What is Halloween really about?

This "news" clip definitely gives us something to film about as we reflect upon this true meaning of this very special holiday.

In The Know: Has Halloween Become Overcommercialized?

Angel Moroni!

I can't believe it's finally happened! Yesterday, Angel Moroni was placed on top of the temple in Kyiv.

This photos is one of my favorites. Notice the huge apartment buildings built during the Soviet Union era?

Members of the church in Ukraine have been waiting for this since the temple was first announced in July 1998. The members there have waited anxiously for nearly TEN YEARS. Ground on the temple was finally broken in June 2007, but construction has been slow. There is so much red tape to go through, it's taking much longer than anticipated. The dates for dedication have changed so many times already, it's been discouraging. The expected date is now fall of 2010. As you can see from the photos, the temple is not nearly completed, but putting the angel on top is a major step.

I wish I could have been there to feel the spirit as the members met in the church building next to the temple and sang hymns. I wish I could see and feel the excitement my brothers and sisters must have felt as they watched the angel take it's permanent position atop the temple. This is truly the beginning of an entire new generation for the church in Ukraine. I am so happy for them.

Everyone's favorite brother

Matt has officially graduated from boot camp on August 14th. My parents drove out with Eva and the girls to watch graduation. (The portable DVD player may have helped alleviate some of the suffering that is bound to happen in a long --VERY long-- car trip halfway across the U.S. with two kids under the age of 4, but... Ugh.)

Matt had one day before graduation off, Family Day. According to Jacquie, they swam at the hotel and "Uncle Matt just slept because he doesn't know how to swim." In reality, boot camp was pretty rough. I think Matt was just happy to get a few extra hours of sleep.

Now, he's off to another camp somewhere near Baltimore to learn something about repairing something. All of my information comes from Matt himself, so details are pretty sketchy.

Much love and congrats to everyone's favorite baby brother, Matt!

Summer!

So, summer vacation is here! Galya and Bogdan (my favorite Belarusian and one of my very favorite Ukrainians) will be here on Tuesday, so we’re doing a mini-tour of the western U.S. They are staying with me for an entire month, so here’s what I’ve got so far:

• Utah
  This includes a variety of activities for the good ol' 24th of July, which you only get to REALLY celebrate in Utah. Rodeo, parade, Native American Powwow, and fireworks.
  Temple Square and "Music and the Spoke Word" with the MoTab.
  Horseback riding.
  Laser show! (Really. These things are just as fun now as they were in high school.)
  Visiting tons of people we know and love.
• Grand Canyon
  I’m not entirely sure if I really want to do this yet. I’m thinking about lying to them both and telling them the Grand Canyon isn’t accessible by car. It’s just so far!
• L.A.
  Of course every Ukrainian wants to see Disneyland and Hollywood, so… even though I have 0% interest in either place, I just can’t disappoint.
• San Diego
  Visiting friends, visiting the beach, and possibly visiting Shamu.
• Las Vegas
  Wandering all around the strip in 100+ degree weather, free shows on the strip, using my awesome connections, Mystere or Le Reve or “O”, shopping for EVERYTHING because the U.S. is so much cheaper than Ukraine, and if it cools down enough, a drive-in movie, complete with popcorn and American pizza.
• Miami
  No clue what we're doing here, but we have a free place to stay!
• Costa Rica. We’ve changed our mind about this trip a million times already, but… Costa Rica, here we come!

It’s a lot, I know, and a LOT of driving (especially for someone who hates driving as much as I do) but I’m excited. I’ve been waiting for this all summer!

Anything I forgot?

summer movie watching

So... summer.
I've definitely watched a lot of movies so far. I LOVE it. You'd think I'd be bored by now, just waiting for my friends to get here to begin our exotic summer vacation, but... Movies have kept me busy. :)

Historic ‘Blockbuster’ Store Offers Glimpse Of How Movies Were Rented In The Past

Web Site Story

This is far too true...

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

So, who wants to follow me on Twitter now?

Utah... again.

Quick trip to Utah. Some of my favorite people and some of my favorite places.

Utah State.































Bear Lake. I even volunteered to take senior pics for the kids. :)



Hogel Zoo and Trolley Square.

I hadn't been to the zoo for YEARS. I enjoyed it NEARLY as much as I enjoyed finding this t-shirt at Trolley Square when we met up with Devonte for dinner. I'd never thought about it before, but I really am glad Utah decided to go with SLC instead of this.