Tucson Sunset

People normally think of Hot, Dry, Arid country when they think of Tucson. Many of the folks who have been around the world, say that Tucson consistenly has THE best sunsets in the world, and many of the best sunrises. The past few days I have taken a few shots from our roof, from essentially the same spot.

We have had some storms coming through,

I worked hard to not show the neighbors in their activities. The neighbors to the south of us have been a bit suspicious of me being up on the roof so much.

As Louie sang, "And I say to myself, what a wonderful world!"

Family Games

When we get together, we sometimes like to play games. Some of the favorites are QUELF or Apples to Apples.

Ben may not yet be able to articulate his comments, but he does find a way to join in, and the cards are fun to play with.

Peter joined in with his own way to play.

Tiffany was stuck with some really hard "Rules Cards" in QUELF one night.

We also like to go to dinner. Last time we went to Golden Corral, Ben walked out patting his tummy. He ate a lot, and I don't think I have ever seen him Happier.


The server (waitress) took this picture at Chili's a few months ago When we were there for Tim's graduation.

Funeral in Idaho

(I originally wrote this in Idaho, but couldn't get the pictures to upload.)

My father-in-law passed away August 2, after a long battle with cancer. We thought he would go a week earlier but he was a fighter. I flew into Boise for the funeral. Kayleen and I went for a walk. Idaho in August is beautiful.

A week or so ago, the farmer had this field harvested. Then the straw was baled into these huge bales. Apparently, they weigh about 1000 lbs apiece. I didn't lift any, so I don't know for sure.

We saw a field where two combines were workig to get the harvest in.

We also saw this old time harvestor in the farmer's front yard

The fields were beautiful in rows of green.

Robert DeCoursey was laid to rest in a dignified and emotional funeral on August 5, 2008.

We love him very much and look forward to meeting him again in the eternities.

Blake and Melissa's Wedding

Come on, lets get married !!

Last Saturday, I performed my first wedding. Blake Scott got married to Melissa. They had asked me to perform the wedding a few months ago, and I had been looking forward to the ceremony. With Kayleen's father fading quickly, I didn't know whether I would be able to perform the marriage, but he lasted until Friday so I called the Bishop I had on standby and told him thank you, but never mind. Friday was the rehersal. I had prepared a few words to say, and during the wedding rehersal I was doing the "Princess Bride" marriage ceremony "Maawidge is what bwings us togethew today." I didn't think that would so quickly take hold of my tounge, but on Saturday I had a hard time following my notes.

I had "budgeted" 30 minutes, 45 max for the ceremony. Then I was going home to pack, do laundry and stuff to go to Idaho. Just before the wedding started, I talked to Kayleen, and she said, - "Blake and Melissa will not remember anything you say today, except that you pronounce them man and wife. KEEP IT SHORT. "


(Blake, Tim, Paul, Ryan, and Tim's oldest son)


I wasn't really trying to keep it short. But we started on time. The bridesmaids sprinted down the aisle. I talked for 5 minutes, asked the questions, pronounced the man and wife thing, and had them exchange rings. Then they sprinted back up the aisle. Eleven (11) minutes. Someone got lost on the way to the church, showed up 15 minutes late and missed the whole thing.

(Blake and Melissa signing their marriage license after the ceremony)
I will have to learn to stretch, or to find a way to start late. :)

Independence Day

Tim and his family flew in last Sunday night. Matt, Lecia and Mike drove down Tuesday, and got here on Wednesday. Here are a few pictures and videos of the activities.

Ben and Peter played hard until they were tired. They found activities to avoid the heat.

Peter enjoyed hearing the stories from Daddy

Everyone except Lecia (morning sickness) and Ben (14 months old) went to the baseball game. Peter enjoyed trying to lose his parents in the crowd.

The D-backs lost, but we are convincing Mike and Matt to become fans!!

After the game we watched the fireworks.

It was a great visit, but we were all worn out.

Utah Visit

I went to Utah last weekend. It was a quick trip. I flew in Friday evening. Went to a graveside service for Vi Christensen on Saturday morning. I visited my mother a couple of times.

I spent some quality time with my family Peter and Ben --

It turns out that Ben likes to play down in the window well

I met April Warner - Mike's fiancé

I learned about Peter's favorite song

And Ben is a funny guy!

Underwater Pics

Here are a few of the pictures we took while our faces were under water.

Coral formations in Shark's Cove

Here is an eel poking his head out of his hole.

Some of the orange and blues in the fishes

Some Schools of the smaller fish

Here is one of the surgeon fish. This one is only about 12 inches long, not 3 ft like some of the parrot fish we saw.

And finally, the turtle that was following Kayleen.

You will notice that something took a chunk out of his (or her) shell

The water was incredibly clear and beautiful. It really was like swimming is a huge aquarium

Looking forward to the next trip!!