4th of July

This year Independence Day fell on a Saturday which gave us the entire day to enjoy a few family activities.




First we took part in the neighborhood pancake breakfast and parade. A few of the local firefighters showed up with their firetruck to lead the parade through the streets past our house. We followed in our bike and trailer.



The firefighters then took turns hosing off the kids and gave us a chance to do the same.



Tristan got to sit in the firetruck with his friend Tony.




That afternoon we got to participate in a time honored tradition that most proud Americans keep during the holidays. We went to the movies and saw Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. It was great!




Later that night we drove to Sugarhouse Park to watch what may be the last year of a state funded fireworks show. We arrived 10 minutes before the show, found a great spot on top of the big hill and enjoyed a $27,000 spectacular display. We then high tailed it out of there so we wouldn't get stuck in the crowd and went home to light off sparklers.

New Ride

After Lily's car was totalled in a head on collision this past month, I decided it was time to get back to basics. So I dusted off my old mountain bike, put the "slicks" back on the tires, and started a routine of riding my bike the 4 miles each way to work.

Thank goodness the weather has been cooperating and work is not too far away. I had bought a road bike last year, which I have so far put on over 900 miles, but decided that it is too fancy to ride to work. So the mountain bike will do just fine. Tristan is so excited about riding the bike that his Aunt Gabby bought him that he has asked everyone to help him learn to ride it, including his Abuelito.

So hears to good weather and determination to ride for as long as I can. We'll wait to see if I feel any different come winter time.

Happy Father's Day

The family convened at mom and dad's house this year to celebrate fatherhood. And as usual we enjoyed it potluck style. There were such delights including a tasty stir fry dish from Nate and Ashley, and Jennifers chicken & rice. I made a potato & bacon Au Gratin dish with pepper jack cheese, and there were the usual delights ranging from Betty Crocker to Frito Lay, as is tradition with our potlucks.

Mom was away in The Ozarks helping Aunt Sharon with their aging parents. We were able to "Skype" them using the internet and webcam. It was great to be able to see them.

To finish off the evening we held a "America's Got Talent" style competition to showcase the unusual talent in our family. Dad demonstrated his Mr. Roboto dance skills while Micheal showed off how strong his new denture glue is by holding a child with his teeth. Jeremy was rendered speechless by these amazing displays of talent and judged it a tie. Better luck next year!