2008 Holidays

2008 Holidays a success!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures --

The Night Before Christmas

Piro Kari

I think Matt liked this gift

Tree looked pretty good this year

The Other Team

Woke up Sat. AM to this. After clearing away the graffiti from my garage door, I was a half hour late for basketball at the Farmington Stake Center. The "decorations" came as a complete surprise. It's important to note that Russ Bowers missed basketball yesterday and slept-in (he was unusually tired Saturday morning and slept-in. Good thing, because I personally think he made a good choice to miss out this week...ball was unusually rough this week. Russ could have been hurt.)

Talking to Russ this morning (Sunday), he wanted me to make sure names such as Bob McRae, Jeff Bowcut, Guy Garlick, Tyler Poulsen and Jeff Jeppesen were included in this discussion of "decorations".

I will admit the vandals did a top-notch job. The crowning piece was the flag they put on the roof (I tip my hat off to them on that one). My neighbors told me that lots of folks were stopping by the home to take pictures Saturday morning. I'm sure it would make the vandal's hearts warm to hear that the "decorations" and home provided such a great backdrop for many family pictures for the masses who stopped and admired the sight. If I didn't know any better, I would have thought the graffiti was done by women...so nice and neat, the hand-writing is so legible and straight.

Lets just hope they had as much fun as we (the neighbor kids and I) did with the clean-up! Go COUGS!

Halloween & First Day at AdvancedMD

Had the most unique first day of work on record back on October 30th. My first day of work was also the company Halloween party and dress-up day. That same night I had my inaugural meeting with the BYU Young Alumni group as well. Here are pictures Kari took that night when I stopped by their Springville apartment late Thursday night. All credit goes to Lori Hanson (who provided the costume props)...thanks LOOOORI!

Talk about trying hard to make a good first impression on my first day. I'll let you be the judge of how well that first impression would have been...

Christy's apartment in Springville

I introduced myself as "Dave Mullet"...still get people thinking that's my real last name

Farmington Home -- Backyard Colors

Here are some photos I took October 19th...

My Treasure

Kari, Mom, Trish, Christy

SL Airport before flight to Boston

What a good-looking bunch!? These four are the best...really, THE BEST. This is my Pot of Gold. Mom and the girls, as we say. My three sisters and Mom. This photo I took last week as I dropped them off at the SL airport for a 4-day trip they all took together to Boston. I'm told they had a ball. They always do when they're together. They're a ton of fun.
All good things in my life, everything, I can trace back to Mom's influence and actions. I'll always be indebted. Amazing just doesn't do it to describe Mom. Sisters are just as noble and good. I'm often motivated and inspired by their lives. They made it home this past Monday. I can't wait to spend Thanksgiving in St. George with them all!

Isaac Russell Bowers

Russ and Erin Bowers had their first child enter the world this past Monday. Isaac Russell Bowers weighed in at 6 lbs. (I told Erin Wednesday night when I stopped by their home on a bike ride, and was holding Isaac, that he had the weight of a good trout or salmon) and 20". His most prominent feature has been his hair. Cute kid. Great kid. I'm happy to report that Mom, Isaac, and Dad are all healthy and well (less all the hours of sleep Dad and Mom have missed this past week). Exciting and neat time for some very good friends.

Tyler Burton, Dad, "Champ" Isaac Bowers, me
Saturday night picture -- ever seen Dad smile so big? He has every right to.

Isaac Russell Bowers
Check out how well the colors match

Chesterfield Reservoir, ID & Conference Weekend Scrabble King

Was able to get out this past Wednesday and fish with Pop at Chesterfield Reservoir in southeast Idaho. Beautiful fall day up there. We got hit by a late afternoon thunderstorm. Check out the picture below--it is taken from my pontoon boat overlooking Goose Bay to the north. Kinda cool with the sunny sky and the heavy rain.

Sunny skies and pelting rain!

One of the may combines in the hay fields near Chesterfield.

Beautiful fall colors in the background hills. The thunderstorm started this fire that was near the highway on the drive home.

Conference weekend -- Had the family at the home. Played Speed Scrabble between morning and afternoon sessions on Sunday. Recorded my first (and probably last and only) win!

My first (& only) win at Speed Scrabble. Monumental moment.

Christy, me, Matt, Kari -- check out the faces.
The winning mix

Young Alumni 5K

Ran my first-ever "official" 5K run this past Saturday morning with my good buddy Russ Bowers. Took place at the University of Utah campus and was sponsored by the Young Alumni Association of the U. Had a great time. Good to be get out with Russ. Perfect weather. Good times and a good run. My legs are still recovering from the run this morning.

I stuck out like a sore thumb with my blue and white...gotta give credit to the Ute faithful for their school spirit.

Russ and I

finishing the race -- notice the smiles

Russ and I

Russ just received news that a 10-year old beat him by .1 seconds.

I think I did pretty good. If you asked for one, they gave you little chips to put on your shoes that would track your time...I neglected to sign-up for one thinking it would cost more money. I ran most of the race by, and just behind, a girl named Kelsi Maires. Kelsi had a time of 25:45. Check out the link below -- Russ is at #112 and notice who is just ahead of Russ at #111...we've had some good laughs. Russ was animate and sure his last second efforts before the finish line put him ahead of Grady...

http://www.strideracing.com/2008/september/UOFUALUMNI5K_OVERALL.HTM

Dried Peaches

Some of my favorite snacks are dried fruit. This year I've done tomatoes, cantaloupe, and peaches. Peaches top the list. They're a perfect food to take on trips to the outdoors. (Just don't eat too many at once...you'll be regular). I got a box full of peaches from the Bower family and put the dehydrator to use! Thanks Russ and Erin.

Road Trip -- Victor, ID

Took a road trip this past weekend to Victor, Idaho which is a bedroom community to Jackson Hole. A good friend, Kris Headrick, lives in Victor and was kind enough to take a few of us in for the weekend. Had a great time. Scenery is SPECTACULAR this time of year. Weather couldn't have been better. The fishing, company, activities, food--everything, was spectacular. Enjoy the photos. Love that country and those up there.

Greys River, WY

Jackson Hole Valley

Early morning view from Teton summit looking into valley. This was Friday morning when I headed from Victor to Jackson and then south to Alpine Jct. where the Greys is located. Beautiful stream and area.

Greys River

Great looking river bend (for fishing)

Snake River Cutthroat

Hopper in mouth. Beautiful spots and color. Beautiful fish.

O'Rourke's Pub -- Driggs, ID

Me, Stephanie, Niki, Jared, Shayla, Ronnie, Adam, Kris

Small-town Bonfire View from Kris' condo

I studied here in the morning. Beautiful.
Elk Farm -- Victor, ID
Nice Racks
Tetons
Jenny Lake

Jenny Lake

Beautiful water and mountains

This is a famous picture spot for the Tetons. I love this view. My imagination runs wild for the fishing in the river and the robust mountains. Everytime I see this photo I long to be there. It was thrilling and motivating to be there.

Band of horses with Tetons in background

Took this video just before dusk in the Tetons. I was hoping to get the sounds of bugeling elk. We heard a good number of bugels. One of the most invigorating and thrilling sounds you'll ever hear. Just awesome.