Luke Family Blog

We just returned from our trip to Vancouver Island, BC. We had a great time touring the city of Victoria, Bushart Gardens, local lavender and fruit farms and fishing on the west side. We stayed in Ucluelet and from there went out salmon and halibut fishing. The first day the sea was calm as it gets, according to Sam our guide. We caught the biggest fish that day,  at about 30 lbs. We threw back several because we were trying to get the biggest fish.  The next day the sea was a lot rougher, Sam said they didn’t even go out if it got any worse than that. It was foggy and the wind was blowing. We still caught our limit but didn’t  throw any back. It was to rough to go out farther (15 to 20 miles) to catch halibut. On the last day Sam’s brother Ray took us out. The sea was still rough so we decided to go back and try again later in the afternoon, hopping it would calm down. As we were boarding our boat we saw someone coming in with a huge halibut. That gave us hope. We first went salmon fishing and caught lots. Then we decided to try halibut fishing. Ray told us we only had a 50% chance of catching any because the sea was still a little rough. It didn’t seem to be quite as rough as the day before and we wanted halibut so we decided to try. We caught three nice sized halibut. We also caught a flounder and a skate (looks a lot like a ray)  but turned those back. Vancouver Island is a beautiful place.

Ralph's Big Salmon

First Day's Catch

Mary Ann bringing Salmon with a little help holding pole

Second Day's Catch

Blaine Bringing in Halibut

Halibut

Skate

Abby holding up Halibut

Third Day's Catch

The flowers were extra beautiful and the fireworks spectacular. Having a great time.

July 2008

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

            We started this month out on a mini-vacation at a Park City hotel.  I got to go to the park and play everyday.  I was there for the Fourth of July and went to the parade, though I slept through most of the parade. 

            On the first day of this month, I rolled over from my belly to my back.  I also tried to put my own binki in my mouth at the first of this month, but only hit myself in the eye. However, by the end of the month I was able to find my mouth.  I can also scoot around in circles and backwards, so if I want something I roll around and scoot around until I get it, but I still haven’t figured out how to go forward.  Sometimes I get frustrated especially when I can’t get to my Mom when she is across the room.  I can also go up on my hands and knees now.  When I am in a semi-sitting position, I can pull myself up into a sitting position.   I also like to taste anything that I can get my hands on.  My brothers and sister make me laugh by surprising me and tickling me.       

At my four month checkup I weighed 13 lbs 9.3 oz, and I was 25 in long.  I had to have 3 shots and 1 oral vaccine. 

            I went to Grandma Kaye’s house for the Pioneer Celebration.  Grandma built a big red bird float for the parade.  First, we went to the Sanford Parade with Great-Grandma Martin.  Great-Grandma Martin held me through the parade and I had fun watching the floats go by.  The next day we went to Manassa and watched the parade there and saw Grandma Kaye’s float in the parade.  I didn’t like this parade as much because it was too hot.   The next day we went to Manassa again and saw the parade again.  My Aunt Stephanie held me while I slept through the parade.

            While we were in the Valley I got to meet my Great-Grandma Bessie, Great-Grandpa Dave, Great-Grandma Martin, and lots of aunts, uncles and cousins.  Everybody liked holding me and kept telling my mom what a good baby I was and that I seem to be very happy.

Love, Emma

July 2008

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

            We started this month out on a mini-vacation at a Park City hotel.  At the hotel, they had a swimming pool I really liked swimming in it.  I had fun in Park City when I got to ride in the bike stroller as Mom pulled me along.  I also got to go to the park and play everyday.  We were there for the Fourth of July and went to the parade.  I was disappointed because they didn’t throw out any candy.

            At Home Depot this month I built a bird house.  At Lowes I built a dune buggy. 

            PBS had a fun fest at the park.  I got to jump in a jump-n-bump, meet Clifford the Big Red Dog, make blue slime, and I got a flower made out of balloons. 

            I went to Grandma Kaye’s house for the Pioneer Celebration.  Grandma built a big red bird float for the parade.  First, we went to the Sanford Parade with Great-Grandma Martin.  We got lots of candy then we went to the park and played games and had races.  The next day we went to Manassa and watched the parade there and saw Grandma Kaye’s float in the parade and got more candy.  And the next day we went to Manassa again and saw the parade again and got even more.  While we were visiting Grandma Kaye I got to play with my cousins, jump on Grandma’s tramp, and I got to ride a horse with Dad.

                                    Love, Alyssa

July 2008

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

            We started this month out on a mini-vacation at a Park City hotel.  At the hotel, I really liked swimming in their pool so Mom bought me some goggles.  I had fun in Park City I got to ride my bike with mom on the bike trails until I got too tired then mom put me in the bike stroller and pulled my bike behind it.  I also got to go to the park and play everyday.  We were there for the Fourth of July and went to the parade, I was disappointed because they didn’t throw out any candy.  I kept asking mom and dad where the candy was.

            At Home Depot this month I built a bird house.  At Lowe’s I built a dune buggy. 

            Mom told me to grab some books one night so that I could read to her; I told her that is was the best day of my life.

            PBS had a fun fest at the park.  I got to jump in a jump-n-bump, meet Clifford the Big Red Dog, make blue slime, and I got a sword and belt made out of balloons. 

            In the stake primary activity, I went around the world.  I learned about different countries and got to taste stuff from the countries.  Then at the end of the activity a guy taught us how to break dance. 

            I went to Grandma Kaye’s house for the Pioneer Celebration.  Grandma built a big red bird float for the parade.  First, we went to the Sanford Parade with Great-Grandma Martin.  We got lots of candy then we went to the park and played games and had races.  The next day we went to Manassa and watched the parade there and saw Grandma Kaye’s float in the parade and got more candy.  And the next day we went to Manassa again and saw the parade again and got even more.  During this parade I told my Mom that I was tired of candy but then somebody threw more and I hurried and got some.  While we were visiting Grandma Kaye, I got to jump on Grandma’s tramp and ride a horse with Dad.

            This month, Nathan tried to run away and I didn’t want him to.  When he was in the yard with his suit case, I started crying and told him to stop and come back because I didn’t want him to run away.  When he started walking away, I ran after him and held onto him and started crying and told him not to run away.  I am glad that I have a brother.

            Love, David

July 2008

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

                We started this month out on a mini-vacation at a Park City hotel.  At the hotel, I really liked swimming in their pool so Mom bought me some goggles.  I thought that they could make me magically know how to swim.  This being said, I jumped in the deep end with them on and with out my water wings.  Luckily Dad saw the bubbles coming up out of where I was and rescued me.  I got to ride my bike with mom on the Park City bike trails around town.  Also, I got to go to the park and play everyday.  We were there for the Fourth of July and went to the parade.  I was disappointed because they didn’t throw out any candy.  Each time a float would pass, I would ask Mom and Dad where the candy was.

                At Home Depot this month, I built a bird house.  At Lowes, I built a dune buggy.  

                While at church, somebody asked for my Mom and Dad’s names and they told them.  Then I said, “but David and I just call them Mom and Dad.”

                PBS had a fun fest at the park.  I got to jump in a jump-n-bump, meet Clifford the Big Red Dog, make blue slime, and I got a silly hat made out of balloons.  

                In the stake primary activity, I went around the world.  I learned about different countries and got to taste stuff from the countries.  Then at the end of the activity, a guy taught us how to break dance.  He kept calling volunteers to the middle to dance but he never picked me so I just went up and danced anyways. 

                One Saturday, I rode my bike with mom around the River Trail along the Colorado River.  While riding along, I was busy looking at the water coming out of a water treatment plant.  I was so occupied that I didn’t see the big blue post in the middle of the trail until I crashed into it.  Now, I make sure I always watch where I am going. 

                I went to Grandma Kaye’s house for the Pioneer Celebration.  Grandma built a big red bird float for the parade.  I told grandma that your float is going to win and if it doesn’t win first place it will win second.  (It won sweepstakes which is better than first).  First, we went to the Sanford Parade with Great-Grandma Martin.  We got lots of candy then we went to the park and played games and had races.  The next day we went to Manassa and watched the parade there and saw Grandma Kaye’s float in the parade and got more candy.  And the next day we went to Manassa again and saw the parade again and got even more candy.  While we were visiting Grandma Kaye, I got to play with my cousin Cade, jump on Grandma’s tramp, and ride a horse with Dad.

                While we were eating dinner at our house, I wanted another cup of chocolate milk but dad told me I had to eat all of my chicken first.  I got so mad at him that I told him I was running away.  So I packed my suitcase and started out the door and up the driveway.  David got very upset and started crying and told me that he didn’t want me to run away and came running after me and held onto me so that I couldn’t go anywhere.   Mom came out and said that it was time for popsicles.  I decided that I would run away after I had a popsicle.   After that I was too busy playing to run away anymore.

Love, Nathan

June 2008

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

            On the first day of this month I was in Utah at my cousin Parker’s baby blessing.  While in Utah, I got to see Dad get sworn into the Utah state bar.

            In the middle of this month we went to the front of the old court house in Grand Junction for a celebration of Mesa County.  We got to go on a hay ride.

            On the 15th of this month, I rolled over from my back to my front and now whenever I get set down on the floor, the first thing I do is roll over.

            At the first of this month, I liked to stare at my hands, but now that I have figured out what they do I like to grab anything that comes within my reach, especially Mommy’s hair.  I also like to blow bubbles and smile and try to talk to people.  In church, whenever somebody talks near me, I will smile at them and coo because I think they are all talking to me.

            At the end of this month we went to Utah again and saw Adam & Nadine and had a party at Amy & Brooks’ house.         

            After staying at Amy’s house we drove to Park City to stay for a few days.

                                                Love, Emma

June 2008

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

            On the first day of this month I was in Utah at my cousin Parker’s baby blessing.  While in Utah, I got to see Dad get sworn into the Utah state bar. The courthouse where dad was sworn in had big shiny black tiles and I didn’t dare to walk on them because I was afraid I would fall through them.

            I joined the reading club at the library.  It is called “Catch the Reading Bug.”  I read 8 hours this month and got a bug jar, a bug catcher, a ladybug that does flips, and a book. 

            I built a catamaran at Home Depot and made a measuring tape and mini baseball game at Lowe’s.

            I had to go to the doctor because I have been limping the doctor couldn’t find anything wrong so she sent me to the pavilion to get my blood taken and to have x-rays taken.  I cried the whole time I was getting my x-rays taken but didn’t when my blood was drawn.

            I asked my mom something and she said just a minute love so I told her, I’m not love, I’m Alyssa.

            In the middle of this month we went to the front of the old court house in Grand Junction for a celebration of Mesa County.  We got free ice cream and cake, got to go on a hay ride, jump in a bump and jump and got a free bus toy from the Grand Junction Transit Authority.

            We have been going to the park a lot this month.  My favorite thing to do there is swing.  I keep telling Dad “bigger, bigger” until he swings me really high.

            At the end of this month we went to Utah again and saw Adam & Nadine and had a party at Amy & Brooks’ house.  We had fun swimming in their pool.  Maya had a Mickey’s Club House party and it was a lot of fun.  On the way to Amy’s house we stopped at Toys-“R”-Us because they were having a Thomas the Train day. They gave us some Thomas playing cards.

            After staying at Amy’s house we drove to Park City to stay for a few days.            Love, Alyssa

June 2008

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

            On the first day of this month I was in Utah at my cousin Parker’s baby blessing.  While in Utah, I got to see Dad get sworn into the Utah state bar.

            I joined the reading club at the library.  It is called “Catch the Reading Bug.”  I read 8 hours this month and got a fish stuffed animal, magnifying glass, spider that grows when you put it in water, and a book. 

            I built a catamaran at Home Depot and made a measuring tape and mini baseball game at Lowe’s.

            I had to go to the doctor and get a shot this month.  I didn’t want it so when the nurse came into give it to me I hid under the chair.  Mom had to drag me out.

            Nathan and I told my mom that we want to go to Disneyland.  She told us that we had to wait until Grandma and Grandpa got off there mission because we need their help.  So now I tell everybody that we are going to Disneyland when Grandma and Grandpa get home.

            In the middle of this month we went to the front of the old court house in Grand Junction for a celebration of Mesa County.  We got free ice cream and cake, got to go on a hay ride, jump in a bump and jump and got a free bus toy from the Grand Junction Transit Authority.

            At the end of this month we went to Utah again and saw Adam & Nadine and had a party at Amy & Brooks’ house.  We had fun swimming in their pool.  Maya had a Mickey’s Club House party and it was a lot of fun.  On the way to Amy’s house we stopped at Toys-“R”-Us because they were having a Thomas the Train day. They gave us some Thomas playing cards.

            After staying at Amy’s house we drove to Park City to stay for a few days.

                                    Love David

June 2008

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

            On the first day of this month I was in Utah at my cousin Parker’s baby blessing.  While in Utah, I got to see Dad get sworn into the Utah state bar.

            I joined the reading club at the library.  It is called “Catch the Reading Bug.”  I read 8 hours this month and got a water bottle, magnifying glass, ladybug that does flips, and a book. 

            I built a catamaran at Home Depot and made a measuring tape and mini baseball game at Lowe’s.

            In the middle of this month we went to the front of the old court house in Grand Junction for a celebration of Mesa County.  We got free ice cream and cake, got to go on a hay ride, jump in a bump and jump and got a free bus toy from the Grand Junction Transit Authority.

            I really like Star Wars and watch it whenever my Mom will let me. I have been building the robots from Star Wars out of my Legos.  My favorite robots are R2-D2 and R4 (until Dad told me R4 was a girl).  I also really like trains now because I watched the Disney cartoon Casey Jones.  I have also built a lot of neat trains out of Legos.  Also, I like to build the robot Wall-E out of Legos.  I pretend like I am a robot and shape my hands like c’s because they are my claws.  My claws change to be whatever I need them to be.  Mom likes it best when they are cleaning claws.

            At the end of this month we went to Utah again and saw Adam & Nadine and had a party at Amy & Brooks’ house.  We had fun swimming in their pool.  Maya had a Mickey’s Club House party and it was a lot of fun.  On the way to Amy’s house we stopped at Toys-“R”-Us because they were having a Thomas the Train day and it said to bring your little engineers.  I told mom that I was a little engineer.

            After staying at Amy’s house we drove to Park City to stay for a few days.