Quick Trip to Africa

For the past two years my team leader at Chevron has been telling me that he had to get me to Lagos, Nigeria. Something about more exposure, as for me, I had already been there two times (2000 and 2003) with the Agbami team and figured that was enough. Well, he finally found a great opportunity and convinced me that it was for my good, plus it was an opportunity for me to promote some software and workflow techniques that I really believe in something that is extremely important for me in order to “sell” something (I’m sure that’s why I hated to go out and get new subscriptions for the ol’ “Salt Lake Tribune”, I delivered their product but was not believe in it!). So off I went to present our Teams new “trade secret” iRAVE at a company only Technical Poster Session. Turned out good, got to see some old friends (even had lunch with Barbie and Ken!) and made new ones while promoting iRAVE and our production mapping workflows. Only had my I phone which was okay cause I was not in a picture taking mood. So what you see below is about it! The Nigeria International airport. A nice walk from there to our shuttle ride.

My Hotel room from the front door. The place had some nice material, granite sink, Teak wood furniture and even a flat screen TV. However really lacked the craftmanship in putting it all together. See the bathroom shot below for example.

Notice the fine patch job next to john.
This little jewel kept the TV going (but nothing else) when the power would go out which was at least twice a day. I guess they have their priorities!

House project

This Fall we got into updating our kitcten and after a 1 week project turned into a 3 week, we finally have our kitchen ALL back. We finished refinishing and putting on all the cabinet handles, putting up the blinds and window rod covers (can’t remember the correct name) and the food out of the washroom fridge back into the kitchen fridge. Gangs of fun. Enjoy the pictures!

Home Alone. . .

It was nice to have Celeste around for a few days before she flew off for Utah. She has really been a Jet Setter these last couple of months. Today Grandma Dobson turned 76 and tomorrow she goes in for an operation on her eye to keep it from going blind. Please keep her in your prayers. I called her this morning to wish her a happy birthday and she sounded really good.

Tonight Shaunda had a party for her at her house in Draper and Celeste was even able to make it. Sounds like she had a really good time with all the family and especially Jack; she also stopped and saw Grandma Mae (Lance and Erica's Dad (Ron's) Mom), Ron and his new wife. They are all planning on going to Rachel’s reception next weekend. It will be great to see them.

Last night we had a great ward temple trip with a new record of 18 people in attendance. Brother Warr from the 2nd Ward officiated our session and Sis Mathew was one of the women helpers. 16 of us went to dinner after at the 59 Diner (done a few ward youth temple trips there). Good friends and good food.

Today at church we focused on Pioneers and making our sacrifices in today’s world. Very fitting since next Sunday will be our ward conference and Pioneer day will be over. Got invited to our friends the Allens for dinner. It was Erins BD and so the Allens did the birthday scream (see video below.)

Uncle Lester’s cancer is back. Mary Nosack, my Mom’s best friend in the Canyon has breast cancer. Two months after quitting his job, Mike (Jessica’s husband) is still looking for a job.

And now for some good news, Jared landed a job in Pleasant Grove with his old IT company. Jen is pregnant with #2 and things are looking good for February. Amber landed a job in a clothing store (they are living in SLC in the heights above a bike shop in an apartment).

The One Man Band of Victoria!

One of my favorite things. . .

North to Alaska

During the 3rd week of July, Celeste and I went with Doug (my brother) and his wife Julie on a cruise to Alaska. It was there first time and needless to say we had a wonderful time. We started in Seattle and went as far north as Sagway, Alaska which is still in the narrow neck of Alaska along the edge of Canada. After the cruise Celeste, and I spent the day in Seattle and were able to take Doug and Julie along until their plane left. It was great to see new country and to get away from the heat of Houston! Enjoy the pictures.

Lily's Day

Tosh and I made a quick road trip while Dave watched the kids - Celeste was in Ohio- for the blessing of our #12th and newest member to the family, Lily! It was a wonderful day and her are the not to flattering (but best I got - Jessica I am NOT!) pictures of the day. (HEY - I'm a GUY your lucky I even remembered to take the camera!!) Enjoy.

Some time with the boys

I conveniently locked up my iPhone and did not have my camera to support this wonderful activity. Nevertheless, it was a great time, just asks Corbin and Hayden!

Feeding the Ducks

We started off by buying bread at the store, the ducks favorite kind, cheap. Each boy had a loaf and proudly walked it to the checkout counter where the checkout lady told them how cute they were. Once we were out of the store I was told that I could carry the bread for them. We the hopped in the car for all of 90 seconds and we were at the duck pond at which Corbin exclaimed, “Wow Pa Pa, that was really fast! (Well it was just across the street!) Oh, the joys of being a Pa Pa okay a SUPER Pa Pa. We then proceeded to feed the ducks. I have a tendency to get a little memorized by this process, plucking pieces of bread, watching all the ducks fight for the piece etc. So I look over at the boys and Hayden too is memorized by it all except he is eating all his bread. I think he at more than he fed the ducks but hey, he had a good time.

Feeding the Turtles

Ducks weren’t as hungry our plentiful as in days past but we did notice several turtles poking their head up to snatch the bread that the ducks were to slow to get to.

What was that?

Then things got a little crazy. Bread started disappearing without a turtle or duck being near. The ducks were getting spooked and occasionally one would take off running across the water for no apparent reason. As we continued to watch our bread disappear we started seeing an fish mouth with big whiskers gobble up some of the bread. You guessed it, it was catfish in the pond!

This was a great find for Corbin as he had never seen a catfish before and Hayden would have been just as excited, except he was never able to see one.

Dating ourselves. . .

Okay, so this is not about what you are thinking. (Date myself???) but about dating the house by what's in it. I was told our house was "dated" because of the old hanging lights we had in it. Of course, being a man, I thought they were 1. functional 2. still "shinny" and three weren't broke! However, apparently that was not enough. They were flat out dated and hence I was flatly out VOTED! So we spent some of our hard earned tax dollars on new lights in the house. Have a look.

Moving Day!

So Sat Mar 27 was moving day for Travis and Ashley from their little house to an appartment about 2 miles away. I wasn't able to stay the whole day but we did get the big stuff and the last load on the truck And as you can see below they had a lot of good help!

KayKay's Birthday Party

On Friday Mar 12th, we were lucky to be able to host Kaylin's 2 birthday. We had all the local extended family and as you can see we had a great time. Enjoy the pictures.

I'm not sure what Travis is doing, but he sure has the kids attention!!

After opening her presents, she modeled some of her new wardrobe! I love my new hat!

Not every pink cowgirl has her own Pink COW to ride!

And a jacket to boot!

NOT to be out done Wyatt and his Snow White Slippers!

Leaving On Jet Plane . . . .

Erica left for Provo for the MTC and then a week later her Visia came in so she left for the Brazil MTC. Yahoo! She is doing well and loves being in Brazil. Here are some parting shots of her! Enjoy!