Starting the Garden

In the beginning there were ONIONS

Richie helped me till the garden and ready it for planting. We love onions and plant them very close so Grandpa can pick and eat fresh green onions with lunch and dinner. In mid summer they are spaced appropriately for large growth. I have found the perfect variety for our area. It's name is Super Star, an "All American Selection Winner". This onion is tasty at all stages of development. I usually try another new variety every year to compare. I started with Walla Walla and Super Star kicked onion butt if there is such a thing. This year the challenger is "Onion Candy" In a few months we will see if the challenger can dethrone the Super Star.
We use Grandpa's trench method for quick plantings. I like to buy onion starts instead of planting seeds.

Once the trench is made Richie lays the onion in the trench and I follow covering the developing bulb with soil. Heather was kind enough to take the image for us. This was one of our first warm days this spring (about 3 weeks ago)

A little soil in front and back and the tasty morsel has started its seasonal journey in our little garden.

Last week we planted beets in front of the onions and peas behind. With proper watering and fertilization I have been able to grow three little crops in this very small area (in between the chain linked fence and the brick retaining wall). I will share some images once they start to grow. I know some of you do not have much space but a small pot can help you grow some of your own healthy food.

Spirng Tournament at UVU

Rachel had her spring tournament today at UVU. We enjoyed watching her play a new position. lebro and defensive specialist. Her team struggled a little but one many games. They beat the University of Utah and other good teams.

Before serving, Rachel has a tradition of bouncing the ball as quickly and as low to the ground as she can.

She did amazing on her serve. I think she was the only one on her team who did not miss a serve. Good job Rachel!!

I am still getting used to seeing her pass the ball instead of setting the ball, but she is learning her new position well.

She is still her scrappy, aggressive self on the court.

and her bubbly, positive attitude is so contagious for all around her.

Rachel's team seem to really like playing together. I think they are also happy to get through the semester and pack up for New Zealand and Samoa.
Yes you heard me right, her team is going over seas to play volleyball and do some service projects-- Have fun girls.

This tournament was good for all the girls to get some time on the court and work on their skills.

Nice platform Rachel

You can see the concentration! Good pass Rachel.

UVU ended up in third position in this tournament, beating Utah, UNLV, Splitting with Utah State and finally losing to Southern Utah.

Congratulations and have a fun trip girls!

Happy Easter

Spring is a wonderful time of the year and Easter is a holiday I look forward to. When the kids were young we colored eggs and enjoyed many hunts in and out of the house (depending on weather). My thoughts about the resurrection and the examples that can be seen in nature gives me hope for all.

We only have these two little stinkers left but we continue with the traditional Easter basket hiding contest.

Both of them came to me requesting that I hide the baskets more effectively this year. I gave this much thought and came up with what Lynne and I both thought would be good locations.

Heather found her big basket within 5 minutes and was excited she beat Richie. Good job Heather.

Richie started looking upstairs without a lot of success.

Why do they always think I will put it in the oven. This is one of the first places they look. I don't recall ever hiding a basket in the oven.

After a few questions he went outside and without much success became discouraged so he went and found his lucky hat.

Within minutes he found his basket in a plastic bag sitting under the his tree. Good job Richie better luck next year.

This afternoon we had the following for dinner: Greg, Kim, Jaimie, Weston(Jaimie's friend), Stephanie, Jessica, Dan, Jacob, Derek, Jim, Rachel, Grandma H along with Richie, Heather, Lynne and myself. We had a fun, loud houseful. After some turkey, ham and trimmings we had a small Easter egg hunt. Jacob was the only little kid but there were many big kids that had to be managed.

Run Jacob ! Watch out for the big kids.

Jacob had fun collecting the toy eggs and looking inside for a surprise.

I think the little guy out ran most of the contenders.

Run Jacob Run!

Let me give you a hand. Just a few more inches little man.

After he got the candy from the tree, he wanted to put it back. It was more fun to take it down and put it back then it was to find more candy eggs.

Even Uncle Greg found a few eggs.

We also celebrated Rachel's birthday. Take a look at that cake. Heather made it with a little help from Mom and Jessica. I thought it tasted great! Rachel you're getting to be very mature. Rachel is turning 21 this Thurs., Happy Birthday Girl!

Little Derek looks on as we eat cake and socialize.
Thanks for coming over and spending Easter Sunday with us.