Hola familia and Amigos,
I sent a blog this morning but I noticed it wasnt posted, so maybe it will come thru later. In the previous blog i told you that i couldnt get the photos loaded with the zip drive. Also, our schedule is so full and busy, we are so tired at night, we just fall in bed.

So for a quick update
Today we went on a Catamaran for nearly 8 hours. We stopped at a couple of beaches, one where we sat under the cabana and had shrimp cocktail. It was a beautiful day, and we loved every minute of it. It was a lagoon that we stopped in for our lunch and was served under the cabana. Sort of just like in the movies without the booze or umbrella in our drink. We havent been able to do any laundry yet, ive been washing things out in the sink.

The previous blog may have some missing if it ever comes thru. Gotta run, the gang is here waiting to stroll thru town.

love ya,
madre and padre

Hola again,
We have had a wonderful day sightseeing in Mexico City. The weather is in the 80's and it is wonderful to feel the warmth. We will try to send pictures, but we don't know how that is going to work. Illums computer isn't picking up a signal very good and we don't have a connection for our camera to the computer with us. So until we get home you might only hear stories wherever we can find a pay computer to send you notes. We love you all. madre and padre

\hola!!!!!
\just a short note to let you know we arrived without any exciting events. We are doing great!!!!! \you'll never guess, so we are walking down the streets of \mexico City and we hear \'Christina\' \i thought, oh my goodness it is Fidel. \you just cant go anywhere without someone calling your name, even in \mexico. \just a drivers license joke, but we did seem someone in the Salt \lake airport. The sights, the sounds and even the smells will be memorable. The traffic is unbelievable, it is just like in the movies, you know, those foriegn ones, with traffic everywhere. They obviously don't know the 3 second rule here, they don't even have a one second rule. Rocio, we went to Sambrona's or the Tile \house. Wow!!!! We are having a great time although we miss the wind, snow and below 0 temps. We will suffer thru the no jackets and sandal weather. Gotta go on a tour. love ya all. mom and dad

The time is now!

Heather and I just watched Doug's amazing hiking video. Well done! It got us super excited for our next family adventure. So i wanted to provide everyone with some gear suggestions and information. This link http://www.golite.com/images/howto/ultralight_gearlist.jpg shows a gear list. Now bear in mind, this is on the extreme lightweight end (approx 11lbs) but gives you some ideas of how and where to shave some weight. I believe by using many of these suggestions, most of us could travel four or five days and only carry 15lbs to 18lbs total. Sounds pretty nice don't you think?!? Obviously the items suggested on this link are from the Golite company and could prove to be expensive, but there are alternatives out there which would cost less. Keep in mind, you typically get what you pay for with backpacking equipment. Don't hesitate to ask me for suggestions.

I guess what I'm saying, is if you're going to be purchasing new or used (EBay) hiking equipment, figure out now what you need to reduce weight (sleeping bag, tent, pack) and start to save some money. If we can collectively decide on items that many of us would need or want, i can contact the companies in question and try to secure an order at wholesale pricing. This is some leverage that i have being recognized as a professional in the outdoor industry.

Also take a look at this http://www.golite.com/HowTo/howto2.aspx?e=2 for some further ideas and concepts. Some of this information could help you understand materials and its intended use. This will help you look for clothing and other items suited for our family hikes. Much of the items are more expensive than what you've purchased thus far, but typically these backpacking specific companies offer some sort of extended or life time warranty on their items and would save you money in the long run. As an example, i purchased my Lowe Alpine backpack in 1994 and it still has all of the original buckles and is in working order. Just something to think about...

Dean

Sleep Over at Aunt Debbie's

Ethan and Ty were over at the house for a sleep over the other night. We had a ton of fun. This is video of Ethan, Ty, Zack, Jason and I all rocking out to John Francis Bongiovi. Watch Ethan jam on the guitar, does it remind you of Lance's air guitar?

In the morning we got to view the beautiful Salt Lake valley from the top of the tallest building. With a fresh layer of snow on the mountains it was a spectacular site. Although Ty was a little reluctant at first I reminded her that she was a born rock climber so heights were nothing to be afraid of.

With all the new snow we are hoping the hit the slopes this New Years. Whatever you end up doing this holdiay we hope you have a great time and would love to see your pictures posted on the blog!

Rock Band Christmas

We had a great Christmas with Zack and Em. The family present this year was the video game "Rock Band"....and boy did we ROCK! We named the band "Yeeeaaahh!!" and we all took turns playing the drums, guitar and singing. Em scored the highest on vocals... which was asurprise because we all know how well I sing (not). Zack totally rocked the house with his awsome guitar solos. And although Jason can't dance he sure can play the drums....It was an awesome Christmas. I hope you all had a great one too.

Heather Help!

How's my Spanish? I did my best to do a count down for mom and dad's trip (the counter on the poll). I only had to look up two words. Now, I just need Heather to school me on proper Espanol.

Mom, is this correct? You guys ship out on Jan 30th?

I know it's almost Thanksgiving but after sweet little Sophi ate the phone jack I couldn't make posts.

Our 150 pound cannibal pumpkin was a big hit with the trick-r-treaters. (that's a regular size pumpkin in its mouth...cool huh?!)

Although we had fun with the gaint pumpkin... disposing of it was not so fun. Imagine what happens to your cute little carved pumpkins after sitting on your doorstep for a week. Now imagine a 150 pounds of molding pumpkin carcase....YUCK!

Vampires at the Drivers License

Vampires at the Drivers License Office, but look closely kids, it's Grammy in disguise!!!!!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Da Plane!! Da Plane!!!

October 27th, the big day. Both wings are finally on the plane, and it's the day for the startup. What an exciting time it was. The weather was perfect and nearly all the family showed up for the big event. A barbeque was planned and chairs were set up around the tarmac to witness the grand event. The kids were having a great time enjoying the sun, and playing with the skateboard. But, when the big moment arrived everyone positioned themselves to watch. Dean stood on the sidelines with the fire extinquisher, but never had a chance to use it. It took a couple of tries to get the propeller to start spinning, but once they figured out the problem, it fired right up. The Dad, couldn't have been more excited to finally see his dream come true. Now he can hardly wait until it is airborn. Dad was really happy to have so much of the family there to show support and encouragement, it meant so much to him. Doug was pretty sore from all the work of putting the wing on but thrilled to have the project so far along. Everyone one was thrilled and tears were seen from many of the family members. The plane took a little taxi down the tarmac, first by Dad and then by Doug with Mom as co-pilot. There is still lots to do, but it is looking really great. Maybe we ought to name the plane. Any ideas???