Radmall's Land In New York

We started our summer family vacation of 2008 by leaving Salt Lake City at 12:01am MDT on August 9th (redeye) and landed at JFK at 6:30am EDT. Even flying business class, Cheryl says that it doesn't make sleeping any more possible that economy. I think that the quote was, "I'll never fly a redeye again!" This is our means of transportation after arriving. My son calls it the "Sweet Minivan". We put 400 miles on it the first day.
Our American Idol thought that it was so cool that we were driving through Scranton, because that is were the "Office" TV show is supposedly set. During the 9th of August we were in Utah, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York (again). We did cross the Susquehanna River as we reentered New York.
The first thing that we did after checking into our hotel and taking a short nap was to drive to Palmyra and visit the Grandin Press building. It was so impressive to us learning how the Lord prepared this little New York village to bring about the publishing of the Book of Mormon. The best layed plans of men couldn't even come close.
Here are Guitar Man, the American Idol, Cheryl, and the Little Wizard in the recreated upstairs room of the Smith Log Cabin where Moroni visited young Joseph to prepare him for the work that was ahead. What a great spirit and testimony of the Boy Prophet.
Here we are on the path to the Sacred Grove where God the Father and His Son appeared to Joseph Smith. What a great way to end the day.

Cheryl at Women's Conference

Last week was Women's Conference at BYU. Cheryl was a volunteer at one of the stations that gave the sisters an opportunity to make blankets for small children. This is her second year helping out with the conference. I personally think that she is the best looking attendee on campus.

Here Cheryl is with my sister, Annie (Kairle Ann Oaks), on the right and our neighbor, Jan, on the left, who were also volunteers at Women's Conference. They look like they are having way too much fun to consider this an active of service. Ah, just looking at those brick halls makes me want to head back to BYU to kowtow to a couple of professors and take a few finals. NOT!!!!!!

Turkey Day Comes Early

The RN's husband, Number 39 (a reference to his football days), was lucky enough to get a Utah turkey tag this year. This morning at 5:00am, we left the house to a location that he had scouted out before hand up Provo Canyon. It may be speaking out of school to disclose the location. When we pulled into the parking area, his worries were confirmed. Others had found the same spot. We talked to someone in the parking area that had a tag for three weeks later. He had spent a lot of time there and told us where the best spots were. Did I mention that when we got out of the truck, it was 19 degrees!
We started up the mountain and came to a large opening and were trying to pick a spot when a couple of guys up the hill from us started telling us to get out of sight. After a minute we moved across the opening and sat in some brush. We could hear some hunters below us setting decoys and calling with their turkey gobbler. After 20 minutes we could hear a hen and tom move through the brush about 30 yards away. I got a glimpse, but we never saw enough to take a shot. We finally got up and moved around for awhile. We came back to the clearing just in time to see the two rude hunters, that had heckled us, leave their spot. We moved in! After a few minutes we could hear a tom moving our way. Number 39 quickly set up a decoy and started using his superior calling techniques. Between his tom and hen callers we lured the majestic foul our way. When the bird finally came out into a clearing, I could see him fanning his beautiful feathers, but the man with the tag couldn't see through the brush. After a few minutes of painful waiting, the gobbler moved into an area where Number 39 had a 9 inch gap in the brush. Again, the turkey fanned his tail, thinking that there was some hen to impress. With his keen aiming skills Number 39 bagged the bird with one shot! By 9:00am on the opening morning we were back at the truck, bird in hand, doing our victory dance. All-in-all, it was a fun time.

Cheryl's Birthday

Today is Cheryl's birthday. I don't think that I can actually tell you how old she is. But what I can tell you is that she is the greatest wife and friend that I could ever hope for. We have had some of the greatest times together. Here we are a few years ago atop Angel's Landing in Zions Canyon on her birthday.
She is also one of the best mothers in the world. Here the Little Wizard is protecting her with his very life! Evil doers, beware!!!!

Now she is making her mark as one to the premier grandmothers ever! I blame her for kids and grandkids that are soooooo cute! Cheryl, we love you the bestest!

Blue and Gold Banquet/Science Project

This year's Blue and Gold Banquet theme centered around the Chinese culture and New Year (The Year of the RAT!) The Cub Scouts and their fathers were supposed to make a cake and take for dessert. We made a gold fish.
The Li'l Wizard had some of our cake, but also liked the cupcakes with marshmallow bunnies.

The Wiz decided to do a research project on how caffeine affected blood pressure. Here he is explaining the ills of drinking the demon colas and energy drinks to his neice. She vowed to never let even a drop pass her lips. The rest of us that participated in the study have been wired for weeks.

Addison Taking Steps

This is our granddaughter Addison taking big steps towards her future. We think that she is the cutest! She turns one in two days.

Fun at Soldier Hollow

Here we are enjoying a sunny day tubing at Soldier Hollow (one of the 2002 Olympic venues). Everyone seems to be having fun. We have American Idol, Dental Student, Nursing Student, Rad Mom, and The RN.

There are two cousins sandwiched between The RN and Guitar Man (Dallas Girl and Provo Boy). I really like Guitar Man's colorful locks!