Merry Christmas to Us All

We hope that all of our readers enjoyed their Christmas as much as we did. Of course there a literally hundreds of photos, but I have limited myself. I thought I would highlight the grands. As part of our Christmas Eve extravaganza, we dressed the kids and tried to pose for our own nativity. We had mixed success, but there is no question that Kate and Drewfy took their parts very seriously.



This is one of two angels that were present. She was happy to be loose and moving around, all through the exercise. She is a happy little girl who, for some unknown reason, likes her Poppy.



Leondis took his part seriously. He really made some progress on walking while he was visiting. He seems to get more confidence daily. Of course he kept his hat on through the entire exercise, a testament to good hat-training in the home.



Lydia was a beautiful as ever. She makes the perfect angel. She just visited Stacia in St. George, and her hair looks it. She is a third generation Stacia client from our family.



Here is tall, grown up, shepherd Jake. He is getting very mature and we are not sure how much longer he will cooperate at these events. He turned 10 this month.



One of the favorite gifts received was this Little People doll house, being played with by two little Eves people. Leondis was really interested in this one. He shouted boy sounds into every room of the house. Evelyn shared, but not entirely willingly.



The other favorite gift was given by Booty to his family. Laur got her own SLR and can't wait to shoot some photos. She is a great photographer, so we are pleased at the prospects.

Buboppy

Getting Ready for Christmas

Our days this week have been filled with preparations. Both Bubby and I are working until 1:00 PM each day and then finalizing our Holiday planning. There is still a little to do, but we are working our listing and checking off the events.

It has been fun to have Booty and Laur visiting. We love being around Leo. He is the happiest baby, and never ceases to entertain us. We went to Bruno's last night for a bite to eat and even though he is starting a cold he was flirting with anyone who passed.

Daniel had a work crisis yesterday. His work computer decided to pass into the great cyber-beyond. It was actually a three-year old, cascaded (previously used), iMac, so no big surprise about its untimely demise. After quite a bit of discussion, the decision was made by his department chair to order a new one. Hope it gets here in time for him to work out the bugs. Classes start on January 4th. I recommended that he buy himself a terabyte external hard drive and get real familiar with the workings of Time Machine. That program takes the crisis out of these events.

Babsy and company will be migrating northward today. I hope the snow is over by the time they head this way. Things will be rocking and rolling once they arrive. Beany is on the hook to make us paella this evening. Bubby just can't seem to get enough of that delicious yellow rice, chicken, and vegetable dish. Beany's version is top notch.

In case we don't get an opportunity to write again before Christmas, here is a shout out to all of readers for a "Merry Christmas." May the blessings of the season and the knowledge of the redeeming mission of our Savior make this celebration memorable for all.

Buboppy

Visitors from Down Under

The last couple of days, we have had visitors from Australia. Jeff, Peta and Olivia (pictured above) have been staying with us while they visit southwestern Utah's national parks and monuments. We meet them when we were in Fremantle, and during our last trip we plotted this visit. Peta is doing a semester abroad this spring, and squeezing in a little vacation before that happens. This is Olivia and Jeff's first visit to the States.

We have had so much fun visiting and hanging out. Olivia is ultra polite and really enjoyed having a home base where she could just relax and play instead of being in a car seat and motels. Jeff is a "crib" master, and schooled me 3 out of 4 games. I am hoping for a rematch sometime soon.



This morning, they packed up and headed south. They are going to overnight in Las Vegas (Jeff used to deal in a casino) and then drive down to Las Angeles where they will catch a plane for Minnesota and Uncle Larry. Of course Larry introduced us to Jeff and Peta in the first place. After spending Christmas with Larry and J, they will ride a train back west to begin their semester abroad. We are very jealous of the train trip. I think we will try that sometime.

It has been so great visiting with them. Glad we had a chance to see them again.

Buboppy

Temple Square Christmas Program

Sorry it has been so long, but this week has been unbelievably busy for me. As you know from other sources, we were in SLC last weekend. I was part of a very interesting meeting with a highly placed executive in IHC on Thursday morning. We left our house a little after 5:00 AM, and were on time for the 9:00 AM meeting, despite the morning traffic. You will remember that the end of last week was unseasonably cold! We watched the outside thermometer in our car all the way, and the record holder was Nephi. When we rolled through there before sunrise, the temperature was an astounding -20 °F. Needless to say, we didn't stop to stretch our legs.

While I was meeting, Bubby was in the temple doing initiatory work from the Dutch lines. When she got that done, she walked across the mall to the R.S. building. She wanted to look at some posters on display there. They provide some enrichment ideas. I joined her when I finished, and had a pleasant conversation with three volunteers who all had children/grandchildren who were attending, had attended, or wanted to attend SUU. I passed out copies of my business card, and did my promotional piece. Bubby was smiling the whole time. My role at the institution seems to be moving much more into a PR phase.

We had lunch in the JS Memorial building (Nauvoo Cafe) and Bubby found some nativity sets she wanted at Deseret Book. We drove to Babsy's to see the kids and wish her a happy birthday. We did dinner together, and then Bubb and I stayed at an SLC hotel for the evening (courtesy of the Utah State Legislature).

On Friday, afternoon, I had another meeting. This time at the Utah State Office of Education on 5th South. We enjoyed the loose schedule, but spent most of it with Babsy and the kids. That night, we took Jakey and Kate with us overnight. For Jake's birthday, Bubb wanted to show him a good time. Because it was our nickel, we stayed at Bubb's (and Jake's) favorite, the Little America. We had a nice garden room with a couple of queen beds. We headed to Temple Square for dinner on the 10th floor of the JS Memorial building, and walked around a little. We rode Trax to, and from, so I am sure the kids had fun. However, it was butt-cold. I was glad we had brought heavy coats for everyone.

Early Saturday morning, we were awakened to sirens right outside our window (on 5th South). Bubb got up to snoop (you know, "Who lawsee, I wonder what that is!"), grabbing a pair of glasses off of the night stand. All the noise turned out to be SLC's version of "Shop with a Cop", an annual good deed involving fire and law enforcement throughout the state.

Bubby got back into bed and read. About 30 minutes later, I wanted to get up, and started looking for my glasses. I looked high and low, but could not find them. Bubb rolled over, shining her flashlight on the subject (Jake and Katie were still sleeping). She said, "There they are," and I replied, "Those are yours." Of course it was only then that Bubb realized that she had been wearing my glasses for nearly an hour. As we began to laugh out loud at the situation, it all came clear. No wonder the view out the window was so blurry. No wonder she couldn't read properly while wearing the glasses. No wonder they didn't fit over her ears. We laughed so long, that we eventually woke up the Grands. Just another amusing episode in the lives of a couple of queekers.

Saturday night we were invited to dinner and the performance of the Mo Tab with guests Natalie Cole and biographer David Mccullough. It was a lovely occasion, and we enjoyed every minute of it. Uncle Rol and Auntie Nell made the arrangements for us. We never thought we would get an opportunity, so thanks to them.

On Sunday AM, we rose early and drove home. We wanted to be in Cedar City in time for our 1:00 PM choir practice. Of course it was snowy on our drive, but the further south we went, the better the conditions. The worst spot was Scipio pass, which hadn't been plowed. By the time we crested the summit, we were doing about 10 mph! Of course, there was snow to shovel at home, but we made the practice.

I am sure that there are other photos to be included in this post, but I don't have them here, so that will have to wait. We will leave our readers with an earnest wish for a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year. (Photo credits go to Uncle Rol).



Buboppy

Dutch Christmas

On Saturday, we spent a good part of the morning getting ready for our annual Dutch Christmas celebration. Kudos to Jodie for making the arrangements and hatching the plan. Our festivities began with the annual Children's Storybook Cavalcade on Main Street in Cedar City. I got this shot of Alyssa, wrapped in a blanket because she insisted it would not be cold enough for a coat. Of course a girl from the North Country has thick blood, and it was probably in the mid-forty's in the sunshine, but every time the breeze blew, you were reminded of what the calendar says.



I couldn't get Dallin to cooperate for a photo, but he was also there to see the parade.



Here is Ducky John, ready for some fun. It was a great day to be in Cedar City.



I couldn't resist a few photos of some of the characters that we know are favorites of family who could not be in attendance. These three guys posed for a shot, and we thought of our Jake who just read this book.



Of course everyone loves Dora, and she was resplendent in her backpack.



Dopey looked great and was actually in the parade several times. He gave all of our kids a wave and smile.



Rudolph even stopped by for a high five and a wave. The parade gets better every year, and I could tell that the little ones really enjoyed this year's version.



My photos of the actual Dutch Christmas celebration are spotty. I was spending too much time helping with the meal. I did get this photo of the group playing with the giant ball that Josh brought along. They enjoyed this.



One of the games required that everyone take off their shoes. Of course that was Miss Evelyn's cue. She does have a serious interest in shoes, and socks. Here she gives her most winning smile as I catch her trying on everyone else's shoes. She was more entertaining than most of what was going on.



One happy photo of Mom and Little Girl. I just love the way Evelyn throws her head back and gives it her best smile.



Uncle Jim told an unabridged version of Sinter Klaus and Swarte Pete. His delicacy in telling certain parts, like the race of Pete, was much appreciated by some.



This final photo shows Sint's White Horse, played by Kat, Sint himself, that's Josh's Eric, and a lively Pete, played by Cado. It was a grand evening, enjoyed by all who participated. Thanks to Jodie for setting it all up. Our family is so big now we will likely always have to use a cultural hall for these occasions.

Buboppy

Thanksgiving 2009

Meet Baby Maggie. She is really sweet and getting huge! She is over seven pounds now. Still too tiny for me to comfortably hold, but a joy to her Mom and the Bubb.

We waited until Thursday morning to drive to Sarah's for Thanksgiving. Of course we forgot the pies, the only thing for which we had responsibility. We're getting a few bats in the belfry, but don't mention it.

Sarah and Aaron did a wonderful job on the dinner, including a BBQ/smoked turkey breast that was really tender and moist. We enjoyed the feast and the opportunity to share it with the family.



On Friday morning Bubby woke on a mission. She had names for which baptisms needed to be done, so we headed to the Jordan River temple, arriving before 6:00 AM. Bubby was baptized for 21 and I for 10. We were completed before 7:00. On our way back to Babsy's, Bubb wanted to stop at Winn Co. We had a grand time wandering the aisles, particularly in the bin area. Bubb could not resist buying a little ice cream, particularly because it was Tillamook brand. Pictured above.are Bubby and the kids getting ready to enjoy Aunt Laur's favorite variety. They loved it.

Dan his kids came on Friday morning and we spent the day together, including a trip to Andrew's little Red Robin for lunch. The kids all dig their Mac and Cheese and unlimited fries.



On Saturday, Daniel, Rosalyn and the kids came up and we played some games while the kids enjoyed being together. It was a great way to make a dent in the leftovers and fun to be together.

On Saturday evening, Sarah's family, Bubby and Poppy, and Grandpa Gary and Grandma Marsha all joined forces for a trip to Temple Square to look at the Christmas lights. We all met at Little America where we parked and caught free Trax to the Square. We were early for lights, but passed the time pleasantly enough in the V.C. Sarah is doing remarkably well for a lady who had a C-section recently. I could not help but see the smile similarities between this photo and the many we took of Katie this weekend.



This is a great shot of Lydia before the fall (more about that later). She was having fun looking at all of the lights. Each of us had responsibility for a child and Babsy had responsibility for Chee Ha.



A great photo of the kids on Temple Square. Bubby was the photographer. She should be proud.



When we walked over toward the Church Office Building, Chee tripped on her Mom's foot while she had her hands in her pocket trying to warm them. The result was yet another bunged up face. She even scraped her forehead, under her bangs. She is a trooper through it all. It only makes her sad for a short time.



On Sunday morning before the blessing, we did a little photo shoot. There were some great photos, but I have only included a few. Kate with Sister Maggie.



Bubby in heaven with her newest grand.



A nice family photograph. The family rallied around to support the event and following the blessing we adjourned to Sarah's for a nice brunch and some pleasant conversation. It was great to see everyone.

We had a splendid weekend and lots of fun. Glad we were able to share it with Sarah and Daniel. We missed Booty, Laur and Leo, however.

Buboppy

On Saturday, the activity was a bus tour of the island, starting with the Dole Pineapple Plantation. Cousin Bob picked us up and drove us out to the site. It was quite a commercial venture, with pineapple carving demos, lots of things to buy (AK got talked into buying 4 pearls, at a very reasonable price. Then they started talking settings. Ouch! Bubb and I have been down this path before. In Raro, they will give you the pearl if you will buy the setting).



I know I have photographed these before, but I am always intrigued by growing pineapples. Maybe because all of my ohana (family) love them so much.



Bubb and I decided to take the Pineapple Express on a tour of the Dole Plantation. Here is Bubb and T, the son of my friend Debbie who invites me to play golf in the Thunderbird classic each year. He is very fourteen.



This is the Pineapple Express as it was chugging into the station. We enjoyed our little tour of the fields and gardens. I guess Mr. Dole really had a strangle hold on Hawaiian agriculture during the 50's and 60's. They closed the Dole cannery in 1991, and Hawaii no longer exports pineapple. What is grown in Hawaii is consumed here, mostly by tourists. Every afternoon, a guy slices up pineapple in the hotel lobby, for example, and we all stand around like vultures waiting for a fresh piece. It is dewlicious, in fact it's dole-icious.



I couldn't resist including this photo taken from the train. Those are star fruit. Who knew that was how they grew?



After a box lunch, we left the Plantation and drove along the rainy, and stormy North Shore. We passed Sunset Beach and Waimea, famous surfing spots. However, there is a jellyfish warning in effect, and the water was silty and cloudy due to recent rain in the area. We didn't even stop.

We did stop in Laie, at the temple grounds. The temple is under renovation, but the grounds and VC were glorious. We enjoyed this stop very much.



You all know I can't resist photos of tropical flowers, so . . . This is a bird of paradise that was perfect and growing on the grounds.



These yellow hibiscus were lining the outer fence and were equally breathtaking.



From Laie, we drove along the east shore to the southeast corner of the island. We were running out of time, so we didn't stop at Hanauma Bay (it would have been pointless with the surf and water conditions).

We did stop for a quick photo at the Blow Hole. You can see the spray issuing from the hole in the rock each time a wave crashes on the undercut beach.

Bubb wanted fish for dinner. She was willing to do nearly anything to get it. We asked the concierge, and he recommended several options, including Duke's, which is what we chose. Bubb got her fish, and it was most delicious. The fish was new to us, locally called opah or moonfish. I had a seafood macadamia nut pesto on pasta, UP had a skewer of beef which he really enjoyed, and AK had some chicken which wasn't up to much. The salad bar was very, very good, and included a fresh made Cesear and yummy taro rolls.

It was a great day, and we had lots-o-fun.

Buboppy

On the Water

Following our adventure at Leonard's, we decided to go down to the beach and see what was going on. This is Bubb, ready for fun. There was a lot going on, mostly a lot of people. You wouldn't have been able to find a private stretch a sand within a mile of where we were.

We noticed a sailboat tied up and and trying to entice passengers to pay to ride. After a brief barter, we decided that $20 for a 1.5 hour trip was a fair price. It included all of the soft drinks one could consume and it was a lovely day for a sail. When others in our group who were lounging nearby on the sand saw what we were doing, they joined us. It turned into an SUU alumni outing.



This is a shot back at the hotels and Waikiki beach. It really was a spectacular scene from the water.



Diamond Head. We sailed out past it, and then turned around and headed back in.



UP and AK having fun and enjoying the sights. We saw sea turtles, submarines, fishing boats, surfers, helicopters, and every other means of conveyance that can be turned into money. Waikiki is a very commercial environment.



This was the mast of our boat, Na Hoku II.



A member of the crew took this photo of the Bubb and I. She confessed to me today that she wouldn't mind another run, just because it was so fun to hear the wind in the sails and enjoy the sun. Maybe tomorrow!

Buboppy

Bus Ride to Adventure

The activity we had scheduled for Friday morning was canceled due to a problem with the transportation. We started off slow, and didn't hook up with UP until around 10:00 AM. Bubby and I were remembering when Rich took us to a malasada spot on the Big Island, and we decided, on a whim, to investigate what O'ahu has to offer in that particular area.

Bubby visited with the concierge and got directions to the bus and an indication of how to get to the "best malasada on the island". We explained our scheme to UP and AK, and although AK wasn't really interested in fried bread, she was a good sport for this outing. Bubby offered to bring one to the concierge. While she was sorely tempted, she opted not to have one. She did thank us warmly for offering.

We caught the bus, and during our bus ride, we struck up a conversation with three sisters and one of their husbands from Washington state who were on the bus in search of a grocery store. They asked what we were doing, and I was rather vague. Eventually, they got it out of us that we were headed for malasada. They were intrigued, so when we exited the bus, they joined us in our quest.



On O'ahu, this is malasada heaven. It is called Leonard's and it was a jumpin' spot. I noticed that they open at 5:30 AM and close at 11:00 PM. There was a constant line inside. When we got up to order, having previous experience with these tasty, but heavy, delights, I ordered one for Bubb and one for me, and we tried each other's flavor (custard filled and coconut filled). The malasadas are fried to order, so they come to you perfect and ready to enjoy.



This is a photo of UP's. It was hot, filled with chocolate, and covered in sugar. What a thing of beauty.



The moment of truth. The verdict? He loved it, but we all resisted the urge to order another (they were only $0.90 each. Aunt Karen got a sweet roll made with Hawaiian sweet bread, so she was happy, too. All of that, and a ride on the bus. Are we having fun, or what?

Buboppy

Is it snowing?

We understand that it is snowing in Cedar City this morning. Gosh, sorry about that! We arrived without much fanfare, and after a couple of lodging glitches we have been enjoying ourselves. Here is the Bubb sitting near the koi pond at our hotel in downtown Honolulu.



Honolulu is home to lots of high-rise hotels. This is what the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani looks like from the outside.



Our room is comfortable, and we have a lana'i (outside patio). However, Bubby gets vertigo when she goes out because we are on the 17th floor.



Yesterday, we drove to the northeast side of the island, to Laie. Here are UP and AK in the bus with the Bubb. It took quite awhile to make the less than 40 mile drive because our driver, who wanted us to call him Cousin Bob, and who referred to his passengers as "cousins", was more interested in his monologue than in driving. He did have some great information, but his deliberate delivery got to be a little annoying. Aunt Karen was faking interest and show the disturbance sign on the back of UP's seat. Of course UP was entranced. He is so nice.



We did make a stop on the north shore road for photos. This photo was taken of a small islet near shore.



In this photo you get a sense of the interior architecture of an eroded shield volcano. Cousin Bob forbade me crossing the road to get the photo, but, you can see I didn't pay much attention.



The object of our quest was the Polynesian Cultural Center. It is located near the Temple, however, we were so busy inside that we didn't get a chance to visit the temple site. The center is comprised of seven cultural sites showcasing six Polynesian cultures: Hawaiian, Tongan, Ao Tea Roa (New Zealand), Samoan, Tahitian, and Fijian. You move through the center and visit their various villages. They have cultural activities and presentation that are pretty interesting, even for a guy who feels he knows a lot about each of the cultures.

In the Tongan village, Bubby got involved in a spear toss, an ancient method of settling disputes. There were three concentric rings arranged on the grass. The object is to make an underhand spear throw and stick your spear in the smallest, central circle. Bubb is studying her target above.



Here she is in mid-launch. If you paid the guy a buck, you had a chance to win shell necklaces, woven hats, and wood bead necklaces. Bubb wanted one of the hats. She actually hit the hoop surrounding the smallest ring, so had to settle for a couple of shell necklaces.



There was a floating review about 2:30 PM that included barges filled with costumed representatives of each of the cultures. Live music, dancing, and lots of fun. I had to take a photo of Tahiti. That is the closest culture to my personal favorite.



Of course, we had to visit New Zealand. This meeting house is a scale model of the building that Bubb used to go to church in when they lived in New Zealand in the 1960"s.



Part of the intricate carving inside the meeting house. Those who have followed this blog for many years will remember when we visited the original in NZ a few years ago.

There was a wonderful luau for us to attend, and an evening show that was part island culture and part Las Vegas/Branson, MO. The luau was fantastic, probably the best buffet food I have experienced in a long time. The MC could play the ukelele like a rock star. He was fun to watch.

There is so much more to tell, but, alas, it is time to go out and have more fun! I am headed for the shower. We had a food tour arranged this morning, but it canceled. It rained hard last night, flash flooding in parts of the island, and there are heavy winds forecast for today. Don't know what we will do, but something. We have our first Rainbow Classic basketball game this evening. The team was in the PCC with us yesterday.

Buboppy