Hurricane Irene

First of all, THANK YOU everyone who called, texted, e-mailed, and Skyped us out of concern these past few days. We heard from some very old, dear friends, and all the contact made us feel like celebrities. It was great talking with you.

Secondly, you should all know that we're fine. Not only that, but our house is fine, and so is our car. We were very blessed throughout the duration of the hurricane. In fact, for the most part, it just seemed like a regular storm except for the wind and debris everywhere. Of course, we have friends that were closer to the coast that had a very different experience. Millions of North Carolinians were without power yesterday, and a few even died. Luckily, the power went out all around us, but ours stayed on. Roofs blew away, but not ours. Trees fell, but not on us.

This morning at church, just minutes before sacrament meeting began, our bishop and one of his counselors walked into the chapel wearing jeans and t-shirts. They smiled at folks, shook hands, then took their place behind the pulpit. It was strange sight, but it was also heart-warming to know that they had been at work all morning, helping people put their lives back together.

In other news, Jackson started teaching this week, and I start my new science class on Tuesday. And perhaps most exciting of all, we're headed to Auburn, Alabama this weekend to watch the USU play Auburn University in football. Pictures to come!

Cute Kiddos

It's true that we are uncle and aunt to probably the 11 cutest kids under heaven. Most uncles and aunts probably say that, but in our case, it's actually true. And if you don't believe us, the proof is in the puddin'. Here are some niece-n-nephew highlights from our recent trip out West:

Sonoma, 1, (a.k.a. Noma) showing us she can stand.

This is Peter, 3, about to run "a hundred fast."

Eliza sang, danced, and even rapped for my in-laws (complete strangers to her, not a problem). Then she gave me my birthday card.

The same Peter, now rock climbing in Logan Canyon, asks me, "Hey Jackson, do you want to see me climb a hundred fast?"

Eliza showing us how tough she is.

Some girls are just born with "it." I'd say Lynlee is their leader.

This picture reminds me of when Lynlee was about to be babysat by her Aunt Ariel. Sarah, her mother, was about to walk out the door and told Lynlee, "Now when I'm gone, Ariel is in charge, okay honey?" Sarah left the house, but before her car had even left the driveway, Lynlee turned to Ariel and said definitively, "You're not da boss. I da boss." No messin' with that girl.

The wild side coming out.

Celeste arrived to the beach a few minutes after Lynlee and the rest of the gang. When Lynlee saw her approaching, she ran at a full sprint to greet her favorite aunt. Notice a jovial grandpa in the background.

Ahhh...

Now that's what I call a Kodak moment.

Even when she's pouting she's cute (just like her aunt!)

Can you find Celeste in this picture?

Slip slidin' away.

Playing with balloons from Grandma Chleo's birthday party.

Chloe (in my arms) and Leif (at my side). They led a gang of kids on a trail through the forest during family camp. When they all got back, Ruby ran to her mother and exclaimed, "Mommy, there's like a million natures up there!"

The Cowkids, prepping for a ride on Zip the Horse.

Ruby (a.k.a. Rooster) hiding no emotions on her first ride of the day. Additionally, this is one of the only known photographs to show my Uncle Terry's actual face. Such photos are rare and priceless.

The cowkids meet some of the barnyard animals. This here is Marissa.

Chloe Rain and Grandma Cozy shortly after their Pioneer Day Parade.

Gideon, the newest addition to the family, is also the smiliest. He's not even trying here.

Chloe, Leif, and Isaac, saying goodbye on our way to the airport. They don't make 'em any cuter!

Oh, except this one. She might win the prize. This is Sadie, born just a month ago in Belfast, Ireland while my sister Mandy supports her husband's sweet job writing for HBO.