Memorial Day Weekend Camp Out

Put up the tent with the DVD player inside, start up a fire, throw on a few hot dogs and you've got all the necessary ingredients for a fine Memorial Day weekend camp out.

A unique aspect of this camp out was the rapid ability to nip disaster in the bud. That means we were in the back yard. The kids had a great time and even Cody is smiling easy because he could enjoy his bowl of freshly popped microwave popcorn by the camp fire.

At 7 1/2 months pregnant, Heidi loved this camping experience because when she had had enough, she could simply walk inside the house and sleep on her own bed instead of on a thin mat like the rest of us.

It's easy to smile for the camera... unless your name is Eli and you notice that your hot dog is on fire.

With the DVD players hanging from the backs of our metal lawn chairs, we were all ready to enjoy Scooby Doo and the Samurai Sword. What? You've never heard of that high-end production? That's because it's a straight to DVD-type movie that the kids over-ruled Dad on in a 2-1 vote. Cody should have never gone in to buy a DVD outnumbered like that.

Eli and Kjersti sure were glad they didn't have to sleep under the hole in the tent where all the rain was coming through like Dad did. So much fun!

Dreams Come True!

From 23 APR to 1 MAY, we had an awesome time at the beach, all the Disney World parks and SeaWorld. Here, Heidi, Kjersti, Eli and the basketball sized bulge under Heidi's shirt (aka, our unborn baby girl) pose for the signature Disney picture.




Although it is a small world after all, the expressions on their faces are anything but small.





We thought we stood in line for half and hour to get pictures with Mickey, but were pleasantly surprised when we arrived and found Minnie was there too!



The Sunday we were there, we went to see the Orlando Temple while we waited for church to start. Across the street from the temple was the stake center. While we waited, we noticed a lot of vehicles in the parking lot, but figured it was simply because there were multiple wards meeting at the same building at the same time. It turned out that it had been their stake conference and when we arrived, it had just ended. To boot, Elder Holland had been the visiting General Authority. That's one we wished we hadn't missed.

SeaWorld was pretty cool and the Shamu show was awesome, but let's face it... killer whales don't make the greatest character costumes. Check out the size of that head!

Eli and Cody loved the Kali River Rapids at Animal Kingdom, but someone in this picture did not. The completely sopping wet clothes are just part of the experience... right?

Batman vs The Stationary Enemy

This was an epoch Saturday morning showdown between Batman and the Stationary Enemy (aka, Dad). In the end, the Stationary Enemy receives a grade "A" beatdown. Shortly after the video was taken, Batman was seen performing the "superior dance" and mumbling something about using his super-pillow throwing skills on the Joker.

He Does His Own Stunts

There's nothing that emboldens Eli more than the foam pit at gymnastics. He thinks he's the Chuck Norris of his class. On the day this video was shot, his teacher alleged she caught him blowing bubbles with beef jerky and counting to infinity... twice. I don't buy it.

George Washington

I'm sure every little girl wakes up on Sunday morning and thinks, "I want my hair to look just like George Washington's!" Ok, so maybe not. I guess that's just sooooo 1780's! Poor Kjersti.

The Best of Both Worlds

There are many things better than a Hannah Montana song, but there aren't many things better than Kjersti singing a Hannah Montana song; Especially, when Eli is there to accompany her! Watch out Disney.

Backyard Blades of Glory

Kjersti and Eli took gold, silver and bronze at the recent, "Strong Backyard Couples Figure Skating Championships". Given the fact that the event was completely spontaneous, there was absolutely nothing holding them back from the sweep. Another helpful advantage was the fact that the French judge sold out to Cody for just a nickel. (MATERNAL DISCLAIMER: This activity was absolutely not approved by Heidi. She was horrified that we had gone out and skated atop our frozen above ground pool and wanted to ensure the world understood her position on this particular matter.)

As a top-notch figure skating couple, Kjersti and Eli really know how to bring a crowd to their feet. Not only is their form impeccable, but they sure are cute!