You'll be fine as long as you don't do anything stupid.

"You'll be fine as long as you don't do anything stupid," was written on a back of a gentleman's shirt who was packing his parachute to jump off a bridge, and needless to say, we found it ironic.

For those of you who don't know, Twin Falls has one of the few legal places to base jump in North America. We were lucky enough to watch about 6 jumpers go over (some very close) when we took my sister (Sarah) and her husband (Don) and son (Xander) there this weekend. It is quite a site.

Xander wondered 1) When it was uncle Brian's turn, and 2) when he could get a parachute. His dad responded when you are bigger and his mom clarified that as never. Taking his dad's side Xander decided that when he "went" in the potty he would be a big boy and therefore able to have his own parachute. I doubt he'll forget to remind his mother anytime soon.

We also took them to the abysmal Shoshone Falls (since the water has not started), but were able to enjoy a beautiful spring day in Idaho. We also had a hotdog/marshmallow roast--a favorite on the farm.

Xander finally got use to "Little Bell," better known as Lavell, and over the course of the 3 days went from squealing every time he got close, to feeding him rocks and stomping on his tail to get his attention. Brian and I were pleased to see Lavell "babysit" this little guy quite well.


Sarah is due July 1 with a little girl. Here we are trying to showoff our similar bellies.

It was very nice to have some visitors (not that you don't count mom and dad!) and anyone else wanting to see the sites in southern Idaho is welcome for a visit.


Brain got some great footage

The grass is always greener on the other side

During their visit, I arranged for Xander to help out feeding a calf. There were only two, but he insisted on feeding the "other one." After switching he was satisfied and happy this calf wasn't trying to steel the bottle away from him.

When offered to pet the calf, Xander considered it, reached in, and whacked the calf right on the head. We'll have to work on his definition of "petting."

I like "After's" best!

Since our new computer is back up and running, I thought I would give some glimpses into a few of the before and afters. I'll do some of the past "after" pictures at a later time when they are officially complete.

Before

After

Before

After

Sometimes you need a translator

Although my Mom feels that both Brian and I mumble, but are somehow able to communicate, I've also learned over the course of the past couple of years that working with my Dad requires a translator as well.

For example:

• When Dad asks "Can I help you with that?" It generally means 1 of 2 things and rarely a 3rd. 1) You are not doing it right, or 2) You are not doing it fast enough, or as I learned this past week 3) You are potentially using a power miter box in an unorthodox way and he would rather risk his fingers.
• When Dad asks you to "Hand me that" this does not merit the response of "What?" In fact, by him merely asking, you are already far behind. I generally watch and try to have two options handy just in case I've guessed the wrong item or tool.
• If you hear "Son of a B$#@*" from Dad's direction, you are suppose to cuss the tool or item he is working with as well as it was obviously not designed correctly or not functioning as it is suppose to. Otherwise you might hear "Dumb A$$" from his direction, which means you leave him alone as the error in question is his fault. I have learned why this type of work causes people to swear, as this is not my Dad's normal vernacular.
  

All in all, I will miss my time working with Mom and Dad. Dad's near brilliance (not an overstatement) combined with Mom's stellar organizational effectiveness help me understand why they must have made a pretty formidable team in the business world. It is amazing to watch Dad's brain work and I couldn't have a better teacher.

Dad's SWEET handiwork. The metalwork was done at a shop in Ogden, but Dad made the newel posts himself--I could not have pictured anything more beautiful!

Ta-Da!

Brian finishing up the last bit of flooring.