Greatness Achieved

Although not directly working on the Hoover Bypass Bridge, as Deputy State Engineer, Rob was on the invite list to attend the Dedication Ceremony of the aptly named Mike O'Callaghan and Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.  As the invitation shows, many dignitaries were present to dedicate the bridge and celebrate the many men and women who brought the bridge to fruition. 

Cover of the invitation

Inside of the invitation

We have attended freeway openings before but the magnitude of this particular event felt historic and one that shouldn't be missed.  So Rob and I drove from Phoenix to the Hoover Dam and arrived just before sunset.  We've been to the dam before, but witnessing the new bridge rising into the sky from the cliffsides was a sight to behold.  So, like tourists there for the first time, we snapped picture after picture.

Here is one of our first pictures.

Here is another picture, both taken from a parking lot up the hill from the dam.

Then we walked out onto the dam to get closer to the bridge.

And here is the Deputy representing ADOT greatness!

I thought a picture of this plaque was important, highlighting the achievement of the construction of the Hoover Dam many years ago as one of the seven engineering 'wonders of the United States.'  U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood went as far as to say the Hoover Bypass Bridge was an engineering 'wonder of the world.' 

Shortly after the sun set, Rob snapped a twilight picture of the dam.

Then it was off to the Hacienda Hotel, where all the engineers and contractors were staying.  After socializing, eating, and gambling, it was time to turn in for the night in anticipation of the event.  In the morning we boarded these buses to the bridge and chose to sit up top for the best (and scary) view of the Colorado River and the depths below.

Here is a view of the approach of the bridge

Remember that scary second story on the bus?  Here is my view of the river from my seat on the bus!

Here is a view of the dam from standing on the bridge.

Here we are in front of the bridge dedication sign.

And on the bridge near the railing!

I took a picture of this poster because I thought it was a quick explanation of the science and engineering that the bridge required.

The Nevada side of the bridge is named after a longtime politician, and the Arizona side is named after Pat Tillman.  Pat was a standout at ASU in football, and as a professional with the Arizona Cardinals.  After 9/11 he joined the Army, leaving a large NFL salary to serve and unfortunately die for his country.  His family was in attendance.  Here is his brother Kevin, and his father Pat Sr.

Kevin served in the Army along with his brother Pat.  Here he is again, a bit closer -

All in all it was a fantastic experience, one that makes engineers seem like rock stars.  Scratch that, they're not like rock stars, they ARE rock stars!



Fall Break, Fish, and Fun

The end of first quarter has come and all have survived with flying colors.  Sienna started junior high (often a tumultous time), and excelled, earning straight A's and enjoying all her classes and teachers.  Spenser hit a bump in the road behaviorally with his teacher, but they were smoothed out and he earned straight A's as well.  Instead of sitting around the house bored and unattended as they began fall break and I didn't, my parents drove out from California to pick them up.  They have been enjoying the cool temperatures of the central coast and partaking in fun activities like bowling, golfing, shopping, and visiting family.  And since the last trip was so successful, fishing was on the agenda as well.  Here is Spenser with his latest conquests!

They both look so proud!  Spenser enjoyed gutting the fish and touching all the innards, and then ate his catch prepared by Chef Papa Rose.  He said it was delicious! 

I'm so glad my parents keep them busy, so as not to miss us too much.  On our end we stay busy too, for the same reason.  We will be meeting back up with them on Thursday at Casino Morongo, following our trip to Nevada for the Hoover Bypass Celebration.   

Celebrating a Decade of Life

Today our little guy turned 10, which according to him is a big birthday because he's celebrating his first decade of life.  You've probably heard the expression 'kids say the darndest things' and Spenser is no exception.  Although today is his actual birthday, his birthday party started on Saturday, the 25th.  He had three friends over for pizza, cake, and a sleep-over. 

They did what boys do for the night, playing video games and staying up til about 3 in the morning.  Of course they were all still sleeping around 10:00 am when they were supposed to be getting up and dressed for Jump Street.  They quickly ate Krispy Kremes, got dressed but didn't brush their teeth, and then it was off to Day 2 of the Decade Party.  Jump Street is an indoor trampoline facility which is way better than those tired, old bounce house places. 

Another fun aspect of Jump Street is trampoline dodgeball.  Here is what that sort of looks like -

After Jump Street we headed to Cici's Pizza for buffet lunch, and one last play session at the house.  Then it was time for pick-up and an end to Day 2 festivities.

So now we're at Day 3 and the actual birthday of Sir Spense.  He took cookies to share at school with his class, and chose Peter Piper Pizza as his dinner spot.   Here he is with his presents!

And the opening of cards...

And to close the celebration, one more cake episode.....

Happy Birthday to our Spenser, the best boy in the whole world!!!

Basketball begins....

Spenser finally started an organized sport, which pleased everyone, especially him and Rob.  We were notified that he was added to a team on Wednesday night, which was also the first night of practice.  Of course we dropped everything so he can attend that practice, and the first game - which happened to fall on the day of his already planned sleep-over party.  Sounds a bit hectic, but it all worked out.

Here is Spenser showing some moves on the first night of practice - 

After one practice session for only an hour, it was time to play his first game!

Here is some footage of Spenser in action...

not only can he pass, but he can also shoot!

   



Do You Remember.......the 21st day of September?

Well if you don't, the 21st day of September, forty two years ago, was the 'rump heard around the world' or shall I say, Rob's birthday!  Long story short - he was born breech and so.... the doctor knew it was a boy before his adorable face was revealed!  All 10 lbs. 2 oz. of him!  OMG!

I think his face is still adorable, even at 42!  To celebrate his special day he went to work (a deputy's job is never done), and then to dinner at his favorite chinese/sushi buffet.  Why he likes this stuff I have no idea.....

This is called a la carte salmon and tuna.  The cold drink to the left is called a Bud Light.  They were only 99 cents!  Wow!  Talk about a birthday present!

The plate on the right is called spicy salmon and tuna.  To the left, slimy, yucky stuff.

After dinner it was home again for presents and cake.  Here are the boys before the tearing of boxes.

And me too!

Here are the presents that helped make Rob's 42nd special.  They reflect his musical interests, as well as his love for family.  To the right you'll notice a book I had made for Rob of our music blog, probably his favorite gift.

And now, it's time for CARVEL cake, Rob's favorite!

To make you feel like you didn't miss anything, here is the birthday song!

And what better way to end this posting than with the classic Earth, Wind, and Fire song...

Happy Birthday Rob!  We'll never forget the 21st day of September!

Braces Bonanza

Lets play the braces game! Who do you think got braces?

Or......

You guessed it!



Yes, Sienna got braces. Surprised?

A New York State of Mind

Remember way back when I promised pictures of our summer vacation, however out of order they were?  Well I'm keeping that promise, so just imagine this is a flashback of our trip to the East coast.  While enjoying comfortable accomodations on Meadowview Drive, we planned excursions out of the Cranbury countryside to the bustling streets, sounds, and sights of New York City.  Sure there's a lot of walking, crazy crowds, questionable aromas, a plethora of beggars, expensive eats and wares, and oh man, the humidity! BUT, there are sights to be seen and in the span of two short days, we were determined to see them all. 

One of my favorites was Central Park.  Sienna and I love to watch movies, and many a movie has been filmed in that national treasure.  Our favorites are Enchanted, Made of Honor, When in Rome, and Elf.  The Bow Bridge is gorgeous (and featured in Made of Honor and When in Rome).  Here we are posing in this picturesque place.

 

Another sight to see is the Angel Fountain at Bethesda Terrace.  This feature is prominent in the movie Enchanted and Elf.

Sienna and I (or maybe just me) are so nerdy that we tried to recreate some movie scenes.  Here we are recreating the scene from Enchanted where Robert tells Gisele to go and basically get out of his life.  He gives her some money and watches her walk off.  While walking down the Central Park mall, she gives the money to an elderly lady sitting on a bench.  Sienna is the elderly lady and I'm Gisele.

If you haven't seen it, do!  Then this will all make sense.

We also did very 'touristy' things in the park which included a horse drawn carriage ride.  Personally, I think that's more fun than a taxi or a subway ride.

And of course you can't forget the Empire State Building!  The last time we were there Sienna was 18 months old and Spenser wasn't with us yet.  Eleven years later and stronger, here we are at the observatory -

  

On our first visit to this landmark, I snapped a picture of Rob holding Sienna's hand, similar to this one.  Of course I have to track that picture down and scan it in, but imagine the same picture, only with Sienna as a toddling 18 month old.   

Another awesome thing Rob and I did was attend a taping of the Late Show with David Letterman.  The guest was Regis Philbin and it was quite entertaining.  Unfortunately, we didn't get on t.v., even though we were sitting up front. 

Here are some other highlights -

So we conquered the concrete jungle where dreams are made of.  And we had fun too!