12 Miles

"Jogging is very beneficial. It's good for your legs and your feet. It's also very good for the ground. It makes it feel needed." -Charles Schultz As many of you know Karen and I are training for a marathon this summer (www.deseretnews.com/run). Yesterday we met another milestone by running 12 miles. We both felt very good through about 9 miles and actually probably started the run with a pace that was a little too fast. For the last 3 miles we both were tired and had to push ourselves to finish. We finished the 12 miles in 1:58. As always we were happy with our efforts when we were done. It was the first week that neither of us felt sick for the entire day after our run.

End of school

Yesterday was the last day of school at Southwest Elementary. Both of our wonderkids were promoted, Mary to first grade and Emma to third grade. They proved to us once again that they are unique and individual and completely different from each other by virtue of the end-of-year awards they each received. Emma took home the "Best test taker" award for her second grade class, showing off her diligence in studying, doing all of her homework, and preparing for her tests. Mary, our artist, was given the "Best creative writing" award. We love them both very much and are very proud of their accomplishments.

Happy face Miia

Happy face

"Best test taker" 

"Best Creative Writing" 

Washington DC

This past weekend we went to Washington DC. I presented some research at the Pediatric Academic Society meeting and Karen and the girls came along. The first two nights I was without my family and stayed at a hostel in downtown DC (always trying to save a little money you know). Let's just say that the experience was interesting. I stayed in a room with four bunk beds and 7 guys from the UK. We all shared one bathroom with the entire floor of four other similar rooms. The rest was not great but I really could not beat the price of $27 per night. When Karen and the girls arrived we went to stay with one of Karen's friends, Camille. She was gracious enough to put us up in her apartment and to spend some time with us while we were in town. While in Washington we went to the National Zoo, the Smithsonian museum of American History, walked by the White House and Capitol; but by far the most exciting part of the field trip was taking off our shoes and playing on the grass on the Mall. We now are all home safe again and are grateful for the history of our country and the freedoms we enjoy because of the sacrifices of those who have gone before us.

My baptism

When I got baptized the water was really warm. I really liked the refreshments part. I love the dress my mommy made me. I had lots of fun at my baptism. - Emma

Emma's baptism

We have had such a great weekend here at our house. Nana and grandpa Rocket have been here spoiling the girls and Chris and Krystel have been here. Melissa and Brenden flew in as well. The house has been crowded but it has been fun. Emma was baptized yesterday. For as many times as I performed this ordinance on my mission I could not believe how nervous I was. Luckily Emma was calm and collected. She really is an amazing girl. We had her write her testimony down and copied it as part of the program for the baptismal service. I wanted to include it here for those of you who were not able to attend, "My testimony is, I believe in Jesus the Christ and in God our Heavenly Father and in the Holy Ghost. I believe that the church is true and that the scriptures are true. I believe that the Articles of Faith are true and that the prophets lived. I know that Joseph Smith witnessed Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father in the sacred grove. I know that when I get baptized I am making a covenant with Heavenly Father. I know Jesus was born and died on earth. I believe that we will return to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again. I know that I can repent and be forgiven of my sins. I know that Heavenly Father has a plan, that is the right plan. I believe that if I choose the right and listen to the Holy Ghost that I can live with Heavenly Father again. I know families can be together forever." What a blessing the gospel is in our lives and what a blessing our girls our to us.

Emma's baptismal day, May 7, 2005 

My girls: Miia Hope, Mary Grace, Emma Joy, and Karen Joy 

Welcome

Karen and I have learned a lot together over the last ten years. One thing we are aware of is that neither of us is very good at keeping in touch with all of our family and friends. As we have been blessed with some pretty great family and friends we have always felt bad about this. So we decided to try something new. We will try to post here our trials and triumphs we face as a little family and hope by so doing we can more easily share our lives with those that we love.