Posting

Noone has posted anything lately, so I thought that I would.

My incredible summer has been sent traveling to exotic places, like the mold farm I have growing in my shower, or the jungle that was formerly my back yard. It was quite the expedition just getting through the gate! I went through at least 3 machetes. I have also been to the happiest place on earth, otherwise known as the laundry room. I am a frequent visitor, and even have a season pass. It's renewable automatically. I'm so lucky.

Thank heaven school starts soon!

Dawn

Thanks so much!

Good news! Peter and I have finally moved into our new house! We are SO happy and excited and just want to say thank you to everyone who helped us. Thans to Dad, Spencer and Cory for helping us get everything in. And to Matt and Mindy for helping us unpack our kitchen and living room. And we can't forget Mom, for helping us find the house in the first place and then helping us unpack! We REALLY appreciate all of your help and just wanted to say so. Also thanks for everyone's enthusiasm. And everyone is welcome to come over anytime! In fact, we'd love to have you over!

Peter and Lindsay

The happiest place on earth?

Lights, Camera, Action...

Eleanor finally happy

Luke down for the count

Disney World or Disaster World?

We made a sacrifice by choosing to go to Disney World this summer instead of coming home. Tara was so awesome to come out and endure the chaos with us. Our 15 hour drive down there was just fine as long as a movie was playing. As soon as one got over the quarelling began. When we finally arrived at our time share we found out that our reservation was for 2007 instead of 2006. Thanks RCI for your great customer service. We did get that all figured out and were able to settle in. The place was great and had plenty of room for our family, Tara and another family of four that went to Dental school with Alan who is now practicing in Mesa. His name is Chad Caffall if any one is looking for a good dentist. We got tickets for three days at the Disney parks and three days at the Disney water parks. The water parks were a ton of fun and perfect for the hot weather. We liked Blizzard Beach better than Typhoon Lagoon. We decided to go to Magic Kingdom on Monday. This was our first mistake. I guess Monday just happens to be the busiest day of the week. We chose to not wake up early and try to be there right when it opened, mistake number two. We opted to take the ferry over to Magic Kingdom instead of the tram, mistake number three, it only added about an hour to our entrance time. We neglected to load up with water and snacks for the kids, mistake number four. We did not get a map of the park before hand and plan out what we were going to do in what order, you guessed it, mistake number five. By the time we finally got into the park everyone was hot, cranky, thirsty and ready to go back home. Luke started the first of many epic fits that were going to be thrown that day. He then stood up in the stroller and fell flat on his nose and forehead on the asphalt. He came up bloody with a huge bump on his forehead that looked like someone had kissed him with very red lipstick. The only good thing about it was he cried so hard he fell asleep and got a bit of a nap in. We trudged through that day with one fit after another being thrown by all four of the toddlers we had with us. We had a terrible first day but Mark and Bradley ended up having a great day. As we were first driving into the Disney World park area and Bradley saw the huge sign he was so excited he turned to Mark and exclaimed, "Hug me bruthah(brother)!" They then hugged and lauged together. It was hillarious and now we all love to say it. The boys absolutely loved Space Mountain. The first time we rode was awesome. Mark and Bradley screamed and laughed the entire time. At the end of the ride Bradley was getting off and yelling, "That was Awesome!" Some of the workers at the ride loved his enthusiasm so much they got the boys' autograph and then gave us fast passes that could be used on any ride at any time. We then told them to be sure and act like that after every ride. It didn't ever get us any more goods. Towards the end of the day we discovered the trick to making Eleanor happy. We bought her one of those huge round suckers and she hardly made a peep the rest of the time. It was all smiles after that. Our trip only got better after that day. We corrected all of our mistakes and ended up having a great time. We never made it all day and into the night to see the fireworks show. We were all just too exhausted. Alan, Tara and Chad all got to star in a show at MGM where they dump water on you and shoot at you and fire goes off. It was very exciting. Tara got completely soaked and Alan and Chad did a great job acting. It ended up being a great trip. We won't ever take such young kids again or go in the summer again. We hear February is the perfect time to go. No one under 44 inches goes to a theme park from our family again if we can help it.

How do you make a kleenex dance?

You put a little boogie in it!

Aaron and Jennifer's trip #2

We went Venice, Florence, Pisa and Rome while we were in Italy. Italy in one week calls for a lot of walking and hustling. We spent 2 days in Venice, 2 days in Florence, 1/2 a day in Pisa, and 4 days in Rome. I enjoyed Rome because there were not as many art museums and more historical things to see. We went to the colleseum, Pantheon, Trevi fountain, the Spanish steps, the ruins of the Roman Forum , the Vatican, the catacombs, and a few museums while we were in Rome. We also took a Bernini walk arounf Rome. He is a famous sculptor that has dozens and dozens of fountains and statues all over Rome. If you read Dan Brown's Angles and Demons book you know what I am talking about. It makes you realize just how young our country is when you see all the other history in other places in the world. We also learned the meaning of "It's a dry heat". We were outside all week and it was only in the mid to high 90's but the humidity added a new element.

I am not sure why some of these pictures showed up twice sorry.

Aaron and Jennifer's trip

Here are a couple of pictures from our trip. I could only get 3 at a time to upload for some reason, so I will send a few more in another blog. I am not the tech person in our house. These pictures are from Pisa and Venice. We did the tourist thing and rode in a gondola in Venice (on our 13th anniversary). Venice is a really unique place. It is so easy to get turned around because half the streets and alleys are not listed on the map. It was just incredible to see this entire city floating on the water. They have water buses and taxis that take you around the city. You can walk most places, but there are a few outer islands that are only accessible by boat and water bus or boat. It was cool to see all the boats "parked" outside all the buildings and houses. Venice has a lot of cute alley ways, canals, and old courtyards. We lovingly called it a floating Disneyland because it is all geared towards taking the tourists money. It was amazing to see.

More to come....

James and Karla Vanderpool Family

James and Karla Vanderpool Family
Hi Guys,
We got back yesterday from the family reunion in Lava Hot Springs and had a wonderful time. About 75 people showed up and we got to renew old aquaintances and get to make some new ones. I just got an email from Jerel Potter who I saw for the first time in 40 years an he mentioned how much he loved it and said it was one of thr best days of his life. We are having another on next June 30th never too early to start planning. Dad and I plan on rafting the Salmon River afterwards. It sure is beautiful country up there, Never too early too start planning,
Love. MOM

Granny asked me to post for her she is asking all of us for our prayers for the mother of Diane Uncle Toms wife. Diane's mother has cancer through out her body and is now in hospice care. Granny is requesting that we pray for Tom and Diane during these trying times for them. I can't imagine what they are are going through but my prayers will be with them and I pray that they can find some peace and comfort during these difficult times. Mindy

Episode II: Attack of the Clones

There is unrest in the Vanderpool Republic. Several family members have declared their intentions to miss the Reunion.

This separatist movement, under the leadership of the mysterious Count Taiki, has made it difficult for the limited number of Jedi Knights to maintain peace and order in the family room.

Senator Alli, the former Queen of Perry, is returning to the Galactic Senate to vote on the critical issue of creating a CARAVAN OF VANDERPOOLS to assist the overwhelmed reunion attendees...

James and Karla Vanderpool Family

James and Karla Vanderpool Family
Yea! Yoakim and Sabine both wrote, what a great week. We loved hearing from both of you, keeps us close to people we love and miss very much. And believe me the trip to Hawaii won't keep us from coming to Europe as soon as we can. Aaron is in Italy right now seeing the sights and presenting the facts at a seminar for Intel. How are your folks Yoakim, we miss and love them too. Tell them to keep writing we love their cards. And congrats on being a Uncle, we would love to meet your girlfriend she looks great! Tara is in Florida with her sister Amy and family this week and having way too much fun. We are all getting ready for our family reunion in Idaho on July 1st. Hope to see Jonathan and Granny while up there, but are still deciding what to do about a car because we are taking our foster kids and Keyiona just had surgery on her right leg and has a long cast. How to make room for all of us and the cast! But won't it be lovely to get them out of the heat into the cool Northwest for awhile. We may never come back, or until Oct. at least when we have our first day that hits less than 150 degrees on the thermometer. No worry I just got the air conditioning fixed in my car and it is tolerable now.
Love MOM

Hey dear Vanderpools!
I found this impressing blog (big family = many members) on the net and just had to join.
Hawaii doesn't sound any wrong and Karla and James are definitely worth it. But now, unfortunately, it will take a longer time for them to get to Sweden.
Me myself just came home from a long trip to Asia and New Zealand. Saw everything from the most beatiful and clean scenery in New Zealand to the most filthy and overcrowded citys in China and Vietnam. We also went to Thailand, Laos and Cambodja.
I became an uncle to mother Charlottes, my oldest sister, baby about five months ago. She's married to a danish man and they live in Denmark. Very close to Sweden...
Now the scandinavian summer is here and it looks like the sun never sets. I'm delivering mail this summer before I'm going back to University this coming fall. I'm planning on finish next year if nothing stops me.
Well, I'm always gonna be updated about you from this blog, and I'll tell you next time I'm coming by Arizona.
Take care, Joakim Aspeheim (exchange student 1997-1998)

James and Karla Vanderpool Family

James and Karla Vanderpool Family

James and Karla Vanderpool Family

James Vanderpool
Thank you for your kindness to me as the father of this family. We are looking forward to going to Hawaii. Your generosity is overwhelming. Your good wishes today are even more apreicated. It just so happens that I am the most fortunate of men. The blessings of the Lord has been poured through open windows. Thank you again for being that blessing.

James and Karla Vanderpool Family

James and Karla Vanderpool Family
Spencer, I can't believe we weren't the first to know the good news! Congratulations to Dad and I for one more grandchild. You guys keep making us famous (in Japan at least). Tara left for parts unknown today somewhere east of here and was way too happy about it. I suggested she come home for the family reunion but she said she would rather stay with Amy and fam. The nerve. We might be getting two more little boys and one has ADH or whatever, Mindy and I didn't even blink when they said that because no one ever had a case as sever as Jonathan. And look how great he turned out, oh wait, he isn't where anyone can look to see how he turned out, might have had a sex change or something for all I know. And about Andrew moving to Utah, our new attitude is that it is just north Phoenix and they can still make it home for Sunday dinner three or four times a year, especially if I visit up there as often as I hope to. I hate it when my kids deliberately move out of hugging range, you would think they didn't need all that attention. Admit it Matthew Kyle, you love Grandma's wet kisses.
Love
Grandma

well as i sit here i ponder the deep things of life. where do we come from, where are we going, what is the purpose of life, how do they get the ship in the bottle, and where do babies come from. mom and dad say that i need to learn how to use this thing because they can't afford diapers for two. i think they are just cheap. but i guess if i am suppose to be a go0d big brother i need to be able to give advise on such things as this. any way i need get down to business and Bob the Builder is more fun to watch. see you guys later.
love, Taiki (the soon to be big brother)

Mindy Lou

Happy birthday! I was just thinking of some memories I have of you and I growing up. I can think of a lot of times of us being very silly together and really having fun. We spent many a night trying to go to sleep with way to much energy left. We used to have pretend seizures in bed and laugh until we heard the "girls, I'm sending Dad down there." Most of my memories are of you being very happy and laughing a lot. I know you think you were bossy but I really don't remember you bossing me around that much. I always felt like you loved me and wanted to protect me. You were so good to me in high school in band even though I was the tag along little sister. Your friends were just so cool and always had tons of fun. One thing I have always envied of you is your ability to have amazing friendships. You are a great friend and are loved by so many. Thanks for being a great example to me of hard work and righteous living. You may have regretted some of your decisions you made as a teenager but I never knew any of it. I thought you were perfect except the whole Walgreens episode. I am glad we were friends growing up and still are. It is wonderful to have sisters that are great examples and understand who you are and love you anyways. I love you Mindy. I wish I could call you Miriam but I don't know Miriam, I only know my Mindy. I hope you had a great birthday!--Amy