Spent the afternoon with Hannah and Max in my shop installing the Polaris lock-n-ride windshield, rear window and molded plastic roof. They were especially excited about the roof since it was a blustery day with rain and snow blowing in on a cold wind. I am glad that the kids can feel at home in my shop. I try not to freak out when I can’t find my sockets and wrenches. Max and Hannah love to use my tools and pretend like they are working like Dad.

I was really pleased with the tool rack accessories that I purchased for around three hundred bucks. Now I can load up all my yardwork tools and head up to the house to do my chores. It’s nice to not have to parade all the way back to the shop or barn because I forgot a rake or a shovel. Everything is right there in the back of the ranger. My next project is getting the chukar flight pen sectioned off and closed in out in the bird barn.

Things were getting a little squishy for our family of seven in our Toyota Sienna mini-van. Every seatbelt was in use and we didn’t have any room for expansion. Plus, driving a mini-van was damaging to my macho male ego. Enter our brand new 2007 GMC Yukon XL in a soft silver birch metallic finish. It took me a little research to decide on which wheels and tires would add just the right amount of bling. Finally, I decided on the 20 inch Ultra Hot Schott wheels and the Cooper Discoverer H/T Plus tires which are one of the quietest riding SUV tires on the market. I think custom wheels and tires really make a new ride look sharp. It’s one of my favorite things about getting a new car. It has a nice Bose sound system with the DVD entertainment system that we couldn’t live without.

Alyssa and Hannah were quick to make friends with the other girls in the neighborhood. Jolynn and I decided before we had children that we wanted the kind of home where our children’s friends could feel welcome anytime. We like them to play at our house because we can get to know them and keep an eye on their activities. These days you never know what kinds of things go on at other people’s homes. We feel strongly that it is worth the mess and the noise to have that contact and friendship with our kids and their friends. We hope that many will find our home a safe haven from the pressures and temptations of life.

(Left to right: Kelton Hafen, Cody Wright, Roland Lee, Lyman Hafen) This is our third year attending the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. The rodeo goes for 10 nights straight and ends with a world champion in each event. My favorite event to watch is the bull riding because I think those bull-riders are insane for getting on the back of a 1800 pound raging bull. Another event that we like is the saddle bronc riding. We especially like to support our own local cowboys from Utah. Cody Wright is from a little town called Milford, Utah and is currently ranked third in the saddle bronc world standings. After a rough start Cody finally had a good round on the 6th night with a score of 89 points on Bar T Rodeo’s Fire Fly. He’s a long shot for the championship, but anything can happen.

This was the second year that Travis went down to the Rodeo with us. He wouldn’t leave until he had a black cowboy hat like all the rodeo cowboys. Part of the fun of going to the rodeo is attending the Cowboy Christmas gift show, one of the biggest displays of cowboy stuff in the world. Travis nearly fell asleep during the barrel racing but was wide awake for the bull riding event which is always last. The NFR is the most impressive rodeo I have ever seen. There is something happening from the national anthem right to the last bull ride. You can’t get up to get a snack or drink or you’ll probably miss something in the fastest paced rodeo in the world. We were only able to get tickets to round 2, but I have been watching the rodeo each night on ESPN.

Every year in September my extended family descends on Capitol Reef National Park to campout and hike in this beautiful park. As small children have been added to our family we have had to temper our hikes. This year we only stayed one night as we ducked out early for a baby shower and a BYU football game. It is always fun to make the scenic drive and to visit with family in this scenic setting. The group campground where we stay is surrounded by fruit orchards and wildlife. The soothing sounds of the fremont river lulled us to sleep and we awoke early the next morning to the yipping of coyotes.

This was Zach’s first trip to Capitol Reef. He is one of several toddlers that have joined our family ranks over the past couple years.

Zach’s older brother Kade was getting good at throwing the frisbee. The kids had fun playing tag, soccer, wiffle ball and frisbee on the large grassy area in the group campground.

Alyssa was having fun playing frisbee with Kade. She was anxious for her cousin Katarina to arrive. Although it rained a little on the first day, the weather was spectacular.

In the foothills just East of our home their is a strange looking contraption. At night it looks like a giant christmas tree because of all the lights. Wolverine oil company is drilling for oil in our little valley in Central Utah. Our neighbors tell us that Wolverine has been quietly buying up all of the mineral rights that they can get their hands on. With crude oil prices at an all time high I have to wonder if it just a coincidence that oil wells are popping up in small towns across the west. Over the weekend I drove through the town of Rifle, Colorado which now sports a Wal-mart and other modern amenities. Oil wells are slowly dotting the landscape. I am told that if this most recent well near my home is a success there will be dozens more to follow. I can’t say I am pleased to have drilling rigs clutter up my scenery, but I am pleased to see more oil exploration on US soil. In my opinion we are far too dependant on others for our massive need for oil. I would love to see our great Country become more self-sufficient in the oil and fuel department. Yes, even if it means drilling new oil wells in my own backyard.