Jenny and I are often asked what are the best months to have a wedding... For us, the answer is obvious.

04 and 10. April and October.

Here are some reasons:

1- No crowds. With the exception of a couple of days, these months are very pleasant around the temples because there aren't a million people brawling for certain shots. There have been some days when I had the only wedding. This is glorious in contrast to the 75+ wedding on a weekend in the summer.

2- Color. April is wonderful because of the Spring flowers. October is amazing because of the oranges and browns which fill up the framework. The birth and death of life each with their own unique contributions.

3- Temperature. Both these month have pleasant temperatures and they are a joy to shoot. This is in stark contrast to the hot, sweaty summer months and the freezing cold winter months. Perfect transition temperatures take place during April and October.

And there you have it. So if you ever can your spouse or have yet to choose one, take this advice into consideration. You won't be sorry!

You Are Cilantro

The bad news is that there are some people who can't stand you. The good news is that most people love you more than anything else in the world. You are distinct, unusual, fresh, and very controversial. And you wouldn't have it any other way.

As far as the title of this post is concerned... Whatever. That saying is for losers!

Just kidding.

Kind of.

I am one of those parents. I am the guy that totally gets into the kids games, regardless of the sport. It IS all about winning. I really have a tough time not getting fired up. I love going and watching the games, but sometimes it is VERY difficult to not start screaming at somebody! I am like this at all sporting events and it is difficult to separate activities, even if the players are only five.

I want my kids to love playing sports and I think much of that love is developed from winning and succeeding on the field. It is tough as a parent to see them lose or not play well, or be on a team that isn't as aggressive as one would like. Don't they realize that this is how we plan on paying for college! Get with it people!

Maybe my poor behavior is my guilt for not being able to coach. I would love NOTHING MORE than to coach any of my kids sports, but my work doesn't allow me to do so. Maybe it is time for some re-evaluation and figure out how I could make that possible.

Either way, anytime I get to watch just about any sport live, I am very happy! Especially when my kids are the stars!

Alex was so excited to play football again this Spring... until he got his jersey. Are you kidding me mom? At least his hat shows where his true loyalties lie.

Thanks to my bro-in-law Steve and due to the huge interest expressed, we have some information regarding two porta-potties being brought in to the camp.

They are located in Afton which is about 30 miles from camp. If we pick them up and transport them, they will run us only $60 dollars (nervous and don't think this is a good idea). If the guy delivers them, it is $160 (better idea--don't have to transport a full potty). So, the question for all of you who read this is, do you think it is a good idea to pay the extra 4-7$ each for restrooms? Either post or send me an email.

This bride and groom, Ashley and Jardin, are getting married in the morning (Saturday). We did a Love Story shoot a few weeks ago and while I was prepping my computer for tomorrows shoot, I was reminded of how much I like several of their shots. I don't know why I am throwing these up here, but I thought you might enjoy them as well. This particular picture is one of my favorites.
The Gateway is a great place to shoot pictures. Awesome lines, snazzy textures, along with groovy architecture are all ingredients for an artist's wonderland. Their are a lot of hidden gems downtown that we are discovering that, if I ever had any time, would love to explore and take loads of pictures. Anyway, these are a few of my favorites...

Spring wedding season has begun. This is the time of year when we kick it into HIGH gear. In fact, between now and the end of June we have 65 weddings on the books. So in honor of the beginning of the season, I thought I would throw down some pics that I shot today. The weather was amazing, I shot with a great photographer, and both my brides were terrific! I have a great job!

Jenny has posted before how Isaac is a very unique individual. A few examples: there are the main stream superheroes that all five year old boys love like Superman and Batman, and then there is Isaac's favorite "hero": Boba Fett. Isaac loves shrimp. Isaac will only wear socks if they don't match. His favorite song is Enter Sandman from Metallica. He would take Halloween over Christmas ANY day, etc.
Isaac has grown up watching Alex excel in both basketball and football. Like a good brother, he has waited patiently on the sidelines waiting for his opportunity to shine. Well, like his brother, we tried soccer. Isaac HATED it (so did I... not a soccer fan). Isaac took Karate and did OK. But on Monday, we may have found his sport... tee ball!

He was awesome! He ran after the ball when he played infield. He ripped the ball everytime he stepped up to the plate! He was fantastic! No one in the family has really liked baseball (except dad) so maybe Isaac will want to play it for a while. I hope so... I love it. And as long as I don't tell him that, he will want to be "unique" and keep playing!

Matt has been after me to blog on something controversial, something to get the people thinking... so after much deliberation, here are some of my thoughts on spanking. Hate me if you wish, but these are my opinions and this is my story.

As a brand-new mom I thought spanking was something of the past. It was something from back in the day. I was an enlightened and time-out savvy parent and I would never, ever spank my child. Not a problem. I had Alex. He was so tender hearted and wanted to please. Just a cross look or telling him he had done something "naughty" was enough to reduce him to tears. And they weren't just for show. He was really and truly sorry for whatever he had done wrong.



So all of my Parenting magazine tips were working. We did time-outs and took away privileges and I was sailing through motherhood following all of the latest advice to the letter.

Enter Isaac.



Isaac started testing his limits the minute he could move; maybe before. Isaac would run away from me in the grocery store without looking back and then hide in the clothes rack while I shouted his name. It seemed the madder I was, the funnier he thought it was. And the boy was only 1, you cannot reason with a one-year-old, you cannot cajole, threaten, or bribe. I was fighting a losing battle.

Then he started doing things that were just plain dangerous: i.e. run away from me in parking lots, hit other children with toys, refuse to get in his car seat... It was getting to the point that he was going to get himself killed or I was going to do the job for him. I'm sure you can all think of politically correct methods for dealing with each of these behaviors; believe me when I say I think I tried them all. One day, in sheer frustration, I spanked Isaac.

He was appalled. He cried and cried. But. The next time he was doing something all I had to do was threaten to spank him and he immediately stopped! I was amazed. After all my miserable attempts to get him to listen to me, to get him to mind, I had found it- a way that worked.

I know some of you out there are shaking your heads in disbelief that I could be so cruel. I know some of you are judging me. That's fine. I did it. I did it more than once. However, I am now happy to report Isaac is a happy and loving 5 year old who no longer requires "corporal punishment". Now we just have to take away the chocolate ice cream to get cooperation.

Personally, I think I'd rather be spanked.

That is my story... What's yours?

Matt here. Thought I would spice things up a bit.

I am not sure what this post is all about... Something has been bugging me and I have a lot to say, but I am not sure how to put it all together, so here it goes.

The boys and I had a date night last night while Jenny attended a number of her volunteer Sandy City Meetings. We went out to dinner to Isaac's favorites restaurant, The Chinese Gourmet. We hung out and talked, punched, and laughed... what boys do. We then went to the Hansen Planetarium and enjoyed some time together. It was great. OK, I got the pics out of the way...

Although I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my boys, have you noticed how much kids today need to be entertained all the time? In many homes, the TV is always on. The game consoles are the new babysitters. Much activity is limited to time on the couch. Yes, there has been much progress in technology, but is it really progressive? Kids are fatter, parents are lazier, and imaginations are being dulled to the point of non-existence. Constant, flashy entertainment is the only thing that keeps kids (and many adults) engaged anymore. This is the real result of technological progress.

Where do the kids learn this trait anyway? What do parents do when they come home from work? How are our evenings spent as parents? Do we just watch TV when our children are awake? Do we watch TV throughout the day? Is the TV constantly on filling the sound void in our homes? Or are we playing with our kids and stimulating their minds and imaginations?

When I was young, I would leave the house in the morning and come back in the evening. Normally, my parents had no idea whether I was coming or going. We were thrilled with playing army with sticks, playing a pick up game of hoops, or anything else OUTSIDE. I was friends with all the kids in the neighborhood and we were always spending time together. WE CREATED FUN! We didn't have to have it spoon fed to us.

Do your kids need to be spoon fed fun? Mine sometimes do... and that drives me crazy.

I think today we are regressing.

Sure, the TV shows are "awesome" (that is a whole other post) and the XBOX games are super realistic, but let's stop handicapping our childrens' imaginations by allowing all of these restrictive sources do the thinking for them. Let's turn off our TV. Limit "screen" time as my wife calls it. Make the kids get off the couch, and who knows, maybe we could get off the couch as well! Get the kids outside. Let them run around. Let's not just turn on a cartoon for the kids so "we can get something done!" No more TV babysitting! I think we need to force our kids to come out of their creative coma by making them do something imaginative. I believe when we do this and the kids start relying on their own imaginations for entertainment, it will not only stimulate activity, but when the kids aren't watching TV, they won't need to be spoon fed fun by us! Ultimate parental bliss.

Let's regress together with some tough creative love!

I know things won't ever be the same as when I was younger, but if things are going to "progress" in this technological direction, well, as for me and my house, we aren't going quietly. I am lucky to have such an awesome wife who leads the way in this philosophical battle.

When Jenny and I attended Brigham Young University, or "The" University of Utah, we, like most college students, were very, very poor. Our diet consisted of Mac and Cheese, noodles, noodles with sauce (birthdays), and water. One might ask how I maintained my fabulous figure during these years, well, it wasn't easy. Something in the Zoobie water maybe...

Well, on super special occasions, we would order take out from our FAVORITE restaurant, Los Hermanos. We couldn't order anything fancy off the menu, or even our own entree because we couldn't afford it. So one magical day, we stumbled upon the Nachos Supreme platter, which was only about $10 but it was loaded with chips, cheese, beans, chicken, sour cream, guacamole, and every other delectable Mexican taste. We loved and lived for this oh so very special treat. (We had every intention of taking a picture when it came to the table but when it arrived, we were all so excited to chow down, we forgot the pic. Sorry.)

Well tonight, we thought the kids were old enough to appreciate this stroll down memory lane and partake of some fantastic Mexican. We drove to Provo, had a terrific meal and I think the kids enjoyed it too!

I am realizing that this is turning into a long post. We, at the Baker Bloggers, are anti-long post and travel itinerary blogging so if you are also, stop reading now...

Anyway.
Jenny is a faithful viewer of the website Today'sMama.com and she stumbled upon a Live Reptire Show at the Bean Museum also in Provo. So, with full bellies which probably made us quite attractive to the the reptiles, we ventured onto Zoob campus and enjoyed a night at the museum.

Many have asked us what we know about 4th of July festivities in Jackson. Well, here is your answer:

http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/events/4th-of-july.php#Article

I figure we will do a run in the morning and then head into town for the celebration. Let me know if you have any questions.

matt

So, last night we had a family date. We gave the kids a number of options of potential activities, and they unanimously chose one activity: Rock on Demand at the Hansen Planetarium. This is their third or fourth time they have gone and we love this show! Lasers, colors, and pictures shoot across the ceiling and morph into a variety of images all to the the sounds of some of the best, classic rock bands ever.

The best part of the show is when I hear my boys singing "Enter Sandman" or "Tom Sawyer" on key! They clap, scream, and all the teenagers think they are cool because my boys know these older songs better than they do! It is a proud moment for a dad.

Speaking of proud moments: After the show, we were walking around the Gateway, and Jenny, feeling a bit overwhelmed by testosterone, showed Isaac how much fun the "Build a Bear" store could be. Isaac glanced in the window and quickly responded "NO WAY! I am NEVER going in there. Cute bears? I like ONLY AWESOME, not cute!"

So for all of you dads "enjoying" Hannah Montana and Disney Princesses, you are welcome to hit the Rock on Demand show with us next time around. Not that any dads are going to read this...

So here is my version of the story.

Matt wanted to go to Wal-Mart to get a new t-ball set for Isaac. Being the multi-tasker that I am required by motherhood to be, I thought I would get the other things we needed grocery-wise while I was there (and while Matt was there).

Then Matt decided maybe Isaac didn't need a t-ball set that much. I mean, if he had to endure grocery shopping, he was out. I, unfortunately, didn't have that luxury. If I don't do the grocery shopping, no one will. And then they really wouldn't get to eat again. In the end he agreed to keep the kids home while I went and did the grocery shopping and I did get to go to Wal-mart by myself. But let's not kid anyone, it wasn't exactly my idea of a good time. I mean, seriously, who gets excited shopping for parsley?

That said, if I were able to go to someplace fun; say Bed, Bath and Beyond or something of the sort with plenty of money to spend and no children to break anything... I could spend a good chunk of change there, not to mention hours of browsing. I would enjoy that. Immensely.

So, there you have it folks, two different sides to the same story and a clarification of the kind of shopping I someday aspire to do. I guess that's what keeps life interesting around here.

One last thing. If you do have a thing for shopping, I won't judge you. Go girl.

Matt here.

Today was a pretty normal day. Nothing special, just work, work, and some more work. As evening rolled around, I found myself ready to engage the kids, go shoot some hoops, read some Potter, you know, wind the day down with some fun.

Well, Jenny had other plans. She wanted to go have some Jenny kind of fun. She wanted to go ...

shopping.

Shopping isn't fun. It BLOWS. There is nothing that can ever be good about shopping. In Jenny's defense, she "says" she doesn't love to go grocery shopping, but I can sense a sort of satisfaction in her voice any time she gets to go to WalMart without kids.

What is it about shopping that you ladies LOVE? What is it about spending hard earned money on things that you don't need? Why do you enjoy "wasting" (my word, not yours) so much time going to the malls when you could be doing something useful or productive? Do you really need another pair of shoes so you have one for every day of the month? Or another "cute" outfit as if the 40 other cute outfits in your closet aren't enough? Is it therapeutic? Is it an obsession? Or is it all of the above.

I am fortunate that Jenny isn't a shopper like some of her friends but given an unlimited budget, she very well could be. She has huge potential! :)

When Jenny suggested going to the store, the boys and I staged a protest. Jenny rebutted that if we ever wanted to eat again we would get in the car. The boys folded like a piece of paper. I was able to sweet talk Jenny into letting us stay home though, and we enjoyed a night of hoops, books, and treats. And Jenny enjoyed WalMart, alone. Everybody is happy!

I guess the boys and I dodged the bullet AND we will eat again!

I would like to introduce you to my new love.

Zero calories.

Zero fat.

Lots of taste.

Her name is balsamic vinegar. We were introduced a month or so ago and the feelings were intense and immediate. This, my friends, is the real deal. We are not, however, exclusive. She'd love to visit your kitchen too. You'll love her. Just throw some meat or veggies in a pan with some of it and cook. That's it. Just try it and let the love flow...

So as many of you know, we have moved the Snake River Trip from the 24th of July weekend to the 4th of July weekend this year. Well, I set my alarm early on Monday which was the beginning of boat rental season at the UofU and they told me to arrive BEFORE they opened in order to secure rentals over the busy holiday weekend!

Of course, with my luck, it snowed heavily Sunday night, but I braved the treacherous conditions for all of you loyal rafters in order to secure boats. Well, mission accomplished! I confirmed two 16 foot, self-bailing rafts and two inflatable kayaks. Perfect!

I know only some of you who read this are seasoned rafters with us, but would you let me know if you are coming this year? We are having a grundle of people coming and I need to figure out what the cost is going to be per rafter. Normally, it is around $20 per person, but we might add a little more and get a couple of portable restrooms for all the folks.

Oh, and if you have never come before, we would love for you to join us! Maybe some of you who come every year could share your thoughts on how awesome it is or just watch the movie again from last year. Call me if you have questions.