Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Friday, September 05, 2008
Beck and Ira
My Aunt Christina is an extremely talented photographer. She has finally been convinced to start a photography business. I was lucky to have her take these great pictures of our boys. Check out her site.
http://www.christinamaephotography.blogspot.com/
http://www.christinamaephotography.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Labor Day Weekend
Ira loving his ride to St. George in his beloved car seat. Lets just say it is one loud ride.
I walked out front to catch my son in the act. He loves to water the plants. Lets just say this is not the first time nor will it be his last.
Beck was quick to tell Aunt Candice that she cannot play with 2 boys and to let Ira swim down there(the bottom) by himself.
New Thomas the Train underwear. Beck wanted to share.
I walked out front to catch my son in the act. He loves to water the plants. Lets just say this is not the first time nor will it be his last.
Beck was quick to tell Aunt Candice that she cannot play with 2 boys and to let Ira swim down there(the bottom) by himself.
New Thomas the Train underwear. Beck wanted to share.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Ira and Beck
IRA
11 months
*weighs 19 lbs
*Crawls everywhere now that we have let him.
*Smiles constantly and giggles a lot at Beck.
*Loooooves Beckham and will follow him around and try and play with him.
*Says uh-oh and dada (But I know he means mama).
*Waves and says hi
*Still has no teeth. Already loves the food that is no good for you.
*Hates any form of sleep and goes as long as possible without it.
*Likes to tango with the top of the stairs. So far we have been lucky and I guess it is baby gate time. Beck got to 12 months before his fall down.
BECK
2 1/2
*Started to use his new potty and is so excited to show everyone the pee in it. Get's mad if you try to wash his pee out.
*I won't is what he tell me when I ask him not to do something.
*Loves his airplanes and cars still. I love listening to him play with them. He is uses different voices for the different cars. Usually his other play car is Papa or cousin Ben.
*Loves to swim. His friend Brigham has taught him to jump in the little pool and land on his bottom. They spend a lot of time doing that.
*Loves his tramp and wants to jump a lot, way more than mom or dad does.
*Loves to be with his GEGE(Great Grandma Walker)He thinks she is just about the greatest thing in the world. They play cars and airplanes and swing on the porch eating Popsicle's. Not to mention she never ever tells him NO! She says he is too sweet to tell no too.
*He loves being HIS boat at HIS lake Utah.
*Today he wanted some of the medicine that he took when he was sick last week. I told him he did not need any because he was all better. He responded by telling me that he was just a little sick so he needed some.
*When we tell him that we love him his response is always "You love me huh"
*Likes to play with all his pals and thankfully he has many. I think his mom likes her pals that come with his pals even more.
*Loves to vacation and go on tips(trips).
*When he gets hurt he quickly tells me that candy can make it better.
*He likes his room with his stuff.
*Takes several baths a day because he thinks his boats must always be played with in the water as well as his seaplane.
*Loooves a little sip of coke (I alwasy tell him just 1 sip)
*Beck has no need for food. He will eat a pancake and spaghetti and pizza. Of course he loves snacks (fruit rollups)
*Likes to sing Child of God, Take me out to the Ball Game, Sunbeams, Love to see the Temple, Do as I am doing. If I sing the songs and put in a word that does not fit he quickly corrects me.
*He understand everything and knows his letters and numbers and can count to 20. He know his left hand and right hand.
*Likes to ride his bike to the park.
*Started his gymnastics class with his friend Brigham.
*Beck is grateful his dad goes to work to buy him toys.
*We can't forget the babba and blanket at bedtime.
11 months
*weighs 19 lbs
*Crawls everywhere now that we have let him.
*Smiles constantly and giggles a lot at Beck.
*Loooooves Beckham and will follow him around and try and play with him.
*Says uh-oh and dada (But I know he means mama).
*Waves and says hi
*Still has no teeth. Already loves the food that is no good for you.
*Hates any form of sleep and goes as long as possible without it.
*Likes to tango with the top of the stairs. So far we have been lucky and I guess it is baby gate time. Beck got to 12 months before his fall down.
BECK
2 1/2
*Started to use his new potty and is so excited to show everyone the pee in it. Get's mad if you try to wash his pee out.
*I won't is what he tell me when I ask him not to do something.
*Loves his airplanes and cars still. I love listening to him play with them. He is uses different voices for the different cars. Usually his other play car is Papa or cousin Ben.
*Loves to swim. His friend Brigham has taught him to jump in the little pool and land on his bottom. They spend a lot of time doing that.
*Loves his tramp and wants to jump a lot, way more than mom or dad does.
*Loves to be with his GEGE(Great Grandma Walker)He thinks she is just about the greatest thing in the world. They play cars and airplanes and swing on the porch eating Popsicle's. Not to mention she never ever tells him NO! She says he is too sweet to tell no too.
*He loves being HIS boat at HIS lake Utah.
*Today he wanted some of the medicine that he took when he was sick last week. I told him he did not need any because he was all better. He responded by telling me that he was just a little sick so he needed some.
*When we tell him that we love him his response is always "You love me huh"
*Likes to play with all his pals and thankfully he has many. I think his mom likes her pals that come with his pals even more.
*Loves to vacation and go on tips(trips).
*When he gets hurt he quickly tells me that candy can make it better.
*He likes his room with his stuff.
*Takes several baths a day because he thinks his boats must always be played with in the water as well as his seaplane.
*Loooves a little sip of coke (I alwasy tell him just 1 sip)
*Beck has no need for food. He will eat a pancake and spaghetti and pizza. Of course he loves snacks (fruit rollups)
*Likes to sing Child of God, Take me out to the Ball Game, Sunbeams, Love to see the Temple, Do as I am doing. If I sing the songs and put in a word that does not fit he quickly corrects me.
*He understand everything and knows his letters and numbers and can count to 20. He know his left hand and right hand.
*Likes to ride his bike to the park.
*Started his gymnastics class with his friend Brigham.
*Beck is grateful his dad goes to work to buy him toys.
*We can't forget the babba and blanket at bedtime.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Wheller Farm
We had a great time visiting the farm. It was fun to be with Brit and Lindsay and their kids.
Avery, Beck and Aiden
Wes, Ira and baby Lola
Avery, Beck and Aiden
Wes, Ira and baby Lola
Sunday, August 24, 2008
5 Concerts I Wish I Could See Again
5. My Man Friday & Attaboy Skip - The Bread Factory - Provo, UT
Just thinking back on the many My Man Friday concerts I went to makes my sad they are done...those were great days. Ska was alive and well in Provo. The reason My Man Friday was so good is their swing-ska style made for great dancing. Markham and I have some great memories at those concerts. This concert was particularly good because Attaboy Skip opened. I just remember leaving the Bread Factory dripping in sweat and exhausted. Great stuff.
4. The Suicide Machines - Youth Center - Smithfield, UT
Although I really like the Suicide Machines, this concert was more memorable for the facility than the band (although credit must go to the Suicide Machines for playing after seeing the venue). Smithfield is in the middle of nowhere north of Logan, Ut. The Youth Center in Smithfield used to be an LDS church (probably 50 years ago) and the concert was held on the basketball court. There was no stage set up, so the band just played on the court. Once the concert got going, the crowd basically surrounded the band, so there was a circle around each player (they couldn't really even see each other). There were wires going everywhere underneath everyone's feet and of course, partway through the concert, somebody pulled out the plug on the mic, forcing the band to say..."you guys all know the lyrics anyway...you sing it." Incredibly memorable.
3. The Pixies - Kingsbury Hall - Salt Lake City, UT
When I went to this concert, I was not expecting it to be as good as it was. The Pixies have a unique sound, that was awesome to see in concert. They rarely spoke to the crowd between songs, but it didn't matter...their songs more than made up for it....and they have so many great songs that there was never a let down.
2. Toad the Wet Sprocket - Abravanel Hall - Salt Lake City, UT
What can you say about this concert. One of the greatest bands ever, in one of the greatest venues ever. I have seen Toad a few times since, and they have been good, but hearing them in Abravanel Hall was an experience I will never forget. To make things even better, they played one song from each on of their CDs and then cycled back through the discography over and over again, so I was able to hear plenty of songs of my favorite CD - Coil. A funny sidenote about this concert is that their old drama teacher was attending the concert and they explained how they were on a Mormon mission and they received permission from their mission president to attend the concert. Out of respect, Glen edited the lyrics of the few songs they have containing swear words.
1. Elliott Smith - The Ogden Theatre - Denver, UT
I had the privilege to see Elliott 4 times throughout his career (DV8, the Fillmore in San Francisco, the Ogden Theatre, and at the University of Utah campus). The other 3 times, I saw him in smaller venues and was able to see him much closer than I did in the Ogden Theatre. In the Ogden Theatre I was in the upper deck, but the concert was amazing. Elliott had a bigger stage and it was more like watching a symphony than watching a garage-band artist. The Ogden Theatre is kind of like Kingsbury Hall. I remember one song vividly - Everything Means Nothing To Me. The spotlight was on Elliott and he was playing the song on the piano with incredible emotion. I loved this concert...I wish I could see it again.
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order)
Live - The Delta Center - Salt Lake City, UT
Right after Throwing Copper. Damn at Otter Creek was awesome.
Pietasters & Mustard Plug - Bricks - Salt Lake City, UT
Everybody left for the Pietasters (because Bouncing Souls played before them). It made for some great skanking.
Big A Show (1995) - Stretch Armstrong, Moonpools & Catepillars, Cake, Primus, Neil Young, Ben Folds Five, Everclear, Howard Jones, Bush - Wolf Mountain - Park City, UT
1st concert ever. Great lineup. A guy got stabbed right in front of us during Bush and then a drunk lady proceeded to tell us that is why we should never drink.
The Aquabats - Omni - Provo, UT
A water main broke, flooding the venue. A kid broke a big window in the riot that pursued. Long wait for the Bats, but it was worth it. The Bats played Christmas Roll (Pinch & Roll) and had the whole crowd sit down for Captain Hampton. On a side note, once, while I was at a volleyball tournament in Kaysville, I was getting a drink when Ryan Millar and Casey Jennings (husband of Kerri Walsh) walked up to the fountain to get a drink. I was wearing an Aquabats T-shirt and Ryan Millar acknowledged it and asked Casey if he had seen them in concert. Casey said no and Ryan proceeded to tell him what a good act they are and that he had to go see them in concert.
Just thinking back on the many My Man Friday concerts I went to makes my sad they are done...those were great days. Ska was alive and well in Provo. The reason My Man Friday was so good is their swing-ska style made for great dancing. Markham and I have some great memories at those concerts. This concert was particularly good because Attaboy Skip opened. I just remember leaving the Bread Factory dripping in sweat and exhausted. Great stuff.
4. The Suicide Machines - Youth Center - Smithfield, UT
Although I really like the Suicide Machines, this concert was more memorable for the facility than the band (although credit must go to the Suicide Machines for playing after seeing the venue). Smithfield is in the middle of nowhere north of Logan, Ut. The Youth Center in Smithfield used to be an LDS church (probably 50 years ago) and the concert was held on the basketball court. There was no stage set up, so the band just played on the court. Once the concert got going, the crowd basically surrounded the band, so there was a circle around each player (they couldn't really even see each other). There were wires going everywhere underneath everyone's feet and of course, partway through the concert, somebody pulled out the plug on the mic, forcing the band to say..."you guys all know the lyrics anyway...you sing it." Incredibly memorable.
3. The Pixies - Kingsbury Hall - Salt Lake City, UT
When I went to this concert, I was not expecting it to be as good as it was. The Pixies have a unique sound, that was awesome to see in concert. They rarely spoke to the crowd between songs, but it didn't matter...their songs more than made up for it....and they have so many great songs that there was never a let down.
2. Toad the Wet Sprocket - Abravanel Hall - Salt Lake City, UT
What can you say about this concert. One of the greatest bands ever, in one of the greatest venues ever. I have seen Toad a few times since, and they have been good, but hearing them in Abravanel Hall was an experience I will never forget. To make things even better, they played one song from each on of their CDs and then cycled back through the discography over and over again, so I was able to hear plenty of songs of my favorite CD - Coil. A funny sidenote about this concert is that their old drama teacher was attending the concert and they explained how they were on a Mormon mission and they received permission from their mission president to attend the concert. Out of respect, Glen edited the lyrics of the few songs they have containing swear words.
1. Elliott Smith - The Ogden Theatre - Denver, UT
I had the privilege to see Elliott 4 times throughout his career (DV8, the Fillmore in San Francisco, the Ogden Theatre, and at the University of Utah campus). The other 3 times, I saw him in smaller venues and was able to see him much closer than I did in the Ogden Theatre. In the Ogden Theatre I was in the upper deck, but the concert was amazing. Elliott had a bigger stage and it was more like watching a symphony than watching a garage-band artist. The Ogden Theatre is kind of like Kingsbury Hall. I remember one song vividly - Everything Means Nothing To Me. The spotlight was on Elliott and he was playing the song on the piano with incredible emotion. I loved this concert...I wish I could see it again.
Honorable Mentions (in no particular order)
Live - The Delta Center - Salt Lake City, UT
Right after Throwing Copper. Damn at Otter Creek was awesome.
Pietasters & Mustard Plug - Bricks - Salt Lake City, UT
Everybody left for the Pietasters (because Bouncing Souls played before them). It made for some great skanking.
Big A Show (1995) - Stretch Armstrong, Moonpools & Catepillars, Cake, Primus, Neil Young, Ben Folds Five, Everclear, Howard Jones, Bush - Wolf Mountain - Park City, UT
1st concert ever. Great lineup. A guy got stabbed right in front of us during Bush and then a drunk lady proceeded to tell us that is why we should never drink.
The Aquabats - Omni - Provo, UT
A water main broke, flooding the venue. A kid broke a big window in the riot that pursued. Long wait for the Bats, but it was worth it. The Bats played Christmas Roll (Pinch & Roll) and had the whole crowd sit down for Captain Hampton. On a side note, once, while I was at a volleyball tournament in Kaysville, I was getting a drink when Ryan Millar and Casey Jennings (husband of Kerri Walsh) walked up to the fountain to get a drink. I was wearing an Aquabats T-shirt and Ryan Millar acknowledged it and asked Casey if he had seen them in concert. Casey said no and Ryan proceeded to tell him what a good act they are and that he had to go see them in concert.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Potty Training
I guess it was time to start. Beck thinks it is great to pee on the potty and loves to show everyone. He has pretty much potty trained himself. Lucky for me. We have not even tried to conquer the nighttime yet. All in good time. Way to go Beck Boy!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Georgia Russia Case Study
This has been brought out in many news sources (I first heard in listening to Bob Lonsberry), but I thought it was interesting enough to re-hash. I haven't posted much about politics because although I don't like Obama, I can't get too excited about McCain either....and to be honest, I think most of the anti-Obama stuff floating around is pretty superficial (in most cases, examples of the same offense could be dug up on the McCain side of things). In saying all of this, I do think the recent criticisms of Obama's response to the Georgia conflict is valid. Allow me to explain.
In school, we were often evaluated using case studies. Case studies were basically 10-20 page documents that presented a business scenario, but withheld the outcome or solution that was implemented. As students, we came to class each day prepared to argue how the company should respond. Fast forward a few months to full-time employment. My company, before interviewing potential employees, presents similar case studies related to our industry and asks the applicant to submit a formal report about how they would respond. I believe case studies are a great way of evaluating students, potential employees, and in this case presidential candidates, because they show how the candidates might respond when actually presented with similar situations.
On August 8, Russia invaded the country of Georgia. As can be seen in this article, the candidates had two slightly different responses. On the day that the conflict broke out, McCain immediately said that Russia "should withdraw their forces." Obama had a slightly different take. He "urged the two sides to show restraint."
This highlights the stark differences in foreign policy of the two candidates. McCain doesn't put up with crap. He has experienced the negative consequences of corrupt governments and jumps to stop them before they get too far down the road. Obama takes more of a touchy-feely (diplomatic) approach. His solution is to repeatedly urge corrupt governments to act properly while hesitating to identify the governments as corrupt in the first place. In his words, we cannot "bully the world into submission". I recognize that there are pros and cons to both approaches (you don't want to be weak, but you don't want to be a warmonger), and I am not thrilled about McCain's stances on many things...but all things considered, I do like McCain's stance on foreign policy.
In school, we were often evaluated using case studies. Case studies were basically 10-20 page documents that presented a business scenario, but withheld the outcome or solution that was implemented. As students, we came to class each day prepared to argue how the company should respond. Fast forward a few months to full-time employment. My company, before interviewing potential employees, presents similar case studies related to our industry and asks the applicant to submit a formal report about how they would respond. I believe case studies are a great way of evaluating students, potential employees, and in this case presidential candidates, because they show how the candidates might respond when actually presented with similar situations.
On August 8, Russia invaded the country of Georgia. As can be seen in this article, the candidates had two slightly different responses. On the day that the conflict broke out, McCain immediately said that Russia "should withdraw their forces." Obama had a slightly different take. He "urged the two sides to show restraint."
This highlights the stark differences in foreign policy of the two candidates. McCain doesn't put up with crap. He has experienced the negative consequences of corrupt governments and jumps to stop them before they get too far down the road. Obama takes more of a touchy-feely (diplomatic) approach. His solution is to repeatedly urge corrupt governments to act properly while hesitating to identify the governments as corrupt in the first place. In his words, we cannot "bully the world into submission". I recognize that there are pros and cons to both approaches (you don't want to be weak, but you don't want to be a warmonger), and I am not thrilled about McCain's stances on many things...but all things considered, I do like McCain's stance on foreign policy.
Seriously So Blessed
Okay it is time to share the wealth of laughs that come with this great blog. You have got to check out this blog. It is hilarious and is a mock of Blogs. Especially the Utah blogs. Anyhow it will make you laugh
http://www.seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com/
http://www.seriouslysoblessed.blogspot.com/
Friday, August 15, 2008
Clap Your Hands
Last night, we went to see Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. It was free, so that was good; however, it seems that free concerts bring out a lot of yahoos. Moreover, it seems that it is extremely hip among those yahoos to tattoo a star on their wrist. Interesting. It is hard to explain, but the crowd made it somewhat difficult to concentrate on the music (not because of the said yahoos, but other factors such as people going in and out of the crowd, people more interested in each other than the band, etc.). Clap Your Hands was really good. Their music is especially good in a concert setting (great dance music). I did, however, find myself being one of those people that...well...is just anxious to hear the hits. I thought Satan Said Dance was the best song of the night.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Happy 27th Jon
Happy 27th Birthday Jon
Just because he thinks blogs that do this are soooo lame I thought what better way to celebrate than do something that he will despise. Oh well we love him and wanted to share a few reasons why we think he is so great!
Obviously he is a wonderful husband and a good dad.
Super Duper smart!!! Completed his Bachelors, Masters in Engineering as well as a MBA at BYU by the time he was 25 yrs old. That does not mean he know everything though. I at times am still very right.
Go Cougars!!! Don't worry Jon has quite a collection of very fashionable BYU gear.
Can fix anything he sets his mind too. Seriously he learns how to do so much on his own
it is amazing
Apparently Jon loves flowers as much as his son Beck.
Loves his cabin
Jon loves to fish especially Knotton or Alaska.
Jon is a hard worker. He never complains about going to spend his day away from his family at the office. Not to mention the work that awaits him at home.
Jon is a great water skier and learning to be a good wake skater. He has not had as much practice as he needs this summer. I guess that is what a home and yard does to you.
You will never ever, ever, ever catch Jon in a bad mood. He always has a smile for you.
Very politically savvy. He spends a lot of time listening to talk radio as well as reading articles. He knows a lot about this country and is well informed voter. So beware if you ask he may a few strong political opinions.
Jon loves being able to play volleyball with his high school pals once a week.
Jon has good taste in music. He likes most bands until they become popular. Tonight Clap Your Hands and Say Yah are giving a free concert in honor of his birth.
As much as he does not believe, I am sure his Young Men think he is pretty cool.
Jon has a good sense of humor, although he does not think I am all that funny so his humor may be in question.
He is younger than I but I am very grateful that he just looks old for his age. I am sure many of you have noticed this.
He had begun his 2nd season of golf. Just one more step into the boring life of a business man.
Can I just say Ruben and Ed.
Enjoys traveling and fortunately is pretty willing to go often. We all loved going back to the DR with him and to see the excitement on his face as he showed us all around the amazing place. Not to mention his Spanish sounds great.
Beck and Ira think he is awesome. Beck told me on Dad’s birthday he will tell him “Happy Birthday”. So there you have it Jon.. Happy Birthday! We love you dearly.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Salim Haman
Today, I read the news about Salim Haman, Bin Laden's driver, being found guilty of providing material support to al Qaeda. It was not the verdict that peaked my interest, but rather an awesome quote mid-way through the CNN article:
So there you have it...if you ever get caught with a few missiles in your trunk, just use the classic pothead excuse. Hey man, this isn't my car...and I don't know how that pot - errrrrrrr - those missiles got in there.
"He was taken into custody in southern Afghanistan in November 2001. Though the car he was driving contained missiles, he said from the beginning the car was borrowed and the missiles weren't his. He repeated his assertions Thursday."
So there you have it...if you ever get caught with a few missiles in your trunk, just use the classic pothead excuse. Hey man, this isn't my car...and I don't know how that pot - errrrrrrr - those missiles got in there.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Lake Powell
I thought I would never see the day that my husband Jon would pass up any amount of time at Lake Powell. I guess old age has begun to get the best of him. He was not up for another quick vacation even if it was to Lake Powell. Beck and I headed down for a few days with my family while Ira stayed home with Dad. Beck Loooves Lake Powell and was so sad to leave. He was very brave and would dip his face under the water. Sometimes I wonder what our family did without Beck for entertainment.
Alright Shipley family it is time for a trip to the Lake.
Alright Shipley family it is time for a trip to the Lake.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Signs that Your Wife Goes to Costco Too Much
Jess: Beckham, guess what tomorrow is?
--Silence--
Jess: Tomorrow is church-day.
Beckham: Tomorrow isn't Costco-day?
--Silence--
Jess: Tomorrow is church-day.
Beckham: Tomorrow isn't Costco-day?
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Best Friends
I am grateful everyday for my two little buddies who absolutely adore one another. Having them this close in age was one of the best things I have ever done. It is beginning to pay off.
Friday, July 25, 2008
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Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Yosemite
My brother Matt convinced Jess and me to drop by Yosemite on the way home from Newport. The thought of driving 6-7 extra hours with the kids made us think twice (or about 30 times to be honest) about committing to the stop, but it ended up being well worth it. We pulled in late Friday night and set up the tent. I awoke at 3:45 Saturday morning and Matt and I headed up the mountain to begin a 14 mile (round-trip) hike to the top of half dome. The hike was incredible - one of the coolest things I have ever done (although it kicked my butt...but we will get to that later). The hike begins with a 2.5 mile ascent up Vernal Falls and Nevada Falls. This first 2.5 miles is brutal - you basically climb straight up the steep hills/cliffs surrounding the waterfalls using thousands of granite stairs. The next 4.5 miles is a beautiful hike through some groves and up a hill covered with huge pines and redwoods. After 7 miles, you reach another set of brutal granite steps to reach the backside of the dome. The backside of the dome is extremely steep, but doable. They have two cables going up the dome that help you not die (although as you can imagine, some have...9 according to the authoritative wikipedia). The way up was difficult, but we managed to do it relatively fast - 3 hours, 45 minutes. I was fine the entire way up. The way down killed me. By the time we reached Vernal Falls, I was dreading the last 1.5 mile or so. My knees decided that they were done for the day. In that last 1.5 mile, I decided that I would never do the hike again. A few hours later, I was already thinking about coming back and going back up. It was such an awesome experience. I'm glad Matt convinced us to come.
Anyway, while we were hiking, Jess and Becky were hanging out at the camp spot...which, by all that I saw, was the best one in the valley. Matt booked a sweet spot that abutted the forest and a small creek. Beck and Ben (Matt's kid) loved playing in the water. Matt and I got back around 1:30 and shortly after that we headed up to Mariposa Grove to see the sequoias. It was a bit of a drive (about an hour), but I am also glad we did that. Those trees are awesome - out of this world.
The rest of the trip was occupied by a bear, a bear cub (which was rad), some waterfalls, and El Capitan. If you can't already tell, I loved Yosemite. I really can't describe how amazing that place is. I can't wait to go back. In some other life, I will have to turn into a hippie and spend a few years hanging out in Yosemite.
On other thing of note...if you ever go to Yosemite from Utah, take the 6 rather than I-15 or I-80. We took the 6 all the way from California to Santiquin, Utah. It turns out that nobody uses that highway...the speed limit is 70 most of the way and it is pretty much an open, straight, highway with no cops. We honestly went about 35 - 50 miles at one point without seeing another car. You could probably do the trip in just over 10 hours.
Anyway, while we were hiking, Jess and Becky were hanging out at the camp spot...which, by all that I saw, was the best one in the valley. Matt booked a sweet spot that abutted the forest and a small creek. Beck and Ben (Matt's kid) loved playing in the water. Matt and I got back around 1:30 and shortly after that we headed up to Mariposa Grove to see the sequoias. It was a bit of a drive (about an hour), but I am also glad we did that. Those trees are awesome - out of this world.
The rest of the trip was occupied by a bear, a bear cub (which was rad), some waterfalls, and El Capitan. If you can't already tell, I loved Yosemite. I really can't describe how amazing that place is. I can't wait to go back. In some other life, I will have to turn into a hippie and spend a few years hanging out in Yosemite.
On other thing of note...if you ever go to Yosemite from Utah, take the 6 rather than I-15 or I-80. We took the 6 all the way from California to Santiquin, Utah. It turns out that nobody uses that highway...the speed limit is 70 most of the way and it is pretty much an open, straight, highway with no cops. We honestly went about 35 - 50 miles at one point without seeing another car. You could probably do the trip in just over 10 hours.
Newport Beach
I strongly believe that I am a Southern California girl at heart. I love the beach and no beach in Cali is better to me than Newport. We had a great trip with the family. We spent a lot of days digging in the sand, Skim boarding, and soaking up the rays. Beck loved the beach and was happy to drag his boogie board along, looking for shells with his GG, and playing in the sand. It was fun to be with my whole family. Especially for Jon and I because it turns into a nice kid break with all the great help that we receive. We all have a great time together. Thanks Mom and Dad for the great trip. I think Beck will remember this trip for a while because he has me keep playing the O.C theme song California. I tried to change it to Utah but he did not like that too much.
Magic Mountain
Magic Mountain is my Magic Kingdom. I love the thrill rides. Beck may be taking after me because he loves the rides and likes to go on roller coasters. Although one log ride was enough for him. We forced him to go twice and that pretty much did him in. They have the best rides.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Companies - Bad and Good
Here is my experience:
The Bad
Citi
I have held a lot of credit card throughout the years, but Citi has definitely been the worst. Their customer service is horrible. Last August, our family was on a cruise and we missed our scuba booking with Blue Island Divers in St. Thomas (another horrible company). Despite MasterCard regulations that say a merchant cannot charge a cardholder until a service has been provided, Blue Island Divers charged us full price for each one of our bookings. I disputed the charge through Citi, and learned just how terrible their customer service is in the process. I will never do business with Citi in any form again.
GE
We have a gas oven from GE installed in our home. It is one of their higher-end models and only a couple years old. A few months ago, Jess was playing with the kids in the other room while something was cooking in the oven and she heard a loud explosion. She ran into the kitchen to find that the oven glass had shattered into a thousand pieces. We called GE and they refused to do anything about it because the warranty was only for 1 year. I understand that it is out of warranty, but this type of failure seems like a manufacturers defect to me. Given the nature of the failure, I thought GE would respond...but they pretty much just washed their hands.
The Good
American Express
Let me be the first to say that I don't think any credit card company should necessarily be classified as "good;" however, if there is one, it would be American Express in my opinion. When Jess and I were first married, we splurged our savings on a red recliner that we found at Costco. We probably should not have bought it given our situation, but we did it anyway. The day we decided to buy it, Jess and I went to the Orem store and some lady had the last one on a cart and she was deciding whether to buy it. Jess and I literally followed her around the store for over an hour hoping that she would decide against buying it. The funny thing is that after about a half hour, we noticed there were 2 or 3 other people doing the same thing. Anyway, the lady ended up buying it and Jess called every Costco in Utah trying to find the recliner in stock. The only one we could find was in St. George. Jess had her Grandpa go pick it up and her cousin Travis brought it home the next weekend. The only problem was that Travis didn't tie the chair down. He didn't make it to Leeds before the chair flew out onto the highway. Jess was devastated. Here we had spent our life's savings on a chair and it was in pieces. I think she just cried on her bed for a day straight. Anyway, a day or two later, one of Jess's coworkers suggested that she call American Express to see if they would replace it. We figured we had nothing to lose, so she called. Sure enough, American Express gave us the money without any problem. They even let us keep the damaged chair (which we pieced together and still have sitting in our family room today...just don't look at the back of it). Awesome customer service.
Costco
Costco is awesome. Great customer service...great store.
The Bad
Citi
I have held a lot of credit card throughout the years, but Citi has definitely been the worst. Their customer service is horrible. Last August, our family was on a cruise and we missed our scuba booking with Blue Island Divers in St. Thomas (another horrible company). Despite MasterCard regulations that say a merchant cannot charge a cardholder until a service has been provided, Blue Island Divers charged us full price for each one of our bookings. I disputed the charge through Citi, and learned just how terrible their customer service is in the process. I will never do business with Citi in any form again.
GE
We have a gas oven from GE installed in our home. It is one of their higher-end models and only a couple years old. A few months ago, Jess was playing with the kids in the other room while something was cooking in the oven and she heard a loud explosion. She ran into the kitchen to find that the oven glass had shattered into a thousand pieces. We called GE and they refused to do anything about it because the warranty was only for 1 year. I understand that it is out of warranty, but this type of failure seems like a manufacturers defect to me. Given the nature of the failure, I thought GE would respond...but they pretty much just washed their hands.
The Good
American Express
Let me be the first to say that I don't think any credit card company should necessarily be classified as "good;" however, if there is one, it would be American Express in my opinion. When Jess and I were first married, we splurged our savings on a red recliner that we found at Costco. We probably should not have bought it given our situation, but we did it anyway. The day we decided to buy it, Jess and I went to the Orem store and some lady had the last one on a cart and she was deciding whether to buy it. Jess and I literally followed her around the store for over an hour hoping that she would decide against buying it. The funny thing is that after about a half hour, we noticed there were 2 or 3 other people doing the same thing. Anyway, the lady ended up buying it and Jess called every Costco in Utah trying to find the recliner in stock. The only one we could find was in St. George. Jess had her Grandpa go pick it up and her cousin Travis brought it home the next weekend. The only problem was that Travis didn't tie the chair down. He didn't make it to Leeds before the chair flew out onto the highway. Jess was devastated. Here we had spent our life's savings on a chair and it was in pieces. I think she just cried on her bed for a day straight. Anyway, a day or two later, one of Jess's coworkers suggested that she call American Express to see if they would replace it. We figured we had nothing to lose, so she called. Sure enough, American Express gave us the money without any problem. They even let us keep the damaged chair (which we pieced together and still have sitting in our family room today...just don't look at the back of it). Awesome customer service.
Costco
Costco is awesome. Great customer service...great store.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Baby I
Our little angel boy who is always happy to go with the flow. We love his sweet personality and his darling smile. Baby I we love you!
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