Middle East I

Not enough energy for a long post at the moment, but wanted to share a couple of photos up to this point of my Middle East sojourn.

I had an 8 hour layover in London so I made the most of it.

Locals playing football in Bahrain.  (I was in the country for about 14 hours.)

The view outside my hotel room in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Dinner my first night in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

I've been having some incredible experiences and am really enjoying my time.  Lots of fantastic co-workers and other individuals have made this an extremely memorable trip.  In the next few days I expect to post more about the day-to-day experiences.

A Weekend for Remembering

NOTE:  This post is quite long and not terribly coherent.  I'm viewing it as a personal journal entry simply to help me remember the weekend.  So, with that warning, proceed at your own risk.

Several weeks ago I got a Facebook message from Kevin, one of my high school basketball teammates, telling me that MHS was having its alumni basketball tournament the week of March 16.  He said I should come play.  I mulled it over for a bit and realized that I could probably make it work.  The tourney is broken into two parts:  pool play followed by single elimination rounds.  Pool play would happen Mon - Wed and the top two teams from each pool would advance to the quarterfinals on Thu night.  Kevin figured our team would make it out of pool play, and I could join for the quarterfinals and beyond.  

It sounded too fun to pass up, so I checked with Brenna, and she willingly supported me.  I bought a ticket to fly out on Thu afternoon and return Sun morning.

The week of the tourney came, and I was on pins and needles each day waiting for the results of the games.  Another teammate, Ryan, provided the good news on Mon--a big win.  Tue was sobering with a narrow loss.  It all came down to the Wed game as to whether the guys would advance.  Ryan called about 11 that night to let me know they had won.  Whew!  The ticket purchase was not in vain!

So I flew out Thu afternoon and my mom and dad picked me up at the airport.  It's a fine feeling to have your parents meet you at the airport.  I can't say enough good things about my parents and how they support me in everything I do.  It's always been like that, and I am very fortunate.

That night we played the 2004 team, and it was quite a battle.  Due to their youth they had to spot us 12 points, and we needed them as we ended up winning by 5 or so.  It was a very physical game, but both sides were pretty cool about it.  They had two main guns--one was a big kid--probably about 6' 7" or so who was a good post player, and the other was the outside gunner.  We went to a box & one in the second half to slow down the gunner, and that worked out well.  I huffed and puffed and concluded that I wasn't playing church ball!  I felt fine about the way I played, but I came away impressed with two things:

1. I don't feel old, but after running up and down the court with the '04 grads, it definitely hit home that I'm getting there.  I haven't been sore after playing basketball for a long time, but I was sore on Friday.

2. I hadn't had that much fun playing ball in a long, long time.  So many memories of high school ball.  Watching Kevin pull up for a three pointer, seeing Joey do his little shimmy-shake on the wing before starting a drive to the hoop, watching Brian slash to the basket with perfect timing, seeing Ryan get feisty going after rebounds down low, and watching Eric battle for position and be a complete team player.  I played with all five of them at MHS, and it just thrilled me to be on the court with them again.  That doesn't even bring up the other guys who played with us and were just amazing in their effort.  Carl, Tyler, Nick, Jess--all of them were just a riot to play with.  Nobody seemed to care that much about who played the minutes or scored--we all just wanted to be part of a team that wins.  It was really cool!  It was also fun to see some of the people in the stands.  My friend Ben had come to cheer us on as well as others that I hadn't seen for a long time.  It's always nice to have people cheering you on.

I went home and stayed up til 11 or so talking basketball, family, church, politics and all kinds of other stuff with my parents.  I savor those opportunities.  Just me and my parents.  While growing up I never really made an effort to spend good, quality conversation time with my folks.  Now, I really enjoy it!  Just making up for missed chances, I suppose.

Friday was filled with work and family.  I had taken my laptop so I hooked into my parents broadband and worked away.  With all my work files on a jump drive and the ability to access my email wherever I have an internet connection, I can pretty much work anywhere I like.  So that was fun.  Mom and dad got to see a little of what I do as I prepared a presentation to provide training to folks in various countries around the world.  Cool stuff!  

I also helped my dad better navigate the internet and gain some familiarity with Facebook, and worked with my mom on her desktop wallpaper and screensaver.  Little fun things like that did take place throughout the day.  Linda came over for lunch, so we sat around and did what we do best--amuse ourselves and laugh.  Thanks, Lin, for being such a great sis!  

That night we went to Sizzler for dinner.  What a great place to people watch on an early Friday evening.  We sat around for 15 minutes or so just kind of finishing up our meal, but mostly watching the people around us.  What a diverse place the world is!

Saturday was the piece de resistance of the weekend.  A few weeks ago I found out the Taeoaliis were moving to a new house on Saturday.  I realized that it was likely I would be able to help.  So I walked over to their house around 10 Sat morning.  I took the route I used to take as a kid--cutting through the Grant Elementary school grounds.  I hadn't walked through those grounds in probably 20 - 25 years.  Talk about a flood of memories:  Prisoner's Ball, Soccer, Mr Laney, Miss Glenn, Wall Ball, 6th grade presentation on Ecuador, Joe Nelson getting hit in the head with a baseball bat, giant snowballs at recess, Mrs Taylor, Mr Gray, 2 against 15 football games, and all of my dear, dear friends.  What a great time I had in elementary school.

Soon I was at the Taeoaliis' house.  The people there brought back more memories--Daela, Fred, Jer, Semi, etc., etc.  Of course I had to think about riding around on the hood of Shirley's car through the neighborhood and so many sleepovers at Jer's house.  

At any rate, we got the big items loaded in short order and the crew headed to their new house.  They told me to come because there would be BBQ!  I went home to borrow mom and dad's car, and took the opportunity to do a video chat with Brenna and the munchkins.  Eliza still doesn't know quite what to think of the video chat.  So strange to see Dad's face on a computer screen.

At length I headed to the new house, but by the time I got there all the unloading was done, so what could I do but help them eat the food.  I excelled in that area!  Jer cooks up some mean BBQ chicken--almost like a satay flavor.  Really good!  Fotu also showed up while I was there.  More memories--9th grade football and lots of pickup basketball.  

I helped Jer with the BBQ and even got to hold his baby girl and watch her fall asleep in my arms.  It made me feel like I was at home!  Way too fun for words.  Thanks, Jer, for all the memories created over a lifetime.  You are the best.  

I drove back to mom and dad's, and we made our way to MHS for the tournament semis.  Several more people in the stands, including Jed and his son Jacob.  I really enjoyed taking a few minutes to talk to Jacob and to let him know that his dad used to run around and play ball with us (now all his athletic time is devoted simply to running--or biking).  Jacob made me laugh when he indicated that he could probably take his dad in a game of basketball.  Jed didn't protest very strongly, so I'm only left to think that it may be true!

Our game in the semis was against 2002.  They had to spot us 10 points (5 in each half), so that was very helpful.  The game was fairly intense, but not as physical as the quarterfinals.  For the most part we took the lead and held onto it, with them making a run or two here and there.  Each of our team members made tremendous contributions with timely three pointers, rebounds and steals to seal the victory.  We ended up winning by right around 10 points.  I think I enjoyed this game the most of all of them because we again beat a much younger team who didn't know anything about us.  There's just some satisfaction in that.  Plus, I actually sank my two free throws and a three pointer!  What's not to like?

We then had a 1 1/2 hour break while we watched the other semifinal in which 1997 defeated another (very good) team from the 2000s.  In fact, it was the team that had defeated us in pool play.  So, we weren't disappointed to see them go down.  And, we got the added benefit of playing against a team of guys that we knew pretty well.  Several younger brothers of our classmates were on the 97 team, so it made for a friendly atmosphere in the championship.  In addition, they were gassed big time from their hard fought semi win, and with only one sub they simply didn't have the stamina to put up the fight they wanted.  There wasn't too much drama in the championship as we led be a good amount most of the way and ended up winning by 15 or so.  Ryan, Brian, Kevin and Joey all played great games--again with some timely outside shooting and good inside post play.  We were disappointed that Jess didn't shoot a three-pointer at the end, but I'm sure he will next year!

So, we emerged as the Alumni Tournament champions and got some slick t-shirts as a reward for our efforts.  I can't think of a better prize.  Lots of family members of my teammates were there.  So good to see the parents of these guys.  I had spent a lot of time in each of their houses during my high school years, so it was a real treat to see the Johnsens, Wells, Carlstons and Prices and remember the amazing support they always gave us over the years.  I also was able to meet the wives of several of my teammates and Jed came back for the championship and brought Brooke with him.  I only wish I'd been able to spend a bit more time with them this trip.  So many dear friends, so little time.

After the game a group of us went to Eric's house (gorgeous by the way--well done Eric and Jenn) and enjoyed some pizza benders from IV and just sat around and talked and laughed.  As usual, Joey had us all laughing at stories of his various misadventures--his life and death experience in Costa Rica was particularly memorable.  I just basked in the fun of being with them all again.  Memories galore!  And very fine people, too.  Thanks guys, for letting me come ball and hang out.  I'm already looking forward to next year! 

Here's a picture of the tourney champs.  Go 92!

Reunion

Fillerup Family Reunion in Park City a couple of weeks ago. Here we are riding the lift to go on the Alpine Slide. Eliza stayed behind at the lodge with Aunt Jeanne. The rest of us had gone alpine sliding here in Denver a few weeks prior, so the kids were primed and ready to go. Maddie went down with me and we flew! Savannah went on her own and did well, and Brenna and Hunter made for a speedy team. What a great time--and, of course, we enjoyed ice cream after getting to the bottom of the hill.

So much fun being with family. Sadly, though, we didn't take a big group photo. I guess we were just too busy having fun--water balloon toss, ultimate frisbee, lots of food, Running Charades, music, Olympic Park, church, basketball, tug o war, etc., etc.

We missed Derek and Sara who are serving missions, and we missed Bry, San, Katie and Elise who were stuck in some place called England. Everyone else was able to make it for at least part of the time. The kids loved being with cousins, and I loved being with my folks, sisters, bros in law, and all my fantastic nieces and nephews. Simply put, a great crowd!

Savannah, Hunter and Maddie then spent five days and four nights at Aunt Jeanne's house. A few bumps in the road with Maddie having a bit of homesickness, but I know they would do it again in a heartbeat. Thanks to Ron, Jeanne, Erin, Matthew and Jordan for putting life on pause to entertain the munchkins.

Brenna and I were amazed at how quiet the house was and how we were able to get some things done. It was nice for a few days. Soon, though, we were ready for their return. When we got them back, it was a great reunion after the reunion!

Whirlwind Weekend

I woke up at 4AM Saturday, gave Brenna a quick kiss, ate a quick bowl of cereal (gotta have my breakfast!), loaded my two small carry-ons into Roscoe and headed for the airport. Uneventful drive--I took I-25 to I-270 to I-70 to Pena Blvd and Pike's Peak parking lot. I listened to the NPR classical music station all the way. Parked at Pike's Peak and hopped on the shuttle bus just as it was about to leave the parking lot. One of life's little pleasures--catching the bus at just the right time!

By 5:10 I was standing in a short security line, listening to my iPod and feeling good about things. I noticed the "Clear" security lanes with the flyclear.com website being advertised. I never saw anyone actually use the Clear lane, but I thought what a time saver it would be if you traveled frequently. Then I thought, if you traveled that frequently you're probably already an elite member of some airline and you're allowed to use the security lane for "important" travelers anyway. So, I'm not sure how many people actually use Clear. Anyone have experience?

At any rate, I rumbled right on through security--even was waived to a completely open x-ray line that other travelers had simply overlooked. You just can't beat that. I headed down the escalator (side note: why are we Americans so useless at escalator etiquette? Stand on the right, walk on the left--Europeans do this flawlessly. But not the States. Oh no, we must stand so that we take up as much of the escalator width as possible ensuring that someone who is in a hurry or simply doesn't like to perpetuate the inactive culture must wait in an exasperated heap until the escalator arrives at its destination. Yes, I spend too much time worrying about these things.) and waited for the train to take me to Terminal C. Jaunty little tune accompanying the arrival and departure of the train. Far better than the tune they used to have.

I got to my gate and found a spot to sit where I could read the morning paper and pass the 20 minutes or so until boarding. Leisurely review of the sports page (with an all-too-brief recap of the unbelievable Turkey/Croatia Euro 2008 quarterfinal game--stunning in every respect) with a bit of dabbling at the Main Section and a half-hearted attempt at the crossword. Plane boarding soon began, and I settled into my seat by the window and promptly learned there were mechanical problems and we were delayed 1/2 hour or so. Not a big deal, but seriously. This was a 6:10 AM flight. It's not like the plane had just arrived from somewhere else and been jostled for its efforts. No, this plane had been sitting overnight--shouldn't they have figured out the mechanical problem at that point? Again, an extremely minor inconvenience, but I just don't understand how it works.

Flight was completely uneventful--I slept right through it, waking up with only a slight kink in my neck. Not bad for a 70 or so minute snooze. Arrived in SLC and headed for the exit all the while hopefully scanning the faces for someone I might recognize. Am I the only one who does that? I mean, I've just arrived back "home," and I know plenty of Utahns, so I'm bound to run into an old friend or acquaintance sometime in the SLC airport, right? Well, nothing of the kind this time around--just out to passenger pick up after calling mom on the cell. Mom and Dad were there in the F250 in short order and off we went. I-215 to Redwood Road, then up Winchester to 7th West and home. Wow. The place gets more amazing every time I see it--the yard had been inundated with larkspur, and it was beautiful. So much shade from the trees, with quail and hummingbirds providing some animal life to the nature scene. Well done, mom and dad, for keeping your little oasis going.

Ron and Jeanne were there though Erin, Matthew and Jordan had opted to stay in Provo with Rebecca and Davis. I had to work very hard to not be offended! We all enjoyed some lovely banter over a breakfast of German Pancakes, for which mom had misplaced her recipe. When was the last time my mom did that? I ran through the ingredients with her, and Jeanne told her what temp to cook it at and we were good to go. Mom whipped it up and we were eating like kings with light syrup only 20 minutes later.

Jeanne then had to make a run to the store to find some black nylons and she went out with attitude (wearing a t-shirt and skirt and firmly declaring that she didn't care if it looked silly). Good for her, I say!

Ron and I had a thoroughly enjoyable chat about Euro 2008--great, great soccer for those who haven't been following and soon enough it was time for Ron & Jeanne to head down to Highland/Alpine to help finish setting up for the reception. I retired to the basement to gather my thoughts and try to write something meaningful in a card for Heidi and Isaac. What a fine pair they are, and how happy I am for them and their marriage.

As a guy I have taken the liberty of not buying wedding gifts. Basically, I'm just too lazy, but I also enjoy simply writing a check knowing that the couple will be able to do whatever they choose with the money. So, skewer me for it if you like, but I just show up to weddings with a card and a check and it's worked well for me. I am grateful for those people, though, who do go to the extra effort of making the trip to the store and purchasing something tangible. It would be tough as newlyweds to have to go out and buy everything you needed--could be fun, but that would be a lot of shopping!

Well, I penned a note in the card, sealed it up and put it with my suit. I handed my iPod over to Dad so he could watch a Foghorn Leghorn cartoon, and that made me smile. What cool technology we have, and here I am years later enjoying Foghorn Leghorn and thinking of my dad when I do. I had to let him see it on the iPod! I then sat in the red room and leafed through a photo album my mom has kept of my life. Quite remarkable to look back on pictures of my son at one year and see how much my niece Lauren's son, Barrett, looks like him. Barrett has bit more heft going for him (all of our children have been exceedingly lean), but their facial features have remarkable similarities. Loved seeing my grade school pictures and looking at pictures of some of the classes I was in--Mr. Gray, fifth grade with Jeremy Taeoalii, Scott Burbidge, Steve Rasband, Dane Reid and others--including the heartthrob Heidi Jensen, though none of the boys wanted to admit it. I also saw a picture of a simply incredible basketball team--maybe third grade or so--Dave Hooper, Jeremy Taeoalii, Chad Christensen, me, Christian Matsumori, Scott Hamblin and Tyler Bloxham--coached by Bob Hooper and Mike Christensen. Cool! What good times we had.

Anyhow, what a flood of memories. Thanks, mom, for keeping all of that stuff together for me. Aren't good parents the greatest blessing in the world?

I soon had to get up and don my suit. We hopped in mom and dad's car and headed to Linda's to pick her up. Lovely strawberries in the Townes front yard. I wish ours were doing so well, but the birds seem to be getting at ours--similar problem voiced by my dad.

Linda and I settled into the backseat and carried on a lovely conversation the entire trip down to the Mt Timpanogos temple. I don't have a clue what all the topics of conversation were, but I do recall there was a lot of laughter, cheer and good times. I also specifically recall a reference to Cumet de Fois (Kewmit de Fwog) that threw Linda for a loop. Not sure why it was so funny to us, but that is the nature of a brother/sister relationship. Also, the point that I have not lived in Utah for almost 10 years now was pointedly driven home by my shock at the number of chapels seen during the section of the drive from I-15 to the temple. Seriously, at one point I thought there were more chapels than houses. The Mormon contingent (I threw that word in here just for Paul Jensen if he's reading!) of the population in that area is something to behold. Whew!

At length we arrived at the temple and headed for the sealing room. So good to see Kelsey, Davis, Rebecca, and other family members. Heidi and Isaac arrived in the sealing room several minutes after the rest of us, and they looked fantastic. What a beautiful bride was my niece. I am so proud of her for all that she is and will be. I'm certain this couple is headed for great things. I won't go into much detail about the ceremony, but suffice to say that the sealer, who was also the temple president, did a simply beautiful job of bringing in the spirit and ensuring we all understood the beauty and importance of marriage. Tears came to my eyes as I contemplated my own family and pondered how my life and priorities have changed in the 11 years Brenna and I have been married. Such a wonderful thing to be reminded of the reality and grandeur of the eternal family. Thanks to Heidi and Isaac for the invite and the opportunity to be involved in their wedding and to be reminded of my own at the same time. I love going to temple weddings--they are so beautifully simple.

Lots of pictures, lots of heat and plenty more laughs as we were joined outside the temple by Erin, Matthew and Jordan. We wish Sara and Derek had been able to be there as well, but we're glad they are where they are--after all, the worth of souls is great in the sight of God and nothing can take precedence over sharing the gospel when the time comes.

Another brief anecdote from childhood upon which Linda and I reminisced a bit. When Beth and Linda were still home and I was a pre-teen they enjoyed calling me Gomer. I guess it was kind of the insult du jour in high school those days (or maybe just for the two of them). Anyhow, one day they were folding laundry and taking the stacks to the appropriate rooms and Beth pointed to my stack of laundry and asked Linda, "Is this Gomer's pile?" They both burst out laughing hysterically, and though used to being called Gomer, the added amusement gained from the pile appendage was a mystery to me. After wiping tears of laughter from their eyes they were actually kind enough to inform me of the origins of Gomer and his last name being Pyle. Beth had made a funny without meaning to, and it tickled them to no end. So, there you have it--a brief glimpse into the arduous life I lived as the younger brother of five sisters! ;-)

Well, on to the wedding dinner and reception. They were both held at Isaac's grandfather's house in Highland (or was it Alpine--I'm not straight on that). The property was great--a creek running through the back, plenty of green lawn, trees and flowers. There was also a well situated basketball hoop, but I maintained a slight sense of decorum and managed to control the urge to find a ball. Nelson, Carmen, Jordan, Trent, Ed, Riley and Lennon were soon in the fold along with the previously mentioned family members. Feasting, speechifying, hysterical laughing over a scene from the animated "Babar the Elephant" movie and many other experiences too numerous to mention. I soaked it all in and enjoyed every moment. Davis and Rebecca even made plans to come to Denver this week for a little vacation. Whoopee! More family whose company we can enjoy.

Well, we finally had to make an end and I headed home in the Townes' van with Trent also included. Trent is now a hi-up specialist. This means that he washes windows on tall buildings. We all liked the idea of having a title like hi-up specialist and we eagerly await reports from Trent to know how working with such a lofty title plays out in actuality.

I don't really recall what time they dropped me off at mom and dad's, but it wasn't too late. Mom asked if I needed any food, to which I responded in the negative. Heidi and Isaac had provided a sumptuous feast that was still keeping me going. I chatted with mom and dad for a bit, but they were soon ready for bed. I stayed up just a bit longer to leaf through the albums some more, and then I retired to the blue room--my room growing up--for a night's rest. I no longer sleep with the door closed completely because I am no longer used to sleeping in the pitch dark. In high school my friends and I called my room the dungeon because there are no windows and when the light is turned off and the door is closed you can't see your own hand in front of your face. Well, I'm no longer conditioned for that so the door was left open for "visionary" purposes. I would have perished at such a thought when I was in high school.

My dad's footsteps on the stairs woke me at 6 the next morning just as planned. A quick breakfast and then back to the airport for the return flight home. The return flight had the added bonus of Nelson and Carmen being aboard as well. We hung out at the gate, I slept on the flight and then we took the bus back to Pike's Peak lot where we found Roscoe ready and waiting. The old boy got us home in short order where I was reunited with those I love most! A quick change into my suit (I wore shorts and a short-sleeve shirt on the plane) and then off to church.

Yes, a whirlwind weekend that was enjoyable in every sense of the word. Thank you, dear family, for the love we share. Thank you, Heidi and Isaac, for getting married and continuing to set an example that my children can look up to. It's a good life!

A Perfect Day in England

NOTE: Conveniently, what I'm writing about took place a year ago today (May 23), but Brenna and I journaled it, and I have long wanted to get it online so we could have the pics and the narrative together. This was part of our trip to Europe for our 10th anniversary. We stayed in Esher, England with my sister and her family. Days like this just don't come along very often. As recorded in our journal:

23 May, 2007 (Wednesday)

Today was a perfect day. The sun was shining all day, and we did amazing things.

First, we slept in until about 8:30 or so. Then we ate cereal for breakfast and hung out trying to decide what to do. Kelsey and Stephanie [my niece and her friend--both on a break from college] were coming with us today, and we all agreed we wanted to go to Stonehenge, but other than that we weren't really sure. Some wanted to go to Bath, some wanted to go to Salisbury, while I wanted to drive into the west country. Unfortunately, we realized we probably wouldn't have enough time to do those things because of the additional driving from Stonehenge. So we decided to simply play it by ear once we got to Stonehenge.

(Stephanie, Kelsey and Jesse showing off our ride)

We left the McGregors around 11:00 and arrived at Stonehenge around noon. It's an incredible sight to be driving along the road and come over a rise and see these stones in the distance.

(Stonehenge from a distance)

They don't look massive at first glance, but as you get nearer you see how large they truly are. We parked and got into the sight using Bryon's English Heritage membership card. We also got audio guides, which provided a very useful and informative accompaniment to the visit. The largest stone weighs 45 tons, and there is no consensus on how they were placed in their locations. However, it is believed that the henge was begun around 3500 BC with the large stones put in place some time between 3000 and 2500 BC. Pretty remarkable.

(Stonehenge up close. I know it's over used, but this really was awe-inspiring!)

There is something amazing about standing in proximity to those stones and absorbing the magnitude of the effort to place them where they are and for the intelligence and knowledge behind their placement. There was clearly knowledge of astronomy and the workings of earth's energy fields.

We all started chatting with the English Heritage employees who were on site, and we learned so much. They talked about the history of the site and the conservation of the stones. They showed us carvings of a dagger and an axe in the stones as well as where birds were nesting. They showed us where energy fields crossed (by using copper rods),
and we could just tell how much they loved their jobs and loved the history of the site.

(Kelsey & Brenna checking out the energy fields)

The back of the Stonehenge pamphlet mentioned a Wardour Castle that is within 20 miles of Stonehenge. We asked one of the guides about that, and she wrote down directions on how to get there for us. She was so helpful. It was great!

So we left Stonehenge and headed on a drive through the English countryside.

(Brenna enjoying some of that countryside)

(Jesse joining Brenna to enjoy the countryside)

The directions she had provided were impeccable. They led us directly to the castle, but not before we drove through the most sumptuous countryside. We saw sheep, cows, lakes, rivers, rolling hills, flowering trees, horses, thatched roof cottages, small towns, one lane roads, arches over the road and so many beautiful scenes. I absolutely loved the drive--it was remarkable!

(This arch was just a few miles before Tisbury on our way to Wardour. We turned onto this little road and saw the arch and accompanying wall in front of us and got the feeling we were about to enter some private gardens. The views on the other side and the tranquility of the tranquility of the scene were unforgettable.)

Wardour Castle itself was also an amazing site. It is a castle in ruins, but we were able to walk around inside, climb the steps to the upper tower and get a feel for what the castle was like. The audio guide was extremely helpful. Interestingly, there was a wedding at the castle while we were there. I asked the guides what you had to do to have a wedding there, and the answer was simply that you had to "pay loads of money!" Too funny! It was fantastic visiting the castle, and we took many, many photos.

(Brenna improving the Wardour scenery)

(Picnic @ Wardour--Jesse, Stephanie, Kelsey)

(Jesse in Wardour's main room/dining hall)

(Wardour's missing roof--with a beautiful sky)

We then got back in the car to head home. We drove through the town of Tisbury and stopped on High Street to get Magnum Ice Cream bars. Kelsey and Stephanie hadn't had them before, and they were well impressed.

(Jesse & Brenna enjoying Magnum bars)

We also stopped at the local church and wandered among the gravestones and admired the beauty of the building. Most of the gravestones were from the 1800s. The town was simply charming and gave a beautiful feeling to our day.

(The town of Tisbury in sepia)

(More sepia - Tisbury's church)

As we drove out of town we saw some men throwing a ball in a field. We slowed down to look and realized they were practicing cricket. Some were bowling the ball while others were batting. One of them turned and saw us slowing down so he motioned us to come play . . . and we did! I pulled in and told them we were Americans and didn't understand the game. They were only too happy to explain some of the fundamentals, and they invited me out onto the pitch to practice with them. It was so fun! I got to bowl a few times and catch the ball and get a few of the batters "out."

(Jesse practicing his bowling skills)

I thoroughly enjoyed being out there with them and asking questions about the sport, which they readily answered. There are 11 people a side with one bowler, one "catcher" (I can't remember the proper name) and nine in the field. The batting team sends two batters up at a time. When one gets out he is done for the innings and a teammate joins the other batter. You can get out by hitting a ball that is caught, by not making it to the far wicket on a live ball before the fielding team hits your wicket with the ball or by allowing the bowler to hit the wickets you are protecting. Pretty cool! Once ten of the batting team's players get out the innings is over.

(Jesse on the cricket pitch!)

After about 1/2 hour I thanked them, and we continued our journey. 1 1/2 hours later we were back at the Macs. What a wonderful day! I loved spending it with Brenna and enjoying her company. Our marriage is a blessing.

Fillerups descend on SLC

Over the last four days Brenna had her first extended stretch of silence since Savannah was born. On Wednesday Savannah, Hunter, Madison and I piled into the van and headed on a road trip to SLC. My niece, Kelsey, got married on Friday, and we were headed over to be part of the festivities. Brenna wanted to go with us of course, but the draw of staying near Eliza and being able to spend a lot of time with her made Brenna's choice to stay home fairly easy. So, Bren spent four or five hours a day at the hospital and loved the opportunity to really feel like a mom to Eliza. On the other hand, the silence at home was a bit unsettling. All in all though, I think she wouldn't mind being unsettled in that manner once a year or so!


As for the rest of us, we partied and lived off the fat of the land (that is, off the generosity and kindness of my family). We stopped the first night in Vernal with my oldest sister and her family. Always a good time in Vernal--I was able to go to soccer practice with my nephew and then hoop it up with my niece and her gang later that night (a fierce rebounder is Sara). The kids enjoy spending time with their older cousins, and Aunt Jeanne always makes them feel important and loved. Ron and I get to chill on the couch and talk sports, and it's simply a good time all around.


The next day we headed to SLC where the family was gathering. After a few hours at my parents house visiting with Beth, Linda, mom and dad, we headed to my niece, Rebecca and her husband, Davis's, house. They're housesitting for his grandparents while they are on a mission in New York. So, we were able to stay in that lovely home and be the recipients of even lovelier hospitality. Rebecca and Davis, you did yourselves proud. Thanks for taking such good care of us. I especially enjoy watching how much Madison is just drawn to Rebecca. It's really cool. It started 1 1/2 years ago at Beth's wedding when Rebecca took Maddie under her wing. Time did not diminish the affection Maddie has for Rebecca. Nothing is as good for a parent's heart as knowing their children are loved and in good hands. The below pic is from Beth's wedding, but it beautifully captures how comfortable Maddie is with her.

Anyway, they picked up right where they left off, and Rebecca even made them their favorite for dinner--Kraft macaroni & cheese. Woohoo! You just can't beat it. Thanks, Rebecca for the pot stickers and egg rolls for the rest of us--very much preferred to the mac & cheese.

The rest of the SLC visit was just fantastic. We picked up a baptism dress and scriptures for Savannah. Hunter and Maddie were so distraught that they weren't getting scriptures that I went ahead and bought them travel-size copies of the Book of Mormon. It was priceless watching Hunter during the rest of the trip because he would frequently sit down with the book and just read--his finger tracing the words and his lips mouthing them.

The wedding was Friday afternoon at the SLC temple. I met Jordan for the first time, and was not at all surprised that the man Kelsey chose to marry is an absolute gentleman with a confident air coupled with a sense of humility. Very impressive. The wedding was so beautiful. I loved being in the temple and sharing that time with family and friends and especially being there to see Kelsey get married. After spending several days with her in London last year, I gained a real appreciation for the person she is. It is really cool to see nieces and nephews grow up and become an example that I enjoy looking up to.

I also got to meet Heidi's fiance Isaac, who is ridiculously impressive as well. Just surrounded by good people everywhere I turned. I love them all. Thanks Bryon and Sandra for raising Kelsey right so we all had a wonderful excuse to get together.

Now, for a couple of anecdotes: one funny and one serious.

Funny: at the wedding reception Kelsey and Jordan had their first dance and then invited everyone else onto the dance floor. I was dancing with Maddie when Hunter walked up to me with sad eyes and said he needed someone to dance with. I suggested he dance with Savannah, but he told me she was already dancing with Elise. So I suggested Aunt Jeanne, but he said she was too tall. So I apologized and said I was out of ideas. He turned away, and I kept dancing with Maddie. A couple minutes later I spotted him across the dance floor and he had found Jordan's youngest sister, Breanna to dance with. She is also six years old and in kindergarten, and they were an adorable pair. Needless to say, they attracted quite a crowd of picture takers and admirers. So, for those of you who took a picture of this moment please forward to me so I can post it (Brenna is seriously disappointed in me for my lack of picture taking during the trip, but I told her that lots of people took pictures, and I'm expecting my inbox to soon be flooded).

Serious: as we drove away from my parent's house on Saturday leaving the whole family behind I had the most wonderfully conflicting feeling in my heart. I was incredibly anxious to get back home to be with Brenna again, but at the same time I was so sad to be parting from my family. It brought tears to my eyes to think of the incredible influences they have been in my life and in my children's lives. Nothing can compare to the joy of family. From basketball games (side note: Hunter made his first unassisted basket on a 10 foot rim on Saturday) to Easter Egg hunts to E*Trade commercials to M&Ms to Wii to grand snackers and everything in between the past several days have been an absolute joy. Thanks, family. I love you all very much!