I learned it all from Myth Busters

A couple of weeks ago we had a meeting with Bryson's teacher to see how he was doing at school. Each of his teachers wrote a couple of lines on a report for each student. The science teacher wrote how amazed she was at Bryson's knowledge of science and how he's always bringing in outside knowledge to enhance the lessons. Feeling proud we told his teacher that it might have something to do with having Engineers for parents or having one Grandfather that has a Masters in Engineering and the other Grandfather that has a PhD in Chemistry and was head of the Physics Department at the University at Albany. Not to mention that he's the youngest and he has to keep up with the scientific dinner conversations of all the older people around him.

When we got home and mentioned the science teacher's comment about his scientific knowledge to Bryson, he casually commented, "I learned it all from Myth Busters."

It's tough for a parent to get any credit for all the hard work you put into these kids.

Almost ready for Christmas...

Most of the shopping is done, most of the sewing is done, most of the shipping is done, most of the cooking is done, and none of the wrapping is done. No problem. I'll get it all done.

We had our annual Gibson Christmas Open House last night. There were relatives, neighbors, people from church, people from work, and a few random people we didn't know, but the Secret Service let them in so we figured they were ok. At one point I walked through the house and counted 53 people. In my not-huge house. 53! Fabulous! It was a great night with friends that we don't get to spend time with very often. Can't wait until next year.

Off to sew...

Just What the World Needs...More Gibsons!

Finally! Today we finalized the adoptions of Parker, McKay, and Bryson to David.



I was talking to a friend of mine and mentioned that we had a court date and she said, "I thought that happened a year ago." Well there are lots of hoops to jump through. It was much easier (and quicker) when I adopted Parker and McKay in Utah, even though it took extra time to get the approval of their tribe.

But now it's done. We've added 3 more Gibsons to the world in one afternoon. To celebrate we went to dinner with Grandma Gibson at a Chinese Buffet (boys' choice). What a relief to have it done. But now comes all the paperwork to get their name changed on everything. Ugh!

Be afraid...Be very afraid...

Three reasons:

1. McKay got his driving permit Friday!


I know what you're thinking, how did he get old enough for that? Good question, but the DMV verified it and actually gave him permission to learn to drive a car. Yikes! I took him to a parking lot so he could start to get the feel of things. He was almost giddy to be behind the wheel (and a little nervous which is a good thing).


2. Parker's room is, at this moment, the cleanest room in the house. He's never been able to claim the title before. I'm not saying it's a sign of the last days or anything, but if you see pigs flying by, you'll know why.

3. After David had Hannah over to educate her on classic cinema, she, too, now knows the secret of Rosebud.

Thanksgiving

Dorothy has been trying to get us to run in a Turkey Trot for years and we've managed to avoid it...until now. McKay wanted to start running back in August and we've been running several nights a week since then. When Dorothy brought up the Turkey Trot again, it seemed like the perfect goal to work toward. It's a 5K (3.1 miles) through the streets of Troy, New York. What a great way to start off Thanksgiving Day, huh?

So at 9:30 this morning we were at the starting line with 6000 (!) other people. Here's a picture of us with Dorothy and her husband, John.
It was a little crazy because of all the people, but it was really fun. I think everyone had a good time. Of course, Bryson beat us all over the finish line by a wide margin, but we were there for fun.

Then on to the feast! This year is was just a small crew, the 5 of us. I think it's the first time in my life that I haven't had a large Thanksgiving with extended family. It was everyone's year to go somewhere else (in-laws and such), so it was just us. In preparation we wrote up our menu of have-to-have dishes and then handed out the assignments. McKay made rolls and jello salad, Bryson was the mashed potatoes and pie guy, David manned the green bean casserole (maybe not such a good choice for him because he didn't realize how easy it was to make until now), while Parker made the sweet potatoes. I provided a turkey and some dressing and we had a great feast. Since I wasn't sure what kind of shape we would be in after the race we preped most of the food Wednesday night. It was perfect because we came home from the race and brunch at Dorothy's then took a nap BEFORE the Thanksgiving meal. And still had time for a pie party at our friend's that evening.

There's so much to be grateful for this year, but mostly I'm grateful for my Lord, my family, and my friends; without which life would seem empty. We have family and friends spread far and wide and I wish we could celebrate with each of you at this time of year. I guess there's always next year...

10 lbs!

Yep, that's the amount of candy Bryson got trick or treating. Do you have any idea how much candy that is? About this much...

I'm not sure whether 4 or 5 kids had their candy out at this point.

They were allowed to go out from 6 to 8:30pm and they made the most of every minute, including stopping by to switch parent chaperones and drop off their candy several times. Once the clock struck 8:30, they were headed back to count their booty. Then the negotiations began. Trading least favorite candy away for their favorites. Like one parent commented, it was tougher than Wall Street in there.

Earlier in the week the kids participated in the annual Trunk or Treat at the church. Bryson was a Storm Trooper this year as was his friend, Duncan.

Parker helped run the mummy wrapping station while McKay ran the fishing booth.

What a great Halloween!

Adventures in Cooking

So I've obviously been working way too much and haven't had time for blogging :( or sleeping, reading, or much of anything I enjoy. My project at work is in full gear and will be heavy for another couple of months. Phase I Go-Live is Dec. 2. Then it will begin to slow down to a good part-time, why-the-kids-are-at-school, pace...hopefully.

But I couldn't resist posting this one. David's out of town at a School Board Conference in New York City (on his Birthday - Happy Birthday Honey!). When he goes out of town we eat Mexican food because he's not a fan. First on the Menu - Taco Salads. Bryson is 10 now, and I want him to begin to cook simple meals, so an easy chili sounded just about right for him. When I explained to him how easy it was, he claimed, "It's not as easy as it sounds." I reassured him it would be fine and it was really easy. So he was rounding up cans of beans and tomatoes when he knocked a glass jar of fudge to the floor where it, of course, broke. He got the beans and tomatoes on the stove and started them cooking then went to address the fudge mess. He was cleaning up the fudge and went to get another paper towel when he noticed something burning on the stove. He pulled some papers away from the burner where the chili was cooking and called out in a panic, "I hope you don't need these Important Tax Documents". He was really nervous. From the picture below you can understand why.

He was worried, but luckily it was just a copy that Parker needed. No problem...once the adrenaline rush was over. Bryson's famous last words for this cooking adventure "See, mom, I told you it wasn't as easy as it sounds." Not when you break a glass jar in the process, then start a fire while you're trying to clean it up!

Leaving Las Vegas

David headed off to the Denver X-Ray Conference, McKay headed to UNLV for EFY (Especially for Youth) and Bryson and I were headed home. We had an early flight out of Las Vegas, so we spent the night in Las Vegas and enjoyed some of the sites.

Bryson wanted to see the Luxor (giant pyramid) and Treasure Island, and I wanted to see the Belagio fountains. It was good to do once. I remembered all the reasons I don't like Las Vegas. Not to mention that it was 112 degrees, so we had to wait until dark to go out so maybe it would cool down to at least 100. It was nice to be headed home to nice, cool New York.

Almost done with the Utah Vacation.

To finish up the vacation...

We celebrated Kaylie's 1st Birthday.

Peggy, my Dad, and I took a drive out to Milford to see where my Grandma Spykerman grew up, worked, and met my Grandpa. We went to the Milford cemetery and dodged sprinklers to see where my Grandma's relatives were buried and then to where my second cousin has a pearlite mining operation.

We went on yet another hike up Kolob canyon in the north end of Zions National Park. On the hike we found a furry beggar wasn't too shy about looking for a handout.

Bryson built a castle for the squirrel.

And Bryson and Nathan perfected their pool sharking skills.

Whew!

Hikin' in the HooDoo

As we were packing up to take go on another hike, Renae (almost 3) asked "Are we going to see more colored dirt?" Hilarious. But, that's exactly right.

Hoodoo: the geologic name for the rock formations found in Bryce Canyon, Utah. They are spires that have a totem pole apppearance.

Majestic McKay

McKay wanted me to climb up to this point and take his picture. He was climbing out to the point and, concerned for his life, I made him stop about half way out.
In the picture below, you see why I was a little concerned. It was a drop off like that on both sides.

Another day of breathtaking views.

Rodeo Injuries

We started off Utah's Pioneer Day in Cedar City with a 1 mile run/walk down main street. Even with a baby, cheap stroller, backpack, and jeans, Melissa beat everyone over the finish line by a wide margin. I guess all those years of training haven't worn off even after two babies.

Then we watched the parade down mainstreet. Only in Utah do you dress your kids up like jello!

Or make a parade float out of food storage! lol!

Then we headed to Parowan for an ametur family rodeo. When I was young my Dad would take us to the West Jordan parade around Pioneer Day. Often we'd stay for the fireworks that followed and watch them sitting of the roof of the old Travelall (precurser to today's Suburban). One summer I was convinced that I wanted to be a rodeo clown when I grew up. I practiced my dodge and weave moves in the backyard. Anyway, I looked forward to going to a rodeo with him again. Little did we know the rodeo was accepting entries for children in mutton busting. Of course we had to enter Bryson. I mean how often does an opportunity like this come along.

If he stayed on for 7 seconds, he would have received a free hamburger and soda. Unfortunately, he only lasted about half that before sliding off the side and taking the sheep down with him. He managed to walk away with a hoof scratch down his leg and on his chest. How cool. His first Rodeo injuries!

After the rodeo we headed into Parowan to see some of our historic family history sites. Including the Old Rock Church that is now a museum and then to a park with this monument to our 3rd Great Grandfather, George A. Smith, who was sent to found Parowan.

Then we headed out to the Parowan Gap petroglyphs. This is a place David's Dad frequented for field trips as a kid.

The day wasn't complete without a campfire back at the rental house and then fireworks for those of us who live in states where doing your own firework is illegal.
Nell, my Dad, and Kaylie

Fireworks!

Melissa's husband, Bryan, and Renae.

I love Slot Canyons

My favorite hike of the Utah trip was one recomended by my Brother-in-law. We got up early and headed out to Kanarra Creek Slot Canyon. You might be asking, what's a slot canyon? You'll get the idea in the pictures to come, but it is just that, a canyon carved (usually by water) out of stone which is steep on both sides leaving just a slot. I love hiking in or near water and the shade the canyon provided kept us out of the hot July sun.

This is a slot canyon.

David carried Renae (my niece's daughter) the entire trip. Here they are playing in one of the waterfalls.

J-me and me.
We had several waterfalls to climb...with an infant and toddler in packs. I think we saw it as a challenge we couldn't pass up even if better judgement might say to turn back. The kids didn't seem to mind at all. I'm not sure we were thinking that what ever we climb up, we have to climb back down to get out.

Above is Peggy (Sis), Jaime (Sis), Melissa (niece), McKay, Me, Bryson, Renae, David, Gary (Bro-in-law), and Kaylie.

If you're headed to Southern Utah, don't miss this hike.

I do have to mention that we traversed all kinds of terrain and David did a stellar job with Renae on his back...until we hit the flat part of the trail when we were almost back to the cars and David tripped stepping over a tree when his toe caught a branch. He fell into the tree and sacrificed himself to make sure Renae was safe. He got several scratches and pokes from tree branches, but Renae was entirely uneffected; not even scared. David claims it was Renae that tripped and took him down with her.

Finally...to the Family Reunion

OK, so it's been several blogs talking about getting to the Family Reunion and it is finally happening. We met my Sister, Peggy, her husband, Gary, their Daughter Melissa, and her two children and headed out to the house we rented. It was in the mountains 15 miles West of Cedar City. We assigned rooms and headed out for dinner and a play at the Utah Shakespearean Festival at Southern Utah University, courtesy of the President of the University. We were also introduced to the man who started the Utah Shakespearean Festival who also knew David's Dad, Walt. We saw the play "As you like it" and we all thoroughly enjoyed the humor.

The next morning, we headed off for the Twisted Forest and Cedar Breaks. The Twisted Forest Trail is a little known trail that leads through a Bristle Cone Pine forest. Some of the trees are between a thousand and two thousand years old. It's a strange place because all around this small forest is a normal aspen and pine forest, then you walk out into this area that is mostly covered with small rocks and sparse vegetation that happens to be the ideal place for bristle cone pines to grow. You can look around and see the clearly defined edge of the forest. It's not like anything I've seen before.

David carried Renae (my niece's daughter) on this trip and found her to be a really good hiker. For such an active girl, she is content to sit still in the backpack and enjoy the ride.

In the picture above there are two things to make note of - besides Bryson and McKay. It's hard to see, but Bryson has a yo-yo in his hand. He spent a lot of this trip getting really good at the yo-yo. He often had it with him on the hikes. Also a little hard to see is Bryson's "powder bag" that his friend's mom made him. It carries all his survival supplies. He had it well stocked and it came in handy on numerous occasions throughout the trip. It was almost comical. If you needed something, Bryson had it. Bandaid for McKay; of course. String to tie Kaylie's pacifier to the carrier so she wouldn't lose it; which kind, kite string or twine? Knives at the rental house were dull; no problem, Bryson has a knife sharpener. Renae's backpack needed an emergency repair on the trail; Bryson had an awl on his pocket knife to drill through plastic and string to tie it all together. Those are just the ones I can remember off the top of my head. Any time we needed something, we knew Bryson would have something that would work. He'll make a great scout someday.

The picture below is at the top of the Twisted Forest which happens to be on the backside of Cedar Breaks (which you can see in the background of this picture). Truly stunning.

Then we headed off for a picnic lunch at Cedar Breaks and a hike down to a pond along the edge of Cedar Breaks and up to a scenic overlook.

By the end of the hikes we were ready for dinner and bed. My Dad and Step Mom, Nell, arrived at the house while we were out and my "little" sister, Jaime arrived that evening. That made for a full day, but we were up early the next day for more hiking.