"Konnichi Wa" from Kyoto

Akihabara, Tsukiji, and Yunnesun

Spring break travel this year took us to Kyoto, Japan. On our way we stopped in Tokyo at Akihabara, a place where all of the newest electronics and cameras are on display, and at Tsukiji, the world's largest wholesale seafood market.












We also stopped at Yunnesun, a hot springs resort sitting on a volcano near Mt. Fuji, to enjoy some time in their hot pools. They offer around 30 different types of pools to soak in. We enjoyed the hot water mixed withhoney the most. Others include strawberry, green tea, sake, Turkish, Finnish and Roman baths, dragon waterfall, and a foot bath where little fish will nibble at your feet.

"You cannot take the sorrow out of death unless you also take the love out of life"

Our holidays were filled with sadness, and with love and appreciation for our Savior for the gift he has given us of being able to see loved ones again. At the start of the month we knew Cindy's mother's health was beginning to fail and her time on earth was drawing short. But in the middle of the month we received a phone call that Blaine's mother had been admitted to the hospital in Rexburg after being short of breath.

After a week in the hospital she passed away. The next day our nephew, Cody Jacobson, was driving to work at Kelly Canyon Ski Hill, hit a slick spot in the road and went down the embankment into the water. He was taken to the hospital in Idaho Falls but did not recover.

We held the funeral for Blaine's mother on Dec. 22nd, Cody's funeral was Dec. 23rd and the morning of the 24th we received word that Cindy's mother had passed away. Her funeral was shortly after Christmas.

Blaine's mother was born in Logan and grew up in Ammon. She spent most of her life in Swan Valley raising a family of eleven children and being a homemaker. She loved quilting, gardening, and baking. She served in many church callings and filled a mission to Cove Fort, Utah.

Cody was a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood and was preparing to serve a mission. He loved the great outdoors and enjoyed hiking, camping, and hunting. He was an avid snowboarder and snowmobiler. He achieved his Eagle Scout award shortly after his 14th birthday. He was a hard worker and was on his way to good things, but was needed for a more important task beyond the veil.




Cindy's mother grew up in American Fork and met her future husband, Mark Weed, at BYU where they both served as studentbody officers. She was an accomplished teacher, musician, artist, and journal writer. They lived in Washington, New Jersey, North Carolina, California, Louisiana, and Delaware, where Cindy was raised. Twenty-five of their children and grandchildren have served missions.

Happy Birthday, Cindy

Today is Cindy's birthday. She is a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She works endlessly to make her family, church, and community a better place.

Today is typical of the schedule she keeps most days. After getting Jenn off to school she runs the dog Scamp in for his grooming. She will be helping watch her grandson Isaac while also working on payroll for about 80 employees. We have a parent-teacher meeting right after school. This evening we accompany Jenn to a Showtime Christmas performance at a local senior living center.

She is the heart of our family life and determines the atmosphere in the home. She talks nearly daily by telephone with her adult children and is always there to listen and offer support or comfort.

We love you very much!

Showtime at 2008 Holiday Parade & Festival

Jenn's School Choir at 2008 Festival of Trees

Sake's Alive, Tyson's 5!

Wow! Can you believe it? Tyson, our first grandchild is 5 years old today. As you can tell by this picture he has a great sense of humor. He is a lovable boy who is a big help to his parents and a good big brother to Ryder and Kyler.

Tyson loves dinosaurs and knows enough about them that he corrects us when we pronounce their names wrong. He also is a friend to ants. When his Mom sees them on the floor he insists on feeding them instead of letting her get rid of them.

Tyson likes to play "Spy" with his Aunt Jenni. When Tyson comes for a visit they put "Spy" hats on their heads and creep around the house trying not to be detected by the rest of us. They usually create a special hideout in one of our closets that they stock with blankets, flashlights, and treats. This makes Ryder sad because he wants to be part of the fun, too. But Tyson and Jenn decided just last Sunday that Ryder could be included in their activity and made him a "Junior Spy." That made Ryder very happy.

You're definitely growing up Tyson! Happy Birthday!