The kids in Hawaii on the way back from Japan. 

Another view 

back yard 

Pics of the house for those of you who haven't seen it yet. Our address: 1640 38th Ct. Washougal, WA 98671 

Tonight is a nice breezy night. They have forecast that it may rain tonight. I sort of hope that it will...it's been a while since we have had rain. Just very hot sunny days. So much for the stereotype of the northwest!

Today in church it was back to just Dad and I on the back bench. David, Adina et al went to their new ward in Washougal. I'll let them tell you about it on the blog... Treven and Kim came over for dinner along with Dave's family. I, as usual, made a cyclone in the kitchen. We just finished cleaning it up and Adina is making cinnamon rolls...a tradition for the starting of school in their family. Isaac and Taylor start tomorrow. Parker starts on Wednesday. We had the furniture for Kim's old room...our new guest room...delivered last night. Now I have to get curtains, bedspread and bedding for it...and basically put the room together. It has great potential though...we do really like the furniture.

We took care of Jane, Sadie and Ellyn yesterday while Mike and Brooke had a day to themselves. It was a lot of fun...The day before I had Isaac, Taylor, Parker and Morgan at the store. Someone commented that I had my grandchildren with me!!! I guess it always is a little discouraging when other people do not even entertain the thought that they might be my children. I really do look my age now!!! It is so fun having them all so close so that we can have them get to know us well...both the good and the bad side. Sadie was not so crazy about me when I put her in the cart at Fred Meyer when she kept running away!!! Ellyn is a dream to take care of...except when she is waking up!! Otherwise she just toddles around and entertains herself. We have them again tomorrow for another play day for Mike and Brooke.

M & B, D & A and Dad and I went to see James Taylor on Friday night...Treven and Kim took care of the kids (Thank you! Thank you!) It is our third time seeing him and we would go in a heartbeat again. It was a great show!

It will be a quiet house when Dave and Adina move into their new house in a week or so...not sure how Dad will survive when I leave at about the same time too!!!

Love you all,

Mom

p.s. Loved your pictures, Marnie. It's great to see you happy and enjoying yourself!

Here are some pics from Disneyland last weekend. We haven't had pictures in a while so I thought I would post some!

I figure it is finally time to sit down and blog. I am looking at about 12 days until I fly to Korea. I have to say it has been a very enjoyable month leading up to my departure. We have learned over time in the Army, that with separation, it is best to leave the emotions to last and just enjoy the time you have.

The adventure across the country with the U-haul was thankfully uneventful. We spent all our bad luck in Columbus when I picked up the U-Haul from the rental place and proceeded down the freeway to Fort Benning. That was when I looked back to the rear of the 26-foot truck and saw the trailer hanging by one chain flying back and forth across three busy lanes of traffic. Cars swerved everywhere to avoid the impending catastrophe which fortunately never transpired as the chain held on long enough for me to slow down. Lifting the large trailer back onto the hitch with two blown out tires and seized brakes on a shoulder the size of a Hot Wheels track was largely a matter of earnest and successful prayer. Turns out the hitch on the trailer I had been given was faulty. I had to literally drag the trailer (because of the seized brakes) to another nearby U-Haul to get a replacement. It was a bit of a Planes. Trains and, Automobiles event pulling into the place with tires smoking and a bashed trailer.

Besides packing the U-Haul on the hottest day of the Georgia summer, everything else went great. It took us five days to get to Washington from Georgia averaging 40-45 mph. Marion, IL --> Lawrence, KS --> Denver, CO --->Twin Falls, ID were our stops. In Denver, we stayed with Brooke's brother Adam. For the evening, we went to a local amusement park that has been in Denver forever and got ourselves ill on thrill rides. Actually it was great fun with an authentic "Coney-Island style" wooden roller-coaster. Safety was in the back of my mind, however, after taking Sadie on a fairly fast ride. As we were getting set to start the ride, all the "carny' chic did was yell out "Is everyone ready?!' Never mind she could only see about 3 of the 20 or so cars from her vantage point, and that 3 and 4 year olds were in some of the cars BY THEMSELVES! No checking seatbelts here! Or, for that matter, tickets:) Yes, pretty much every ride was free. Funny place, but we had a memorable time.

On arrival, many helping hands assisted us in getting everything unloaded into Brooke's parents daylight basement and to our storage unit. We spent a fun day out at the Washougal river getting wet at Brent's in-laws. Kim's wedding was beautiful and I thought the backyard reception with Mom and Dad's great backyard was perfect. It was great seeing you Marnie and how much and adult you are now. I know that sounds funny, but you have to remember, I watched your birth! It is very good to see you having a successful and fun life.

The following week we took off for a Utah vacation. Because of all the driving we had done we decided to stop outside Boise on the way at a hotel next to a water park. We got to Boise early enough we were able to take the kids (including my nephew and niece) to the waterpark and spent 6 hours there. It was a fantastic idea of mine:) It made the trip so easy and enjoyable! In Utah we attended two of Brooke's family reunions which included 9 holes of golf. This was honestly the first time I really considered never golfing again because it was so frustrating. Of course the golf gods decided to allow me a perfect 250 yard drive ( a first for me) on the last hole so that I would play once more. They are really coniving. Following those events we went to Eden to visit Dick and Martha.

WOW! What an incredible place the have built. So well designed! We were treated to a great tour of the surrounding area and a wonderful lunch at The Oaks in the canyon. We stayed two nights and could have stayed a year. We got to see Jake, who is really doing well. Martha was very gracious listening to Jane who talks and asks questions at least as much as I did at that age. Reminds me of very memorable times I spent with Aunt Beppie. Dick is obviously in pain but taking it very well. No Moose sightings however. I guess we will have to wait for the reunion for that.

The rest of the Utah time we spent down in Crappy Valley. Actually, we were very happy Peter and Anne and Geof and Darla were there to keep us sane. We had a blast going to movies and the waterpark. Too bad Anne was playing volleyball 25 hours a day or we would of hung out with her. Peter is a good guy to hang with though, so we were all happy. I am glad Peter enjoyed Jane's curiosity, it never ends!

The drive back was an all-nighter non-stop (except for gas). I hate doing that. I always feel like I am pushing safety to the edge. It was fun to do when you didn't have the kids in the back, now it just feels irresponisible. So that was the last one. Day driving when going cross-country from now on. We did arrive safely and I have since recovered from the lost sleep.

Since we have been back, we have spent a lot of time just hanging out at Mom and Dad's. Very fun. Dave cooked some awesome NY steaks last night. Sadie is always asking when we are going to "gramma barb's to play with my best buddy Morgan?" I have really enjoyed hanging out with Isaac, Tay, and Parker. Good kids. We are going to take them to the Lewis river today to cool them off on what is to be a hot day up here.

Brooke is busy trying to get the basement looking like a home. Jane had a fun lunch with "Papa and Gramma Barb" yesterday for her birthday. Sadie is always delighting us with her funny comments or driving us crazy with her moodiness. Ellyn is finally an official walker! I am trying to get some books read. The last book I read was fantastic but I can't recommend it in the traditional sense. It is called "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey. It is the most riveting book I have read in a long time. However, the content is very mature and disturbing (it is the autobiographical account of recovery from severe drug addiction). So if you can stomach it, read it. But, I don't officially recommend it. Right now I am reading Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything (Recommended by Lexi), which is very good although it has been a strange transition from the style and content of Frey's book. My PC is enroute to Korea so I have lived this month pretty much game free, except for small bits of XBOX time. My PSP has also filled that void. Mostly I am just enjoyimg spending a lot of good time with my girls.

So..that blog should be long enough...if any of you made it through this far. It is really long to serve the dual-purpose of a journal entry for the many events of this month. That is why it may seem a little dry in places. I hope Mom is still printing these out! Love you all!

Mike

Google just released a new version of an instant messenger that is connected to a phone system device. Pretty cool. You have to have a Gmail account to use it. I think I emailed everyone an invitation. I haven't really used it much but it is most likely pretty cool as most things from Google are! Just thought I would let you know.

To read more... http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/internet/08/24/google.messaging.reut/index.html

Things are fine here in San Diego. I got some good sleep last night that I really needed. So I feel pretty rested today. Just going through the day to day stuff. Most of the people at work are out of the office today. They are either sick, having personal problems, at appointments or in China! So I am having fun listening to Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince while I get some work done. This Saturday I start up at Sport Chalet again. I think it is going to be really good for me and I am excited to go back. I hope everyone is well. Congrats Tom on your test and D&A on your house! I want to see pics! Love you all.

--
Marnie

With the new update released from Sony
today, the PSP now has a full web browser from which I posted this. Cool huh?

Mike

Well, as Anne calls it, I am abandoning her tomorrow to go visit my parents and go camping with my siblings in California. I am excited to go to Dinkey Creek. It is a place that my family went to when I was little for family camp with the ward and it's down the road from Shaver lake which was a big place for us to go to while I was growing up in the scouts and all. We are slowly collecting more camping gear. The new item for this trip is a little camping stove. It's not the deluxe-o version, but I was way excited to test it out tonight.

My niece moved up to Provo a week ago to work and I think go to school. She was visiting tonight and we found out that she is in the same ward as Anne's teamates. Oh, my niece is 19 and has finished a year of college. It's fun to have a niece that old because she is more like the younger sibling I never had.

Last week we were graced with a visit from the Battleground Stinchfields. I keep wanting to call them the Georgia Stinchfields. Anyways, it was awesome to have them around for a couple of days. I had a load of fun at seven peaks water park. I havn't been to a water park for quite a long time. I also learned that you need to reapply sunscreen because it can wash off. It wasn't that bad of a burn though. I also had lots of fun showing Jane my coin and money collection. After they left I've been working on my "your in trouble" face that Mike and Sadie kept giving Jane. Jane really wasn't doing anything but being framed for popping Sadie's toes. Anne just shakes her head and gives me a "you're goofy" look when I practise the look on her. I probably don't do the look justice. It is pretty cute when Sadie does it. Anyways, I love being an Uncle.

Congradulations Tom on passing your boards! Congradulations on getting the new house all taken care of Dave & Adina! Take care all,

Peter

Tom,

Outstanding! Nothing like getting your part I behind you and you'll do well in the part II. I don't perceive that you'll have any problem with that or the state or regional exams when the time comes. Just remember that they did not let you into that institution because you were dumb. You have the intelligence, drive and ambition to get where you want to go. Just keep up with the requirements and great things will come your way. Hang in there, man. L/ Dad

That is just great about your boards. It is so nice to check off those things that you'll never have to take again. It seems unreal that you are at the hump....half-way through.

Mike, Brooke and girls just left after a great evening with us. I think David and Adina should get the keys for the house tomorrow. I'm excited to see the inside of the house...

Love to see updates from you all! We love you all!

Mom

Well the dreaded day finally came and ended in celebration! Tom got his board scores and he passed!!! He couldn’t help but be nervous because the test was so hard but he did just fine on it! We rejoiced by going out to Red Robin, yummy!!!

Prior to going to Red Robin we had a fantastic time cleaning our basement yesterday. What a joyous occasion it was… we have the biggest pile of trash I have ever seen and another large pile going to the Salvation Army… why were we keeping all the stuff in the first place? Our basement is one of those nice dark, unfinished spidery wet ones… it’s a lot of fun but we’re grateful to at least have somewhere to put stuff.

Kenn and Barb thanks for sending the binoculars and the cute outfit for “baby sister.” It was such a fun package to get. Buffy your shopping trip sounded like quite the adventure! I can’t believe she does that alone with her kids! Dave and Adina, congrats on getting the house! It is so cute and in such a great spot. It’s amazing how everything just seems to be working out so well for you! Hopefully we can come see it sometime before a year from this Christmas. We’re starting to look at options for traveling over spring break or something because we miss everyone so much already! Staying here for the next year seems really long!

Marnie, good luck with the transition into the non-school world. You're right that they should do something to help prepare everyone more! It really can be a hard transition, especially when you think about the fact that you have been a student since you were 5! I remember really missing the social aspects as well and feeling really lonely a lot. Getting a job back at Sport Chalet sounds like it might help. Around here you are supposed to stay active in the Institute program until you are 30, regardless of whether or not you're a student, or married or whatever. Are you still taking a class there or going to activities and such? That might help to with the transition too. Hopefully it will get better soon.

Hayden is as funny as ever. His new thing is to sing “Where is Thumbkin?” but to change the words to “Where is Hayden?” and to close his eyes until he says “Here I am!” What a funny kid. He was watching the Backyardigans while he was eating his lunch today and when they would start singing he couldn’t resist standing up in his high chair and singing and dancing, even turning circles while balancing in his high chair. Oh, how I wish I had the video camera running! He has become hugely afraid of monsters under his bed. Tomorrow we are going to go buy him a night light to see if it helps. He wakes up crying and running into our room several times a night until we convince him there are no monsters. I suppose that is just one of the side effects of a vivid imagination!

Hayden is also the king of excuses. For example, Friday we went to Geauga Lake to the water park. We were floating around the lazy river and Tom handed him to me to hold in my tube. He immediately wanted to go back to Tom and when I said no he said “But mom, I’m getting you all wet!” Very clever… After church today he wanted to watch a movie and I said no because it was time for lunch. He kept arguing with me and I told him his tummy was hungry and was saying “I want lunch.”. So he said “My tummy says ‘I want to watch a movie.” He has an excuse or a reason for everything! We were out shopping this week and I was making him sit in the stroller. He asked to get out and I said no and said “Hayden, what do you think would happen if I let you out?” and he quickly responded with “I would run away.” Needless to say, he stayed in the stroller.

Well I better go, he really wants my attention. Today he started calling me “mama” for some reason and he thinks it’s hilarious. He keeps trying to think of things to say that have mama in it just so he can laugh. I hope you’re all having a great weekend. Talk to you again soon!

Tracey

It seems we have had a lot of those lately. Anyway - it is official - we signed the papers today and should receive the keys to the house soon. We're pretty anxious to get into the house - not because we haven't thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. We have been so comfortable and we feel pretty fortunate. We'll be here a while longer - we need to have our stuff delivered and we want to do some painting before we move in. Kids start school on the 29th, so we are aiming around there.

Kenn, Dave and boys are at Father/Son camp out tonight. We ladies had some dinner, then went to Cold Stone for some dessert. My eyes were bigger than my stomach - half of my dessert is in the freezer! Then we came home for a movie of Morgan's choice. I was anxious to watch some super girlie movie like Beauty and the Beast or Cinderella, but what does she pick out? Spiderman! Her brothers have brainwashed her! It was a fun girls night anyway.

Off to bed - I am at the end of Wuthering Heights and I am anxious to finish it. I know it is a dark, twisted love story, but I like it! G'night!

Adina

Personally, I think that people in general need to trust the dentist they go to. More insitutional, "boring" names tend to engender that sense of trust. If you get hung up on a clever name, you could be working against this theory of mine. So my suggestion is Columbia River Dental.

When I get back Sunday I will post something about our wonderful trip to Utah.

Mike

Hey guys, some of you know that I am trying to aptly name my practice. Having a hard time deciding. Had it nailed down to River Rock Dental, but got too much negative feedback. I know, "any name you pick is going to get some negative feedback". Well, it was too much. So here I am again trying to figure out a name for the practice and not being able to come up with anything substantial.

So, this is where I ask you for your help. Give me some names. These are the "criteria" I am trying to satisfy:

• Something to do with the outdoors, Northwest, trees, water.....
• Short enough to be reasonable in length for a sign/website/answering on the phone, etc.
• Have a domain name available (www.name.com) for easy remembering when driving by and seeing it on the sign.
• Must have calmness associated with it. The problem with River Rock was the 'Rock' part....too hard.
• Not already be the name of a dental practice in Washington/Oregon.
• The practice is located on a woody acre with a serene garden that has bird/squirrel feeders galore and a waterfall with a small pond. The practice has been there for 32 years. Both the Columbia and Washougal Rivers are within a 1/2 mile North and South. Washougal means 'rushing water' and it is sometime called the Gateway to the Gorge because it is the last large community you go through before entering the Columbia River Gorge where there are waterfalls, etc. Also, there is a view of snow-capped Mt. Hood from Washougal. That should give you a good feel for the area and hopefully help with ideas.
  

If you have any ideas let me know. I have spent countless hours eliminating names and thought you all would have a fresh perspective with fresh ideas.

Thanks in advance, just put 'em on the blog.

Dave

Of the many places I want to see in LA before we move I was able to see one today... the garment district in downtown LA. It's not an attractive tourist spot by any means, but I did want to see this place I have heard of for so many years. I have a friend who sells clothing out of her home by hosting shows and letting friends come over to shop as well, who makes frequent trips to this place. By the way, she also sells those modest camisoles and cap sleeve tees.
Last Sunday I tracked her down to let her know I wanted to come along on her next trip. That trip came today and off we went in her Odessey with her 1 and 4 year olds. Our first destination was not what I expected. It looked like a large 2 story outdoor mall but all the stores were the exact same small size with clothing in them with either Asian or Latin employees. We went to the stores that Mandy had been to before and any that seemed to have merchandise that she was looking for. She would immediately decide if she wanted anything and then discuss cost and the minimum quantity the items came in. All the while we had 2 squirming children to keep happy.
Several very large bags and hundreds of dollars later, we drove to our 2nd destination which was more of what I was expecting (more ghetto). We parked on one of many blocks of streetside stores of tons of clothing and accessories. You definitely had to know where to go because most stores sold worthless stuff. So as we browsed our last few stores, I could not help but notice people selling dvd's on the sidewalk that were movies still playing in theatres for $5! I then noticed a ripple of these "vendors" down the street wistle to each other that a cop was driving down the street and quickly conceal the pirated videos.
In a 3 hour trip downtown, we packed the Odessey full of bags and headed home. It was kind of overwhelming but I would definitely go back with her again. Since it wasn't my money, I had a blast picking out tops and skirts and helping order 6 to 12 of everything! When we got back I was happy to pick out a couple things for the wholesale price since I helped out (basically I got to play dress up!). Anyway, the main things I learned from this trip was 1) boy is there a huge markup on retail, and 2) this friend of mine in gutsy and crazy but doing extremely well with her home business.
Ok, I'm done with my story now. Sorry we haven't posted either lately, but like you it's just been ordinary day to day stuff here. Oh, and Tracy... I found those Teva's on their website and ordered them directly from it (love flip-flops!).
Brent and I are more and more sure that I should do my final 12 week internship with the clinic in Vancouver. Brent might even beat me up there if he finds the right job and has already been contacting potential employers. I have a week and a half before school starts and am thoroughly enjoying sleeping way past my future 5:30AM wake up time!
K, I'm really done now... TTFN!
Buffy

Actually, it even rained a bit this morning...which was too bad since we had not covered up the BBQ, the lawn furniture or some books from RS last night!!! Oh, well!! It has dried up now and when I finish this I need to go rearrange the deck. We had Encroachment (Dad's name for Enrichment) on the deck last night. We tied quilts and talked and ate. It went well. The turnout was small but we expect that in August. Unfortunately, it was also our anniversary but I would have had to do it anyhow if it was at the church. Dave and Adina got some steaks for dinner for us and David barbequed them on the grill....excellent. David is quite the gourmet cook! It made the RS event less intrusive since Dad had a great dinner when he arrived home even if there were women all over the backyard.

What else? Not too much. I'm getting organized for leaving for France on Sept 5. We can't bring much luggage so I need to put some thought into packing for this expedition. Maylene and Gary Perkins from PQ e-mailed us that they are moving up here for a new job in Portland. So I have been scouting out some houses for them to rent. I just went to see one in Battleground and wrote her the report. Dad is getting ready for the Aaronic Priesthood Commemoration Father son campout on Friday night. Only one member of the bishopric will be there...and only for the evening on Friday. However, it was cancelled in May due to weather and problems with leadership being available(including us who were at Marnie's graduation) so it will not be cancelled again. We're just not quite sure why they picked this weekend. I did find his airpump this morning when I organized that area of the garage.

Well, I'd better go down and put the deck back together and make dinner. Love you all. I saw on the Bennett blog that Mike and Brooke won't be back until Saturday. We're looking forward to seeing them again!!

Love,
Mom

It seems lately I have been getting more output than donating input for the blog lately, so since I have a few mins here at Dick Hannah Honda, I'll go ahead and input.
I am here because our van has a ghost that hides whenever we get within 5 miles of the service center. The light will go on and off all day, wherever we go, then when we approach the Honda dealership, it magically disappears and the service guy thinks I am crazy...at least I think he thinks I'm crazy. Even with that haunting, we love the vehicle and swear by Honda, much to the dismay of those American Vehicle Lovers. I really don't care where the car comes from, as long as it is a good one that is reliable. Today, all cars come from everywhere, so I find that argument about American and Foreign cars pretty pointless.
Work is going well, we just sent out a pamphlet thing introducing myself to the existing patients, and will continue with marketing issues as time goes on. It is looking really good though. Haven't yet signed the papers for closing on the house, but should be this week. At least that is what they keep telling us. I'll believe it when I see it. We are already meticulously planning painting of the house. Our Japan household goods shipment arrived this week, so we just need to close, then there will be a whirlwind of activity through the start of school. The kids are in swimming and soccer now, so our schedule is filling up quickly. Actually, Isaac's team doesn't have a soccer coach yet and they are asking for a volunteer. You know me, I have a hard time saying no when someone asks for help, especially when there will be no team for Isaac if there isn't one. I haven't yet submitted my name, but am thinking about it. I just have so much going on right now with the practice and moving, etc.. We'll see.
Well, Adina is arriving to pick me up, so I better close. I had a lot of fun with everyone here. I wish we were all closer. Visitors welcome anytime!
Dave

Happy Birthday Brooke, Isaac, and Jane! What a great trio! I hope you all had a fabulous birthday! I heard there is a joint party coming up for the kids which sounds like a ton of fun! Wish we could come! Hayden loved making birthday cards for his cousins and still asks me everyday at nap time whether the mail man came to get them. He picked out the pictures for the cards. He misses his cousins a ton!

Things here are good, back to normal I suppose you could say. Last weekend we spent Saturday morning at Tom's softball tournament which was fun except that they had a bad official during the second game. He kept making really bad calls in favor of the other team and it was really frustrating. The team complained to him once and got warning not to saying anything else. Later in the game he overheard one team member complain to another team member so he threw the guy out of the game! It was ridiculous! All the guy had said was something like "He can't make a call from out in that position." Anyway, it naturally got the whole team riled up and kind of spoiled the game... not to mention the fact that they lost the game and the next one... all well. We've had plenty of softball for this year.
Saturday night we went to the Indians game and had a great time. It rained but we had perfect seats that were covered so we never had to move. Again the only down side was the fact that the Indians lost by a lot!! But we bought Hayden one of those foam fingers because he has been begging for it and he loved it. He kept yelling "Come on Travis Haffananer!" He's a great little fan!
I think Hayden is finally over the time change from Washington so we can get him in bed around 9:30 which isn't bad for him. He still likes to sleep in until 9am so it's nice. My bedtime goal is to work up to getting him in bed around 8:30. But now that we have that finished we need to tackle the binky problem. I am dreading it and will probably relish in one week of having it easy to put him to bed before I give it up since last week was so challenging fighting the jetlag.

We are hoping to go camping sometime in the next month if we can find a fun place to go. We're thinking we'll wait until a little bit into September in hopes that it will cool off a little bit. It's been miserably hot and humid this summer. We had been able to console ourselves through out the winter knowing that the summer would be so nice and then this year it just didn't happen. Hopefully that will mean that the winter will be a little bit warmer too... we'll see I suppose!

Dave and Adina did you ever go up to visit Canada while you live in Cleveland? My parents are coming in October and we want to go do that but don't know for sure where to go... I guess I'll just have to take advantage of the internet!

Well I think I have babbled on long enough to give you all something new to read. I too spent the whole weekend checking to blogg only to see my own lame blogg still at the top! Oh, one more useless fact. I have decided to do the "nursery" in yellow. The "nursery" is the corner of Hayden's room where we will put the crib. I figure yellow is the only kind of girly color that will not clash with current room decor. Hayden's room is all done up in navy, red, yellow and green sports motif. Hopefully it will turn out cute. Then again, I am not going to do it until December since he needs space to play in his room while he still can!

Okay, no more useless info, I'm off to clean the house while Hayden is still sleeping and Sophie is being good. Oh wait, one more useless fact. Sophie's mom, the girl I babysit, is pregnant, due in February so when I have my baby I will be finished with my babysitting job. I am sad to lose the job but realize I can't do all 4 kids (for one we could never leave the house since I don't have a minivan, and having two newborns would be miserable!) Anyway, now you all know. Have a great day, hope to hear from you soon.

Well everything is going well here in p-town, busy as ever with master's thesis and volleyball. Our team heads to Park City this weekend for a retreat and it should be fun.

Mike and Brooke...We need to know when you all will be in town. We would love to see you all. Please call us (801) 372-4707(anne) or (801) 372-5449(peter).

We love you all and are missing seeing you everyday.

POST SOME PICS DANG IT, we didn't take any digital pics at the wedding, so I need all i can get.

Love, Anne

Hey everybody!
Just writing in since Treven and I don't have internet and are just going to use mom and dad's for now... easier I guess! Anyway, I haven't been able to download the pictures yet and some pictures are on actual cameras, not digital! Aruba was great! Nice and hot and humid! It was beautiful.
Treven and I were going to go snorkeling, but never went because, of course, ME! The story begins when we rented the gear for 15 dollars and found out the best beach to go snorkeling. Cheap way was the best because other than that it was 40 dollars a person! Treven and I both haven't been snorkeling really and we figured there would be more people on this beach. We got there, nobody around at all! So we headed out walking out about 200 feet and it was up to our mid thigh. And I just looked at Treven and said I can't do it, nobody out here and we don't know what we are doing. Anyway, I just scared myself basically! So no snorkeling for us! Oh well! The beaches are beautiful and we had fun just being there! Wish I would have done it now though!
We will post pictures later! We are so thankful to the family for everything! We had so much fun! We love you all! Congrats to Tom and Tracey! And Happy Birthday to Jane Brooke and Isaac.

Treven and Kim

Well, I just remembered that we had quite a few birthdays this weekend so I thought I would write in to say.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROOKE!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISAAC!!

I hope you all have had so much fun! Have a great day!

And the previous post still stands....

--
Marnie

Hey guys, this is a plead for something to read. We need to be more frequent on the stories, updates, interesting thoughts. Some people really live off of them. It would help me out. :) Thanks.

--
Marnie

Well, we are finally getting adjusted to being back home. Hayden was so jetlagged, not to mention his terrible sleeping habits while we were there, so it has taken tremendous effort to get him back on schedule but he is nearly there. He is having a playdate with his little girlfriend right now so is very happy. But he still talks about his cousins all the time. Last night we got home from running some errands and it was dark outside and he said "My granmda Barb is sleeping because it's dark outside." You're all still definately on his mind!

Well I better be quick so I can go police the kids, three 2 year-olds tend to have a hard time sharing toys. Anyway, I hope you're all doing well. And if someone knows the address to the Bennetts please send it my way ASAP, thanks!

Tracey

Well I am now ending my last day of freedom before the middle of November. Double days start up tomorrow and my life will be crazy until November. I have to say I am very excited considering this is my last season and I am going to be one of the starters this year. I wish it was possible for all of you to come see one of my games but I know it isn’t that likely considering the business of everyone’s lives.

Peter finished his final today and is very glad to have it be over. He now can focus his time on writing his thesis which has to have to first draft ready by October. Hopefully with only taking 2 classes this fall, he will be able to get it done as soon as possible. We just can’t wait for him to be finished.

We definitely miss the loud noise around us and Peter thinks Morgan must be going through Peter withdrawals. We loved seeing everyone and it has made Peter feel a lot more comfortable in the family.

We love you all and hope to see more pictures soon.

Love, Anne

Another, similiar
Originally uploaded by dankus.

The Kids
Originally uploaded by dankus.

Hey everyone!

Just thought I would write in. I enjoyed the loud phone call from Dad last night at the Ted Nugent concert! I was very sad to miss that experience! I am sure it was fun. He is an interesting guy, Ted Nugent I mean, but Dad too. :)

Things are fine down in San Diego. I am just trying to keep myself busy and I continue to adjust to my new lifestyle (no school, new job). It is definitely an adjustment that I don't think people are properly warned about. But I am trying to be strong and work my way through it and get used the change.

So I am pretty sure I am going to go back to working at Sport Chalet. Just for Saturdays. Don't worry I am not quitting the job I have. I have thought about it a lot and (granted they let me) I think it would be really good for me. I could have some extra cash so I wouldn't have to worry about money so much and I would have some social interaction that is guaranteed every week. It was hard leaving Sport Chalet because of the friends and social interaction I got there. I think the hardest part about my job now is that the social aspect is almost non-existent. And the loss of all of my guaranteed social interaction, like school, work, and roommates, has probably been the hardest part with everything. Working there would also be something to fill my time because I have too much *clap clap* time on my hands. So I think I may go in to talk to them about it this weekend or the beginning of next week. We will see what happens.

I am staying pretty busy at work. Trying to find things to keep my mind working and occupied. Nicole is back from England so it is nice to hear from her. I definitely missed her. I have enjoyed the pictures that I have seen but they have mostly been mine! So if anyone else (dad) has pictures, I would love to see them.

And for my request,

I don't know if someone already posted this somewhere but I wanted to know what the website is for the Bennett's blog. Brooke could you post that? I am sure we would all be interested to see what is going on with the fam. Thanks!

Hope you are all well. It is great to hear from you.

--
Marnie

We (Mike, Dave, Kenn & I) went to see Ted Nugent tonight at the Clark County Fair. What a trip. I immediately felt overdressed in my jeans and Old Navy sweatshirt. At the very least I should have worn some leather and had a tattoo. It felt like we had landed right in the middle of a truck driver convention (no offense to truck drivers intended). It was fun - he has a lot of interesting opinions that he is happy to share in colorful ways. I love diversity. I'm glad I went. After the show, we walked around the fair and marveled at the rides. We're all officially old, admitting that all the rides would make us sick. I, however, am pretty sure I can still manage the carousel.

Mike is making dinner tomorrow night - some sandwiches that sound delicious. He and the fam take off Thursday morning for their trip to Utah. We close on our house on Tuesday, so we are excited. We drove by it today to show all the kids and the guy is already moving out. Now we just need to wait for our stuff to get here from Japan and we will move in. Kids are all great - Parker's cast cover came, so he is back in the water. Highly recommended for any of you who break a limb. And it will happen.

Anyway - miss you all. Have loved the pictures so far and hope they keep coming! I'm off to bed - my ears are ringing.

Adina

Marnie and Morgan (little Adina!) 

Marnie, Anne and Morgan 

Picture display made by Treven and Kim

Marnie and Anne- bridesmaids 

Kim and Treven at the temple 

Kimberly and Jane 

The wedding cake 

Well, after multiple trips to the airport, the house seems very quiet...actually right now it is REALLY quiet because Adina went out for errands with the kids, Kenn is out helping Mike put up an electonic fence for their dog Bailey...so I am all alone. Treven and Kim left last night for Aruba for their honeymoon. They will be back next Sunday evening. I am assuming all went well. When we made the reservations we made them for Treven and Kim Perry, forgetting that her passport would be Kim Stinchfield. We were told that they just needed their marriage license or certificate. All they had was the temple one but it must have worked!!! I can't imagine that this is the first time the airlines have seen that situation!

Tom and Tracey...you have broken the Stinchfield curse. All of us have had our second be the same sex as the first!!!! I am so excited and will need to start supplying you with cute girlie things!!!

I am attaching some pictures that Marnie sent this morning on Ofoto. I'm sure Brian will send his along as soon as he gets time to download them. He sounds like a busy guy! The wedding went so well...the highlight for me was having Martha there to share it with me..It just felt like she was representing all of the Duker side. Thank you, Martha again!! The weather was wonderful, Kim and Treven very happy, and we have had some great family times together. The reception was great with just the right amount of people...not too few or too many!!! No disasters happened!

Love you all...it is great having Dave and Adina and Mike and Brooke's families so close but I'd love to have all of you up here.

Mom

Pearl Harbor 

Another girl in the family! As Elastigirl would say: "(We're) right up there with the big dogs! Girls, come on. Leave the saving of the world to the men? I don't think so. I don't think so."
Congratulations!

Glad everyone has arrived home safe and sound. It's a bit quiet here. My kids are doing their best to keep the noise level up. We are so glad to have Mike and Brooke and family here - it dulls the pain of having everyone else leave. Fortunately, there is also much to do with a house looming and school starting soon.

I'm going to keep it short. Miss each of you. For those who took such great pictures last week, please o-foto them or something. Please share! Take care, love you all, more later.

Adina

So here I am back at work. I decided to come in a little later today because I didn't get to bed until about 12:30AM because my flight was delayed about an hour and then I got in my car and found that I didn't have any gas! Whoops! So I am back here and I have a pile of things to do in my inbox, which is good! It was sad to leave but it is always sad to go back to real life when you have been on such a fun vacation. It was really fun and I wish I could have been there for longer but, alas, we can't have everything we want. Tom and Tracey that is so exciting about the baby! Now the girls are winning 5-4!

Well I should get to work on those projects! I love you all and miss you already. Have great days and remember to write!

--
Marnie

Well Tom wanted me to just do a simple colored block to indicate whether we are having a boy or girl but I can't get one to paste into the blogg and I'm too tired to upload a photo of one, if I could find one... so you will have to just get a boring announcement. I am so tired because it was after 1:30 by the time we got home from the airport and 3am by the time I got Hayden into bed last night. I had to get up at 7 to go to the doctor. I had a friend come over here to sit with Hayden since I knew he would just be asleep. In fact, he is still sleeping now and it's 11:00... then again it's only 8 in Washington. I thought about waking him up to get him started back on schedule but it's pretty much hopeless at this point. I will just keep in asleep and then skip his nap... I hope it works anyway. I think I'll go take a short nap while I can. And then I am off to the outlet mall to do some shopping because we're having a girl!!!!!!!!! Of course nothing is 100% but things looked pretty clear and the nurse was confident. We are so thrilled and know it will be so much fun. The baby looked very healthy and measured 2 days ahead of schedule which goes along well with my plan to have her before Christmas. She kept sticking her feet at the ultrasound machine so we got some cute pictures of her foot print. Her profile looked great, she is all curled up with her feet up over head as though she's in some weird yoga position. So her knees are up by her nose, pretty funny.
Well I best be off to take that nap while I can. Hayden was excited to see his house again but while we were laying in bed he kept saying "Where is Isaac?" I told him he was at home and he said "Isaac is at Grandma Barb and Papa's house. He's upstairs, he has his jammies on too." I know he is really going to miss all of his great cousins. Hopefully we can find a way to get out there sooner rather than later. And of course, everyone is always welcome here! It was great to see you all, good luck with everything. Hopefully the blogg will start to see some new entries soon. Take care!

Tom, Tracey, Hayden and baby girl

hey stinchfields! for the benefit of those who check your blog but couldn't make the wedding...POST SOME PICTURES!!!! Heard it was great - can't wait to hear the details - Congratulations Kim and Treven - and ALL of you, look for details on the 2006 reunion coming SOON:-) Love- Lexi

Hey everyone,

We arrived at home OK and are missing WA already. We had so much fun and do not want to go back to day to day life, but that is just life. Thank you Mom and Dad for being such great parents and having such a great family to be a part of. We WILL be there in one year, promise.

Love Brent and Buffy (BS2)

.............

Well, Marnie....I feel your pain. It is hard when so many are here and Mike and Brooke are on the road not writing also.

What is happening right now? Kim and I went to work out at Curves this morning and just got back. Anne went running and I think just came back in the door. Dad and David went down to Dad's clinic to see one patient that was a "bleeder" last week. He needs to remove the gauze that he put in to stop the bleeding. Kim is going through to get her endowments at the 1 pm session today so we are getting babysitters( 2) to come over here. We are going to go out to the Olive Garden after the temple. Then the photographer is coming over tonight to discuss the pictures that we want for the wedding and to see the light at that time in the backyard.

I think I told you on the phone that Mike and Brooke are in Denver...actually by now driving to Utah. The truck and trailer really slow down the trip!!!

I am starting to read Harry Potter...in the third chapter now. I sneak it in between all the other things going on!!!

Anyway...we are very much looking forward to your arrival tomorrow morning. I am certainly hoping that your flight is not late. Brent and Buffy's flight was cancelled resulting in them getting in at 1 or 2 pm instead of the scheduled 9:30 am....Alaska Airlines really frustrates me.

You'll make it through the day...there are worse things than just being bored!!!!

Mom

I guess the blog is dead since you all are having fun in Washington already! Whereas I am sitting at work hoping to see a new post! Well I guess the post will have to be from me!

I have one more day of boring work until I leave to come up there tomorrow morning. Yippee! And when I get back my boss will be back so I will have work to do! Wonderful! So I just have to get through today...

Hopefully I can do it. I will be online all day so if anyone decides to drop a note that would be ok with me.

Love you all and I will see you tomorrow!

--
Marnie