Creatures of Florida

Photo 1 & 2; last week we were coming home from a late night with the kids. we got home, piled out of the car. Miles said "but mom I don't have any shoes." You see Wendy always, I mean always, makes sure that the boys have shoes on when they go out side. Well this time on her on volition Wendy said "its OK just don't step on any cockroaches." You see there are lots of those around here. Well Miles missed all of the cockroaches that I'm sure were scurrying out of the way but he ended up stepping on this snake that I grabbed after some delicate wrestling on our garage floor.




3 & 4 are from my last late night shark fishing adventures. How it works is I walk up and down the beach in knee deep water with a head lamp on and spear any glowing eyes I see. The hope is to get some big fish and or stingrays for shark bait. This night I got a sting ray within the first 3o minutes and put that on the shark rig. I walked it out to waist deep water and chucked the ray with two big hooks and about a pound worth of weight in the ocean. I then go back to spearing, until 2ish. This night I tagged a Lady fish about 10 inches long that we ended up using for bait. Then I got a 4 inch white fish that I used for bait to catch the beautiful Snook that you see below. I understand that they are great eating. They also put on a BIG fight. Alas though, they are out of season so after the attempted great photo with my frozen camera due to the frozen chum sitting next to the camera on the way to the beach I let it go. The last thing I speared that night was this cat fish It was grunting as it forced air through its gills. They can breath out of water for some time I am told. As I was looking at it I noticed it had a mouth full of fish. On closer review, they were its babies. There is one that fell out and is on the top of the cooler you can see. I felt bad. I'm OK killing fish to eat or use for bait that other fish will eat but this poor momma fish was just trying to raise a family. I pulled her of the spear and let her go. Who knows if she was gobbled up by the next shark or big fish? I just know I felt a little better about trying to let her go back to her mommy life.

Here are a few last photos of our trip to ride the train. Thank you so much Grammy and Grandpa. The two boys loved it and Wendy and I had a blast.
From the top; Miles checking out the tracks before the train came, A quick stop before we turned around to go back to the old logging town, Miles on the way to ride the train.

Before the big ride

Miles, Grandpa, and Dad went exploring while we all waited for the train. We found the remnants of an old logging mill. It was so cool for Dad to figure out how they would bring the logs in from the train and process them in the old steam run machines. There we cut logs, belts, blades, gears, chains, and small trolleys it was so cool!

This was a face of pure joy! Miles watched the train pull into the station

We went through a redwood forest. I had fun imagining what it would have been like to be a logger back when this area was being cleared.
My wonderful Wendy

Last few days in Utah

Wendy and I had a amazing time in the Draper temple. Its by far my favorite now. The Spirit hit me like a load of bricks and as a side note the art work was amazing!
My family with Grandma Jeannie and aunt Karen
The boys had a blast playing with all of Stacy's cars from her boys/now men. The kitchen table was a favorite race track for the boys.

A pinata celebration just because. Eli surprised me with knowing what to do and Miles could really swing that stick.

Fun With The Boys

We had a sleep over with some of our favorite friends, the Mortensen's. Here the boys are playing Ninjas.
Miles and his cousin Tanner had a blast playing together. If we lived closer, man those two would be causing mischief all the time.

Boys and baths

A sick and fevered Miles, Brooks and Carter Mortensen
Miles and cousin Tanner
Eli and cousin Tage

We all had sooo much fun at Grammy and Grandpas house.

Grammy took over all child care. This was the regular bed-time story.
The hall way other wise known as Grammy and Eli's race track

Grammy and her awsome oranges

This summer we all made a trip to Sunnyvale, CA. then to Salt Lake City, UT then back to Sunnyvale. This was our first stop.
One of our traditions is picking oranges with Grammy Barbara. The kids loved it and even John enjoyed finding all the hidden ones deep in the old orange tree.

Random Stuff Until We Get Caught Up........

"Caps, Caps For Sale. Fifty Cents a Cap" One of our favorite books
The boys have really enjoyed painting and other art projects lately.
Jumping....always one of our favorite activities.

fishing....a favorite past time lately
Eating apples on one of our trips to the Everglades
More fishing.