Mike Hansen Family

GOBBLE GALLOP

2010-11-28T15:06:00.000-08:00

It is the time of year that the family gathers for that event called the Allred Thanksgiving. For many years when asked, I have tried in vain to explain what it is we do. But the common man cannot begin to understand how 70 to 100 people could gather in a gym, eat until sick, then spend the next 4 hours playing dodgeball, basketball and volleyball and consider it Thanksgiving. Let alone a "fun" activity. We who have married into the traditions are still mystified by the ritual. Despite some our efforts to submarine the entire event, the next generation has taken the vow to continue the insanity. As evidence of this, for the past couple of Allred Thanksgivings, Amy and Trent have considered it "fun" to start the day with a 5K run/walk, aka the Gobble Gallop. A few well meaning, but slightly demented individuals made the effort this year despite the 16 degree below temps.

Emily, Sami, Dustin and Mandi trying to keep a stiff upper lip. Actually it was easy as their lips were frozen.

Sami and Mandi. Yes those are "natural frost" highlights in Mandi's hair.

The entire gang. Trent, Emily, Amy, Sami, Mandi, Larry, Kimi, Luke, Kade and Dustin. Yes, I took the picture. No I was not brain damaged enough to run.

Megan's Homecoming Date

2010-10-10T19:13:00.000-07:00

It was homecoming 2010 at SVHS this weekend. Megan had a great time with her date, Tyler.

FALL FUN

2010-09-26T14:56:00.000-07:00

So for our next little adventure, we decided to go on a fall airplane excursion to see the colors. Our good friend Paul Jenkins took us to fly over the west hills, Mount Wagner and Greys River. A great time, and sooooo pretty.

Beautiful Colors

Pom Pom's house

Co-pilot

Afton

YELLOWSTONE PART 2

2010-09-19T14:18:00.000-07:00

My family has been bugging me to post some more pictures of our Yellowstone trip. So here they are.
We probably should of had the shot below on our first post, but this was actually towards the end of our ride as we left the park.

Below is the lower Mesa falls near Ashton Idaho.

One of the small geysers

Near Madison Junction

Upper Mesa Falls and of course the biker lady. ( she hates it when I call her that)

Old Faithful

My favorite shot of the trip.

YELLOWSTONE 2010

2010-09-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

Well we finally did it. For 20 years we have been planning to buy a road bike and go on tour. For our first ride we spent three days in the Yellowstone Park area doing the tourist thing. There is nothing like visiting the park on a bike.

Here we are set to ride.

Below is our favorite place to eat. In West Yellowstone we ate twice at Running Bear Pancake House.

Fire Hole Lake area.

Wayne and Camille McQuivey made our trip so fantastic by allowing us to stay at their oasis in Island Park.

Vandi worked on photography on the fly.

We will post additional photos in the days to come. For all you bikers, get in touch with us we would love to go ride.

Thanks to Clay and Jodie for tending the home fires. Also Tony for not burning the house to the ground.

Mikey Football 2010

2010-09-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

Mikey's first game of the year as a 7th grade warrior. SV 26 / Jackson 14 Outside linebacker

In on the tackle - even after being held.

MUD VOLLEYBALL 2010

2010-07-25T14:28:00.001-07:00

Tony and the Gang for the annual mud volleyball games during "Crazy Days" in Afton

THE TEAM

Notice how the shirts get dirtier as the games move on.

Some more of our great times in Hawaii

2010-04-25T13:46:00.001-07:00

One of the great things about Hawaii are the Honu (Sea Turtles). We had a great time watching them when out on our hikes. One morning we were watching for the whales and this fellow decided to come check us out.

Even the turtles like to sun bathe in Hawaii.

On one of our hikes we met a couple of locals doing some fishing. We spent about an hour talking with them and watching them throw the nets. It was amazing.

Love this shot. Yes the water is that blue.

Hawaii Part Duex

2010-04-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of shots of us enjoying the sunshine. We loved taking hikes away from the resort and down the beach (actually the lava flows). We met some very friendly and interesting people on these hikes and we will post some of their photos later on.

Below is a shot of the Fairmont Orchid, the resort where we stayed.

A view from our room balcony.

We will post a bunch more tomorrow or when we get the time. Aloha

KOHALA COAST HAWAII

2010-04-16T17:15:00.000-07:00

Christmas 2009

2010-01-07T14:55:00.000-08:00

Mikey as The Wise Man????

Christmas Eve Jammies!!!

Sami Jo and the Babies!!!

We had so much fun with family. We missed Clay, Jodie and Hallie. We thought about you everyday!! Here are some random pics of the holiday!!!!

Fun Times with Kids and Grandkids

2009-06-14T19:21:00.000-07:00

Here are the four grandkids.

Our Girls and their London outfits.

Miss Hallie Gus Gus OMalley Mae Hansen

Sami, Jocelyn and Smokey.

People of London

2009-05-17T18:26:00.000-07:00

We so enjoyed the many people we encountered in the UK. The diversity of culture and their friendly light hearted approach to life was wonderful. Below is a familiar sight - The Bobbies were great.
In the city of Bath, among other things they are famous for, is what is called a Bath Bun. It is a sweet roll with sugar and fruit on top. Here Vandi is asking directions on how to get to the bakery where we can find a Bath Bun.

Success. Russ, Denise and Vandi enjoying a "Bath Bun."

A new friend that Denise found at Punch and Judy's pub.

Street Vendor. Despite rumors to the contrary, we found the food in London wonderful.

Brits take their sports very seriously. A group of fans headed to a rugby match.

A jugglers assistant.

Vandi, Denise and Russ enjoying the magician.

The street performer ( magician ) had everyone so intent on his act. The following few pictures are many of them watching.

These kids were so enthralled with the action, they had no idea I was shooting these shots.

Wonderful, beautiful People of the UK.

London Street Performers

2009-05-10T19:52:00.000-07:00

We thought Sami would get a kick out of this guy. Vandi couldn't resist.

One of our favorite areas of London was Covent Gardens. The musicians and other performers would set up in different areas of the square. We would wander around watching and listening.

A great band.

This guy was a birdman. He would do bird calls and other very strange things.

Vandi's favorite was this magician. He was very entertaining and I spent quite a bit of time photographing the people watching his show. ( Those photos in a later post ) This girl was so cute, I have several great shots of her.

Card tricks

London continued

2009-05-06T18:22:00.000-07:00

This is the tower bridge. Often mistaken for the London Bridge. At least by us.

The Hyde Park LDS chapel. It also houses the Family History Center and Mission Office. We went to sacrament meeting on Sunday. A very interesting experience. We loved it.

This is the balcony bar of Punch and Judy's pub. The kids were watching a street performer down below. Sorry about the quick turnaround from the church picture to the bar picture. We did behave ourselves. They serve a great lemonade ( sprite ).

Part of the City of Bath. It was so beautiful and fun to visit. About 2 hours outside of London.

Stayed tuned for more.

Another Chapter

2009-05-02T13:59:00.001-07:00

Big Ben - One of the many wonderful sites in London.

This is a living statue. He is very much alive. One of the many street performers that we enjoyed so much. He would move only when someone would put a coin in the cup at his feet.

A bike taxi. A very fun way to get around in central London. Can be a little intimidating, as it often is right in the middle of the traffic with the cars and buses.

Three classics of London. Big Ben, Double Decker bus and black taxis.

The London eye.

More to come.

More of the good times in Jolly ol London

2009-05-01T06:32:00.001-07:00

Ross McQuivey was in London on business so we met him and had dinner. Also pictured are Barb, Andy and Lil, friends of Ross. It was truly one of our favorite evenings in the UK.

Main entrance to Windsor castle.

Windsor castle. Notice the flag at the top, which means the Queen was in residence. Her flag follows wherever she is.

Guard at Windsor.

London in April - We just returned from a glorious trip to the UK

2009-04-30T15:01:00.001-07:00

Vandi and two very familiar sites in London - a phone booth and a double decker bus. We loved motoring around the city in the double deckers. London is also famous for their hackney carriages (taxi cabs) and the tube (subways)

This is part of the escort for the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.

Buckingham Palace - The flowers are arranged in a crown shape. Yes, the weather was beautiful.

Middle temple of the Knights of the Templar. Also made famous by the Dan Brown book "The DaVinci Code"

Vandi's new fancy Ferarri -just kidding.

This was the trip of a life - time. More posts and photos to come.

Tony's Prom Date

2009-03-21T18:07:00.001-07:00

They started off with a pizza party lunch and scavenger hunt at the old "school store."

Tony smarting off. ( as usual )

Formal attire.

Cute couple. Off to dinner, then the dance.

Mikey - Arrow of Light

2009-03-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

Mikey received his Webelos Badge and Arrow of Light. It is hard to believe he is old enough to move into scouting. He has already earned 2 merit badges.

Some of you have seen these shots of the Mountain Lion, but I thought I would post them anyway.

Kase had his 2nd Birthday on the 28th. We had a party for him at the fire hall in Afton.

2009-03-01T17:30:00.000-08:00

Kids in the Fire Truck.

Nana and Grandma Cindy watching Kase trash his birthday cake.

2 Aunts and Mum.

Papa teasing Kaserman.

Some photos from my travels this past week.

2009-02-14T11:22:00.000-08:00

Kaserman and Papa.

Bighorn Sheep

Different look of the Tetons.

Here are some great old pictures. These are scanned from some old slides.

2009-01-27T19:39:00.000-08:00

Clay and anything with a motor.

Good ol Snickers

The cutest girls around.

Love ya all -

Weekend of Basketball. Katlin, Chase and Kase came over from Lander to watch the basketball games.

2009-01-25T19:11:00.000-08:00

Kaserman and Nana at halftime.

Megan and the cheer squad.

Cute smile from Stormi.

Snow Fun instead of Work!!!! We Decided that a snow day away from work was the order of the day. So We headed to Dry Creek Lake and had a blast.

2009-01-19T19:20:00.000-08:00

Tony showing his snowboarding expertise. Steep Hill!!!

Cute Girls

Mikey after a successful sled ride. He really is having a great time.

The race is on.

Tony and Casey showing off their aerial skills. BIG AIR SKILLS.

Tony just chillin.

Casey - BIG, BIG AIR!!!

Dad loves his new camera.

Random Fun Stuff

2009-01-17T19:18:00.000-08:00

Mushu's first haircut

Megan - Our cute cheerleader

Nothing better than family

2008-12-07T20:01:00.000-08:00

Family Photo - but we are missing three important people. Clay, Jordan and Gus.

I was running.

Kase and Uncle Dust

Tony and the Thanksgiving hunt.

Crazk Kids

Dad's Christmas

2008-11-23T19:12:00.000-08:00

We just thought you would like to see my early Christmas present. We had our water line break under the basketball court. Instead of tearing up the concrete we abandoned the line and tapped in east of the house and ran it around to the back.

Mushu

2008-11-21T13:52:00.000-08:00

Mandi and the kids wanted updated photos of the dog, so here they are. We kind of like her, she is really a sweetheart.

Megan's 8 list

2008-10-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

8 Shows I like to watch
1. Scrubs
2. Spongebob squarepants
3. Suite life of Zack and Cody
4. Zoey 101
5. Thats so Raven
6. Smallville
7. Phil of the future
8. The secret life of an American teenager

8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Iggy's
2. Anggies
3. Wendys
4. Arbys
5. Agave
6. Rocky mountin seafood
7. I hop
8.Pizza Hut

8 Things I did today
1. Based for the first time since cheer camp
2. Heard about Katies brother getting in his 4th wreak
3. Bangged on Mr. E's door cause Adam wouldn't let me in
4. Dressed up for red day
5. Chased Mikey around the house cause he wouldn't be quite
6. Read my book while I walked home from school
7. Went around town looking for sponsers for Mr. Star Valley
8. Found my friends contact under our daybed

8 things I'm looking forward to
1. See the Les Miserables movie with mom
2. Base at a varsity basketball game this year
3. Getting soviners from when mom and dad go to London
4. Trying out for state
5. Jodie having her baby
6.Driving a car
7. Dating
8. Tony moving out jk

8 things on my wish list
1. One of those scooters like Sami had
2. 8 million bucks
3. A horse and everything that goes with it
4. A sexy car
5. a brain
6. To have lots of kids (in my 20s)
7. Go to state
8. To make Tony allllllll better yah for me!!!

Vandi's Eights List

2008-10-29T12:30:00.000-07:00

Eight shows I like to watch
1. The news
2. ER
3. 24
4. Extreme Makeover House Edition
5. Rachel Ray
6. American Idol
7. Dancing with the Stars
8. CSI (sometimes)

Eight favorite places to eat
1. The Cheesecake Factory
2. Texas Roadhouse
3. Olive Garden
4. The Mandarine
5. Robintinos
6. That italian place in Denver ???
7. The Spicy Pickle
8. Cold Stone

Eight things I did today.
1.Made pancakes
2. Drove Kids to school
3. Cleaned house
4. prep family room for paint
5. went to lunch with Mike
6. Played with Mushu
7. Trimmed off plants in yard
8. updated blog

Eight things I am looking forward to
1. Having my kids and grandkids come home
2. Having my painting done.
3. Redecorating my house
4. San Diego next year
5. The Holidays!!!!!!!!!!!
6. My new grandbaby
7. London
8. Winter

Eight thing on my wish list
1.Having all my kids and grandkids live close by
2. New carpet
3. New bedroom set
4. New bedrooms set in spare room
5. Lots of snow from Dec. to Feb then it can melt
6. A new flower bed
7. Living until all my kids are grandparents
8. Being with my family FOREVER

Eight Things Tag

2008-10-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

Here is the response to Mandi's Eight Things Tag.

Eight Shows I like to watch
1. Deadliest Catch
2. Sportscenter
3. Iron Chef America
4. Bizarre Foods
5. Best Places to Pig Out ( All Best Places Series)
6. MASH
7. Dirty Jobs
8. Baseball Tonight

Eight Favorite Restaurants
1. Jake's Seafood - Ft. Lauderdale
2. East Coast Pizza - Las Vegas
3. Mandarin - Bountiful
4. Red Lobster - SLC
5. Red Baron - Afton
6. Dad's Steakhouse - Thayne
7. Rodisso Grill - SLC
8. Chuck a Rama - Idaho Falls

Eight Things I did Today
1. Worked Out
2. Read Scriptures
3. Played with the Dog
4. Had Lunch with Vandi
5. Filled the pickup with Gas
6. Mutual
7. Prayed
8. Watched Fox News

Eight Things I am looking forward to
1. My Kids / Grandkids to come home
2. Being warm sometime this winter
3. Going to dinner with Vandi
4. Next temple trip
5. When my dog is not a puppy
6. Snowmobiling
7. Next fishing season
8. Next trip to San Diego

Eight Things on my Wish List
1. My Kids / Grandkids to all live closer
2. For Vandi to live just 5 minutes longer than me.
3. To meet President Monson
4. To be able to raise chickens again
5. A new camera
6. To catch a 10 pound German brown on a 5 weight fly rod
7. A new Polaris Dragon 800
8. Not be a burden to my kids in my old age - (unless to just pay them back a bit)

Eight people I Tag
1. Vandi
2. Katie
3. Clay
4. Melissa Raymond
5. Glenae
6. Sami Jo
7. Megan
8. Dustin

New Addition

2008-10-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

Here is the newest addition to our home. This is "Mushu" - (pronounced moo-shoe). We were tending her over the weekend, but she will officially be ours on the 21st when she is 8 weeks old. She is a Shih Tzu and is quite adorable. Needless to say we are quite excited. Yes, Dad has approved of this pup. Clay's comment was classic. When told of the dog he said, "what have you done with my father?"

More of Mikey's football

2008-10-16T10:08:00.001-07:00

Mikey and their team played the last game of the season last night. They were able to play at the high school field under the lights. He was sooooooo excited and had a blast playing this year. He is #37.

Winter Wonderland

2008-10-12T14:06:00.001-07:00

What do you get when you combine the middle of October and Star Valley? That's right - Winter Wonderland. These are photos of our backyard and deck after this past weekend.

Mikey is showing off the newly remodeled bathroom.

For those who did not know. Tony broke his ankle in a football game against Marsh Valley. We decided to get a second opinion on his treatment. Thanks to Shayne McQuivey, we were able to have Dr. Morgan look at the films and it was decided he needed surgery to pin the ankle. Dr. Morgan was able to do the surgery on the 8th of October. All indications are that Tony should be back on the wrestling mat by the end of December.

We took Tony down to SLC on the 7th for his pre-op appointment. That evening we went out to dinner with Shayne, Michelle, their girls and Wayne. We are reminded once again of how much we love the McQuivey family. Thanks again.

Here are some updated photos of Tony.

Pre-operation and post operation.

Photo Tag

2008-10-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

I followed Glenae's instructions and opened the 6th photo file, 6th sub and 6th photo. 666 that's interesting. This is a photo of Dustin, Shayne, Wayne on one of the Island Park trips. Please excuse Ross for his single finger salute in the background. It is what it is.

Mikey's Football Game

2008-10-01T08:51:00.001-07:00

Camera Shy

THE FANS

Fun Snowmobile Photos

2008-09-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

Clay and Derek on a ride up the Dry Fork.

Derek Big Air.

Derek skipping across the pond and Derek slamming the bank of the other side

#170 Ride on Forever.

Mike's 101

2008-09-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

I really can't believe that my family talked me into doing this, but I really have enjoyed reading those that have been posted.

1. I was born in 1958 in Greybull Wyoming. Yes I am older than dirt

2. My brother Jerry and I were born in the same hospital, but on the birth certificates it says that I was born in Greybull and Jerry in Basin. Figure that one out.

3. I got my first job when I was 5 years old. Mowing the Michaelson sisters lawn. It would take me all day. ( I think they have laws against that now)

4. We would steal crab apples from the neighbors trees and eat until we were sick. (The neighbors would stand in their windows and laugh at us. We thought we were so sneeky.)

5. My favorite vehicle was my 1960 Chevy Shortbed pickup I had in high school.

6. I grew up in the era of embroidered Levis. ( If you don't know what that is you did not go to high school in the 70's).

7. I loved to raid gardens by doing belly crawls for hundreds of yards so as not to be seen.

8. When I was a boy we played over the line baseball, night tag and no bears are out tonight.

9. From the time I was about 6 years old I spent hours and hours alone exploring up swift creek canyon. I would hike the creek fishing. I think there are laws now about 6 year olds doing stuff like that by themselves.

10. My greatest regret: Selling my 1956 chevy sedan for $25.

11. We had neighborhood sleepovers with the Stocks family and others. There would be rows of sleeping bags in the back yard.

12. Greatest trauma of my young life: I once shot a swallow with my BB gun. Yes I was aiming at it, but didn't mean to kill it.

13. We had a neighbor that was a highway patrolman and he would take me on patrol with him. I blame him and my Uncle Bud for my interest in police work.

14. Because of my father I knew what a republican was before I could walk.

15. My father died on my 16th birthday.

16. Sunday afternoons were spent playing football with the neighbors on Dr. Perkes' big lawn.

17. When I was very young I remember listening to Petula Clark, Homer and Jethro and Don Ho. (Now you are starting to understand why I am the way I am.)

18. I have lived in Greybull, Basin, Afton, Bolivia, Provo, Bountiful, Fairview, the Grosventre wilderness area and Etna.

19. I played Football, Basketball and ran track in High School.

20. My coach in football said that pound for pound I was the meanest player he had ever coached.

21. I was a huge disappointment to my mother. She said I was to be her concert pianist and all I wanted to do was shoot a basketball.

22. From my earliest memories the guys always duck hunted on Thanksgiving morning. We still try and do that as often as possible.

23. I play the piano, organ, accordian and played the tuba in high school.

24. My kids love to have me play the accordian while they dance the polka in the living room.

25. For Jodie - it is pronounced crik not creek.

26. It is also Bat-trees, not batteries.

27. Also it is somewheres not somewhere.

28. Yes, I am a redneck. I love to compete with myself in how long it takes to drive somewhere. "Yep, we made it in 3 hours and 58 minutes. That has to be a new record."

29. I hate the Today Show.

30. Katie Couric has to be the worst news anchor in the history of broadcast journalism.

31. In my opinion - Michael Moore, Michael Jackson and Kobe Bryant should all be deported.

32. FOX NEWS - cnn is a plague.

33. Trout should be eaten with pancakes.

34. I attended BYU - But I HATE BYU football. Go UTES.

35. I do not trust anyone with a personalized license plate.

36. I am fiercely loyal. Vandi thinks I should have been a german shephard dog.

37. I like Christmas more than I let on.

38. I like most things more than I let on.

39. Fried chicken gizzards are a delicasy.

40. My favorite color is black.

41. I hate watermelon and popsicles.

42. My favorite saying: If you're gonna be dumb - ya better be tough.

43. I use the term "idiot" to describe far too many people. I am trying to be nicer, but it seemed to fit at the time.

44. Vandi is the most wonderful, caring person I have ever met. If you think I am a mess now, could you imagine what I would be like without her in my life.

45. Vandi and I dated for 3 whole weeks before we got engaged.

46. We were so poor when we first got married that we lived in a tent for 3 months.

47. Actually I was an elk hunting guide and she wrangled horses for me. She was pregnant at the time.

48. My children are wonderful parents.

49. Vandi edited this one out.

50. I almost deaf, but I have a great sense of smell.

51. I am very much a Nomad at heart. I get real nervous if I have been somewhere very long. (ie. in a home, area, job etc.)

52. I enjoy researching places to visit, vacation or live.

53. I love my girls ( that means you too Jodie) because: 1. They love each other. 2. They have each developed some of Vandi's characteristics. 3. The people around them are better because they are close. 4. They are free-thinkers and make their own decisions.

54. I once taught a series of chinese cooking classes. The instructor was a drunk and couldn't continue, so I just took over and completed the courses.

55. No really, you just can't make this stuff up.

56. Which reminds me, "adapt and overcome."

57. I LOVE to cook. ( I don't like to clean up - but I love to cook.)

58. What I consider my signature dishes: 1. Lemon chicken 2. Grilled Salmon 3. Brocili/ Beef
4. Shrimp Fried Rice 5. Dutch Oven - Potatoes/chicken

59. I love my boys because: 1. They all possess characteristics of Vandi. 2. They are confident but not too cocky. 3. For the most part I do not have to wait for them when we are snowmobiling. 4. They are fearless in the face of any danger. - (Snakes?) 5. They take such good care of the women/girls around them. thanks guys

60. I enjoy being alone. When too many people are around I have a tendency to vanish. I did that at my wedding reception. About half way through I just left.

61. Speaking of wedding receptions - at ours an old feller walked up and said to me," ya best watch your step, I've seen that woman ya married shoot."

62. All it takes is one look at Vandi's eyes and I go all Gaa Gaa. She just bats her eyes and she can talk me into about anything. Like Allred Thanksgivings, Allred reunions, Allred Birthday parties - well you get the idea.

63. I spend time each week researching and planning how/where I will be so I can be warm when I retire. (And be able to fish at the same time.)

64. I can't believe that this one made it to 64 without a mention. I WOULD RATHER FISH THAN EAT!!!!!!

65. Did I happen to mention that I would just rather FISH period.

66. I lived alone my first semester of college. See #60

67. Greatest Movie of all time: Jeremiah Johnson

68. Greatest actor of all time: JOHN WAYNE

69. Polaris - is there any other kind of snowmobile?

70. I have been known to do some slightly foolish things on a snowmobile.

71. I have on occasion after a snowmobile ride, had those who tagged along, call me filthy names and swear that I should be committed. (It seemed like a good idea at the time)

72. I don't hug or snuggle very well.

73. My heart still leaps when I see Vandi dressed up for church.

74. I have the smartest, cutest, best behaved grandkids ever.

75. When my family is around I like to sit in the corner and just watch everyone, especially my grandkids.

76. I love to listen to Mikey laugh.

77. Vandi's hot rolls are to DIE for. The cinnamon rolls are close, but the hot rolls are the bomb.

78. I believe in the creed: "Go Big or Go Home."

79. Vandi has told me several times that she expects me to die in an avalanche. As I get older, I am so much wiser and more careful. (That loud thump was Dustin, Clay, Tony falling off their chairs laughing). But seriously, I have no intention of leaving anytime soon. My kids and grandkids are waaaaaaaay too much fun.

80. I was a paramedic with the Davis County Sheriff's Department.

81. I was the undersheriff with Lincoln County and later the Chief of Police in Afton Wyoming.

82. Greatest Song of all time: "Long train Runnin"

83. My I pod has 70's rock on it.

84. Favorite Line from a Movie: "You've come far pilgrim." "Feels like far."

85. I was a sniper on the DCSO SWAT team.

86. Favorite Food: Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Homemade Gravy.

87. I used to like dogs, but between the dog calls as a cop and Vandi's great choices of dog breeds, I don't care much for them anymore.

88. I loved being a hobby farmer. We once ran a 100 acre farm in Etna.

89. I enjoyed raising baby calves, pigs and chicks.

90. I still enjoy changing pipes at our place in Smoot.

91. I enjoy doing family history work.

92. I tie my own fishing flies.

93. I once had a photography business.

94. Chocolate Chip Cookies should be illegal.

95. Psuedo intellectual celebrities drive me crazy. With all their glitz, tummy tucks, botox lips, lift that, lipo that and the flavor of the month green cause. They still have the audacity to give social commentary and critique on what they consider real issues. Quoting a gentleman scholar that I know - "Come on - you get paid to play pretend." (Thanks Dustin)

96. I am proud of my kids because despite the lunatic they have for a father they are wonderful, kind, open minded, contributing people. (thanks to their mother)

97. I am finishing at 97 because someone said that it needed to be a 101 list and it just wouldn't be me if I did exactly what I was told.

Vandi's 101

2008-09-11T12:10:00.000-07:00

Well, I am getting a lot of pressure from you guys to do my 101 things about me. So here goes.

1. I was born Feb 18, 1961. I was so ugly my mom cried and cried saying, "She's so ugly we'll have to give her a lot of love!!"

2. I remember being in my crib. (mom and dad had 2 cribs in their little bedroom) I remember holding my dads hand through the railing when I was scared.

3. Yes I am tearing up right now.

4. I am a cry baby.

5. I woke up for a bottle until I was 3. I woke Wow up too.

6. When I slept with Holly one time I wet the bed. she was not happy!!!

7. Love holidays and Christmas is my favorite. I practiced as well.

8. Loved playing with my family. No bears are out to night. Mean Man. Fox and Geese. Hide and seek. Annie-I-Over. Pinching Patch! any board game or cards.

9. I loved beating Grandpa Wes in Crazy Eights!!

10. I would go out in the fields and just run because I loved it!!

11. I am a rule follower.

12. Freeze Tag was my favorite game to play at recess. I was the fastest runner in my grade until junior high.

13. When I was in 2nd grade I was playing freeze tag and i had to go to the bathroom but no one was able to unfreeze me so I stood there and wet my pants. See #11.

14. I loved it when mom was sick and didn't have to go to work.

15. I wanted to be the first one done with an assignment and get 100%.

16. I am very competitive. Mostly with myself.

17. I really really really miss my dad.

18. I loved growing up with such a wonderful family. They are my best friends!

19. Living on a farm was the greatest. I love working outside. Much better than being in the house and I am sure it show.

20. It was so much fun when we packed up our old beds and went to Poker Hollow camping. Gordon Tueller stills brings it up when I see him in the grocery store. We have a good laugh. I have never forgiven us for leaving Skippy home.

21. I loved the Fairview 24th of July parade and activites they were so much fun.

22. I love animals of all sorts. EXCEPT GOATS!!! I hate goats.!!

23. I love to camp, fish, hike, go boating, four wheeling, and have a good old burn weiny on the fire.

24. Cottonwood Lake is one of my favorite places on the earth.

25. The love babies. Human and animal

26. I was a cheerleader for 5 years and loved it.

27. Clark Child and I won a disco dance contest in high school. I love to dance.

28. When I was doing a pep assembly, I was a park bum and my buttons on my shirt came off and I was in front of the whole student body stretching and yawning. And that is Not my most embarrassing moment.

29. My most embarrassing moment was when I left the gas nozzel in the tank as I drove off. SMART!!

30. I was Miss SVHS. Whatever that means.

31. For Senior Superlitives I was voted most preferred. Most preferred for what I don't know.

32. When i was 14 Stewart Peterson "the actor in 'Where the Red Fern Grows'", asked me on a date. Mom wouldn't let me go. Rauna was really mad at her because she loved movie stars. Mom said, "I don't care who he is, she' not going until she is 16. He never asked me out again. but I went out with his brother Steve.

33. I went to BYU and majored in PE with a minor in dance. I had a wonderful p.e. teacher (Lynette Olson) that made me realize that you can like sports and such and still look and act like a girl.

34. While at BYU i tried out for the International folk dance team and made it. It is one of my favorite memories of BYU.

35. While on the dance team a couple of us were asked to host at the sesquecentential ball in SLC. We would have the chance to meet with a lot of church leaders. I went to get my Lithuanian costume and asked for size 5 shoes. I got to the ball and they had given me 2 left shoes!!! It was'nt very comfortable. But funny.

36. After Christmas I started dating my wonderful husband!! We were married June 27 1980.

37. I love being married and having a family. It is my greatest blessing.

38. I love being in the temple.

39. I have seven wonderful children. They are the greatest. I love, love, love it when we can all be together.

40. I love to laugh.

41. My mom is the coolest. She is such a great example of being happy, truly happy regardless of what life hands out. I love her.

42. I have worked as a waitress.

43. Cleaned motel rooms. YUCK!

44. Ran a daycare in my home.

45. Taught pre-school.

46. Owned my own business. Tavaci School of Performing Arts director.

47. Been a CNA.

48. I am currently and Insurance Agent with Mikey. We actually like working together!!

49. I love to scare people.

50. I have a horrible habit of laughing when I see other people get hurt or fall down or something. It is just too dang funny.

51. When Mike and I were first married and I was pregant with Mandi we lived in a tent Sept and Oct while Mike was a hunting guide. It was really fun. I got to ride horses everyday. I did have to leave early because my pregancy was making me way sick.

52. Since I was 14 I have loved Mustangs and I finally have one.

53. My other favorite car is a Mercedes 450 sl Converible. I am still mad a Dell for selling Raunas.

54. My favorite calling in the church is the same as Nae's. Primary Chorister. Mike told me that no one should have as much fun at a calling as I did at that one.

55. I LOVE CANDY

56. I love a good Steak. Medium Rare of course.

57. I love seafood.

58. Crab and lobster are my favorites

59. I also love popcorn.

60. I love icecream and if my waistline could stand it, I would love to sit down and see how much I could eat at once sitting. It would be alot.

61. I say if you don't have popcorn or icecream on sunday you're not obeying the Sabbath.

62. I have a big appetite.

63. when we lived in Etna,( I just found this out about a year ago) when we had a ward get together, the men in the ward would bet how many times Lorna Allred and I would go back to refill our plates.

64. we have moved 15 times since we have been married.

65. I love living in SV

66. I love to excercise. It is a good thing!!

67. I love most kinds of music

68. I detest RAP

69. Christmas music is the best. I sometimes play it in July. I just tell Mike it is church music.

70. Gardening is one of my favorite things. I love to play in the dirt.

71. I am picky about my yard.

72. I love to mow it myself and Mike thinks I should let the kids get the experience but I have a hard time with it.

73. My favorite veggies are fresh peas from the garden

74.. Favorite fruit fresh rasberries

75. I love making homemade rootbeer and drinking it.

76. Homemade rootbeer reminds me of my childhood and going to Dales

77. One time MOM, Holly, Nae and I went to pick up the kids at Dales and Autumn decided she wanted to drive them home. So us old ladies walked home from Dales with our paper sack of candy.

78. Dales candy store was so much fun. One time we went to SLC and i was pretty disgusted that "they didn't even have a Dale's"

79. I can fall asleep very fast.

80 I can sleep most anywhere.

81. I am not much of a worrier most of the time

82. I love to watch storms come in. I love lightning and thunder. and a good ole fashioned blizzard.

83. My favorite flowers are daisies, purple coneflowers and irises. I like all flowers.

84. I love to watch the birds that come to my feeder and I like to find out what all of them are.

85. My biggest pet peave is when people think they are better than others. I hate bigotry.

86. I LOVE going to the movies. I miss my scarey movie buddy. WEET( and Mandi when she is home. ) It looks like megan is going to take their place.

87. I would rather clean all day than go to the grocery store.

88. I like to shop from catalogs

89. I love to decorate.

90. I like to think of new ways to use old stuff.

91. We are remodeling our house

92. I am currently staining baseboards and new doors for upstairs.

93. I have always wanted to be in a rock band. I have always wanted to play the drums.

94. I love to go to concerts and listen to live music.

95. I also love the sisters trip. I hope my girls do the same thing and take me along.

96. Love Football. It is the only time in my life I have wanted to be a boy.

97. I am in a tap dance group. it is so much fun. I like it because it embarrasses my children.

98. I almost forgot. i loved cartoons as a girl. I would get up VERY early on Sat mornings to watch. My favorites were Bug Bunny and Underdog. I would go out to the barn and grab dad and he would come watch underdog with me.

99. I want to take piano lessons again.

100. I also want to learn to paint watercolors and oils. I love to be artisic

101. My Most Important Top Three-- God, Family and Country

Hansen Pics

2008-09-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

Breakfast for the younger ones!!

Beach Babes!!! Yeah!!!

Everyone is so happy to be at the parade!!

Fun With The FAM!!!

2008-09-02T13:50:00.000-07:00

Even though you may have seen some of these pics on other blogs, I had to put them on mine. We had so much fun when "the kids" were here. It is the greatest having your family around. "I LOVE IT!!!"

SUMMERTIME!!

2008-07-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

Meggie and Mom on the toys. Mom isn't very daring, surprise!!

SUMMERTIME!!

2008-07-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

Mikey on the toys at Steamboat Springs Colorado

Sum Sum Summertime!!

2008-07-27T20:47:00.000-07:00

One of the many trips to the mountains. It's has been so beautiful this year with all the wild flowers.
Meggie at the 4th of July Parades.
At least Sami Jo and Weet are still smiling!!!!!

Hello Again!!! Hello!!!

2008-07-08T10:47:00.001-07:00

I am sorry I am so slow at computer stuff. I has some trouble but I hope it is working today. Here are the pictures of our remodel. We will be all done with the outside on Friday. I will take a picture then. We love it. Tony is working for the men that did the siding, roof and gutter. He likes it. Take a look at Shan's head sticking out of the roof!!!

IM SAILING WITH THE WIND AND THE SAIL!!!!!

2008-04-20T18:52:00.001-07:00

Mike convinced the Captain to let him "drive" the sail boat. He loved it.

Mike and I on our last night in florida.

MORE PICS FROM THE SUNSHINE STATE

2008-04-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

Mike and I with the guitarist from Lynard Skynard!!!

Mike and I eating breakfast at the hotel. The background is the golf course that hosted the womens PGA tour this past weekend. It was so pretty!!

Born To Be Wild

2008-04-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

For one of the actvities for the Farm Bureau trip they had a "Born to be Wild" dinner and entertainment. They said the entertainment would be really good. When we were at the pool earlier our friend told us what it would be. You will not believe this. The band is make up of people from the Eagles, Santana, ToTo, Boston, Lynard Skynard, Journey and Stephenwolf. AAAAAHHHHH!!! I couldn't believe it. We were excited. When we got there a band from Chicago was playing and they were really good. We had a lot of fun. We sat on the grass and listened to them for about and hour or so. The 1st pic is of them. Then we went inside for the main entertainment. The stage is just there and know one is up to it!! So when anyone would get close I just stepped in front of them. I was standing to the right of the steps right next to the stage. They would come right up to you and sing in your face and let you play their guitar and I couldn't believe I was there. Mike had to stand back a little because he is taller but I stayed there for 3 hours having such a BLAST. It was cool because they played popular songs from each band. They ended with the best all time favorite song of anybody with any taste at all...."More Than a Feeling" by Boston. After ward we could go on stage and take pictures with them and talk to them. It was incredible.

2008-04-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

We are so close to the band it is crazy!!!! The blonde guy is from Journey the last pic is of the lead singer of Santana!! Can you believe it!! I had so much fun. I promise the beer is not mine!! I was one of the few that could remember what fun we had that night. After the concert they brought a few of us up on the stage with them. You can see me rockin' out. Funny huh!!

THE EVERGLADES

2008-04-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

We went on an everglades tour on air boats. It was way fun. We convinced our driver to "do brodies" as Denise called it. We call it donuts or cookies. Our driver (the man Mike is sitting by in the last pic) has been around the gators so much that they don't bother him. He can call them to him and he is feeding "mama". She is a wild gator that he has been around since she was little. It was really fun.. More Florida Pictures tomorrow.

2008-04-14T17:12:00.000-07:00

Mike found a friend in Florida. Her name was Gina and she is from Haiti. She was pretty cute.
We went a dinner cruise to the infamous Brady mansion. (the drug lord Pres. Clinton pardoned. HELLO!!!) It was amazing. They took us on two ships so you can see the 2nd one behind us and how crowded it was in the little inlets. They used tug boats to make the tight turns. It was amazing to see all the HUGE HOUSES with boat slips out their backyard. Little kids were coming out and waving at us.

Russ and Denise and I on the top of the ship. Ali and Bridger Mackey are on the left of us for those who know them.

Turnberry beach

2008-04-13T17:19:00.000-07:00

The Hotel has its own little area of beach that's just a short shuttle ride away.
Denise and I are sitting at the restaurant at the beach.
I didn't get enough at the restaurant so I thought I would have a little barnacle on the side.
The last picture is the shore line from the beach owned by the hotel. It was so much fun.

Laguna Pool

2008-04-13T16:54:00.000-07:00

This is the pool at the hotel. It had a water slide behind the water fall and a lazy river as well. Notice the round loungers with shade? They were awesome. Waiters would come and take your order for lunch or something to drink right there. We were way spoiled.

Florida!!!! Fun!!!!

2008-04-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

here are pics of our hotel room. It was pretty rough!!
Every day they would clean your room and every night they would come back in and clean again and pull down the bed covers and leave your water and slippers by your bed. CRAZY!!!!

FINALLY!!!!

2008-03-30T18:51:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile, but with Mandi's help we are back.

The first pictures are of the Primary talent show. Of course Mikey did Lego's and Dad played the piano.
For Mikey's birthday he wanted Lego's and a Tom Brady Jersey. He was WAY excited!
The other morning we got a call from our neighbor Karen and she told us that there was a Moose in her backyard. He ended up at the care center and the Forest Service had to move him back into the mountain.
Mikey and the Johnson boys were playing basketball and Mikey took a elbow to the lip. Ouch!
The last picture is of the Pine Wood Derby. He didn't place, but we had lots of fun.

Mom and Dad are leaving for Florida, so fun Florida pictures to come!!!!!!

Grizwald Family Christmas???

2008-01-06T16:32:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun having everyone home.
All Mikey wanted for Christmas was Legos.
Well, he was in Heaven. He and Jocelyn
had so much fun playing in the snow together.
Clay and Jocelyn had fun playing with "Baby AlIVE".
That's all we needed was one more poopy diaper to
change.

Update

2007-11-11T17:52:00.000-08:00

Here are a few photos of the kids and their Halloween activities. Megan and her friends got together and watched a scary movie. Tony and his buddies put together a puzzle and sang primary songs - before watching the scary movie. Mikey actually went trick or treating.

The Dragon is just something that happened to show up in my garage

More Stuff

2007-10-27T18:14:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

We have been catching it from some of the kids because we don't update the blog. Well here we go. We have been a bit busy, but have had some time to go to SLC and make sure that Camille and Shayne were OK with their surgeries. What a blessing for it to be such a success.

We were able to spend some time with the kids which was great. It is always fun to the grandkids.

We took some time and went up Smith's Fork today to cut some firewood. There was a foot of snow on Commissary ridge, so with that in mind I felt we should try and make our way over the top. Vandi was not too impressed with the snow/ice on the road and cliffs off to the side. We made it over, found some wood and came home.

Tony's Fall

2007-10-14T19:37:00.000-07:00

Tony just finished his football season last friday with an overtime win over Evanston. He had a great year. He was successful hunting as well. He got his first deer, then the next weekend was successful hunting antelope. Sorry Jordan for the dead animal shots.

Fun Photos

2007-10-08T14:51:00.000-07:00

We have had Sami at the house for the past couple of days. She and Vandi have been going through some of the photo albums and reprinting some of the photos. We thought you guys might get a kick out of some of the pics.

Levi and Katie

2007-10-05T07:46:00.001-07:00

Vandi and I were able to attend Levi and Katie's wedding in Salt Lake. It was great to see all the family again. Levi is Dean and Deb's boy. The couple will be living in Rexburg and will attend BYU Idaho.

Family update

2007-10-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

Well here we are in wild and wonderful Wyoming. Our daughter in law Jordan inspired us all to set up these blogs for our families to keep in touch. We loved seeing the updates from them as they attend school in Iowa, so we decided to set up a site for our family in SV. We are all extremely busy these days with Tony in High school, Megan in Middle school and Mikey in elementary it is the usual rat race.

To add to the excitement I was recently called to be the Bishop of our ward. It has been an adjustment for all, but actually very enjoyable.

We will try and keep you up to date with some additions to this site.

Random Photos

2007-10-03T16:55:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of the fam

Introduction

2007-10-03T16:07:00.000-07:00

Well here we go. With the encouragement of our children we thought we would start this blog. It seemed like a good way to stay in touch with everyone. You will have to bear with us as we learn how this whole thing works. We just took some shots of our grandson this past weekend. So we will try and post them.