Rather than re-post it here, I'm just going to put a link here to my photo blog, where I just posted my top ten favorite photos from 2010. If you get a minute to go read it, I'd love any feedback (including criticisms) that you can offer. Thanks!
TOP TEN PHOTOS LINK
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Halloween Pictures
Here are just a few pictures from Halloween (and one extra of Reuben that I just had to post because it's so good). We spent Saturday afternoon/evening visiting Grandpas and Grandmas, and then had a big family party Sunday evening with the Robisons. We're not huge Halloween fans at our house, but the kids really do enjoy dressing up. So anyway, on with the pictures...
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Daisy
Some of you may already know this, but we have a new addition to our family as of a couple weeks ago: Daisy. She's an English Springer Spaniel and she's currently about ten weeks old. We got her a couple of weeks ago, and have spent the last two weeks learning how to live with her. She is well into the nippy puppy stage, so she loves to chew and bite. We've sacrificed a few socks, and unfortunately some shirts and a little skin. But we're working with her and she's getting much better. She's already doing very well with the house training so that's a great thing. She's a quick learner and very happy and playful. Our challenge is making sure she gets enough exercise and play time every day. We're looking forward to about a year from now, hoping that she's relaxed a little and being a great family companion.We didn't really give her any time to settle into he new home when we got her-we immediately took a camping trip and dragged her along with us. We went camping with Mom and Dad up to Granite Flats in American Fork Canyon over the UEA school break. The weather was great during the day-sunny and warm, and cold at night. Fall colors were spectacular in the canyon, and we had a good time relaxing. I had high hopes for a bunch of pictures I took, but I think at some point during our trip I bumped the camera and messed up the settings, because they were all very seriously underexposed. I know that sort of thing isn't supposed to happen in the digital camera age, but in my own defense, we were on an ATV and I had a helmet on, so I wasn't really checking the LCD screen after each picture. Oh well, lesson learned. Interestingly enough, the most colorful picture I got was with my phone:
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Bye Bye Love
Aside from being a most excellent song by The Cars, the title sums up our feelings this week as we bid farewell to the first member of our family (after Tricia and I of course, but before Olivia): our Jeep.We have toyed with the idea of selling it for over a year now, but couldn't ever come up with a real desire to do it. It was never going to be a great commuter vehicle (once we outgrew it as our family car), but we haven't had a payment on it for six or seven years now, and we always told ourselves that we'd keep it until it died. And maybe lift it up for some serious off-roading once we had a third car. Well, I thought that a few times, anyway.But with the excess of medical bills that came along with Reuben's stay in the ICU, we just couldn't stomach the thought of having debt for the next four years. Combined with the fact that we're blessed to live less than ten miles from where I work, and the close proximity of a multitude of family if we ever get in a real bind, we decided last week that it was really time to sell it finally. I spent a few hours cleaning it up for the last time on Wednesday of last week and we listed it in some online classifieds Friday. We got several phone calls and emails each day over the weekend, and a young couple just about to get married came to test drive it late Sunday night. They loved it, and we made it final Monday afternoon.
So, in memory of our dearly departed, here are a few pictures of the good times we had over the last almost ten years. Farewell, oh noblest of autos, climber of baby lions' backs, traverser of swift mountain streams. You will be missed!
Wow-we sure looked a lot younger back then! (2001)
Showdown atop Baby Lion's Back! (2001)
Tricia and Liv take a quick break after a long ride. (2004)
See, it wasn't always caked in red mud... (2004)
...Just most of the time. (2009)
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Happy Birthday Jarom!
Jarom turns three today...Happy Birthday! We're very blessed to have him in our family. He's done a lot of growing this year: at least six inches, and in a lot of other ways, too. His vocabulary is expanding, he's quite helpful (at times) and imaginative, and he's always busy. He loves to read, play with toys, run outside, and sit on Reuben. We love our little man!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Grown a foot or two
Last night as Matt was getting ready to go to his Church meetings Jarom disappeared for a few minutes and then reappeared wearing his church clothes. He claimed he was going with Papa to church meetings too.
He was so darn cute and insistent Matt couldn't refuse. So off they went to walk over to the church. (I would have loved to see President's face when he saw the "guest" in their meeting.)
After the meetings were over Matt and Jarom went to leave when someone stopped Matt for a quick question. Apparently the little guy was sick of meetings at this point and when Matt turned his back (he claimed it was only a minute) took off for home.
I'm sitting at home when I hear someone on the stairs. In walks Jarom and says "I'm home." Then we wait, and wait. Finally I open the door and look out into the darkness thinking Matt stopped to talk to a neighbor, but I see nothing. I started feeling a little nervous so I was getting ready to call when Matt bursts in the door shouting "Is the boy here?"
Matt had turned around after answering the question at church and couldn't find the boy anywhere. He had searched the church then ran all the way home, in the dark, hoping Jarom had made it home.
So, thank you to any neighbors who were paying attention and didn't run over the little boy in his church clothes last night. And, thank you to Heavenly Father for the extra blessings we receive while Papa's serving.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Thousand Lake Mountain
Tricia and I had a nice vacation over Labor Day this year. We went down to Thousand Lake Mountain (which is north-east of Loa, UT for those of you who don't know) for a few days. Our parents did us a huge favor and took the older kids the whole time, so we just had Reuben with us. He's still a little small to be leaving with anyone other than Tricia for any extended period of time...
Anyway, we took the trailer down and had a great few days. We didn't make any definite plans going down other than to relax. We dragged the trailer down a small-ish road (we won't go there again) and camped right on the north-west bank of Morrell Pond, one of the "thousand lakes" on the mountain. If you look really closely, you can see our trailer in the top right corner of the photo below.
We got down there Saturday afternoon and set up camp. We didn't do much of anything that day other than walk around and relax. I did get out my fishing gear in the evening for a couple of hours and had a fun time.
Sunday we got up early, cleaned up, and drove in to Loa for church. The building is an older tabernacle that has had a few additions over the years to add a gym, classrooms, and other administration rooms, but the chapel is still original. It was a lovely church, and the services were very nice, too.
After church, we drove into Capitol Reef National Park and had a picnic lunch in the old Fruita historic district. Then we went on a short hike to the Hickman natural bridge-back up through the sandstone formations away from the Fremont River, through a canyon with the bridge at the head. If you look really closely at the picture of me below, you can see Reuben hanging out in the baby pack that we borrowed from our neighbors for the trip.
After that, we drove back up the mountain from the east, on backroads that took us out into the Cathedral Valley portion of the Park, which probably doesn't get many visitors because it is so far out of the way. It was about 40 miles total on old, rutted dirt roads, but there was some great scenery on the way and towards the end once we were in the Cathedral Valley section. I wouldn't recommend that route to anyone unless they're in a 4-wheel drive vehicle with plenty of clearance. And you should probably let someone know where you are going...there was an abandoned car way out there that had broken down. I really hope the people got a ride somewhere, because they were at least 20 miles from any pavement, and we only saw two other cars the whole afternoon. These pictures are of the Temples of the Moon (foreground) and Sun (background) and then a shot of Cathedral Valley from a ridge on the way back up the mountain.
The temperature dropped about 30 degrees from the desert floor (it was 95 degrees at the visitor's center at Capitol Reef) up to where we were camped on the mountain (65 degrees when we pulled up to the trailer). That was a long day and we were pretty tired by the end.
Monday we stayed close to camp. We did take Reuben out and hike to a couple of other lakes in the area, but other than that we stayed at camp, played games, took naps, read books, etc... That was a good day. Tuesday we took a drive over to Fish Lake for lunch. That was a nice drive, and we cooled down a little bit with some rain during the middle of the day. I spent both evenings fishing on Morrell Pond again, and had a great time. If you look really close at the picture below, you can actually see a fish jumping out of the water (not on my fly). Tricia had pretty good timing. I caught most of my fish on Prince Nymphs and Renegades, for those of you who care.
All in all, it was a great, relaxing trip. We decided we need one of these every year, so we hope that our parents didn't get too fed up with the kids while we were gone.
Anyway, we took the trailer down and had a great few days. We didn't make any definite plans going down other than to relax. We dragged the trailer down a small-ish road (we won't go there again) and camped right on the north-west bank of Morrell Pond, one of the "thousand lakes" on the mountain. If you look really closely, you can see our trailer in the top right corner of the photo below.
We got down there Saturday afternoon and set up camp. We didn't do much of anything that day other than walk around and relax. I did get out my fishing gear in the evening for a couple of hours and had a fun time.
Sunday we got up early, cleaned up, and drove in to Loa for church. The building is an older tabernacle that has had a few additions over the years to add a gym, classrooms, and other administration rooms, but the chapel is still original. It was a lovely church, and the services were very nice, too.
After church, we drove into Capitol Reef National Park and had a picnic lunch in the old Fruita historic district. Then we went on a short hike to the Hickman natural bridge-back up through the sandstone formations away from the Fremont River, through a canyon with the bridge at the head. If you look really closely at the picture of me below, you can see Reuben hanging out in the baby pack that we borrowed from our neighbors for the trip.
After that, we drove back up the mountain from the east, on backroads that took us out into the Cathedral Valley portion of the Park, which probably doesn't get many visitors because it is so far out of the way. It was about 40 miles total on old, rutted dirt roads, but there was some great scenery on the way and towards the end once we were in the Cathedral Valley section. I wouldn't recommend that route to anyone unless they're in a 4-wheel drive vehicle with plenty of clearance. And you should probably let someone know where you are going...there was an abandoned car way out there that had broken down. I really hope the people got a ride somewhere, because they were at least 20 miles from any pavement, and we only saw two other cars the whole afternoon. These pictures are of the Temples of the Moon (foreground) and Sun (background) and then a shot of Cathedral Valley from a ridge on the way back up the mountain.
The temperature dropped about 30 degrees from the desert floor (it was 95 degrees at the visitor's center at Capitol Reef) up to where we were camped on the mountain (65 degrees when we pulled up to the trailer). That was a long day and we were pretty tired by the end.
Monday we stayed close to camp. We did take Reuben out and hike to a couple of other lakes in the area, but other than that we stayed at camp, played games, took naps, read books, etc... That was a good day. Tuesday we took a drive over to Fish Lake for lunch. That was a nice drive, and we cooled down a little bit with some rain during the middle of the day. I spent both evenings fishing on Morrell Pond again, and had a great time. If you look really close at the picture below, you can actually see a fish jumping out of the water (not on my fly). Tricia had pretty good timing. I caught most of my fish on Prince Nymphs and Renegades, for those of you who care.
All in all, it was a great, relaxing trip. We decided we need one of these every year, so we hope that our parents didn't get too fed up with the kids while we were gone.
Late Summer
Here are a few photos from late summer. The first two are from the RSL game on July 31st. Liv and I went together and had a great time.
And this last one is from the end of August. Zenovia Miron (standing in the middle) was visiting from Romania. I first met her in November of 1997 in Brasov. She and her kids were baptized at the beginning of 1998 and I haven't seen her since I left the city in April of that year. The others are Aurelia (top left) who is also from Brasov, but now lives in Pleasant Grove; Anna Morris (top right) who served in Romania at the same time I did (we actually never met in the mission); Dan and Eniko Hawkins (Eni is from Brasov, Dan served in Romania-they live in Payson now); and then Tricia and Reuben, and me. We had everyone over for dinner before Sister Miron went back to Romania.
And this last one is from the end of August. Zenovia Miron (standing in the middle) was visiting from Romania. I first met her in November of 1997 in Brasov. She and her kids were baptized at the beginning of 1998 and I haven't seen her since I left the city in April of that year. The others are Aurelia (top left) who is also from Brasov, but now lives in Pleasant Grove; Anna Morris (top right) who served in Romania at the same time I did (we actually never met in the mission); Dan and Eniko Hawkins (Eni is from Brasov, Dan served in Romania-they live in Payson now); and then Tricia and Reuben, and me. We had everyone over for dinner before Sister Miron went back to Romania.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Summer Trip
We went to Strawberry Reservoir this year for the annual Robison family trip (with my parents, my brother and sisters and their families, and any friends that we invite). This year we had all of the kids there, and most of the spouses and kids. As usual, any summer trip with the Robison clan isn't complete without a boat and a lake, so here are a few pictures of the kids.
If you look really close here, you can see Liv curled up in a ball on the surf board...I could not get her to stand up.
Becki, Dallin, and Kate did a great job organizing the trip this year. Everyone helped out with food, and of course Jen and Brian brought the boat for everyone to share. Thanks!
If you look really close here, you can see Liv curled up in a ball on the surf board...I could not get her to stand up.
Becki, Dallin, and Kate did a great job organizing the trip this year. Everyone helped out with food, and of course Jen and Brian brought the boat for everyone to share. Thanks!
Family Pictures
We went with the Peterson clan a few weeks back on a Sunday afternoon and took lots and lots of family pictures. Here are a few of the ones of our fam...
PS-If any grandmas want copies of these, please don't download these ones on the blog and try to print them out. Just let us know and we'll get you a real copy that you can have printed.
PS-If any grandmas want copies of these, please don't download these ones on the blog and try to print them out. Just let us know and we'll get you a real copy that you can have printed.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Pioneer Day Weekend
We took some time off over the Pioneer Day weekend to go camping with Tricia's family out to the east slope of the Uintah Mountains. Her uncle and aunt bought some cabin property just outside the borders of Ashley National Forest north of Vernal, and they invited us to come out for a few days. We packed up the trailer, stuffed the kids in the car, and headed out Thursday afternoon. I suppose single people making that drive could probably make it in a few hours, but it took us almost six to get there (what with potty breaks, food breaks, etc...). By the time we got out there Thursday, we just had time to get camp set up before bed time.
Friday, we relaxed most of the day. We didn't make an specific plans, so we ended up hanging around camp, riding ATVs a little bit, and enjoying the peace and quiet. The kids just roamed around and played in the trees and bushes. They collected rocks, animal bones, and just about anything else their imaginations allowed. The food was great, as it usually is when you're camping. I went out fishing Friday evening to nearby (somewhat) Calder Reservoir and had a good time. It was a beautiful drive through rolling hills and mountain draws, with trees, cattle, deer, elk, and other wildlife. I had the entire lake to myself when I first got there around 6:30, and took a long walk around the lake looking for a good spot to fish. I ended up on the northern shore and had a good time. I only landed one fish, but had quite a few strikes, and hooked a half-dozen or so. The one Rainbow I brought in to shore was about 18 inches long (too small to keep on that water, 22 inches and above only).
Saturday we got everyone together, loaded up the kayaks, and went over to Matt Warner Reservoir around lunch time. It was quite hot, so being in the kayaks on the water was nice. The water was mossy and so no one did any swimming, but we all had fun in the boats.
Friday night I went back to Calder Reservoir to fish, only this time I took Tricia's brother, Colby, with me. It's more fun to fish with someone else, so I was glad he wanted to go, too. We went a little later and stayed later that night. There were still only a few other people on the lake, and no one at all anywhere near us. We were there from about 7:30 until 9:00, and caught about a half-dozen fish between us. Most of the ones I caught were tiny Rainbows (8-12 inches) but he caught one that was close to 20 inches. It's the largest Rainbow I've seen anyone catch.
That was another beautiful evening, and we both took our cameras along and got some nice pictures as the sun started to set over the mountains behind us. The picture below is a nice silhouette of Colby as he's reeling in his lunker.
Sunday we slept in a bit, and then had a quick breakfast before we headed home. The trip back was a bit faster than the trip out, but still took us a good four+ hours. The kids were quite good in the car, though, so it was a pretty pleasant drive. We were tired and dirty by the time home, so showers and our own beds were welcome. All in all, it was a very nice trip-good to get away from work and the house for a few days, and nice to be able to relax a bit.
Friday, we relaxed most of the day. We didn't make an specific plans, so we ended up hanging around camp, riding ATVs a little bit, and enjoying the peace and quiet. The kids just roamed around and played in the trees and bushes. They collected rocks, animal bones, and just about anything else their imaginations allowed. The food was great, as it usually is when you're camping. I went out fishing Friday evening to nearby (somewhat) Calder Reservoir and had a good time. It was a beautiful drive through rolling hills and mountain draws, with trees, cattle, deer, elk, and other wildlife. I had the entire lake to myself when I first got there around 6:30, and took a long walk around the lake looking for a good spot to fish. I ended up on the northern shore and had a good time. I only landed one fish, but had quite a few strikes, and hooked a half-dozen or so. The one Rainbow I brought in to shore was about 18 inches long (too small to keep on that water, 22 inches and above only).
Saturday we got everyone together, loaded up the kayaks, and went over to Matt Warner Reservoir around lunch time. It was quite hot, so being in the kayaks on the water was nice. The water was mossy and so no one did any swimming, but we all had fun in the boats.
Friday night I went back to Calder Reservoir to fish, only this time I took Tricia's brother, Colby, with me. It's more fun to fish with someone else, so I was glad he wanted to go, too. We went a little later and stayed later that night. There were still only a few other people on the lake, and no one at all anywhere near us. We were there from about 7:30 until 9:00, and caught about a half-dozen fish between us. Most of the ones I caught were tiny Rainbows (8-12 inches) but he caught one that was close to 20 inches. It's the largest Rainbow I've seen anyone catch.
That was another beautiful evening, and we both took our cameras along and got some nice pictures as the sun started to set over the mountains behind us. The picture below is a nice silhouette of Colby as he's reeling in his lunker.
Sunday we slept in a bit, and then had a quick breakfast before we headed home. The trip back was a bit faster than the trip out, but still took us a good four+ hours. The kids were quite good in the car, though, so it was a pretty pleasant drive. We were tired and dirty by the time home, so showers and our own beds were welcome. All in all, it was a very nice trip-good to get away from work and the house for a few days, and nice to be able to relax a bit.
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