Oma & Opa Butler

Fall Colors 2009

2009-09-29T16:56:00.000-07:00

Zions National Park

2009-04-15T15:04:00.000-07:00

It has been over 55 years since visiting Zions National Park. On a whim, Oma and I lightly packed the car and headed to Zion's Lodge for an overnight exploration of the Colorado Plateau's Virgin River canyon. Whether the sandstone canyon walls are bathed in full sun or draped with shadowed frames, one feels very insignificant and engulfed with majestic backdrops.

The weather provided a small window of Spring warmth. While walking the paths and trails, Oma and I began to feel that English was the minority language spoken there. No matter the country of origin or the ethnic foundation of its visitors, Zions had a palpuble impact on all who meandered the trails.

The area is arid and receives little mosture. We were amazed that nature has a way of clinging to the sandstone formations and somehow provide enough nutrients to support pine, flowers, moss and vines. The yellow blossoms on the left were less than 1/8th inch in diameter. In one area small amounts of water seeped and fell from the canyon walls, forming a small creek that eventually emptied into the North Fork of the Virgin River. It is claimed that the water had been held in the rock formations for over 2,000 years

Wildlife included Western Big Horn Sheep, Mule deer, large grey squirels, wild turkeys that roamed the Lodge's frount grounds, and many local birds.

While the photo of Oma holding the railing seems unremarkable it does hold a story line. Prior to leaving the Park, Oma learned of a canyon hike that would lead to the Overlook Trail that features a spectacular view down Pine Creek Canyon. I cannot confirm the description of the view because I only made it 3/4 the way. It was not difficult to assend but I stopped because there was few areas where a handrail was provided. It made little sense to me that the trail slopped toward the steep canyon wall that fell to more than several hundred feet. In addition, the rock was covered with fine sand from deteriating sandstone wall faces. And the final decision to return down the canyon was made when Oma's ankle could not take any more trauma. In order to help she held on to my back pack. While trying to control my fear of heights she pulled on the pack (to maintain her balance but pull me off balance), laughed throughout the decent, and generally thought the whole thing was someting to scoff at. I am very thankful that that portion of the trip ended safely.

Easter

2009-04-15T06:52:00.000-07:00

Like Christmas, Easter traditions seem to migrate more to the children.

Helping the really young meant all adults and older boys needed to insure the toddlers got their fair share.

Nate's daughter is visiting from California while her newborn baby sister gains strenght in the hospital.

Even the adults found the most precious discoveries in their arms.

A Louisiana New Year

2009-01-06T06:42:00.000-08:00

Larry and Pam were great hosts for a pre-Sugar Bowl get together. It has been 20 years since being in Baton Rouge. We hope the following photos bring back memories to all the family.

A huge bonfire provided warmth to the body and good friends gave a glow to the soul.

Driving around Baton Rouge meant seeing the old neighborhood, Wedgewood school, Woman's Hospital, visiting with Don Zuber, and eating at Drucilla's resturant.

Woodland Ridge Subdivison, Oak tree where Mom took pictures you kids, and 3013 Tall Timbers home.

Wedgewood Elementary School and Woman's Hospital

The Sugar Bowl and the Host City: New Orleans

2009-01-05T16:28:00.000-08:00

We traveled the city via street cars and walked many miles on the River and French Quarter.

Food was great (as you would expect) and the servers were totally fun. Can you remember Bananas Foster with a three foot flame?

All that food was more palatable given the good friends and companions we enjoyed.

With a Superdome capasity of 72,000 the 12,000 Utah fans had to raise the volume to compete with Alabama.

But in the end, Utah kicked butt and there were no Alabama fans to be seen with 2:00 minutes left in the game.

We even found time to make new friends on the street.

The sights, sounds and history of the city.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-28T17:40:00.001-08:00

It is difficult to place the activities and traditions of one's youth in 'freeze frame', expecting that each Christmas thereafter will reflect the same feelings, activities and participation. People need to grow out of their parents home and establish their own traditions and unique memories. Still, as a parent of three great kids we wish that our time with each other can be repeated without change. But they do change and we intellectually understand but emotionally resent the absence of our children's excitement. We enjoyed having Michael share Christmas morning but understand the degree of void it represented, not having Dave and Stacey at his side. Although we spent critical time with Stacey and her family later in the day; and spoke to Dave, Bri and family by phone, still it was the variance from many years of our traditional experiences that made this Christmas unique among other festivities.

Ann did a great job of making the house feel all the warmth and joy of the holiday. I often give her grief for hanging on to Christmas decorations that have not been used in many years, hence filling the storage space with boxes that have no immediate use. But I can truly understand the reluctance of literally throwing tangible evidence of our memories into the refuse.

Stacey's in-laws (Carl and Sue) were kind to invite us to Christmas Eve dinner with their family. It was a great time and gave us time to feel the energy and excitement of the many children in attendance.

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-20T10:43:00.001-08:00

More random photos of Thanksgiving.

Mike and I went fly fishing on a cold morning.

Ya can't take a bad photo of Zach!

Busy hands are happy hands when it comes to the girls...

Holiday Season

2008-12-17T14:08:00.000-08:00

While a little late, photos of friends and family during Holloween and Thanksgiving always works.

Kate and Ann share a moment at Holloween time

Ann gets into the Holloween Spirit with Stacey's family

Alaska Fishing 2008

2008-10-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

Opa was excited to take David to Ketchikan for, what has become, the annual Silver (Coho) fishing trip.

A quick night was spent at Dave and Bri's so that Opa could drop off come Holloween 'spiders' for the boys and then Dave and Opa were off the next morning.

David was cautiously excited about the first day, not knowing the routine or what to expect from the weather and rough seas. He soon found out that sea-sickness pills would have helped a great deal.

But, alas all was not lost when a couple of fish came calling and the pills started to take effect.

Opa caught his share, including the largest of the trip.

Tommy and his son-in-law (Jason)rounded out the foursome of fishermen. They live in Phoenix and Tommy (Judy) Wittman have become great traveling companions.

As one can imagine there was much to wonder the eyes while not in the midst of catching fish (and there was much time spent watching the end of the poles). An everchanging skyline was a fitting backdrop to forest that seemed painted with a full pallet of green tones. The water was full of kelp that served as a play ground for Dall Porpoise, whales, sea lions, seals, sea gulls (who loved following the boat to claim small morsels of herring that were thrown over board) and many other animals occasionally made their presence known.

Some brag about the fish they caught or the number of pounds of fish fillets they brought home. But for us it was the memories of early mornings where the gravitational pull of the warm bed was most apparent. It was the frequent check of the sky that hinted at the next gale was seeking out our location. Then there was the not-so-funny quips that Opa dropped on the group to see if they understood the double and triple meanings behind the comments (mostly missed it is sad to report). But for Opa, it was the evening sky that bid us good night and fare well to a land that only the hardy could endure year round. It was the feelings, smells, and memories that draw us to a land were are only infrequent guests. I hope it never changes.

A Day At The Zoo

2008-09-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

Opa had a wonderful time with Kate and Zach at the Hogel Zoo today. It reminds me of college days when I had the distiction of building a 'cat house'. To some that may sound obscene but take heart. It was while I worked for a construction firm that we built a new facility for the big cats. One of the hardest and worst jobs I've ever had. I feel sorry for the common laborer on a construction site. It really was not what I wanted to do for more than a couple of months while school was out for the summer.

Oregon Coast 2008

2008-09-23T13:51:00.001-07:00

Although Stacey and her family were not able to join us, time on the Oregon Coast was relaxing (at times), renewing of my days as a PT and as a newly-wed, and a time to bring most of those that matter together for important 'face time'. Oma and I especially appreciated the one-on-one time we spent with Dallas.

More Photos From Mexico & Guatemala

2008-04-02T13:23:00.001-07:00

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-03-25T18:54:00.001-07:00

We returned from nine days of tour to Mexico and Guatemala. While the purpose was to explore the possible connections between the Book of Mormon peoples of Meso-America and the ruins found in the area between Mexico City and Guatemala City it was, however the captions written on the faces of those we met that remain vivid still. Edifices made by generations past are not as fascinating as the humanity that made them. While those people are long gone their genetic tracings, along with all their influences still peer from behind the eyes of those we met. Many continued to walk. stand, talk and act in ways that they could not explain except for traditions and inherited influences passed down from those who were described in the Book of Mormon or who had interaction with Lehi's decendents.

We were blessed to travel this part of the world because it reminded us of those things that are most important to us and those we met. Family, faith, love, and the desire to know that we are part of the human property of a living and loving God.

Farewell From Olympia

2008-01-20T15:32:00.000-08:00

My last day at Capital Medical Center included making rounds of the departments, meeting with Dr. Osborn and Mike Motte, followed by a going away reception in the administrative suite. It has been a great experience. I hope future assignments are so pleasent.

Birthday for Luke Chappell

2007-12-16T17:48:00.000-08:00

We all gathered for Luke's Birthday at a 'kids gone wild' place in South Salt Lake. I watched Zach while Oma kept track of Kate. Stacey and Brent made an attempt at tracking the wanderings of Luke, Austin and five kindergarten kids. Sponge Bob Square Pants (or whatever his name) was the cake's main feature.

After a laser game for the adults, Oma and I headed back to Salt Lake so I could take her to work. What a role reversal! Me taking her to and from work while I did some shopping! Go figure what's happening in this world of ours.

Fall is In Full Color

2007-11-04T13:32:00.000-08:00

You know Fall is here when emploees dress for Hollween and Mandy enjoys the newly fallen leaves.

The costumed folks are from the Olympia hospital where I'm consulting.

A Rainbow

2007-10-20T16:46:00.000-07:00

It is fall in Olympia and that means rain every day. I was surprized one evening when going to the hotel. Enjoy!

Consulting in Olympia, Washington

2007-09-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

Olympia is the state capital but only has 50,000 residents. It is located at one of the most southern tips of Pueget Sound.

The State Capital building is framed by a quaint town and lake that makes the overall beauty of the area even more enhanced.

There is a walking / jogging trail around the lake that I travel each night. Twice around equals nearly four miles but I must admit that it has not countered the increase in calorie intake the past two weeks. I've got to buckle down and do better or else I'll undo all the hard work I've done he past two months.

I'm really enjoying the consulting engagement at Capital Medical Center and hope to continue through the rest of the year.

Fishing In Alaska

2007-09-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

Opa spent the week fishing for Coho (Silver) Salmon at a cabin in Ketchikan, Alaska. While we were there one week early for the main run (and the salmon were about a week late from their normal arrival time) we still managed to bring home 150 pounds of fillets (between the three of us).

Tommy and Justin Wittman are friends from Phoenix, Arizona. We enjoyed the experience; that included rain, wind, rough seas, and long hours trolling. But that's what you expect this time of year. It's also what is REQUIRED for the salmon to enter their familiar breeding grounds.

Opa looks forward to returning as soon as possible. Anyone want to come along?

Dallas & Trenton Participate In A Wedding

2007-08-23T06:32:00.000-07:00

One of the main purposes for Dave and Bri to come to Salt Lake City was to attend the wedding of Bri's close friend. Dallas and Trenton participated and experienced their first time in a Tux. How cute are they!

Fishing in Midway

2007-08-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

Took Trenton and Dallas fishing while in the Heber Valley area. Never too young to start!

Dave and Bri's Family Visit

2007-08-14T19:59:00.000-07:00

So far the days are spent with Trenton, Dallas and Brooklyn. They change so fast. Took the boys to the aquarium for photo ops. More as the visit continues.

Park City Arts Festival

2007-08-05T11:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's event made Ann and me want to find our artistic side. Photography, gourds and music caught our attention. Here are some examples...

Photo 1: Frog on flower

Photo 2: Wood vases and bowls

Photo 3: Carved, painted and stained gourds

Oma's 90th Birthday

2007-07-29T06:23:00.000-07:00

The Nursing Home Gave Oma Baloons

Stacey and Family Gathered to Show Love to Oma

Ann and Kids Sang Happy Birthday: Both the English and Dutch Versions

Oma LOVED the Sweet Treat Stacey Brought

Zach Was All Smiles With the Singing and Attention

Oma is 90 and hanging in there. She is more awake and aware than in the past several years due to better hydration and improved medication control.

She was thrilled to see Stacey's family and enjoy singing and a treat from Stacey.

An Aquarium Outing with Kate, Luke & Austin

2007-07-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

Fun time with the Chappell grandkids. New aquarium in Sandy was the backdrop for a group photo.

Summer Day At Hogle Zoo

2007-06-02T13:37:00.001-07:00

Austin Butler Chappell with Oma & Opa.

Memorial Weekend

2007-05-29T06:39:00.000-07:00

Great weekend that included visits to graves, golf, Oma Rossaert, movie (Pirates) and lunch up Little Cottonwood Canyon. Great to spend time with Mike.

Spring Brings Little League Soccor

2007-05-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

Oma loves time with baby Zach

Spring Has Sprung

2007-05-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

Water Feature and Plants Begin to Flourish

Land Prices Gone Crazy

2007-05-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

I just don't understand how people can ask huge sums "plain 'ol dirt". The Anderson's have lived in the house across the street all of their 52 years of married life. He was getting tired of the yard work and decided to sell when offered over $500,000. I don't blame him. But then the absurd started to happen.

First, the buyer was living in California and just wanted it for an investment. Then a neighbor found out and contacted the buyer, offering cash to have him release the contract. We speculate that the new sales price increased to nearly $600,000. Mind you, this is a .58 acre lot with a structure that could only be torn down. I'm thinking that this new deal is way out of reason, especially when you consider that it will take over $500,000 in new home construction costs to replace what was there.

Now the new owner has torn the old place down and has sub-divided the lot into two-1/3 acre lots with a price tag of $500,000 each! Greed!

Easter 2007

2007-04-09T21:33:00.000-07:00

A day of firsts. First No. One: Dave, Bri and kids were not among us for the traditional egg (plastic eggs with money) hunt and gathering. First No. Two: Mike has found a GREAT young lady that all agree is one of the nicest girls we've met. She was able to travel from Nevada to spend time with us all. First No. Three: All the little tykes were well-behaved and made the day very enjoyable. First No. Four (and final) baby Zach was blessed by his proud father on the very day we celebrate Christ's resurrection.

That's what its all about. Family gathering to insure each knows how special they are to one another. Individuals who see themselves reflected in the embrace of the whole family. Understanding the universality of the family as the basis of our identity. We are all individually unique within the commonality of the group. How lucky we are to know of our devine origin that ties us to each other throughout all time and eternity. And it is this day, Easter, that calls all these things to our attention.