Lisa n Tom (n James n Joseph)

Tom writes: We have three 15-gallon emergency water storage tanks in the basement and we've been told you should rotate the water every year. The first time I tried this, I tilted and poured the water into the drain in the middle of the basement. Or at least, that's where I attempted to direct the water. I made a mess all over the place. This year, I got smarter. Just suck it up... ... and away it goes! It reminds me of my time in Equador. After they cleared out the cisterns, they had to get the water going from the pipes up above again. Lung-power was the most available pumping system. (Lisa writes: By the way, those a brand new hoses, purchased just for this purpose. The old ones in the yard are full of amorous slugs this time of year.)

Lisa's mom writes: When Dad and I put away the ping-pong table we discovered what our "artist' was doing laying on her back under the table on the dry eraser board on the back side. Keep creating works of art ~ you are an artist. Love you, Grandma

Lisa's mom writes: I had such a good day along with 3,000 others for the Annual Down Syndrome Buddy Walk in Manitou Springs, Colorado. I walked 3 1/2 miles for my our friends' grandaughter, Isabella, and my great-niece, Chelsea. Come see us the last weekend in August next year and be a part of our team to support a group of angels! Love, Grandma Rexene/Mom

Lisa writes: My brother-in-law's mom and Donny Osmond both ended up at Rumbi Island Grill, a Utah-based chain of Hawaiian food restaurants ... I'm not making this up.

Lisa writes: My question was, "Debbie, what are these slugs doing?" Then I hit the internet and found the answer HERE . Be sure to scroll down the absolutely charming description of slug love life.

Lisa's mom writes: It is AUGUST -- NOT October -- but to our fun surprise Snowbird Ski area celebrates Oktoberfest every weekend from August to Oct. 9th. Roy's birthday continued the day after with Madison leading me, Grandpa Robbins, and Aunt Deb to the festival. Kellen and Christian went ahead to do the alpine slide and Christi and Lori rode the gondola to the top with bikes. (Lori) When I saw the "cliff" they headed down I said to Lori, "Was your sister trying to kill you?" The view was amazing. I was born and raised in Utah and had never been here. (Christi) A wonderful white tent had constant free entertainment and German food, lots of beer. I loved my Root Beer. Free dance lessons and dancing. Kellen and Deb were so much fun. 11,000 feet in the air with the Salt Lake Valley in the background and on all sides more mountains SPECTACULAR! THEN another surprise: These Alps Guys rode...

Lisa's mom writes: We returned back to Salt Lake and in the evening went to the Planetarium/IMAX to see We walked to the free downtown trolley. Oh - the love! Kellen, Deb, Madi, Lori, (Christian's legs) and Christi. (Such joy watching your children and grandchildren.) (Madison) Fun in the gift shop. (Grandma Rexene and Christian) Ooooh we are scary! (Christi) Everyone needs a "Hoberman Transforming Sphere!" Sunday we were blessed to enjoy being next to Temple Square and enjoyed "Music and the Spoken Word" in the Conference Center. More good memories and a very memorable birthday weekend for Roy.

Lisa writes: I don't think anybody from either of these families reads this site, so I'll fess up -- these quilt tops were made from pieces of a king-sized quilt top I made, but never quilted, about six years ago. I cut it into baby-quilt sized pieces and appliqued the babies' names in the same fuzzy red fabric that's on the back. The pattern was called "Fence Rail" or "Window Pane" or something, but my choice of the gradiated white-to-black fabrics makes it look more like "Nazi." Argh. Anyway, I very much doubt either quilt will match whatever baby room decor their parents have come up with. I'd describe this look as sort of "101 Dalmations Go To Las Vegas [Where They Inadvertently Run Into the Hitler Youth]." P.S. I have a bunch of fabric left. Next quilt goes to the first person to name their kid Heathcliff.

Lisa's mom writes: We are home from Cherry Hills Water Park. Deb and Kellen made it after a trip to the Vet for Spock (the cat). They thought he was choking to death, but it seems to be allergies. Ever try and give a cat Benadryl?

Lisa's brother, Donny, writes: Look what my friend caught!! Well her dad helped... And I guessed the weight exactly right -- 120 lbs. -- and I won a free dinner. =) Lisa wonders: What was for dinner, Donny? Chicken?

Lisa's mom is visiting Lisa's sister, Debbie, and writes: Guero-the-ferret can open the door to the garbage can. He will take every thing out and hide it! Time for child locks.

Lisa's brother Donny writes: Everyone has until Saturday to email me all pics and video of Dad for the slide show ... if you're not in it he'll know you didn't mail me any pics and that you really don't love him and that he should just give everything in the will to his son cause obviously he is the only one that care enough to make a slide show for him ... Just say'n. [Yes, I sent pics.]

Lisa writes: Jimmy really likes Cheerios.

Lisa writes: My cousins were in town! Stephanie is my mom's sister's daughter and, family? Am I right? Does it look like Aunt Joyce is standing in this picture clinging to Jason's arm? I'm starting to think there are no new people -- just the same people over and over again. They were in D.C. for their wedding anniversary (11th? maybe?) and Jason organized the whole thing, right down to getting them scheduled tours for the White House, Capitol, National Archives, Supreme Court, AND Washington Monument ... all in one day. They were a little bit tired.

Lisa writes: Big owl sitting on the next-door-neighbor's swingset this morning.

Lisa's sister, Lori, writes: Evy at soccer.

Lisa's brother, Donny, writes: I am Andie-sitting while my friend is on a work trip in AZ. This chinchilla is a lot more spoiled than ours ever was. Look at the crib he sleeps in!

Lisa's brother, Donny, writes: Andie takes on the first ever Chinchilla Death Run!!! Higher risk with even greater rewards!!! Order now on pay-per-view Chinchi!