Ute Bowl Game

What a difference a day makes!
This time warm sun.
Beach time was much enjoyed.
The smiles were genuine.
Tagg saw this game.
Fabulous fireworks at half.
UTES win!
(was there any doubt?)



Good sports rode in our carpool.
Thanks!
We also appreciate trading vehicles
with the Hill family for 3 days.

Love, Mom & Dad
Carolyn & Lane

BYU Bowl Game

One thing stands out above all else
(even 4 months later).
Ask anyone who was there.
Check with X, KC, Randi, Caden,
Meredith, Tyson, Taggart or Lane.

It was FREEZING!!!

On an already chilly night we struggled to withstand wind gusts (up to 55 mph) the entire game. Mer and Ty took turns rotating out to the van for Tagg's comfort. Carolyn found a spot under the stadium and sat out 3rd quarter. Nobody likes a complainer, but this was not fun! We smiled for the picture because the game was over and we could leave.

However, highlights happen...
A visit to the Las Vegas Temple grounds.
Being with family.
Meeting die-hard BYU fans.
Oh, and the Cougs ate the Beavers for dinner!

So Rise and Shout, the Cougars are out
We're on a trail to fame and glory.
Rise and shout, our cheers will ring out
As we unfold our vict'ry story.
On we go to vanquish the foe
For Alma Mater's sons and daughters.
As we join in song,
In praise of you, our faith is strong.
We'll raise our colors high in the blue
And cheer our Cougars of BYU.

Go Cougars!

We are so glad Caden joined us.
Love, Dad & Mom
Lane & Carolyn

Merry Christmas 2009

While shepherds watched

their flocks by night
all seated on the ground...

...an angel of the Lord came down
and glory shown around...

We really enjoyed the evening with family.
Carolyn is grateful for the support of this tradition.
Lane was glad for an excuse to rearrange furniture.
It wouldn't be a shepherd's dinner without squirt cheese.
Shalaun involved everyone during an
entertaining music time.
The scented candles were a little overwhelming.
Chicken pillows are preferred to pita bread sandwiches.
It is possible to seat 25 for dinner in our apartment!

Let's do it again soon!

Merry Christmas and Happy birthday to the sweetest babe, the Christ child and Savior of the world.

With love,
Mom & Dad
Carolyn & Lane

Grateful for Thanksgiving

November 25-27, 2009

Grateful for:

X, KC, Jami, Randi, Callie, Rayson, Meredith, Tyson, Taggart, Britni, Brian, Dalia, Tesila, Jerry, Erin, Ava, Sam, Tom, Shalaun, Emeline, Audrey, Lincoln, Carrie, Matthew, Scott, Luke, Maggie, Stephanie, Jerel, Caden, Carlie, Joshua, Amanda, Cameron, Kim, Anissa, Justin, Dillon, Greg, Kylie, Samantha, David, Daniel, RayDean, Jon, Michael, Darren, Robert, Sarah, Joseph, Stephen...and LANE!

Cooperation and happy attitudes of everyone listed above

Great food throughout the 3 day holiday celebration

A really fun and entertaining ping pong tournament
(ping pong photos disappeared when posting the collage...arrrrgh!)

RayDean saying that she wanted the silly ping pong ball trophy more than the cash prize...but I knew better. Still, I liked what she said

A morning playing soccer

Chris and Lorie sharing there new condo

Seeing a pile of G'kids watching vidoes

Time for building puzzles and playing board games

That everyone reserved time to be in a group photo!

Wanna portrait or two from our winter morning photo shoot? Hope so.

Love, Mom & Dad
Carolyn & Lane

Food, Glorious Food!

Culinary delights, Crafts and Cruising

We mostly took pictures of the food we
weren't allowed to eat.
Everything else we ate - EVERYTHING!

...nuff said.

It's time to come home.
We have missed you!
Mom & Dad
Carolyn & Lane

PORTS-OF-CALL

Side Tours
(random order)

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico:

While visiting a glass-blowing factory Lane
volunteered Carolyn to try forming super
heated glass into a crystalline work of art.
It shattered on que.
(yikes, how many people have blown on that very same pipe?)

Oranjestad, Aruba:

Submarine ride & beach time

Costa Rica: (I do know how to spell it, pardon the misprint below. I'm too lazy to change it.)

LaPaz waterfalls, gardens, wildlife, hiking.

Acapulco, Mexico: (too wet to be photographed)

Shotover jetboat ride. A 40 minute thrill ride
surrounded by mangroves and complete 360
degree spins on the axis completely soaking
Carolyn sitting front row far right side while
Lane sat protected 2nd row far left behind the
driver (he felt jipped).

Back on ship to deck 13 for 2 rounds of
mini golf. We top off our day by climbing the
rock wall as the ship sails away into the sunset
...Carolyn's socks still wet from the jet boat sloshing!

THE MAIN EVENT

Cruising the Panama Canal:
This day is a day for wearing sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. Oh, and drink plenty of water - recommend every 15 minutes. Air temperature will feel 10 degrees higher. We plan to see most of it outdoors at ship railings...just like everyone else. Shortly after we begin the captain points out the LDS Panama City Temple off the starboard side.

Canal facts:

-It opened in 1914
-20,000 people died during the construction, mostly from jungle related disease
-It takes approx 8 hours to transit the 50 mile canal from Panama City to Colon'
-Transit saves 20 days of sailing around tip of South America
-Surprisingly, crossing from Pacific to Atlantic is actually SE to NW
-Transit is through a series of locks, each with two lanes
-Lock length - 1000', (our ship is 965', a.k.a. "Panamax" vessel)
-Lock width - 110', (our ship is 106', a tight fit, see photo - taken looking down from upper deck)
-Tolls for our cruise ship to pass through - $40,000, based on weight
-In 1928 a gentleman paid 36 cents in tolls to swim the canal in 10 days

This night Lane is tied up with last minute business emails so we miss the Reflections Dining experience with our new friends but settle for the Windjammer Cafe' instead. The napoleans were worth it!

Tonight we sleep in the Gulf of Mexico!
Mom & Dad
Carolyn & Lane

DAY AT SEA

A "day at sea" means that from sunrise to sunset
we can be as active or laid back as we want to be.
Each evening we find the ship's newsletter
"Cruise Compass" on our bed, (usually beside
an animal shaped from towels). It outlines
the next day's schedule of activities. It predicted
for today..."one thing is guaranteed.
It will be another unforgettable day."

Upside: It was a great day!
Downside: I can't recall much about it that
stands out from any of the other memorable
"unforgettable" days at sea.

Night.
Love, Mom & Dad
Carolyn & Lane

PANAMA CANAL CRUISE

November 1-16, 2009

Royal Carribbean - Serenade of the Seas

...inside the big boat...

Sunday. We meet our cruise guides at the San
Diego airport and shuttle to the ship dock where
we pass through security and go on to check in.
Lane and I are stopped for a medical screening
because Lane had a sore throat on Friday
...permitted to proceed. Lucky!

After grabbing a quick snack at a dockside cafe
and waiting through security a second time we
stand in line to board. It moves quickly and we
step foot on the "Serenade of the Seas", a
fabulous luxurious cruise ship that will be
our home away from home for the next
14 days.

The lobby is astounding - also known as the
Centrum - with a view from deck four on
up through the ships center to deck 13! Our
compact room is on deck 3 and is considered
large (170 sq ft). It has all we could ever need
and it's even bigger than our Canadian
Rockies camping tent and larger than our motor
home we toured in for seven weeks in 2006.

This should be fun!
Mom & Dad
Carolyn & Lane

October Summary

October 2009

In addition to visiting China we...

...went to our first mission reunion (Pleasant Grove) - how nice to be there.

...attended G. Conference for the very first time - amazing!

...enjoyed Sam's inaugural BBQ at his new house - with added grape-picking.

...sat in awe to see G'ma Creek learning to play the cello - at age 75!

...took a roadtrip to surprise Anissa & Justin in Disneyland - thnx for the invite Cam & Kim.

...offered our apartment as a gathering place for Ava's birthday party - super cute 3 year old.

...appreciated G'pa Creeks puppet theater - looking forward to next year.

...decided Halloween wasn't worthy of celebrating anymore - except for hanging "the witch is in" sign.

It's already time for another trip to Disneyland.

Then again, who needs Disneyland? Wherever Lane is IS the happiest place on earth.

Love, Mom & Dad
Carolyn & Lane

China Trip October 7-22 continued

Our trip was spectacular! China is exciting, exotic, and entertaining. Our timing placed us there immediately following the 60th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China - a National Day Celebration. Wherever we went we saw evidence of the party that China threw itself the first week of October. Banners, flowers, street streamers, and special exhibits.

The weather also cooperated with clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

Lisa, was our tour guide who shepherded 21 tourists around to four different regions of her homeland. She referred to us as her "happy family" and urged us to be like "sticky rice". Our diverse, yet all-American group made it all the more enjoyable as we laughed and practiced our daily Chinese lessons on each other.

All for now. As always we are glad to have gone and happy to return.

"Do you recognize our place in the great drama of human history? This is the focal point of all that has gone before. This is the season of restitution. These are the days of restoration." Pres. Hinckley

Much love and gratitude for you,
Dad & Mom
---Lane & Carolyn---

China Trip October 7-22

"Nin hao"
A few highlights of our recent trip to China...

"wo ai ni"
Love, Mom and Dad

More Banff

After tent camping for 7 nights we opted to stay in the Banff Springs Hotel/Castle.
We appreciated:

• running water
• hot running water
• restroom within 6 feet
• lights
• ice machine
• a bed
• carpet
• etc, etc, etc...
  

Our final trail followed a series of strenuous switchbacks to the summit ridge and upper terminal of the Sulphur Mountain Gondola, just over 5 miles.

Bear warnings were every where, along with instructions on fighting back if stalked/attacked, or playing dead if the bear felt threatened. We found it incredulous that if we surprised a bear we were to speak to it calmly then play dead for 2 minutes. If the bear was still harassing us we could then begin to fight back.

• We attended the Banff Branch (satellite broadcast of Stake Conference in Calgary
• Gorged ourselves on chocolaty, caramel, cashew bear claws
• Headed for home via Radium Hot Springs
• Regrettably camped near Whitefish, Montana (10 trains overnight)

And hurried home without stopping for gas. That was a mistake. Our prayers were heard and when we did find "fuel" we pumped 20 gallons into our 18 gallon gas tank.

The Lord is mindful of us. He is watching over us and will continue if we will let Him, trust Him and follow Him. We show our love to Him be loving you, our family and friends.

You gotta see Banff for yourselves.
Lane & Carolyn
Dad and Mom

Camping Trip to Banff

Tonight we arrived home from a spectacular road trip into the Canadian Rockies. Particularly, BANFF National Park in Alberta Canada.

• tent camping a total of 7 nights
• cooking our meals over fires

Enroute to Banff we:

• stopped at Glacier National Park in Montana
• drove the famous "going to the sun road"

• camped at Waterton National Park in Alberta Canada
• visited the Cardston LDS Temple

A highlight of Banff is Lake Louise. We canoed on it for an hour before treating ourselves to lunch at the Chateau on the lake (our first purchased meal in 6 days). Unforgettable service, view and food. Other highlights are pictured here...

to be continued...

Labor Day Weekend

So lucky for us there were 2 cancellations for the Havasupai hike. Our group of 19 had reservations for the Havasu campground in the Grand Canyon, Arizona. Jerel, Stephanie, Caden and Carlie let us tag along for the Labor Day weekend adventure. If the Bullocks ever invite you to do anything do not hesitate! Buy some sleeping bags, borrow two back packs and jump in with both feet.

Havasu memories:

• in-SUV movies and snacks
• Upon seeing my country-fried steak Carlie exclaims "a huge chicken nugget!"
• sleeping under thunderclouds
• drying out the dripping bags
• Jerel making Lane's backpack disappear (onto a mule)
  
• skipping down the 10 mile trail
• the hiking Bullock's linking hands
  
• the milky turquoise colored water
  
• oatmeal breakfasts and tuna lunches
• Authentic Navajo tacos for dinner
• Mooney Falls via caves, chain rails and ladders
• sleeping under the stars
  
• Lane's jacuzzi discovery
• the sense of relief when we climbed out of that hole

See how lucky we were!
Lane & Carolyn
Dad and Mom

August Adventures

Week #1 - Lincoln & Carrie - Everett, WA

We were introduced to Maggie and instantly fell in love!

Played, hiked, picnicked and explored with Matthew, Scott and Luke. We also watched "Alvin and the Chipmunks", dined at Charles E. Cheese, petted a goat and rode a pony. Carrie prepared a new favorite of ours, her curry chicken and baked up a batch or two of her famous chocolate chip cookies. Lincoln BBQ'd for us and listened to our ASG updates. The Bullocks came to town and we joined with the Hansens in a hike to Lake #22. The day was unforgettable; lush forests, stunning scenery, fresh smell of moss in the damp woods, a picnic with family beside a spectacular lake. Six miles and nine children. The kids all did super...the adults worked to keep up. We loved this week!

Thank you Carrie & Lincoln for inviting us. It is a joy to be in your home and see how well you manage life with four beautiful kids. The accomodations were sweet and the company even better.

Week #2 - ALASKA with dear friends

Lots of fishing for fish, posing with fish, devouring fish, dreaming of fish, wishing we had even bigger fish, and wondering how we were gonna squeeze fish into our suitcases. Saw glacier upon glacier upon glacier, saw orca and humpback whales, saw record warm temperatures in Juneau, saw Ahmad in a baseball cap. The Corbitts are cherished friends. Our freezer full of fish reminds us of our Alaskan adventure together.

Week #3 - The Hansen Family - Everett, WA

We played with Dalia and Tesila while Britni went high adventuring. She is tough! Enjoyed beaches and playgrounds, candyland, movies, storybooks, making ponytails, fast food, and sunny afternoons. Lane and Brian picked blackberries for hours and Lane bottled over 100 jars of jam or pie filling. All too soon Lane made me leave so Brian could have his family back.

Week #4 - Jamming and crabbing

We drove south towards the Oregon coast, driving past the former Creek home in Longview, stopping to crab, relaxing on the beach at haystack rock, eating Tillamook fudge and ice cream, visiting Clayton's family in Hillsboro and driving home.

It's always so nice to go away and nice to come home again. We love our life together, love our family, love the happiness, peace and comfort the Gospel of Jesus Christ provides. Remember to say your prayers, count your blessings, tell your spouse (child, parents, beta fish, dog) that you love them, read the scriptures and your patriarchal blessing...if you don't have one yet, get it!

We love you forever and ever!

Mom & Dad

Carolyn & Lane

July Highlights

Glancing at these photos you would think

that July was just one big party!

But that's just not true. Take a peek...

...uhhh, ummm, what can I say?

We had some great times in July.

Can I have another slice of blue lego cake?

Happy Happy Birthday to our favorite

people celebrating the month of their

arrival on this planet; namely-

Tyson, Greg, Jerel, Jerry, Taggart,
Luke, my papa Dennis "81"

AND finally, a girl joins this mix of gentlemen.

WELCOME MAGGIE 7/25/09!!!

For anyone seeking advice I say
to listen to a prophets voice.

"Make the Gospel of Jesus Christ the
center of our lives. This attitude is what
will pull us through whatever comes our
way. It will not remove our troubles from
us but rather will enable us to face our
challenges, to meet them head on, and to
emerge victorious."

Pres. Monson - April Conference 2009

Amen, and amen.

Love, Mom & Dad

Carolyn Annette & Lane Steven

Jackson Hole

Mom & Dad Creek love Jackson & the Tetons.
We tagged along on their recent trip.

(Next time perhaps some of you will tag along with us.)

Share your favorite J.H. memories...
love, Ma & Pa

Creek Reunion - NAUVOO

Why do we enjoy road trips?

See for yourselves...

Maybe it's the wide open spaces, fresh air,
pedal to the metal, car treats, good company,
spontaneous napping, mobile movies,

sense of freedom, time to relax and think,

or singing "On the Road Again"
(again & again & again)

Five days and four nights in Nauvoo.
All of Carolyn's siblings came
Charla, Curtis, Clayton, Christopher, Cathleen, Cecile~
And about a dozen cousins.
It was a blast!
Mini-handcart trek,
Sunset by the Mississippi,
Rendezvous in Olde Nauvoo,
Talent night and temple visits.

"Every man or woman who goes to the temple in a spirit
of sincerity and faith leaves the house of the Lord a better
man or woman. There is need for constant improvement
in our lives. There is need occasionally to leave the noise
and the tumult of the world and step within the walls of a
sacred house of God, there to feel His spirit in an
environment of holiness and peace."
Pres. GB Hinckley

Don't you just love temples?
~Lane & Carolyn~
Dad & Momma

Triple T

June 2009

Triple T.
We've had our share of trials this month.

Trial Lake - for fishing, hiking, moose watching,
snow climbing.

Trial - okay, it was a mere hearing but very critical. Whew!

Trials - aka "produce" problems. Our garden peas flopped
asevidenced by this photo of our largest pod. Also, Carolyn
places her purse behind the seat of the car too late to
remember where she had just placed a freshly made banana
cream pie. Silly.

We also enjoyed our first ever field trip to
Kennecott, attended concerts & garden talks at
BY Historic Park, acknowleged Jer & Erin's
U of U graduation, cheered Caden and Carlie at
soccer games, took note of the valley's newest
temple, rendezvous'd in Nauvoo with the Creeks,
and loved family picnics and cookouts.

We recognize that our grandkids are fortunate
to have such fabulous fathers. Daddy's are #1!

Love, Lane and Carolyn

May Highlights

I finally figured out how to use picasa collages on my mac!!!

Wow, I put a lot of photos on here today.
So, how do you like my collages?


As children of our loving Heavenly
Father we acknowledge our need
and desire for greater faith.
Study the April conference report
and find happiness through increased
obedience and faith.

We love you now and forever!
Mom & Dad
Carolyn & Lane

"True faith must be centered in Jesus Christ.
There is no other foundation in life that can
bring the same peace, joy, and hope. Because
He lives, there is always hope smiling brightly
before us. In a household of faith, there is
no need to fear or doubt. Choose to live
by faith and not fear."

Elder Pearson, First Quorum of the Seventy
April Conference '09

Top 10 for April

Top Ten for April

Short, sweet and silly!!!

Sweet scent of spring
blooms at the temple...

Simple Easter dinner
with Randi and Sam...

Lane makes short work of a
wedding gift for X & KC.
(shhh...it's a surprise)

Another surprise...
Guess who came to dinner?
(Ahmad & Jayne from NYC)

Carlie displays her award
following her recital...

Caden performed splendidly...

Josh looking sweet...

Josh looking silly...

Conference crepes with Bullocks
& the Tom Howell family...
(Amanda still had room for fruit!)

Ava disguised as a Peruvian...
(heads turned as she toured temple square)

GNO - Spaghetti Factory
aka Callie's bachelorette party

Callie's REAL party!
Marriage to Rayson
4-25-2009

Eleven out of fourteen ain't bad.
(Cam, Tom and Randi escaped
before we could capture them on film.)

We hiked Arches with Clayton & family.
Anya's perfect imitation of Delicate Arch...

Lane's silly imitation of Delicate Arch...


Next month:
-Jami graduates college
-X marries KC

Our family is the best!!!
Dad & Mom
Lane & Carolyn