Fall Break Camping

Every fall my dad comes down from Oregon and goes camping with Taylor, Parker, Xander and me.  We've had some amazing trips over the years.  We spend three or four nights in southern Utah soaking up the amazing scenery.  This year we returned to one of my favorite campsites.  It's near Zion National Park, but it's super isolated.  It's on the Smithsonian Butte National Scenic Byway.  One way to access the site (and the only way we had been there before) is via an absolutely terrible, rocky, steep road that should only be attempted with 4-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles.  We got there after dark and, since we had been up this road several years before (albeit in an all wheel drive vehicle), we decided to attempt it in our van.  Bad choice!

Since it was dark, we couldn't really see what we were getting into.  We started up the road, which at first wasn't too bad.  But it kept getting worse as we went up.  By the time we were completely sure we shouldn't be on this road in this vehicle, it was too late.  There was no way I wanted to back down in the dark.  It was way too narrow and steep, with sharp drop-offs on one side.  So we decided to press on.  We knew that at some point the road became a fairly smooth, fairly level dirt road.  We just couldn't remember how much longer that rough part was.  We were all starting to get nervous.  The rocks in the road were getting larger and we were worried we were going to puncture something.  My dad suggested everyone but me get out so the load would be 600 pounds lighter.  They did.  With some divine intervention, I was able to get the van the rest of the way up the hill to that beautiful level road.  Poor Xander, Taylor, Parker and dad got to start their hikes a day earlier than anticipated. Up a very steep grade.  In the dark.  But we made it!  We found our same spot from the previous time.  It is amazing up there.  These are pictures from our campsite.  We only had one other group camping anywhere near us.  Smithsonian Butte is in the background.

I spent one of the night toasty warm in my hammock:)

This two-and-a-half foot long rattler was our neighbor!

The first day we visited the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park.  This was our first time visiting and it was amazing!  Such a beautiful location.  Stark red-rock cliffs. Rugged canyons.  Overlooks where you can see for miles.  So beautiful.  The foggy pictures below are from a return trip I made on a rainy day when I was down there for work.

While we were in Kolob Canyons we went on the Taylor Creek Trail.  This 5-mile round trip hike took us along Taylor Creek, past a couple of old cabins from the early 20th century to double arch alcove.  One of the highlights of the trip came on this hike.  Parker shared with us some of the secrets he has learned as he has studied the difficult training discipline known as Parkour.  Thanks to Taylor for the Richard Attenborough-style narration.  You can see Parker's Parkour here:

Some pics from the trail:

There was a big BYU football game that night, so instead of returning to our campground, we stayed with some good friends in Hurricane, Mike and Kerry Dorious.  We watched a close but disappointing game and slept in warm beds.  They fixed us a big breakfast in the morning and then we headed into the National Park where we hiked the short but spectacular Canyon Overlook trail.  The views at the end of this trail are unsurpassed.  

 Notice Taylor peering over the edge of the cliff about halfway up this picture on the left side:

My Dad must have felt some sense of power in this one:)

If there's a tree to be climbed, count on Taylor to climb it!!!

On the final day of our trip we hiked Kanarra Creek Canyon.  This is beautiful slot canyon several miles north of Zion.  I've hiked it before in September, and the water was invigorating.  Towards the end of October it was icy!!!  We all decided this would be best as a July hike in the future:)  I was proud of all of us for sticking it out.  Kudos to my dad for doing it at age 76 and kudos (or condolences) to Parker for deciding to man up and get completely drenched in one of the waterfalls.  It was a fun hike.  For the record, we were not the only crazy ones to do a creek walk in mid-fall.  There were well over 100 people on the trail that day.

Notice the long line to ascend the ladder.  We had to wait for everyone coming down to descend first.

I'm so grateful for the tradition our fall camping trip has become.  It's so great to spend time with my boys and my dad.  Thanks so much to Christi for holding down the fort while we're gone every year.

-Jer

A Visit to the Aquarium

If you ever have to get a loan, consider SoFi!  Given that we were runners up in their recent contest and won $10,000 from them, we obviously think they're great:).  But they also have periodic activities for families who have accounts with them.  A recent activity was a free night at the new aquarium in Sandy (about 20 minutes from our house).  It's a fantastic facility that we had not yet had the chance to visit.  Sophi, Lexi, Conner, Cali, Jesi, Xander and Graci were all able to come with Christi and me. My dad happened to be in town that night and came along as well.  

They have so many great exhibits.  The kids loved it and so did the adults.  I wish I had taken more pictures, but we have a few.  Once again, Thank you, SoFi!

Sophi and Lexi were brave enough to touch the snake.  Cali, on the other hand, is absolutely terrified of them and wouldn't even come near the thing:).

Sophi loved the hands on exhibits.  She touched starfish and stingrays.  So cool!

Basketball Heaven

The high school basketball season is in full swing at this point.  Taylor and Parker have a practice or a game every weekday.  They're in incredible physical condition, working hard and having fun.  Monday was as good as it gets!

To start out the basketball afternoon, our family had volunteered to staff the concessions booth and the admissions table during the sophomore game.  Xander and I worked the snacks and Cali and Jessica sold tickets.  I was really proud of all three of the kids.  Cali and Jesi had to be somewhat assertive if people tried to walk in without paying.  They had to take money and make change.  New experiences for them, and they did great.  Plus, they were so darn charming!  Way to go, girls:)

Xander loved helping people, although he was uncharacteristically quiet to begin with.  Usually we can't keep Xander's exuberant spirit and constant desire to share his thoughts with everyone around him in check ;).  But standing at the concessions window, you could barely hear a word he said to people.  By the end of our shift he had gotten his confidence back and he did great.  He served up chips and candy and drinks and hot dogs and popcorn.  Way to go, Xander!

The undisputed highlight of the night came in the varsity basketball game.  Taylor and Parker both started against Waterford, the 4th-ranked team in the state.  One of our best players was injured, so we felt nervous as we were already a bit hampered against such a good team.  But our team really showed hear!  We went up be double digits early in the game and led all through the first half.  Just after halftime, another of our starters was injured and had to leave.  Waterford started to catch up, and through the 3rd and 4th quarters we traded the lead back and forth.  We were up by three with 1.7 seconds left, but one of our players fouled as Waterford was shooting a 3-point shot.  The Waterford player made all three free throws to send it to overtime.  Taylor hit the first basket of overtime, a 3-pointer!  We went on to win 60-55 in a game that was tight the entire way.  Yay!!!

Our boys combined for half of our 60 points!  Taylor had 9 and Parker had 21.  Parker went 4 for 5 from three and 5 for 5 free throws.  Taylor had several rebounds and a couple of steals.  What a night!  To top it off, both boys had several girl from three different high schools there cheering them on, including the two fantastic girls below.  Not a bad night to shine :)  Way to go, boys!

Basketball seasons are full of hard work and travel, ups and downs.  But nights like Monday night are the best.  So glad our sons put in the effort to make them possible.

-Jer

Dear Elli...

Oh, how we love you!  Your sweet hugs, your forceful kisses, your ebullient belly laughs, your calls for Daddy or Mommy or Sophi or Graci or whichever other sibling you are moved to reach out to; all of these are part of the crazy melange of sounds and conversation that makes our home truly unique.  Thank you for your contribution to it.

On the other hand...you can occasionally make things a bit challenging.  When your contribution to the cacophony consists of an enraged scream lasting minutes and more minutes, well, it's a tad less welcome ;).  Fortunately, those times are less common than the others.

Perhaps what keeps on our toes the most is your propensity to explore.  We're all amazed by your brilliance in navigating the house without sight.  You never fear to go anywhere.  Conner frequently reminds us what a genius you are.  He is particularly impressed with your ability to dismantle pretty much any item you come in contact.  I am amazed at your capability of seeking out brave new hiding places.  (Here's a link to several posts about Elli's inventive ways.)

This weekend you outdid yourself.  First it was the toilet.  Graci was helping you use the bathroom.  You were determined not to be helped.  In this battle for supremacy, you won!  Pushing backwards, you destroyed the toilet tank, flooded the floor, and, since Graci had never dealt with a water issue before and didn't understand the importance of turning off the source as quickly as possible, flooded the room beneath as well.  Clearly, you are the boss!

Next, it was the window in your room.  I'm guessing you decided: "If I can't see out of it, no one can!!!"  Having already (months ago) destroyed the blinds that we purchased at an exorbitant price so they would be in between the panes of glass!?!, you figured that wasn't enough and destroyed the inner pane itself.  Once again, you win.  I had to board up the window.  And 5 minutes later I came back and you were further testing the boundaries...

Finally, when I came down to check on you last night, you decided to show just how capable you are at "going where no one has gone before."  (Dad's a bit of a Trekkie!)  How you got into this position I have no idea.  How you expected to get out, I'm not sure either.  But one way or the other, you continue to provide all of us many smiles and head scratching moments.

Elli, thanks for all you do for our family.  I hope you understand us every night after family prayer when each of says, "I love you, Elli!"  We're so glad you continue to respond with, "I love you, family!"

Love, Dad

Basketball Road Trip

Taylor and Parker are both playing on the varsity basketball team this year.  So fun!!!  They are 3-1 so far, with a very good team.  Way to go, guys:)  Last weekend they went to a tournament in Duchesne, Utah, about a 2 hour drive from us.  Sophi, Cali and I went out Friday night and came home Saturday.  Christi's parents also stayed at the same hotel.  We got adjoining rooms, which Sophi thought was quite magical.  We went swimming and ate at restaurants and watched the boys play two basketball games.  It was a great weekend!

Saturday morning we had some free time so we took a scenic drive through some beautiful country.  As we passed through the tiny town of Altamont, we noticed a sign at the local diner that Santa was there.  Sophi was so excited!  I'm a lucky dad to have such fun kids to travel with:)

-Jer

Back from a dip in the world's warmest swimming pool!

Sophi wanted to check out the exercise room:)

One happy camper:)

Motorcycle (too much) Man!

For years I have struggled with overeating.  I've fluctuated back and forth between 25-55 pounds overweight.  Planning for a cruise I might get down to the low end of that spectrum and then during the cruise get halfway back up.  Ah, the joys of life in a human body.

Also for years, I have wanted another motorcycle.  When I was 20 I purchased a Suzuki GS1100.  Fantastic bike!  I only had it for a few months, but what a beautiful, liberating few months.  I immediately experienced the motorcycle wave and felt like I was part of something bigger than me. I had new friends (most of them female) who wanted a ride.  I went on a 9-state, 5000-mile road trip during the summer of 1993.  Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, California.  For a large chunk of the trip my family was caravanning with me and I would alternate riders on my motorcycle.  It was awesome!

Ever since, I've wanted another one.  Every time I renew my driver's license I pay the extra $20 to keep my motorcycle endorsement, "just in case."  Since about the time I turned 40, I've started to become pretty vocal about it.  I'll drop hints around Christi, some subtle, some pretty obvious.  She has consistently told me (in her gentle manner) "NO WAY, YOU MORON!"  Until two months ago.  She came to me one day and told me how much she loves me.  She told me how she was concerned that the way I was eating was damaging my health.  We had both tried many times to help and support each other in being healthy and she had thought of a new incentive.  She said if I could get down to my goal weight of 195 pounds, I could get a motorcycle!

I was kind of floored.  I asked her if she was sure.  She figured she was trading one set of risks for a different set of risks.  I guess that makes some sense.  But now she's put me in this difficult predicament.  I can't whine about wanting a motorcycle any more!  If I really want one, all I have to do is lose 35 pounds.  That's it!  Simple! Not easy, but simple.  The first few days I was all in.  I lost 5 pounds just like that.  And then life, with all of its challenges and stresses and triggers, came crashing down around me and the chocolate, cold cereal and other addictively mind-numbing foods came to my rescue.

So here I am, no weight lost, and unable to effectively complain about my lack of two wheels.  In addition to this, I'm not really sure I would get a motorcycle even if Christi gave me the go ahead.  There are obviously a lot of risks.  But it sure would be fun to be able to actually weigh the pros and cons (in addition to my belly!) and come to a decision.  Before I can do that, however, I've got to lose the weight.

I've actually come to the conclusion that what Christi is really wanting is for me to wear these shorts again:

Halloween Costumes:)

So this post is a bit late.  But the costumes are still cute! Lots of Harry Potter fans:)

He's a Ceiling Fan!

Providence Hall Jr. High does an AMAZING job of transforming into Hogwarts every Halloween.  Lexi loved her visit:)

Lexi even got to meet Harry Potter! (The fantastic principal.)

Jesi wanted to be one of the Chippettes.  She made her own costume with a couple of fabric "ears" stapled to a  headband and an inside-out slipper in her waistband for a tail.  Clever girl!

Graci dressed up as an adult for Halloween.  Oh wait, that's really her.  Voting!  What?!?  

The Perfection of Sophi

We feel so grateful to have Aunt Jenny in our lives!  Born on my 3rd birthday, my sister Jennifer has been one of my closest friends throughout my life.  She is an amazing, generous, capable, brilliant person.  On multiple occasions she has watched all of our kids while Christi and I have been on vacation.  She loves our family and we love her!  This is a journal entry she wrote about sweet Sophi.  Thank you, Jen, for the empathy, concern and service you continue to show our family!

Christi told me something Sophi said the other day and it still has me contemplating all the hidden lessons within the simple sentence. 

So Sophi has no arms. This in and of itself is a challenge that no one with arms can even begin to wrap their heads around. Observing Sophi, helping Sophi, and loving Sophi have given me the barest inkling of what life without arms could mean to a person, but I would never deign to claim I have any idea of what she faces each and every day.

But not having arms was apparently not enough of a challenge, so she also is missing a bone in one leg which means that one leg is weaker and shorter than the other. And as she grows taller, the discrepancy between the two legs is growing more pronounced. In order to walk, she now has to walk on the “tip-toes” of the shorter leg so she can attempt to match leg lengths and have only a slight limp instead of a very pronounced one.

But not having arms and having uneven legs was apparently not enough of a challenge, so she also has severe eczema and her legs have patches of dry, itchy, uncomfortable skin that no amount of creams and tinctures can fully eliminate.

However, having said all that…the amazing part about being around Sophi is that you eventually don’t see it. She’s just Soph. She’s not “the girl without arms” or “the poor little thing.” She’s Soph and mostly you don’t even see her as different…she’s just Soph! 

And because of this, it can be easy for me to forget the challenges she must face. So when Christi told me this story, at first I, like Christi, had my heart break.

Christi said she was with Sophi and Sophi was scratching the eczema on one leg with the toenails of her other foot. I wasn’t there for the conversation, so I don’t know exactly where it took place or what Sophi was wearing, but since she was scratching her skin, I picture her with her little legs exposed. Maybe she was changing into her PJs. So I picture sweet, little Soph standing with bare legs. And without a shirt on, the armlessness of her is infinitely more poignant. So I picture her, standing there as she scratches the eczema on one leg with the toes of her shorter leg, perhaps wobbling a bit because she doesn’t have arms to help her balance. As pathetic as Sophi is NOT, this image does have the heartbreaking ring of something pathetic to it…she can’t even scratch her own leg with the solid force generated from fingernails attached to fingers…to hands…to arms. And Christi said that as Sophi was scratching her eczema thusly, Sophi said, “I wish I had a different life.”

At which point in the story, my heart breaks and I just want to burst into tears and curse a plan that makes an eight-year-old feel this way. And I loathe myself ever so slightly for any time I have wished for things to be different in my life because what in the world do I have to complain about? And I want to scoop Sophi into my arms and hug her and love her and tell her it will all be okay, whether or not I believe this.

And all these emotions and thoughts run through my mind in the millisecond before Christi finishes her story. Christi answered Sophi at the time, “Oh, honey, why do you wish that?”

And Sophi answers, “Because I had Vanilla Life cereal and I like the regular flavor better.”

And after I stopped laughing over the utter darlingness of this story, the lessons it teaches started flooding in. First of all, whether or not Christi was consciously trying to be a good mother, what great mothering skill she displayed! She didn’t jump in with soothing words to ease Sophi’s pain over wanting a “different life.” Nor did Christi start in on a lecture telling Sophi to appreciate what she already had and stop wasting time wishing for something better. (Not that Christi would ever do that…but some parents would!) Christi didn’t assume to know what Sophi needed…she asked. She probed deeper. She first sought to understand why Sophi said what she said. And got a delightful and unexpected response in return. 

And think of Sophi’s response! Think of her standing there scratching her eczema on one leg with the toes of the other…no arms…somewhat helpless…and not caring! She wasn’t focused on the eczema she was scratching with her toes…she was thinking about breakfast cereal! It’s priceless. The lessons! The perspective! I don’t really know why this story had such a profound effect on me that it is still whirling through my brain. Perhaps because too often, I wish I had a different life. But it is not cereal about which I am wishing. It is wishing for Tiffany to be back…or more money to buy a newer car…or a brain that doesn’t forget things so easily…or nieces or nephews that lived closer…or…whatever.

And Sophi’s sweet, simple, almost silly comment has renewed my efforts to focus on what matters most, enjoy the amazing life I do have, and not waste time wishing for a different life, cereal or otherwise!

--Jennifer

Festival Of Trees

Salt Lake has a really beautiful tradition every year called the Festival of Trees.  It is a fundraiser for Primary Children's Hospital, a place that we have found warm and welcoming through several surgeries and office visits for our kids.  For this festival, individuals, families, businesses and other groups donate beautiful Christmas items for people to bid on.  These include Christmas trees, wreaths, playhouses, centerpieces, and other festive items.  The first year the festival was held was around 1970.  They raised $47,000 and were extremely pleased.  Last year, the festival raised close to 2.5 million!  What a blessing for the special kids at Primary Children's.

A wonderful family we go to church with, the Weavers, have decorated and donated a tree as a family tradition every year for many years.  This year they decided to theme their tree to highlight adoption generally and our family specifically.  Our kids and their kids have become great friends over the past two years and their family has heard many of our adoption stories.  As they were thinking of their tree theme for the year, they thought of the experiences we have had with ladybugs during our adoption journeys.  (Here are a few examples from our blog.)  They decided to do a ladybug tree.  It turned out absolutely amazing!

We took our entire family last night - even Elli.  (We hadn't taken Elli on a family outing for quite some time, and we quickly remembered why.  Within about 2 minutes of entering the loud and bustling crowd, she had a complete meltdown.  That's why Christi and Elli aren't in the family picture below.  They were back in the van with Elli nursing a milkshake.  Ice cream is a cure-all, no?)  It was our first visit to the Festival of Trees and what a treat it was.  Such a beautiful assortment of Christmas cheer!  The kids really enjoyed looking at the decorations and smelling the holiday smells.

When we found the Weavers' tree, we were amazed and overwhelmed with several things:  They did such a beautiful job decorating it.  It was considerably more elaborate than we had imagined, including not just a decorated tree, but many toys and holiday items surrounding it.  We were so happy to have the beauty and joy of adoption shared in such subtle and joyful way.  And we were humbled that someone loved us enough to do something like this.  What a tribute to our amazing kids!  

The picture isn't ideal because the crowd was so large it made it difficult to pose and frame a shot.  But I think it captures the essence.  

Thank you, Weavers!!!

PS.  If anyone knows the cute couple that decided to so tastefully photobomb us, please forward this on to them ;)