Fun Game!

I decided to add this game to our blog, so play along! It's so fun to remember things about other people, and also read other's memories as well. I would love you to participate, but no worries if you don't want to. Here are the instructions:

1. Add a comment on my blog. Leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses.

If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

You can leave a memory for Mike or Lisa.

Flying the Friendly Skies

So one thing I absolutely love to do is fly. My friend and I have has some good times over the years flying here and there but the experience I had today was a once in a lifetime chance to see the USAF at work. I was able to go on a air refueling mission with the Utah Air National Gaurd (151st ARW). It was a wonderful behind the scenes look at what these guys do. As you can see from the photos, I had a front and back seat look at some pretty cool stuff. We flew in a KC-135 (Boeing 707) Stratotanker and the mission was to refuel some B-52's from North Dakota. I felt like I was a photographer for the History Channel being able to get the shots I did. I was sitting right next to the boom operator as the B-52 came to get some gas. After the refueling part, I was able to sit right next to the pilots for a few practice approaches into Pocatello, ID. The pilots wanted to do some closed pattern work which was interesting because you hardly ever see a KC-135, which is a huge jet working the pattern at a small airport. I can only imagine the GA pilots were thinking. Anyway, this was a really neat experience and props to the men and women in uniform!

If you look closely, you can see a B-52 in formation

A close up of the B-52

Watching the USAF pass some gas!

Approach into Pocatello, ID

Negative Ghost Rider, the pattern is full!

Let's Make a Deal!

So, since the beginning of the year, I have been trying to get Mike to let my buy some sort of roadbike. I really wanted a motorcycle, but I said that I would be satisfied with a scooter. What can I say? I love the feeling of cruising around on a warm summer night with the wind in my hair... Anyway, Mike would tentatively agree that I could get a scooter, but without fail, he would always find some reason to where it wouldn't work out or I had to meet some special criteria: "You can get one after you get a motorcycle endorsement" or "You can get one after you learn to ride a 4-wheeler smoothly".

I finally decided that enough was enough, and I offered him a deal. I said that I would stop asking for a bike if only I could get a piano instead. I have wanted a piano for a long time: I took lessons growing up, but I haven't really been able to play since we got married. He agreed to that, but our progress towards actually getting something moved very slowly. Something always seemed to come up that prevented us from looking at pianos.

I am glad to say that the deal has finally been made - I got my piano! I chose an ebony colored Boston upright. It was a hard decision, but I could not pass up the amazing sound that this piano produced. We were looking at a few other pianos, and this upright actually sounded much better than a grand that was made by a different company. It truly is a great piano and I am excited to begin practicing again!

This is the piano that I bought, except mine is ebony instead of honey colored

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!