Proud Americans
July 8, 2008 | Filed Under America, Kuei, Family | 3 Comments
A very important event took place months ago, that we did not have time to post, due to our plans to move. But this year, Kuei took the Oath, choosing to become a citizen of the United States. We are really happy about it, and the ceremony was really emotional. If anyone ever has the chance to attend a Naturalization ceremony, do it. Jump at the chance. Because it will have the kind of feeling in that room that, in my view, we need more of in this Country.
There was a great speech from a Daughter of the American Revolution. The best part is hearing from the people within the audience, the soon-to-be-citizens, standing and speaking about what it means to them. There were moving “testimonies,” in the Rose Wagner Theater in downtown Salt Lake City that day. One that stood out, came from a man who’s family came from South Africa, who’s father “gave his last dying breath” to get him here. Moving stories about how America STILL is the Land for those fleeing from dictators, religious persecution, etc. And while these reasons were not necessarily applicable to our situation, and we love Taiwan, we all know the importance and special privilege that we have of being American.
Even writing this post has me recalling the powerful feeling, of just sitting there with pride, with my two sons, knowing that something amazing was taking place. Watching Kuei stand up and raise her right hand. She has had the greencard forever it seems, being a legal resident of the USA. But now she is a citizen of a very special Place in our hearts. This Independence Day was also special for us, for this reason.
Awesome Indepedence Day!
July 7, 2008 | Filed Under Holidays, Simplify, Family | 2 Comments
The Fourth of July is one of our favorite holidays. (For me, it ranks up there at Number 1). So naturally, we set out to find some festivities in our new locale. We found out about one small town big on celebrating Independence Day. It is about 40 minutes NW of Lincoln, called Seward (we called it “Sea”ward but…it’s not pronounced like that… Hehe. 
). Weird name aside, the place rocks. We had a blast and will likely go there again next year.
This town is Middle America in the best way. Streets sectioned off for foot traffic, classic architecture, BBQ cooking everywhere (people walking around eating GINORMOUS turkey legs wrapped in foil); snowcones, merchants selling painted rocks and wood carvings, a big parade with horses and kids riding their bikes, an outdoor amphitheater with a live orchestra playing patriotic music; the works. We even watched a staged gun fight between some tough cowboys. The marshal/sheriff gave him a silver star to put on.
We walked around the town, got some food, just enjoying the atmosphere. When we got tired, we just sat underneath a shady tree. Flags were waving, people taking free shuttle rides around the town (pulled by a tractor). It was unreal. We stopped at a large yard sale. Kids were out front asking if we wanted to “buy one and get something free.” After spending the day there, we drove home and crashed for a couple of hours. That evening, we drove to a ballpark across from the Haymarket (near downtown) and watched Lincoln light up the night.
It was a great day. See more pictures HERE.
From the Road
July 7, 2008 | Filed Under Simplify, Scion xB, Family | Leave a Comment
Here are some photos from our move from Utah to Nebraska. The boys did okay for the most part, but we had to plan on stopping every 2-3 hours or so, to let them run around a bit. Also, even though my Scion xB gets awesome gas mileage, we still had to stop more frequently, because my Dad was driving the gas gussling UHAUL. But we each had cell phones and could call back and forth when we needed to take an exit. We had a nice lunch in Green River, Wyoming at a park with a gazebo that was perfect for the boys. But most of the Wyoming drive was bland. So bland, in fact, that I started comparing it to Nevada, which I commonly refer to, as the Land of Desolation.
Let me just say that the Wyoming drive, at least along I-80, is not something I enjoyed. Unless you like strange clay-like rock formations and spotted, sun-burnt terrain. Excluding the tall windmills, and a hint of the Rocky Mountains, coming up from the South, Wyoming had me saying, “Why Oh Me?” most of the time! Seriously, along I-80 it had me thinking that maybe Wyoming was Native American for “Repulsive.” I’m kidding, (a little) and I know that the Jackson area is nice, (because it’s near Idaho) and other parts of the State I have not seen MUST be nicer, but the I-80 route…not for me.
The Nebraska drive was straight out of Smallville. I kept telling Brighton to keep his eyes open for spaceships. Or any moment Mel Gibson would jump out of a corn field, followed by an alien. But it was much more easy on the eyes. Animals, trees and rolling hills. Everything shades of green. For a good part of the trip, we followed the Platte river, and its very similar to the route the early Saints took when coming out west. We even stopped at a state park, Mormon Island. It has a big lake for fishing, camping, etc. Cool stuff. We also hit a roadside attraction, Fort Cody, with a tall plastic Paul Bunyan-like Indian. I love the hoky roadside architecture, it’s too funny. Restaurants that look like covered wagons, and the like. Fort Cody was fun. Took a few photos and the kids could stretch the legs a bit.
We made it to my parents’ place that evening and it was great. So about 2 long days, over 900 miles, and I won’t mention how much gas between the two vehicles. At $4 / gallon, “ouch,” is the best way to say it. The next day or so we unloaded the truck in Lincoln, (with the help of our new ward) and moved into our apartment. So far so good. See more photos from our move from Utah to Nebraska HERE.
Moved!
July 3, 2008 | Filed Under Simplify, Family | 4 Comments
Not unpacked, but moved! Just wanted to post a quick update while I have the chance. Using the wifi hotspot in this library for a bit. Well, after driving across Wyoming, (stopping in Cheyenne for the night at a hotel) and then driving all day across Nebraska, we made it to my parents’ place outside Omaha. Stayed there for a day or so and then unloaded everything when we reached our apartment, just outside of Lincoln. Still haven’t had much time to look around and see the city or my school much, as sleep has been more appealing!
But once we get the phone and internet service all setup, I’ll upload some photos and update everyone on the move. I will say that Kuei and I kept remarking on how green everything is out here. And it isn’t as flat as imagined. Nebraska is rolling in hills. And did I mention I can buy 10 ears (weird, I know) of corn for $1? Hehe. Kuei and I made a joke about how we may just have to include it somehow in our meals more. (Corn on the cob, corn bread, corn soup, etc). Funny stuff.
We made it! Stay tuned.
Bear Lake, Utah
June 21, 2008 | Filed Under Simplify, Made of Sun, Family | 5 Comments
We made it to Bear Lake this week (I got a bit sunburned too, but it was worth it). Bear Lake is only about 2 hours or so North of SLC and it is a great drive once you get into Logan and go thru the canyon. We had a great time, and spent the whole day there, ate in Garden City, (which is a fun town) and made the drive back home by 11:00 PM. (All on one tank of gas too). Anyway, we LOVE the water, and since it was Monday when we went, a good deal of the beach was open to ourselves. The water is clear and blueish-green. It is cold at first, but once you get swimming, it is perfect. We brought an umbrella and a lot of drinks, and had a blast. More pictures HERE.
