Andrea's Birthday!

I got a new hair cut for my birthday! Ben said I needed something to help show off my new style, so he surprised me with this adorable dress! I love the dress, but I'm concerned that it makes me look too young. Any thoughts? Feel free to leave me some comments.

Check out my new sunglasses! It took me forever to find a comfortable and cute pair.

New Piano

Thanks to Rodger and Jennifer for letting us take this beautiful piano off their hands. This particular piano has been played by at least 3 generations of exceptional pianists including Grandma Louise, my mom, and Joanie. (I practiced on it as a kid too, but I don't fit the 'exceptional' category when it comes to piano playing skills). Anyway it's a welcome addition to our home, and Andrea is thrilled to finally have a real piano to play.

Chris, Melanie, and Julia Come to Visit

This weekend we were privilaged to have Chris, Melanie, and Julia over to visit. We grabbed some dinner at Applebee's then went to the BYU vs. Utah gymnastics meet. It was a lot of fun watching Julia cringe every time the band played the Utah fight song.

The next morning it was a little cool out but Chris challenged me to a tennis match so we went to a nearby park and had at it. I'm not sure what the final score was but I may not have won. Chris has got skills.

Mr. Fix-it

Here's the story of how a small leak turns into a big project. Pictured below is an innocent looking pipe...

Followed by a not so innocent gaping hole in the wall...
One day it decided it was going to start leaking all over our living room ceiling. So in an effort to keep mold from growing inside our walls, I cut a nice big hole in the ceiling.

Getting that sheetrock piece to fit in that 2' x 2' hole was a nightmare!

This hole is finished, all it needs is some sanding and a coat of paint.

Foutunately we have some friends who taught me how to repair drywall. So here I am, reparing drywall.

Don't I make it look easy? The drywall mud has to set for a little while then I can finish up the job and Andrea can have her house back in order. Ahh home ownership...living the dream baby.

U of U Football Game

Ben and I went to a University of Utah game yesterday with his co-workers. Even though we are BYU fans, we had a good time. The Utes played San Deigo State University and they beat them 38 to 7. Ben brought a radio and ears phones to check up on the BYU - Airforce game. BYU also won 38 to 21. Go Cougars!!

Julia's Birthday Bash!

Julia celebrated her 19th Birthday with us this year. We offered to make her favorite dinner and she wanted tacos like mom and dad make, fried in oil! I had never fried tortillas before but how hard could it be right?













Well it wasn't that hard really. Once you get the folding technique down that is. It just took a long time. And no I didn't burn the house down. All together we made 25 tacos and Andrea prepared a rice pilaf with black beans.













Next it was time to light the candles. We didn't get a real good picture of it, but these are sparkler candles that are nearly impossible to blow out.













But with a huff and a puff...













Julia got them all out, and again, no I didn't burn the house down!

Our Chico Vacation

Here are a few pictures from our trip to Chico and a short trip to see Joanie and her kids in Eureka.