Josh + cold water + NaCl = misery²

Josh was very good the entire trip. He loved going on the rides, watching the animals, and exploring the beach; all with one exception -- getting wet. Getting plastered by the ocean waves rendered him absolutely immobile. He became a statue. Getting wet by the dolphins at Sea World made him furious. But swimming in the pool -- especially the hot tub, was sheer heaven!

Beach Day

We planned for at least 3 days of just hanging out on the beach. We were lucky enough to have eight days of pure sunshine and warm weather -- which was perfect for playing in the surf, beach combing, exploring, and sun bathing. It was magical!

The Lines

Waiting in line was not bad at all. The park was crowded, but we subscribed to Ridemax, which shortened our line time and made it possible to hit all the rides we wanted. Lots of rides like Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Indiana Jones, and Thunder Mountain Railroad we got to go on twice in a row because of the rider switch policy! It was awesome!

The Dumbo Ride, although not everyone's favorite, was exciting!

California Surprise

Early Memorial Day morning we woke the kids and told them to get in the car . . . we were going somewhere fun! They cooperated very well, and surprisingly asked very few questions. Outside of St. George, Kelly and I were dying to tell the kids, so we told them to make a few guesses about where we were going. Kenzie guessed Lake Powell, Katie guessed the North Pole, and Courtney guessed St. George. We then decided to give them "a clue" by passing out some Disney coloring books. Courtney immediately piped up, "Ooo! I think I know! Disneyland?!" When we answered yes, Kenzie started screaming -- which triggered gleeful yells from Josh, and many giggles from Katie and Courtney. Anyway, it was a fantastic week filled with miracles and unbelievably wonderful moments. Here are a few highlights!

Easter Fun!

As early as Easter was, we were very fortunate to have nice weather for the day.

The kids loved hanging out with their cousins -- and what would Easter be without a fun little egg hung at Grandy's house?

Spring is Just Messing with US!

After a long, icky cold spell, we finally got some "go outside" weather. Somehow, through all that frost and snow a few croci were able to make it to a bloom -- Josh was very excited about this discovery. He's also excited about the bunnies, ants, spiders, and every other stick and rock he can find. We hope this warm spell lasts!

Farm Frolic

We had a brief spell of fantastic weather, so we decided to visit the farm -- Wheeler Farm. It was amazing! All the animals were out basking in the sun and eager to thrill the kids. They climbed trees, explored all nooks and crannies, threw rocks in the river and enjoyed the 50+ degree weather!

Use Well the Days

'Round the corner there may wait a new road or a secret gate

and though I have passed them by, a day will come.

I will take the hidden paths that run west of the moon and east of the sun.

I'm glad that you were here with me, here at the end of all things.

Night too shall be beautiful and blessed and its fear will pass.

I must leave, must cross this sea.

The love you gave is all I take with me.

Use well the days.

Use well the days.

Turn your face to the green world.

Use well the days.

--J.R.R. Tolkien

Super Skiers!

They called her Super Skier

as she sat around the sundeck

And swore that she'd never spill . . .

. . . when they finally took her down

they had to use three tobaggans

to carry all the pieces down the hill!

She was goin' down that slope

goin' 90 miles an hour

when she caught an edge of her ski.

Well, her clothes they were fast

but the slopes, they were faster

and that's the last of Super Skier

we shall see!

by Bob Gibson

Isolated Systems Become Disordered

My favorite thing about the Christmas season is contact. The inside of our front door becomes a collage, smattered with Christmas cards and notes from friends and loved ones, some, whom we rarely see anymore. Every time we pass the door friendly faces and beautiful artwork smile back at us as we remember how we are connected to this massive human network. All those people have influenced us, and we've in some way influenced them -- some, for good. We get lots of time with a few, and diminishing time with others. It all reminds us where we've been, and potentially, where we're going. I find this type of connecting timely. Amidst all the hustle and bustle, it's so easy to forget what and who is important. Whether it's with family or friends, the Christmas connecting grounds me, and helps me make sense of my world; creating a sense of order.