I Love My Toy Horse

Matayia knows how to document a classic on video.

The Benson side of the family and the Grandpa Tom side comes out in her as she talks about horses... her toy horse. Next, it will be a real horse. I can't wait to catch that on video.

Yesterday as I drove Joshua back home, he talked of building old fashion rocking horses with exotic wood like the one in the video. Put your orders in. It will be expensive but well worth the price for a custom handmade family treasure to pass down through the generations. Remember, you heard it first here on the family blog.

Christmas Orange

Late Wednesday night, I was trying to think of something to give my elementary school children for Christmas. Standing on the Christmas isle at the grocery store, I saw was over a hundred feet of neatly wrapped boxes and tins of sugary candy treats. If I were to put one of everything in an extremely large bag it would have been more than a strong man could carry or eat over a year's time. It just didn't make sense to stuff children with candy Santa Clauses, jelly elves, marshmallow reindeer, peppermint candy canes, red and green frosted cookies, and chocolates of every shape and size.

Then I remembered, many of the old time Christmas stories I have hear. They tell about a Christmas orange like those I've heard about from James E. Faust, Little House on the Prairie and other stories. Times were hard and oranges in the winter were a real treat and very hard to come by. Oranges seemed to be a symbol of giving something of value through sacrifice, love and thoughtfulness. With that thought, I hurried off to the produce isle and bought two large bags of Jolly Green Giant's (not related to the other Jolly old fellow) California oranges.

The first three oranges I gave away were to my Kindergarten group. I handed them each an orange and wished them a Merry Christmas.

Jack took his and with a puzzled look on his face examined it carefully in his little hands turning it over numerous times.

Finally, he looked up and asked, "What does it do?"

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Now, I have a Christmas orange story of my own. Thanks Jack! Merry Christmas!!!

Three gaints coming down

The roots were uncontrollable and were of great concern to our foundation and sewer. It was also time to harvest the wood for next winter. One year of drying time is important. The three eighty foot giants were coming down. I have three fifteen feet tall lodge pole pines already growing in their shadows that are taking their place. A branch of the plum tree was ripped off when the first big tree came crashing to the ground. It was trimmed and will do just fine.

The wood is all cut and drying. Evenings after work for clean up will still take another week or two . My friend Chuck and I did the cutting up and Ronda, Tiffany and I have been doing the branch clean up and stacking. The video shows the smaller pieces stacked. The big pieces are stacked by the stumps on the north side of the house and are to large to move until dried and split a year from now. It looks like one years winter storage of fuel and/or a old fashion fence at the edge of our backyard. We still have a forest in our yard with four more giants by the backyard fence. They provide wonderful hot summer day cool shade for spending late afternoons having family picnics in the yard. I have three maples growing in their shade just in case I ever have to take them out.

I think I'm more of a tree farmer than a gardener. I love trees. At one time I counted over eighty tree in my less than one third of an acre yard. Well, quakies have a lot of small starts.

Aaron and Jenni Wedding

Belly Up

It just take too long to make a movie so I thought I would try writing and a short video clip... no music... no editing... and no special effects. Therefore, please excuse my inadequate abilities in this attempt to put my thoughts on paper. Writing has never been my cup of root beer. They say if you "belly up to the bar" it won't be long before you take a drink (the same as everyone else that's at the bar). Thus, my first piece of advice is "pick the right friends" and second "pick the right bar" to belly up to. In this little video clip you'll see the people I belly up to the snack bar with. They are the best company in the world for me. I hope everyone else in the beautiful world is as fortunate. That's what families are for.

Polynesian Cultural Center

The Polynesian Cultural Center is another example of the amazing fruits of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The PCC shows the Lord's love for all of His children among all nations, tounges and people. Our time there was like a visit to each of the various islands in the South Pacific. It made me miss my mission family in New Zealand among the Moari People.

Laie Hawaii Temple

Visiting the temple was my favorite time in Hawaii. Feeling the Spirit of the Lord in His Holy Temple was worth the trip. Part of that blessing was being with the Polynesian People which brought back memories of my days in New Zealand serving as a missionary. My heart was full spending time with my wife and three of my daughters at the temple. I wish all of my children could have been there.

Another Day in Paradise

Talon's Blessing

We enjoyed, so much, the opportunity to visit the Colemans and Gearharts in Boise, Idaho for Talon's blessing. Witnessing this sacred ordinance was a blessing and a privilege and it is always a treat to spend time with family. Special thank you to Reed and my big sister Karen for letting us stay with them.

Diamond Head

We found that one of Oahu’s most interesting sites is on the southeast coast at the end of Waikiki Beach. Diamond Head Hawaii is an old volcano named after a misunderstanding by men from the west. While exploring Diamond Head on Oahu they thought they had found diamonds, but had really found only shining calcite crystals at the volcano and not real diamonds.

Diamond Head's volcano’s original name was Laeahi, given to the crater by native Hawaiians. The name means “brow of the tuna” (or fish face) because Diamond Head resemblance just that. A visit to Diamond Head does require what I would call a walking in the park. The Diamond Head stroll is along a volcanic trail that climbs to a 761-foot peak (OK it does take a little effort) beginning inside the historic landmark. It’s an easy but steep hike with some stairs that takes an hour to an hour and a half. The trail is considered an easy to moderate ascent.

At more than 3,500 feet in diameter the crater remains one of the most spectacular in the United States.





When Hawaii was added to the United States in 1898, defending the harbor became a major priority. Fort Ruger was a defensive fort at the Diamond Head crater. Artillery was set up right inside the crater, and Fort Ruger became a protected location defended from enemies.

In 1919 a bunker comprising four levels was constructed inside the protected walls of the crater creating better access to the command posts. The observation deck was also built in 1910 at Diamond Head, at the peak, which provided a convenient target site. The underground complex and observation deck are now abandoned but signs of the old post are evident along the paved Diamond Head hike. Hundreds of visitors formed an Alaska Klondike line to the top to enjoy the sights of the historical landmark.

Diamond Head is designated as a WWII visitors' site.

Hawaii 2

This was from the time we landed in Hawaii until it was time to go to sleep that night. We went to bed at 10:30 PM Hawaii time which was 2:30 PM Utah time. Morning came way too fast.

Going to Hawaii

Hawaii was amazing! We had a wonderful trip and would like to share it with you. I can't put it on the blog all at once so I will publish one chapter at a time. Here's the first chapter "Going to Hawaii".

Pioneer Days "24 of July"

The celebration of Pioneer Days this year was without parades, fireworks, and pioneers, but it was a great day with some of our family and friends. The Texas brisket was to die for. Tyler did an amazing job cooking it (President and Sister Rose would have been proud) and just as wonderful was Tosha and Ronda's rest of the meal. Thanks for the great meal. I wish the whole family could have enjoyed it. My mouth is still watering. Additional thanks to Breklyn and Tage for the dancing art man video set up and filming.

Benson Family Reunion

It was great to see everyone and spend a little quality time.

Great Grandpa James Nye was a skilled carpenter that turned the posts for the Tabernacle stair railings. He turned them on an old treadle lathe. It was like riding a bicycle while cutting wood with a sharp steel blade. Check out the work he did in the Paris Tabernacle and his home to the south.

Welch Reunion

Thanks to all came and helped with the reunion. 

  

We loved seeing and visiting with all of you.

Early morning bike rides have been invigorating, refreshing, and rejuvenating. The fresh mountain air blows from Blacksmith Fork Canyon giving the ride a little more challenge but the country roads provide a vista taking me back to my childhood rides as a boy during past summer vacations. Ear buds cut and dampen the sound of the wind but still let me hear the traffic as I put my iPod loaded with General Conference talks on and find myself enriched spiritually as I’m physically strengthened. Join me on my bumpy bike ride while you listen to some relaxing music and watch the slide show / video clip.

Closing The Gap

 After 22 months of "metal mouth",

 Tiffany's teeth are finally free!!

No More Tin Grin

                      Isn't she gorgeous?  What a beautiful smile!!!!

No More Tin Grin

What a beautiful smile!!!

Just for Fun

"Better late than never" is my motto when it comes to learning to blog. This is my (Ronda)first official entry and I have been trying to finish it since June 7th (Tosha's Birthday). We spent a wonderful day together,watching the movie 'Joseph Smith the Prophet of the Restoration' and eating at Pei Wei. We missed having Chantell and Brittny with us but they seem to have a party wherever they go, so I'm not sure they missed us.  Happy belated 24th Birthday Tosha, we love you. Thank-you for bringing sunshine into our lives!

Cherished Days Remembered!

Our daughters have always been beautiful in their Sunday best.
Brittny... what a sweetheart.

Who's in charge?

Sometimes we have so many assignments and responsibilities we don't know who is in charge. I guess we find out who's been assigned like I did in this video. I'm going to ask our neighbors at our block party in two weeks how they feel about being prepared in case of an emergency. Maybe someone would like to be in charge of "neighborhood preparedness". That would help a great deal.

Fun

Pretty, pretty, pretty SHOES

I know it has been a long time but here's the newest movie.  Ronda directed production, took most of the video and selected the music.  We love it when the granddaughters visit. They are so much fun to play with.  At times it is hard to keep up with them.  They really love shoes... as you can see.

Piano Recital Day



Matayia Johnson in Concert

This is Bergen's version.

Do we have talented grandchildren or what?

Joshua, Tiffany, and Bergen's Birthday

New Swings

Ronda, Tiffany and I went to Home Depot and bought new swings for the grandchildren. Bregen and Matayia the swings are up and ready. We can't wait for your next visit. Check out this picture.

New Swings

For Sydney and Tiffany

Mini

They say that you have a mid-life crisis in your late forties. I'm 58 and I've enjoyed mine so much I'm trying to keep it going... thus the Cooper.

Two Sisters

We love our granddaughters and as all grandparents would say, "We are very proud of them."

We Love President Hinckley

President Hinckley's paternal grandfather, Ira Nathaniel Hinckley, was baptized in Nauvoo at about 16, crossed the Plains in 1850, and after living in Salt Lake City and Coalville was called by President Brigham Young to superintend the building of a church fort in Cove Creek. There he was called as the second president of the Millard Stake. Our great-great grandfather Arza Erastus Hinckley was the brother of Ira Nathaniel Hinckley. We love President Hinckley as our prophet and also as family. Our love and best wishes are extended to family and loved ones at his passing today. We will truly miss him but know he is well received in the realms of heaven's faithful. As the Savior Jesus Christ's prophet President Hinckley was also an example of the Lord's servant that we hope to follow.

Flash Back to the Past

This is a scientific demonstration in the generation of electricity on a baby's hair who is as cute as a button.

Weekend Visit

Ronda, Tiffany, Chantell and I came to visit Nana for the weekend. Ronda's Aunt Anna past away and we went to the funeral that was held in Sandy, Utah. Uncle Dean, Aunt Anna's husband is Gordon's brother. Tanielle and her girls are coming to visit later this afternoon.

Donna's Birthday

We took Donna to the Cheesecake Factory for her birthday. It was great to enjoy family time with Nana and her.

I set up a blog sight for Nana but didn't have time to help her work on it. I think she will enjoy letting everyone know what's happening at the Swedish Homestead. The address is elainewelch.blogspot.com
When you visit her spend some quality time with her blogging so she can get a feel for it.

I hope you like the video...

I was looking for a picture of Russ for Nicole to Photoshop into our most recent family picture when I found this fun movie of Chantell snowboarding. Enjoy!!!

Life Changes

Life changes and we grow.  Who knows what is nexted???

Trase Benson Man in Uniform

Trase joined the National Guard and will be leaving Wednesday. We had a going away family party at Grandma and Grandpa Benson's home.

State Quarters

Thank you to everyone for looking and thank you Karen for sending the coins I was looking for.

Birthday Party

Happy Birthday to Grandpa Benson. Everyone enjoyed the great birthday party. Thank you Monta Faye, Ronda, and everyone that helped.