Birds of Prey

Saturday was a trip to remember. Not only was it a long drive to Montpelier, ID, but it was intense!

It started just past Mantua, when Meranda and I spotted two weird birds walking along side the road. They looked like they were out for a stroll. It made us laugh and we didn't think anything about it.

Then we started seeing birds with weird yellow and red heds darting across the road in front of us.

As we wound our way up Logan Canyon we were entertained watching the water in the Logan River. Very high, very fast and lot of white water. We even saw a kyacker running the rapids - major idiot.

Just as we were getting to the top of the canyon before dropping down into the Bear Lake Valley, we spotted a very large bird flying in the sky, coming right towards Wilbur (aka the Calibur). Meranda exclaimed "What is that?!?!?" I looked out the windshield and was freaked out. It was a huge Golden Eagle and it was headed straight for us. Meranda slowed down, I ducked and it probably came within a foot of the car! Our hearts were pounding! Meranda said she envisioned it coming through the windshield and piercing her heart with its beak. My heart pounded for what seemed like hours! Parker was in the back seat and was oblivious to the entire event and said "What?"

We made it to Montpelier and flinched (at least I did) at every bird we saw. I drove down the canyon back to Logan. We were haunted by birds the entire ride - including one huge blackbird that came within inches of the windshield - or so it seemed.

A side note to the story, is that our yard is being overtaken by birds. I bought a Hawk for the deck to keep the birds away. I bought shiny bird's eyes to hang in trees to keep them away (even hung some in Dad's yard). Friday morning, the stupid Magpie birds were in my garden pecking at my plants - I yelled out the window to scare them away. Sunday morning, I woke up to the lovely sound of magpies in my back yard - they were in my trees - basically yelling at each other. I opened the door and yelled at them.

What the "H" is going on?????? Why am I being tormented by these feather creatures? Next up is buying an owl and moving the Hawk - I guess they have figured out he hasn't moved for a few weeks.....

She's Engaged!

Parker called this morning totally depressed.
His future wife, Maria Sharapova, is engaged - to some guy that plays for the Lakers!
I calmed him down and told him it was okay, he would find someone else.

Oh Parker - how I love him!

Kind of funny - kind of nice!

One of Meranda's good softball friends, Erika James (EJ) got married today. Her family are converts to the church and she invited us to go to the temple ceremony - I don't think any of her extended family are members. We really got to know her family as we travelled from softball game to softball game for two years. We also got to know her husband's parents - because they came to alot of the games!

It's fun to see people in different situations. I don't think I have ever seen her Dad without a ball hat and I'm sure they had never seen Evan without one.

Her Mom and sister are way casual - but both looked so nice dressed up! Her Mom is kind of wired tight - but she looked really relaxed and happy today!

There were two other softball players parents there as well as the coach - actually holding hands with her husband!

Her little brothers were outside in suits trying to be good. They don't seem like they have grown at all - wait till they see Parker - they will be totally shocked at how tall he is. They were kind of like his little brothers.

Sarah Clark, another friend was outside when we left and asked "Where's Woody?"

It was so nice to be in the Temple. To see how happy and excited Erika was.

That's what it is all about! Tomorrow we are off to the reception in Montpelier, ID! Should be an adventure

THE BIG **21**

Happy Birthday Today to MKW!

Twenty-One years ago at 13:56 p.m. she was born at Holy Cross Hospital - 10 days late and I was so happy when she finally decided to enter the world. Less than 24 hours later, we left the hospital and took her home.

She was the cutest little baby - and was independent from the start! I made her wear bows in her hair - which she usually ate! I dressed her in pink and purple a lot - sorry Meranda!

As she grew up, she followed her big brother everywhere! She was quiet but thoughtful! She had great meltdowns! She screamed at her first swimming lesson! She was late to a softball game when she was 5 and refused to get out of the car! She would take her tennis ball to elementary school and throw it against the school at recess! She loved to dress up in crazy outfits! She didn't particularly like Junior High! She liked to freak people out with her fake teeth! She was a great student - and still is!

She has been known as Meranda Panda Bear with the Red Hair - MKW - Woody - Mermaid - Mernda!

She has grown into a beautiful young woman**Very goal oriented**Very focused**Very driven**She loves life**She has great plans for the future**She is a good example to her family and her friends**She has a strong testimony and knows who she is**

She is the best daughter anyone could ask for!