THE BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

So this morning Corey and I were in my truck waiting for Mike to get in, as he climbed in we were instantly struck with a powerful blow from behind. This however was not a typical blow by a hand or fist it was far worse, we were struck by a wave of gut churning stench. After overcoming the nausea I quickly recognized the smell and realized that Mike had been eating Kipper snacks (canned fish)for breakfast. Although he had completely finished eating before entering the truck, the smell stuck to him and my truck reeked of fish. After riding for a few miles with the windows down we could no longer tolerate the cold and had to roll them up and breath in the toxic fish fumes, the smell stayed in my truck till noon.
Although I don't condemn the eating of canned fish, I definitely disapprove of them being eaten before sunrise. Mike said that he was planning on eating a can in my truck but thought it would make me mad (I don't know what would make him think that)so he left the opened can in his car all day. Mike has been known to eat some nasty things for breakfast (like chili cheese hot dogs) but this one definitely takes the cake.

More Christmas Fun

Here are some pics of some other Christmas activities we have been doing lately

My Hot Cocoa Quest!

This season I have been on a quest to find the worlds greatest cup of hot cocoa. We purchased a "coco latte" machine that whips and heats your hot chocolate I highly recommend buying one. There is a little store in AF that says "worlds best hot chocolate" I wanted to go in and congratulate them for having the worlds best hot chocolate and leave, but I decided to try it, although very delicious it was not the Worlds greatest. I have also been making my own varieties from scratch or pre made powder, all are very delectable but I still haven't found that perfect cup. I will report back with any new findings.

Last night we went to Lindon to see the Holdman Family lights. This family does an insane display each year it is synchronized to music that you can tune in to on your radio. Beats the Griswalds hands down. Very cool!
On Monday we went to Temple Square to check out the lights.

I love this pic. I cant believe how many lights they put up. Each tree is completely wrapped from top to bottom in lights. I would hate to be the guy who has to unwrap that thing I would probably just cut down the tree it would be easier.

Afterwards we took the kids to the Red Iguana to eat. There was a huge line and we had to wait a while to get in.

Is it just my kids, or do all kids like to dip tortilla chips in their water? I guess if the salsa is to spicy you must improvise, after all you cant eat them dry.

Laura, notice Aiden doing the water dip. Wouldn't that make your water very salty?

It seems like whenever we go to a restaurant we are always sat in a table near the door where it is drafty and cold. We lucked out this day but there were tables literally 3 feet from the door and there were so many people coming and going that the people had to wear their coats the whole time.

The worst place to sit in a restaurant is 1.By the door, its cold and drafty. 2.Near the Restrooms high traffic, your trying to eat I don't want to think about what those folks are about to do while I'm eating, did he wash his hands?. 3.Near the waiting area, feels like having a picnic in the middle of the mall and everyone is watching you eat. 4.By a family with a screaming baby that wont shut up.(we have been that family before) 5.Next to the loud and proud guy who thinks he is the bomb diggity and is trying to pick up on the waitress the whole time by using crude cliche sexual jokes (happened to us last week in Midway)

MIDWAY, UTAH

Last week Laura and I went to the Zermatt resort in Midway for a weekend getaway. My parents watched after the youngins while we were away.

We stayed for two nights our package included meals and an hour massage which was very relaxing. We also ate at one of my favorite Restaurants The Blue Boar.

Here is Charly at my parents we have been working hard to help my dad with his hardwood floor in the addition, it turned out awesome. I even showed Laura how to use the saw so she could cut the planks while I nailed them in.

Oh Christmas Tree

The Quest for the perfect tree

Each year we have a tradition of harvesting our own Christmas Tree in Spring City Canyon with my Family. Here are some pics from this year.

The roads were nice and snowy. Dad almost got his truck stuck while turning around. It was funny to watch him freak out trying to get out, almost get stuck again, freak out some more, almost hit a tree then finally get out. The truck said 50 MPH but his actual speed was 3 MPH.
This year we brought the 4 wheeler which also came in handy for transporting everyone (at the same time). Good thing I tore off the sticker that said "No Passengers"

Pulling the kids on the disc Clark Griswald makes it look so easy!

Aiden invented a new trick the "Reverse Snow Angel" this is nice because by doing it this way you can identify the gender of the angel.

"Say Cheese" Mom, Dad, Laura and Charly Girl. Laura made sure Chard was completely covered from head to toe in pink.

Clinton and his pal Aiden.

That's me getting Clints tree a 4 foot beauty! Perfect for a college apartment.

Dad and Char. Sweet beanie I thought he looks like an old school submarine operator. Laura says he looks like the dad on Petes Dragon. I was right.

Clint with his sweet tree.

After 3 prospective trees we finally (after much deliberation) found one.

Have you ever seen pics of hunters haulin' out there deer or elk on there ATVs well I think this is as close as I will ever get.

It took us 3 days to put it up because we threw our stand away last year and everywhere was sold out of new ones so Laura searched high and low finding one at a smiths in Highland. It was a piece of crap broke when I was tightening the screws, righty tighty lefty loosy?

Every year Aiden and I are in charge of putting the lights on the tree. I finally realized after doing it so many times that it is not because I do such a good job but rather that it is a really sucky job to have to do, but I still like it.

Charly doin her part. You can tell which ornaments Charly put up because they are all in a close group about 2 feet off the floor. The Santa Claus is such a good movie.

Nice dance hun, your celebrating a bit early we still have to put up the angel.

Char was standing on a chair putting up decorations when she fell forward through the tree branches and straight to the floor knocking down the cluster of balls that she previously hung, good thing they were plastic. I was a little late taking the picture I just got the end when she was whimpering to her mom.

After I took about 5 pictures of the kids I finally got a good one.

By the time we transported the tree from the canyon to our house some of the branches were broken leaving the tree a bit asymmetrical and misshapen kind of like the trees on the Grinch who stole Christmas

Ahh, finally done I like to look at it, its shiny and sparkly.

MICROWAVE MAYHEM

So the other day Laura was visiting with me while I was getting cleaned up and dressed when Aiden came in announcing that he had a small fire problem but he had taken care of it. When we went to investigate we found the remains of a burned up paper towel and an undetermined rubber like item that had been completely melted. We asked him what the heck he was doing and he said he had microwaved the plastic handle from Charlys toy microphone. It was very considerate of him to use a paper towel to keep the melted plastic from messing up the microwave. He also told us that he turned on the hood fan to extinguish the flame, quick thinking! (but ineffective) It was to funny to get mad.

THANKSGIVING 2009

This year it was our year to go to the Beardalls for thanksgiving. Here are a few pics.

Hurry up with that Turkey I've been anticipating this meal for months.

Wow that's a lot of people, I hope there is enough food.

Whats this you ask? well this is the perfect dinner roll, and its creator Marc.

My Laura getting her grub on.

I'm glad I don't have to clean up! Mmm that roll looks good.

Aiden, Keyton, and Conner trying to play on the computer.

Charlittle and Ash climbing all over the Beardalls beloved antique piano, someone should get them down, oh well.

Who has time for a nap? After dinner all the real men went and played paintball.

After loading down with turkey and countless rolls what better activity than paintball! Me, Marc, and Cole getting ready for some sweet action.

Marc, Cole, Me, and Nick. Korey came to but had to leave early for work.

We spent an hour building a sweet course and by the time it was done it was to late to play. It was one sweet course I wish you could see it unfortunately I sent my camera home with Laura.

Game Time

Traditionally in the evening we engage in some intense gaming, it gets crazy at the Beardalls

The Poppy, master of the white board.

All that gaming can really take its toll. Whats up with the Cheez-Its in your hair?

Charly, and Ashlinda are always hyper.

Later Cole and I had a small disagreement. He said that sprite and 7up tasted the same, and I disagreed so we had Laura administer a taste test. The first test turned out inconclusive.

Cole and Grammy

On our second test we used 4 different samples 2 of each and this time we were able to mach them up and distinguish between the two proving that I was right and they indeed have different and distinct flavors sprite being the more desirable.