Baptism Ceremony

Well, it was an inauspicious beginning. The big event was scheduled for 10:00 AM, but someone decided to die on us, so the Bishop had a funeral to conduct. With some quick juggling of the schedule, everyone agreed to meet at the St. George PF at 11:00 and then the baptism followed at 1:00 PM. Jake had a lot of support, and we made a good showing at the PF. Most of us were planning on a trip to either Alvaro's or Alberto's while we are here, so most of us had a salad.

The baptism was really nice, and both Uncle Booty and Bubby gave nice talks. Jake got to put his name in a book that contains the names of everyone baptized in the St. George East stake center since 1954. After the baptism, we wandered across the street for a photo shoot on the temple grounds. Uncle Roland agreed to shoot the photos, so they look pretty good. Of course, I won't tell you which ones I took, so he can take responsibility for my photos, too.





Buboppy

Briefly on Christmas

Although most of our faithful readers were there to witness it, I will give a very brief recap of our Christmas festivities. We were invited to Big K's house for Christmas Eve. We had a lovely dinner and some lively conversation with Blair, Russell, Ella, and Gracie. We even got to witness Mac Rae, the budding photographer, doing his stuff with Big K's camera.

It snowed Christmas Eve, so it really did seem like Christmas. Sarah and her family got home around 11:00AM Christmas Day, and the real fun started. We finally got a critical mass assembled and opened some presents in the early afternoon. Jake was really happy that Santa brought him some "guys", in this case Spiderman and the Green Goblin.

Katie and Lydia had matching jammies when they arrived, and spent the day looking cute no matter what they did.


Katie got an entire assortment of princess shoes, which will work wonderfully at dress-up time.


Of course there were the usual grown up presents too. Everyone was very excited to open one of Bubby's boxes and find either pink (which Sarah is celebrating with)

or blue (Matt's favorite) bags full of the year's supply of personal wear. This has been a Christmas tradition, passed down from Grandma Jane, that everyone enjoys. I even received a much needed restocking.

Andrew, Daniel, and Rosalyn arrived in the early afternoon, and though the house was rocking a rolling with the activity of the cousins, it was fun to be together. Andrew got this cool backpack from Bubby for his birthday. He is scheduled to visit Disneyland in January and I fear he will feel betrayed when he realizes that his cool backpack is actually a leash that will be used to restrain his youthful enthusiasm in the Magic Kingdom. I made it clear that the gift was from Bubby, not Poppy.

Auntie Nell, Uncle Roland, Jana's family, and Jodie's family all stopped by for a visit and some desert. Our slow cooked meat was not quite finished, so we had dessert first, something a promote whenever possible. Although dinner was late, everyone ate plenty and especially liked the twice-baked potatoes (for you, Jana).

One of the favorite toys that Andrew got was this cool race set that, as you can see, had everyone of the cousins involved. There were many heats of races with different people pushing the button. However, there are only three cars and four cousins. Not to be discouraged, The Ly took up the role of cheerleader and if you watch the video you will feel her excitement at watching the cars run their short course.



We have so much to be grateful for, and we had a wonderful time with our family. We love you all.

Buboppy

Graduation Day

When we got together this morning, we decided to drive to Woolrich, PA. Although nothing was purchased, we had a grand time looking in their company store. The mills and sewing factory are no longer used, but the town is still quaint with is row houses, and the corporate offices are still in Woolrich.

When we drove back to State College, Daniel and Rosalyn recommended their local Mangolian BBQ for lunch. It was fine fair, and we all enjoyed ourselves immensely.

Of course the fated hour finally did arrive. The graduation ceremonies were held in the Eisenhower building, and Daniel looked great in his new Ph. D. academic garb. We tried to take lots of pictures of the actual walk, but alas, the lighting was such that we got very few photos that turned out.

We were able to get these two pictures of Daniel on the back row with his homeys. The chemistry department graduate four or five new Ph. D.s and there were lots of others. The entire ceremony was very dignified and moved quite quickly. I think my dean could have benefited from seeing a more dignified commencement. I particularly liked the way they discouraged applause until everyone had received their degree. It made for a nice occasion.

The best photos were taken outside, after the affair was over. I hope that Daniel feels the magnitude of this accomplishment. We are so happy that he and Rosalyn have completed their education.


Buboppy

The Graduation Trip-Phase 3

Our day started with Daniel's arrival at Room 214 (aka Room 106) in the Hampton Inn. Our collective internal clocks are still pretty messed up, and we didn't wake until nearly 7:00. We had already eaten some breakfast but Daniel dropped Rosalyn off on campus to turn in her remaining paperwork, and we were supposed to rendezvous at Panera, an awesome coffee, bakery, restaurant downtown.

We sat down to a drink while Rosalyn and Trisha had some treats, and started doing some serious people watching. The corner of the restaurant we randomly chose happened to be the habitual gathering place of the local loonies. While we watched, a gentleman came in wearing a weathered black hat that looked like it fit The Ly better than it did him. He opened his backpack and withdrew the stuffed kitten resting on the chair in the photo. He artfully arranged it across the table from his seat, and then went to order. That was the moment Bubby chose to snap the photo.

Of course, Sarah immediately lost it, and nearly collapsed in laughter. A great start to another really fun day.

Compliments of Beverly Lewis, we drove to Belleville, PA, and resumed our Amish stalking activities. I was instructed to take this photo, and then tongue lashed because I didn't take it from the back so you could all see the caution triangle on the back of the buggy. Of course I had to wait for the owners of the carriage to go into the Mennonite store before I took the photo. Although they are not as strict as the Amish, they are still probably not fond of the soul stealing concept.

Inside the store, I made Daniel try on this Nittany Lion hat, but told him it was really a Cosmo look alike. I encouraged him to purchase it so he could loyally support the Cougars when they next play in Provo. The Mennonite store was pretty interesting, and they had some really unique bulk foods, and great prices overall. We were in and out of numerous stores today in our quest for quilting stuff and Amish dolls, but the sum total of my purchases was a bag of candied almonds and some new handkerchiefs.

Daniel and Rosalyn gave us a couple of choices, but we ended up at Peachey's in Big Valley (near Belleville), PA. It was huge portions and locally famous for the fried chicken. Daniel is a little under the weather and ate only a bowl of chili, but the rest of us tried our best. Sarah liked the rolls, but was grossed out by removing the chicken from its bones.

Bubby, on the other hand, loves "gnawing on a chicken leg", as she shows in this photo. She thought the fried chicken was to die for. I can tell you that no one thought the dessert, which was included in the meal, was to die for. Sarah ordered shoofly pie, even though we warned her what it was and how much it needed nuts. Of course she didn't like it because, "it tastes like molasses!" Go figure!

Buboppy

The Graduation Trip-Phase 2

As proof that we arrived safely in State College, here is Dr. Rosalyn C. Eves smiling large when she joined us at our motel this morning. We arrived at the Hampton at about 9:30 on Wednesday night. We were hungry for real food (although the airlines did serve us "snacks" during the flight), so we ate at a sports bar adjacent to our motel. It was fine and tasted great. We touched bases with Rosalyn, and made plans to meet up at 7:30 AM, but we woke at 7:11! We rushed around and were ready to go a little before 8:00. Fortunately, Rosalyn was a little late joining us. I guess she got caught in traffic. We sat down and ate a bite of breakfast together, and headed southeast toward Harrisburg and Lancaster.

We diverted from our true path (an Amish quest) long enough to go to Hershey, PA. We drove to the amusement park, and then to Chocolate World. We had to stop for numerous photo ops, because everything was so "cute".

We went into the complex, and of course went on the Chocolate World ride.

I took several photos while we rode. The animated creatures were really pretty cool, and the whole ride was a brief Disney-type experience.

One of the favorites was when these girls sang a song about milk and its important role in chocolate. The tour explains the chocolate making process from beans, to liquor, to the finished candy.

One of the most interesting things about the tour is that actual chocolate is being made along the route. We got to watch the filling of Hershey Syrup bottles,

the molding and mass production of Hershey's Kisses, and

the foil wrapping of the completed kisses, it was really pretty cool. We were all wishing that Jake and Katie could be with us to see it all. The tour ended with a free sample of the new Kissables product, kind of a kiss-shaped M&M.

Of course, one of the big draws at Chocolate World is the opportunity to buy Hershey Products. We did some shopping, which I am sure will end up as Christmas gifts to some of our faithful readers, and then resumed our journey to Lancaster. We stopped at a Sheetz station (kind of Maverick-deal in PA), and were asking for short cut directions to Lancaster. This man was there buying a cup of coffee, gave us directions, and then insisted on buying our drinks and leading us to the turn off to our short cut! We were dumbfounded, and profoundly moved by his kindness. When we got to the turn off, he jumped out of his truck, wished us Merry Christmas, and off we went. This was only one of the kindnesses we were shown today. It may be the time of year, or it may be that the people of PA are inherently good, but we had a wonderful day.

Our first stop was Bird in Hand, PA. We parked and began to wander. We went into the bakery, and there were so many samples around, we didn't feel the need to buy much (this is the off-season, so we had these tourist Mecca's to ourselves). Bubby did buy a classic coffee cake, which she and Sarah just enjoyed. We were in search of an Amish dolly, and had to go into every store. Bubby went into the hardware store and there was a woman there that made clay figures of Amish themes and was selling them. Of course, she had an Amish nativity scene of the clay figures, and Bubby could not resist. She got a miniature Joseph, Mary, Jesus, lamb, and braided rug for them to sit on. Sarah is seen here coming out of the restroom right after Bubby's purchase.

We went on to Intercourse, PA, and made several stops. We went into a grocery store frequented by the Amish and saw many interesting things, including the Amish version of Quasi Moto. I tried a new variety of apples, Gold Rush, that was really good, and we went in and out of other stores. Bubby found an amazing quilt store, that had an astounding amount of fabric. She was in heaven. There were lots of Amish Christmas shopping and Babsy and Bubby tried futilely not to stare, but it was too tempting. They went nuts every time we saw a buggy on the side of the road.

According to plan, we had a late lunch at Miller's Smorgasbord, and it was delightful. As usual, I ate some serious shrimp, but we tried it all. They had a chocolate pecan pie that was particularly memorable. We all ate too much, but enjoyed the experience. We recommend it.

This photo shows the instigators of today's activities caught red handed with Beverly Lewis books. Yep, all that reading about Amish romance over the last couple of years has lead to this trip. I am sure that it was much more fun for them today, because they were primed by these books. Of course they found another Amish romance author to read, and the cycle may begin again!

After Miller's, we found a doll store, and of course were obliged to visit a huge outlet mall complex. I couldn't tell you how many different stores we were in and out of, but the ladies were running wild. We got back to State College around 8:00 PM, tired and happy. Daniel had arrived, but was cooling it at Steve's house, and Rosalyn drove out to join him. Tomorrow the folks with local knowledge are responsible for our fun, and we can't wait to visit all the places they want to show us.

Bubboppy

The Graduation Trip-Phase 1

We slipped out of Cedar City in the early morning snow, and arrived in St. George a little early to pick up Sarah. Our drive down to Las Vegas was uneventful, and according to plan, we arrived at Trader Joe's (Sunset Road) at about 8:00 AM. Since Trader Joe's doesn't open until 9:00, we went into the former Samuel's Deli and Restaurant for breakfast. It is called Weiss Deli and Restaurant now, and we had a wonderful, and substantial breakfast, expecting this to be our only meal until we reached State College.

I told Bubby to grab one of their cards, and we will turn them in to "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives". I had a huge omelet that included spinach, mushrooms, and corned beef. I also had a wonderful bagel for my toast, and a homemade cream cheese schmeer. Babsy had an open-faced omelet with bacon, mushrooms, broccoli and swiss cheese. Bubby had French toast made from challah bread. Absolutely delightful, we were very satisfied.

We noticed this decorated window, and now know the appropriate Chanukah greeting. You would think Matt would have been using it for years, having learned it from Hinkley.

I couldn't resist this festively decked out SUV in the parking lot. I guess if Santa can't find Rudolph, he will know where to get a substitute.

We had a great time in Trader Joe's, and found those amazing stacked boxes of chocolate almonds to give to a couple of folks on our list. We also bought lots of snacks to take on the plane with us. We still haven't eaten them, because we were full from breakfast.

I also am forced to include this photo, which puts everyone on notice that Babsy has joined the cell phone fad. Yep, she is yappin' with Beany in this photo, you know, "Whacha doin'?" "Nothin', just talkin' to you", and other significant conversations.

Buboppy

Update

Most of your probably know by now, but Rosalyn sent an email out this afternoon. She has successfully defended her dissertation, and is now Dr. Eves! Congratulations to her, Daniel, and Andrew. We are so happy that this preparatory phase of their professional lives has been successfully completed.

We are packing for travel as I write this. Bubby is trying to find her black leather gloves ("They fit so nice, and are not bulky!"). We have a party with the Stake Presidency tonight and we will pick up Babsy at 7:00 tomorrow morning.

I am sure we will have lots to report in the next few days. Safe travel to all of us. Booty and Laur will beat us home!

Buboppy

Two Short Movies

I can't believe it, but we are in St. George about to go to Babsy's ward party! I am amusing myself, and I took movies of the kids. Jake is an awesome dancer.





Buboppy

Two Fat Guys

When Jake got home from school we took a walk to the temple. He raced ahead of us on his cool new birthday scooter. It is quite an elaborate device and pivots about both trucks. He rides it pretty well. However, we did not ride it inside the fence at the temple grounds. Bubby, Jake and Katie went into the visitors' center and watched a couple of passes of Homefront series while Ly and I walked around the grounds with the scooter in the passenger seat of the double-wide (Bubby's name for Babsy's stroller).

We discussed dinner options and settled on Two Fat Guys' pizza near the Walmart in Bloomington. We ordered a medium pepperoni for Jake and Katie, a margharita for Bubby and I, bread sticks and Ranch dip-it for all, and buttered bowtie pasta for the Ly. Now that Jakie as such an avid reader, he needs his own menu to study during the ordering process.

Of course, everyone by Poppy and the Ly had root beer. Ly is just as happy with water in a kid's cup, as long as she can drink it with a straw. She did a commendable job on her pasta, which Bubby laced liberally with parmesean cheese. Bubby said it was pretty good, and Ly ate most of her big bowl full.

Meanwhile, Jake and Katie polished off their medium pepperoni pizza. I was impressed. The entire experience was quite pleasant, and the Ly never turned on us until her pasta bowl was empty. We drove back to the house and took a spin around the temple to look at the lights and the lighted nativity. We also drove by Katlyn and Hanna's grandma's house, which is very impressively lighted.

About an hour and a half to bedtime. Grandpa Gary is coming over about 7:30 PM to fill in until the air travelers return home about 8:45. Bubby and I will officially be off duty then, and headed up to hill to icy CC. It was 11° there this morning at the time Bubb and I usually walk. Needless to say, I just showered and went to work. I didn't spend the night here last night because of my meeting, which held important budget considerations. I am pleased with how the budget deliberations went, and can't wait to tell my faculty how it all turned out.

Buboppy

Good News!

I got Katie to pose for me. She chose to stand in front of the Christmas tree. Bubby has been here overnight because Sarah and Aaron are in SLC house hunting.

We had to wait for Ly to get a hairdo, then I photographed all of the girls in front of the Christmas tree.

Babsy just called and said that neither of the leads they had felt right when she saw then, and she was very upset. She called down to Jodie Simmons (our former-resident, residential expert) and asked her to check on-line for something else. It turned out that something had been posted less than two hours before! Sarah and Aaron met the owner, they felt comfortable, and Sarah locked it in. It is in their price range, which is a big relief.

The new dwelling is half of a duplex with three bedrooms and a large unfinished basement. It has a yard, and best of all is located in Sugar House, just a few minutes from Aaron's new job, and even less far from Jason and Liza! Sarah seemed very excited, and even got a little emotional when I pointed the obvious (this can only be counted as a direct blessing, a minor miracle). Anyway, they went to lunch with Jason and Liza at Granado's, and Beany had his first experience. She said she bought a bag of canolis to take to Jason and Jennie Maestri, since Aunt Nellie's car wouldn't work this morning and they have been running around in Jason and Jennie's Honda.

More later,

Buboppy

Blessing Day

This is Vince Anthony Eves in his blessing tux. Doesn't he look great? We were able to participate in the blessing on Sunday morning, and it was fun. Jason, Mike, and Cindy were there with their families along with both sets of grandparents and Jaye's sister's family. They had a big feed and party in Parowan afterward, but alas, duty called, and I went back to the University Stake. We had a ward conference and bishopric change to take care of. It made for a long Sunday, but Vince's big moment was certainly one of the highlights.

When I got home, Bubby and I quickly ate some dinner, and entertained our home teacher. Bubby is experimenting with a festive dessert for a party we have early next week. She has decided on 100-year old ginger bread, and we are refining the presentation. She offered a piece to the home teacher. The lovely, moist cake sat in a puddle of lemon sauce and was topped with whipped cream. I had a little of my own, and I can tell you that lemon sauce is a great match. I think there may be a few berries involved when we actually serve it at the party next week.

Our final Sunday activity was participation in the 67th annual Messiah presentation by the Orchestra of Southern Utah (OSU) and a community chorus. I have never heard the OSU sound better, and most of the soloists were outstanding. The tenor who sang "Comfort Ye" was a knock out. The alto and soprano who presented "He Shall Feed his Sheep" were also noteworthy. We went with Big K, and had a really nice evening. I think OSU's new director (SUU faculty member, Dr. Xun Sun) is making a significant impact.

We ran down to St. George yesterday to hang with Babsy a little on her birthday. They are trying to get ready to move. I think she and the Bean are going to do a one-day Skywest to SLC and look at some houses tomorrow. Bubby will go down and tend the kids, and if I can get my affairs in order, I may join her. I have a big meeting every Wednesday that I will need to get out of, but I will look into it. Heaven knows I don't mind missing the meeting.

Buboppy

Last Day of Classes

Last night was the culmination of about two weeks' work for Sarah. Bubby and I went down to the Temple, and stopped by the Extension office after our session. They were putting on a craft fair with lots of make and take crafts, recipes, and food. We had a nice visit with Babsy while we tried some of the recipes. Bubby even made a few of the crafts, and started showing others how (you know: see one, do one, teach one!).

Breaking news!!! Babsy just called and Bean got a job offer here in Utah!! They will have to move up north (Murray), but at least they are still in the state. He works four-tens, an outstanding schedule, and they already have a line on a house to rent. We are very excited for Bean, and know that everything will work out, it just seems overwhelming right now.

Back to the Craft Fair . . . Aaron brought the kids for a visit, and I caught Miss Katie during her crafting/Holiday decorating activities. She is so cute, and was having lots of fun. Of course she and the Ly have been at the office enough they feel very comfortable. They just wandered around sampling the goodies.

Ly found the chocolates, as you can see from this photo. We had to drop off :( Jake's and Sarah's birthday presents, because we won't be seeing them this weekend. I talked to Jake and he loves his scooter (Mom and Dad) and his new Cub Scout uniform (Bubby). He told me he is excited to go to Scouts the first time, next week. He is going to have so much fun there, and he doesn't even know it.

When we left the Holiday Craft fair, Bubb and I hooked up with Barb and the Pearl. We did the Olive Garden, and had some fun. The battery died on the camera, or I would have posted a photo of the alfredo party we were having.

We are headed for the Ward party tonight (Bubb is excited).

More tomorrow.

Buboppy