First Stadium of Fire on the Fourth

I was determined to see Stadium of Fire this year purchasing the tickets in April, so as not to change my mind.  Good seats, early arrival, great parking spot, a nice picnic and a nap too, helped launch this celebration on the right track. 

The amazing acts of Cirque du Soleil "Zarkana", Kelly Clarkston, Carly Rae Jepson, The Strike 'winners of the talent competition', Rockwell Skydivers and the Stadium of Fire dancers made for a great night.  Not to mention the out of this world fireworks show. 

 Outside the stadium one hour before the performance, drinking our water and getting ready to enter, as we watch the lines and stash our loot. 

The stands beginning to fill up at the LaVell Edwards Stadium.  

 With our binoculars at the end zone.  The stage is at the far end with the fireworks set up behind that ready for the big show. 

 One of the Rockwell Airtime Skydivers holding a flag passing the Jumbo-tron on the way to landing on the field.  I was pretty excited to snap this photo at the perfect second. 

 Another skydiver with a smoking trail landing perfectly. 

 The Stadium of Fire dancers was made up of young girl (12-18) dance groups from all over the state.  The metal cylinders (like a slinky that closed to 18" or stretched open to five feet) were also dancers that moved, swayed and performed to the music.

  The firework show lasted about forty minutes with amazing never before seen pyrotechnics.  I only snapped a few, but loved the firefly ones the best. 

Checking this off my 'bucket list' felt good.  This is something you have to attend some day.

We Share a Birthday

While in Portland recently I saw this great date on a building. Okay, so it was the sewage plant. We share the same birthday.  It will probably be standing much longer than me, but yeah for industry.   Just think what a mess the city would be in without it. 

A Mellow Yellowstone Weekend

A herd of buffaloes barricaded the East entrance to Yellowstone Park, causing an hour delay. When traffic backed up beyond the entrance, the rangers raced to our aid two miles inside, honking horns, shoeing them off the road and screaming at the tourists to 'Move on!'

While waiting we had an event with car sickness and no shoulder to pull on.   Those behind us could see our dilema moving over for us to back-up a half-dozen car lengths to the last pull-off, causing a traffic jam of our own and quickly jumping out for the upchuck of the day. 

Mammoth Falls and the boys.

Railing in the Yellowstone Lodge.  Touring the old lodge, climbing to the highest balcony, checking out the gift shop and tree-branch settees; we made our way to the crowds mulling around for the next spouting of Old Faithful.

Mammoth Falls, the Petrified Tree, Paint Pots, four bears, that's right four, elk, a coyote and steaming bubbly pools were just a few of the exciting wonders enjoyed.  Can't forget that herd of buffalo and a thousand more just like them.

 Sure enough on cue, the famous geyser blew sky high. Many smaller ones further north on the boardwalk followed suit keeping the show going.

Did I mention the weather was mellow in Yellowstone for this time of year ensuring a great visit.

Significant Signs by Schmidt

Wheeler Farm needed a new sign.  They came calling to the Salt Lake Woodcarvers group on an evening while they were holding the weekly class in the 'Barn'.  Several people recommended Allan for the job.  After looking at the plans, he agreed to make it.   

The wood and design was provided by the 'Farm'.  The bolting together of the planks, planing, pattern making/transfer, routing, sanding, staining and assembly was masterfully done by Allan. 

The end result is a beautiful, eye catching sign welcoming guests to the busy farm. 

Driveway Does a Do Si Do

After 25 years of having a cracked driveway, we replaced it last month.   Allan and his trusty Bobcat had fun crushing it like a graham cracker fulfilling years of frustration.

A few days after it had originally been poured, the brick layer drove on it.  Soon after the cracks began.  We were mad, but couldn't prove the cause of it. 

To the rescue came the flatwork guys. The place was a beehive of activity, with one cement truck unloading and another one waiting a short distance away.  Glad to have a week of cool days and rain, it cured nicely this time. 


No more snow shovels getting caught on a ridge. No more uneven areas. No more money to spend this year.

 
Sporting a sign saying 'Driveway Replacement - Call Alan or Doug' was stuck in the lawn hoping to generate business for more. It appears to be working because several people have called.   We hope to snag some work from our new sample.

Now that we can use our lovely, clean driveway again, the garage doors need a new paint job. It looks like the domino affect has begun.

The Wait Is Over, Our Baby Boy Has Arrived!!

When does a baby ever let us call the shots.  True to form, our newest baby boy and grandchild arrived May 10th.  Going into labor in the early morning Breann called from the hospital at 11:30 a.m. to say, her baby was coming.  The doctor would begin shortly after noon. 

He was born at 12:31 p.m. at 7 lbs 2oz. 20 inches long.  Named after his parents favorite lake, Henry, came home Monday along with his anxious folks. 

A very happy mom on Mother's Day and forever.

 An April 27th talk by Ann Dibb, said that there are a variety of holy places. Number one on her list was hospital rooms, filled with families and new babies.  Being in the presence of this angel was truly a beautiful experience. 

Can't Wait to See You

I am not the only one anxious to see the baby coming to our family.  The parents, Jed & Breann, have been waiting a lifetime to be officially initiated into the club.  Maybe not that long, but surely they are not only excited, but scared to death as well.  Life will never be the same as they now know it.  It will be better!!  We cannot wait to see this angel from heaven. 

The house is filling up with vital items.  Target and many other businesses has them on 'Their having a baby' list.  

Only five days to go.  That would be 111 hours give or take a few. The bags are packed and tank is full.