They are HOME !

Payson and Grandpa Roger

Finally  - we are so happy :)
Poor Brightyn was so worn out.  Apparently she was quite the pill on the way home, and gave Mom and Dad a run for their money!
Happy Day !!

Ready to head home (to Utah)

Today is finally the day.  Literally since Carol and I stepped off the plane a week and 2 days ago, Payson has wanted to go see his Grandpas in Utah (every day/multiple times).  Well in about 24 hours and after flying to Japan, then Los Angelos, and finally UTAH - we will be home.  Kacey and the kids are coming with us. 

Family pic at the airport.

Finally - this is ONE HAPPY BOY (and grandpa)

See was super tired, super serious - but she didn't have a freakout, and that's good.  It's good to be home, what a wonderful trip we had !  Thanks to Landon and Kacey for being such great hosts.  We love you all. 

Philippines Here We Come !!

We (Grandma Carol and I) leave later this afternoon to fly to see our family in the Philippines !  Yippee !!  Here is a picture of Kacey and Brightyn at Campuestohan (a resort in the mountains above Bacolod).  They were here (along with Landon and Payson) last weekend for a retreat for the management and directors of Focus Direct.  They had a wonderful (hot and long) day. 

What is Payson looking at?

What is Brightyn looking at?

It's DADDY - in the air on a rope course !

Why is Payson so happy?

Because he finally overcame his fear of THIS big ape, who roars and roars.  The last few times they have been up there, he was seriously terrified.  But today?  He poked him with a stick ?!?  Brave boy :)

See you soon kiddos :)

Philippine Happenings

Landon and Kacey have been participating in the Crossfit Open Games.  They usually workout daily at The Grindbox in Bacolod, but for 15.5 (fifth week workout), they traveled to Dumaguette, a city about 4-5 hours away, because they had to use the rowers.  After the last work out (15.5), in which they both placed in the top 10, they came in (as a total) of Kacey 17th, and Landon 21st.  I think that means they made it to the regionals in Manila.  I think they said they had to post in the top 20 or 25 (men and/or womens) to be qualified to go.  The regionals are at the end of April.  This picture above is the group that worked out in Dumaguette.  They left the kiddos with Jord and Cody while they traveled overnite.  The kids did well, but they did miss mom and dad :)

When they traveled TO Dumaguette, they took the red road up over the mountains and it took 5 hours.  Coming back they tried the blue road (still up over the mountains), but it was only 4 hours.  They said it was a beautiful drive, and when they were on top, they could see the adjoining islands.  It was quite the view.  

The previous week, Landon had a client and his boss fly out from the US for a site visit.  They had a busy week at work, but also took some time to go to a small island - Lakawon Island. 

Lakawon island is north of Bacolod, where they live.  It is not too far from the main island. 

They took a small boat like this to get to it.   I pulled this picture from the internet.  That is Lakawon Island ahead in the distance. 

The good weather didn't last long on the little Island, and after about an hour they headed back to the main island.  The waves were big, and it was pretty scary I guess. 

There were prayers that were said on the boat that day, and also we always pray for our family's safety.  I am so grateful that everything turned out the way it did.  I'm not sure they'll be taking to the ocean again any time soon !

I will love him ......and squeeze him.........

Like Father.........

Like Son..........

I couldn't help but think of these words when I saw the pics above.   It is from an old cartoon from when I was a little girl.  Too funny !!

Kacey updated their Blog !

That's worth a Blog shoutout here !  HaHa  - love ya Kacey
Check out this cute pic - it's just one of many !!  LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

If you've forgotten how to get to their blog, just look on the sidebar, and click on their family picture :)

Fun in the Philippines

This is a beautiful field growing rice.  Landon and Kacey and Cody and Jordyn have contracted with someone to manage this.  I think Landon said it is about 2 1/2 hectars (about 5 acres).  Only native Filipinos can own land in the Philippines, but ex-pats (our guys) can contract with the natives, and pay them to plant, grow, and harvest the crop.  Rice is like grain in Utah.  It must be re-planted.  It does not come back like alfalfa.  Because of the climate down there, they can have 3-4 complete crop cycles during one year.  As far as marketing the rice, Focus has a plan in place as part of their payment to the workers, to supply X number of pounds of rice for the family.  Landon and Cody will be able to negotiate a better deal for Focus than they have been previously receiving when purchasing rice.  It will be a good deal for everyone - the actual farmer, Focus, and our gang. 

For Kacey's birthday, they decided a little getaway was in order.  They traveled south along the coast to Sipalay, to a beach resort for a little relaxation and fun.  Look at that beautiful sunset !

I've circled Bacolod (where they live), and Sipalay.  I imagine it took them 4-5 hours? to get there.   When we traveled to Port Danao (north and around the top of the island), it was at least 2 hours.  I'll try not to think about the "ride" until they are home safe and sound.  Crazy drivers, passing on crazy roads........   

Looks beautiful - hope they have a great time. 

Today was the day........

It's hard to see our family leave for far away places.  All of the grandparents, Rog and I, Gary and Carol, and Bob and Pam traveled down in three different vehicles to the airport.  The plane was scheduled to leave at 7:55 (it ended up being delayed by an hour).  Between Landon and Kacey and kids, they had 6 (50 pound) bags, 2 car seats, 1 double stroller, 3 carry-ons,  and a diaper bag....... What a zoo ! 

We got to the airport at about 6:20, and left an hour later (after they were through security), but it seemed much longer.  The time it took to check all of their luggage seemed like it took forever !   They needed many hands, and we were glad we were there to help out, however it is always a worry for us, wondering HOW IN THE WORLD, they will manage in Manila.  They always seem to  though !  

The kids were in good spirits, even being awakened so early in the moring. 

We will sure miss them, and are already looking forward to June.

Big Helper :)

Homecoming

Kacey went to Ogden to do some last minute shopping, so Pays came up to play for a little while.  We decided to make cookies for his daddy who was coming home in just a few short hours.   This boy was ALL smiles, and every little bit would spontaneously break out with, "My Daddy is coming on a BIG airplane !!!!"

We got to the airport a bit early, and all we heard was, "Where's Dad?"  Then when Kellen and Jordyn showed up, it was crazy run around city.  You could hardly keep the boy contained !

Oh boy - is Payson ever happy and excited.  You could not wipe that smile off his face.   Brightyn on the other hand didn't know quite what to think...........

Landon tried to get her to look at him, but it was totally NO EYE CONTACT.  Then he gave her a little smush on the cheek (with his scruffy beard).................

Oh boy.....................she was totally upset about that !
Poor Brightyn, Poor Daddy....... back into mom's arms she goes.
It only took about 3 minutes, and she was in her mom's arms, still crying....but leaning out to her Daddy, wanting him, and crying.   A couple of minutes later, she was in his arms, NO crying, and now she won't leave him !!  If anyone tries to take her, she totally gloms onto him.   We are so happy to have HIM HOME !!!!

Underground River

Enjoying the beach at Palawan

Getting ready to go on the Underground River tour

Looks like it 's going to be fun..........but the hardhats worry me a little !  

The entrance

Inside the underground river

Palawan Vacation

Landon and Kacey and kids are traveling with Jordyn and Cody  and Kellan, and David (Landlord) and his family this week.  They are going to Palawan  (Pa LAH wan).

Beautiful Brightyn in her new dress :)

Payson at the mall in Iloilo

They got on a ferry and traveled across the waters to the island of Panay, to the city of  Iloilo (Ee LOW ee LOW), stayed over night, and caught a flight to the island of Palawan.

This will be their vacation spot for the next few days............... JEALOUS !!