In Town for the 4th

Every once in a while, the clouds of busy-ness part, leaving a window of time, and the opportunity presents itself to pack your bags and take a last-minute vacation. That's exactly what happened around June 20th of this year, when my colleagues and I were given five additional days off, an opportunity to fly out west presented itself, and I took it, just in time to attend...

Aerin's baptism! I told Dad that I was coming, but told him not to tell anyone else, so that it would be a surprise for Ellen when I showed up at their family function unannounced. Of course he didn't tell anyone ... except his other half, who didn't tell anyone ... except for Gilbert, who only knew that Grandpa had gone to Salt Lake to pick up a surprise visitor. Of course, Gilbert didn't tell anyone either, except his mom. Regardless of the leak, the surprise was still pleasant, Aerin's baptism was terrific, and we had a great barbeque lunch afterward. Good times.

There were leaks outside the family as well, mostly of my own make. When I emailed an old flame that I would be in Provo for the week of the 4th, I didn't think that the first thing she was going to do was go straight to my older brother's house and tell him. 'Next thing you know, Kirk called me and said, "I hear you're coming into town!" Anyway, kind of a humorous situation.

Of course the 4th of July also means the Provo Freedom Festival. My Dad, Bros, bro-in-law and several grandkids went on a hike to the Y to watch the balloon launch. That was an ingenious idea, by the way. It was a great morning and the mountain afforded a terrific view of the launch. Naturally, and in observance of family tradition, a hike to the Y meant that I had to announce to the world that "I'm at the tip of the arrow!" Unfortunately, the only people that would really understand what in the heck I was talking about weren't with us on the hike. The solution? Cell phones. A couple of quick calls, and before you know it, my announcement had reached all the way from Provo, Utah to Kensington, Maryland ... probably the farthest such an announcement has ever gone. It's a good thing that Ems and her family are two hours ahead of everyone in Utah, since the hike was pretty early, and I didn't want anyone to have to get out of bed for such an "important" announcement. I think Ellen was less fortunate than Emily in that regard. 'Sorry, Ellen.

While at the Freedom Festival, I attended the patriotic fireside and heard the Freedom Festival Wind Ensemble led by none other than Dr. David Blackinton, my trumpet teacher of 10+ years. It was good to see him. I told him what I was doing with my life, to which he of course chuckled and said, "Well, I'm glad you're successful!" He has a very colorful personality - 'highly recommend getting to know him.

Thanks to everyone who hosted Careen and me while I was in town. It was good to see everyone. 'Till our Christmas revels!