I'm still three...

My niece Saydee said this morning, "I'm still three and I'm going to be four soon, and then I'll be five." There was a time when she didn't want to grow up. She wanted to be a kid forever. It would seem that she's over that.

When I was a big kid...

Today my niece Emma said, "When I was a big kid, I used to drive. But, now I don't". The funny thing about that is this: Emma's 4.

The Jordan World Circus 2008

I'm up north in The Gem State visiting my brother and his family for the week. Yesterday, we went to the circus. I mentioned in the previous post that I have been to a circus but have no memory of that. From my brother's home you can walk to the fair grounds in Rexburg. It's a five minute walk. Three adults and 8 kids in tow, we headed out the door and made the trek. Admission for adults was $16. At first I thought perhaps it would be a waste of money. I was completely wrong. Though a small circus, it was a really entertaining one. They had a variety of acts including, bears, elephants, dogs, horse riders, balancing acts, and motorcycles in a globe shaped cage, to name a few. The kids loved it. Well, everything except the clowns. The adults loved it. My final assessment: well worth the $16 I shelled out to attend. I was not disappointed.

My brother, sister-in-law, and Brian at the circus.

The horse riders This guy up in the air is on a pole which is "resting" on the head of the guy on the ground.

The Gem State

Me and Saydee

McKennah & Bethany

The Three Musketeers

Little Girls Cute!

My brother Mike, his wife Patty, and their five children live in Rexburg, Idaho. Since I am basking in the glory of summer vacation, I decided to make the 3 1/2 hour trek up to the state up north.

Last summer, Patty hostessed the first cousin exchange. My sister, Sylvia's kids went up and spent a week with their cousins. This year, since I was coming up, Patty asked if it would be possible for me to bring Sylvia's kids with. Well, of course. We left yesterday morning around 9:30 a.m. This time, Emma (she's the youngest of Sylvia's brood at 4 years old) came up with. She and Saydee immediately went downstairs upon arrival and played the day away.

The Three Musketeers instantly picked up where they left off in March (video games and outdoor fun) when they had last seen each other.

McKennah and Bethany joined creative forces and made a few things for Fathers Day (I believe).

Later on in the day, we went to the circus. I know I've been to the circus...I do believe it was the Barnum and Bailey Circus...but it's really not a memory...my parents told me about it.

Anyway, the fun at the circus will be another post.

The End is Here

The 2007-08 school year came to an end yesterday. Taking down my room was a quick and dirty process and by 10 o'clock I was chillin' with my co-workers in my room waiting for the faculty luncheon to begin so that it could end so that we could check out and leave. Students wandered the building despite the best efforts of teachers and administration to keep them in a classroom. Yes, our students who complain incessantly about having to come to school all year long come the last day and don't leave. They stay in the building after school all throughout the year, too. Sometimes they stay until 4 o'clock in the afternoon. I always tell them they have chores waiting for them at home so they'd better get a move on. They always stare back at me blankly as though I were speaking a foreign language (which I could, by the way, but it would be no more effective).

It rained and rained and perhaps that is what contributed the surreal feeling of the day.

It should feel pretty real now, because I'm sitting in my bed at 9:36 a.m. with a post school year head ache and writing this up.

Los Angeles

On Sunday, I was with my parents in LA, California. We had a little time before the wedding festivities so we made our way to the LDS temple there. At first it was quite cold but as the morning progressed, our time on the grounds warmed up. It's only second in square footage to the Salt Lake Temple. I really enjoy the view of the city from the LA Temple grounds. It was a nice time.

Blood is Thicker Than a lot of Things

This weekend, I drove with my parents to Los Angeles, California for my cousin Kristal's wedding. Her dad is my dad's youngest brother. The ties to that side of the family have been getting stronger and stronger over the years and it's a wonderful thing. I saw my Uncle Jeff for the first time since I was in the 1st grade (approx. 30 years ago). I also saw my cousins David, Dru, Sean, and Nathan for the first time. They are really good people.

My cousin, Kristal, married Scott Kupferman. He is one of the nicest people I have ever met. They are a good match. 

When I get together with my extended family, the idea that blood is thicker than water is re-etched into my brain. There is something incredible about being in the company of relatives. It's an automatic connection. There is no doubt that the ties are there. I feel that family bonds are forged long before we are born and I feel blessed to know these people. 

My mom, Uncle Jeff, and my dad.

Me, my mom, and my cousin, Kristal.

Me, my mom, my cousin, Kristal, and my dad.

Me and my Uncle Jeff.

My cousin, Kristal and her husband, Scott.