Christmasing the House

So, it is now December 18 and we're just posting pictures about putting up Christmas decorations. We actually did this long ago (i.e., the day after Thanksgiving), but we're just now getting around to posting the pictures. Dem and I enjoy Christmas, but we aren't crafty, so there's a limited amount of decorating that goes on. It largely consists of the tree,

stockings, and a few Santa Claus ornaments here and there. One thing we have added recently is a manger scene, which Elliot dearly loves and puts together himself.

This year, Elliot decided he was going to remove the baby Jesus from the manger and cradle him as he (Elliot) slept. It was a precious scene from our precious little boy.

This year we will spend Christmas in Texas with Demaree's family. In fact, Dem and Elliot are already there. They went early (we were originally planning on leaving the December 22) because Demaree's grandmother Ola passed away after a long decline. We wish her the best in heaven and cannot wait to see her again, this time with a glorified body.

Elliot's Fourth Birthday

Yep, that's right all: Elliot turned four. It's truly incredible how times flies. It seem like a few weeks ago we were at Elliot's birth and took him home to begin our family. What a beautiful addition he is, full of life and humor and charisma. We thank God for him every day.

And in celebration of his birthday, we went to Fatcats, ate some cake and pizza, and bowled for a couple hours. Kid loves bowling, man. Not sure where he got it, but he begs to go every time we pass a bowling alley. Oh, and as you will see by and by, he loves angry birds. In all, Elliot had many of his friends to the party. Thanks to all those who came and made Elliot's fourth a great experience.

Thanksgiving

Ah, Thanksgiving. 7000 calories and a whole bunch of football. What could be better? Oh, having Erin, Lily, Meri, and Renee over, that's what. After intaking unheavenly amounts of foodstuffs and watching football, we moved on to playing Taboo (Dem and I won) and "Captain America." A great day with great friends it was; and what a blessing it is to have friends and family nearby.

And here are some pictures of the food.

And then there were some desserts (pumpkin chocolate bread pudding and pumpkin cranberry cheesecake and chocolate pie) not pictured. Mmm, so good.

Halloween

Halloween isn't an important holiday for Dem and me. We don't really dig dressing up in costumes or eating candy, especially candy corn. But Halloween is a big deal to Elliot. He loves dressing up, going to houses and collecting candy. Oddly, however, he doesn't really like the candy he gathers.

So, this year Elliot chose a Spider Man costume.

He ended up trick or treating with Marie and Lilly. The kids were so stoked to be out they ran from house to house. Elliot even had Spider Man boots which would light up whenever he took a step. So, when he would run there was this little trail of light emanating from his feet. It was super cute. Best part of the night: Elliot only ate an apple someone gave him; he didn't want any of the candy. What a good boy.

Susannah

Dem recently auditioned for the spring opera, Susannah, by Carlisle Floyd. She got the mezzo role of Mrs. McLean. She's also been signing quite a lot with the university quartet, which is her TA job. The quartet sings are university fundraisers and other promotional events. As always, Elliot and I are proud of Demaree.

Chicago: Post Wedding

So, the day after, Cantone's wedding that is. I had until 5 p.m. to sightsee before having to make my way back to Midway to catch the 7 p.m. flight home. After finding a parking spot in downtown Chicago (for which I paid a pretty penny), I made my way up to Michigan Avenue (i.e., the Magnificent Mile).

While on Michigan Ave. and on my way to Al's Beef for a dipped Italian beef sandwich, a guy came up next to me and offered me some cocaine. First time in my life that's happened. When I said no (and, yes, I said no), he moved on to the guy ahead of me, then the lady ahead of him, etc.

After the Magnificent Mile, I made my way back down Lakeshore Drive to the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art. I'm a sucker for this sort of things, and I couldn't resist buying a ticket. The artwork was, almost by definition, interesting. From live performances by Japanese artists, to surrealist exhibitions, complete with rooms that explore space strategically placing iron rods, toaster ovens, florescent bulbs, and other quotidian items around at indiscernible intervals. Honestly, the most interesting piece was an examination of broken concrete rods of all different circumferences and colors.

Leaving the museum, jaunted to Northwestern's law school and noticed an Edmund Burke quote I've never seen before.

The rest of my stay included working my way back downtown, checking out some parks, buildings, going to a very nice and well stocked public library, and eating Chicago mix popcorn (cheddar and caramel mix). Here are a few pics.

I caught the flight home with Andy and Olivia. They were coming back from their Fall Break visit to Chicago. It was nice to sit next to friends on a flight. Dem picked us up at the airport, and we all went home and slept. Great day.

Cantone's Wedding

For the first time in my life, I flew to attend a friend's wedding. I've driven to many (including ones twelve hours away), but never before flown. Thankfully, my friend was getting married in Chicago, so it wasn't like I was flying to Odessa, Texas where there ain't nothin' to do.

Anyway, the day (Saturday) started with a three-hour flight into Midway, followed by renting a Kia Soul and navigating Chicago's arcane tollway system (they don't take credit cards; amazing). And then there was the wedding.

After the wedding was, you guessed it, the reception. Started at six and went until, well, I'm not sure. I left around midnight. In that time, I was able to spend some time catching up with old law school friends and meet a slew of new people. It was great to see Cantone and his new wife, who, by all accounts, is incredible nice. In all, it was a great day.

Timpanogos Cave Hike

It's Columbus Day, so we went hiking this morning. We decided on Timpanogos Cave in American Fork Canyon. The 1.5 mile hike to the cave takes a while, but it's well worth it. Elliot did pretty well on the hike up the hill, until about 1/2 way up, then there was a lot of walking with him on our backs. On the way down, however, he was running all over creation. The caves themselves were among the most beautiful I've seen. Now, enjoy some photos.

First U of U Football Game

It's official, we've turned to the dark side. And how have we accomplished this feet? Why, by going to a U of U football game (and wearing the corresponding apparel) of course. But, when a client gives you front row tickets, it's hard to say no. The U played the University of Washington, and they lost pretty badly in the end. The result was a bit of a relief, honestly, since Steve Sarkisian (a prior BYU star quarterback) is Washington's head coach. In any case, we had a good time, with the exception of the profuse profanity and smell of stale beer. Funniest moment of the night was when a guy held up a sign that read, "My Wife Thinks I'm at Conference." Also, Dem and I learned a very important lesson at the game: we look better in blue than red. And with that, let's move to pictures.

Soccer Anyone?

Elliot began soccer about two weeks ago. He's taking part in a league of three-year-olds, which means the kids huddle around the ball and kick each other until the ball pops out and the group runs to the ball and repeats the above exercise. Elliot's doing pretty well. He's quick as a whip. He has even learned (1) how to flirt with the other kids' moms, and (2) how to slap a female referee on her rear and tell her "good game." He still needs to learn about kicking the ball in the right goal, but that'll come.

Here are some photos for your viewing pleasure.

10th Anniversary

Dem and I have been married for ten years. That's right, ten years together. It's been a wonderful time. Our life is certainly different than we expected it would be (we figured we'd have about four kids by now), but different is good and exciting.

To celebrate, we went to Midway and stayed at the Zermatt Resort. For those who don't know, which is pretty much everyone, Midway was settled by Swiss immigrants and has kept quite a lot of its Swiss roots. Even the buildings, including individual homes, are made in Swiss tradition with Swissy facades. Here are a couple pics of the resort.

I'm not exactly sure how the bear playing-a-musical-instrument statue figures into things, but it's certainly unique.

We had dinner at the Blue Boar Inn. Ultimately, we ate too much and spent too much, but we had a good time doing it. Ultimately, we had a wonderful celebration of our marriage. We're so thankful to be able to be together as a family for the rest of time and eternity.

Greek Festival

While Demaree diligently studied on Saturday afternoon, Elliot and I went to the Greek Festival here in Salt Lake. A lot of our time was spent in line waiting to buy food, but after that, we watched some classic Greek dancing.

And, as you can see, we weren't the only ones there.

There was also a load of bouncy castles, slides, and such as well. Elliot had loads of fun for about half an hour until the rain and lightning began.

In all, fun couple hours.