Amy and Ryan's Graduation

How lucky we were to have both Amy and Ryan graduating from BYU this Spring? Amy called and got permission to walk with Ryan so it was just one ceremony for us to go to...plus I think they had a good time sharing the experience together. Here are some pictures from the day. Congratulations to both of you, I'm SO proud of you guys!!!!

My Birthday!!!!!

This year I decided that I was going to get out of town on my birthday. I made plans to go to Colorado but due to snow and a few other complications that plan didn't work out. So, then I needed to come up with another plan because I was already in vacation mode and had the time off from work. So, as it turned out Becky had a buddy pass that was going to expire the end of the month and it would be a shame to have it go to waste. We were able to put that buddy pass to good use and arrange a last minute trip to Las Vegas!

So, we got to Vegas first thing Monday morning and we went to go pick up our rental car and the lady at the counter said she could give us a deal on a convertible Mustang if we wanted and we could choose the color. Well, that was NOT a hard decision, especially since it was my birthday!!! I needed something fun to cruise the strip in (especially since it was Becky's first time in Vegas.) Here are a few pictures of the car...it was SO much fun!!!!

We had to take a self-portrait in the Mustang. We had SO much fun just driving around in the Mustang. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. Although, having it get a flat tire when we left the Rio late that night. Thank goodness Becky is SUPER Woman and she changed the tire all by herself! Go Becky!! But it was fun and just added to the adventure. :)

I was having a little fun with the camera before we went out. :)

I couldn't decide which one I liked better. ;)

Becky and I ready and waiting for the car so we can go out and celebrate! (Love valet parking in Vegas!)

Then on Tuesday before we left as we were driving down the Strip I saw a place that did Hennas...and of course I had to go. I think it's fun for just a couple of weeks!

It was a great last minute trip...we had SO much fun playing, shopping, driving, hanging out and relaxing! I couldn't have asked for a better birthday! Thanks Rich for watching your kids so that Becky was able to come play with me in Las Vegas!

A bit too much PDA

I am really slow at blogging these days but this was just too good to pass up. A couple of weeks Diane and I went to the Olive Garden on a Saturday afternoon. As we were walking to our table I noticed this couple...

Well, during the middle of our meal I look over and this is what I see. So, Diane and I looked at each other and laughed because we couldn't be what we were seeing. Well, they continued doing this for a long time (we considered it free entertainment, but thank goodness we only had to see them from behind.)

Then finally one brave customer who had to look at them straight on got brave and decided to have a "chat" with them. I have to say that I love this picture, of her trying to get their attention. I do admire the lady who finally got up and said something to them. I have seen a lot of things but I have never seen such a make-out session in the middle of a restaurant and I couldn't pass up documenting it because it's one of those things you just need to see to believe.

Rugby, it can't get any better then this...

This weekend we had two BYU Rugby home games (both at night). Friday night we played the University of Utah....it was FREEZING!!! (Therefore, we have no pictures.) It was the National Guard game of the week and will be broadcast on ESPNU April 7th at 7pm MDT. It was a good game, a lot more physical then we've seen. And of course BYU kicked some U butt!!!

Saturday night BYU played Utah State, and it was another night game that started even later then the night before. But the weather was totally different...I didn't even put my coat on. (Now I was wearing 3 shirts, but still...it wasn't that cold.) Before the game started Alisa and I took a quick picture to document that we were there.

Here is one of Mom and Alisa (Dad is on the other side of Mom.) Just documenting Ryan's fan club!

It was Senior night, so are the Seniors that were recognized. Can you tell which one is Ryan?

So, during the 1st half before Ryan got in the game Alisa and I had a little fun with my camera. Our craziness started out because of the 1st picture, Alisa got caught off guard in my "self-portrait." So, then later Alisa got smarter when I went to take a "self-portrait." And that's when the fun began. Don't worry this was while we were waiting for Ryan to play, we didn't miss any of the action while he was in the game. Well, the 2nd to last picture is our "WOO HOO Ryan scored a try!!!!" It was a fun a game.

As I mentioned earlier...Ryan scored a TRY!!! How cool is that? Good job Ry!!!!

A few pictures of Ryan and Alisa after the game. Aren't they just so cute? It's been SO much fun watching Ryan play on the BYU Rugby team. I am sad that they have had their last home games. Now they are going to be continuing on their quest for the National Championship! Go Cougars! Good luck and have lots of fun Ryan!!! I am SO proud of you!!!!

A weekend of BYU Rugby...

Ryan had Rugby games Friday and Saturday afternoon. It's always fun to go watch this crazy fun sport. Here are a few random pictures from the games. Friday night BYU played UVU and Saturday they played BSU. They killed both teams!!!

Here is a picture of the final score Friday night. So, it may look like it was a close game but in reality...SO not true. The final score was actually 108-12. Yep, it was a slaughter!

Saturday we had more family at the game. I had to take some pictures of Seth and Grandma. He sat really still for a little bit while he was trying to figure out what was going on. I loved his little thoughtful look. And then I thought it was a cute picture of McKay and Seth going for a little walk.

I had to have one self-portrait. I think it's way cute of Alisa and I, if I do say so myself. And when I downloaded it I started laughing at the reflections in our sunglasses. :) It was another win for the Cougars and the weather was PERFECT! Can't wait to watch some more BYU Rugby this weekend!!! Go Cougars!!!

My new favorite thing...

For a while now I've been wanting to try yoga but you know was too lazy to actually try it. So one day while we were watching The Biggest Loser I finally put some of those little motivating feelings put it to good use and got online and made the best purchase, their Weight Loss Yoga DVD. I LOVE IT!!!! Bob kicks my butt every morning at 6:30am and it is awesome!!! I can't think of a better way to start my day, it really does give you a great workout plus it relaxes me before I go and start my day. It has been a great investment, and if you've been wondering about this DVD I say go get it today, you won't regret it!!!

A Weekend Away....

The end of February I went with my friend Becky to North Carolina. She grew up there and since I had never been what a perfect opportunity for a weekend escape. It just so happened that the weekend we were there it was rainy and cold but we still had a great time. Sunday afternoon while we were there the rain finally stopped and we went to downtown Wilmington. There we walked around the Cotton Exchange and the river front. Here are a few pictures that I got on our little walk around. There's just something calming about being around water, I love it.

Of course here are some self-portraits I took on the trip. It's a great way to pass the time...and very entertaining too. We did also make it to the beach for a few minutes. It was getting dark and it was a little cold but I LOVED it!!! It was great to see new things, new places and to get out of Utah for a little while. The trip got extended for a day because of a storm in the East which was fine with me. And since we were flying standby again we decided to take a different route home that had more openings to make sure we got home on Tuesday. So, we flew from NC to FL to CA to UT. It was an adventure and I loved it!!!

Rugby anyone?????????

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend my first Rugby game and what made it even better was to be able to watch my younger brother Ryan play in it. He tried out and made the BYU Rugby team this year, I'm proud of him. Here are some of the action shots I got yesterday. Ryan was #5 yesterday, as an FYI. BYU played Weber State and won 65-0. Go Cougars!!!!

What would a post be without a self-portrait? This is Alisa and I just hanging out on the side lines.

Ryan and I after the game. Good job, Ry! Can't wait to go to the next one!

The newest member...

Spencer James Hanks arrived February 1, 2009 at 9:01am to Amy and Dave Hanks. He is adorable! Most of these pictures are from the first day, but the one in the middle is from yesterday (2 days old.)

Here are a few pictures of big brother Seth coming to meet Spencer for the first time. Spencer gave Seth a cool little car garage at the hospital. It's pretty fun and gave something to do, other then pushing the fun buttons all over the room.

Here are a few pictures of people with Spencer. Yes, I realize that they are mostly of Spencer and I (but this is my blog.:)) The first one is our first self-portrait together, then there are a few other self-portraits from the 2nd day. (They aren't the best pictures since I was by the window, but you get the idea.) Then we have the proud Daddy, and a darling picture of Grandma with Grandchild #10.

CONGRATULATIONS Hanks Family -- I am so excited that he is here safe and sound!!!

A week out of Utah....

I spent the week between Christmas and New Year in Colorado Springs visiting Candice and Abigail at their new "mountain house" (that's what Abigail calls it.) I had a great time visiting and hanging out with Candice and Abigail but from some reason my camera stayed in my bag. :( Here are a few pictures that I took Friday morning as we were packing the truck to leave. There is a story about this "buck." When Candice went to leave her apartment to pick me up from the airport, this buck was down at the bottom of her stairs chowing down on a plant and wouldn't leave. She called her apartment manager and they finally had to call animal control to get him to leave but it still took a while because he just wanted the plant. So, then when I saw him when I was leaving I thought I had to take a picture. Too bad it wasn't hunting season because "buck" had nice rack, right Dad?

Then on the way to Denver I notice these really cool looking clouds. They looked better in person but you can still get the idea. And that my friends wraps up the pictures that I took on my trip...hopefully I will do better next time.