catching up

So this week has been pretty good. I would have to say that it started off when our friends Josh and Becky came over to watch the kids last Saturday so Janine and I could get out and watch a movie. We had long been wanting to watch "Into the Wild" but really don't have the opportunity to just run out and do so like we used to. So on this occasion we were able to go. It was a really good movie, with amazing cinematography and an interesting commentary on the subject. I thought Sean Penn did a really good job with the film, and Emile Hursch did an amazing job as Chris McCandless. I would highly recommend watching the movie. It was also interesting to see my uncle Ken's name in the credits, and I heard that my cousin Travis' name was also involved, but I didn't see that. Travis did go to the premier in LA, though. Ahh, the life of a star...

On Monday we were able to get out and go to Wheeler Farm in the evening. We packed up the family, including our insane dog, and went over in the early evening for walking and hanging out. It was a great time, getting to see the kids get excited over the animals and to see them having fun just walking around and enjoying nature. Juancho had an "incident" with a bantam rooster there not too long ago. This rooster apparently got upset at Juancho and puffed himself up and went after Juan, pecking and intimidating. Andres suggested that Juan get in a tree where the "mean gallo" couldn't get him. This night, the suggestions were for Pakak to eat the mean gallo. We found it while walking around, but the bird retreated into a tree for the evening, so the boys were a little disappointed that Pakak did not feast on the bull bird of Wheeler Farm. It was a great night, though, very relaxing, very fun, and a nice time to get out of the house before winter comes in.

I took the next day off from work, trying to take advantage of Shirley's days off from school, and we decided to go to Antelope Island. We took the 45 minute drive to the stench covered State Park (there are dead brine shrimp that create quite an odor) and began our quest for wildlife. The boys are completely enamored with the idea of buffalo, partly because it is a magnificent beast, partly because of my tattoo (they always make the connection of Papi liking buffalo), and partly because they can stand next to the buffalo statue at the visitor's center. So we were able to spot about six buffalo right away, but that was about all we would see. We spent some time at the visitor's center and then drove to the ranch hoping to see more animals. We did see a coyote at the ranch, along with the usual ranch animals (chickens, horses), and Janine had a great spot of an owl sleeping in a tree. It was pretty cool (weather) there, so our snack time outside was somewhat limited by the chilly breeze. After a while on the ranch we decided it was time to start heading back. We were hungry for lunch and knew the boys needed to sleep. So we began our trek home, stopping at an IHOP for lunch. The kids all fell asleep on the way home, although they didn't stay asleep. The day was quite fun, and it was a wonderful break from our usual routines.

Right now we are awaiting the return/arrival of Brad, Traci, Joel and the new additions, twins Jason and Jessica. They have been in Indianapolis for the past 11 days in the process of adopting the twins. Things have gone well for them in their time there, as they have benefited from groups in the area who have helped them with meals and things. They got clearance yesterday to be able to return home to UT, so there is a chance they will come in today. We are excited and anxious to see them and to meet Jason and Jessica. Our kids love looking at the pictures that B&T have sent and will probably be doing backflips when they come home.

well, the kids are up and most likely getting hungry. I should probably go make pancakes before they riot. I hope all is well and that you all are enjoying the autumn days (my favorite).