Thanksgiving Break

My break was phenomenal. I did so many cool things (but little homework). I already wrote about the family dinner, but failed to mention my other two fun activities.

Hike to the Wildman’s Camp

My sister Jill, nephew Tyler and I returned to one of the favorite camping spots of my youth. As a teenager, my friends and I often used to hike and camp out at ‘The Wildman’s Camp’. The campsite is in a small desert forest in the Superstition Mountains. One of my friends dad discovered the place and we have been attracted to it ever since. When the water is running there is a swimming hole (with a small waterfall) and beautiful desert scenery.

Since there are no trails into the campsite I was a little worried I would not be able to find it again, but once out in the desert I had no problem remembering the terrain and how to safely navigate through the prickly desert.

Tyler took most of the pictures below. The whole hike was a lot of fun. We chatted the whole way and walking through the small grove of mesquite trees brought back a lot of good memories.

I was tired when we got home, but happy I did it.

Airplane Ride of a Lifetime

The most exciting thing I did all weekend was to go up in an Extra 300L plane and do acrobatics. Jay (brother-in-law) got free tickets to a place out at Williams Gateway Airport where you basically go on a roller coaster ride 1800 feet above the ground.

I can’t even begin to explain what kinds of maneuvers we did—everything from small roles, to huge loops. One thing I remember, and is easy to explain is when we stalled the airplane going straight vertical into the air and let the plane fall naturally backwards through the exhaust until we flipped over and pulled out to level.

I was up there for 45 minutes and probably did 15 different stunts, ranging from easy to advanced. The pilot did each stunt, and then let me take control of the plane to do the stunt myself (He told me which way to push the stick, and which pedals to push). Throughout the course of the flight I experienced -3 G’s (when I thought my head was going to explode) to +6 G’s. The whole flight was super intense and a blast throughout.

Thanks Jay, for making this amazing experience possible.

Here a few pics from these awesome activities.

Scott

Jill and Tyler

The cactus growing out of the rock fell over and died because the roots cracked the rock.

Me, explaining something cool I recently found in the scriptures. Afterwards Jill said I am just like my Dad. I take any opportunity I can to teach an important principle.

Tyler, the tree hugger....this one isn't so pleasant is it?

The truck was just barely able to make through the road we traveled to get to the trailhead.
Wow, that was close.

Better than any Roller Coaster

Ready for take off

Jay, coming in from his flight

Thats me:

Thanking the pilot for the ride of a lifetime

Sorry for the delay-

The last time this was updated was before Thanksgiving. Whew, that seems like a long time ago. I’ve been pretty busy and a little sick. Whenever I got some free time I just went to bed (so I can get over this sickness).

So, where do I start?

Thanksgiving was great. The whole family met at one of my sister’s house to eat Turkey and be together. That was cool. One of the highlights for me was watching everyone watch a DVD Nathan and I made from one of my Grandpa and Grandma’s family albums. I tried to match up the pictures with music from the time. I guessed the photos were probably taken in the 40’s, so I chose 40’s music. Mostly Jazz/Big Band Music.

Lynette was taking pictures of shoes for her photography class. She is asking everyone to write their feelings about a particular pair of shoes. I liked reading my families stories. My favorite stories were from my Dad and Chanelle.

We also made tiny ginger bread houses. Since we pretty much make ginger bread houses every year at Thanksgiving my parents have devised some clever tactics to be able to produce a lot of homes with little effort. It seems like each year they think of something else to ‘streamline’ or ‘standardize’ the construction process. This year we had ‘pre-manufactured’ gingerbread houses—these houses were smaller than normal but easier and cheaper. Seriously, my folks could design gingerbread subdivisions faster and cheaper than any of the competition.

Pretty much the whole family was there (with the exception of a sister) and it was a lot of fun for everyone. I did make one interesting observation—for the most part Thanksgiving with the Andreasen’s is more about spending time together than about football. There were much more people outside chatting, playing games, or making gingerbread houses than there were in front of the TV watching the game. I never realized that before. Even though that is different from modern American culture I think that what we do is a good thing.

Scott

I caught Damian cheating again on camera...
It was just a wierd coincidence...
This time while playing Don't Eat Pete
Here he is eating Pete

The look on my Moms face is priceless.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

These hands belong to the kids that I work with at the Guadalupe Boys and Girls Club. These are some of the things they were grateful for, and I think we should be grateful too. Well, at least for most of them, the Pokemon cards just made me laugh. When I look at these it makes me thankful for children and the way they see the world. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving Day and is able to remember their blessings.

-Lynette

Family –

Since this is Thanksgiving week I thought I’d like to mention something I am very thankful for—my family.

I’m not sure why I was so lucky to be born to the Andreasen family, but I am grateful I did. From my family I learned everything--how to speak, how to love, how to behave, and how to work. Whether they know it or not, my parents and each one of my 6 siblings have helped shape me into who I am today.

As a toddler, I felt loved. My mom feared I would never learn to walk because my brother and sisters would constantly want to pick me up and carry me. And now, I feel loved. Among other things, my family has offered to give me rides while our truck is in the shop. They have taken their time out to sit and chat or play games. They have invited me to attend their family vacations and day outings. They have served me, talked with me, sorrowed with me and rejoiced with me through every trial, accomplishment and event of my life.

I remember how great it felt when my siblings and their families came to my high school graduation. I remember the constant stream of letters I got while living in Spain. I remember the joy I felt when my ENTIRE family was waiting for me at the airport when I returned home. I remember the pleasant feelings I had while being married to my wife in the presence of my wonderful family. And now, through phone calls, emails and other means I feel that same encouragement and love.

Every good trait that I have is better because I have a family who loves me. I am more confident, more ambitious, more energetic and have a better outlook on life because of them. They are my best friends and I thank God I have them.

Thank you family, I love you too.

Scott

Senior Show –

Lynette has been super busy the last couple of weeks, and will probably double all she normally does this week. Because of that, she asked me to let everyone know about a couple of events that you are all invited to attend.

First and most importantly, (to Lynette) is her Senior Show. It will be held in Gallery 100 (if you came to the show last time is the gallery right next to the Step Gallery). The opening is from 7:00-9:00 on Monday, November 20, 2006. We hope EVERYONE can come. I put a map to Gallery 100 above. See the yellow text.

Secondly, Lynette will be selling some of her beaded Jewelry at a City of Mesa Holiday Art & Music Festival on Saturday, November 18, 2006. She will have a table, starting at 10am. She should be selling a lot of jewelry, but, like I said she is extremely busy. Hopefully she can make a lot. We will see. She is sharing the booth with two other jewelers. The event will be at the Mesa Arts Center on ‘Shadow Walk’. I’ve never been there, so I’m not sure where that is. The Mesa Arts Center is in Downtown Mesa. For more information go to:

http://www.mesaartscenter.com/EventDetail.aspx?eventID=832

Call/e-mail myself or Lynette if you have any questions.

Scott