with skydivers coming into the stadium, and each one had a flag that represented either our country or a particular branch of the military. Glenn Beck was the host, and he included several tributes to our country and freedom. One of the tributes consisted of rolling these huge banners over the audience on one side of the stadium...

There was also a dance where the dancers reinacted each event of the upcoming summer Olympics. They had local athletes participate, and it was quite entertaining. The two headlining events were the Blue Man Group and Miley Cyrus. Mike had seen the Blue Man Group perform in Vegas, and after seeing them on Friday, I would love to see their full length show. It was great! Of course, Miley Cyrus was the main event - there were teenage girls and little boys going crazy when she came on stage! Mike and I joked that we thought we had at least ten years or so before we would be going to see a performer like Miley, but I guess this is just getting us prepared for when we have our own kids asking to go see the teenage performers. The only Miley Cyrus song that I know is "See You Again" since it has been on the radio, but I will admit that I liked her music more than I thought I would. Mike wasn't too impressed, and I am not saying that I would run out to get her CD, but I did like it more than I thought I would.

Mike and Lisa at Stadium of Fire

On Saturday, we went to the Bees Game for my summer work party. We also invited my family to come along, which was fun. Our seats were pretty good...we were on the 15 row behind first base, so we had a good view of what was happening. Even though the Bees lost (6 - 0), we still had a fun time.

Mike and Lisa

Mom, Dad, and Beth

Krin (Khemia's friend) and Khemia

Does anyone know a Botanist?

Mike and I are getting ready to landscape our backyard. As part of the landscaping project, we plan on adding several trees. There is one type of pine tree that I REALLY like and want to add. The problem is that I have no idea what kind of pine tree it is. I have looked on the internet, but no luck. The only place that I have seen this particular kind of tree was in Bishop Evans backyard. I only have a very small picture of the tree to go by, but it does show the branches quite well. So, if anyone knows what kind of tree this could possibly be, please let me know.

This is a small clip of the tree - it is skinny and has droopy branches. Any guesses?

Faline's Hidden Talent

So, Mike and I recently learned that Faline has a secret talent. She really is quite amazing. It all started when my cousin, Sarah, had her friend make a customized "dog diaper" for Faline. When we tried it on her, she refused to walk. When we finally coaxed her to move, she began waddling, but then she began bucking. This is when we discovered Faline's hidden talent - she is a gymnast! After she started bucking, she succeeded in not only doing a handstand, but actually doing a walking handstand. It was hilarious! Unfortunately, everyone was laughing too hard to get a good picture. All I have to ask is this: is there an Olympic category for canine gymnastics? Faline would win for sure!

More Band

Here is a link for one of the songs that Mike played last Saturday. The song is called "Dressed to Impress"...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr3x52fRFMo
I will post the actual video once I aquire that particular blogging skill! :)

Band

So on Saturday I got to do some heshin head banging with Metallica. I got to replace Lars Ulrich, their drummer. Okay maybe it didnt go like that but I did get to play with a talented artist named Chelsey Stallings. We played at South Jordan's, Country Fest. It was really fun since I havent played a gig since the days of "Know Your Enemy". Besides it being a thousand degrees in sun, I feel we played really well, being only the 3rd time playing together. There's nothing more moving than being in my own world playing the drums amped up by thousands of watts. It really is a release for me. I feel very privileged to have played with some great musicians. Chelsey, who is the singer has two CD's and sings with a powerful voice. She currently studies with the same voice coach as American Idol's David Archuletta (SP)? I also played with Pete Jensen, Seth Tait, Marty Lyman, and Daphne Jensen, all who are super talented.

A Weekend in Midway

Mike and I had a great weekend! Mike's dad arranged for a weekend family getaway to the Zermatt. We went up to Midway after work on Friday and met up with Mike's family: Derek and Jess, Trevor, and his dad and Dana. His dad arranged for us and Derek and Jess to stay at the resort for the weekend, and we had such a great time! On Friday night, we relaxed in the hottub, and then we spent Saturday outdoors. We went to Deer Creek on Saturday morning for the first boating trip of the season. I was looking forward to wakeboarding, but unfortunately, the water was FREEZING, and Jace was the only one who dared to ski. Later during the day, Mike, Trevor, and I took a drive to Park City and had some delicious burgers from this little corner cafe...yum! We ended the evening by ordering in pizza and playing a round of miniature golf with some of Dana's kids. We spent Sunday morning at Jace and Dana's home in Park City, where they made us these delicious waffles. The weekend was so much fun! We had a great time with family...thanks Jace and Dana for the great time!

Mike and Lisa boating on Deer Creek

Trevor and Mike in Park City

Jace on the slalom ski in Deer Creek