Kauai May 2009

We just came back from yet another fabulous trip to Kauai.  We were able to go for two weeks.  Our first week was on the north shore at the Cliffs with Nate and Trina (they had one free week there and so they let us crash their party).  The second week we went to Poipu with Nate and Trina, Rod and Jenny and Brittan.  Norris' mom, Lucille, passed away as we were traveling to Hawaii and so half way through our trip we flew back to L.A. for the funeral and then returned the next day to Hawaii to finish our vacation.  Lot's of flyer miles!

On another hike to the Lava Pools - Brit, Jenny, Rod & Tori.

Norris took Jenny and Brit to Kauai's Grand Canyon.  It was about an hour and a half of winding roads so most of us opted out - but the three that went had a great time.  Here is Jenny with Brit and below is Jenny with Norris.

On our hike we stumbled across this beautiful little rock/water formation.  Norris used his expertise in balancing the camera on a tree branch so we could take this picture by timer.  Not too bad, right?
After kayaking we hiked to this beautiful waterfall.  Here is Jenny and Tori in the pool at the base of the waterfall.

Rod & Jenny on our kayak trip

Out for Pizza
Brit - at dinner
Coming back from our hike to "secret beach".  Not a bad view!
Nate, Trina and Tori on our way to Larson's beach - yikes!

Brittan's Clean Sweep

BYU has one of the largest and most competitive intramural programs in the country. This last season Brit has participated in three different events: Women's tennis singles, all-girls Women's basketball and inter-tube water polo (for which we all have a hilarious visual). Brit has been participating in BYU intramurals for the past 3 years.  If your event wins a championship . . .  your prize - the "coveted T-Shirt".  Those of you who know Brittan she is quite an athlete.  She has obtained 5 "T-Shirts" - coed basketball, ultimate Frisbee, soccer, softball & 3 on 3 women's basketball (all over a three year period).

Yesterday was a momentous occasion for her. All three of her events resulted in a championship win . . . clean sweep for our Brit! Three T-Shirts in one day; we think that must be a record.  Way to go girl!

Roadshow: Rock The Boat

I just recently finished directing our wards Roadshow and it was a really great experience. When our Bishop asked me to do it I was very reluctant (inside) and knew that he was obviously desperate.  I felt very guided and blessed during the whole process.  My number one goal was to make it a good and fun experience for the kids and I think that we were somewhat successful in that endeavor.  They were so great to work with and I could not have been prouder.  I never got any complaints or moans during rehearsals and they were very happy with their performance.  

The story is about a young man that comes across his great-great grandpa's missionary journal which then takes him back to the late 1800's where is grandpa is sailing home after serving a "failed" mission in England.  The set is that of a ship. You also get the impression that there may be a love interest between a female investigator (Alice) and the Elder (awkward).  Our big dance/song number was to "Rock The Boat" with the lyrics changed a bit.  The ship ends up getting attacked by pirates and the Elders end up baptizing them, plus Alice.  Alice then bears her testimony and declares that she has fallen in love with . . .  the pirate captain (Jack).  A wedding takes place on board.  The play finishes with the young man reading that his great-great grandpa would then land in America and cross the plain where he exclaims "Indians!"; then we had about 15 primary kids (ages 7 through 3) run across the stage in indian garb.  Cute script and sweet message!

So here are some fun shots of the event!

This is our last rehearsal before the performance . . . pep-talk!

Our Pirate Jack with one of his crew.
Three sailors - Maddie McKeon, Cindy Crockett and Frine Coley (Alice)
Myself with Captain and Captain Jack
The green room, performance night
In the green room - cast photo
Rock The Boat dance/song number
Elder Newhall II confronted by Pirate Jack
Yo Ho Yo Ho A Mormons Life For Me number
Curtain call
Rock The Boat
Indians running across - that's Lincoln

Ryker & Christa's Visit

So here are two attempts to get a picture of all eight of our grandchildren . . . sometimes brilliant ideas just don't quite pan out, but we did all get a good laugh out of the photo shoot.

I love this one of Lincoln holding on to Rocky with all his might while Ashton is wondering why is Gracie scared beyond belief - too funny!

How about them eyes?  Gracie is such a happy and adorable little girl.
Here is Blake and Lincoln working on a puzzle.  Something they LOVED doing while they were here.
Angel Gracie!
Like father like son - cookin' away!
At Sierra's baptism Jake rented a jumper and the kids had a blast . . . here is Lincoln and Blake.
Blake, Lincoln and Rocky - such handsome boys!
Blake, Nixon & Lincoln
Another one of Ryker's moments where he had everyone in stitches . . .  which was quite painful after we were all so stuffed from his delicious dinner he prepared.
The older boy cousins were watching a movie in the game room and I just couldn't help but imagine all these boys out on missions in about 15 or 16 years.  It will be here before we know it. 

Ryker & Christa at Disneyland

We were so happy to be able to go with Ryker, Christa, Blake & Gracie to their first trip to Disneyland.  Sophie, Lincoln, Rocky and Briana, Nixon & Rossi were able to join us for a great day!

Here is Ryker, Christa, Blake (shy) and Gracie (too interested in the flowers).

Ryker with precious Gracie.
We didn't start out too great, but as you will see Blake quickly fell in love with Disneyland!
Christa with Blake after riding Dumbo!


Dad and son waiting in line for the rockets - wahoo!
Cousins: Rocky, Lincoln, Nixon, Rossi (in back smiling so adorable) & Blake in Pooh's Corner.
Soaring over Tomorrow Land
What an amazing time we had with The Park City Browns!  They left two days ago and I am already going through withdrawals.  It was so fun for Blake and Gracie to get to know their California cousins better.  

Ryker made us such wonderful food while he was here.  We went down to the Santa Monica Farmers Market Saturday morning and got all kinds of unique vegetables and then onto the Santa Monica Fish Company for fresh Swordfish, Sea Bass, Shrimp and Scallops.  We had a wonderful feast Sunday night.  He prepared Grilled Swordfish and Bass with a mango salsa and coconut foam; pan sauteed scallops over fennel and orange salad; a delicious arugula salad with sauteed almond crusted goat cheese; roasted chickens (for the kids); fingerling potato's and sun-chokes (my favorite); asparagus; for dessert he made Norris Sr. an apple pie and the rest of us chocolate soufflé's!  Everything was super delicious and we are all very sad that they live far away!!  

We love you Brown Family and can't wait to see you all again soon.

Celebrating Christmas with our Utah clan!

We had a fun afternoon of sledding . . . here is Ryker with Blake.

Tori & Christa with Blake and Gracie.

Blake ridding the tube by himself!

He was having the time of his life - he never stopped smiling!

Grandma with Blake.

It just goes to prove that your never too old to go tubing with your grandkids.

Mommy and Blake ready, set, go!!!

Gracie doesn't take a bad picture . . . the little cutie pie.

Blake having fun in the snow (before his little accident with a tree)

After the crash with the trunk of a tree - nothing that a little ice cream wont' cure.

Grandma with Gracie.