This is going to be GOOD!

Happy 18th Birthday Sibby!

We MISS You!

Oh Boy.......

President Bush will leave his successor with a lovely gift next year.

The U.S. will have a record deficit in '09.

How much in the hole will we be????

$482 Billion.

Merry Christmas!

Not a great July.....

After the death of Trisha's mother, the hospitalization of her father, James's serious bike accident which had him life-flighted to Primary Children's Hospital, I received yet another phone call today informing me that one of Macy's soccer teammates father had passed away unexpectedly this morning. So I feel like all I have been doing lately is sitting here scratching my head and wondering what is going on these days.... My thoughts and best wishes go out to Dona & Piper. With all that has been going on lately I....

Okay, we admit it....

We are driveway firework geeks. What else are you going to do on "Pioneer Day?" So last night in celebration of the 24th of July (a Utah celebrated holiday, everywhere but Park City I think), we set off fireworks in our driveway. They were AMAZING!! (Hee, hee......)

Meet "LUCY" the newest member of our family!

She belongs to my sister Mickell, who saved her from starvation & losing an eye. Way to be her Angel GeeGee!

Look Who's Back In Park City!.... GEV!!!!

Gev's back in town this week for a visit before he packs back up and heads for the finale & tour. (Macy is soooooo excited!) He stopped by Park City Dance to say "Hi" and to party! He was happy to take lots of photos and tell us all about his great adventures with the show. Some things he shared: Kat Deely is actually not much taller than Gev himself, it's her HEELS that are tall. She's also as sweet off camera as she is on. He said she actually cried during the commercial break when he got voted off. He said working with Mia Michaels was an amazing experience, that working with Wade Robson was not! Nigel actually choreographed the final 5 guys dance and was able to dance it as well as the final 5 guys! When he and his partner Courtney were out and about, everyone asked if they were "Married." (I get the impression that he would really LIKE to be married to her!) Gev was very appreciative of everyone's support & votes! I asked his friend what Gev's plans for the future are, and he said he is either going to move to California or New York and really pursue the "Broadway" thing. He will always be a breaker, but he loves contemporary & broadway now as well. He will be greatly missed, but of course, we wish him the best! My next goal will be trying to get tickets to the show when it comes to town!He's here! look at Macy's face!
Yea Gev!
A bunch of excited girls!
Close up!
"Chillin'!"

Posing with Lucas & Gev
Sissy, Gev & Macy practicing some turns
High fives
Secret handshake
Hugs goodbye

Birthday Pics!

The Birthday Girl!
Carter went to see "The Dark Knight" with her friends. Scary movie poster for sure!
Presents to open!
Smile birthday girl!

Of course Bogey had to come over and wish Carter a Happy Birthday!
Two sisters celebrating!
Is this a birthday party or a bridal shower?
Carter's "Flaming Tower of Doughnuts!"
Lovin' the new duvet cover and pillows!

HAPPY 13TH BIRTHDAY CARTER!

YOU ROCK!

The latest in "FLDS" Hair Do's

Front view...
Side view....
View from behind....

Let's all get one!

(Thanks Macy, you're a good sport!)

River Trip Highlights!

After a 3 hour drive to Green River, and a night's stay at the Holiday Express, we were all set to hit the Colorado River for our rafting trip! We all had a great time getting wet, enjoying the scenery & being well fed by our guides Zach & Steven - hats off to Holiday River Expeditions, they do a great job! We had a very mellow first day crusin' down the river, with day two consisting of some great rapids!... Grandbob is ready to go...

... waiting to set sail... (Carter looking a little unsure...)
... and we're off...
... not really enjoying the bugs! Especially the biting flies!...
... encountering a colorful friend....
... floating in the river with the rafts....

... some Indian Artwork...
...Carter & Macy checking out the breathtaking scenery...
... Carter having a blast getting wet in the rapids...
... Macy starting to feel a little heat-stroked & dehydrated....
... and finally, Steven, one of our guides hard at work!

Congrats to Gev!

He was one of the TOP 3 couples last night and has made it safely in to the top 10! It's a little bitter-sweet, because now with all the doors that will open up for him, he may not return to Park City Dance Academy.... But we will keep rooting him on!

We're off!.....

... on our river trip! Should be a good time (as long as no one falls in!). Will post pics upon our return!

Being a friend.....

With the loss of Trisha's mother last week and feeling totally inadequate in trying to help in some way, I kept racking my brain for ways in which I could do something for her. She is so sad, and I have hated feeling so helpless in comforting her. But being that I have always been a believer in "It's all about the little things" I came up with the perfect idea. I enlisted the help of Leah, another good friend of Trisha and I, and we purchased a bunch of pretty flowers and planted all of Trisha's flower boxes. Every time I would stop by the Saarela's for a visit, Trisha would always say how she hadn't gotten to planting them yet, and that she really, really needed to get on that. She even told her husband that maybe she didn't have it in her to get them done this summer... So I thought it would be great to surprise her by planting them for her. It is not only a gesture of friendship in her time of loss, but today also happens to be her birthday. I can't even imagine what it has been like for her to say goodbye to her mother for the last time today at her funeral, and having it also be her birthday. So tough. But I hope in some way this small gesture of friendship will put a smile on her face, and each time she looks at the flowers she will remember that she has friends who love her...These are the flowers we chose....
Leah getting down and dirty....
Trisha's dog Nico overseeing the planting....
The finished flower boxes. I think we did good!
The kids getting some "Tramp" time while Leah & I planted...

I really hope Trisha likes them! :)