Dan in Real Life

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Family Reunion

Last week we finally had another family reunion. I don't remember having one for the past 10 or 15 years, so it was about time. Mom, Dad, Joseph and I drove the (approximately) nine hours out to Colorado Springs where we met Elizabeth and Dan, Sara and Jarem, and the rest of the extended family. My backside was so sore after the drive. I need more "padding" back there. We stayed at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort and had a great time with everyone for a few days. We swam in the pools, used the kayaks in the lake, played tennis, went rafting on the Colorado River, played Rook (of course), and ate good food. It was a great family reunion. Many thanks to Doug and Denise for putting it all together.

Granny talking to her posterity

Uncle Luther giving a presentation on finances

With the Zufelt gang

Paul and Zack decided to play dodgeball with the tennis equipment

Dad and Pete Sampras' equal

With the Zufelt boys on the lake

Our awesome family reunion t-shirts

Playing Rook

Other side of the Rook table

Dad playing tennis

One night we went to a place called the "Flying W Ranch" where we had a traditional cowboy dinner and a fun little concert afterward. They told us that cowboys call beans "whistle berries" because they make you "whistle". I caught Dad here praying that they won't make him whistle. After dinner I wanted to leave because I was full and a little tired, but I'm glad I didn't because the band that played was very entertaining.

Erika teaching the kids a story from the Book of Mormon

Look at that professional stance!

The two brothers

Anders had fun "yeehaaing" at the Flying W Ranch

With Paul and the Zufelts at Mimi's Cafe

The bear statue at the resort

On the Colorado River

Cowboy "Stop" sign

Sunday, June 15, 2008

St. George Wedding and Quilting

Mom and I went down to St. George this weekend for two reasons. Friday night I gave a little presentation on Iraq to some members of the Dixie Quilting Guild (and some of their friends) who had sent me boxes and boxes of little quilted hats, booties, and blankets for the Iraqi families while I was there. It was so much fun to finally meet them and share some experiences (and chocolate cake) with them. Thanks to all of you for your kindness!

The second reason we went down was to see Phil get married for time and all eternity to Natalie. You are both awesome people! May God bless you as you go throughout life together.......and Phil, don't stop coming to basketball. :)

Mom stayed with Launa and Sherell who are both great ladies. They let me test drive their Toyota Prius...
...and play with their talking Amazon Gray (his name is Zeus)

I stayed with Linda (far left). Linda, Ruth (second on the left), Teryl, and John were heavily involved in the quilting for the Iraqis. Amazing people!