Long time, no post!

Alright I'm way behind so here is my excuse.
First, our computer went on the blitz because of a virus. When we took it in to get it off they had to keep it for a week and wipe EVERYTHING off because it was all so corrupted by viruses and spy ware and you name it... Then when we got it back it took a while to dig through the moving boxes we STILL haven't unpacked and find the disks we needed to reinstall EVERYTHING.
Once it was reinstalled Clare and I (Chrysi) took off with Ricks side of the family on vacation for 8 days. Disneyland, Sea World, and Mission Beach. Then I had to use all my spare time to finish making Clare's Halloween costume.
So that's it. I guess I've just been procrastinating since Nov. 1 because that's where my excuses run out. I'll put up another post soon with plenty of pictures of our adventures.

Family Pictures and Birthday week

Another week flies by and I'm not quite sure if I was awake as it happened. I guess this blog is my outlet to figure out what actually occurred and whether it really mattered or not. As we get older and our family circles continue to grow exponentially, I realize that I forget more birthdays than I remember. I do declare it a miracle that I actually remembered both Charlie's and my Dad's Birthdays this past week.

Our family has a tradition for Birthday celebrations. A delicious celebratory dinner is prepared by mom with the birthday boy or girl incharge of selecting the menu. (I am sure this is pretty typical of many familys.) But near the end of dinner, Dad motions to the family that it is time to take a moment and allow each member of the family to express their thoughts and feelings about the honored member of the family. I must admit that it can be uncomfortable when upon notification from dad that it is now my turn to share my feelings. I probably should prepare before these events knowing what is most certainly going to occur. Well this past week, we had two birthday dinners. Sunday the 7th was Charlies 17th birthday, and this last Sunday we celebrated Dad's birthday. Unfortunately, due to a strange rash that Clare developed, we elected to stay home and family pictures with Chrysi's family before Airety and Brian leave for Germany, we were unable to participate in the events.

So I feel that I have now had addequate time to prepare and would like to share my thoughts about my brother 10 years younger and the man I wish I could be more like, my Dad. I feel like time passes so quickly and if we waste the opportunities we are given we will forever regret it. As an older brother I have felt the burden of being the good example and the bar setter for my younger brothers. When they slip up or don't achieve the very best, I tend to take the blame for not being the best example and supportive brother I could have been. I know its not my fault, but I always ask myself if I am being the brother I should be. Could I make a better effort to attend a soccer game, cross country, swimming or water polo meet? Of course the answer is a resounding YES! But I have noticed something this year. I have some of the most accomplished and talented brothers who achieve and find success in almost every avenue they take. Charlie is one such example. I will forgive him for not continuing the running and soccer tradition and taking on swimming and water polo. Charlie is an amazing athlete and is one of the hardest workers I know. He has taken his education more seriously and has recognized the potential he has to be successful in everything he does with correctly applied effort. I am so excited for the doors of opportunity that are opening up to him because of his work ethic. Charlie is a great example and role model for me in my work and family life. I am so proud of him and greatful to be his brother. We love you Charlie!

Being a third generation Richard, I have the mantle of living up to the greatness my great uncle and father have given the name. Dad has always been and will continue to be the image of knowlege, love, security, hard work, and spirituality. Like most children, we view our parents as invincible and perfect people who we want emulate in every way. Although I realize that my father is neither invincible or perfect, I still desire to be like him in almost every way. Dad has always be available for me. As a soccer, basketball, baseball, and tee ball coach, Scoutmaster, Bishop, spectator, tutor, teacher, and cheerleader, Dad has always been invested in his families interests. As a man that works harder and probably just as long and as anyone else I know, he has always put aside his work to be actively involved in our lives. Dad has taught me a great lesson of how important a successful education is by his example and hard work. As a husband who does all of the laundry and ironing in the house and as a gardener extrodinaire, Dad has instilled a sense of responsibility that I have to be a better support to Chrysi and father to Clare. Dad, I love you and Happy Birthday!

A Little Olympic Spirit

Well the Olympics are now over and I can actually
try to get something done productive, especially
sleep. I thought all might want to see who the last
cut was for the U.S. womens gymnastics team. As
my personal opinion, had the U.S. had not cut this
girl, we would have the team gold medal and we
wouldn't have to complain that the Chinese beat us
with 8 year olds. And plus, she is at least 16! Enjoy!

1st Trip to Hogle Zoo!!!!

Amidst all of the chaos of Work and Studying and Fixing the house, we thought that it was time to take Clare on her first visit to Hogle Zoo. It was extra fun because Grandma Alta came with us. Despite the heat, she did amazing. She loved the animals, especially the monkeys. It was fun to see all of the animals. This is also the first visit for me in almost 15 years. It has changed a lot for the better. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful place to see and learn about animals from all over the world. If you haven't been for a while, I strongly recommend you go and enjoy a day with the animals. Thanks for coming mom.

Take Me Out To....

We got to go to a Bee's game on the weekend. It was so fun! The bees lost, (which stunk), but there were fireworks at the end of the game. I love fireworks and I finally figured out how to take successful pictures of them, (thanks Ritz Pix). Check out my panorama. Yeah, I took those.
Here are some pics. of us at the game. We also got to go with our niece and nephew. they are some of the greatest kids! We love them.

House Update

We've been asked by a few people how we're doing on our house.
So here is the update.

AUGUST 25th _____vs ____THE BEGINNING

Confession

I have a confession. I crave HONEY. (My mouth is watering as I type. No lie.) I Love Honey. I have fond memories of eating it as a child in the back of our play room when my mother wasn't watching. White honey is the best. Acctualy I haven't found a flavor or type that isn't great. I can't buy and wear the honey scented lotion at Bath and Body Works because smelling it on myself makes me want to guzzle honey. Really, the smell is so distracting that I can't think of other things while I'm smelling it.

I try not to buy honey often because if I have it I want to eat it constantly, (or drink it). Although I can easily spend over 15min staring at it in the grocery store isle it's not to hard to resist buying it when it costs $12.00/lb. That makes it $34.00 per gallon. (good thing we don't rely on foreign imports of honey to fuel our lavish lifestyles.)

This is distressing! For some unknown reason the worlds honeybee population is taking a serious nosedive. That's right, the bees are dying and no one knows why! This is more serious than my insatiable honey hunger. Honey bees are relied upon to pollinate 80% of the produce grown in the US. The honey bee shortage could create a serious food shortage as well. I'm going to stop before I pass out from honey lust but if you would like to learn more please go to http://HelpTheHoneyBees.com - Chrysi (I sign because I don't want to smear Rick or Clare with my sticky confession)