LordRedjack's Xanga

Snow in Salt Lake and Screenings in San Antonio

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:27:29 GMT

If you're on a slow connection, or are having problems loading this page, press "stop" in your browser and then click here to see just the newest entry.

Hello all, it's time for a monthly update, and what a month it was. I know, I say that basically every time. Sensationalism brings in the crowds, what can I say?

Over the post-Christmas break we were blessed to be able to take a road trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, something we had done every year after Christmas for about 5 years until 2005. So it was great to be able to return there.
Barely returned from Utah I re-packed and headed for the great state of Texas for the San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival. Didn't submit anything this year, but it was an incredible time meeting old and new friends and filmmakers, and seeing some incredible films.

The view driving to Utah is lined with beautiful snowy mountains and landscapes. Including....

The world-famous mountain that kinda sorta looks like it could be mistaken for the one in the Paramount logo, if you had never seen the Paramount logo before. I took this picture cause it did resemble it a bit. Interesting fact: Even though the modern photo shown on the real logo is of Mount Everest, William Wadsworth Hodkinson, founder of Paramount, sketched the original logo from mountains he had seen as a child in ....yes, Utah! Hah, so there!

Believe it or not this was taken to the side of a gas station.

Enjoying a hot tea from Starbucks, outdoors, in 6 inches of snow. What's wierd about that?

"Moochie's Meatballs and More". Saw this place on a show on Food Network hosted by that guy in the picture (his actual name is in fact "Guy") and we just had to check it out. The best philly cheesesteak you'll ever taste.

Next morning headed to Park City, the ski resort town near Salt Lake, where many of the Winter Olympic events were held in 2002.

I'm still trying to figure out a logical answer.

Downtown Park City, lots of small-town shops and buildings.

Including, of course, every snow sports athlete's staple for pulmonary health, the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company. Sure it's covered in caramel and chocolate, but it's healthy because it's fruit right?

Happy New Year! Fireworks could be seen right outside our hotel room at midnight.

New Years day we headed to the slopes, and as we suspected most people were too "tired" (notice tired in quotes) from the previous nights "activities" (notice again) to go skiing/snowboarding, so it was a comparatively light crowd.

Probably the hardest part was getting on and off the lift, with one foot bent sideways attached to a heavy 40" snowboard. I would tell you what happened the first time I attempted this, but even I deserve to hold onto a small grain of dignity.

Either this is a bunny hill or it's a black diamond with the camera tilted to the right so it look flatter. I'm gonna say it's the second.

Check out the two smooth sailers. This was a great shot as usually we weren't so close.

In the interest of full disclosure, this was actually the more prevalant position in most of the photos taken.

Jamesy had been a few more times than me so she already had the hang of it.

Mom and dad in the main courtyard.

One of many amazing giant rocks with a road having been excavated through it on our way back home. Just amazing.

And finally a beautifully painted sky passing through Nevada.

Five days later I'm deep in the heart of Texas! When in San Antonio, you must do as the Antonions do, so we took photos in front of the Alamo without actually going in or touring.

Jon decided to get a little more creative.

Jon Courville and his brother Josh joined me in San Antonio and we shared a room at the Crockett Hotel, a very nice establishment about 5 minutes walking from the convention center.

Before the festival we had a Christian Filmmakers pizza pre-party. Rob makes some announcements while Jon b-lines it for the food.

Nate Bluedorn was by far the best documentarian (yes, that is a real word) throughout the festival.

Ahh here we are, the first night's opening ceremonies.

You know, maybe they should make the breaks a little shorter.

Yeah they definitely need to curb the free time of festival attendants.

Look at this, the entire Duggar family was at the festival, while being filmed for their show on TLC! Pretty exciting.

Some of the filmmakers out to dinner

The Von Trapp children were there and they sang for two nights. And yes they're the actual great-grandchildren of Georg Von Trapp.

They had just great voices, it's amazing that they inherited that.

Kirk Cameron and Stephen Kendrick gave a "behind the scenes" talk on Fireproof, definitely one of the highlights!

The celebrity sightings didn't stop there. Who came on stage but Dean Jones, to accept a "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the festival. I knew he was a Christian, but until he spoke here I didn't realize he was a very strong and dedicated one who loves the Lord more than anything.

Doing a "round table" with the directors and producer of a new Bible series he's starring in. They premiered them at the festival and they're probably the most well-done Bible presentations I've ever seen.

He sits perched in a high place, waiting for the perfect shot.

Out to a very healthy fastfood lunch at the mall food court across the street.

It seems like all we do is eat, but really I just didn't take any shots in between lunch and dinner. Sam Ramsey (of last year's "The Photographer") and Josiah Einwechter are two of a large group who went out to "The Lone Star" on the Riverwalk.

The final night award ceremonies. George Sarris hosts.

The Duggars introduce one of the catagories and winners

I won't post all the winners, just the two main ones. John Moore and "The Widow's Mite" won audience choice. It was an incredibly well done film, I was amazed at what they did.

And they were back on stage for a second time winning the grand "Best of Festival" award, along with the $101,000 prize. Wow! Good job guys!

Nathaniel Sisson and I after the ceremonies. Thanks for hanging out Nate!

Jon Courville, myself, Jon Kayser and his wife Alicia. Great to see you guys!

Sam Ramsey and I. Sam always wears the coolest suits.

Technology. Can't live without it, can't live with it. On Sunday before Josh and Jon took me to the airport, we were trying to find a supposed air museum with their GPS, and it promptly led us to a Target parking lot. So we sat in it for an hour and talked about Top Gun.

It was a non-stop couple of weeks there, and I enjoyed every minute of it, but glad things are winding down now. Thanks for reading!

A Niednagel Christmas Visit and Misc December Festivities

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 06:18:02 GMT

If you're on a slow connection, or are having problems loading this page, press "stop" in your browser and then click here to see just the newest entry.

I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas! The past 2 weeks have been a total blur, filled with festive activities and a wonderful visit from the Niednagels. I almost needed to take these pictures if only to remember it all.

I’m writing this from Park City, Utah on a family trip during the post-Christmas break. It’s 21 degrees outside! There’s 4-feet of snow piled up on the sides of the road too, I love it. Most people would shudder at the thought, but it’s a nice change. We arrive home a few days before I have to leave again for the San Antonio Christian Film Festival, so this Utah trip may not get any coverage, we’ll see. By the way, anyone else planning on attending the festival? Let me know!

Jordan and Melissa came down a day earlier and we attended the “It’s a Wonderful Christmas” tour with Michael W. Smith and Melinda Doolittle. It was a great concert, they performed with the Corona Symphony and it sounded just incredible.

So, being the lavish high-roller gentlemen we are, it was no problem deciding what seats to purchase. Good thing I had my Nikon zoom lens, looking through it the whole time I could actually make out that there were, in fact, people on the stage.

Michael came out and performed a few songs from his new Christmas CD as the 100+ member orchestra plays in the back. He sang at the piano for most of the songs.

Getting a little more animated for “Jingle Bells”

Melinda Doolittle came out and pretty much stole the show. Her live voice is amazing!

Michael took a “backseat” at one point and sang with the backup as Melinda belted out a Christmas song I wasn’t familiar with. Thanks for telling me about this concert Jor! It was an excellent holiday addition that I’ll not soon forget.

Next morning we took Jor and Melissa to a nice restaurant right on the Torrey Pines golf course (where the US Open was held this year.)

At Glider Point, near Torrey Pines. Behind them you can see where the cliff just drops right off a couple hundred yards. Usually you would see gliders taking off, but it was a weekday so probably not real busy.

Later took em to Old Town San Diego, supposedly this is one of the first towns settled here. It’s all themed like old world California, like something you would see in Zorro. It’s mostly Mexican restaurants and gift shops.

Apparently publishers are doing this new thing where they sell books specifically for testing the page capacity of your paper shredder.

Next day Jeremy, Danielle, Kalea and Keoni joined everyone for a too-short stay. Kalea immediately recruited all the preschoolers for story time.

Took them on a tour of beautiful Balboa Park, a Mayan/Medieval-themed area where all our museums and the San Diego Zoo are.

By the fountain, always photogenic.

Jer being snapped snapping.

A Koi pond leading up to the aviary in the background.

Every year a Church puts up this multi-scene display of the Christmas story right in the park, it’s such an encourage thing to see in the midst of so much “emptiness”.

Keoni gives the most melting smile whenever you throw so much as a smirk his way, such a precious little guy.

Taking a “spin” on the Carousel. From what I hear this was Melissa's favorite activity. Cheap guests!

"Uh Nathan, all I'm seeing is pictures of adults. Were there any, you know, kids, riding the carousel?

There she is, having the thrill of her December.

Back at home Abe and Cortney joined our party for a delicious greek dinner, compliments of le chef mother.

Afterwards we took a walk to show our new guests "Christmas Card Lane".

Being the weekend before Christmas it was packed with carolers walking up and down the sidewalk, and lines of cars in the street, you can see in the background.

"Elfing" ourselves. Thanks Niednagels for visiting, short as it was! It was such a blessing to share some of the Christmas season with you. I pray it won't be too long before we meet again.

You may remember this house from last year. This very wealthy couple totally transforms their house into almost a Christmas theme park and opens it up to the public. Really something to see.

Amazing isn't it? They have tables of free cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee here too.

Experimenting with Christmas light art.

Even more decorations abound inside the house!

After you go through the house it ends up in the backyard, where they have this whole mini Christmas town you can walk through.

San Diego may not be the most yuletide-friendly place to be when it comes to weather, but I have to say, we're the Fort Knox of Christmas lights! There's a coul de sac where EVERY house is completely covered in lights, as seen in a few houses above. I wouldn't even want to see the light bill, just take my credit card and do it as painlessly as possible.

Christmas morning came, cloudy and rainy. Another blessing we rarely enjoy! Usually the windows are open before the gifts are unwrapped.

And I close this wonderful season of celebrating the Savior with a (insert any number of adjectives here) picture of Bev and Addy that morning. There's no way we ever could have planned this picture, I just happened to have my finger on the shutter at that moment.

I hope everyone has a great new year! We usually stay up on New Year's Eve and watch movies, but this time we'll be enjoying a winter wonderland. Thanks for reading!

Merry Thanksmas!

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:11:38 GMT

If you're on a slow connection, or are having problems loading this page, press "stop" in your browser and then click here to see just the newest entry.

"I have seen the Savior You have given the world. He is the Light that will shine upon the nations." (Luke 2:31,32)

So Thanksgiving has come and gone since my last post, and we're already half-way through the Christmas season. So much has transpired, and so much yet to come! Jordan and Melissa come tomorrow night, Jer and Danni will join us the day after. So exciting, and so much to do. I decided to make time and post or it would be Christmas day by the time I actually had free time on my hands.

Since it's only 8 days 'til Christmas, I figure giving Thanksgiving more than one photo would be like just now watching the presidential debates. I hope everyone is having a very blessed season so far!

Thanksgiving was held at Abe's this year. Joining us were Cortney's relatives, and next to Abe is Ben, a guy he met through unique circumstances that just moved here from Australia.

And it's back up into the ol' attic for another round of "Christmas-box Tetris". It seems like I'm getting down more and more stuff each year.

♪ "Have yourself a merry little.............." ♪

Dad and I (and Scratch) put together the nativity scene.

Behold! The house of a thousand lights! (If by lights you mean dollars, as in, "Hey honey, I was just looking at our December electric bill, did we heat our neighbors pool again this year?")

'Twas a very foggy night, casting some pretty neat light beams through the curves of the nativity.

First week of December we went to Coronado island and the Hotel Del with some friends. The hotel especially is always so beautiful during Christmas.

Palm trees around an ice-skating rink. Isn't that one of the signs mentioned in Revelation? This is in the courtyard of the hotel, gives it a really festive feel.

Inside the lobby is a gargantuan tree, lavishly decorated.

A look inside a shop window. Pink Christmas trees? Maybe next year.

This week we had everyone over to take a walk down "Christmas Card Lane", three adjacent blocks to our house that just go all out for Christmas decorations.

"In the (Christmas Card) Lane, snow is glistnin'"

Bevvy couldn't take her eyes off the lights. (You'd think with a statement like that, I would have posted a picture of her actually looking at the lights.)

Mom and Dad pose in a picture area at one incredibly elaborate house.

Now this is neat, they made it look like a living room, complete with working train and a hearth with an LCD screen in it showing a roaring fire.

Back at the house we munched on cookies and sipped coffee.

Our first Christmas program of the year!

It was a Christian take on Charles' Dickens "A Christmas Carol". VERY well done and very effective. The singers were flawless.

They were able to get some extremely talented children as well, who could sing better than most adults.

I love live music in plays (instead of pre-recorded soundtracks), especially when it's an orchestra.

And you thought the Hiltons didn't have anything redeeming to contribue to society. In such a time of political correctness during Christmas, isn't this just the neatest thing? This hotel can be seen from where the play was, we see it every year. I'm not sure how they do it, it may be the balcony lights or something.

Well that's it for now, I'll hopefully do an update before Christmas of the Niednagels visit. May the gift of Jesus be foremost in everyone's mind this season! Merry Christmas!

Return to Notting Hill

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 01:54:55 GMT

If you're on a slow connection, or are having problems loading this page, press "stop" in your browser and then click here to see just the newest entry.

I have arrived back from yet another great 2 weeks in Missouri. Much work was accomplished on the BTI project, and hopefully I can continue to squeeze in a lot of elbow grease from home between the rush of the upcoming holiday season. As I write this it's November 24th, wow!! Where did all the weeks and months go? In less than 7 days I'll have most of the house decked out in festive, bright, Christmas decor. Ahh!!

Some other really exciting news this month. For the first time, the Niednagels will actually be coming to San Diego for the Christmas season. Jordan, Melissa, Jeremy, Danielle, and the kids will be coming for hopefully at least a few days. Can't wait to give them the world tour! There's so much happening around here during that time.

So the economy is in the trash compactor, which is of course a scary thing. But on the brighter side, that also means half-empty airplanes. Bring on the exercise videos

While every day looks exactly the same in San Diego, fall is most certainly present in Thornfield. There was a strong wind and leaves were raining down as if they were snowflakes.

The first day was pretty much the only "shorts" day, around the mid 70's. After that it just plummeted for the remainder of my stay.

More fall colors as the three young-un's drive to Mountain Home, AK for some house-building supplies.

Oooh yeah, gettin' a good burn in the ol' traps there Jordan. What he doesn't want you to know is he's actually returning empty buckets to be recycled.

(not really)

"Honey, I was just in the paint department, literally watching samples dry. Any chance we can pick a lamp before I start counting bolts in the hardware bins?"

"Behold! The fruits of my [wife, brother, and sister-in-law's] labor."

As Jor and Melissa's house is still under construction, they've taken up residence at Jeremy and Danielle's lovely home. I was blessed to stay there as well, and their generosity knows no bounds. Thanks guys!

Thought #217 racing through my head after I started to pick up my wife: "Wow, I don't think I've ever heard that sound from my femur before."

A walk towards the new house to see how developments are coming along. Outwardly, it looks about the same as the last picture Jordan posted, except the second-story patio is now complete, as seen on the right of the house.

A closer look at the new deck. Quite nice!

Living in Missouri you learn to appreciate the small things in life. A new fridge had just been delivered and, yes, as we all suspected, plugging it in DID in fact start it up.

Wow check out the ham! And the bacon on the grill looks pretty good too. Time for a waffle dinner at the J&D household. Yum!

Jeremy reads a few verses before each meal. Great tradition, thanks Jer!

Jon Courville came down for a day when he heard I was in town. We went to Ava for some bball that night. (I took pictures)

Get it Jer! It's not about having fun, it's about winning! Wait...

Somebody was sure tired! If I tried sleeping on a basketball court......well I couldn't.

Needless to say, on the way home little Keoni was fully roused.

Jon swiftly beats me in 2 games of ping pong.

Jor and Jon duke it out.

The final night before my departure, Jer prepares some unbelievable buffalo burgers on the grill. And they were unbelievable.

Kalea, daughter of ham. She's grown so much in just a few short months, she's talking better than most adults now! Such a cheerful one to be around.

Looking at pictures from the week.

The view of Denver as I depart from my connection. Farewell Missouri! It was a great trip and I look forward to returning soon.

A final shot of San Diego upon landing.

Oh wait, that's not the final shot. Check this house out. I arrived home and found that these lights on a house in our neighborhood went up over a week ago! I've heard of listening to Christmas music at the beginning of November, but lights? It ain't right.

Thanks for reading! From here on out the holiday excitement begins. Happy Thanksgiving!

'Tis the Season (for Pumpkins) / Winter in Julian / Air Show

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 21:31:58 GMT

If you're on a slow connection, or are having problems loading this page, press "stop" in your browser and then click here to see just the newest entry.

Soooo, fall has finally fallen, at least in name and spirit. Not much changes as far as weather down here, we basically have 6 months of warm weather, and 6 months of less-warm weather, which starts around December. But we love to pretend we have seasons, and so a few Sundays ago after church, the whole fam went to Bates Nut Farm where they have their yearly pumpkin patch.

This will be my last post for a few weeks as I leave for Missouri once again next Tuesday. Only 2 weeks, so it's a "short" trip this time, hehe. Just in case anybody was wondering, I actually AM going to visit Jordan and finish some work on the BTI project. There are no "eligible" sisters or friends causing my frequent visits there. At least that I know of. Come on, you know you were thinking it!

Yes, I leave on Election Day, so I'll have to get my vote in before then. Because, as everyone knows, if you're a Republican your vote really makes a difference in California. How about this whole thing? Pretty exciting, scary and confusing at the same time isn't it? Please check out this video I recently came across. It doesn't endorse or mention any candidate, but it does present some very important issues that Christians should be concerned about when voting (or debating whether to vote at all).

http://www.valuevotersusa.com

Ah I love it. Makes you feel like you're in one of those photos from Country Magazine.

Bev grabs two little pumpkins that make her walk diagonal.

Sweet as pumpkin pie, and cute as a button. I'd love to meet the person that came up with that phrase, "cute as a button". Going through the rolodex of cute things in your mind, and "button" is what makes the most sense to you? Seriously?

Hay ride! Or as I like to call it, "Dust Storm".

A Fall Family Portrait.

Feedin' the baby goats in the petting zoo. Must've been at least 20-30 little.......angels....running around in there, not being cruel to the animals in any way, and completely supervised by aware, responsible parents.

Awww! Now that is button-cute material! I still don't know what it means, but that's it if ever I saw it.

"If I have to pick up one more pum.....hey look over there and smile!"

Look at that little button in there. Took this under the shade of a tree, so the background is completely exposed out. Addy is something else.

Next weekend we decided to escape the heat and head up to Julian, a small quaint town in the mountains about 40 minutes north. It was 55 during the day, and dipped down to 39 that night!

Somebody is cold! The wind chill factor made it feel like ice.

A sign in one of the shops. I wish they wouldn't be so politically correct and just say what they're thinking. By the way I absolutely want one of those. Cheesecake Factory should have one of those right below the kids swinging on the chandeliers.

The Miramar Air Show. We always like going to the night show, they have some really cool displays.

An old plane. "Nate you really have a way with words."

One of the most amazing fireworks displays I've seen. In part because we were so close, they're shot off right on the airstrip there.

Whoah, atomic meltdown! They call it "the wall", it's an explosion of napalm. You can FEEL the heat from where you're sitting, which is a good half mile away.

A second round, only with more explosions.

And dat's it for now. I may post from Missouri or wait until I get back, just depends on time. Thanks for reading! See you in a few weeks!

Walt Disney World, Florida: The Ride! Now in 2D! (When available)

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 04:57:23 GMT

So this past week (September 20-28) saw my and my brother's family spending a week in balmy Orlando, Florida. It's been a while since my family has been on a real vacation, and this is the first time both families have been able to do so. It was 5 days of happy, harmonious fun with the family. 8 days total. (Just kidding, if you caught that.)

I love the weather down there, especially at night. The first 2 days held close to unbearable heat for us, but after that it was almost perfect. I could write all day about how incredible the trip was, but I have more photos of Orlando than Google Earth, so I'll let them do the jabbering. Abe and I took over 2000 pictures between our two cameras. It took me a week to sort through em all, and you'll be glad to know I was able to cut my entry to just over half of those pictures. It's the family vacation slideshow from the depths of......

Actually got about 80 pics here, pretty stomachable. Here goes nothin'!

Couldn't believe after we landed in Orlando, the pilot actually let Bev into the cockpit, and even let her touch all the buttons, levers and switches. Wouldn't you love to have that job later? "Ok button 300 of 1,427. It should be in the off position..."

Ever notice that sticky note the pilot has on the flying wheel?

Probably would have felt better not knowing what it said.

Day 1: The Magic Kingdom

Welcome to Orlando! The view from our condo, a panoramic taken by putting two shots together. Most of the time it wasn't cloudy, this was taken in the early morning.

On the Disney tram heading to the first park, The Magic Kingdom. Walt Disney World is made up of 5 seperate, unique parks. One of them, Magic Kingdom, is pretty much just like Disneyland in California.

A wheelchair?!

"Let me explain....no, there is too much. Let me sum up."

Basically my mom has been having a problem with her foot for the last 8 weeks, they think it's Osteomyelitis in one of her toes. It still wasn't in any condition to be able to walk all over the place for 7 days, so hence we sought after the assisted transportation device.

Main Street! Everything, even the buildings, seems more elaborate here than Disneyland, CA.

Space Mountain! Notice this one has all the rider's in a single row.

How cool is this? While waiting in line it shut down and the lights came on.

Cinderella castle

"Excuse me, can you take...no I'm not giving you my camera, I want you to take..... do you speak English?" WDW takes the cake for most non-English-speaking-people-who-look-like-they-should. LOTS of Europeans. And you don't even have to hear them talk to know. I'm sorry but the stereotype is true, apparently there's a continent-wide Old Spice embargo there as well.

Day 2: Animal Kingdom

The centerpiece of Animal Kingdom is the "Tree of Life" (yeah they figured "The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil" just didn't roll off the tongue). There's a theater inside that thing! This park is Disney's version of a zoo, only it's less of a zoo and more like a theme park. There's several themed lands like Africa, Asia, and Dinoland, and some REALLY fun rides.

This one isn't that fun as you can tell. "Operation Everest", an incredible rollercoaster that goes in and out of a snowy mountain. It's like the Matterhorn on steroids.

This was the second day of unbearable heat I mentioned. We were just sitting there melting in this picture, I do believe it was around 93-95. A few degrees more and...well you can see.

Bev and Koda.

The Kilimanjaro Safari, this was definitely the highlight of the trip. You get in a real jeep-like vehicle (not a tram or something on a track) and take a Safari through what looks exactly like Africa, including real wildlife.

It was raining during our "voyage", that coupled with the cool vehicles made me feel like I was in a scene right out of Jurassic Park.

Crocs! You won't see these anywhere else in Florida.

An Eland (or Antilope)

An....ox...of some sort. Sorry, I should probably know what this is, but zoology wasn't a high point in my homeschooling.

Running to the park exit, rain still pouring down.

Back at the condo safe and dry, we enjoyed some Giordani's deep dish pizza. Whoah!

Day 3: Typhoon Lagoon

Ready and roarin' to head to the water park, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. Bev definitely looks ready.

They have a neat wave pool that throws out a huge tidal wave every 90 seconds. Naturally you're probably wondering, "hey, that wave is moving towards you right? And you have a camera?" I took my small point-and-shoot camera with me, along with a waterproof case, and it worked out really well! Sometimes you can see a black frame in the picture (like on the bottom right) from the cover though.

Cute, and love the background.

Floating down the "lazy river", a pool-river that goes completely around the park.

Goin' down one of the crazy water slides. Man, my hair turns into a tumble weed when it gets wet.

After the water park we headed to Downtown Disney to find someplace to eat.

A 3-picture panoramic of Downtown Disney, which surrounds a lake.

Finally settled at the Rainforest Cafe. Get this, you won't believe it: it's like a restaurant, but in a rainforest.

Day 4: Epcot

The biggest, and by far the most unique park, Epcot. You've probably seen that big ball in pictures or advertisements. It's MUCH bigger than it looks, we're actually a good distance from it in this photo.

This restaurant is amazing. The tables are actually on a very slow-moving platform that rotates in a 360 degree circle through various outdoor scenery.

See the scene behind us? In about 10-15 minutes we'll be facing the front of the restaurant, as seen in the previous photo.

Another cool thing is all the Disney character walk around and interact with the customers. Mickey plays a game of peekaboo with Bev.

Chip comes up and just starts flashing gang signs, so I kept my cool and played along.

Awww

One of the reasons for going to this special restaurant was Jamesy's birthday, which was on that actual day. Happy 29th!! (No really, she did turn 29. At least the first time. Her second, third, and fourth 29th birthdays will start next year. )

Group shotposehug

"Mission: Space". This ride was cuh-RAY-zee. It simulates a shuttle takeoff, VERY realistically. I'm not sure how many g's it pulls, but it definitely has you doing the two-step when you walk off.

"Yeah that's right, make fun of the invalid. You're a riot."

Day 5: Epcot redux

Well, we liked Epcot so much, and had only seen about half the park, so we decided to go another round the next day.

Our first and only picture with the big guy.

The girls with Minnie.

Ok now for the most interesting part. About half the park is made up of something called "Epcot World Showcase". They have to-scale replicas of some 30 countries around the world, complete with landmarks, buildings, and restaurants with authentic food from that country. Jamesy and I are in Canada here.

England. Notice even the ground is authentic.

Mom and dad in France.

Wait, you didn't mention the garlic butter! I'll take two, and one to go.

Jamesy and mom in ze Fronsh bakedee

While walking through the showcase I looked up and noticed someone was writing "Jesus Loves You" in the sky. Wow! Whoever did that was smart, having it done right above WDW where hundreds of thousands of people would be walking. PTL for people like that.

Italy. This one's my favorite, it totally looks like you're there. It's like a movie set, you only see what you're supposed to, and it gives the impression of realism.

I'll give you "neine" guesses as to where this is.

There were so many amazing looking countries, but I'll end with this one, which is last but by NO means least, the good ol' USA!

Day 6: Hollywood Studios

Probably the best-themed, and my favorite, park is Hollywood Studios. It's similar to Universal Studios, but of course is very Disney-fied.

The whole park is themed like 1940's Hollywood.

An old gas station near the entrance. Dad would love to own one of these.

Bev studies our shadows.

Seems everyone took a little spin on the ol' cripple caboose.

"The Great Movie Ride". Loved this one, you slowly ride through recreations of famous movie scenes with animatronics. Recognize this scene?

Donning our "gear" for the Toy Story mania attraction.

Loved this show 16 years ago when we last were last here, and it still holds up. The Indiana Jones stunt spectacular.

Indy plants a nice one. There were three scenes recreated from "Raiders", each set split apart and rolled away slowly.

Indy and Marion barely escape. I tell you it gets me every time.

The look says it all.

Oh yeah, I know people. I get around. They made an exception for me, usually they keep a tight perimeter around the talent.

Oh....

Taking the studio backlot tour, we walk through a prop room. Hey Jordan, how'd you like access to this place for our next video?

Hey, the actual frozen statues used in The Lion, The Witch, and the Warddrobe!

Telmarine armor from Prince Caspian.

Final Day 7: Blizzard Beach and Hollywood Studios part 2

Our last day we visited Disney's other water park, "Blizzard Beach". It's so interesting, they themed the whole park like a ski resort, complete with fake snow everywhere. They even play Christmas music! Funny riding water slides in 90 degree heat in that kind of environment.

Most of the slides start atop a snowy hill. How else to get there but by ski lift?

This picture needs some serious explanation. I just got off a 120-foot tall near-vertical water slide that goes 55 mph. I dare you to ride that and still have your pants anywhere near your knees. I just dare you. And I'm wearing my sandals on my wrists, those aren't like, water gauntlets or something.

We spent the remainder of the day back at Hollywood Studios since Blizzard Beach closed early. Uh..... well this is "Rock 'n' Rollercoaster", and, uh, I guess you can see what we're doing.

Dad decides he can take "The Tower of Terror", a drop ride housed in an old 1940's hotel themed after "The Twilight Zone". Fun ride!

A complete recreation of Aslan's How from Prince Caspian. It was a really cool experience, they turned the lights off and went through the scene where Peter is tempted to succumb to the White Witch, with fog, fire, and other effects. Here you can see her start to appear.

Outside were more costumes, including Peter's armor.

Miraz and Caspian.

Aaaaaand we wrap up this saga with a last meal at Cracker Barrel, donning our sad faces at the thought of our trip coming to an end. Florida was good to us, and I can't wait until we return! Hopefully it won't be 16 years, but only the Lord knows. This was a real blessing and we're all grateful He provided us this opportunity.

Thanks for sticking with this extra long post!

Monday, October 06, 2008

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:54:36 GMT

Monday, October 06, 2008

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:54:15 GMT

Monday, October 06, 2008

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:53:55 GMT

Padres / New Hair / Benihana Birthday / Hot Peppers and Farewell!

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 20:10:09 GMT

If you're on a slow connection, or are having problems loading this page, press "stop" in your browser and then click here to see just the newest entry.

You wouldn't believe how many breathtaking, treacherous, and death-defying things I tried these past few weeks! Unfortunetly I didn't take pictures of any of it, so you're stuck with discovering how much honey I put on my cereal.

Next week we leave for Orlando, FL to take a little family vacation. I haven't been to Florida in over 15 years so this will be exciting! We're going to Walt Disney World, which is made up of 5 seperate parks. We're gonna try visiting most of them since we probably won't go back there for quite a while. There'll be more pictures than I can imagine, so it'll be probably 3 weeks or so from now before I update.

Last week my dad got tickets for the Padre game since his work is a sponser. Check out this panorama I got by sticking two shots together, isn't it a beautiful stadium? Petco Park was just built maybe 3-4 years ago, before that they shared a stadium with the Chargers. Notice the building between the stands on the left and the big TV screen in the middle. That's an original metal supply shop from the 40's that they built the stadium around.

Hmmm, a bag of peanuts, or 3 gallons of unleaded? A quandary for the ages.

There's nothing quite like a ballpark dog. (Be thankful for that)

Oooh that probably hurt a little. Maybe someone should've told her the net was down for repair.

Brian Giles hits one of only 2 runs, the Dodgers wiped the floor with em, 6-2. Ouch.

I know I know, when you saw "new hair" you were just begging for it to be about mine, but nay. My sister Jamesy and sister-in-law Cortney decided to get a couple inches hacked off and donate to "Locks of Love", so I came along to document.

So when Jamesy mentioned donating hair, for some reason I was picturing Cathy Rigby from Peter Pan or something.

Not quite, as you can see.

Jamesy and Cortney with the new look.

Abe turned 30 last month and we went to Benihana to celebrate. For those unfamiliar, it's a Japanese restaurant where you sit around a table that has a huge grill on it, and the chef cooks your order there. You know, pretty much exactly what you already saw in the picure.

Fried rice Mickey. Great idea, let's hope Disney's lawyers concur.

Mmmmm, grilled "filters of the sea".....err, I mean shrimp.

Bevvy enjoyed the show too.

This is my plate AFTER I was stuffed full. Yep. I have no idea why America is overweight.

Smile!

My grandma who lives in Colorado usually sends us these green chilies that she gets in Pueblo. They're absolutely delicious, but HOT! So what does one do with 10lbs of chilies?

First you have to roast them, put em in foil for 10 minutes, then freeze em. This is all before you humiliate, waterboard, and eventually hang them.

You do NOT want these things to touch your skin, because it won't wash off for a least 24 hours. During that time you'll almost certainly touch your eyes or nose inadvertently. Ever seen the "face melting" scene at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark? Doesn't even come close to how you'll feel.

Whenever we go on a big vacation, we take out all the change that's been put in a big jar and count it out to put towards eating, souvenirs, etc. It's a really fun tradition. This of course will be for Florida. How much was in there you say? Enough to buy you some manners. Who would ask a question like that?

Thanks for reading! See ya in a few weeks!