Don't let your dreams be dreams

Several months ago Paige and Brock told me about a dream they both had. They dreamt, seperately, that we stayed in a hotel that had access to a beach from the back door. They talked about how fun it would be to leave our room and walk to the beach and play in the ocean. I don't remember all the details of the conversation but they both had a dream, the same dream! The funnest part of being a dad is you get to make dreams reality. Here are a few pictures from our visit to Newport Beach this past week and video from the beach. I'll add more later.

. . . but don't let your dreams be dreams, you know this livin's not so hard as it seems. Don't let your dreams be dreams. Dream.

Pirated Prelude

Today was the Primary program at our church. Paige was asked to play the piano prelude music as people were taking their seats. Not knowing the protocol on camera's in church (I have never seen one), I brought mine along. As I was shooting video, a couple of people approached me (I was trying to be discreet) and said I didn't know you could have camera's in here? I replied by saying neither did I? It's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission. My parents know too well that I have lived my life by that simple sentence. So here is Paige playing one of her prelude songs.

Why stop with video? I had to get a picture of Brock as he was singing hymns. I held the camera against my chest and disabled the flash. I don't think anyone noticed?

I think the opportunities these kids are getting by being involved in our church is indispensable. Paige was playing the piano in front of 200+ people. They both gave short talks to an audience of over 250 people. At 8 and 6 they are learning things and encountering situations I didn't until I was 19. We live in a rapidly changing world and I know our involvement as a family in our church organization is preparing our children for their future's.

Brock gave his talk first. He said: "The temple is a blessing for me and my family. I will live now to be worthy to go to the temple and do my part to have an eternal family. I will be reverent and speak kindly to be worthy to enter the temple."

Paige gave her talk several minutes after Brock. She said: "And verily I say unto you, let this house be built unto my name, that I may reveal mine ordinances therein unto my people." (Doctrine & Covenants 124:40)

The Times They Are A-Changin'

Brock left home in favor of school earlier this month. We now have two kids in school! and my body aches in places it never has before. Are both a sign of age? Brock, as you can see, insisted he ride the bus - even though he was offered a ride.
So like the other parents we met him in the parking lot (kind of pathetic really). He was a little annoyed that we insisted on attending his first day with him.
Charmayne, Sidney and Braden had to catch up, Brock wasn't waiting.
Outside the classroom. At least I got a smile, toothless or not.

The classroom. Tate sits across from Brock, which is nice since Tate was on his baseball team this past spring. After the first week Brock had to struggle with a little homesickness, which quickly dissipated when Paige began including him in her recess soccer games.

Lee Iaccoca said: "Lead, follow or get out of the way". I think life is like that, especially when it comes to kids. Change will happen whether we are prepared or not. And there is no turning back the clock.

So, in the words of my favorite poet - 'Come mothers and fathers throughout the land. And don't criticize what you can't understand. Your sons and your daughters are beyond your command. Your old road is rapidly agin'. Please get out of the new one if you can't lend your hand. For the times they are a-changin'.

Before the Hurricane

This past July Logan, Andrea, Madeline and Grandma Sharon visited us from Houston, TX. Of course everyone is aware that Hurricane Ike landed this past weekend. Thankfully, Logan and his family and Grandma were all safe. They are without power and running water (last I heard) but they think things will be fine. In this picture Logan, Andrea and Madeline prepare for a pony ride at Wheeler Farm.
Grandma and Paige, Brock & Sidney at Snowbird.
Brooks and his kids were at Snowbird with us as well. We had a party on the plaza! Alpine slide, climbing wall, tram ride - it was a fun day. Logan and Andrea are not in this picture because Madeline was taking nap.
Logan and Paige on the alpine slide. Snowbird holds fond memories for Logan as he was a Snowbird employee for several years.
By the end of Madeline's week long stay I had made a new friend. Logan and Andrea were waiting in line for the zip rider while Madi was hanging out with her favorite uncle!

Logan and Madi in our backyard. Madi loved the swings, toys and kids at our house - at least I think she did? We sure had fun and love her.
We were worried Madi would be overwhelmed with four kids running around. When she arrived she fit right in and became the fifth. She loved to go up and down the stairs in our home. Logan, I think, didn't care too much for the stairs by the end of the week :)
My kids count down the days for Grandma Sharon's visits. She always spoils them in a grandmotherly way and they get to eat "out" more than normal. This trip wasn't any different. Francesco's (Chef Tom's Bistro), Astro Burger, shakes at Ice Berg - they did it all.
Having fun at Wheeler Farm. Madeline was the focus of attention all week. She could say all of the kids names and by the end of the week was saying Charmayne!

On the street at historic Wheeler Farm. Logan is doing really well, as you can see. He has a beautiful family, he works hard - I am really proud to be his brother.

Wedding Bells

Aunt Jayme married Steve on August 21st. She chose a great guy, we really like Steve. Brock loves his truck! We were so happy to be part of their special day. Congratulations.
Flower girl Paige.
Flower girl Sidney.
The ring bearer, Brock.

I think Jayme would fall if Steve and Aaron let go of her? Or do you think Brock would hold?

Woodhouse Reunion

This past July Charmayne's family spent a few weeks together as part of the Woodhouse Family Reunion. Camille and her family made the trip from Indiana, Louis and his family from Iowa and four other family's (Jeanette, Tora, Morgan and Charmayne) from Utah to meet in Idaho at Grandma and Grandpa's house. The reunion began in Oakley where we spent time together, went swimming, and held a service project. The reunion then moved to Utah where we visited the Family History Museum for a tour and then finished with a weekend of camping at the Spruces campground at Brighton. While at Brighton we enjoyed a family talent show, the highlight of which was a visit from the brother of Ricardo the Mexican chef. We also hiked around Silver Lake and then toward Twin Lakes. Several people finished the hike to the Twin Lakes, although because of so much snow the two lakes looked like one. The reunion ended with the Bedke's heading back to Indiana and the Woodhouse's drving home to Iowa. We were lucky to keep Rae, Carter, Jaxon and Dart for a week of wild fun at our house. Jaxon, Rae and Paige jumped off the second highest platform at Cottonwood Heights (25 Ft.). The kids also rode their bikes and scooters in our neighborhood's annual 24th of July neighborhood parade. It was great to see everyone. Enjoy the pictures.

Time Machine

My grandpa Packer celebrated his 90th birthday this past August. We attended the party and spent time with my dad and my aunts, uncles and cousins. Of course the guitars came out about half way through the party. I had to take some video of the event and share it. It brought back childhood memories. My dad and his brothers and sister Gayle had a band 'Simple Dreams'. They pretty much played country music, good country music not this glamour pop stuff that is sold as country today. I still like to listen to the stuff they played, even though most people prefer what is on the radio. The band practiced at our house, which was great - we always got to hear them and watch them play. But it seemed like we always had to go to bed before band practice was over. I remember my mom tucking us in and as soon as she would leave we would climb out of bed and put our ears to the floor so we could continue to listen. I remember camping with my dad and whether we were fishing or waterskiing everyone knew the guitar would come out after dinner. We would listen to his songs sitting around the campfire. I always felt like a celebrity when people from other camps would shout requests to my dad. I dreamed of becoming a big song writer and musician. Well, I have never become the guitar player I thought I would and to date I haven't written a song, but when my dad pulls out his guitar it takes me back to that basement at 417 E. 10145 S. and to the campfires at Pineview Resevoir. Music is the ultimate time machine - sorry Napoleon. The song he (green shirt) is playing is Jaded Lover by Jerry Jeff Walker. Russ, his brother is with him playing lead.

. . . good bye you jaded lover, you undercover queen for a day.

Get-a-way at Gateway

Funny how family traditions start. A few years ago before Paige started kindergarten we decided to head downtown for a weekend. There is a Homewood Suites near Gateway, across the street from Pioneer Park on 4th West. Yes, we have seen our share of interesting people. But the kids now expect a trip downtown the weekend before school starts. Again, we all had a good time.

Paige getting Braden ready for the pool.
Sidney floated until she was a prune. I had to drag her out of the water by her tube. I was surprised the tube wasn't permanently attached!
Paige and Brock racing accross the pool. Both are getting better and better. Swimming is such a great activity, fun and very healthy.

The kids had to get a picture of Dad in the hotel room. I just returned from the hotel gym. Gravity never takes a break, so neither can I.

The Olympics

We enjoyed watching the Olympics this summer. The kids were late to bed for two straight weeks and we were later to bed over that time. When I was younger I looked forward to track & field more than anything. Now I prefer swimming? Maybe because I would like the kids to be swimmers. Charmayne and I woke the kids up watching the replay of the mens 4x100 relay when the US beat the French by 2/10 of a second. I know our screaming at the TV helped the US team. Never a good idea to run your mouth before a race, I think the Frenchies learned a lesson when Jaon Lezak beat them in the final leg. In the video above, we were watching Olympic swimming so Sidney decided to put on her goggles and practice her diving and front crawl stroke. We enjoyed it, I'm sure you will too!