The Grand Canyon and Train Tracks

Not much to say besides it is truly amazing and breath taking. One of the few group photos of the whole trip and as you can see Connor wouldn't look.
Trying out moms new hat, but don't take a picture of me.
There is a train that runs from a nearby town to the Grand Canyon. Connor was so excited, but nervous, to walk on the train tracks. We had told him it is dangerous to walk on train tracks, but then told him it was ok to walk on these because the train was gone for the day. He still wasn't quite sure and kept looking for a train to come.
Grandma and Braden, and Connor.

Volcano Crater

One picture Connor did cooperate with.

These are pictures of an old volcano crater (the picture with me in it) and all the lava rock below it. People were allowed to climb it until the 70's when Hollywood wanted to blow it up for one of their movies and people protested and then it became protected. You can still see marks on it from where people used to climb it. You can now walk on a one mile path below it. You can only see the crater from pictures taken in the air.

We're dying to know....

Julie and I have been racking our brains....our little globe tracker is fun because it let's us know how far our blog travels among friends and family - but we can't figure out who lives in Hawaii. We apologize if we've forgotten someone, but it would be fun to know who our Hawaii visitor is - my guess is that it could be family from Japan on a nice vacation to the islands. Am I right? Julie has ruled out her friends that used to attend BYU-Hawaii. Anyway, it's fun to guess. Thanks to all our guests for visiting.

I was too young to get to see Pele (one of the best soccer players in the world). At least now I can say that I've seen one of our generations very best, David Beckham (sorry, no sighting of Posh). I have played organized soccer since I was six so you can imagine my excitement to watch this game - FC Dallas vs. LA Galaxy. I can't believe my luck that I scored a front row seat right behind the LA Galaxy bench. I was literally ten feet from the action. Beckham played up to his reputation perfectly passing the ball to his teammates and leading the Galaxy to a 5-1 route of Dallas. So glad I had my new camera for these amazing photos.

Old Indian Dwellings

The Flagstaff area of Arizona has some beautiful scenery and rich history. These are some amazing old Indian dwellings and living areas we were able to see on our travels.

Another new baby

Here are a couple pictures of the new baby bird literally just hatching out of his shell. Caught this by chance. I think all babies come out with their mouths open. Three more eggs to go.
This is what it is like when big brother shares with little brother. My mom and I weighed and measured Braden. He has grown four inches in two months and gained 6 lbs. He now weighs 15 pounds. I thought the car seat was beginning to get a little heavy.

Natures Beauty

These bird eggs are in a planter just outside my mom's back door. Whenever we walk out the door the birds fly off. My mom was sitting in a chair by the back door tonight and said the birds flew back but when they saw her they flew into the garage and sat on the hanging laundry line until she went back inside. Don't know what they are going to do when the 4 eggs hatch. I noticed that each egg looks different from the other just like we do. Interesting.

1st Stop Hoover Dam and Lake Mead

Crazy tall bridge they are building so the highway bypasses Hoover Dam

Top of Hoover Dam
Beautiful Lake Mead
Non-cooperative Connor and Mom with Braden sleeping underneath
Colorado River at the bottom of Hoover Dam
One side of the bridge again. It is hard to tell how tall the bridge actually is from these pictures. I never realized how beautiful the surrounding area around Hoover Dam and Lake Mead is. Las Vegas really is in a beautiful area surrounded by mountains.

Hats

Julie and the kids are with Grandma at the Grand Canyon this week. So, she won't be able to make any posts while they are on vacation (I sure wish I could be with them - sounds like fun). I thought it would be nice to go through our old photos and put a post together. I realized that Connor likes to wear hats, and he has worn several. It's fun to see him grow up as his hats change. Just a bit of advice, Connor, you will be wearing many different hats throughout your life - but for now, just keep being cute!

Sorry, some pics are not so good because they are from the cell phone.

Why I do what I do....

My sister emailed me these images that are from a newspaper article published by the Rocky Mountain News. The top photo shows some Marines who climbed into the cargo hold of this passenger plane and covered the casket of a fallen Marine, 2nd Lieutenant James Cathey, with an American flag as he arrived in the Denver International Airport. It is truly awesome that the Marines took the time to honor one of their own. The people aboard the plane waited patiently and respectfully as this ceremony took place (the fallen Marine's family was gathered on the tarmac to welcome his body home).
The second photo shows the Marine's wife the night before his funeral. She wanted to sleep next to his body one last time. The Marines made her a bed and asked Mrs. Cathey if she would like them to continue to stand guard - she felt it would be what her husband would want, so they stood watch all night. Before Mrs. Cathey fell asleep, she opened her laptop and played a list of songs that reminded her of her husband.

For those who don't know me very well I'd like to share a little bit. I am a former Marine and I now serve in the Idaho Air National Guard as part of the United States Air Force. I am the son of a Marine and highly committed, military father. I am truly proud of him and all he has done for our family and our country. Mind you, I didn't feel like I was a military child - but I have always known strength of character, integrity, respect, and dedication. I may not have lived up to all of that when I was younger, but it is the foundation of who I am today.

I was very touched by these images and thank my sister for sending me the email. It reminds me why I do what I do. I am only official military one weekend a month (unless I am training). But I feel I wear my uniform everyday. I have learned what it means to sacrifice, what it means to stand up for your beliefs, and what it means to protect what you hold dear. I don't discuss politics or religion as these are very personal. But I just wanted to share how much I appreciate Lt. Cathey and his family. I don't know them or the thousands of other soldiers who are in the Middle East and elsewhere in this world. All I know is that they are making huge sacrifices for us. I may be asked to do more, too. Already I am away from my family for 8 weeks to train. When I return to my Guard station, many of my fellow Airmen will deploy to Afghanistan. I love my family so very much and realize how lucky I am to be with them. I'm not exactly sure if I have a point to all of this - other than to say "love the ones you're with, love yourself, and appreciate what you have".

I shed a tear when I read this email and starred at these photos. I remember the camaraderie and the dedication I felt from my fellow Marines, and the same camaraderie I now receive from my fellow Airmen. I am reminded of my neighbors and friends - and only wish that we could treat everyone we meet with the same amount of respect.

Kind of a bummer blog today - I'm sorry about that - but my main point is to say thanks to everyone who visits our blog as we appreciate your support. It's nice to know that you have friends, family, and people who care about you.