So here's proof that miles and miles of corn can actually be pretty. One thing that I have enjoyed while living here is exploring the nature trails. (Michiganders would call them "hikes" but considering they're flat, we'll call them "walks") I have a outdoor-loving, conservationist friend who did internships with the state park so she knows some of the best places. We put the babies in packs and find new forrest trials. It doesn't in any way compare at all to Alaska or Utah but it still is nice to be outside.

This has been a fun past week filled with corn mazes, Halloween parties and pumpkin carving. The second session of my weight lifting class that i teach at the gym sold out and has doubled in size. The class is a mix of consistent exercisers and beginners As far as fitness training goes, I miss my clients in Utah. I haven't had too many here that I could work hard, or that take things seriously. I love my job though, it really gives me a chance to get out of the house, pay some bills, and do something I'm good at and find rewarding.
Liam at the corn maze (looking like mother Theresa)

Happy Halloween

Spartan

Liam's thinking, 'Bring it on, Xerxes.' He loved being a little Spartan warrior for our Halloween party tonight. We might be able to add a shield and sword by Halloween, and shin guards are definitely on their way. Also- wait until you see Dani's costume...

Michigan Mysteries

So far we love Michigan. There are a few things that make it a wierd place, a few of them include: The 4 foot tall, multi-colored giant ball of vinyl in our neighbors backyard (He's an art professor so I guess one could call it sculpture.) Half percent milk. Does that .5% really make a difference? Squirrels- they're huge, they're fearless, they're everywhere. I probably pass 15-20 everyday jogging from work. The picture here is one that was caught trying to eat my pumpkin outside. Similar to the white letters on the mountainsides of Utah, most cities in Michigan proudly display water towers bearing their names. They seem top heavy and poorly designed. We had another tornado warning this week and I'm sure if the twister actually came close the tower would be the first thing to go.

On the move

Our guess is that Liam will be crawling by the end of the month. He has already perfected his rolling/ half crawling mode of transporting himself across the room. As far as he's concerned there are too many things to chew, bang, or suck on to stay in one spot. What a cute, happy kid.

study

We'll get something new pics/vids up here soon. Until then, here's a few updates-

This weekend Elder Bednar presided over Stake Conference, accompanied by Elder Clayton Christiansen- it was powerful.

School's still progressing for Brady; midterms were this week. In addition to the multitasking and adaptive performance work, he's now in on two more projects. He's helping to write a book chapter on team structure and composition, as well as a project/paper on team selection (sort of like a grown-up version of how to make sure you weed out the slow putzy guys from your street ball team even if they're wearing sweatbands, Nikes, and have 22" biceps.)

Bought a new computer. Now that we're not sharing one, Dani will be online much more frequently to be in touch with you all.

Accidental Oriental or Oriented Occidental?

Yes, Dwight Shrute*, we know lots of cultures eat rice, not just Orientals. But FACT- Liam is now part of one of those cultures. QUESTION- Does he like being part of one of those cultures? Definitely.

Along with wearing most of his cereal (despite Dad's squeegee attempts), Liam is also sporting a personalized shirt crafted by Krystal and Hailey.

*Dwight can be viewed on one of our two TV channels.

She's a Real Knock Out

This is our newest edition to our collection of 'things to do for fun around the house'. Last year, we were babysitting some kids of Dani's friend and they asked if they could come to our house. Sure, we said. What do you have there to do? they asked. We had to think real long and hard about that. Well, we responded, we've got lots of books... and a computer... and some air soft guns... How about a Playstation? Nope. An XBox? Uh, no. Maybe a Wii? huh-uh. Do you even have a TV? Well, we almost, uh... no, not even one of those. Still want to come over? Maybe you can just play with us over here, they concluded. SO- we are slowly working our way up with things to do other than play with our baby, bikes, bunny, and books- boxing seemed to fit in with at least one alliterative theme. We even have a TV now (sometimes we even watch it... we try to rotate evenly between the two channels that we receive). Brady is now Dani's personal boxing instructor (we haven't committed to a first person or third person account on this blog). She's planning on teaching a kickboxing class in the future.


Also this week- Dani hosted her first book club here in DeWitt. They read a Thousand Splendid Suns by Hosseini. Issues that were raised: womens rights, domestic abuse, nasty food recipes, and the US obligations to Afghanistan. Dani found a few jogging/nature trails nearby with a friend- she was wondering if they existed. They exist, but 'They're weak. Grrr.'