Training in "The City of Brotherly Love"

Yo Karen, I did it! Well, I didn't quite climb the same steps or defeat Clubber Lang but I came away from Philadelphia feeling like a champ. I was recently in Philadelpia for some new hire training. Turner sponsored the training and brought in close to 80 new hires from around the country. We were taught the importance of leadership, ethics, teamwork, work-life balance, safety, etc. It was a good conference and was a fun networking opportunity. Although I was competing on a different surface and in a different game the Italion Stallion would have been proud of my grind it out, in your face, get knocked down-get up again basketball game against a baller from the East coast. All in all it was an educational and worthwhile conference but the best part was getting off the plane and landing in my gorgeous wife's loving arms. I love you Karen. Enjoy a few photos of City Hall and downtown Philly!

TEXAS

While Erik was enjoying his football fun in Provo, I was getting settled in Texas. I went to Texas to help my sister Camille on her journey home with two kids after spending the heat of the summer in Washington.

After a long flight on Saturday we took all day Sunday to recover. We went to church in the morning and spent the afternoon relaxing as we adjusted to the time difference.

On Monday, Ryan had the day off and joined us on our adventure to the aquarium in Dallas. We saw all kinds of interesting animals.

Throughout the week Camille and I had fun dancing, jumping on the trampoline, and listening to fun music with Elise. (Kids have so much energy!) Although we were not excused from changing diapers, doing the dishes, and fixing meals.

We enjoyed going shopping for things we didn't really need, projects we don't really have time for, and the shoes we will probably never wear and not to mention the purse to go with it.

On my last night I gave Davis a hair cut at 3 months old.

Thanks for such a fun time Camille, Ryan, Elise, & Davis!

Provo & Back in 34 Hours

I left the Great Pacific Northwest on Saturday morning via Southwest Airlines. My destination: Provo. My purpose: To unite with my family and 60,000+ Cougar fans for a football game against the University of Arizona. It was a very warm summer day in Provo for the season opening football game. The Cougar defense shut down the University of Arizona and our offense looked real good for most of the game. We beat the Wildcats of Arizona 20-7 to start the 2007 campaign off on the right foot. We did have a scare right before the game when our beloved brother Austin couldn't seem to find the tickets! Austin received a few death threats before he finally found the tickets, and I know he was sweating bullets. We love you Austin! Following the game we got a bite to eat, tested out Tyler's new tricked out ride, and threw the football around.

We (Dad, Mom, Kirsten, Austin and I) said good-bye to Tyler and wished him the best of luck as he embarks on his first of many semesters at BYU. We love you Tyler! Go get 'em! On Sunday we left the Salt Lake Valley and headed home together in the van. We picked up a runaway on our way home and although we were nervous she didn't try to pull anything funny. We arrived back in Maple Valley around 6 pm and when we arrived back at the pad our house had been "forked". A couple of Austin's friends had "forked" the house with 500 forks and numerous banners were stuck to all three garage bays. Upon unpacking we relaxed with a couple of games of UNO (Dad's favorite game) and had some good laughs. Thanks for the fun time Mom, Dad, Kirsten, Austin and Tyler.

Sisters night out

It has been a busy month. After reuniting with Tyler, my sisters Camille and Jan came into town. We had all kinds of fun! Jan even motivated all of us to get out the door and go running. We kicked our feet up and had pedicures, played games and made dinner together.

Since then much has happened but most recently we had a party for Camille's birthday. In the afternoon we had a picnic in Linda's yard while the kids played on the swing and explored.

Later in the day Elise helped me decorate cupcakes for all the kids. With 28 candles lit, all of the kids helped blow them out.

They must have been tasty cupcakes!=o)

Reunion and Green Lakes Hike

Yes! The stud muffin is back in town. Well... he was back in town. Tyler came home August 8th from serving a mission in Brazil. Cavin, Angie, and Braden flew in from Arizona the day before so we could all be at the airport for the arrival of Tyler.

Once Erik and I arrived at the airport we were surprised to see a "big brother" shirt on Braden. It was a subtle way of saying, "Angie is pregnant!" Congratulations Angie!

While we were all together we enjoyed various activities including a hike to Green Lakes. It was a most beautiful day for a hike. We meandered along the trail taking breaks for pictures, water, and huckleberries. We stopped along the trail near the river for lunch. While munching on lunch we quickly made friends with a dog named "Dodge". He tired us all out just watching him fetch stick after stick after stick. After lunch the guys and gals split up. The gals (Kirsten, Mom, Angie & Karen) and Braden headed back for the cars while the guys (Austin, Tyler, Cavin, Erik & Dad) continued the adventure to Lost Lake. Thankfully the boys found Lost Lake and after a few James Bond sightings renamed the lake Golden-Eye Lake. Did you know that James Bond can walk underwater from one side of a lake to another? We saw it happen!

Mariner's Game

A beautiful park, wonderful company, a gorgeous day, but oh what a woeful performance. On Tuesday (LDS Night) we (Karen, Austin, Kirsten, Dad, and the Marler clan) went to the ball game. We sat one row removed from the very top of the stadium. We shared popcorn, ate some well prepared dinner, and guzzled 20 ounces each of water in about 3 minutes or less. Security wouldn't let us through with unopened water bottles so it was either we drink the water and take in the empty water bottles, or we could throw the water away. We decided to drink it and see who could do it the fastest. Karen and Kirsten were the winners. I knew girls had big mouths:) We enjoyed each others company and the atmosphere but the mighty Mariners couldn't pull out the game. It ended up 8-0.

Woodland Park Zoo

I consider myself a lucky guy

'Cause I know that beautiful butterfly!

On Saturday we were able to spend the day with our niece Hannah and nephew Jake at the Woodland Park Zoo. We went to the zoo as part of the Turner Construction annual summer family picnic. Turner sponsored a lunch, paid for parking and our entrance fees, and provided the kids with toys and face paintings.

Karen's favorite part of the zoo was the elephants because they were moving around and splashing themselves with water. Hey...that reminds me of a song...Splish! Splash! I was taking a bath...Okay, I'll stop. Jake liked the orangutans and Hannah is a reptile lover. I personally liked the elephants and bears.

Karen was able to put faces with the names of people I work with and I got to meet spouses and friends of those I work with as well. We enjoyed the zoo experience and had fun watching the kids get excited about all the animals.