HOORAY to the end of Summer!

Jamie Elrod, Chris Wong, Nancy Duteau, Susie Redick, Me,

Candace Dunphy, Chris Moore, Laura Alcorn

So now the truth is out -- this is what I do while the family is away. I invite my most favorite friends over for dinner, music, conversation, wine or sodas, and to talk about what is going on in our lives. It is so hard to believe we only can manage to do this once a year!

I really do cherish the time I have with the girls, and it is so ironic we spend most of the night talking about our families, our hopes for our families and how our families enrich us by keeping us busy, motivated and feeling loved (at least most of the time). There are many friends who could not make it here tonight, but we toasted them as well.

To all the girls -- thanks for always helping me to end the summer with a bang! I am blessed to have such a wonderful family, and I am equally blessed to have such wonderful supportive friends.

HOME ALONE!

Well, I know I am treated like a princess at the end of summer because for nine or ten days Polo takes the kids to Utah for their annual DADDY vacation trip. Trust me it truly is a vacation for all of us. The kids, and Polo, don't have to listen to me say get up; brush your teeth; yes, you do have to take a bath; no you can't do that; pick up your room; yes, you still have to take a bath; you get the picture.

Polo is a loving Dad and a wonderful husband, and the best gift he gives me each year is a week to be at home without the kids and without him. I am not saying I don't love my family, but I believe this time gives us all the opportunity to rejuvenate ourselves as we wind down the summer and prepare for the beginning of another school year.

I help to pack the kids, load the car, make goodies, pack snacks, and make sure they have games, movies, books to keep occupied for the twelve hour trip. By the time they are backing out of the driveway I am jumping for joy because my summer vacation is here too!

Now, you may wonder what exactly a woman does when she is home alone with all of this free time on her hands. Let me tell you, whatever you are thinking couldn't be further from the truth.
For example, I am sure you would not think cleaning out six closets would be high on the list of priorities. Perhaps you wouldn't think cleaning all the cabinets in the garage (nine of them) would be there either. Even cleaning the entire garage, all 758 square feet -- which by the way is larger than my first apartment -- would ever make the top 10. However, all of these things were accomplished! I know Goodwill is making money from our household this fall as I made four trips with my car full of goodies.
I know all of this does not sound all that exciting, but let me tell you it is! It is energizing to get so many things done and not being interrupted by 1001 questions from the kids, or Polo for that matter. Now when you add to the fact that the Olympics were on during this time, you can just imagine how much sleep I got -- little! There is one thing for sure -- I really do enjoy myself when they are gone, but I sure do miss the hectic, fun, funny, loud times, and I do look forward to their return! So while they are away I will do my best to fully enjoy the quiet!

UTAH -- here comes the family --Please return them safely

Well, the family arrived safe and sound to the Dawson's home. Flyn Dawson is one of Polo's good friends and Polo always bums a few nights stay when he is in Utah. This year the kid's cousin, Michael, joined in on the fun of Park City. The kids have been telling Michael about all the fun they have every year in Utah and Michael decided this year he did not want to miss out on the fun. He was not disappointed!

Another plus this year was the Barney family, unbeknown to us, was vacationing at the exact same place during the exact same week! Now what is so good about that is they have a son Andrew who is Tanner's age and a daughter Maddie who is Sierra's age. So hanging around was a big thing!

Sierra and Tanner had a great time showing everyone the ropes, as they were the "professionals" of Park City fun. They convinced Polo, Michael and Julie Barney (the other mom) that spending $50 for an all day pass for all the rides was a bargain! This year that turned out to be true, because according to Polo and the kids, they left early in the morning, came home for lunch and returned for late dinner. I think Polo really had a relaxing day!

FISHING WITH GRANDMA AND GRANDPA
The other exciting part of the trip was that Grandma and Grandpa had their motor home up in an area close to Park City so they hooked up with Polo and the kids. Grandpa got the boys all set up to catch some fish and Tanner absolutely loved this part of the trip.

When talking with him he said it was his favorite part -- he even wanted to go back the next day to fish again, or was it for Grandma's breakfast? Either way it was great they got to spend so much time with Grandma and Grandpa.

Sierra got to hangout with Grandma in the car and they had some real quality time talking about life, dreams and hopes for the future.





Grandma told me she really enjoyed this too!

The Copper Mine-

Polo took the kids to a copper mine where they got to see the Kennecott Mine.

This is an actual size of the tires on the trucks which are used to bring the minerals up from the canyon. Tanner said the tires are about 15 feet tall but he said looking at them from the top deck made them look small. Kennecott Mine is the world's largest open pit copper mine. Flyn's father used the Director of Operations for this mine but is now retired

This mine puts out about 70 million tons of copper per year and they mine everyday except for Christmas. They get 90 percent copper, 5 percent gold and the other 5 percent represents all other types of minerals.
On the day they were there the mine actually had to shut down due to an accident. Whenever there is an accident they shut it down to conduct a safety meeting

The aerial view does not make the trucks look so big. Here are Flyn and Polo hamming it up for the kids

HIKING

Paige Dawson, Sierra, Tanner and Michael pose for the umpteenth time -- this is Dad just taking pictures like Mom asked him to do. See -- I know what goes on in Utah doesn't stay in Utah!

Hiking was another was to pass some fun time because it was unbelievably gorgeous everywhere they went. They hiked around Mirror lake which is an extremely high altitude lake. They cold walk the entire circumference of the lake on a path.

It was filled with ducks and beautiful scenery. They all enjoyed being able to stay outside for more than five minutes without burning their feet or sweating to death like they do in La Quinta.

Tanner said when they were walking around the lake they found a rock formation that looked like the head of Mickey Mouse -- Tanner thought that was cool.

Horses ----- Horses -----Horses ---- hitting the trail is the most popular event

Tanner gets a starter lesson on the haybale horse!

Sierra's horse was named Lefty, Tanner's was Mouse, Michael's was Dakota and Dad's was Cowgirl. Dad is never satisfied with the names the owners give to the horses so he promptly renames all of them -- Sierra's horse was re-named Widowmaker, Tanner's was re-named Shorty McMuffin, Michael's was re-named Bronco Killer and dad re-named his Widowmaker II. I guess he was losing his creativity after all the re-namings. After the re-naming ceremony they were off for their two hour trip around the mountains. Sierra was complaining her bum was hurting and her legs were tired -- yep, that's my girl! Dad said his big bum was sore as well --

I'm Not kidding, it's still the Olympics!

Day Nine, ten, eleven ....etc.... -- crawling to bed most nights, others I am falling asleep on the couch while watching the Olympics. Who wants to miss history being made? NOT ME!!! On the note of history (another added benefit of watching the olympics, I can tell my kids it is historical!), can you say Michael Phelps!

Here are some of my favortie photos from the events ----

Really cannot get enough of the Olympics -- it has me totally tired!

Tanner is 11!

Now I thought summer went by so fast, but where did 11 years go -- SO FAST! On August 18 Tanner turned 11, and I really had to wonder where these years went, and why they went so quickly. It is a birthday tradition to cook the birthday boy his breakfast of choice in bed. This year Tanner wanted me to make for him my Christmas breakfast casserole, so his wish was my command. You can tell by the smile on his face that he is one happy camper.

For Tanner's birthday we had taken him to see Star Wars: The Clone Wars at the theatre. He was so excited a movie actually was released on his birthday weekend -- it was a first. He loved it and was glad we all went (although I do recall Dad snoring during the movie).

That evening we decided to invite some family and neighborhood kids over for some cake and ice cream -- it was a blast (that was what Tanner said). Tanner decided this year he did not want a birthday cake, he wanted Pumpkin Pie (I am seeing a theme here -- Christmas Casserole, Pumpkin Pie... I think he is in a hurry to get to the holidays!), so what birthday boy wants, birthday boy gets. The funny thing was -- there were lots of folks who wanted the pumpkin pie, not me I am a CHOCOLATE CAKE girl! All in all it was a great day and we all enjoyed helping Tanner celebrate his special day. He got some of the COOLEST cards which kept entertaining us for weeks to come.

Still the Olympics

Oh my -- the Olympics are so exhausting! Who knew having the opportunity to watch the Olympics 24/7 for the first time would prove to be disastrous to my health? Who knew there would be so many different sports available for my viewing pleasure? Who knew each night (or early morning as it were) when Polo would raise from slumber and ask, "what time is it sweetie?", I would say 2 AM, 3AM or whatever ridiculous hour.

The worst part is I still would get up around 7 AM and start another day, all while continuing to watch the Olympics during the day as well. One can only imagine the beauty routine required to keep up with this lack of sleep.

I could feel the pride and patriotism for my country grow every time I saw an American compete and/or win. I really felt watching the Olympics was a way I can contribute to spirit the athletes could feel through the television. I mean, am I right???

If I didn't watch with such fervor how would I have gotten to see all the special Mary Carillo side stories which gave us a more in depth view of the people of China. How would I have ever been able to see the Water Cube (officially the National Aquatics Centre).

How else would I have known that the Water Cube design was based on the natural formation of soap bubbles? How could I have know there was a "Pants Building" (officially the Central Chinese Television building)? Well, you get my point. I did not want to miss anything!

So yes, I am tired, I look haggard, and I am neglecting my family -- but is for the greater good -- the Olympics! I know my family understands, they are happy because I still manage to keep them fed and their clothes clean!

If washing and ironing were an Olympic sport I think I would win a gold medal!

Where Am I?

Well, I know it has now been officially over 1 month since I have blogged, but I really do have an excuse -- or two or three! It's too hot, it's too hot and it's TOO HOT!!!

I cannot believe summer has come and gone, and on the Monday before school starts we always think -- Where Did the Time Go? Many of my friends do not like the summer time because they say that their kids are always around, and they begin to bug them too much. I, on the other hand, LOVE the summer time because there is no schedule to go to bed, no schedule to get up, no taxi service to the myriad of activities for church and school, and there are no homework assignments or projects.

Let me catch you up on what has been happening this August with the family.

We bid a sad farewell to Lorie and Mallory as they moved to San Diego

to live with Christopher's family. They have been with us since Mallory was born last December and it has been a wonderful experience for our family. Mallory got to know her Grantie (Great Aunt) and her Gruncle (Great Uncle) and her cousins -- Sierra and Tanner. I think what Mallory is going to miss most is my singing to her every morning -- Good Morning, Good Morning it's gonna be a great day. Good Morning, Good Morning to you!


Mallory also had a special relationship with Lacy, the dog. Poor, poor Lacey. She put up with so much baby abuse, but she took it like a champ and she loves Mallory too, as these photos show.

Both Lorie and Mallory brought great joy into our home and we are really going to miss them. It is not goodbye it is just -- Until we see you again!

In the beginning of August we also went to our niece's wedding -- Celina and Alex. It is always so fun to go to weddings not just because you get to see so much family, but because it gives you a renewed since of love, family and wedded bliss. We all enjoyed the eating, dancing and talking which consumed most of the time.

It is nice to see the Dad still has the moves, and he can swing his daughter around the dance floor. Tanner stayed close to the food table and he would not get up and dance with Mom. (I think he may have been to embarrassed!)

Weddings.......so much fun, so much love and so many memories. Doesn't it make us all wish we were so young again! There is nothing more beautiful than a bride who is glowing on her wedding day.

THE OLYMPICS

8-08-08 8:08 PM

Let the games BEGIN!

Is there ever anything better than watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. Where else can we see such a display of athleticism, patriotism and history in one stadium. This summer Olympics was perhaps, no it was, the best opening show I have ever seen. I know there was much political discussion about the Olympics even being held in China, but I am glad we had the opportunity to see this event.

It appears getting a ticket to the opening ceremonies was next to impossible, however over 91,000 lucky people were able to do just that. The opening ceremonies were in the facility called The Birds Nest, aptly named for it's looks. The ceremonies began with a spectacular display of fireworks which I don't believe anyone has seen since the ringing in of the year 2000, and over 14,000 performers participated in the three and half hour event. There were over 80 world leaders, including President and first Lady George W Bush and it is estimated that over one billion people throughout the world watched.

The parade of athletes was done according to the Chinese alphabet so a ticker across the bottom of the television screen would show what countries would be coming each few minutes. The parade was over 10,500 strong representing 204 countries, and 28 sports, which is a record! As the athletes made their way around the Bird's Nest they came to the center of the field and walked over paints the colors of the rainbow. As they walked across the paper it created a masterpiece.

The ceremonies were choreographed by film director Zhang Yimou who worked on the show for over three years. The show covered 5,000 years of Chinese history condensed into the three and a half hour program. It is a program that was so jam packed that words will never do it justice. Our family had been looking forward to this date for quite sometime and we were not disappointed. Yes, the games have begun!