Latrodectus mactans

Found one of these ugly pests outside my front door. The infamous Black Widow. Just a friendly reminder that spring time is knocking on the door. This little fellow just happens to be the most poisonous spider in North America. If you really make him mad he'll inject a potent neurotoxin into your blood stream that causes all sorts of unpleasant symptoms such as severe abdominal crams, nausea, profuse sweating, tremors, labored breathing, restlessness, fever, etc. Not to worry, it probably won't kill you or do any lasting harm, and you should feel back to 100% in just a few days after a bite. Anyone got bug spray?

Spare Change Anyone?

Can you believe it? After 11 years of meticulously scouring spare change, my quarter collection has consistently turned up short---five short! Five measly quarter is all I lack in order to close this chapter of my life. That being the case... anyone with loose change? If you have or see a quarter from:

#1 Wyoming

#2 Utah

#3 Arizona

#4 Alaska

#5 Hawaii

... please send it my way. I will even mail you a quarter in return :)

Aeva's Big Day

Today was a treat. This Sabbath after church we took Aeva on her first trip to the zoo! Although she was a bit frumpy to begin with, she livened up pretty well at the sight of the few animals who weren't fast asleep. Without question, her favorite zoo members were the meercats. In between their bobs, chirps, scurrying, and curious peeks at the kiddies behind the glass you would have seen one fascinated little girl making coos of delight at the sight of these comical critters.

You had to watch out for goats. One of these fellows snuck of behind Jessica and stole our zoo membership our of her back pocket, with every intention of making tasty snack out of it! Fortunately Dad was quick on the draw and literally rescued it from the jaws of destruction, prompting the zoo keeper to make a general announcement that all loose paper articles should be kept securely out of sight from these domestic pick-pockets.

This guy was just on the same level as Aeva. They were mutually intrigued by one another.

Today was also Aeva's first time in a swing, and the results are plain to see. Obviously we'll be coming back to this spot.

In Memory...

Please remember Wendy, Adam, and Cooper

As they grieve the loss

But celebrate the life

Of their son and brother

Austin Carter Getchell

"Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love" Jeremiah 31:3

"Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands" Isaiah 49:16

Ski Time

Last week it was time once again for our yearly ski trip. We were blessed to spend six wonderful days in snowy Frisco, CO skiing at Copper Mountain. This year the same ole ski junkies tagged along--Alex and Bernice, Ronnie and Jessica, Dad, Curt and Sandy... plus a couple of newbies, too. Mornings were crisp at around 11-12 degrees F, but the afternoons warmed up into the 30's, which gets pretty hot when you're bundled up in all your ski gear.

Most of the week was uneventful. I banged my head pretty hard in a wipe out and decided to ski with a helmet from now on. Ronnie and Bernice have decided to become snowboarding punks. All of us probably spent too much money end of season ski sales.







Aeva's first glipse of snow was on this trip.





Talk about fortunate! Jessica's aunt Madeline spent the weekend with us and you know what that meant??? That always means lots and lots and REALLY good food!










Aeva had a blast this trip (at least during the day time). She has turned into a real social butterfly, and has become an accomplished flirt. I'm pretty sure this little girl has acquire her mama's social disposition.










Way to go Ronnie! He's a married man this year, as well as a new snowboarding fanatic.

Dad is a real trooper. If there is snow, he'll be around with a set of skiis, even if it mean he has to hang out with a bunch of young folks.

Isreal clearly receiving Jessica's highly prized romantic advice with eager anticipation.

Jessica's uncle Gaby broke his left wrist on the first run of the first day. Curt and I offered to assist him with a needed surgery... can you believe he refused?

No broken bones for Curt this year!

Isreal and his girlfriend Stacy were with us half the week. Fortuantely, Stacy is wonderful with children and made fast friends with Aeva, who found her uterly fasciating.

This was Aeva's longest trip away from home, and she wasn't too keen on having Daddy give her baths in the sink. Seems Aeva wasn't too keen on the altitude either. Most nights she woke up crying every hour on the hour to keep Mom and Dad company (how considerate), which made for a very long and tiring week for her parents. Jessica was sick by Thursday and both of us had racoon eyes before the week was out.