Atlanta Trip 2009

The Wonderful Atlanta Tour of 2009

Atlanta Trip

Atlanta is a way fun city. We went to the coca cola factory. Nanette is posing with the statue of the dude that invented the 'secret coke formula'. I forget his name but he ranks up there with Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny for bringing happiness to all. We went to the aquarium, Margaret Mitchells home (author of Gone with the Wind) and the Bodies exhibit. We were excited to be on a subway again, but Atlanta's subway system is tiny compared to NYC and Boston, still it is always fun to people watch on the subway. We bought a free paper from a man who was obviously in need of a shave and a haircut.

The U2 Concert

Sorry everybody but we just have to put some of these pictures up. Me, Nanette, Hannah and Caleb flew to Atlanta Georgia to watch an absolutely amazing concert. Muse was the opening group and was quite fun to listen to. Then the show began. I couldn't believe how completely amazing this concert was.

Hannah and Caleb weren't even embarrased by their parents dancing and singing. If you get a chance to go to this U2 concert definitely do it. Nanette and I will be going to the concert in Denver June14th 2010 so let us know and we'd love to go together.

NELSON-ALLRED VACATION TRADITION BEGINS

We had a fantastic vacation this summer with our friends, Paul and Ginny Nelson and their family. We hope to make this a tradition since it was so much fun. We all went to the midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. John had to go do a delivery 30 minutes into the movie and got locked out of the theater trying to get back in. Our two families obviously won the best costumes of the night. Nanette and Ginny took a week in Provo for summer camps. Hannah did Tennis camp with Matthew. When Paul flew out from texas to meet up with us we all went camping in Yellowstone park where we met up with Ginny's parents. It was great to have them with us and can't wait for them to move to Idaho (please???)

Fun Overload!!!

We had a fantastic vacation in Cancun. we also went to the Coldplay concert. Here is a highlights video of our fun vacation.

Redwood Vacation

We spent a week in Northern California August 2008. The Redwood Forest is an amazing site. It is exciting to be so close to living organisms that old, tall and awe inspiring. The coast provided an abundant wildlife adventure; starfish, anemone, whales, harbor seals, otters, pelican, banana slugs, and California Rednecks were everywhere. We stayed in a rental home in Trinidad California and found out "hot tub" in the brochure was actually the communal hot tub three blocks away behind the Catholic church, fragrantly located two feet from the compost pile.

Top of Utah Marathon

The Top of Utah Marathon was a great experience. It was so great having most of our family there (Caleb had 2 soccer games in Idaho) I finished my first Marathon in 4:09. Kevin and Shanna Duke were great hosts(thanks guys). I hit a major wall @ mile 17 but thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The absolute best part was seeing Nanette and the girls at the finish line. No major injuries and amazing scenery along the way. I'm hoping to do the SLC marathon with Matt and Shane. Nanette, Hannah & Caleb may do the 5k. I saw a bumper sticker that weekend that said, "running a marathon is cheaper than psychotherapy". After the year we have had I may need to run several more.

Wind Cave Hike

On Saturday Dad, Hannah & Caleb took a day hike together. The Wind Cave trully lives up to its name(very windy & cold). It is pictured just above the children and you can see a waterfall flowing just below the opening of the cave. The scenery was breathtaking. We spent about three and a half hours hiking, exploring the cave and veiwing the brilliant wildflowers of the Targhee National forest. The trailhead is about a 45 minute drive from our front door. We didn't have time to see the ice cave which is one mile from the Wind Cave.

Coldplay Concert

Nanette and I had a great weekend in Las Vegas!! We saw the 'Bodies' exhibit and it was absolutely amazing. They have created some intricate exhibits that place the creation of the human body as the greatest work of art in my book.(They did however mislable the cervix...no biggy). The highlight of the trip...besides being with Nanette for an uninterrupted 36 hours...was the Coldplay concert. We had a blast. We have front row seats for the concert on Nov 21st in Denver. We are taking Hannah and Caleb to the Nov 22nd concert in SLC. VIVA LA VIDA BABY!!!

Ashby/Allred Outdoor Adventure

We had the best weekend with the Ashby's. We spent time in St Anthony swimming and floating the river. Nanette, John, Carmen and Grace floated about 20 feet away from a big bull moose. We all went to Jackson and did the Jenny Lake hike. The children were awesome hikers. I think the energy pills helped (candy). John and Ryan did a fair amount of piggy back rides but we all made it back. It was so nice to have them in our home. We love visitors and have such wonderful places to visit. So come on up to Idaho y'all.

Christmas in NYC

Late entry obviously but don't we look good in a big city. We had so much fun in NYC. We hit as many site's as we could in four days. We stayed at the Marriot Marquis, saw four musicals, went to the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Chinatown, Ellis Island, Rockefellar Center and ate @ some great resturaunts. It was great for me to be able to speak the language (ie east coastish).We also spent half of the week in Vermont with Ben & Jen and their boys. When we talk about the trip the highlight was definitely spending time with them in Vermont. Family is just the greatest.