The Last "HURRAH!"

Cindy, Jane, Tarzan (old and young), Shirece (not pictured: Louie)

Just returned from a visit to St. George. Shirece graciously entertained Louie and me. We attended a couple of plays at Tuacahn's outdoor ampitheatre, went for an early morning bike ride, lounged around the pool, shopped, and attended a temple session. This was my last hurrah before going back to work. THANKS for the fun, ladies!

Gettin' DOWN on the Farm

Cousin Carly is here for a visit from Canada. She attended a singing/show choir conference at BYU and decided she wanted to spend some time with us on the farm.

We got a little silly today and took some CRAZY pics. :0

Lexie's Wedding

Traveled to Monticello, Utah to see Lexie marry Daniel. Here are some pics.

Selena, Lexie, Amanda

Len's Angels

Lexie was so happy. She couldn't stop smiling!

James Taylor / Carole King Concert

I got to go to the James Taylor / Carole King Troubadour Reunion concert. Great music. Great fun.

Britters the Brave

Because my good friend Brittney is soon to be one year older, she decided to skydive her way to 30. I (who am not as brave) came along for the ride - not the jump - just the ride.

Behind us is the plane we flew up in.

Saddled and ready to defy death. Does that smile have a tinge of nervousness to it?!? Naaaaaaa!

Me with Evel Knievel

Even though I was just a "Tator" (short for spectator), they made me wear a parachute too. Thank goodness I didn't need to use it! I got to sit shotgun to the pilot and watch Brittney jump out of the plane and plummet to the earth. Luckily she remembered the 3 B's: bellybutton, breathe, banana and lived to tell the tale!

This is not Brittney, but it's what the skydivers looked like when landing.

Thanks for the fun, Britters the Brave!

I've been through a desert on a bike with no name...

Louie and I have been attending core academy (a teacher conference) in Castle Dale this week.  After the first day's meetings, we biked to Utah's Little Grand Canyon aka THE WEDGE.  It was all up hill with the exception of 3 "ginormous" (Louie's choice of adjective) hills.  I used gears I had never used before.  When we got to The Wedge, Louie let out a big whoop and holler.  It truly was a triumphant occasion.  After sitting on the edge of the wedge and thankfully not falling over, we ate some energy/sport beans then cruised back down. 

Utah's Little Grand Canyon aka The Wedge

Louie and her helmet hair

We did it!

The Gambler

For 30 some years now, mother has been telling her four children that face cards are of the devil. She would not permit them in our home growing up. Yes, folks. Mother has changed her ways. We are worried sick about her situation and would appreciate any prayers in her behalf.

As some of you may already know the solitare addiction is nothing new to mother. She has been clean for some years now but is quickly slipping off the wagon. Ten years ago or so, mom would stay up until two in the a.m. (on a school night while serving as the stake relief society president) feeding her addiction on the computer. One day her youngest son had had enough and took matters into his own hands and deleted the solitare game. He took many heavy slams for this action but is now thanked by all who were affected and going hungry due to her selfishness and shunning of motherly duties. A support group is in the works. Please check back soon!!!

Happy 4th of July!

This year, I watched the fireworks, attended the parade the next morning, helped "hold the fence up" at the carnival at the park, showed Sangeetha and Naeha the farm, ate a nice, juicy hamburger, and played in a tournament of Mexican Horseshoes. Here are some pics. ( I just realized everything is in reverse order. And... I must have been so busy having fun that I forgot to take pictures at the BBQ. Oops.)

Sangeetha, Naeha, Mom, Nanette next to the calf sheds.

A calf sucking Nanny's fingers.

Sangeetha and I are holding up our really cool T-shirts.

This is the kind of picture you get when you ask Carl to take it. (Nan and I are "holding up the fence" like we do every year at the carnival.)

Bumped into my good friends Matt and Cristina and my "Fairy God-Daughter," Hannah. (Isn't she adorable?!)

Grandma in her cute sun hat.

Carl and Danny enjoying the parade. (Carl is growing out his whiskers so he can shave them handlebar style when he join's a pit crew for a derby his friend is participating in. How much more red-neck can a person get?!)

July 4ths of Yesteryear...

The fireworks, the parade, the carnival at the park, the BBQ at Grandma's... What would the 4th of July be without 'em? Here are some 4ths of yesteryear:

2008

The Great Landino wins 3rd place in the Diaper Derby. (What a proud papa!)

1985

I was really excited to ride my Big Wheel in the parade. Mom tells me I was smiling the whole time and didn't even realize I was holding up the whole procession.

1991
Nanette and I were part of the Gunnison 1st Ward's primary float. We walked behind it with other Merry Miss girls dressed like patriotic presents. Happy birthday, America!