Seaworld

We just got back from a trip from CA where we went to Sea world, I will post the other stops on our trip. We have the most pictures at Sea world, so I decided to start here.

On the back of the map of the park they suggested that the water rides in the mornings because the lines are shorter. I was talked into going in the front seat by Zach. I was wet from my chest to the bottom of my feet. There is a wave that comes over and lands in your lap that must be 10 gallons of water.

I was done in the front seat after one ride, but Zach talked Sarah, then James, and finally Samantha into riding with him in the front seat. We went on it 5 times together and Zach and Samantha went on it one more time just to make sure they were really wet.This is the wettest ride I have ever been on. We went through a penguin exhibit after this then to a polar ride that they air condition a little too much to make you feel like your in the Arctic. When we got done with the virtual ride (its similar to space tours at Disneyland) there was a puddle of water at Zach's feet. James, Samantha, Sarah and my seats were visibly wet.

We went to see the shamu family preform (shamu is no longer with us, they just keep using his name) We stat in the wet zone, but we left drier then when we entered.

As you can see from the picture we sat right next to where a whale comes out of the water and shows off to the crowd. I think Zach was a little sad that we did not get sprayed. The rest of us were rather glad we were able to dry out a little bit.

After seeing Shamu we decided that we would go and try another ride, we went on the Ship Wreck Rapids where we got wet again. It is a lot like Grizzly Bear Rapids at Disneyland. We had a lot of fun riding it, but after riding it, I really began to wonder if this place was designed to get its guests as wet as the whales and dolphins.

This ride has hydrants that you can put a quarter into and spray rafts as they go by. The last two times we went on this, Laura and Zach sat them out. Zach was standing by the hydrant, and some nice man gave him a quarter so he could spray us the first time through. That nice man gave him another one, and Zach started spraying us when we first come into view until we went under the waterfall. We were all very wet.

After we finished the water ride we were able to go and hold star fish.

It looked like it was going to rain, so we went into a 3D movie ride, that dumped more water on us. We did miss the rain, and we walked around a little more watching the seals begging for fish. They are very aggressive and barked at everyone that they thought had a little fish for them. We did not buy any of the 1.25 sardines to feed them, but they were fun to watch. As were looking for place for lunch we found a restaurant that had a fire they had been cooking over. We lost the kids to the fire, they were cold and wet. We took our time getting dryer and warmer, the food was so so and over priced, just like most parks.

We did spend a little bit on this expensive sardines and fed the dolphins. This was well worth the money. I would highly recommend doing it. They have a feeding time when you can touch and feed them. Sarah wanted to make sure that we did this and we were all very glad we did it.

At some point in the day we went thought the shark encounter where you can see many many sharks from the surface, then from below. It was very cool to see them so close.

One last stop to see the dolphins perform before we left, well worth the wait. Zach tried one last time to get splashed on. The rest of us were a little higher up, out of the soak zone.

The Hall

The Hall is another thing that I pass everyday on my way almost anywhere. It is a place of social gathering in Otter Creek and about the only thing that would indicate that Otter Creek is a town. I have often thought that I should photograph it but this morning in the snow it had an extra bit of charm so I risked pulling to the side of the road and started taking pictures. I was so excited when I saw this image because I had never noticed the stain glass in the windows before. I thought that the lines and shapes as well as the lack of color and simple colors in the stained glass all made for a very cool image. Just thought I would share my discovery with you all.

Inspired by Mike

I pass this moose every day on my way to work and on my way home. This morning however when all color was gone but the red/orange of the warning triangle I though that if Mike were sitting next to me in that moment that I would turn to him and say, "Don't you wish that all moose came with warning signs like that!" It was doubly inspired by Mike because it reminded me of the picture that he took of Timp that Danny commented on as being cool to see the stop sign be the only color amidst all of the white ... so I set up this picture so that it would have that same feel.

The Big Storm

I've received a few e-mails asking about the storm. It has been fantastic! From what I hear on the news it started in the early morning and has not stopped since. I have enjoyed watching it all day at work. We have lots of big windows that overlook Frenchman Bay so we have great views of the storm. At lunch time I put on my snow pants, winter coat, 40 below boots and went tromping around the area where I work. It was so much fun!!

I just went outside and measured the snow and it was at 8" but I will check again in the morning and again after work (if I can get there!).

Deer Brook meeting Frenchman Bay


The gate to the grounds of the mansion where I work

The gates. You can really see here the wind blowing the snow!

Deer Brook pond and Deer Brook meeting the sea.

The greenhouse and my house after work.

There is so much more snow than that now. The trees by my front porch are 100% covered in snow and sagging from the weight.

A snowy morning

I had planned another summit attempt on Timp (I will get the pics from that posted soon) on Saturday, but it started to rain on Friday then that turned into snow that night, so I stayed home and fixed things around the house. Sunday morning when it finally stopped I went out and took some pictures of the snow in the trees. Like most of my pictures

When I was taking the movie, it was so cold I was having a hard time even talking.

Providence Canyon

Crystal and I took a weekend off and went down to Providence Canyon State Park to do some hiking and relax. It is called the 'little grand canyon of Georgia' for obvious reasons. It was caused by erosion from just rainwater. Gives you an idea of exactly how much rain we get here in GA. This area has rolling hills and when farmers came to the area in 1820 to plant cotton they plowed downhill. The ensuing erosion caused 200 foot canyons. The second picture is of us at the bottom of the canyons. The third picture is of a firewatch tower that we climbed up. You can just see Crystal at the bottom of the tower. I got the willie nillies up at the top and we didn't stay too long. It is the first time I have ever been scare of heights.(including the time I have rapelled off 200 foot cliffs) I have put all the pictures of the trip, and there are a lot, on my smugmug site. Here is the link:

http://crystal-images.smugmug.com/gallery/3921427#227618033

Letters from Josh

We finally heard from Joshua and we have Emma to thank for it. Josh hasn't opened many of the letters he's been sent, but Emma's artwork inspired Joshua's drill instructor to have Josh open her letter. In turn Josh wrote to Dan and Crys, along with their kids. A letter to Maryland followed quickly on the heels of that letter.

Crystal was able to scan her letter, so I can (and will) send that one via e-mail. I'm not that clever so I'll type his letter here (with appropriate mom edits to compensate for Marineese)

"Dear Family
I don't have time to write any letters, so this one will have to be brief. The only reason I'm writing is because the SDI keeps asking us why our families haven't sent anything. I don't want him to think that I'm not loved because goodness knows that isn't true. So please send me some protein bars, real protein bars not some crap cereal bars, and POWDERED Gatorade. Mom please send me some great pens so I don't have to write with crappy ink sticks, I know you know I'm picky ab about my pens, just like you, so please help me out. I also need some workout gloves, I wear a size large ad I know it would help if I had some.

Now, the last thing I want to ask for is some pics. Even though I can't write you doesn't mean I can't tell my friends about you. My men seem real interested about my life so any pictures of the family, friends, Tish and Jason and even ex-girlfriends would help.

I'm also sorry about uncle Brent. I don't open letters down here but the DI made me open one. Since it was opened I decided to read it. It was a letter telling me about Uncle Brent. I did cry and spent an hour staring out the back window. As weird as it sounds however, I believe he has caught up with my boyz (i.e., friends) and great grandfather to assist me while I'm down here. When things get rough I rind, from somewhere an extra push. It's hard to explain.

With my leaving words know that I love you all, you mean the world to me and because of all of this I know that you'll be protected. Save your tears. Show your smiles. I'm living my dream.

Love always,

Joshua Anderson

PS. Mohawk Joe, I just wanted to let you know that I miss you too. As for finding myself (Joe told him in a previous letter that he hoped Josh had found himself because he knew this was an important goal of his big brother while at boot camp; moreover Joe thought that he'd see Josh when that goal had been completed) Guess What?!?! I have, come to find out, I was never lost buddy and now that I know that I'm stronger than ever! I'll be seeing you soon. In six weeks you'll be giving your brother a big bear hug.

Rct. Anderson"


I want you each to know how much I appreciate the letters you have sent to Josh. I think him not opening his mail upon arrival is his way of looking inward for strength ... we don't always understand each other, but we always love each other. Your support of Josh means a great deal to me and I know that when the moment comes that he reads your letters --- just as it did when Emma's picture provided an opportunity for Josh to feel her love and the love of her family --- he will appreciate you too.

Also, Jayson and the Marine Corps told us not to send packages, especially not packages with food. I'm not sure why Josh has asked us to do so, but I will be responding to his request (geesh, what ELSE am I supposed to do I'm his mommy!) Let us collectively cross our fingers in hope that he is not required to eat an entire box of protein bars .....!

Three Cuties

I don't remember taking this picture of Tina, Debby and Stacy but they look like they were very willing to have it taken. It appears to be summer so I'm guessing we were at the Larsen picnic.

Liberty and Santa

Is is Liberty on Santa's Lap. She told him she wants a Doll. Get out your advent calendars it's December.

Grandpa and Grandma Larsen

There is no doubt the Alden and Erma Larsen (Grandpa and Grandma) really loved each other. They always showed loving, caring respect for one another. I wish that all of you had had the opportunity to know them better ... but in time you will.

Palmyra, NY

I spent the last week in Manchester NY putting a VOIP system in at one of our plants. Manchester is literally 5 miles from Palmyra. While I was there I went to several of the LDS Church Sites after work and/or on my way to the airport. I thought some of you would like to see the pictures.

A split rail fence. I thought it was interesting visually. Not really historical except I found out that when farmers of this era cleared out feilds they put the rocks underneath the fence to keep animals from pushing the fences over. I was shocked at the size of some of the rocks that were laying about the whole area and the number of rock fences I saw.

Inside the Sacred Grove. It was tough photograpically but still nice for me to visit.

The shot of the day on the way into sacred grove. It was a really pretty moment. I had real weather when I was up in NY. 40 MPH winds and snow flurries.

The LDS Palmyra Temple. More of that weather in the background.

The monument on top of the Hill Cumorah.