Viva Peru!

It's sad that we're not really surprised when things like this happen ...

Viva Las Vegas!

Just to make all of you jealous, I am going to the Las Vegas Bowl. Las Vegas here I come!! WOOOO HOOOOOO!!!!!

The soon to be former Blindman

Just a little FYI, Thursday the 14th is my last day working at the Blindman for a while. I may work every now and again, but not like I have been. Just thought everyone would like to know, not that you care.

My Hand

Well, just so everyone knows, I smashed my hand and now have a 2 nice cuts. They almost form a 'V' on my right thumb and they are probably 3 inches long combined, with one part rather deep, but not deep enough for stitches. We were messing around Sunday night, and my roommate Spencer and I moved a couch and in the process I smashed my hand into a brick wall where it juts out just after a long indention for 2 doors. I couldn't move my thumb for thereabouts of an hour and a half, which was also numb. I can move my thumb, but my hand hurts from just above the 2nd thumb joint of my thumb back down to my wrist. Hopefully it is nothing serious, but I may go to the doctor to make sure it is nothing more than a cut. Pictures may ensue if I can get a hold of a digital camera to add it in.

My life....in a nutshell (as opposed to a fishbowl)

Where to begin....it was a calm and wintry morning. I awoke early to enjoy the peacefulness that is morning. I got out of my warm cozy bed. Why? I don't know as I have no job, no place to go and really nothing to do. However, I am still an addict....to working out that is and so I continue to go to the gym everyday. Not as early as before, but nonetheless, everyday. After an invigorating workout, I head home, shower and get on with my busy life. Oh wait, my not busy life of doing whatever I want, whenever I want.

The only "news" to report is that I did join the ward choir. Yes, I am aware of the fact that I cannot sing (OK, I sing like a Stratton.) However, the choir director is a professional voice coach, so I am viewing it as free voice lessons. Besides, our ward choir is like a professional choir, so I will be sending invitations when we perform....look for yours to be arriving soon.

Only writer?

It seems to me that I am the only person writing on the blog. My life has now turned into a fish bowl with everyone looking in on me. Well, that is lame, so write what is going on in your lives, however boring it may be. I will probably be going out with Sierra again this week and I will see where that goes and if that doesn't feel right, then I will probably date Lindsey. There is my life in the fish bowl again.

Cahoon Halloween

I did not really plan costumes this year, too much other stuff going on. Garet decided he wanted to be a hobo at 4:30 Halloween day. So I quickly got out my felt and sewing machine and made him a hat and tie. Thanks Meggies and/or Mandy (Kotter) for the cheerleading costume. Graden wanted to be Harry Potter so that was easy, except we couldn't find the glasses so we had to draw them on.

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words!

November 10, 2006 at 6:30 a.m.

(notice the paddle tires on both ATVs!)

Dad will have to give you the rest of the story.

Arrrrre you glad I'm posting?

I know no one asked to see pictures of me on Halloween, but too bad. Matt and I didn't take any pictures at the ward trunk or treat we went to, but our costumes were exactly the same as my Halloween party last year. For work, though, we were roped into dressing up because my boss was told she had to. Season was already planning to dress up like a pirate captain for the costume contest, so we dressed up as her scrub pirates. How do I look??


PS - I went through a drive-thru for lunch and the dude asked me if I was Axl Rose. Apparently I look like a drunken, washed-up rock star. Awesome.

Compliments of Bichelle.

Ok, Travie and CJ. We need pics of yours on Halloween!

Calm Down, We're Just Beatles Songs

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Rocky Raccoon, and Lovely Rita respectively.


Lovely Rita was a Meter Maid, a.k.a. a Traffic Cop. Hence my outfit.

2 dates in 2 days

Well, I guess I am the only one that has really been writing blogs. Friday night I went on a date with a girl names Sierra, whom Mel set me up with. We went out to eat and watched a movie. There will most likely be a second date. Saturday night I went to an Angels and Airwaves concert with a girl named Lindsey. We had a good time, and there will probably been another date there as well. I don't know when I will go out with them again, but I would imagine within the next 2 weeks.

Rock On!

Dashboard and Brand New were awesome in concert. It was my first concert since getting back from Honduras, which I wish happened sooner. I also found my friend (this is for Justin: a girl-friend) there and we are going to a concert in November. I realize I don't blog all that much, and also that my life is totally un-interesting.

Calm Down, It's Just Goth Prom

Missed It!

Well, I don't know if all of you heard, but I tried out for BYU Basketball. I was on time to practice on Monday morning, but sadly this morning, the second of tryouts, my alarm did not go off and I woke up an hour late. Just a little FYI, my prayer the night before may have had something to do with it, so I am not too hurt by missing tryouts. I think that the Lord may have something else more important for me to do than play basketball for BYU. Just a little heads up. I am going to go to the gym and lift a lot more with one of my roommates and tryout again next year.

without further ado ...

I am appalled, appalled I tell you at the infrequency with which this family blogs. You should all follow my sterling example and blog more. Ahem.

The Proposal.

Scene 1: My office. 4:30pm, Friday afternoon. My boss had been hinting for several hours that we had had a long week and should head home early. She finally told us to just go home. Not one to challenge authority (...) I took a short bathroom break (for the 40 mile drive I had ahead of me) and headed back to my office. En route, I was paged by my boss to return to my office. There she stood, with the HR director, asking where my purse and phone were. She handed them to me, and as the HR lady turned off my computer, my office lights and ushered me outside, my boss told me it was time to leave. Knowing that this was a textbook firing scenario, I shifted into mediator mode and tried to figure out what was going on and what I had done wrong. When I didn't get the hint, the HR lady finally said, "There's an envelope on your car, okay? Just go!" I had an idea what that meant and with my boss and assistant trailing behind wishing me luck, I ran to my car and found an envelope under the windshield wiper that had 'Babe' written on it.

Exhibit A:





It's semi-common knowledge that the first thing Matt and I ever did together was call in sick to work and go to the Fort Worth Zoo. I was on my way.

Scene 2: The zoo. 5:00pm. I was a little confused at the clue (did I actually have to go inside the zoo?) so I called the Lost hotline. Unfortunately, the Lost hotline went to voicemail for an unnamed accomplice. I sent Matt a quick text message telling him I had a question, knowing full well I would be left to my own devices. I called the hotline again, and this time someone answered, clarifying my question. I walked up to the zoo's ticket booth that was marked with a sign reading 'Mandy' and a red rose. When I told the zoo employee behind the glass that I was Mandy, she gave me a blank stare and said, "ok." When I told her I had a password, I was met with the same response. When I finally told her the password was 'Deere', she cheerfully said, "OK!" and turned over a clipboard. I was asked three questions. First, where was I when I first decided to call in sick to work to go to the zoo? (Answer: Matt's balcony.) Second, who called in first the next morning? (Answer: me.) Third, who felt worse about it? (Answer: Matt.) Having successfully answered all questions, I was presented with a red rose and another envelope, this one with 'I' written on it. The zoo employees broke character for the first time and giddily asked me where I was headed next.

Exhibit B:



Scene 3: Deluxe Nail Salon. 5:30pm. I hesitantly walked up to the man standing behind the counter. Was I in the right place? Was I going to look crazy? Nothing I hadn't done before, right? I told the man that I had a password and he just looked at me and said, "ok." Sheesh. When I told him the password was 'puzzle' he escorted me back to a waiting manicurist for a french tip pedicure. Does Matt know me or what? What was the task I had to complete, you ask?

Exhibit C:



Upon finishing the puzzle (it took longer than usual, as I was a little distracted) the man at the salon presented me with another red rose and an envelope marked 'LOVE'.

Exhibit D:



After getting the fastest pedicure known to man (and verifying that Matt had, in fact, already paid for the pedicure!), I was on my way yet again.


Scene 4: AMC Theater, Sundance Square. 6:15pm. After driving around for parking I made my way into the lobby of the theater. As I entered, two women in the corner squealed, "She's here!" Perfect. Everyone knows how much I love being the center of attention. I carefully perused the movie posters on the wall and what to my wondering eyes did appear, but

Exhibit E:



After sheepishly telling the man standing there (the graphics guru from Matt's firm) that I was the lady in the picture, he had one question for me. Who is better looking, Brad Pitt or the guy on the poster? After answering correctly (it's Matt you guys! come on!) he handed me another red rose and another envelope, this time reading 'YOU'.

Exhibit F:



Scene 5: My car, in traffic. 6:45pm. I had a good 45-minute drive ahead of me. I normally call Matt while I commute, but I figured he wouldn't answer his phone that day. I called Lisa instead. I giddily explained everything that was going on to her and I giddily drove home while we giddily hypothesized about what would happen next. We were both already so impressed with the effort and coordination this whole thing took and I couldn't imagine what else he could do. I finally got to Matt's apartment, climbed the three flights of stairs to his apartment, only to find

Exhibit G:



I got back in my car and drove to the back of the complex to the sand volleyball courts. I jumped out of the car and walked back to where I could see Matt putting the finishing touches on the setup. There he was, with the rest of the two dozen red roses in the vase and a framed list of '101 Reasons & Counting Why I Love Mandy ...' He told me he loved me, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes. Aww! {Matt also had a battery-powered radio with him and the plan was to dance under the trees, but we nixed that idea when the 103-degree reality set in and we realized we were both miserably hot.}

He had thought of everything. Each stop went off without a hitch. Matt will tell you he came up with this elaborate plan so I would have a great story to tell my friends. It also doesn't hurt that someone told him he just makes all other men look bad! I love my Matt and love my proposal story! I'm sorry it took so long to put up here, but I hope you all enjoyed it! Matt, if you feel like I left something out, just let me know and we'll add some editorial comments to set the record straight!

Snow and Clutching

When Steve went to Idaho, he was kind enough to leave his machine with us and also permission to use it.

Justin had planned an outing to the Mona Pole trail for his clients on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2006. One by one all the the "sissies" bailed out. That left his one client, me and Travis to ride with him. The weather had been rainy and even snowy on the mountain tops but we decided to head to the trail head and make a decision as if we would ride or not. Like a little rain or snow would deter us.

When we arrived, it was slightly overcast but the sun was beginning to shine through. We unloaded and after a couple of minutes of foolishness around the trailer headed up the mountain. The Mona Pole Trail is in the middle of the Nebo Wilderness, literally, 25 yards to either side of the trail is wilderness with a posted sign at the trail head that it is "verboten" to play in that area. We were law abiding citizens and stayed in the trail area.

After about 2 miles there was snow on the trail. Having never ridden in the snow it was a new experience and a fantastic one at that. We spun, slipped and slid up the trail about 7 more miles. There were a couple of wide spots where we could do "donuts" and stay within the trail limits. At that point the clouds rolled in and it started to spit a bit of snow. Old age prevailed and we started back down the mountain. Travis was on Steve's machine and he used all of the trail and then some.

About five minutes before we got back to the trailer, it started to rain/hail/snow, whatever it was stung when it hit. We were only going about 20 MPH. We got the the trailer just as it started to rain. We were cold and wet so we stripped down to dry clothes and got in the truck and turned on the heater. After a few minutes we were warm and the rain let up so we loaded up the machines and came home.

We had snow and mud all over the machines. It was cold enough that the snow was frozen on the machines. We stopped at the local car wash and spent $4.50 to use the pressure spray to clean up the machines.

We have learned that when you ride in the cold you need to dress appropriately. Next time we will wear ski masks, ski gloves to keep our hands warm, some type of water repellent pants and shirts but we will ride again. Justin was smart enough to wear thermal underware and boy was I glad that mom suggested that I wear a sweat shirt.

The boys were in such a hurry to get off the mountain that they really didn't enjoy the beautimous scenery along the way. The leaves are beginning to turn and with the snow and colors it was quite a sight to behold. Thank heaven for thumb throttles or I would probably never see this part of Mother Nature's handiwork.

15 Minutes of Fame

Who knew that 15 minutes of fame could take so long? Three hours to be exact. That is how long it took to film the exciting "crap-book," I mean scrapbook video CJ, Mom, Aimee and I were in.

It was just an ordinary Monday and we were minding our own business at Robert's. OK, so we were actually opening and setting up a chocolate fountain to determine if it would work for Mandy's reception in Texas; where these two men came up and introduced themselves to us. Assuming they were conducting a survey of some sort, I immediately tuned them out. The conversation went something like this, "Blah blah blah, blah blah blah blah blah, video, blah blah blah, free stuff." Basically they wanted to know if we would be interested in being in a video demoing some new product called the "Cuttle Bug." It involved staring in a video (not an infomercial to my dismay) and receiving free stuff....Sign me up!!

So, last night we spent three hours filming, working this new contraption and making cards. All in all a fun way to spend our last night with CJ. Afterall she is the "crap-book," I mean scrapbooking Queen!

Say a little something for the camera.

I feel the need to do a little paragraph similar to one you might find in a Christmas letter or might have to write for your religion teacher on the first day of class.

I am Megan. I live in a cute house in Provo with my friend Hannah. I work in Orem at Access Title Company where I'm an Escrow Processor. That basically means I get a lot of stuff ready for people to close on their houses and get none of the credit. And by credit, I mean commissions. Mel and I today are starting to go to Yoga a couple times a week, which is good for me cause I got sore after running 4 blocks the other day. I am not currently dating anyone, and find it very unlikely that I will have the desire to in the near future due to the idiotic nature that is so prevalent in Provo males. I enjoy the superhits of the 60s and 70s, a good foreign film, getting away from my desk at work to go play outside, and buying fabric (much like January). After riding my bike to work for four months I decided a car was a better option for 100 degree weather. The most exciting thing in my life right now is the fact that Mandy is getting married on Friday. I'm happy for her, but sad that the singles are down a player.

I as well, finally figured it out (I think)

COMING APRIL 10, 2007

"LEFTY"

I finally figured it out (I think)

Now dont' go into shock, and NO MOCKING. I am computer illiterate. I'll freely admit it. While trying to protect my computer and my children from the computer, I managed to mess it all up. But today, I had an extra five minutes and finally did something really simple and fixed the whole thing-I think.

I am sitting at home today waiting for my new washer and dryer to be delieverd (see above pictures).

While they didn't have black, they did have platinum. I can hardly wait. We have donated our old ones to the Bishop and he has found a family that has literally nothing.

While we don't have the excitement or stories of clutching, fishing, trail running, we do have the excitement of school, homework, working, soccer, baseball, piano, scouts, Young Women's, Faith in God and Primary. If you're ever bored, think of me-I am never bored, but would love to be occasionally.

Humpty Dumpty had a Great Fall

Well, as I am at Mom's computer typing this, photos will have to wait. However, I will tell you a wonderful story about a fantastic fall. So, gather your children around. I have recently taken up trail running as a way to mix things up and to become a stronger runner. I spent 6 days in Durango, CO and Telluride, CO running the trails, camping and just enjoying to beautiful scenery. It is a gorgeous part of the country and I have even recommended a family vacation there. I ran about 55 miles on various different terrain, all trail without a single spill. I even did a 16-17 mile race called the Kennebac Mountain Challenge....and let me tell you it lives up to its name. You climb close to 4000 vertical feet, the terrain is miserable and there are places where there is hardly a trail. By the end of the trip I was feeling quite confident and was trilled that I had decided to take up trail running.

Upon my return to Salt Lake City, my friend whom I had gone on the trip with told me about the Jupiter Peak Steeple Chase in Park City. This is not the steeple chase that you see in the Olympics. This is a 16 mile trail race up and down various mountains that you can ski in the winter and some hidden single track trails that mountain bikers also use in the summer time. Things were going great, I was feeling great and I was moving fast...at least on the downhill portion of the course. I had managed to avoid about 3 spills earlier in the day and was feeling quite confident and thought I might even be able to catch a few more people on the descent. My feet were moving along at a nice pace, my breathing was comfortable, I was feeling hydrated and well fueled. And, then, the next thing I knew I was no longer upright; in fact I was splayed out across the trail. The wind had been knocked out of me a bit, my thigh seemed to be a little sore and it seemed that something was not quit right with my hand. I immediately popped up and did damage assessment....feet, fine; left knee, fine; right knee, a few bruises; left thigh, scraped and bloody but still able to function; right thigh, fine; right hip, a little scraped and bleeding; left elbow, scraped and bleeding but functioning fine; right arm, fine; right hand, not doing so well.....ok, in pretty bad shape.....aching, throbbing, swollen beyond recognition, by far my worst injury sustained from the fall. Face....fortunately my beautiful face was not damaged in the fall. So, its just a hand, I can still run; OK, not fast, but I can still run. And run I did....I had to get off the mountain and I had to finish the race because I don't quit. Fortunately, I only had about 1.5 miles left and I did manage to cross the finish line.....bloody, bruised, swollen and dirty as I was. Every guy who was there thought I was pretty tough for finishing....which I am. (But, they don't know how Stratton's are on the top of a mountain.)

Well, the hand is fortunately not broken, but it is a mess. I am in a splint for 2 weeks (only because it means I can run). I look pretty tough out running with my hand in a splint and my leg all scraped and bruised. Just remember....don't mess with me, I can out run you even if I am beat up and broken.

P.S. Mandy, you're allowed to laugh now because it is pretty funny. At least pops got hurt falling off a fast moving machine. I just got hurt falling off my own two feet (which, I suppose, are themselves a pretty fast moving machine too!)

Crash and Burn

I think Mel needs to post some of the pictures we took last night. All I can say is, we are pretty. Especially her arm and leg. Mel, why are your arm and leg looking so good?

Survey Says:

Let's go around the room and say what we think of the blogmaster and the new background...

A little more testosterone, a little less estrogen

My 29 years of testosterone is no match for the combined 121 years of estrogen in my house. My wife and my 4-year old and my soon to be 2-year old spent an undisclosed amount of money at an unnamed store with the gentle prodding of my mother while I was slaving away at my unmentionable job. As I type, I am unable to glance at the baseball game on ESPN2 as a variety of clothing is being held up and displayed for all to see. I am unable to use my phone to talk to one of the other males in my family as my sister is using it to talk to my other sister about what shoes may or may not have been purchased. Help, please.

Clutching and Trees

Trees and Clutchers Don't Mix

Sad day!!!!!!!!! I fought the tree and the tree won!!!!!!!! Went clutching with Kip this morning. He had never been up Hobble Creek and that is where he wanted to go. I went on a couple of side trails and he only went part way as he did not want to "scratch" his machine.

We took a little side trail that goes up a couple of hundred yards and in a grove of trees there is "room" to turn around. I have done it several time in the same spot. This time the right front tire just barely clipped a tree (I was on the gas trying to get the rear end to whip around. It did but at the most inopportune time and planted me square into the tree . I hit the tree with my right ribs just below the arm pit, which threw me off the machine and I proceed to do a one point landing on my right shoulder. The machine had enough momentum to get sideways and flip over but not on me. It knocked the breath completely out of me and it was very painful trying to breath. I finally managed to get my goggles, helmet and gloves and back pack I was wearing off and reached up and turned off the machine. All I wanted to do was lay down, which I did. By this time Kip finally caught up with me and thought I had staged the whole thing. Don't I wish. I laid there for a few minutes thinking some of the pain would subside. I immediately knew that I had cracked some ribs - familiar pain - Anyone want to climb Huayna Picchu? The pain did not go away and I finally decided the only thing to do was mount up and ride back to the trailer. It was probably about 12 miles. For those that have been up Hobble Creek you know it is pretty rough and rocky in places, not real comfortable on the ribs. I found that sometimes faster was better than slower. When we got back to the trailers, Kip thought I must be better as I was driving faster. My pride would not allow him to load or tie down my equipment. Yes it can be done with one arm.

When I got home I unloaded everything and put the ATV away but could not unhook the trailer. Justin was coming to fix one of his kitchen drawers and so I got him to do the lawns and unhook the trailer. I went to the local bone crusher and he tweaked my shoulder and other parts of my body. It feels better but the ribs will just take time to heal.

The machine fared better than I but it did break the black plastic that surrounds the headlights. Guess we know what I can expect for Christmas.

My lot will be icebags and Tylenol for the next few days but I assure you that as soon as the pain is gone I will be back clutching even in the trees.

Catching Nemo

Obviously Megan's threats have spurred droves of blogs from each of the members of La Familia Estraton!!

As some may or may not know, I have recently picked up a new hobby or two. The one of which I would like to blog today is FISHING! As you all know, the Strattons have never gone out hunting or fishing, with the exception of Dad, when he was a little girl. I've never quite figured out why it is that Dad withheld these experiences from us; it's just sufficient to say that he did.

A month ago, I was invited to go fishing with a couple of co-workers, Bryce and Garin. Since I had never been, I was inclined to decline the invitation and did so by saying I had never been and did not have any fishing gear. Indeed, the only things I knew about fishing and the associated gear were recently learned while my assistant scoutmaster taught our scouts the things they need to know to get their fishing merit badge. (Thank goodness that I actually paid attention and knew the difference between the rod and the reel!) That didn't deter my co-workers, as Bryce said he had an extra rod and some lures (these proved to be much less effective than Strong Bad's use of jigs and lures) and all I would need was a license. Since I was going to need to get a license to go fishing with my scouts, I figured why not. We had already spent the morning golfing and as it was the 3rd of July and no respectful real estate agent was in their office, we had nothing else to do the rest of the working day.

We headed the right-hand fork of Hobble Creek and fished for about 3 hours. I managed to catch 3 fish (they were 8" or less brown trout) and lose one lure. I learned the ins and outs of fishing, including how to tie the right kind of knot and how to cast (this takes some practice to be accurate). Creek fishing is quite nice as you walk right up the creek, which keeps you cool on hot summer days. Needless to say, after one outing, I decided I could like this new hobby.

Much to Michelle's dismay, after this one outing, I went out and bought myself a rod and reel, some lures, and other required paraphernalia. My next outing was later in July, when Bryce and I met early in the morning to fish on the Spanish Fork/Diamond Fork rivers and eventually Thistle Creek. This was a less fruitful day of fishing as I only caught 1 fish, but it was the largest one yet (probably 10" and very skinny - brown trout). Even with catching only one fish, I still enjoyed myself and my new fishing gear.

Since mutual was going to be on Friday, my assistant scoutmaster, Jason, and I decided we would use Tuesday night to go fishing. We left around 5:30 and headed to the Middle Provo River (that's east of Deer Creek) and started fishing around 6:20. It was slow going for the first while, but I did manage to catch a small brown trout (6"). Up until this point, I had released all fish that I had caught, which is a pretty smart thing to do considering I'm not one to eat things of the fish variety. However, I had pre-determined that if I caught a good-sized fish, I would keep it and give it to Dee and Lorraine, who like eating things of the fish variety.

Until about 8:30pm, when it is starting to get dark, we didn't have much luck. Jason started using worms and caught a fish or two. I continued using spinners, which is what I am used to, and finally caught a good-sized fish (a 15" brown trout). Since I had always released my fish, I was a little unsure as to what I should do. Jason was about 100 yards downstream from me, so I held my line by the lure with the fish dangling down and started heading downstream, yelling for Jason to tell me what to do. The fish managed to free itself from my hook and flop down on the ground. Fortunately, I was far enough away from the water that it couldn't escape. I realized my only choice was to reach down and pick the slimy, squirmy thing up. I learned there really isn't anything special you need to do other than put it into a plastic grocery bag and continue fishing. Since I didn't know about the grocery bag thing, I just laid it on the rock and went back to my fishing hole.

I didn't manage to catch any more fish in the last half hour, but I did lose a lure and then tied on a new one in the dark. (It is quite challenging to get the line through the small loop on the lure and tied correctly in the dark!) We headed back to the car and home around 9:45pm, making it through Provo Canyon just before 10pm, when they close the road. Jason showed me how to clean my fish, which will probably be my least favorite thing about fishing, and I put it in a ziplock bag and gave it to Lorraine to cook up for their Wednesday night dinner.

Just to prove this isn't just another fish story, here is a close up of my fish next to my ruler. Note that the ruler is a 15" ruler. You can count the hash marks if you don't trust me.

Extra! Extra!

I think that from now on, those of you who are not posting enough or using humor appropriately will hence forth be subject to mockery. This may or may not include: insulting your looks and/or intelligence, editing posts as I see fit, laughing and pointing when I see you, as well as anything else fitting the definition. Thank you.

As far as my life goes: I swim at Mel's on a bi- or tri-weekly basis, have watched the 2nd season of The Office twice in the last month, and recently my room has come to smell more like a wet dog than the usual Satsuma. This would be due to the leaking air conditioning that made about four feet worth of my carpet sopping wet. Only 25 more days until I start living the american dream that is Hannah and my house.

Clutching, quilting and jam making

Si, familia, I am quite the amazing person. I managed to participate in all the above activities in one day. I began my morning on a beautiful ride, clutching up Squaw Peak with Pops. The views are amazing, the terrain is the best I have ridden on, and I managed to not vomit after feeling sick the entire ride up. Pops chased poor Bambi off the trail. His only complaint was that the trail was so rocky so he couldn't actually catch up to him. (I don't know what he was going to do when or if he did catch up to the poor, defenseless baby deer.) And, I did get to see Pops do some amazing jumps. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera, so there will be no posted pictures.

After Pops returned me to my home, I showered and headed up to Alpine to clean the machines (I do want to ride them again) hang out at quilt camp and make some jam. So, I didn't actually do any quilting, but I did look at books and the fabric that was purchased which seems that pretty much that is all that has been done at quilt camp this week.

I picked a bushel of apricots off the lovely tree growing (and producing a plethora of fruit) in the backyard. The plan was to make one batch of apricot jam to give to a few of my friends. However, there was plenty of fruit to make a second batch of jam and so that is what happened. For those who are interested in partaking of the very delicious apricot jam, I suggest you be extremely kind to mom and me and perhaps we will be willing to share.

P.S. If you want to know about quilt camp, you will have to convince mom to blog about it!!

"Close Sleeper"

Brookie and I has a sleepover last night. I learned at our last sleep-over that she no longer kicks and shoves as she sleeps, but rather, prefers to cuddle up to the person she is sharing a bed with. Or she is a "close sleeper." Whilst painting her toe nails last night, she asked me if Mandy was a "cuddly sleeper." I could say with some confidence, "No she is not!" This information is based on our recent trip to Boston, where Mandy complained about the closeness of Megan's sleeping and proceeded to climb into my bed after I had left to catch the bus for the start of the Boston marathon. But, I digress.

So, Brookie wanted to know why Mandy wasn't a "cuddly sleeper" and I had no answer for her. She decided we should call her and ask her. I told her that Mandy might not answer her phone as she might be with Matt (or Scott as Brookie called him earlier in the evening) Brookie's comment to me was "if she's kissing him, don't tell Grandma." (She is quite the funny kid) Well, as it turns out, since I know you are all dying to know why Mandy is not a "close sleeper", Mandy claims it is because she has not had anybody to be a "close sleeper" with while in bed. I do believe Meggie would beg to differ.

All in all, Brookie and I had a fabulous time. Meggie came over for cheese pizza and a movie (My Little Pony Princess Promenade....I know you're jealous Travis, but it can be rented at Blockbuster). We also managed to eat lots of treats, paint toenails and fingernails and stay up far later than Brookie (or I do for that matter) usually does. We got up and ate Dutch Babies and finished making cards for the choice members of the family (you'll just have to check your mail to see if Brookie loves you or not) Then the rest of the munchkins joined us for a morning of swimming and the traditional eating of Otter Pops after the pool.

This unemployment thing in the summertime really seems to be working out well for me. Tune in tomorrow for my next fun adventure before finding a job!!

Flat Tire Juncion

What is this and why is it on the Blog? you ask. Justin has had his alloted time to give his version and so now it is up to me.

What is it? - A brand new RAZR2 tire on the Yellow Raptor.

Why you ask? - It is difficult, if not impossible, to drive two Raptors on 7 wheels - ummm - let me see they are called 4 wheelers - 2 times 4 is 8, if you haven't brushed up on your math lately.

What happened? I thought you would never ask... but now that you have.... let me tell you a sad story.

Let's start with the fact that the last time Justin rode he had to be towed back to the trailer, on Friday he was able to "lose" his work cell phone. Don't things come in threes? Should have thought about that before we left to ride on Saturday morning. It was a great day to ride. We decided to go to Tibble Fork - nice and close - more time for riding. We left about 7am and were there to enjoy the cool morning.

The first misfortune came when I hadn't attached the soft cooler well enough to the grab bar and it came off and the bungee cords wrapped around the axle and the cooler unzipped itself and Gatorade and Power Bars were strewn along the trail. No one but me saw the ugliness. Justin was leading and when I didn't make it to the fork to head up the mountain, he came back in time to see me doing a better job of securing it.

We took the same trail that Megan and I rode a couple of weeks ago. This time when we got to the top we continued on - albeit with some detours off the main trail. On one of the side trips, I went up the mountain and when I made the circle to come down there was a large tree down across the trail. I did manage to get turned around and headed back up the mountain. The dirt was real soft and the wheels didn't get much traction. How to get more traction? - put your weight over the wheels - how to keep the front end down? - put your weight over the front tires. The dilemna - the right weight distribution to keep the front end down (as opposed to flipping over) and enough traction to get out. My guardian angel was in attendance and the task was accomplished. I will admit that Justin came up close and personal so he could watch the fun.

On we went on our merry way - side trips and zipping along. Even a break to drink some Gatorade (shaken not stirred) and power bars. We found a side canyon with some great trails and zipped up and down around - through cow pies, mud, etc. Finally we decided to head back to the main trail. Justin went about 100 yards and stopped and got off to discover that the right front tire was flat. Keep in mind that we are about 12 to 15 miles from the trailer. Oh what fun to nurse it back up the hill and down the hill. I am sure that everyone that passed us thought we just a couple of putzes with machines we couldn't handle.

We got home and later in the afternoon, after Justin and Greyson had cleaned the machines, (we use the air compressor to blow the water out of all the nooks and crannies) I opted to have Greyson use the compressor, rather than Justin - no reason to take risks of such magnitude) Justin took the tire to Discount Tire to get it fixed. You pay top dollar for a great machine and they put the cheapest, junkiest tires they can find on it. There was a small hole on the sidewall but they couldn't repair it as there is not enough substance to the tire to hold a patch.

Here is the reality - you can buy another junk "OEM" tire (if purchased from the Yamaha dealer it is $105 - on the Internet about $50) or you can buy an after market tire. For future reference, anyone that buys an ATV should make sure they have either radial tires or 4 ply or 6 ply tires.

Result - The Yellow Raptor has two new 6 ply RAZR2 tires and there is an extra cheap OEM tire for the next time we have a problem.

Through trials and tribulations, I remain a commited "clutcher"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (anyone want to ride?)

Neptune and his Mermaids

Have I mentioned how much I love having a swimming pool? Well, I love having a swimming pool. Especially because the munchkins love to swim. They are so cute and they really prefer when the heater has been turned on and the water is warm rather than freezing cold.

Greyson is quite the swimmer and can even get a penny off the bottom of the deep end--9 feet deep. It really is quite impressive for a six year old. But, poor kid, he is the only boy and most of the time the girls (Mel, Meggie & Michelle) don't want to get their hair wet, so he has nobody to play with in the pool. Luckily, my friend Marna lives here also and has a 9 & 11 year old that come to the pool quite often and love Greyson, so he does sometimes have boys to play with.

Brookie isn't so bad herself. She is a better swimmer than she gives herself credit for. She told me she couldn't get some rings because they were at 4 feet and that is too deep for her. She then proceeded to dive and get all three rings at that deepth.....not at once, she did have to go down three time and get each one at a time, but still she could get them.

Alyssa, well, that's a whole different story. She hates to wear her arm floaties....and I mean hate!! All she wants is to be held by somebody in the pool and definitely, don't dunk her under the water. She won't even float on a raft with somebody holding her. She has been know to scream as if we were trying to kill her when trying to get her to use said floaties or dunking her under the water. However, the other day, we had a major break through....she spent the last 30 or 40 minutes of our swim floating around on a raft with Greyson, Brookie, Allie and me. And, she loved every minute of it. We'll see what happens the next time she is here.

Even without the munchkins, I love having a pool because I can layout whenever I want and have a beautiful pool to cool off in. The best part is, very few people in the condos where I live utilize the pool, so most days I have it to myself. And, Meggie loves that I have a pool as she too can utilize it whenever she wants to layout as well!

Biking no more!

Hmm. I'm not getting married. I don't have a girlfriend. I haven't been fourwheeling or to scout camp. What should I talk about? Oh, I know. My beautiful new car! For those of you who don't know, I recently purchased an Infiniti G20 from Arizona. Pops towed it behind the truck for me and even delivered it at my work! What a good dad I have. Anywho, enjoy looking at this beautiful piece of work.

News from Willie

Well, it has been quite a while since I have written in the blog, so I guess now is a good time to do so. As you already know I started school on June 26. So far I haven't flunked out or been kicked out. I am doing pretty well so far, but it is extremely intense because I am a full-time student Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and Tuesday and Thursday I work full days. I usually get pretty tired, but that is how it has to be in order to pay for school and the other things that I have to do. Even with all that going on, I still manage to go on dates. Yes, I do have a girlfriend, if you are wondering. Her name is Melissa Ray, the same girl that I went on my first date since my mission.

Clutcher vs Biker

Thumb throttle or pedal?

Having experienced mountain biking over the last few days, if there ever was a question (not much of one) I am here to let you know that I am a died in the wool "CLUTCHER"

Thursday evening, after setting up camp a ride around the lake was planned - 11 miles. I donned Justin's trusty helmet, gloves and mounted the bike he so graciously had loaned me, and peddled off to the races. After about 300 yards of an uphill climb (elevation 9,500 ft.), I realized there was no way I could survive the climb and so swallowed my pride and went back to camp to help the cook prepare the evening meal.

Friday was the day planned at Brian Head. You take the ski lift to the top and bike down on a variety of trails. Danny Barney, one of the Priests that is an avid biker, convinced me that the beginner trails were terrible (because no one uses them and they are filled with rocks) and I should take an intermediate trail, which I did. Someone had to be at the back with the radio in case someone had a problem and so I volunteered (not magnanimous as you would think - did not want anyone to watch me suffer down the mountain). After about 5 minutes, one of the boys had a flat and so when I caught up to him, the Bishop and YM Pres. were stopped to help him. He had a new tube and thanks to Justin we had a pump and were able to solve the problem. The trail was muddy and slick on the top part but I managed to maneuver it without falling off. If the beginner trail was considered rocky, I am glad I didn't see it because this one was full of rocks, both large and small, loose and buried. Everyone told me that you needed to use both the front and back brake as if you only used the back brake the rear wheel would slide around to the front and obviously if you only used the front brake the back end would flip over you. The trail was about 4 miles long with only a small amount of uphill. I will admit that I used all of the trail and then some and negotiated the hard part of it without falling off, doing an endo or having the rear wheel get in front of me.

I got to the part that was a gradual down slope and for some reason had a brain cramp and pulled the front brake too hard. What an experience, I could feel the back wheel come up and knew it was going over the top. I did the manly thing and rolled - now I know why you wear a helmet - it banged on the rocks but the only injury sustained was to my pride - No Justin, it didn't damage your precious helmet). The worst part is that I got back on the bike and did the same trick within about 50 feet. The fall was much gentler and no head banging this time. The greatest of all is that there was no one around and so only those in Heaven (undoubtedly my guardian angel (once again wondering why I continue to do "stupid things")) are witnesses to my misfortune. At this point, I took my hand off the front brake and decided that if there were any further "incidents" it would be of the back wheel sliding variety.

My goal was to make it to the bottom once before the boys made it twice and to not make the 10 o'clock news and my goals were accomplished. Once safely down, I loaded the bicycle and vowed never to mount a bicycle on a mountain trail again. This will be a vow easily kept.

When I got home I called Justin - remember the rule that you have to clean the equipment you use if you want to use it again - and suggested that since I never intended to use his bike again that there was no obligation to clean it.

Reasons to clutch rather than pedal:
1. Thumb throttle far easier than using legs to propel machine.
2. Shocks are much better on clutchers than bikes.
3. Seats on clutcher - big and comfortable - bike seat small and hard.
4. Brakes on clutcher forgiving and hydraulic, brakes on bike require correct pressure from each hand.
5. Shifting on clutcher - smooth, simple and easy - bikes - too many options, slip and slide from gear to gear
6. Much easier to remain on seat and upright with clutcher - too many options to fall off bike.

You can make up your own list - as it is endless.

Who wants to go clutching?

The Tale of the Broken Down Clutcher

After two grueling days at Scout Camp -- thank goodness for combining two troops for scout camp and having as assistant scoutmaster and a bishopric counselor willing to go to camp part of the time -- I was looking forward to a "tough" day at work on Wednesday. The day consisted of finalizing the number of clients going on our afternoon outing, buying the sub sandwiches and drinks in the morning, and meeting at the trailhead up Hobble Creek for an afternoon of ATV riding. (Hey, it's a tough job, but that's what the hired me to do! It doesn't hurt when your boss is an ATV enthusiast either!)

What a beautful ride up the left-hand trail towards Daniel's Summit! We climbed up higher and higher until we reached, of all things, the cell phone tower at the top of a mountain, from whence you could see Strawberry Reservoir, Daniel's Summit, and Wahlsburg. (This was probably 10 miles or so from where we started.) What a great place to stop and get some Gatorade out of the cooler. (It's nice to travel with people with 4x4 ATVs so they can strap coolers to their machines!)

As a few members of our party were needing to get back at a predetermined time, we decided we should head out and explore for another 15 minutes before heading back down the trail. I mounted my trusty (or not so trusty as things turned out) machine, and pushed the start button. The ATV roared to life for all of 2 seconds and died, ne'er to start again (at least not on top of that mountain). The only semi-mechanically inclined person on the ride (a real estate broker - how mechanically inclined can that be!) deduced there was either no fuel getting to the engine or there was no spark from the spark plug. Fortunately, the ATV has a tool kit under the seat so we pulled that out and removed the spark plug. This actually took some doing, as the spark plug was on so tight the 275 lb. broker had a tough time getting it off!

The spark plug looked OK (as best as any of us could tell). The broker stuck his finger down the spark plug hole and fired the engine. When he pulled his finger out, besides being a little hot, it was dry and he concluded that the fuel wasn't reaching the engine. Since these machines are electronically fuel-injected, there wasn't much to do but put the spark plug back in and try again.

I started the spark plug back in the hole by hand and then used the tool to tighten it down. After one turn of it tightening down, there was a great slip and the spark plug seemed to spin its hole. Determining that this wasn't a good sign, I removed the spark plug socket and out came the spark plug, with the spark plug threads still in the hole. (That cain't be goood!) Fortunately, another guy had the idea that the handle of the pliers might be the right size to fit down the hole and might turn the threads to get them out. There was some luck on that mountain top, as this idea worked. Unfortunately, the extra spark plug that another guy had, was not the right size for my machine!

All the same, without a spark plug, there was no chance the engine was going to start. The broker pulled out his handkerchief and cut a piece off to put down the hole to prevent any dirt or debris from getting into the engine. Fortunately, the last member of our party, who actually caught up with the group on top of the mountain and is my fellow marketer at FATCO (Bryce), had a tow rope, which his father-in-law gave him at the last minute before he borrowed the ATV.

With plenty of laughter and finger-pointing, the guys gave me a mighty push and I started to free-wheeling down the mountain. I made it to the first turn and my momentum died. I was stopped with the rest of the guys up on top of the mountain laughing, waving their arms and pointing. I got off and pushed my machine about 10' to the next downhill run and coasted some more. This continued until I got to a spot where it was a ways to the next downhill section. The broker, who was the only other person on a 2x4 machine, was the only one riding with me at this point. (My boss, David Acor and his 13-year old son, Cason, had to head back to make it to Cason's baseball game on time, and the other four guys were still chilling on the top of the mountain.) He unleashed his belt and strapped it to the rear grab-bar and I held on to the other end and he pulled me. We were passed by one of the other riders and finally got to the next downhill section. The rider who passed us came back our way (probably wondering where the other 3 guys were) and we took his belt to hook to the first belt to make the tow strap longer. I coasted down the next section on my own and then grabbed the belts for the next uphill section. It is pretty hard to hold on to a belt with one hand, a 400-lb. ATV with the other and go uphill, especially when you go about 10' and the second belt snaps in half!

Yes, the rest of the guys found great amusement in my misfortune and continued mishaps! Fortunately, Bryce and the other two guys finally decided to head down the mountain and Bryce hooked up the tow rope to his ATV and to mine. The rest of the ride down was uneventful, although, there were enormous amounts of dust that I ingested, inhaled, and that covered me from head to toe.

I called Steadman's in Tooele, where we bought the machines, and talked to the sales guy that evening. He said that the spark plugs have been known to have some trouble at high altitudes like that, but that doesn't make any sense to me. Since the machine is still under warranty, we will take it in and have them check things over.

As luck would have it, there wasn't an auto parts store that carried the spark plug I needed. On Thursday, I went to the Yamaha dealer in Prove and bought a new spark plug. When I got home and put it in, guess what happened! The ATV started up on the first push of the button!! The kids and I cleaned it up, put it back on the trailer and returned it to dad's garage.

The morals of the story are, 1) make sure you always have an extra spark plug with you and 2) take a tow rope in case you need to be towed off the mountain.

Despite the travails of the day, it was a wonderful ride and everyone agreed that being broken down on the mountain with your ATV is much better than a great day in the office!

Additional confessions of "the" addict.

Mel and I rode on Tuesday afternoon. We went up Hobble Creek. Even with a warm afternoon it is pleasant to ride in the mountains. We got Mel nice and dirty... if only her Docs could see her now. I even let her lead part of the way so she didn't have to eat my dust. We got home and true to Mel form, she insisted on complying with the "regla" that you have to clean what you ride so you can ride again.

On Friday, on my way back from Girl's Camp (Yes I attended as part of the Priesthood support (Thanks to Mel for her great sleeping bag - it was in the 40's) - Side note - they were at Heber valley Camp - East of Heber City in the mountains and one of the most fabulous camps you can imagine - our Ward was in the Marjorie Pay Hinckley Camp - the entire camp is so big that they have 36 couples that serve for six months - April to October as missionaries - #1 requirement for this mission - both husband and wife have to have 4 wheelers - now is that a mission or what? - the couple assigned to our camp - they make sure we had what we needed and left it clean - said they put about 150 miles per month (what a piker - if all I had to do was ride every day - it would be a LOT more than 150 miles per month) on their machines - I tried to convince him to lend me his machine early Friday morning to ride but that didn't happen.

Back to message - I picked Megan up and she and I went to Tibble Fork to ride. We rode up towards Midway - I am told that if we had gone a little further (we ran out of time as we had to be back - Mom needed her car at 3:30pm) we could have seen Midway. Megan got the hang of it and we made her dirty also. She was going to Lagoon with some friends and so she has a debt to "clean an ATV before she goes again" Really didn't need to clean then as Justin and I had planned to ride on Saturday morning.

Judd and I started at Squaw Peak - just barely up Provo Canyon - and rode all the way to Hobble Creek Canyon. (Think next time I may stop at the last view spot - and not ride down to the bottom of Hobble Creek - although any ride is good) You get some awesome views of Provo, Provo Lake, Springville, the entire south valley, Hobble Creek, etc. (we both commented that we need to start carrying a camera) It is a great trail and one that I think Mom would enjoy. We found a place up on top with some "jumps" and of course we tried them. It is amazing how softly they land.

Hope the shakes aren't too bad this coming week as we are off to Pahonix and I will have to stop riding the "cold turkey" method. Maybe someone can send me a video or give me a website for a "virtual" ride or at least share my pain.

Keep clutching!!!!!!!!!!!

Pops

Back to school, back to school...

I was thoroughly enjoying a night off from work and decided to check my email. Lo and behold: An e-mail from one of my professors telling me that I had to read chapter 1 of the text book by Monday......I haven't even started class and I already have homework. I think that is a bit asinine, but I guess there isn't anything that I can do about that. Other exciting news.....there really isn't any. I am still seeing Melissa Ray a lot and we'll see where that goes. I am working a ton still, but starting Monday I will have class every other day, so I will have quite a bit more free time, but not quite as much money. Oh well. I am looking forward to going back to school, oddly enough, so I can get it over with and move on with my life. That is about it from me for now. Keep on keepin' on.

Clutchers Unite!

I suppose I am just feeding an addicts desires. I finally went with Pops up Hobble Creek Canyon. I am sure the scenery is beautiful, but you are moving so fast and trying to avoid all the rocks that you hardly have time to look around. However, once we got up near the top, we did stop and had a great view. The four wheelers are a lot of fun and I can see why Pops calls himself an addict. He does seem to revert back to being a kid as he goes a little crazy on the things. The best part is when you are finished you are covered in dirt, mud and water to prove just how much fun you had. And if the dirtier you are shows just how much fun you had, then Pops definitely won!!

La Familia Estraton

Hello Party People and the Place to be:

"CONFESSION OF AN ADDICT"

Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures to post - probably wouldn't know how to do it anyway - but I just wanted to go on record that riding ATV's is better than I ever expected. I will admit that, so far, that I like riding in the sand dunes and up Hobble Creek Canyon... but anywhere will do.

Yesterday Justin, Bryant Wilson (Bobby's Flynn's son-in-law) and I went up to Tibble Fork. It is only about 20 minutes from our front door. I think all of Utah County was there but we still found plenty of room to ride. One thing about the rides in the mountains is that the scenery is breath taking. We only rode for a couple of hours (hardly can be counted as a fix and definitely not a ride)- still get the machines as dirty(confess that I am there to ride and if they get muddy and dirty... asi es el fotbol.) as a longer ride and just as long to clean them up. You know the rules, "if you want to ride again, you will clean the machine".

There were several water crossings - one that we crossed, just because it was there. I was first through it and it was a bit surprising as it was probably18" to 24" inches deep in the deepest part. I got my feet wet - nice thing about the expensive riding pants ($10 closeout specials) is that they repel water - and that was about it. When we crossed back, I noticed that Justin's back was soaked. Rather than bore you with the details, everyone can ask him why?

Mom hasn't been out to ride yet. She has a sore shoulder and wants to wait until it doesn't bother her so she doesn't tweak it more.

Hopefully there will be regular posts to the blog from other riding experiences. Hint Hint - for those that don't get the subtle hint - That is a direct invitation to come and ride with me - after all we do have two "awesome machines!!!!!!!

Pops

Um, Mel, you have a flat tire

So, yesterday was Wednesday, which is pool day. Megan, Carolyn and I have decided that Wednesdays for lunch we should spend by the pool, since I have a pool. Well, since the weather was bad, we went to lunch at Zupas. Since Carolyn wanted to hang out and chat longer, I gave Megan my car to get back to work and told her to just come over to my house after work. About five minutes later, I get this phone call that went something like this:
Megan: "Um, Mel, you have a flat tire."
Mel: "Megan, where are you?"
Megan: "I'm at work."
Mel: "OK, what happened"
Megan: "Well, I got to work and got out of the car, and I could hear the air escaping the tire. There is that construction area near my work, but I don't know what happened."
Mel: "I'll call Justin or Dad and see what I can do." As I think to myself, I don't have a car because you have mine.
It seems to me Megan, that you ran over something while you were returning to work as there was nothing wrong with the tires when you left lunch.
Well, to make long story short, Megan called AAA and got them to change the tire. Dad, on his birthday, came and got the car and took it to Discount Tire. And I am now the proud owner of 4 brand new Fortera tires. So a quick 5 minute jaunt for Megan to return to work cost me a mere $700. No, I did not need to new tires; however, the tire could not be repaired as there was the largest chunk of aluminum I have ever seen lodged in my tire (picture to be posted soon) and I got a discount by purchasing all 4 tires now, thank Pops.
At least I'm in good company with these tires as Justin and CJ both own the same ones....Mandy, you'd better get these on your Jeep if you want to be one of the "cool kids!"

Happy Birthday, Pops!

Mmmm... Cake...

Like a bolt of lightning

I always knew there was a reason I was the runner in the family.....

You are fast, athletic and flirtatious

I don't know about the flirtatious part, but I am definitely fast and athletic. (even if I can't beat a 3 year old on a scooter.)

Forget Mutant Powers.

In case any of you didn't realize:

I am a beautiful princess with great strength of character.



Those Wonder Woman underoos must be rubbing off.

Faster than a speeding bullet...

You are mild-mannered, good, strong and you love to help others.

Um, I think I must have answered some of the questions wrong if this is my superhero:

In closing, I DO look good in tights, boots, and a cape. Seriously, check me out.

Wonder-Twin Powers activate...

Thanks to Megan, I have determined my true calling in life. You too can find your true identity. Just take the Superhero Personality Quiz!

You have strong will power and a good imagination.

Whose Children are those??

In response to pictures Megan posted on May 29th...

Those poor children having mugshots at such a young age. Their rap sheets are a disgrace!

Mugshot #1 - See my teeth are clean, I didn't sneak any candy! Please don't arrest me this time!

Mugshot #2 - You mean I can go to jail for not eating!!! ( her mother claims she really does eat and this is just an especially bad picture making her appear anorexic! See new picture)

Mugshot #3 - Yep! I did it. I'm a smarty pants and even though I'm going jail, it was worth it, because I know everyting!

Thankyou Megan - I have learned my lesson and will be sure to post the cutest pictures I can find of my kids so we don't all have to be frightened by horrific mugshots of them!

Another Blog-irific Post

Apparently people feel that I should post pictures of my children and also tell about significant things that happen in our lives. Thus, I decided I should post a picture from last Sunday when we blessed Tori.

If I had any pictures of me at the golf course, either of the two times I went this week, I would post those as well. (This would be done with the intent to make everyone with a normal job where they sit in an office jealous.)

Just for good measure, I am adding one more picture of "Queen Victoria".

And the train, train, train came down, down, down.

I enjoy riding the train. I am constantly wishing that Utah had a subway so I could ride it everywhere. It makes people watching so convenient. Well, some of you will recall riding Trax together when the coppers came in to check for tickets. Gary didn't have a ticket but he did have the notion that he could buy one once he got on. Mister policeman asked him for his ticket and when he didn't have one, escorted him off the train at the next stop. It wasn't quite so dramatic as everyone on the blimp thought when Indiana Jones threw that Nazi off, but the Cahoons were a bit upset about it and it was a little tragic when the doors wouldn't open for Christen to get off and join her husband. But, no need to worry. Seeing how it was Gary's first offense and he was visiting from out of town the cop let him off with purchasing a ticket and catching the next train. Our ploy to kick Gary out of the family once and for all was a total bust.

Oh, and January brought up a good point last night while reading all the little signs and rules on the walls of the train. Why is it that public place don't require that you wear pants? Perhaps if they did, there would be more people trying to defy the rules.

Welcome to a little thing I call the Internet

Wow, now we can share all sorts of fun things with each other which we couldn't previously share.

Pictures of the babies.

Kaytlin after her award-winning performance.



















And this random picture of a flower, which if it is a pansy is amazingly tough (thanks mom for that piece of knowledge). Yes, the internet my friends - Thanks Al Gore.

Yeah for computers!

Here I am, blogging on my new laptop that i got at Mother's Day (not for just near it.) We also finally found my other computer on Saturday! It was in a box NOT marked computer but we fooled the movers and found it anyway! We had a visit from my brother Steve and he and Dad had fun riding in the almost dunes out towards Delta. Then he went with Justin the next day no doubt to celebrate Travis's birthday and Kaytlin's dance recital. I still haven't gone but plan to sometime soon. Do you think I can be a clutcher? We'll see. Monday for Memorial Day we had all the fam over and Kip and Connie and Steve and Trashley came and Josh brought his friend Melissa and we invited some neighbors down the street. It was a lovely time and we made root beer ice cream and some yummy chocolate as well. Good times. Mel is helping me fulfill my calling in YW but helping me get supplies and stuff. It is fun to have her close and to be able to do lots of things with her. We see Josh and Justin and Megan at least once a week for Sunday dinner and that is always fun. Since we have Justin's trampoline set up in our yard, we see them oftener and we love having the kids come by with Michelle, too. We were sad to miss the dance recital and miss the girls and Travis (you're a girl we miss too Aimee!) and having Mandy in our ward and hearing from her lots. I hope we live close to everybody in heaven! CJ and family come on Sunday and Justin will bless Victoria! Yeah!

Enjoy!

If Justin won't post pictures of his kids, I will. Doesn't Lyssa look like Boo?

Blog-what?

I don't want to be left out of this whole blog-thing, so here is my blog to let everyone know that I have finally taken the time to login. BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, BLOG, and BLOG! It's now official, I've posted my first blog.

Optimization

Optimization: the procedure of procedures used to make a a system or design as effective or functional as possible. What a fantastic word!?! Doesn't it just sound great? Wouldn't you like to have everything in your life "optimized." Well, if you work in the pharmaceutical industry, you know that "optimization" is just a fancy way of saying, "Your services are no longer required by our organization. We have hired a very expensive consulting firm located on the east coast to determine just how much respiratory business there is across the country and exactly how many territories there should be in our company. Unfortunately, we regret to inform you (& yes, I do believe those are the exact word they used) your territory will no longer be in existence and therefore, you have been displaced." Isn't that just a nice way of telling someone they are no longer employed. It's like deja vu all over again.
Oh yea, the best part is, I'm expected to work through July 31 after which time I will receive my severance package. Unless, of course, there is a territory I am interested in relocating to. But, I won't have any of those details until tomorrow. What a fun way to spend a Wednesday. Happy Hump day to me!

La Familia Estraton

Well, I guess I should spill a little bit about me right now. Recently I met a girl named Melissa Ray from Tennessee. I met her on Friday night at a ward activity. I just got back from 4-wheeling with Justin and Dad. I got back just in time for people to head over to the activity. There were 4 people going into a small truck, so I offered to take some people. The only person to come with me was Melissa. I saw her before and wanted to get to know her, and I got the chance. After winning some guesstimate thingy at the activity, Melissa and I were going to hike the Y with some other people, but we got tired of following them, so we went by ourselves. We got to the Y and sat there and talked for just under 2 hours. We finally decided to come back down and came back to the Riviera. We watched a movie at midnight until 2:30 am or so. Then Saturday afternoon we went on a "date." We went out to lunch to Zuppa's, a place she told me about Friday night. We then played mini-golf where I only beat her by 3. She got 2 holes-in-one to my none. On the way back from mini-golf we went and bought Batman Begins and watched that. By the time we finished that, it was 7pm and she had some other plans for that night. I have seen her and talked to her everyday since Friday, but not the same amount of time I spent with her on Friday and Saturday. Well, that is what is going on in my life and that is probably the most exciting thing that has happened since I have gotten off my mission.

Deal or No Deal?

For the cheapskate, bargain hunter and deal finder in all of us, I have found the greatest web site in existence. One deal, one item for one 24 hour period or until it's sold out (whichever comes first). I'm sure that there is crap that we would never want; however there is bound to be an item that you're dying to have and can't live without. So, if you want a great deal on some cool stuff (sometimes), just visit woot.com and see if you are interested in what they've got. But visit early in the morning, because they do sell out and you certainly don't want to be the only loser in the Stratton clan without the coolest gadget and the best price.

Guinness worthy? Not quite.

I just wanted to let everyone know that I myself will be setting a personal best this weekend. I am going on two dates. Woot.

Is that a niner?

The lottery has been held and my luck continues to hold out. I have been accepted to the St. George Marathon for the 9th time. One more and I am in the 10 year club and don't have to worry about the stinkin' lottery. And, even better, that d*** Julie Thomas didn't get in, so there is a chance for me to do well in my age division. (If you want to know who she is, you'll just have to ask me) All are invited to support and cheer me on. Will it take me 45 minutes to lay out all me gear for the marathon? Will I wear the yellow or the red shoes? Will I get my PR? Will I once again be "elited"? These are questions that we cannot answer until October 7th. Again, all are invited to learn the answers to these life altering questions. But, more importantly there will be a huge feeding fest when the race is over and my "no sugar" diet is complete. (Just ask Meggie about the feast in 2002)

Hola

Just a quite note so everybody knows about me. I am in my apartement off campus and I am working 50+ hours a week and have no personal life. That is it and I will talk to y'all later with more exciting news from me.

Viva Peru!

Family: I was looking in my notebook that I have been keeping all my moving to-do lists and found in the front something everyone might be interested in. It's the notes I kept from our trip to Peru almost 3 years ago, complete with random quotes. For your reading pleasure, I will transcribe my notes, by day, into this here blog. Sorry I don't have any pictures with me to add. Maybe later.

Friday June 27:
travel to Lima
"where are we? Sonic?"
speed walk to Chick-fil-A
"do you think we're too loud?"
Miami airport = death maze
painting fingernails
"Hey, how about everyone but Man & Meggs get upgraded?"
"She can fly out tomorrow." "No, she can't."

Saturday June 28:
bowling at Larco Mar
Inca Market
Josh's graduation - Dad's ribs
dinner @ La Carreta - me and my blanket

Sunday June 29:
church @ Surquillo casa capilla
crepes for dinner
"Mom, how many zips does it have left?" apparently 3, Judd

Monday June 30:
horseback riding on dunes & beach - named horses, Juddy almost got bucked, traded horses with Dad (P&V)
lunch @ McD's delivery
Center of Lima driving tour
Catacombs - running through the pigeons & our tour group
Silver Factory tour
Inca Market - pendants anyone?
spraying clothes/prepare to leave
can Meggs fit in a suitcase? Yes, she can!
"Mine's got a twitch"
"These are the hills?" (sand dunes)

Tuesday July 1:
fly out to Cusco/Puerto Maldonado
moto-taxis to office - Trav almost got to drive!
boat ride to Corto Maltes - sang songs
lunch - HOT
Pepe the talking parrot
hike into jungle - plants, trees, "follow me, follow me", walking palm, "standup, standup", medicinal plants, bridges, swing on vine (Tarzan-style)
cayman hunting river trip: caught Jorge - 12 kg
ROUSH = capoeira (?) -- Dad thought they were hippos
tarantulas
dinner & plan for WTT '04
saw Southern Cross & stars - Meggs and I tried to take a picture
sleeping in mosquito nets & bungalows

Wednesday July 2:
bird watching @ 6am - parrots & parakeets
Pepe & Laura Loca
Monkey Island - 4 kinds
Hike to Sandoval Lake
fish for piranhas - Willie caught one - Dad wanted to use Pepe for bait
black cayman - Oscar
dinner - ate our piranha
Catch Phrase - could hear us at the other end - "pig"
"does anyone feel like they're rocking?"
"it's gut check time!"
"girls rule and boys drool!"
"Hey, Charlie, pull me!" (Dad)
"Otro chiste?"
"Jungle, path, gate, bungalow!"
the pre-emptive apology

Thursday July 3
left Corto Maltes - pushed off without me, Mel, Meggs
travel to Cusco
Saqsaywaman & our impromptu tour guide
"Hermana Borracha hit me with her car!"

Friday July 4
travel to Aguas Calientes - train - we got on by the side of the road - "I miss Pedro"
Hot Springs - "that's $1.64 in my pocket!"
dinner at Inka Wasi - sat on cat skins
walked in town - Dad tried to bargain for water & when he couldn't, told the guy he was going to sell water cheaper in front of his store
Catch Phrase - "General .... Electric!" (Mom); actually got the word 'pig'; Mom's the CP Nazi; lots of candy;
"hold on two minutes"

Saturday July 5
Machu Picchu - AWESOME (cuyo=queen, temple of Sun, 4 temples, Southern Cross rock, temple (disco)
Huayna Picchu - all but Mom; 1 hour up, 40 minutes down; spiderman at top
train to Cusco - fashion show (yikes)
dinner @ hotel; Meggs told 'go to the nurse' story; Dad "borrowed" bread for Michelle
"Alright, Already!", "You're halfway there!"
Dad - met with 1st member in Cusco & took pictures -- so excited he ran
"I'll kick you out by the scruff of your neck!"
"Don't worry, Michelle, we'll make a circle around you"
"Michelle needs to eat"
"drink more water"

Sunday July 6
travel to Lima
church in La Molina - dang translator thingies
Josh's ordination - "Marzipan!"
dinner - McD's delivery
Mom, Dad, CJ, Judd & Michelle leave
"Blah, blah, blah, I'm a dirty tramp"
"my hand ... it's stuck ... it won't move!"
Trav in Aimee's sweater ... enough said
our favorite bellboy
"Does anyone want these crackers & jam?"

Monday July 7
travel home
"bread out of reconstituted pinto beans? do you put salsa on it?"
Peruvian lady at passport control .... & boarding ... & on the plane
"What's in the cooler?" "Crackers." "How many?"

And thus ends the DWWT '03 memoir. I hope you guys know what some of that means, because I'm lost on a lot of it!