The Happiest Place on Earth

Hello everyone! I am finally getting around to sharing some of our Disneyland pictures. Most of you probably know that we took the kids (Campbell, Emerson and Iva) to Disneyland in mid-February. The fun part was we didn't tell the kids we were going until the night before we left, so they were in shock. The girls cried when we told them and Campbell turned white, then bright red and then I thought his head was going to explode. Jeff's sister Stacy and her husband Tom and our two nephews, Travis(14) and Tyler (11) went with us. So altogether there were 10 of us. Tom and Stacy are expert Disneyland go-ers, so we were being led by professionals. I think they have been at least 8 or 9 times since I have known Jeff. To say the least, everyone had a blast. It was fun watching the kids faces as they got to experience all there was. Campbell's favorite ride was a rollercoaster called Screamin' California. We couldn't keep him off of it. I think one day he rode it 5 times in a row!! Iva had two favorites, one is a virtual type ride called Soaring over California, which is like paragliding over the state of California and her other was a smaller rollercoaster called Mulholland Madness. Emerson was actually pretty brave and rode almost everything she was tall enough to ride. She was only too short for about 3 or 4 rides, which she wouldn't have wanted to go on anyway. Her favorite rides were probably the tea-cups and Peter Pan, but she liked the riskier rides too. All in all, we are so glad we had the opportunity to take the kids and see the smiles and excitement on their faces. We decided not to call it a vacation since there was no relaxation at all, it is more of an adventure. The kids talk about the next time we go back....which may a LONG time from now!

march photos

I'm having fun with my new camera. Here's a few I've taken recently.

hanging with bro

After spending the afternoon in brother Larry's garage..I felt like sharing. While Larry worked on kithen cabinets and told stories of course, I tried to stay out his way..and not drink to much of his beer. We had a good time. Craig.

Aunt Jenny Copes

"Brutal, obscene and disgusting." Those are the words of the author, William Burroughs, describing his book, Naked Lunch. And he says, "Sickness (in this case, drug addiction) is often repulsive details not for weak stomachs." I've just started the book. I'm going to finish it, because I want to know if I can related to the Newsweek book review that said "A masterpiece. A cry from hell, a brutal, terrifying, and savagely funny book that swings between uncontrolled hallucination and fierce, exact satire." Right now, I'm trying to get past the "brutal, obscene and disgusting" part. Once I'm numb to that, hopefully I can see some literary value in this book. I'll get back to you, Anthony. 

New Book Time

Hi guys. Craig asked me a while back if I had any ideas for the book club. I decided on "Naked Lunch" by William S. Burroughs. I have always loved the beats and this is just one of my favorites. I look forward to hearing what everybody gets out of it.

Anthony

R.P.'s TLL.

Hello, This is Craig. I just came back from my Tacoma doctor's visit and some r&r at Rick and Jennifer's. An epidural and some new instructions have me back and my feet again. It's given me an attitude boost also. I'll take it. My angle on the The Last Lecture has to do with "attitude". I admire the way Randy dealt with his short time he had to live. This guy was a real throwback..his approach to many of life's trials, growing up, seem to come from old fashion values. Maybe thats just the way I think of them? Things like.. the way he handled coach Grahams giving him hell, somehow he knew hard work and fundamentals were in his best interest...adopting the montra of his hero..I don't believe in no-win scenarios..luck happens when hard work meets opportunity...if you want to work for Disney..do it...add in humility and a sense of humor and this adds up to ATTITUDE. I hope his wife and kids are doing well! Kara, thanks for the book choice and sharing. Final note: Larry will be selecting a new book soon.

Kara. Just read your blog. How strong you and Jeff are as parents. I feel blessed to have you guys in our " Family." About the " Last Lecture". I had a conversation with Craig about dying { we were discussing the book }, and the topic of my time in Vietnam came up. Drawing on my experiences there I believe there are different mind sets to dying depending on the situation. Just being in Vietnam in a combat zone and knowing Death was lurking out there made me nervous. When being overrun and hand-to-hand fighting was imminent I realized the possibility existed that I could be killed. I was scared s...less! Another time we were in a helicopter that had been subjected to land mines and heavy ground fire. We were shot to "doll rags" and I knew I was going to die. In that instance a calming peace came over me and I was transported back to my childhood to a happy time and place {with brother Craig}. I think circumstances dictate mind set. I think Paush's situation was the worst. The anticipation. Again, God bless you Kara and Jeff. Larry