Kandoo Pudd'n

I love being a dad of goofy preschoolers. Here are a couple things that have made me smile lately.

We scored some groovy girl bikes at our neighborhood garage sale. Anna's is called "The Pudd'n". What a perfect name for the first bike of a chunky 3 year old.

Also, Aja & Anna always have skidmarks in their panties. They just aren't good wipers. So we bought them these special Kandoo wetwipes so they can do it themselves. Aja was so excited about them that she came home and produced a Pudd'n immediately so she could try 'em out. Check out the funny pict of the froggie showing how it's done. The girls think this is hilarious. So do I.

The Bishopric

Isn't this painting great? The Bishopric was painted by my sister Jenny in 2002. It's an interpretation of a circa mid-70's photo of Pete Nielson, Bob Tingey (the Bishop) & Dwight Jensen (redish-pink jacket, my father). Together they served the Holliday, Utah 9th Ward. My family has had many, many good times with the Nielson's & Tingey's over the years.

It's a fun painting with a bit of an eccentric edge. Beyond that, the symbolism is rich.

• Initially, it's hard to ignore the wild jackets worn by the counselors. Symbolizing the carefree nature of a counselor's role compared to the much heaver burden that a bishop or auxiliary/quorum president bears.

• The big smiles show that there is joy in selfless service. Each of these men were busy fathers (5 or 7 kids each) with important jobs (Pete was a Doctor and Bob & Dwight were business leaders). Yet, these guys show there is always time for service and that it can be fun too.

• Finally, my father & Pete passed on over a decade ago, Bishop Tingey is still with us. As I see these smiling guys while walking around the house, I'm reminded that my father's spirit is close by. That comforts me, especially as I think about him on this Father's Day.

Blue Darts

I had a fun weekend in Utah to celebrate the wedding of my ole buddy Ryan Isakson. He married a fab gal, Jackie Morse. The whole gang of Davis Darts was there...Tosh, Derek, Spencer, Jordan, Ben (not pictured), Allison Perry Holland (not pictured), Lisa Lependu (not pictured). We had some great laughs reminiscing and catching up.

It's amazing that after 20 years so much as stayed the same. Lot's of potty humor...blue darts. Even each person's profession isn't shocking: Ryan - Econ Prof, Spencer - HR Manager, Tosh - Ad Agency Creative Director, Ben - Music Director at School of Rock, Derek - Mining Equipment Sales, Jeff - Financial Planning/Sales, Jordan - Lawyer, Lisa - Nurse, Allison - mom of twins, me - Banker.

It was great to be with these old guys. They are practically family.

Lake Sammamish

Here are some pictures from our time on Lake Sammamish last weekend with our friends, Mike and Steffany Wood. For those of you not familiar w/ the area, this lake is the defining feature of the neighborhood. It is 100yds from our house.

I especially like the picture of Carmen. She is such a beautiful person...inside and out.

Yesterday morning, I ran over to the beach to watch a triathalon being staged there. My buddy from work, Stephen Taylor, was there with his two kids to cheer on his wife, Tracy. Tracy is a world-class tri-athlete and a very cool human being. She won the event. Afterward they came over for home-made granola and fresh strawberries. Next weekend she is competing in the world championships in Vancouver, BC. Good luck Tracy!

I'm off to Atlanta for business this week. I'm hoping to heist the secret formula for Coke that is stored in a secret bank vault somewhere in the city. Kidding. Yet, I will be touring Wamu's bank branches in the city and working with our leaders there. Should be fun.