HALLOWEEN PARTY

Tonight the youth in our church put on a Halloween Party for the children in our ward. Rachael's group did a "Candy Walk". Rachael put some Halloween music on her IPOD and used it for the music for the walk.



They had lots of area's set up for the kids do to do something to get candy. They all seemed to be having a great time.






HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

WOMENS CHOIR CONCERT

Rachael is a member of the American Fork Junior High School Womens choir. Every year in the fall the school choir's do a benefit concer t. This year the concert was used to raise money for a baby with CHARGE Syndrome. The baby is a cousin to one of the boys in the Men's Choir. Rachael and the Womens Choir were the first on the program. They did a wonderful job. The other choirs performed and then they brought all of the choirs back to sing one song together while they showed a slide show of Mercydes and her family. It was a wonderful evening.

THANK YOU

2008 has been a great year for me and Cycling. I had 54 days officiating races this year, starting with the Southern Nevada Stage Race in January and ending with the Harvest Moon Criterium in September. Richard had 36 days officiating for the year. We spent 34 days officiating together. We have both learned a lot and been able to put that knowledge to use at races. Some races have truly challenged us and other were a piece of cake. We want to thank all of the local officials that we have worked with. So THANKS to Harry, Cindy, Gary, Louise, Missy, Doug, Ellie, Steve, Shanna, Chris, and Mark. You guys are where it is at, the Local races that we all love and where we have grown and tested our skills at. Thanks for making them fun and successful at the same time.


Thanks to Marilyn Allen, who I worked with numerous times, thanks for your patience with me, your willingness to spend the time needed with me to help me grow and develop as an official. Thanks most of all for your words of encouragement when things didn't go so well. Thanks for helping me to see the importance of taking the next step.

Thanks to Tod Manning for including Richard and I at the Walla Walla Stage Race. It was great to work a race in Washington near where I grew up. It was fun to work with Al and Dot on the results. I got to work with Tim Sherrill (he was in my Cat A class). I met and enjoyed working with Terri Camp.

Collegiate Nationals in Colorado. It was great to see Tom Vinson, we miss him as our Regional Rep. Thanks to Lynn Taylor and Debbie Vinson for making it a fun weekend. It was fun to work with Shawn Farrell, and see him as an official. I love working with Diane Fortini, she gets the job done and enjoys it at the same time. Thanks to Richard, my husband, for sharing the experience with me. Thanks Harry Lam for "being the Man" and enjoying the long ride with us. Thanks to Dan McLeod, for doing evaluations and giving us bigger and better things to strive for.

Mt Hood Cycling Classic - my biggest challenge of the year. Thanks to Josee Bedard, for letting me see how to tell someone they broke the rules and still stay nice. Thanks to Jeff Wu and Ryan Fu - you two are great to work with. You know your job and get it done, you step in and help when needed and make sure that everything gets done. I learned lots from you guys. Thanks to Tom Simonsion, who after I made a mistake, reminded me that it was over and done with, and to learn from it and move on. To Bill WyKoff, my mentor, thanks for your faith in me, for the reminder that I can do it, for your answers to my emails all season long.

Iron Horse Bicycling Classic - Sherri Barr, Dan Thomas, Art Razee. We had a great weekend even if the race did get snowed out. (Special thanks to the Zink Family for your love of this event and making it happen every year. Dinner at your house was FABULOUS!)

Nature Valley Grand Prix - I got to work with Bruce Brasaemle again. He operated the finish camera and made things look easy. Marilyn Allen was the Chief Referee for the event, I appreciated her willingness to listen to all sides of the story and then make her decision. Bonnie Walker kept us laughing and willing shared of her knowledge. I had a GREAT Assistant Judge in Gina Ouimette. I hope to work with her again very soon. She helped me get every thing done quickly after each race. I finally got to work with the famous Judy Miller. Judy was such a help to all of us, much patience, and she was able to help us all learn and grow from her vast amount of knowledge. I got to work a little bit with Jeff Helgeson, someone from my "A" class. It was another week of lots of learning and growing as an official.

One of my favorite local events every year is the Gate City Grind. Rob Van Kirk was missed, but he left the event in great hands.

Wells Fargo Criterium in Boise. What a fun night of fast racing. I again got to work with my mentor Bill Wykoff. Bill quietly leads and helps us all to become better officials, I appreciate his warmth and smile. George Knight is a great official, we had a fun evening under the lights.

Tour of Utah. This event really cemented things for me this year. Having Kinnin Payson has the Chief Judge gave me the opportunity to do the things that I had learned all season without the pressure of being the Chief Judge. Many of the things I had been doing made sense and I could see the importance of doing the "Whole" job and not relying on the computer alone. It was fun to do such a big race right here in my own backyard. I had a great time with Kinnin, she kept me smiling, laughing, and enjoying the job. I again got to work with Dot Abbott, Bonnie Walker, Bill Wykoff, Harry Lam, James Abbott, Splinter Wren, Cindy Yorgason, Doug Gates, and Roberta Abbott. Especially thanks to Richard, again it is the BEST working with you and sharing a room with my husband. I think that Rachael enjoyed watching Doug Gates and Roberta Abbott as the Time Board Crew. Someday Rachael wants to be the Time Board Person. Special Thanks to Dot for your kind words at the end of the race.

LOTOJA - This is truly my most favorite local event. 206 miles from Logan, Utah to Teton Village, Wyoming in one day. Why over 1500 people would want to do that I will never know. My backside hurts just thinking about it. Thanks so much to the local officials who were a part of this great event. Harry Lam, I couldn't do this without you. Brent Chambers, the promoter who puts in hours, and hours, and hours every year to make this event truly "EPIC". You and your family and crew are FABULOUS! Thanks for already inviting me back next year.

What can I say about Tour Of Missouri. I had the best roommate all week - Lynn Taylor. She and I learned so much from Judy Miller. Judy is so willing to give us an opportunity to learn and grow. Lynn and I are both better officials because of the time spent with Judy this week. I think the thing that was the most fun at this event was seeing Cycling the way we are taught in our classes. The motorcycle officials, the policeman clearing the roads, the motor marshal's keeping the cyclists safe on course. the marshals on course directing us at each turn, hearing the Comm's talk on the radio, listening to Radio Tour, having a Time Board, doing an "official" sign in, working with a Fred and Hilda on results. Having Medalist there to run everything.
Thanks to Wayne, Marilyn, Phil, Bruce, Judy, Lynn, Marek, Jim, Frank, Tod, Stephen and Vicki - the best crew!

What a Great year in cycling - I can hardly wait until next year!!

Go Phillies!

We haven't really been much of a baseball watching family at our house. But Grandpa Blanco lives in Pennsylvania, and since that is where the Phillies are we are cheering them on. Way to go beating the Rays in Game 1 in Tampa Bay. It was nice of the Phillies to let the Bay's have game 2. But look out as the Phillies came to their home field. We weren't sure Game 3 was going to happen, but the rain finally let up and the Phillies oonce again came out on top. Tonight was game 4, way to go Phillies beating the Ray's with a score of 10 to 2. That puts the series at 3 games to the Phillies and i game to the Rays. Lets finish it up Philliies with the next game!

DISNEYLAND TRIP - FINAL DAY

Here it is the final day of our trip. I wish that it didn't have to end. We all slept in this morning and got a late start to the day. Steven wanted a picture of he and the boys in front of the hotel in Primm, so here it is.

We drove to Las Vegas and had breakfast, walked by the Lions at the MGM. We went to the M & M store and watched the 3D movie,










we went by the Coke store and got free drinks.






Then it was time to load back up into the car and begin the final drive for home. We had a great trip. I am glad that we were able to bring Austin and Sean with us. We had a lot of fun having them along. We created memories that will last all of us a lifetime. Thanks to all - Richard - Rachael - Steven - Austin - and Sean - for letting Grandma have the MOST fun on this DISNEYLAND Trip!!!!!

DISNEYLAND TRIP - Day 5

Day five of our trip had us packing everything into the van and checking out of the Hotel. Once that was done we headed back to Disneyland. We were at the pack

by 9:00 waiting for the park to open at 10:00, they had a late opening due to the annual CHOC (Children's Hospital of Orange County) Walk. I was surprised by how many people were waiting in line for Disneyland to open. I asked a Cast Member about "Opening the Park" and we were able to be the family who got to "Let the Magic Begin".

What a honor it is to be the family who opens the park. Of all the thousands and thousands of families that come to Disneyland only one gets to open the park. Thanks Disney for letting us have a FABULOUS Memory!
We did all of our favorite rides for one last time Buzz Lightyear, Autopia, Star Wars, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Indiana Jones, (Thanks Austin, I know this was not one of your favorite rides) Big Thunder Mountain, We rode Finding Nemo for the first time. We hit the Matterhorn one last time

Then it was time to do some shopping and buy some souveniors

Hats for all the kids, Sean and Austin also picked out a shirt each. Rachael picked out some Tinker Bell things. Holly and Richard got a zip up Hoodie.

All too soon our Disney time was over












We waved Good-Bye to Disneyland and began the long drive to Primm, Nevada. Richard, Rachael and I got our IPOD's going. Steven and the boys watched movies. I think we were all worn out, we were all asleep as soon as we hit our beds in the Hotel room.

DISNEYLAND TRIP - DAY 4 - THE BEACH

Saturday we decided to stay away from Disneyland, knowing that it would be really crowded- so it was off to the Beach for us. We headed to the Balboa Island by way of the Ferry.



We met up with Uncle Ryan and Aunt Tammy at Newport Beach.


We had a GREAT time playing in the Ocean. It was the first time that Austin and Sean had seen the ocean. Austin wasn't sure that he wanted to play in the water at first, (it has fish in it), but he was soon in playing and as wet as he could get.































While wandering the pier we saw real "Wildlife"


We had a great lunch at a local fish place. They sold fresh fish there and had a restaurant. I can't remember the name of the place, but maybe when Ryan and Tammy check out the blog they can comment with the name.

I was impressed with how well the kids ate their fish kabobs. I had clam chowder that was excellent. Richard and Rachael had lobster, Steven had crab cakes. We would eat at this restaurant again.

What a handsome couple of brothers. Thanks Ryan and Tammy for spending a day at the Beach with us!!



Back to the Hotel when everyone had a nap and Richard and I attended a Time Share presentation. We weren't very impressed, but we did get $120 in Disney Dollars. We went to a local mall and wandered then ate dinner at a Mexican Place there. The kids hit the swimming pool again when we returned to the Hotel and Richard and I walked around Downtown Disney.
It was nice to have some time with the man I love!

DISNEYLAND TRIP - DAY 3

We started day 3 of our trip in Disneyland since they opened at 8:00. We did the Buzz Lightyear ride. It is one of the newest rides at Disneyland and we loved it. You work with Buzz trying to defeat the evil "Zurg". There are two people in each car and you shoot at these little targets with a "Z" on them. At the end of the ride each person gets there score. Richard had the high score every time. (I will add a picture if I can figure out how to do it. At the end of the ride they take your picture and you can email back home. I just have to figure out how to get the picture out of my email and onto here - KIER I will be calling you soon).

We only did a couple of rides in Disneyland because we wanted to spend the day in California's Adventure. As we left Disneyland we ran into Cruella DeVille


CA opened at 10:00 and we were waiting in line for it to open. They actually opened at 9:30 and let us into part of the park.
We rode Soaring over California and then headed to California Screamin'. We'd hoped that with Sean wearing his heelys he would be tall enough to ride, but he didn't quite make it. So everyone else rode Screamin and Sean and I rode the Carousel next to it. Au'stin didn't enjoy Screamin.
Richard and I rode it again quick while the other guys headed to Muhulland Madness. Later in the day Steven, Richard and Rachael rode Screamin on our fast passes and the boys and I did some rides they wanted to do.


I know the Carousel isn't the same as Screamin, but it gave us something to do while we waited for everyone else. Then it was off to the other end of the park for a ride on the TOWER OF TERROR. The name certainly fits the ride, three of the boys in our group were definately in "TERROR" after riding, and Richard was not one of the three.
The ride takes your picture and i took a picture of the picture.


We ran into some more characters in the park






We really loved the Grizzly River Run. It was probably the longest line we had the whole trip. There is no doubt about who had the most fun on this ride.



We again hit some of our favorite rides in the park before it closed and then went back to Disneyland. We headed back to "Autopia", I think this was Sean's favorite ride.
Steven would operate the gas pedal and Sean would do the driving.





















We were getting tired and hungry for dinner so we headed back to the Hotel. Steven, Rachael, Austin and Sean headed to the pool and Richard and I found a pizza place and brought pizza back to eat at the pool. Another night of watching fireworks from the pool, I am glad that I don't live near there, listening to the fireworks every night, they would no longer be special. Tonight it was Austin's turn to fall asleep as soon as he hit the bed. He was propped up with the pillows watching TV, but flat out asleep. We eased him into bed and it didn't take long for the rest of us to join him in Disney Dreamland.

DISNEYLAND TRIP - DAY 2

It was a early morning back in to the car and driving down the road - DISNEYLAND or bust! We hit the California border almost as soon as we started, but it was much to dark for a picture. We knew Austin and Sean would be asleep just after we got going and that is just what they did.


















We arrived in Anaheim just after 9:00 and found the Ramada. We hit things just right and were able to check into our hotel that early. We dumped everything in the room and headed across the street. DISNEYLAND HERE WE COME!!!!!


We joined the rest of Utah enjoying the UEA (Utahns Entering Anaheim) Vacation at DISNEYLAND. We headed to our first ride, Indiana Jones.











Some of us really enjoyed this ride and one of us claimed he would never ride it again. (He did ride it again on our last day in the park, but I think he kept his eyes closed the whole time.) We walked thru the Jungle Book Tree house and rode with the ghosts in the Haunted Mansion. We got wet on Splash Mountain.


We found friends from Utah enjoying the park with their family.


We rode one of Richard's favorite rides - the Matterhorn.


Space Mountain, Star Tours, Astro Orbitor, Autopia. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Tea Cups. No trip to DISNEYLAND is complete without being on a ride when it breaks down. We were on Alice in Wonderland, when it stopped, this is what Richard and i got to watch until we were resuced by a Disney crew member







Boy were we glad to be rescued, I was starting to be afraid of the Cheshire Cat, as he wobbled back and forth in front of us.

We did make it into Toon Town and went for the walk thru Mickey's house into his Movie Barn.






















I think that Steven's favorite ride was the Tea Cups. Doesn't it look like he is having fun.





We finished the evening back at our hotel with kids swimming in the pool, haviing KFC for dinner and a suprise guest. Jessica was in town for a Seminar and she and here friend dropped by. It was so dark by now that we didn't get any pictures. We all enjoyed the fireworks together, then it was off to bed. Sean was asleep before his head even hit the pillow. We have all ha a GREAT day!

DISNEYLAND TRIP - DAY 1

We loaded up the van for our 655 mile trip to DISNEYLAND. Richard was in the drivers seat, Holly riding shotgun. Rachael and Austin in the middle seat. Steven and Sean clear in the back. We got everyone listening to their IPODs, watching movie's and off we went. Our first stop was for lunch at the Subway near Fillmore, 113 miles down. Yummy sandwiches and back into the van. We could see the smoke from a fire along the way


Our next stop was Washington, Utah, filling up the van at the Harts Gas Station. While Richard got the van fueled, the rest of us hit the Redbox and got some goodies at Albertsons. 268 miles closer to DISNEYLAND. Along the way Austin took a nap.



We cruised through Arizona.







Next came Nevada,


where we stopped
in Las Vegas to see the MGM lions.

















We also tried to go to the show at the M & M store, but got there at 6:05, with the last show at 6:00.

Steven picked the place for dinner, so we found In-n-Out Burger. Hamburgers, Cheesburgers, Fries, and Milkshakes all the way around. 389 miles down, more than half way there. Back into the car for the last 45 mile drive of the day. We spent the night in Primm, Nevada. Things were just not going our way, we got there about 8:30, the pool closed at 8:00. We grabbed the shuttle to Primm Valley Resort hoping to play at the arcade, it was also closed, so back to our rooms and we went to bed.

Only 220 miles until we get to DISNEYLAND.