Joining of the Clans

My mother is big on traditions. Parties. Events. Ms. Party planner herself. Dave's wedding dinner, could not be any different, or just another fancy dinner. It had to include bagpipers and was deeply connected to our heritage. Everything from the flowers to my dad's tie was somehow connected to our roots. Fitting for the joining of the Morgan and Scott clans.


The following day, Dave and Sydney were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. They were greeted with rain as they exited, but rumor has it that is supposed to be good luck.




My handsome boys before the reception. Owen only wore his suit for an hour, before he found his way to their swimming pool and stripped down to his diaper with the help of Syd's dad. I wash my hands of the whole things. The two of them had every pool toy in that pool in 5 minutes flat, in addition to the floating flowers and candles.

Sadly, or not so sadly, there are no pictures of me from the night. I was racing to the bitter end helping out. It was a beautiful night in their backyard - reminiscent of Father of the Bride. Absolutely beautiful. But, I earned a good night's sleep.

Summer in Bits

We've had a full, good summer. Here are a handful of random pics:

Owen absolutely loves backpacks.

Owen likes to read on the potty. Going to the bathroom? Not so much.

Quite proud of himself for "sitting" on the rocking chair. Don't worry, I moved him after I took the picture.

Park City. "A digger!"

My sister almost had a heart attack watching Emily get into the airplane. Much to her liking and not to Owen's, the plane never left the ground.

Lake Mary 2008

Jess was here for a much too short visit in July. I kept trying to convince her to stay, but she mumbled something about a husband in L.A.

A few if us were able to hike to Lake Mary when she was here, really just further attempts to convince her of the beauty of Utah and that she should really come home : )

It is always refreshing to be with her and with Joey's parents. They offer unique perspectives and have done more in their lives than I could hope to in mine if I lived 1000 years.

Here are some pictures of our walk:






Three things I would regret if I didn't write down:

1. Joey introduced Owen to bouldering on this hike. While I thought I would be more "stressed out" about this, I am quite grateful. Now Joey can take Owen with him when he goes and I can have an entire afternoon to myself.
2. Joey thinks he did his mother a service for making fun of her 1980's Reebok sneakers she wore on this hike. She promptly purchased some new Patagonia hiking shoes when she returned home.
3. Ted was quite convinced we were on the "right trail" that led us through a swampy mess. He has after all, hiked to this lake hundreds of times. Much to the amusement of Jess and Joey, we found the marked path moments later. Ted was gracious, but I don't think his children will let him live it down.
   

Rogue Wendy's

It goes with out saying that not all fast-food restaurants are created equal. Take for example, the Dairy Queen in Centerville, Utah. They get it right. I have yet to find another DQ that rivals their mint-OREO shakes.

I was reminded of this theory when we approached Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a few weeks ago. Driving from the South towards Jackson you will find a handful of motels and an Albertson's to the East and a ridiculous amount of gas stations to the West. Nestled in among these stops is a Wendy's fast-food restaurant. You would be tempted to stop and grab a bit to eat, if for example you were starving. But, I would recommend otherwise.

Joey has always joked that this is a Wendy's in disguise. It is really a poor imitation where the chicken nuggets are mishaped and soggy, the hamburgers taste like something cooked in a dorm-room kitchen and the frosty's . . . well, that brings me to my next point.

We were decieved and lured in on our last visit to the Tetons. On our way out of town, Owen demanded some food, so I quickly pulled over to the nearest restaurant, which so happened to be this aformentioned Wendy's. Not using good common sense, I pulled into the drive through and ordered a chicken nugget kid's meal. Not only did this 4-piece (not 5-piece like most Wendy's) kid's meal cost me $1 more, it came sans a Frosty. I very politely, asked for my Frosty, which I was sure they had mistakenly forgot to give me. I was informed that managment had decdided to do away with them. What?! Isn't the whole point in eating at Wendy's really just an excuse to have a milkshake with your meal?

Word to the wise: when traveling through Jackson and your tummy needs some fueling, drive past Wendy's; there's a Dairy Queen on the other side of town.

First Rate Butlers

As I browsed through the huge file of summer photos, I cam across this:

To most, this appears to be a happy moment between a new bride and her groom. I see, my brother-in-law Matt, standing behind them holding an umbrella.

This was a self-appointed position I might add. He wandered around, trying to be inconspicuous (well, as much as you can when you're 6'4"). So, so typical Matt. Wandering around, taking care of the much needed, but not so glamorous jobs. I have a friend just like him. Never failing to help out, make others comfortable or provide top-notch service.

They need to start a service. Bring back the butlers.

Gammy, aka Minky

Owen loves his Gammy! She makes him eggs, they have tea parties, search for deer in the gully and most of all, she let's him rummage through anything he wants in her house - it is free reign.

Owen and Max

The twin deer in Gammy's backyard

Trying on shades from Gammy's stash

Going to Gammy's is basically kid-heaven. Playing in the water buckets or the bandroom . . . child bliss. We are lucky to have her so close.

Happy Holly

Holly is one of the finest people I have met. She exudes warmth, love, and happiness.

She is the current editor of City Weekly and has the talent and confidence to back that up.

One time, while walking the streets of downtown SLC, she saw a homeless man, clearly drunk, being abusive to his wife/girlfriend. She stepped in and with her very petite frame put him in his place. He spat in her face, but Holly still told the story with humor. It is with this optimism, confidence and Christian spirit that Holly has ruled her life.

I'm glad she's in mine. Happy day Holly.