Our Tsunami

Friday night Kevin and I went to the opera. As we were sitting through our third intermission (and had resorted to Internet surfing to pass the time) we read about the earthquake in Chile. We read about the possible tsunami, but didn't give it much thought because usually the tsunami watch is cancelled. So with this in our minds we tucked ourselves into bed.

Too early on Saturday morning, we got a call saying the emergency sirens would start sounding at 6am for what was now being called a tsunami warning. We waited under the warmth of the covers, and sure enough the sirens sounded. We turned on the TV and started checking the Internet for information. We took stock of what supplies we might need. We filled our food grade buckets with water and watched the news as people made runs for gas, toilet paper and food. Being that we are up so high, and well out of the flood zone, we had nothing to do but wait.

So what do you do while you wait for a tsunami?

The answer is simple-you go to a birthday party! We were supposed to go to a birthday party at the beach, but seeing as they were all closed, the location was moved to a nearby park. There was lots of food and the kids had fun playing on the playground, while the adults tried their hand at water volleyball.

At the park there were quite a few families that obviously live in the flood zone, and had come to pass the time. They had brought food, games and suitcases, planning for the worst. Some of them ended up joining our festivities and we had a great time. I am sure we were a sight to see with balloons, games and food, but it was the perfect way to pass the time and not worry about what might or might not happen.

Thankfully the tsunami was minor, but I guess we weren't the only ones to party. We are grateful it ended up this way and next time we will be even more prepared.

A Belated Birthday

This guy turned 30 last week:

What did he do on this momentous birthday?

He went to work of course.

And had a meeting that night.

Not to worry, there was celebrating.

There were homemade crepes that evening.

And the following night a progressive dinner that included:

Tony Roma's Onion Loaf

Buffalo Wild Wings

and

The Counter for a gourmet burger

He was ready to get crepes next, but all that grease did me in.

Happy Birthday Kevin!

We love you. Here's to another 30 years.

My Favorite Pictures of Late

Too cool for church, ma!

Praying for bubbles.

Just finished the farm work.

Shhh....hunting wabbits.

A Travelling We Did Go...

Blogger is not cooperating in reordering my photos, so here goes...

Bennett made a new friend in Paws. It was a one sided relationship, but Bennett didn't know that.

He found new places to perch himself.

We wore him out to the point of exhaustion.

But he did get in a few jam sessions with Uncle Nate.

And this new friend clearly didn't return the love. There was hissing and some gnashing of teeth, but Bennett again didn't seem to notice.

Things we did that were not documented:

• Road trip to Kentucky to visit my mom's family. It was great to see everyone there and spend some time with them.
• Bennett throwing apples to the deer with Grandpa several times a day.
• My parents house being thoroughly thrashed by a toddler.
• Quaker Steak & Lube
• IKEA-need I say more

My hat is off though to Bennett, who was a great flier this time. Maybe I can do this again...

Flying Again

Even though I swore I would never do it again, here I am having flown with him by myself. Lessons learned this go around include:

• Despite your best efforts to avoid diaper leakage, it will happen and it will get all over you.


• Next time, pack a change of clothes for yourself.


• Older babies equal bigger babies that just can't quite get comfortable. Sleeping standing up is perfectly acceptable if he is comfortable.


• Juice can cure all things.

Honestly, it really wasn't that bad. We both have slept well since he got here and Bennett is having a blast.

This is his new best friend. Not sure if it goes both ways.

And who can't help but love new superhero jammies and finding a marshmallow shooter in the back of the closet.

I think B is happy to be here, even if we did have to endure the plane rides alone.

Request for Inspiration

Trevor (left) and his companion preparing to harvest.

Hey all!

As you know, Melanie's brother, Trevor, is serving his mission in Kobe, Japan. Trevor's birthday is coming up, and we wanted to send him some inspirational talks as a birthday present. To this end, please let us know of any speeches or talks that have inspired you to live better. We are hoping to send him quite a collection...

Presenting Bennett

We have had two recent surprise performances by Bennett.

The first happened at the ward Christmas party. As the narrator began to tell the nativity story Bennett pulled the curtains on the stage apart and made his grand entrance along the stage edge, as every mother in the audience cringed waiting for him to fall. Thankfully I got there quickly and the crisis was averted. He, of course, basked in the attention.

His most recent performance happened last night at the Stake Christmas Concert. For those of you that have not been, it is fantastic. I have gone to the performances at the Conference Center, and I have to say, our stake holds its own. The concert included this year the choir, orchestra, children's choir, handbell choir and the state Drill Team. Through the first half Bennett was really good. We were sitting right by the percussion (easy access to a door out) and he was entertained by all that was going on.

At intermission Kevin decided to see if he could get him to go to sleep and began the process of pushing him around in the stroller outside. The concert resumed and Kevin was still out walking. The choir and orchestra were performing The Little Drummer Boy and from our seats we had a great view of the drummer, being at the other end of the pew from him. As I was admiring the drummers talent I see Bennett walk in another door, right next to the drummer. He wanders in the door and up to the drummer and then stops to look around. I am in shock and can't see Kevin anywhere, but have no way to get to Bennett through the people on our pew.

Finally Bennett sees me and I motion for him to come. I thought he would come through our pew, and being little he could have climbed over everyone. He must have thought it was too crowded though because he chose to go around, which involved walking through the percussion section. Thankfully he made his way straight over while the handbell choir gasped about this runaway child wandering through the orchestra, and no percussionists were injured in the incident.

Here is to many more embarrassing moments to come, right?