Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza

The Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza is a benefit concert that Curtis Stigers has been putting on for the last three years. This year it was held at the majestic Egyptian Theatre in downtown Boise. The show sold out in no time. It was fun to see so many people turn out to support a good cause and lots of great talent. I had a blast playing drums for Andy Byron and the Lost River Band, as well as the Moody Jews. Naturally, I couldn't resist mingling with the other performers who were genuine, cool and, of course, talented. Check out some photos from the show.

Our First Loose Tooth

Update

The loose tooth is out! Funny enough, she lost it at the dentist's office. And it wasn't at Rachael's regular dentist. See, Rachael had a play date scheduled today with one of her girlfriends. The hosting parents realized that the play date was scheduled the same day as their daughter's regular dentist visit, but they wanted Rachael to tag along. 

While there, Rachael showed the dentist her tooth and the dentist didn't give the tooth a day before it fell out. Within 30 minutes it fell out! The dentist was cool -- she gave Rachael a plastic tooth necklace so Rachael could store her first lost tooth. The tooth fairy will be paying a visit tonight. And it's a proud moment for mom and dad. Check out the photos.

Earlier Today 

Play this video only if you've got a strong stomach for loose/wiggling teeth. Rachael's tooth is hanging on by a thread. I captured this will my cell phone. Crappy quality, but you get the idea. Stay tuned since this bugger could fall out any day now.

Thanksgiving 2008

Check out photos from our second Thanksgiving at Paul and Susie Frank's house. They had Susie's sister's family, as well as several friends of the clan's, celebrate the holiday over a huge turkey.

Halloween 2008

Halloween 2008 was spent with our friends, the Willerups, at their house on Harrison Blvd. For those of you not familiar with Boise, Harrison Blvd. and Warm Springs Rd. are two streets on which the Treasure Valley converges for tricks or treats (and they're awesome streets for viewing holiday decorations). Both streets feature the grand old homes of the early 20th century. 

I didn't do a great job getting many photos. It was total mayhem trying to keep track of 8 kids and my cocktail. The paper reported that 2,200 kids did their trick or treating on Harrison Blvd. that night. Regardless, everyone had fun and it was great seeing some friends along the way.

Halloween Preparations

The girls have been looking forward to Halloween this year for quite some time. Costumes were purchased weeks ago (Rachael the Russian princess; Rebecca as Wonder Woman). 

Rachael, the Russian princess, cast aside all stereotypes and got her hands dirty to dig out the guts of of the pumpkin. Rebecca, aka Wonder Woman, couldn't be bothered to get dirty so she put the golden lariat around her dad and made him do it.

We'll post post-Halloween photos over the weekend.

Sawtooths Backpacking Trip -- Day 6

Several items worth noting about gear on this trip that were a total waste of space and weigh for a 5-day trip. Gloves, hat and scarf (a ranger recommendation for the summit), swimsuit and an extra hat. 

Things to trim down include bringing one set of spare batteries for the GPS while conserving GPS use; get Rx sunglasses instead of using contacts to eliminate solution space; fewer cold meds (kids had a cold when I left); and just wear one set of clothing with extra pair of underwear and socks/liners. Maybe add glove liners and lite ski cap for summit trips.

Sawtooths Backpacking Trip -- Day 5

Aug. 1 -- The last day of backpacking for us. Will spend the day full of steep descents toward Redfish Lake. There, we'll rendezvous with our wives at the lodge, and spend a weekend in Stanley. Right now, I want a burger and IPA but will settle for my breakfast of instant milk and
granola.

We set off at 8:30 in the morning. Bryan's an excellent backpacking companion. He patiently waits for me to tape up my blisters and fool with my gear (note to self, leave the Themarest portable camp chair at home. No time for lounging when the mosquitoes find a warm-blooded,
albeit sweaty creature, trying to give the dogs a rest.) And don't get Bryan wrong. He'll dish out the shit when he's right.

Hiked 6 miles to Redfish Inlet to catch the boat ride over to the lodge. Caught the eyes of many curious tourists. Can't blame them with the way we looked.

Sat at the picnic benches lakeside (wind kept this bastard mosquitoes away) and ordered up some burgers and beer. Heaven. Also watched a stoned staffer spend two hours drawing up the menu on the chalk board. Funny!

Jump to the following entries:

Planning, Preparation, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5