Musical Chairs

Mike thought I needed a turn telling the weekly adventures of Quaid and Mikiya, so here we go. Yesterday we had a few errands to run, so we took the bus. Mikiya was thrilled! She got to show me where you sit and all that fun stuff. None of the buses we took had tons of people on them, so she thought she needed to try out several different seats. My perspective was a bit different. It was nice not to have to worry about traffic, but all I could see was the germs everywhere and not wanting the kids to touch anything or breathe in the yuck. The mall was one of our stops, and Mikiya thought it absolutely wonderful to ride up and down the escalators. We also went to Deseret Book. It was wonderful to walk in somewhere that was so familiar. However, it did make me a bit homesick. I thought of Layton as it was a young man helping us. And one of the large pictures on the wall was a beautiful night picture of the Idaho Falls Temple. Oh how wonderful to see and feel that comfort!!!

The kids are growing quickly and having fun. Ever since Chelsea read the pirate book to Mikiya she walks around the house yelling "ARRRGH Matey!" I think it hilarious! She can't decide what she wants to be for Halloween. One minute it's a pirate, then a princess, a cowgirl, a turtle or something else. She thinks Quaid should be some sort of animal. Today after church, Mikiya decided she didn't need to walk on the sidewalk, so she climbed up the two foot cement wall in her pretty dress so she could run on the grass. Mike told her Grandma Gallup would get quite a kick out of that. Mikiya despriately misses Kaelie and wants to type her own emails to everyone nearly every day. Quaid is already outgrowing his 0-3 month baby clothes and thinks he's a big boy. He loves to take baths and showers and sing along with songs. His eyes are becoming more clear and blue and his smile is just so cute! Everyone tells me what a beautiful baby he is. I love it!!!

We hope all is going well for everyone! We love and miss you and we'll write again next week.

New Pictures

Okay, I will try the pictures again. Still working on video. I think it may just be speed to patience ratio thing. I will keep you posted. (ha ha get it)

Back to the Country

Nothing too new this week school or work wise. I did have my first test as a grad student. However, it should be noted that it was in my undergrad course. Never fear I will get a chance this week and next for some grad tests.

Our fun adventure, as documented in pictures, this week was our trip with the Beltrans to the Idaho Corn Maze in Kuna. (Which I learned is pronounced "Q-na"). It was pretty fun, they have two different mazes as well as a hay ride, farm animals, and play area. Quaid even got a little sun burn, so he is well on his way to "building lots of character" under our parental supervision.

Afterwards, the four of us went to Meridian to do some shopping. And by shopping I mean 10% shopping together and 90% Mikiya and I exploring PetSmart and battling wills everywhere else. But anything with my wife and kids is better than classes and work.

Mikiya wants to add a note this week.
kmmhpptuuujlddeewwwrrlgggggcccaaH
Alright, I am not sure what all of that means other than there is a k for Kaelie, h's for horse, l for Layton and Lauren, r for Riley, w for Walton, g for Gallup, c for Chelsea, and a for Aubrey.

If anyone would like to see more pictures from our outing, than tell me or Megan and we can email them to you.
Talk to you all later,
Mike

The Bus Ride

I have officially made it to week 3; only 60 some odd to go.

Yesterday Mikiya took her 1st bus ride. We found a Super Wal-Mart in Garden City and we needed a few groceries as well as miscellaneous items. And conveniently enough, that is one of the stops on State St. Mikiya thought it was really exciting. She is going to be quite the city girl. She said her favorite parts were the giant windows and the bikes that rode on the front. And of course she gave me a running, loud commentary on the other passengers. Forturnately, she didn't say anything offensive or embarrassing. Besides, English wasn't the first language of one of the other families. (If I had to guess I would say Tagalog). At any rate it was an entertaining ride for all.

Quaid is starting to push the limits on some of his clothes; so we must be doing something right. He is becoming much more responsive (smiling and chuckling) to our speaking and singing to him as well.

I am trying to get video on some of our posts. Wish us luck.

Adios

The Boise Life

Well, we are still getting used to big city life. If anyone had told me a year ago that I would be riding my bike through downtown Boise at 9pm coming home from school, I would have laughed in their face. Yet here we are. Megan is handling the new life rather well herself. A couple of days ago the news said there was an attempted kidnapping two blocks from our apartment. But she hasn't said a word about moving back to Idaho Falls. Yeah!!

Hopefully, this weekend we will be able to get out and explore some more. There are parks and greenbelts all along the river.

We had a fun Labor Day with Wayne and Deanna's families at Beltran's house. Rudy cooked up meat and there was enough balls for everyone to play "with each other".

Okay, Rudy and Deanna gave us their old digital camera. (Can you believe it Lloyd? We finally went digital.) So hopefully, these pictures will attach in a friendly matter.

Till next time!

The Big City

Okay, we finally have an actual presence on the World Wide Web and soon we will be directly linked to the family web page for everyone's convenience.

Yesterday was the first family trip downtown. Our new bank has an office two blocks from the Capitol building and we wanted to go in to set up our accounts. Mikiya loved the hub bub of the city. Especially, the giant garage we parked in (free) and watching all the buses from up on the third floor. She got so excited. I believe most of you out there are familiar with the finger twisting, mouth open and smiling state. She also thought the rose gardens at Julia Davis park were pretty cool. And all the colors smelled so good, even when sniffed six or more inches away! Hee, Hee! Good times.

Quaid was a little bit lower key. I think mainly due to his newborn tendencies. Although he does seem to be tired of going so much in the car. Hopefully, the long weekend and me being more familiar with Boise will help him out and shorten out the trips, if not the frequency as well. He is still getting more smiley though. We will get current pictures soon.

If you don't have our current phone and address and would like it, drop us a line. Good Day!