Hey Ben,
You never call me :) ! I really have a little bit of time for sleeping but that is about it right now. I was stupid and took on remodeling...and anyway I am sure at least some of you know the story. Working keeps me busy all day and my kids keep me busy all night. Other than that I have not been doing much except help mom move and keep Dan's suitcase packed with clean stuff. I have gone out of my way to not make anything this year. I will get my Christmas cards out if it's the last thing I do. By the way I am still waiting for life to slow down. I would love to see you Ben. We will most likely be here through the holidays working on this house and getting caught up. Let me know if you want a place to stay. I know Tlers house is empty right now as well. Anyway, I love you all and think about you a lot more often than I write or call.
Love, Lisa

Christmas is almost here, so who is doing what? Julie and I will be in Utah for Raelynne's wedding to a nice guy there. Not for Christmas, but after, for about a week. I am not suggesting any sort of gathering, but I would like to stop in and spend a few hours chatting, or perhaps dining with, any family in the area. We will likely make a trip up to Idaho as well to see Angela and Jarom while we're at it. Oh the joy of traveling with five children. Anyway, drop me a line if you'll be around.

did you hear about Granma Lula's heart attack? I guess that she is doing OK and will get through it. But you know we should post things like that on here so people are informed. I heard this from Angela. She went and saw her last weekend.
I heard that she (Angela) is going to mom's for Thanksgiving and so is Lisa. So it should be fun. Tyler is going to Ruth's family though so he won't be around.
I wish we could be there. We are hosting Andy's family though. His mom and dad and a brother and sister are all comming so we will have a full house.
We are doing pretty well. I am just counting down the weeks until I can have this baby. something like twelve I think.
Well I hope you all have a happy holiday and remember we are all thinking of you even if we can't be there.
Polly and Andy and Family!

Our trip to Sanfransisco is cancelled, and we are using our free tickets to fly to Salt lake for thanksgiving. We are going to spend a couple of days with mom, then a Thanksgiving with Chris' family. Maybe we will get to see some of you.
Juliette

Hi everyone, I can't believe it is almost Thanksgiving time! I wish we had the dough to go somewhere, but we are trying to save to go to Idaho for Christmas. I guess we will be hanging out here by ourselves, but since I never see my husband anymore, any kind of time with him is great! We are all well, Conner had croup a couple of weeks ago and ended up in the ER, but he is fine now. He is attending a 4 day a week preschool, and thoroughly enjoys it. Jackson is my little pretender, he has quite the imagination! He was diagnosed with a moderate hearing loss in one ear, but we have yet to be referred to a speech pathologist to see what we can do to help him. He is doing well with language, but I worry that he misses so much. Bryce is finally pulling himself up on things, but still does the army crawl at 11 1/2 months! He is a great baby though, and I much prefer that to one that is running by now. Chris is doing great in school, and is steadily racking up the free airline tickets from going to Vegas every weekend. I am doing well in my classes, and actually like the time away for a few hours a week. We hope to go to San Fransisco in December, but our plans may be on hold because we just found out Chris' mom has breast cancer. We are praying that she will get through this, but don't know much yet. If you think about it, a few extra prayers from my family sure wouldn't hurt. I guess that is it, we love you and think of you often!
Love, Juliette

Dan headed off for Switzerland yesterday. He will be there a week. We had a great time in Breckenridge. The place we were at was really beautiful. There was just a skiff of snow on the mountains and the weather was definitely cooler but beutiful for hiking and biking. We went to a gold mine and hiked to a lake, went four wheeling over a mountain and spent a day cruizing the outlet mall in Silverthorn. The scenery was gorgeous. I thought of you Ben but remembered you had said your kids were not out of school and we were about 2 hours south and west of where you live. Tyler and Ruth were wanting to come but they had things come up as well. I should have called but I was positively running to get "on vacation" and by the time we had mellowed out enough to call, the trip was almost over. I was just thinking how sad it is that we are all so busy running around that we don't take time to stop and smell the roses as it were...or to remeber our neighbors, let alone our families. It's that trouble of having to prioritize everything until you have prioritized your life right out of control. I must be doing something wrong...Anyway, I do love you all and think of how you are doing. I hope it is well.
Love, Lisa

Well Ben I admire you and Julie. I wish I ran more. I guess I need one of those jogging stroller things I always think I will just wait until I can leave them with Drew (I walk in the AM with friends) this year has been so pleasant for so long that we have not had to quit yet. But I don't think I will be running walking is enough. Although there is a lady in my ward who can walk the 10K in 12 minutes but maybe it is the 5K I can't remember but a bunch of ladies in my ward who walk each morning were very impressed. Anyway I beleive in taking care of yourself. If I have to get old I better look good doing it.

All is well in Idaho. The weather is beautiful and the kids are fine. We have had the usuall colds and stuff but nother major yet. Max is growing fast and loves to smile and laugh. He has more of the personality of his sister than Sam which is good and bad. He got his shots today and was very offended by them. Every time he wakes up he just cries really sad like. Sam has always been one who was very tough and he never cried when he got his shots or when he falls down. In fact now he runs staight to the mirror so he can see the blood, he wont even let me put a bandaid on it till he had stared in the mirror for a while.
Marissa made it into the nutcraker again this year. But that means not going to far for Thanksgiving because of practises. We have tickets to the Utah game the weekend before so we will be at moms then and Drew has the whole week off. We thought we might head over to Denver to visit Drew's aunt and uncle and stop by Ben and Julie's but if you are not going to be there let us know. Take care.

Love,
Angela

I can't believe I forgot Dan and Lisa were going to be in Colorado. You should have called as I only read this thing once a month or so. It will make a nice family history someday.

Julie and I took the kids and did our stake sponsored 5k/10k run on Saturday. We had a pretty good turnout, around 80 people ran. It was fun, and I'm getting to be a better runner, usually I'm sore for a week afterwards, this time it was only a day. There were missionaries at every aid station, and it was well organized. Julie got 4th overall (men included) which rocked. I was, ahem, somwhere in there, too. I pushed the runner and herded Ryan, Lacey and Alan on their bikes. Ryan made it the whole way, and many people were pretty surprised to see a three year old riding a bike like that. The church is sponsoring things like this now, and I think it's great. It's going to be an annual event because one of the new requirements to get the Duty to God award is that the 14-15 year old boys run a 5k in 30 minutes, and the 16-18 year olds have to run a 10k in 60 minutes. I think that's great, and reflects well the fact that as a church, and as a society in general, we need to pay more attention to our health. I think many of us take our health for granted, and assume that if we don't drink coffee or beer, we'll always be healthy. To "run and not be weary" implies to me that you should be running sometimes. The promise is not to "surf the channels and not get a finger cramp". I was especially glad to see a few of our larger members out there huffing and puffing away at it. Good for them, I hope they keep at it. We heard more than once that "of course the Whitehead's are here," which tells me we're setting a good example, I guess. Either that or they think we're whacked.

I am currently the first counselor in the young men's, which means I teach the teachers. There are a few of them that are on the verge of turning their life into a tragedy, but most of the others are good kids. Julie is the primary president. We just got a copy of a picture the ward took of all the mothers with new to ~6 month old babies. It's unbelievable, there are about 20 mothers, including Julie, holding their babies, one lady with twins. It's unreal. When I peaked into the Relief Society room to see them taking the picture, I saw all of these beautiful women lined up, smiling for the camera with their children. It brought tears to my eyes, it was overwhelming. I had to duck out, lest someone see my less than manly demeanor.

Sorry such a long diatribe, hope all is well with each of you. We currently have no Thanksgiving plans, so feel free to start the invites now (hee hee). We're spending Christmas at home. Anyone is welcome to come, and we'd love to help with any travel expenses you might have getting here. Take care.

Lisa, I hope you feel better soon! I am sick too, going on a week and a half wondering if I have allergies or a really long lasting cold. Glad to hear you are all doing well anyway.

We had a fun weekend, we went to a wedding near Calaveras Big trees national park. The wedding was ok, the groom was plastered and could hardly cut the cake. But the camping was the best part, it was really beautiful there. I need to figure out how to post some pictures so everyone can see...anyone willing to help?

Polly is coming to see me today! She has an ob visit, and I get to babysit her kids. Guess I'd better get cleaning!
Juliette

Hi everyone,
I was really bummed Friday. I sat down and wrote this nice long message for everyone and updated you on the latest and then I am not sure what I did but it erased it and I didn't have the energy or heart to write it again. I have been really sick with Brochitis and I am home sick today from work. I wish I felt better I could get something done! Oh well...Julie, I was inspired by your note about your family. It was really nice to hear whats up at your house. Everyones doing well here except me and I guess it's that new teacher thing. They say they all get really sick their first year. Great! We are remodeling our back room into an office and dining area, so my house is a mess and things are crazy with kids in four different schools, work and Dan is traveling again. Ben we are headed to Brekenridge Colorado on the 11th of October. You are still welcome to come up and stay a night or two if you feel like it and your kids are out of school. We will be staying until the 18th. It will be nice to get away for a minute even if it is cold. I hope everyone is doing OK. I love you all. Love, Lisa

It's been a while since anyone posted...must be busy with school starting and everything. We are doing well, time is flying by and soon it will be summer again. Conner was bummed when they finally drained the pool and covered it, I was a little too. It was nice to lay in the sun and get those endorphins or whatever you get from it- felt great anyway! It is starting to cool off here, I love the fall weather- Even if it means that it takes 20 minutes to finally get out the door going anywhere, trying to gather socks, shoes, jackets and other various items. Conner will turn 5 next month- I can hardly believe I am a mom of a 5 year old! Jackson is 3 1/2 and will be attending a 9 week high school run preschool. It is supposed to be really good, I met the head teacher and she is so warm and friendly. They get to play, and learn at various stations and they even feed them lunch. It is 3 days a week, and 3 hours a day for only 8$ a day. He will love it, he has carried his lunch box full of various treasures around for a week asking when he gets to go. Bryce is getting so big, he is now 10 months and weighs nearly 25 lbs. and 30 inches long. He only does the army crawl, but is getting pretty quick at it. He is still very laid back, and will go to anyone who wants to hold him. He gives cheezy grins to those he loves, showing off his 6 teeth- which he will also bite you with if you get close enough. Chris is doing well, and loving what he does. He is the ward finance clerk, and enjoys that because it isn't too time consuming. I am a primary teacher to the 6 year olds, which is fun. I guess it gives me a glimpse of what is to come. I am also taking 6 credits at the community college, and that is really fun. I am taking classes that are in the nursing program, and I love them. I guess that is about it, we are all happy and well (besides a bout with pinkeye this week- yuck). We have an extra bed if anyone decides to make a trip to lovely Reno! I hope everyone else takes a minute to catch up, I'd love to read all about it!
Love, Juliette

Well I sent a regular e-mail, but just so everyone knows we did have a boy on August 14 he is quite cute and eats all the time. I would have e-mailed sooner but I did not come back to work for a few weeks. I am back now with Max in tow and I just hope he sleeps long enought for me to get something done. I will finish the birth anouncements at some point and get them out to you all. I tried to convince Drew that after 3 you no longer had to send one but he thought that was just mean. He also got mad when I told Missy she no longer got a birthday party every year or new clothes for school. He keeps saying that three is just not that many but I still feel that we are now in over our heads and outnumbered.
We are blessing our baby September 28 and all is welcome but we will be going to Jaroms so maybe we can just see you there.

Love,
Angela

Hmmm, that might be fun! I guess if you are willing to brave the drive all the way from Colorado, with 5 kids, we could go 6. We saw Jarom's baby on our way home last week. She is a cutie! Angie's little Max is cute too- we just have good genes in this family! :)
Juliette

Yes, congratulations, Jarom. I'm sure everyone is aware that Joey is home now. Jarom is having his baby blessed on September 7th, and if we can make it, we will. We just may. Haven't been to Twin Falls for awhile, it might be nice.

OOPS...

She was 19.5 inches, not 195 inches! (That would look scary!)

Hey all -

Yes its true... we had a baby girl on August 5th. She was 7 lbs 13 oz and 195 inches long. She has a mas of chestnut hair (like her mother's) and a cleft Whitehead chin. We named her Emma Celeste and she is the most beautiful baby girl I have ever seen. Pictures will be forthcoming as soon as I get around to it. Love and miss you all. - Jarom

Dear kids, this is Mom. Congratualations to Jarom and Jen. I'm so glad their baby is doing well. I hope to hear from Angela one of these days soon. I've been talking to people involved with Joey in France. He's still depressed and he has a month to feel better or they are sending him home. Pray for him. this doctor who's a member of the church is treating him with flax seed oil. I had arranged to send him medicine, but they won't let him be treated with medicine over there, so pray the flax seed oil works. Other than that, Andrew and Jacob seem to be doing fine. I have realized lately than I haven't quite got the boys raised yet, and I don't think I'll ever get beyond worrying about all you kids. All I can do is worry and pray, as far as Joe is concerned, anyway. His mission pres went to bat for him and got him another month. Church policy is to send them home. He likes the kid, anyway. I feel just awful, but I love him and hope he gets better. We've lived through worse things, though. I love you all. Love, Mom

Congrats on the girl Jarom and Jenn!!!

The reunion (according to Ben) sounded fun and well fun. I am sorry I missed it, but I hada mini reunion of my own with Lesti and her family here. She is always fun to be around. They camped at Jane's at night and that helped out a lot. We hope to get our addition going soon and then I can host even Lesti's brood. With Andrew here I have 4 boys in one room. He doesn't complain much. Keitra's privileged life is unaltered and she continues to have her own Queen bed and post signs declaring her 15x15 territory. The luck of being the only girl. Lesti's kids are really adorable, it was fun to watch them interact with my boys. I loved leaving them all behind to go shopping with Lesti, too. She was really hilarious....I laughed my self sick through "Ross." I forgot how funny she was. we had fun in town while Kip and Tim played on the river. We'll see if things work out so that they can be closer. Andrew is doing fine, even under our Nazi regime. He may or may not stay for Fall, he can decide if he can stand us that long.

Well that's it...congrats to Jarom and Jenifer on their little girl Emma. How exciting to have a little girl....I don't think they realize that girls are more emotional, sensitive and require double the wardrobe, shoes and attention that little boys demand! But they are very fun and oh so sweet. I hear she has dark hair like Mommy--So Jarom has a mini me and so does Jen! Later.

Ben, how do you post pics on the Blogger?

I want to put together a package to Joe this week, any ideas on what he might like or need? Also, if anyone has already done one, anything I need to know about what NOT to put in it or anything?

Things are good here, We had our second rainfall all summer friday and saturday. It was really nice to finally cool off for a day or two. Chris is leaving for Vegas tomorrow, and will be gone all week. The kids and I have made lots of friends though, so we keep busy with playgroups and lunches etc. School starts in three weeks, so we are planning the week before it starts to go to Utah and Idaho for a visit. If anyone wants to get together, let us know!

Angie and Jennifer, hope you are doing well and those babies are growing big! Don't foget to let us know when they make their grand appearance, we are praying for you and hope it all goes well.
Juliette

Hello everyone,
I just got back from taking Polly home to Round Mountain...Andy got us a tour of the Gold mine. It was really cool! They are doing really well. Polly seems to be feeling OK and her kids were really cute. It was fun to see everyone Saturday for the reunion. Time together is getting harder and harder to come by. I appreciate the willingness of all to be there and support each other. Our prayers are with all and we are mindful of each other in our personal struggles. Shari is spending time at Angela's helping her with Sam and Dan is at Scout Camp this week. I hope Lestie and Tim made it home safely as well as everyone else. Ben I love your rendition of the reunion!

Thanks for the message mom. It was a good reunion, and we won the beautiful, hand-made quilt. I never win anything, so I was really surprized. The quilt is worth far more than we all ended up paying for it, and we will treasure it greatly. Thanks to all those who made it. Mom, send me Joey's account number via e-mail, or call me with it. I wrote Joey a very lengthy e-mail empathizing with him on his current struggles. I hope he receives it well, I also printed it out to send him a hard copy. We had fun at Lagoon and had a great spot for just hanging out and talking. Jarom, with his imposing stature, chased the Indians away from camp; Alan and Corbin on scout duties from the tree house. In-your-face smoking was kept to a tolerable minimum, and our own public nudity was tasteful and integral to the plot. We had more than enough food on hand, and plenty of drinks. Thanks again to Valisa for the food, and Tyler for the drinks. Tyler, Jarom, and I got away for a nice bike ride up the canyon later in the day from his house. Tyler let me use his full-suspension mountain bike half-way down the hill, where I realized I need my own full-suspension mountain bike as soon as possible, and Tyler suddenly appreciated his fine ride after having to try to control mine over the many rocks and bumps. I will now auction the quilt I won to the highest bidder in order to purchase such a bike. The starting bid will be $2000, do I hear two? We made it home to find everything in the disorder we left it in (unfortunately no one broke in to clean the mess we left when packing for such an outing).

All in all, it was wonderful to see everyone. The kids had a total blast playing together and I hope they grow up continuing to be as close as they seem to be now. Any or all of them are welcome at my house any time you want to put them on the plane and send them here. We're planning on sending Jordan and Alan to grandma's house next Spring (or sooner) when she hosts the cousin's camp for 5 and older at her house (no this is not a sick joke, she really offered--just tell us when, mom).

Chris, I managed to finish all my work by Tuesday at 8 pm by working many more hours than I'm used to, and getting some very lucky breaks in the process, thus hastening the need for a vacation.

That is all.

Hey Jake! So what is the scoop then, why did mom think that? When are you coming back?

Just for the record, i haven't been mugged. I am having fun here in Chicago though. I have visited three diferent temples here the Chicago, Navou, and Saint Louis. I love Chicago it truly is a pretty city. The members are wonderful. well gotta run.

You could add us in there too- winning the lotto or something would help! Just kidding. I will try to be better in e-mailing Joe. I didn't know Jake got mugged! I am out of the loop I guess. Thanks for the reminder mom, we love you too!

Dear Kids, I just wrote to Joey. He sure could use a weekly letter from any or all of you. Also, if you have a spare nickle, it seems his food allotment, 150 per month just isn't adequate, and I really believe if he had a little more money he would not be so depressed. Hunger can do that for a person like Joe. If you want to help him, go to any us bank and put some in his account. They'll give you a deposit slip. Or send it to me. He sounds cheerful in his general email, but you should read the ones I get. He has even called me twice. I am so glad to be part of this family. You have all been so good and so willing to help each other. It's kind of likd the saying, "Christ has only our hands to help others." I love every one of you, but I am only one person. It makes me so happy to see how you help each other. I appreciate Gigi and Kip for their interest and help with Andrew. They will surely get stars in heaven for helping Whitehead teenagers. And I hope you all appreciate your oldest sister, Valisa, for the quiet way she has helped so many. My prayer for her right now is that she won't get carpel tunner syndrome from making baby quilts and blessing outfits. Just kidding. But there is a list of things I am praying for that I would seriously appreciate you adding your faith and prayers to. With so many of you, and your strong faith, Heaven will surely hear us. Pray for Joey every day that he'll feel joyful an stong in missionary service, have success and get beyond depression. Pray Jacob stays safe in Chicago and doesn't get mugged again. Pray Tim gets the job in Mattawa. Pray Polly gets over her terrible morning sickness and that all three girls, Jen, Angie and Polly have healthy babies. I love you all. You are the bomb, as Andrew would say. I miss that kid. Love, Mom

What happened to your work obligations Ben??

Gigi, don't worry about it, I am sure we all understand.

We are planning a trip to Utah around the 15th of August to see family and do a little family vacation.

We will be traveling this week to Utah and will be going to Lagoon. Those of you who can be there will be great to see you. It should be fun.

I am sorry. I have Lesti and Tim coming to my house (They couldn't make it to the reunion) and it seems silly to drive across country to see all of you whom I saw in February and miss her when I haven't seen her for over a year. They need my support right now and I had three trips back to back that were causing me way too much stress. Again I am sorry if I have undone something, but I get the idea that it was a financial hardship for many and it just seems silly to go forward with something that just wasn't working out! I would really like to get to gether and hope we can plan for another reunion.-gg

Hello all. Gigi is the latest family to cancel going to the family reunion. This comes after Juliette and Lestie cancelling. I hope this doesn't come as news to many of you, but the only people left were like those in Utah, and me. Yesterday a work issue came up that will require my undivided attention for the next two weeks, and so Gigi's call was actually a welcome one.

A reunion will happen, but more than likely it will be a marriage, funeral, or some other family get together. Gigi suggested a Blogger reunion, where everyone sits down and composes a family newsletter and posts it to Blogger for everyone to read. I'll post mine later.

hello

Well, we tried but it doesn't look like we are going to make it. I am really bummed, and Conner cried for a long time when I told him we weren't going to Lagoon like we planned. Our car just isn't up to the long trip, and since I would have to drive by myself with 3 kids there, I am not going to risk it. We hope to make a trip in August, with a newer car- but that remains to be seen! Hope everyone has a great time! Love Juliette

Hey Ben,
There is a guy (Carlos) that works in my lab that is heavily involved in cycling. He is a CAT4 rider and is working to become a CAT3 before the pro race that is here in Reno next year. Anyway, I was telling him about you and he was curious as to wat CAT you are. I told him that I did not know, but that you were just as consumed with cycling as he was. So, what CAT are you? Also, Carlos said to invite you out to visit and you could go for a few rides up to Lake Tahoe. The invitation is always open. Take care, hope to see you next week in Utah.
Chris

That's really funny to read after the fact. I didn't even know all this was going on until yesterday. I am trying to make my arrangements for this reunion so that they include a stop by Grandma's house, possibly meeting Lesti there if she can't come to Utah and then going through to Angie's house. I am nuts to do this, but I'll leave the 19th and get back home the 3rd. So who will be at the reunion? It will be nice to see you who ever you are. It's fun to be with everyone at once. Ben thanks for putting all this together and I'll see you in Utah!!

Thank Goodness! It was fun seeing Jarom, Lisa and their families for the Fourth. There weren't many fireworks very close, but we enjoyed sitting outside and looking at the beautiful view and sunset, the evening darkening around us, the lights coming on, with bursts of color lighting up places down in the valley. On the 24th of July, though, they go whole hog around here and shoot off fireworks on the nearby rodeo grounds. There's also a rodeo and parades if some of you come then to Salt Lake. Pioneer Day is big in Utah.

Just a note about the quilt raffle. I already have Lisa (four tickets), Grandma Lula (4), and my friend, Joanne, (five tickets). I hope the rest of you will do it, and even the older kids might buy a ticket, if they understand only one person gets the quilt, but they are all helping Joey's mission fund. I told Joey about it. He is a little lonesome, but I think is doing well.

I look forward to seeing you all who can come to the reunion. As I think about it, we should have prizes for every kid, I think. Polly said today she'd try to come. I love you guys. Mom

Okay, it's settled (again). Jarom and I will go to the airshow and everyone else can go to Lagoon! Just kidding, of course. Well, that's what I wanted, some feedback, and it sounds like everyone has thought it over and Lagoon is the best place to go. That's fine with me. Shade and water really do sound like the ticket in the late July. I love airshows, but my kids would rather go to Lagoon.

So, any other issues? Should be fun, looking forward to the trip.

Hi Ben and all,
After a gathering of family members at Tylers for the fourth, the decision that Arco is not the best place to hold a reunion seems to be the general consensus. I have rethought my own opinion and agree that although fun an airshow in Arco is less than optimal place to gather. It sounds like Polly will not make it, or Angela and there is always the chance that that others will not be able to come as well. Lets go on as planned, come to Lagoon on Saturday, if Ben is in agreement, and those that can't will be forgiven. Anyone can show up when they can and want to. A whitehead gathering is a monumental task. I have heard many opinions (there are so many in our family) about reunions for this family. We have to take what we can get, where we get it. I so appreciate what Ben is trying to accomplish, under the circumstances I think we should stick to plan A. There just isn't much in Arco...

Hi guys, this is Mom, because Jarom is here and I don't know how to get on Blogger, but he has a password. We sat around and talked about this last night, but everyone is wishy washy about saying anything negative about Ben's latest plans, so I will risk it. Anyway, I don''t understand this whole airshow thing. I don't want to travel to Arco and sit around in the hot sun with things booming overhead. I would like to visit with my kids and grandkids. Arco sounds too far away from everything. I can't imagine hanging around Arco or even Idaho Falls as a group, even though Angie is there and for her sake we could hang around in a hotel there, I guess. Still, I think Ben's original plan seemed to be working for most of us and it has worked out fine before to have this house serve as home base and have you guys in nearby hotels. Lagoon was a good place to have our main event. Lots of families and big companies have meetings there and there is endless entertainment if you get tired of just sitting around visiting. It works for both seeing each other and fun because it it has a place to sit in the shade, tables to eat on, and rides for the kids, etc. You don't have to pay to ride rides if you can't or don't want to and yet you can see all the shops and free shows. It would also be possible to see everyone without even going to Lagoon. I hope to see all who can come. I guess I just can't imagine the logistics of holding a reunion at a field in the middle of nowhere, unless we are all planning to camp in the desert or something. I haven't seen any info on this. Ben, what is the deal? Can you explain this at all except that you love airplanes? I appreciate your efforts to organize something, and will back you no matter what just because I love you. Can you please send details of this new plan? Love, Mom

That reunion would be a ton of fun. But it does not look like Andy is going to get toleave town this month at all. He has a project at work that he needs to be here for. But we wish we could be there. We will probubly come to Utah sometime this fall when we get the chance.

Mom that was very inspirational. I love talking to people about our family. It is really quite amazing what you and dad have accomplished as parents. I hope that somehow I manage to instill some of what you taught into my children.

Angie, I sent you a present it shipped today so I hope you get it before your shower. I appreciate your invite. One car makes it pretty impossible to leave town with out my husband though! We are working on that and maybe by next year we will have a second vehicle and I can visit who I please. Plus being pregnant I have to drive 4 hours to my OB so any other trips are going to be tough to swing.

Well I whish we could go but I hope you all have fun! We will try and see some of you this year!
Love Polly

Oh thanks guys, we leave Idaho and you decide to all come visit!!! That sounds like alot of fun, we heard about it before we left. It is going to be pretty huge I guess.

Angie, how are you feeling? I got the invite to your shower, wish I could come!!!

Mom, that was a beautiful e-mail! I have to laugh when you say you can't talk about us or you would feel like you were bragging. :D I feel sad that grandma is not doing so well, I wish we could go see her.

We are doing well, we are going up to Lake tahoe to see fireworks tonight, and then just stay in town for the ones tomorrow. Happy 4th everyone!!!

Airshow! Need I say more?
Love.

From MOM, since many of you probably didn't get it:

Hi everyone! I just got back from visiting grandma Lula in Salmon. She is pretty chipper for a very old lady, but is weaker than I've seen her and she cannot walk very well. Valisa came with me, and Quinn and Analyse, and we made a lovely quilt to raffle off at the reunion. I have told some of you about this, but decided to send an all points bulletin! You can buy a ticket to win the quilt and take it home from the reunion for $5. You can buy as many tickets as you want to. The money will go to Joey's mission fund.If you cannot come to Salt Lake for the Reunion this month, you can still buy a ticket for the quilt, just let me know. I will reserve your tickets if you send the money. You need not be present to win, but it would be fun to see you! I look forward to seeing all the little grand kids. I hope they have a lot of fun together, too. I sit here in my very quiet apartment and think about how many years I wished for this kind of quiet and time to meditate. I feel so grateful for wonderful children and grandchildren. It is almost overwhelming to contemplate. Sometimes a person will tell me about their family, and I will just keep quiet about you guys, because it would seem like bragging and make the poor person feel bad. At Grandma Lula's a gal came to take care of Grandma. She was Jane Tolman, one of Beth Tolman's daughters. She had nine children, she told us. She was married in the temple, and after 24 years her husband left her. He also left the church. Her children are almost all "having nothing to do with the church." She feels sad, but of course she loves them. She asked me about my family. I did not say that all of you are married in the temple, tell Joey and Jacob's missions, out of deference to her sad story. I just said I had 29 nine grandchildren, and you are all doing well in your lives and professions. Anyway, when I can do it in all modesty, I do brag a little. You really are such a fine group of people and I am proud of you. If you will always live up to your covenants in the temple, you will not be letting Satan into your lives and letting him get his foot in the door. Love each other with total commitment. Please don't ever let selfishness or worldliness make you forget the importance of the Gospel in your lives. If you find yourselves becoming complacent or negative about your spouse or the Church, REPENT! as Dad would say. Please remember always the example of your mom and dad who were totally committed first to the Gospel, then to each other no matter what, even though we were imperfect people. Well, I guess its my job as mom to give you a little lecture now and then. I do love you all.

Love, Mom

Also keep in mind that it is only 2 1/2 hours to IF so you really could do both if you wanted to.

I saw the signs for the air-show and was going to let you know Ben but I had not gotten around to it yet. My boss says it is a pretty cool one. You could always get hotels in Idaho Falls, that is where most people who go to Arco commute from then some of the poorer folks could crash on my floor. I only have one guest bedroom.
I was going to let you know that I would probly not be able to go to lagoon because my doctor wont let anyone travel very far after 36 weeks and I will be almost 37. But I don't think it should be planned around me. Just let me know what is up and I will let you know if I will be there. Either way I am trying to find someone who wants to take Missy with them because she will be very sad if she can't attend. Love you!
Angela

Ben, I ran into Shawn Dahle on Sunday in Salmon. He was there with his wife and kids. He gave me his address and phone number. He is a Physical Therapist in Logan and works at Cache kids. Many on my colleagues worked there and we knew a lot of the same people. Anyway he is really into biking and would love to see you and your family when you come. He wants you to call him. Also, we would love to go to see the airshow! That sounds lioke a lot more fun than Lagoon but thats my opinion. I am all for it. I haven't touched base with Dan yet but knowing him I would say the airshow would be a lot more fun. Also Dan's parents live 30 minutes from there and we actually have a lot of family in the area. If people needed a place to stay we could set up a few place really easily. Let me know what you decide since you are in charge.

Okay, another change of plans (because I'm in charge). There just so happens to be an airshow in, get this, ARCO, Idaho, on July 26th featuring the Blue Angels and several other attractions. It looks to be a very cool airshow, and in Arco of all places. Anyhoo, several people I've talked with said they would be interested in going to this.

Airshows can be a load of fun if you bring a few things for every person, a chair, a gallon of water, and a hat. Oh, and 1000 spf sunscreen. Then, you're set. I don't know how many people are interested in doing this. We could change Lagoon to Friday, or just blow it off entirely. The airshow would be a lot cheaper, especially if you get your tickets online before hand. The web site is arco air show. and it has a link to buying tickets.

So, give me your feedback. We have the Lagoon tickets, and we don't have to cancel them or anything. But, if we went to the airshow instead, that would be okay by me. I can't stress enough, if you are prepared and early, airshows are some of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences we have had as a family. Being prepared (especially with little kids) is the only thing. Chair, water, hat, sunscreen.

Lisa, as far as our plans are concerned, that's okay. There is another (small) airshow in Cheyenne on the 23rd that we have gone to every year. The Thunderbirds fly over this small community college, they don't even land, but they do their show and it's really cool. We'll probably go to that on Wednesday and then head to Utah.

And, needless to say, this sort of nullifies everything about the hotel arrangements in Draper, if we go to the airshow. I guess we'll need to find lodging, we could even go on to Salmon, for those who dared. Or, we could drive back to Utah, I don't know.

The reunion sounds like it will be lots of fun! I hope we can make it! We are so broke from the move, and keep getting unexpectedly high bills for changing over our phones etc. Anyhoo, we are loving summer here! Having a pool in your backyard certainly helps. :P The boys both have lifevests, and they swim around like fish. I have made some good friends in the ward already, and it really feels like home. The whole month of july here they have "ARTOWN" where they have free concerts and such by the river. We are going to one tonight with a friend, hope the kids like it. Chris is out of town, has been quite a bit lately. He has his masters project in the Mojave desert, so he has to fly to Vegas every week. I miss him, but have kept busy in his absence. It will slow down when school starts too.
I guess that is it!

Congratulations to Polly and Andy! Julie I hope you are all moved in and doing OK. I went to visit Lestie this weekend. Things are pretty crazy at her house. Her baby is really cute and hes so mellow. I am sorry I haven't got on the blogger for awhile. Ben I investigated camping on the Wednesday Thursday of that week and found out it will be really hard to get anything because everyones leaving twon to go camping. However, we do have a great fireworks show and demolition derby that we attended last year and the kids really enjoyed it. It is samll town entertainment but it was fun. The fireworks are right by our house and we like to set up a table and play cards and let the kids play night games before hand. Anyone who wants to come is invited. Life is busy with teenageers and tweenagers to keep up with. No one wants to go to bed in the summer and getting anything productive done is a miracle but we are having lots of fun and I love having the summer off! Julie I miss having you close but I am sure glad you can go see Polly. I think it is so cool all of you younger girls have each other to keep in touch with as you all have babies and are going through the same kinds of things. I love you all.
Love, Lisa

Talk to Angela Ben she got a better rate for some reason the last time. Maybe she could help us all get a better rate this time. I want a king bed in my room!
Polly

Tyler has said we should get a block of rooms in Draper so that we can do stuff at his house, just not sleep there. So, I'm going to try and reserve the same old hotel we always stay in there next to the outlet thingy.

This particular weekend is a good one for Utah because most people from Utah are leaving Utah for the holiday.

Right now it is going to be July 25th - July 27th. We have the Uinta Terrace reserved for 50 people in the Northeast (quiet) section of the park with trees and grass. We got discounted tickets you can purchase from me for 19.50 each, children three and under get in free and can ride the ferris wheel, the merry go round and the train for free. The other rides will cost 16.00 if you want an all day pass.

I will try to get a block of rooms at a nearby hotel (Centerville) and a few suites. The plan is to check in Friday night and chit chat, and then Saturday party at Lagoon until you drop. One more night at the hotel and free for all on Sunday. Food will be planned, so don't worry about it. If we contact you to bring something, please do. Plan on bringing a cooler, though, so you can help carry all the food into the park. Should be a party.

Ben, our e-mail is cdholmes4@hotmail.com

We are sorry that you went through so much trouble with the reunion Ben, we thought it sounded like a ton of fun. We could possibly get to Utah in August if we want to have a get-together then. You could all come to Reno and gamble and go to Lake Tahoe! There are lots of great trails to kill yourself on a bike too! he he

I will see you tomorrow Polly, you know I must love you if I am driving 4 hours with 3 screaming kids!

Chris and Julie - what is your e-mail address? Send me it to my e-mail address, which I'm sure you have.

REUNION NOTICE:

REUNION NOTICE:

There is no reunion.
That is all.

Mostly kidding. Here's the deal: We went to a bit of trouble setting up the reunion at the Snow Mountain ranch, and that fell through because of lack of interest, lack of money, and lack of some people being able to attend. So, you can't say we didn't try.

There are "gatherings" going on, one in July in Salmon which we have yet to decide if we're going. There will be others, no doubt. Anyway, Julie is freaking out wanting me to let everyone know what the plan is and all that. This family is just too big to have an annual reunion placable to everyone involved. And, I've learned, I'm not the one to be in charge of these things. That being said:

I think it would be great, for those who can, to get together sometime this summer, and if there is some event more than one family is going to, we should piggy-back on that. Here are some of the ideas I've heard so far:

Cedar City (Zions National Park) in August.
Salmon over the 4th of July.
Lagoon in Utah for a day (maybe the same time frame as 4th of July in Salmon, maybe do both).

Any other suggestions? Please let me know. More importantly, please let me know any time you CANNOT attend (scout camp, business trip, liposuction...), or if you have any desire whatsoever to get together. A lack of a response will be an indication of you don't care, in which case I will drop this subject like a Frenchman dropping his rifle.

Hello All,
We have been in Reno for about two weeks now and are pretty much all settled. We like the town so far, It has taken a little getting used to. Reno is a little bit bigger than Pocatello! Our new phone numbers are:
Home: 775-747-0556
Juliettes cell: 775-224-5416
Chris cell: 775-224-4976
Juliette has been called as the CTR 8-year-old teacher, but I have not recieved a calling yet. We are hoping to be able to go to the reunion in July but we will have to see how the work schedule and the finances work out. that's about it. Take care, Chris

Sweet you guys. Hope everything works for you in Reno. I will make note of the addresses and numbers.

Nothing new on the reunion or the Salmon river trip. I haven't heard. I will let you all know when I find anything out.

I finally graduated, graduation is tomorrow, but I wont be attending. Just send me the diploma, that's all I want. Julie and the kids are doing fine, the boys and I are going camping tonight for the fathers and sons thing. Should be interesting.

So what is up with the Salmon reunion? I haven't heard anything about it till now... Ben????

Here is our new address:
1295 Grand Summit Dr.
Apt. #D228
Reno, Nevada 89523
Juliette cell 208-520-6825
chris cell 208-520-6819
These numbers are only temporary, we will post the new ones when we get to Reno. We will be there on May 22.

We are so excited to see you guys at the end of the month! Let us know how everything goes and make sure to give me your new address and phone numbers.
We hope everyone is doing well.
Ben I heard about the possible reunion in Salmon Let me know how that is evolving. I think Salmon is a great idea I really need to get to Salmon and see Grandma as you all do probubly.
Andy is probubly going to move over to Engineering sometime this month he will be their new dispatch engineer.We will probubly take a pay cut but it should wiegh out in the long run.
We are all doing well.
Polly and family

Hello??? Anybody come here anymore?

Well, Chris recieved the "official" offer yesterday!!! We are going to Reno for sure now. I am excited! I had a garage sale today, after "dejunking" and made $250! Not too bad eh? That will help with u-haul costs for sure. Anyway, Chris got into U of Idaho too, but turned them down because Reno has a better offer.

Sounds great we are excited to have family move closer!

It looks like we are heading to Reno for graduate school. It is not official yet, but Dr. Nowak made me an offer over the phone and I accepted. It still has to be approved by the department head and the graduate school. We are pretty excited about this. Kansas State was our first choice but I was placed on an alternate list there and the prospects of me getting in did not look good. UNR was our second choice with U of I being the third choice. I will be awarded a research assistantship (full tuition waiver and $15,000 stipend) in Dr. Bob Nowaks lab. Bob is a nationally recognized plant ecologist and a "big hitter" according to my advisor here at ISU. I will be working at the Mojave Global Change Facility near Las Vegas studying the effects of predicted global change models on desert plants (ie. increased precipitation, increased nitrogen deposition, and increased CO2). I am excited to work in a lab that actually has some money and nice equipment. We will be moving towards the end of May. That is about all for now I guess. Take care, Chris.

Thanks for the tip Polly, I have been wondering where that site is!

Well, Reno was awesome- we really like most of the town. If we can manage to keep our gambling urges in check- it will be nice. :) Just kidding, the strip is kind of trashy with all sorts of strip joints and such, but that is very avoidable- in the center of the town. We would never have to go there if we didn't want to. Otherwise, the interveiw went well. Chris is pretty impressed with Dr. Nowak, and hopefully he was just as impressed with Chris! We should hear by the end of this week. They would want him there as soon as he graduates, so we have alot to do in one month!!

Hey eveyone Joey let me know an easier way to write him. It is called Dear Elder.com They will print off and deliver your letter for the cost of a stamp. It is cool. They also have packages they can mail him freshly baked cookies. Everyone needs to support him and write their missionary.
We are doing OK Brock has herpies. He has cankers all over his mouth and hasn't ben sleeping or eating. It has been a long week.
Congrats to Ben! She is beautiful. I love her name! what fun!
Well I better go!
Polly

Polly, so I deleted your e-mail address before I added it to my book...um could you send it again??? Thanks! So did you figure out if you are going to be able to meet me in Reno or not? Call me, or e-mail in the next couple of days so we can solidify some plans if you can.

Congrats on the boy Angela! Did you get my e-mail??

Where is everyone? Do you ever check this anymore???

Hey Ben, you will be glad to hear Chris just applied to Colorado State! Just covering our bases per say...it would be fun to live near you though.

Ben, CONGRATULATIONS!!! She is a cutie! So glad all is well.

pictures of Cassidy are up HERE

Hi all. I'm getting ready to post some pictures of our latest addition, Cassidy. Julie and Cassidy came home from the hospital Tuesday, she was born Monday morning at 4:30. I'm still recovering from it all...Julie's fine. I got to take the week off and work sent a big beautiful bouquet of flowers, far nicer than what I had gotten Julie.

I'm trying to start my final project for graduation. I'm procrastinating it big time. When I finish the project I'm done forever, so you might think I'd be more motivated to get it out of the way, but you'd be wrong.

Juliette and Chris, if you move to Kansas we will come out and see you. We also need to get over to see Julie's sister and husband out in Missouri. That would be quite a trip, but it would be fun. Of course if you move to Nevada, well, that would be great for Polly.

Hope everyone is happy and healthy and all that.

Polly,
Hey, I got your message about not coming up here- shame on you! :) Just kidding, I understand. It is hard to have so many people that you know in one area, pretty impossible to visit them all. I do have some good news though, Chris and I are coming to Reno! I decided that if I was going to live there, I wanted to see it first. We are coming in on Sunday April 13, and will be there until Tuesday. We fly out at like 1:30 Tuesday afternoon though, so not much time that day. We will be staying in the University Inn, and are renting a car. I guess Chris has a bunch of stuff to do on campus Monday so maybe you could come and show me the town? I am just bringing Bryce along, so we could have some fun! Let me know if you want to come, it would be fun to see you!
Love, Juliette


Polly I tried to e-mail you this and it was rejected. Can you e-mail me your new address? I tried the andnpolly@desert-express.com?

We are still torn as to go North or South after Andy's house. I think that we will probubly end up going to Mom's because she has my portacrib. I accidently left it in our hotel room and she went and got it for me. So I really need that. We will see though. It all depends on Andy. I will call you though and let you know.

Hi Polly, I wish I could go to Reno too, but alas the extreme lack of money stands in the way. Oh well! It would be nice to see you. I would love to have you come here and see us! Just let me know and I can arrange a dinner or something. The dentist sounds awful! Sounds like Abbey inherited my teeth, they are bad! Fortunately my boys haven't had any cavities yet, and they love the dentist, they are due for their cleanings pretty soon. Well, I guess that's it, let me know when you are coming!
Juliette

Juliette and Chris taht is really exciting. We hope you get to go where you want to. Let us know the exact dates you are going to Reno maybe we could meet you there. Let us know.
I just got back from Reno on Friday. I took Abby to the dentist. It looks like I am going to pay to put her under to get her two cavities drilled. She had two last year and she screamed the whole time. So this time they are going to sedate her. I can not believe it.
Well nothing else is really going on here. We are going to Andy's parents house this weekend. We will probubly stop by Lisa's and I am going to call Angela and tell her maybe we will meet at your house Juliette?
Polly

The trip to Kansas was very nice. K-State has a whole bunch of money and very unique research opotunities. The eastern part of Kansas where the campus is located is not the stereotypical Kansas. There were lots of rolling hills and lots of trees. I am still wating for an official offer from the school, which should be coming in the next week. I was also contacted recently by the University of Nevada Reno and I will be heading there for a visit in about two weeks. This is another well respected school in my field, but I don't think they have quite as many resources as K-State. We are trying to keep an open mind about all of our options. We should know by the middle of April where we are going.
Chris

Julie, I am excited for you and Chris. What a neat adventure! I finished my Thesis presentation and my big certification exam and I am plugging along. I am telling everyone via email that I am planning a big graduation party on May 2-3. I am not going to go through the big grad ceremony, just the hooding ceremony for my Masters but I am glad to be almost there! I have a job and life is not so bad. Dan is in Detroit this week and I am moving bedrooms around, working and feeling glad that spring weather is here even though we need snow so badly. Ben, as far as the reunion is concerned I could help you if you want me to. Let me know. It was really good to see most everyone and Joeys address at the MTC is: Elder Joseph Ammon Whitehead, MTC Mailbox #40, FRA-TOU 0429, 2005 N. 900 E., Provo, UT 84604-1739. I challenge you all to write at least once! He is estimated to leave April 29. Lets see if we can make his day and let him know he does have some brothers and sisters who are thinking about him!

Ben, we will have a better idea of whether or not we are going to Kansas after this upcoming week. Chris is flying out there March 13th through the 16th for an informal interview/tour the campus/meet everyone. His prospective professor is paying for everything so we took that as a good sign that he will be accepted. When Chris made the travel arrangements with the K-State travel agent, she told him that there was only one other student that Dr. Knapp was doing this for. If we do go to Kansas, we will be moving probably the last week in May. That is all for now, we will update everyone when we know for sure.

Hello. It was fun to visit at Tyler's place for awhile. Glad we could see most everyone. So, Julie, are you moving to Kansas for sure, or what? You're sure welcome to stay here for a few nights on your way. Still no solid plan for reunion. I've been busy with work, work, work, and school. I have no life. It's finally decided to snow here, and we've been blanketed for two days. It's pretty cool.

Is someone that knows Joe's new address going to post it on this for everyone? Sorry that we took off with out saying goodbye to those that we did not see. Andy had to get back to work. We loved seeing everyone. We have a new e-mail address we will send it to everyone!

Well that is great Juliette but I really wanted you to move to Reno so I would have family closer.
Well we have decided to go to Utah for Joey's thing but we have to go early we are going to get there Thurs. and we have to leave Sat. Andy has to get back by Sat night for work on Sun. We would love to see you all. We got a hotel at the Fairfield the same one that used to be the Travelodge. For Friday night. Thanks to Angela we got the room for $64 they quoted me $74 until I asked about other family. So they gave me the same rate. Thanks Ang.

Well, it looks like we might be going to Kansas!!! Chris got an e-mail yesterday from the professor he is looking to sponsor him, and he wants to fly him out for a visit! We take that as a good sign that he will be accepted. This is also the school that has the best offer (full tuition waiver and $18,000 stipend). Also, we found out this morning, talking to the institute secretary at KSU that this professor, Alan Knapp is LDS. Out of 2 wards in the whole area, Dr. Knapp is in her ward! :) That is a very good sign that he will be more understanding of family and church responsibilities, in addition to graduate school work. We haven't recieved an "official" acceptance letter yet, but hope to know for sure very soon.

Ben, I am sorry I have neglected the Blooger as well. I am trying to get graduated soon and work. I asked for it, as usual life on the edge is great! I vote for June. Anywhere from the 7th on. Scout camp isn't until the latter part of July (over the 24th) and Trek is the 12,13 and 14 of June. Other than that we are open. It would be great to do it over a long weekend versus during the week days due to Dan's time off work. We will do whatever. Some ideas...your house sounds great! Vegas isn't the best for little kids but we could meet soewhere. Someone needs to plot the coordinates of everyone and pick a spot right in the middle and then go to the nearest spot of civilization and have party, invite everyone and have a contest ot see who can show up first. Call me Ben, I have some ideas and connections. We can talk. As far as the rest of you please feel free to pitch in ideas.

Ben, I am disappointed!!! Oh well, it wouldn't be as fun with not everyone attending anyway. We could use the money we sent you too! :) We don't have any big plans yet, but I think we will probably be moving in the beginning of June. We don't know where we are going yet, but it most likely will be Manhattan Kansas, or Reno Nevada. If we move to Kansas, we are hoping to stay at your house for a night, because it is half way. But of course, it is still all speculation for now. We are up for camping, biking, Vegas (if we live near there!) or whatever!

Vegas would be great for us but just because we live so close or closer than all of you! But it could get pretty expensive. We think June is a great month. We would like the reunion to be a little closer than Colorado. Like somewhere in Utah or Idaho. We have no specific dates but Andy's five day is the weekend of the 6/21-6/25 so that would be a great weekend. We would really like to get to the outdoors and enjoy nature. We are up for most anything camping, lodging etc. We do not own bikes Ben so no Biking for us!

Sorry, I've neglected this thing. I regret to inform everyone that the snow mountain ranch reservations have been cancelled due to half the family not being able to attend. For those of you who sent me money, it will be returned to you as soon as I can sell the new car I bought with it. There will still be a reunion, but it will probably be less organized, and earlier than August. It sounds like June would be a better month for most of us. We will let you know, but it will be such that you will not be required to attend, i.e. no money due up front.


Vegas has been mentioned, as has another river trip. There are lots of possibilities, including everyone who wants to can come to my house and we'll have a computer game deathmatch, or, if you prefer, a cycling clinic: last one to the top of Mount Evans loses. I need to call each of you and get some more ideas. We will let you know. First off, though, please send me your calendar for the summer. If you have plans (school, scout camp, due date, or elective surgery) let me know. I want to find a time when everyone can make it.


Jule is still pregnant. It's been a little harder on her than her previous ones, though she will never admit it, even to me. She's due in April.

Yes Julie I got your e-mail and e-mailed Jackie. She wrote me back it is good to hear it from the horses mouth.
You need to go to the University of Nevada Reno. I need to have some family closer!!! We are doing well. I do not think that we are going to make it over to Joeys thing. We got our selves a minivan and we will have to pay for registering it and stuff. We will be planning a trip in April or May to Utah though. Well that is all for now!

Where is everyone??? Polly, did you get my e-mail? How are all the preggies doing? Hope you are doing well...of course that could mean you are puking your guts out- that is a GOOD sign all is going well. :0) Not much new here, Chris is busy with his classes and applying for graduate school. He has it narrowed down to 3 schools, Uof I, University of Nevada Reno, and Kansas State. Kansas is his top choice, because of the faculty there, and the $ offered. Uof I is mine, for obvious reasons, but they don't have as much $ available, and the professor has kind of a bad reputation. We will know in the next couple of months for sure. I just want to know where, so I can get used to the idea! We have been here in Pocatello our whole marriage, and it will be hard to move, but exciting too.
I am busy with some classes (7 credits) and 3 rambunctious boys. Bryce is starting to laugh and has been cooing for a while, it is so fun! He is also about 15 lbs at 2 1/2 months, that is about the 95% for height and weight. I am going to have some BIG boys. :)
Gotta go, baby is crying...

Ben, When is the Colorado Trip supposed to be? Send me a date. We will be there if we can but that last two weeks of August will be interesting. If we can't come do I still have to pay?Let me know.

Jarom and Jen that is awsome!! I am so excited for all of you guys.

I talked with Ben AFTER I sent the river trip blog. I had completely forgotton (or hadn't heard - that happens to me a lot) about the Colorado trip. Obviously, most people don't have time or $ for both. Angie - I am especially sympathetic to you becuase my wife is due August 21st as well. Anyhoo, I guess the way we'll do this is to leave it up to the individual families that want to float the river with Dave to give him a call. His number is (208) 785-2500 at home. Other than that, 200 clams for a jaunt in the Colorado Rockies is a bargain. I, like Angie, just hope I can go. Ben- Regardless, you'll get your deposit in mid-february. Tootleoo.

I sent it to you Julie but I had to send it to every one else too!
Sorry every body!! Well we are doing better. Brock has been sick for about a week but he is starting to get better.
I want to hear about Jacob's girlfriend anybody know anything??

Polly, I don't think I have your e-mail...my address book keeps messing up. Could you e-mail me yours, and anyone elses you know in the family? Thanks so much! It was fun talking to you yesterday, I am going to check out the u. in Reno right now!

Yes Juliette I would love to have Jakie's e-mail e-mail it to me please!!

Hi all, Bryce is home now and doing much better. He spent 5 days on the pediatric floor- I think he just liked it so much last time that he wanted to go back. Just kidding! He has really chubbed up though- he is 14 lbs now! (Better him than me!) Gosh Jarom, if I wasn't breast feeding an infant I would go on that river trip in a minute!!! It really sounds like a ton of fun. Maybe we should start planning for one next summer? Ben, did you get our check? We sent 250, thinking that was the cost- so maybe you could put the 50 toward food or something. Did you decide how we are going to do the meals? I can't remember the exact dates either, can you refresh my memory?

Polly, I got a call from Jackie (Taylor) today! I sent her parents a Christmas card with my phone # and asked them to give it to her. She is in Finland- crazy huh? She is also due next month with #2, a girl. I think we must have talked for about 2 hours, it was so nice. She gave me her e-mail if you want it, let me know!

Jarom the river sound interesting I think Drew might be interested I know he talked to Dan Bird about going if we got in this year. However you can count me out since I don't think they let big fat pregnant women go.

Ben just let me know how much and when to send it and I will send you a check. However since this little family reunion falls around my due date do I get a refund if I cant go or do I just send someone in my place? Take Care.

Jarom The river sounds great but we do not think that we can afford to do both. We are already wondering if we can afford the trip to Colorado. Maybe next year.

So long as we all keep in mind that the trip would be in addition to the trip you're all going to take to Colorado for the family reunion we're planning. Speaking of which, we're fast approaching the deposit time where we need some money from each of you. It's looking like about $200 per family for the cabin, but it depends on how many kids you have, etc. I think the $200 is total price, but we have to have like half of that here by mid-February, I think. We'll be calling everyone in the next few weeks. Whatever the cost is, I guarantee that it is a pittance compared to the amount of activities and fun that are going to be available included in the price. It will be awesome. Just come to relax and read a book, or you can do all the hiking, biking, canoeing, horse-riding, basketball, rock-climbing, roller-skating, mini-golfing, swimming, and of course eating that you want to do.

The river is fun, but I doubt we'll be going again this year, it's a lot longer trip for us than most the rest of you. If you get a chance to go, you really should.

I talked with Dave Parmenter this morning and he asked that I pass along the following:

The time for putting in permits to raft the Main or Middle Fork of the Salmon River is fast approaching. Last year several of us went down the MF when Ruth drew a permit and the trip was great fun and very memorable. At the time we had discussed doing an all-family trip with Dave and some of his kids this year. He wants to know if we are still interested. The Main Salmon is easier to draw a permit for, timing is fairly flexible and could be great fun in late spring for a broad range of ages. The MF is not easy to draw for and you pretty much have to go on the date your permit assigns and smaller kids wouldn't be a good idea. The object of this blog is to get a discussion going amongst the family as to what, when, where, and - most importantly - who wants to go. If we can resolve a few dates and numbers in the next couple of weeks, we can plan with Dave on making a trip. I think this would be a ton of fun for the adult and semi-adult members of the family. I am willing to coordinate things if enough of you respond to make it worthwhile. Please call or email me if you would like to go and some suggested dates. My email is jwhitehead@pedersen-law.com and I can be reached by phone at (208)734-2552 or 737-9635. after we know how many are interested, we can put together some numbers in terms of how much, per person, and how long we'll be on the river. For comparison, last year we spent 5 days, 4 on the river, flew in to the drop off (small planes - really fun), had great meals and snacks - all for $250 per person. The bulk of the charge was the "airfare", the rest covered the food. The same trip through a professional outfitter costs between $1500 and $2500 per person. also, if we vote on the Main (or don't draw the MF) there is no airfare involved in the price. Let me know asap if you're interested.

- Jarom

Well, here we go again. Bryce is back in the hospital. He got the same cold that jackson and conner have. All of the blood work that they have done has come back negative, so the doctor says it is just a virus. He cannot breathe well on his own. They have him on oxygen and they say it will be a couple of days until his lungs clear up. We did get some good news this week. A professor at Utah State responded very positively to the resume that I sent him and wants me to come to USU. I still have to be accepted to the graduate school so nothing is official yet but it looks like there is a good chance we will be going to Logan for the next two years. That's all for now, Chris

Looks like no one could answer my question so I called Joey. He is leaving on the 26th and speaking at church on the 23rd of Feb. He said all he really needs now is socks and money!!! We are doing great. Hope to see all of you who go to Joey"s thing.

Does anyone know the date of our big weekend in Feb. So we can start planning when to be there?

Yes, Lisa, for people with a speech impediment it is often helpful to laugh at them, it really helps them realize they have a problem. Kidding of course. Wish we could have gone to Joey's endowment. This is a weird work week. One day off in the middle really messes with your head. I thought today was Monday.

Christmas came and went as usual around here. We played Santa for some people in our Ward who are unemployed. It was fun and memorable and we involved the kids so they really enjoyed it. It reminded me of the time when someone left a house full of goodies for us when we came home from church in Alaska. Our Ward fast offerings are barely cutting it, and usually we have a pretty good surplus. There are many unemployed and underemployed families. There are some bright spots as a few are starting to find jobs. Several of the guys I know who were laid off last year have now found work, and they are very happy. I hope the economy picks up steam (slowly) and things get a little better. I'm glad the boom is over and hope it taught some people a lesson in humility, but the Ken Lay's of the world haven't paid as dearly as Joe Employee has.

Wishing you all a wonderful and happy new year. Our new years eve included going to bed at 10 o'clock. I was beat.