New Kids in Oklahoma

Twenty plus years ago I dragged my little sister to the New Kids on the Block concert. She only conceded because she wanted to see the opening act, so it only made sense I would do it again. 

(I had no clue she had mastered the sexy face while out in Oklahoma.)

It became increasingly clear why they named the tour "The Package". Alice said if she was in charge of marketing, she would have named it "Fifty Shades of Boy Bands."  Do what you will with that one.

My favorite part was when the boys from Boston acknowledged Boston and Oklahoma's recent tragedies, and then they sang "Hangin' Tough."

I also realized a whole new world happened when I was away in college. One that Alice followed closely... Don't let her fool you. (I'm still curious how many pictures of Nick Lachey she has.)

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Our youngest girls even got into the action and wore matching "Little Sisters Rock" shirts while we were at the concert.  Thanks for being so awesome and watching them, Uncle John. 

The Littlest Cousins

The oldest cousin will leave for his mission soon, and he had his farewell today.  He will be leaving behind his littlest cousins.  They will be potty trained when he gets back.

I think the shouting to smile scared Annastasia.

Nutcracker

So while Raea and Larissa enjoyed the Nutcracker, I hung out in my pajamas.

And there was a lot of this.

Peaceful Morning

I truly feel everyone should have a sibling.

We are just waiting for one of mine to arrive from the airport.

Oh, Girls

Our New Cousin

Natural History Museum

The Sam Noble Museum of Natural History was a great stop.

We saw their famous bison. Ethan spent time digging. And Larissa got pampered.

Buffalo Springs at The Chickasaw National Recreation Area

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area also offers two natural springs, Buffalo and Antelope, on trails originally maintained by the Civilian Conservation Corps. There was some fun stone work from 1930s.

We may have a new family portrait (ie everyone is looking in the same direction):

All those kids and only one minor accident:

The Falls at The Chickasaw National Recreation Area

Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur, OK

Memory Lane

Grandma O'Haver was my card playing, canasta loving, elephant collecting great grandma.

Alice's resemblance to Larissa in this photo is uncanny. Thanks to my older sister for scanning.

UPDATE: Send any stories about Grandma to azlarsen@cox.net to be included in her memory book. You are officially in the know.

Our Iron Woman

Alice is in town to do her first half iron man. Please come and cheer her on any time during the day. It will probably take about 7 hours, 6:56am to about 2:00pm.

Best Places To Watch:
Mill Ave bridge for swim, bike, and run.
Tempe Beach Park for swim, transition, and run.
Rio Salado Parkway for the bike.
And don't forget the Finish line.
(Look at maps below to see when she will be at these locations.)

Approximate times for Alice:
Swim Start: 6:56am
Swim Finish/Bike Start: ~7:30am
Bike Finish/ Run Start: ~11:30am
Finish Line: ~2:00pm

These are best guess calculations. Please pad times with at least 30 minutes on each side to make sure you don't miss any action.

For more information, visit Soma's website

Perfect Light

My sister visualized, wrote, and sings this song. I hope she doesn't kill me, but bragging is what big sisters do best.

Full Circle

Growing up my little sister would always yell at me because she thought I was making annoying sounds. She would yell, "Stop swallowing." My only defense was to yell back, "I have to swallow otherwise I will choke on my spit."

I remember spending the majority of the time in the car paying attention to every time I had to swallow. I swear she had bionic ears. Nowadays, I found myself eating chips with her on the phone, and there is no complaints!

Twenty years later, I hear this awful, swishing, screeching sound coming from my daughter. "What are you doing!?!"I asked. She replied, "Just swallowing my spit."

Last night, Grant affectionately told me I could be reincarnated as a hunting dog.

Team Jason

Alice did great; I'll be home tonight.

Alice's First Marathon

I am off to Oklahoma with Raea. She has been packed since Monday, and it is the only thing she talks about. She is also my only kid that hasn't been in an airplane. I promise pictures will follow.

April 27 is Alice's first marathon. She is running in her friend's honor for PDAP. There are two ways to track her.

1. Online Race Results:
On Sunday, you can get Alice's split times online. It is the easiest way to know where she is at and how she is doing. Go to okcmarathon.com and click on "Participant Tracking"

2. Text Messaging/Runner Tracking:
For $3.99, you can get updates on race day about how Alice is doing by text messages. Go to BazuMedia and enter as many cell phone numbers as you want. I guess there is more free information as well through them.

Yeah!

Alice is in town!

Great Weekend

Thanks for coming to visit. I am glad we all got to see you again even if it never seems long enough. See you during Fall Break.

Happy Anniversary!

3 years?!? I can't believe it! Have fun on your cruise!

Oklahoma

This was sent to me from a real desk calendar. (Note that the date is my anniversary!) Although I am not so sure about the above, I do know that Oklahoma sure gets a lot of publicity!

Hey, Emily!

This is why you should change your birthdate: 1. Who whats to be older, save a couple days. 2. Men that are 6'4'' are more attractive. (I love you Grant.) 3. There is no Ninentendo 62. 4. 64 has a cool song, "Riding around in my 6-4, jocking the ..."