Lock Me Up and Throw Away the Key

Every other year for Parker's birthday in lieu of a party he gets to choose an activity that he wants to do with a friend. This year he chose to go to Alcatraz with his friend Derick. We made it a day trip into the city, taking BART to the Embarcadero Station and then the F Line Streetcar to the piers.



Spencer loved BART. As long as it was moving that is. Every time the train would stop at the next station he wanted off. Yes, this happened a total of 12 times each way.



Within minutes of getting onto BART, Justin ripped his shorts. It was pretty funny.



This is Kaitlyn's classic "Kaitlyn Expression" to the pants ripping incident.



This is Trisha doing her best "Buddy the Elf" impersonation on the elevator up to Market Street.



It was a beautiful day in SF. We had been anticipating rain all week long and it ended up being sunny and in the 60's.



We took a ferry over to the island and fortunately I did not hurl.



Once we got to the island, we ate lunch before seeing the sites. This is the boys trying to escape off of Alcatraz.



It was so clear you could see the Golden Gate Bridge.




The island itself is really pretty. There are beautiful flowers and amazing trees all over. Here is Spencer smelling a Calla Lily.



This is Spencer eating the Calla Lily.



Once inside the prison, we went on an audio tour which tells you the history behind Alcatraz narrated by actual prison workers and prisoners that were kept there.







We were able to tour the solitary confinement cells. These were the cells that prisoners stayed in when they broke the rules. They were kept in the dark with nothing to lay on except the concrete floor. It was so dark in there that your eyes would not adjust to be able to see your hand in front of your face. It was claustrophobic. The average prisoner stayed in there for 2 days as punishment. The longest anyone was kept in there was for 19 days.



Parker's favorite part of the tour was seeing the holes in the vents that the prisoners dug out with spoons to escape. The prisoners are still considered to be on the run as their bodies have never been found even though it is most likely that they died in the Bay.

Pinewood Derby 2010

Last night was Parker's second Pinewood Derby. It was quite the crowd this year. I think there were about 30 boys participating.



I am not quite sure who was more excited--Parker or Justin.






Our car didn't win any of the heats, but Parker still had a great time with his friends. He did win "Best Sportsmanship" for the evening.



Next month, the Elders Quorum Pinewood Derby. Time to get my car ready!

Happy Birthday Parker!

Parker turned 9 last week! We celebrated with a dinner of his choice--Tri Tip, mashed potatoes, homemade rolls, and brownies. As his present, we added another pet to our household, a rat named Tootsie. She is pretty cute (I will post pictures of her later.) He also got a Giants T-shirt, bat, mitt, and bat bag. He will be ready for baseball season with all of his new supplies from the grandparents.

Parker trying to blow out the "trick" candles.



Parker spitting all over his brownie to put out the flames.



Spencer trying to blow out the candles.



Parker getting his birthday spankings from Papa Tom.

Strike Two

For all of you LDS friends, you have probably heard the line, "Church Basketball: The brawl that begins with prayer." You may remember this from last year's season.



Well, check out Justin's latest acquisition.





Fortunately, this was an accidental injury, but still, REALLY?!? I may have to draw the line at him playing next season or else increase his life insurance policy. It is crazy out there!

Giants Fan Fest

A couple of weeks ago Justin, Parker, and my dad attended the SF Giants Fan Fest. It gives the fans a chance to tour the stadium, go on the field, and meet some of the players, past and present, all for free.








Parker's favorite parts were going down the slide in the giant Coke bottle, standing on second base, and of course, eating a ballpark hot dog.






Justin patiently waited in line for 4 hours so Parker could meet Kevin Frandsen, Brandon Medders, and Jeremy Affeldt. They came prepared with baseballs for the players to sign.






It was Justin and Parker's first time at AT&T park. Justin couldn't believe how nice it was.



Parker and my dad in front of Willie Mays' Plaque. He is my dad's favorite player.



Parker meeting Lou Seal and driving his car.





Parker got to sit in the dugout. How cool is that?!?



Parker on the pitcher's mound.




Parker and Justin played catch on the field.





I am still jealous that they got to go. Next year I will be there for sure!

Wolf Badge

Parker just completed his first year of Cub Scouts. He was presented with his Wolf Badge, Leave No Trace Badge, and World Conservation Badge at our Blue and Gold Dinner last week. Justin and I have really enjoyed working with the scouts. It got a little crazy at the end of the year when we had 17 boys in our group, but we have now moved on to Bears and have only 4 now. Parker presented me with my mother's pin. We are so proud of our scout!

Following in His Mother's Footsteps

Spencer's new favorite toy--the vacuum. He likes to get his vacuum out when I vacuum. Now, if only his really sucked up stuff...