The Aquarium

Jamie and Rikki and I took the kids to the aquarium preview exhibit during my visit a few weeks ago. The kids were so cute, especially Sydney who was super excited about everything. She ran from display to display and nearly biffed it a few times because her sparkly shoes had no traction on the floor.

The aquarium is still fundraising so they don't have their permanent building yet, but I was impressed with the exhibits they did have on display. We got to pet some stingrays (I won't mention who in the group chickened out on that), and the kids really liked the jellyfish and sharks.

What's in a Name?

(9:40:02 AM) Jake: http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=3365164
(9:40:16 AM) Jake: Turns out 'Ash' is not such an odd name after all
(9:48:13 AM) Darin: i just hope he doesn't have 3 Ash's in his class
(9:48:24 AM) Jake: you know, that's not impossible
(9:48:41 AM) Jake: but eh, it's a good name - he'll be 'Ash B'
(9:49:06 AM) Darin: or Ashtrick
(9:49:18 AM) Darin: but we'll call him * for short
(9:49:35 AM) Jake: lol
(9:49:56 AM) Jake: Hi, I'm *, and this is my uncle @~
(9:50:02 AM) Darin: hehehe

Yard Work

We spent some time in the yard yesterday and this is the end result.

Rikki wanted to get a bird bath and it was going to be her Mother's Day present but we couldn't find one she liked. We'll keep looking but in the meantime I hope this keeps the weeds down in that corner. We also got an umbrella for the back patio. The base for it isn't very big or heavy and makes me nervous to have kids under it but so far it has stayed up. Too bad we didn't have it all done for Ashton's blessing so people could see it. The two bushes were transplanted from the long flower bed. I did one bush two years ago and Rikki's mom helped move the other one during her visit. We appreciate her help and wanted to let her know we actually did finish working on it and didn't just let weeds grow back again.

As Promised...

Here is a picure we took after Ashton's bath tonight when Rikki was getting him to smile.

Ashton Pix

I'm going to have to do the vacation story in stages, so part 1 is some pictures of Ashton. I didn't take a ton the day of the blessing because I saw enough cameras going off, so if any of you have some great ones to share, please post them! I'd forgotten how tiny babies are, and how floppy! He sure is cute though! While I haven't yet had the pleasure of getting peed on, I did get spit up on my first night at Darin's. I didn't mind so much though--it's the risk you take when you agree to feed him, and it's totally worth it! These pictures were taken at the Aquarium--don't worry, I have plenty more from there which I will save for another post!

Laughing Stock

I'll tell you more about my visit later when I can post some pictures and video, but Darin and David and I had a GREAT time at the Off Broadway Theatre tonight! I think most of you have been there before with me at one time or another, but aside from seeing my nieces and nephews, it is hands down my favorite thing to do in Utah. Darin got us great seats, and some of the really experienced and consistently funny players were performing. Alisen once told me that Duane has a "Simpsons laugh" which is the hoot that she only hears when he finds something REALLY funny, usually when he's watching the Simpsons. I heard Darin and David's equivalent of the Simpsons laugh multiple times tonight, and I was so glad we got to go together! It certainly wasn't the same as sneaking into a "double feature" as far as tradition goes, but I hope we can all go again next time I'm in town!

Ashton Smiled

This wasn't his first smile, but this morning I was feeding Ashton and he spitup. Spitup doesn't really do it justice though. He totally puked up so much. He had it all over his face and me. And apparently he thought that was pretty funny because he just smiled and grinned at me. I didn't think it was too funny at 5:30 am but he was being really cute. And I will take that over crying anytime.

Hello from Darin, Rikki, Sydney and Ashton

Just wanted to say Hi to everyone and be an example on the new blog. We were very glad to have everyone come for Ashton's blessing last Sunday. And sorry we missed those who couldn't come. Everything went well and we had a good time.

Rikki, Syd and Ashton went to the Aquarium with LeeAnn, Jamie and her kids yesterday. I was at work and couldn't go. We tried to go visit them that evening but things just didn't work out and we stayed home.

Rikki is getting ready for a big boutique in the morning where she will be selling lia sophia jewelery and selling the remainder of her Finder's Key Purse inventory. We hope it goes well for her and for me as I'll be stay at home dad for the day with both kids.

Here are a couple pictures to appease the grandparents.

The First Real Post

I think I'm done testing and ready to really unveil the blog. I'm on the phone now with Mom trying to help her get to the site and teach her how to post herself.

The idea for this blog is to have a central location for the family to post and update everyone with what is going on in their lives. I know we all are busy and some of us have our own blogs we post to, but maybe we can just drop in here and post some quick things from time to time. Then Mom and Dad, Grandma, Lois, Paul and Dory, etc. can have one place to go to and see what everyone is up to.

I'll get invites sent out to anyone that is interested in adding their own posts.