The Banks Family

2012-02-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

Bryn and Ashlyn's Jr. Jazz girls basketball team.

Bryn's Braces

2012-01-09T11:40:00.001-07:00

Bryn is the proud owner of braces!

Becca's Bouffant

2012-01-01T17:57:00.000-07:00

Becca got her hair cut on New Year's Eve by her sister-in-law Larisa.

Christmas

2011-12-25T20:47:00.000-07:00

Nacho Libre

2011-12-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

It's Autumn Time

2011-11-24T20:55:00.000-07:00

Halloween

2011-10-30T18:00:00.000-06:00

Zion National Park

2011-10-21T20:49:00.000-06:00

Dressing Up

2011-08-28T20:51:00.000-06:00

First Day of School

2011-08-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

Cabela's

2011-07-30T20:52:00.000-06:00

Banks Family Reunion

2011-07-25T15:31:00.000-06:00

We had our annual Banks family reunion up Cedar Canyon near the SUU Mountain Center. Thanks to everyone who contributed to make it a great time.

We went up Thursday afternoon and got the tent setup. We chatted and waited for others to arrive. For dinner we ate hoagie sandwiches. That evening we sat around the campfire visiting and have a good time. Austin slept on top of their suburban and Garrett on the bed of a trailer.

Friday morning we had mouth-watering biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs and hash browns for breakfast. For lunch we had delicious nachos and for dinner refreshing taco salad. We did a Fish Pond game where the kids got to fish for a small toy. The straw cowboy hats were a hit. The kids also played the jelly bean game where they tried to balance them on a knife while scooping them out of a cookie pan. Harrison sprained his ankle playing so he sat most of the evening. We saw some deer and a few woodchucks.

Saturday morning we ate fresh donuts, French toast and sausage. Did I mention the donuts? They were great, but wait...there's more. My mom and dad broke out the alligator jaws later. They were YUMMY! For lunch we consumed hot dogs. We did the candy cannon and the kids made necklaces out of beads.

We left the reunion early afternoon so we could make it back to the town festivities. The time went so fast, but it was fun to see everyone and be with them. We love you family!

Pioneer Day Celebration

2011-07-25T14:43:00.000-06:00

Saturday, we attended the Pioneer Day activities. Bryn, Ashlyn, Jesse and Jonah got to be in the parade. Becca, Tera and I watched the parade with our "fishy" friends. Our ward made a float resembling Noah's Ark. We took the kids around to the different booths. We "manned" the basketball shooting per our ward assignment. It was a fun time.

Jonah's Birthday

2011-07-25T14:33:00.000-06:00

It was Jonah's birthday. We gave him presents in the morning and then sang "Happy Birthday" and ate his snake cake after dinner.

Main Street Mile

2011-07-25T14:23:00.002-06:00

Becca, Bryn, Ashlyn, Jesse and I ran the Main Street Mile this morning in Cedar City. It was the second time Bryn, Ashlyn and I have run it. The race began at Smith's and finished at the Main Street Park. It started at 9:30, just before the Pioneer Day parade at 10:00. Our times were as follows: Chad 5:29, Becca 6:18, Bryn 6:30, Ashlyn 6:33 and Jesse 6:50. A couple of my sisters and their kids ran it as well. It was fun to see old high school classmates and people from around town.

Family Reunion near Tropic Reservoir

2011-07-16T21:08:00.003-06:00

We spent the last three days camping near Tropic Reservoir with Becca's side of the family. I took half a day off work Thursday. We got to the site at about 3:30. It took us about two hours to get there. There was road construction that held us up at times. We greeted those who were already there and then setup our tent, sleeping bags, etc.

We each took our own dinner. We roasted some gourmet tube steaks over the open fire. We also had chips, veggies and cookies.

The activity that night was "The Big Dig", where we all took turns, by age group, jumping into a box of wood chips searching for quarters, candy and toys. We all met together under the pavilion for a devotional and to listen to some cowboy poetry. The poetry reminded me of a favorite poem of mine:

I Wish My Daddy Was a Dog

One day, when Bruce was just a lad, starting out in school,
He came into my workshop and climbed upon a stool.
I saw him as he entered, but I hadn't time to play
So I merely nodded to him and said, "Don't get in the way."

He sat a while just thinking---as quiet as could be.

Then carefully he got down and came and stood by me.

He said, "Old Shep, he never works and he has lots of fun.

He runs around the meadows and barks up at the sun.

"He chases after rabbits and always scares the cats.

He likes to chew on old shoes, and sometimes Mother's hats.

But when we're tired of running, we sit down on a log;

I sometimes get to thinking--I wish Daddy was a dog.

" 'Cause then, when I come home from school, he'd run and lick my hand

And we would jump and holler and tumble in the sand.

And then I'd be happy, as happy as could be.

'Cause we would play the whole day through, just my dad and me.

"Now I know you work real hard to buy us food and clothes.

And you need to get the girls those fancy ribbons and bows.

But sometimes, when I'm lonesome, I think it would be lots of fun

If my daddy was dog, and all his work was done."

Now when he'd finished speaking, he looked so lonely there

I reached my hand out to him and ruffled up his hair.

And as I turned my head aside to brush away a tear,

I thought how nice it was to have my son so near.

I know the Lord didn't mean for man to toil his whole life through

"Come on, my son, I'm sure I have some time for you."

You should have seen the joy and sunlight in his eye

As we went outside to play--just my son and I.

Now, as the years have flown and youth has slipped away.
I've tried always to remember to allow some time to play.

When I pause to reminisce and think of joys and strife,
I carefully turn the pages of this wondrous book of life.
I find the richest entry recorded in this daily log
Is the day that small boy whispered. "I wish my Daddy was a dog."

Elrod C. Leany

Friday morning we had flavored oatmeal, muffins, pineapple and strawberries for breakfast.

After breakfast we played a bunch of games including eating a donut on a string, passing a wooden spoon tied to yarn through our shirts, hitting golf balls through pvc pipe, roping a steer, bubble gum blowing, acting like wild animals and stick horse races.

For lunch we chowed down on some tasty sloppy joes, apples and chips.

In the afternoon we played horseshoes, snacked, visited and snacked a tiny bit more. We also managed to squeeze in a couple innings of wiffle ball.

Friday night's dinner consisted of scrumptious hot dogs, watermelon, cantaloupe and grapes. Followed by perfectly browned marshmallows.

Before it was time to retire to bed we played our home-made instruments to a couple of songs, had a sow calling contest and then a another devotional.

This morning we woke our taste-buds to mouth-watering breakfast burritos, milk and orange juice.

Before we ate lunch we took down our tents and packed our vehicles before we headed out. Funny how they're just as full when you leave as when you come, anyone else have that problem?

For lunch we enjoyed chicken pasta salad with cashews and craisins, rolls and rice-crispy treats.

The kids spent much of the reunion playing in a grassy field nearby. We cleaned up the place, said our "goodbye's" and headed out.

It was a quick three days of fun with the family.

P.S. This post even has pictures, you know who you are :)

Freedom Pinata

2011-07-16T21:08:00.000-06:00

On the fourth of July, Bryn made a pinata and let the kids take a turn hitting it.

Jail, Hershey's, Play, Tooth, Kite

2011-06-03T10:45:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago I took the boys with me to the police station for cub scouts. They really enjoyed it, especially being thrown in the holding cell.

The girls placed in their events at the Hershey's track meet in Cedar. They will be competing in Richfield this month.

Ashlyn was Peaseblossom in her school play A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Jesse lost his first tooth just before school got out.

The kids enjoyed flying a kite in the backyard a couple weeks ago.

Photos from California Vacation

2011-04-27T09:19:00.000-06:00

California Vacation

2011-04-25T10:22:00.000-06:00

Monday, April 18th we went on our vacation to California. It was the first time our kids had been to California. We left about 8:00. We ate lunch in Primm, Nevada, near the California border. There was a

lot of traffic from Vegas to Anaheim. It took quite a while to get there. We stopped many times for potty breaks and to secure our cargo carrier.

We passed the Angels baseball stadium on our way to the motel in Anaheim. We ate dinner and unpacked our stuff from the van to the motel room.

Tuesday morning we ate the continental breakfast at the motel and then took a Disney shuttle to Disneyland. The kids enjoyed seeing Mickey Mouse right off the bat. We went on the Toy Story ride, followed by

Space Mountain, Finding Nemo, Autopia, Tea Cups and a Train ride. We saw Buzz Lightyear. We then went back to the motel for our lunch break. Tera had a nap.

Tuesday afternoon we went back and went to California Adventure. The boys enjoyed seeing a couple bears (in costume). The kids had fun playing on a giant tree house. They then got rides on a mini zipline.

We went on a swing ride around in a circle. We then went on a raging rapids ride that got us all wet. I went with the boys, then Becca went with the girls. While we were waiting for the girls, the boys had

a blast standing in an area where they got splashed when the tube came by. Other adults nearby enjoyed watching the boys getting all wet.

We then went back to the motel and ate dinner. The kids swam in the pool.

Wednesday morning we went back to Disneyland and got right on the Matterhorn bobsled ride. Ashlyn said she didn't feel well so she didn't go on it. We then went over to do the Finding Nemo ride. Ashlyn

still didn't feel well and then threw up in front of all the people standing in line. Becca took her and Tera back to the motel. She saw Tonia (Chad's sister) and her girls as she was leaving Disneyland.

I took the other kids inside the sleeping beauty castle. We then climbed on Tarzan's treehouse a couple times. We got in line for Indiana Jones' Adventure and Jonah wasn't tall enough. I had the other kids

go on the ride while Jonah and I waited. I guess one of the vehicles broke down so it took the kids forever to complete the ride. When we met up they were scared to death. I guess they didn't like all the

skeletons, snakes, etc. We went back to the motel for lunch.

A couple more kids started throwing up so Becca took the healthy kids back in the afternoon. I stayed with the sickies. Becca and the well kids went to California Adventure. They went to the Bug's Life

area. They went on a Ladybug ride, Flik's grasshopper ride, got a picture with Chip 'n' Dale, watched a 3D movie, saw Mater and Lightning McQueen and went on a big ferris wheel. They came back for dinner.

Thursday morning we ate the continental breakfast and then drove to SeaWorld in San Diego. I forgot to avoid the toll road so we paid a few bucks to get there. We got in the ticket line and after waiting

for 20 minutes found out we were in the wrong line. We got in the correct line and a half an hour we had our tickets to get in.

Right off the bat we saw a monitor lizard walking through the park with an employee. The kids liked that. We went to the Arctic exhibit where we were able to go underground and view the beluga whales

through the aquarium window. We then went on the Atlantis roller coaster. We all enjoyed that. We were surprised that Jonah went on all these rides and loved them. What a brave kid. We then saw over 300

penguins and got to see a bunch of a sharks swimming around us. We took a break to eat lunch.

We then went to the freshwater aquarium and saw all kinds of small fish. One of the best parts of SeaWorld was the dolphin show we watched. We then went to the motel. We had to get two rooms because they

wouldn't let us all be in one.

Friday morning we ate breakfast at the motel (muffins) and then drove to Becca's cousin (Allen Ostergar) in Laguna Niguel (one hour north of San Diego). We ate lunch with he and his family and then headed

off to Strands Beach about ten minutes away. We all had fun standing and playing in the water as it came ashore. The kids learned quickly how powerful the waves can be. The kids also had fun playing in the

sand. We all ran on the sand and had a great time. We were there 2-3 hours.

We then drove back over to Laguna Niguel and swam in the community pool. We then ate dinner outside with the Ostergar's. That evening we had smores on their deck overlooking the city.

Saturday morning we took off for home. The drive home was much quicker than the drive to California.

The trip was a lot of work, but was very fun. We all enjoyed the experience.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

Tera's 1st Birthday

2010-10-29T10:14:00.001-06:00

Tera celebrated her first birthday. She enjoyed eating her cupcake and playing with her stuffed animals and doll. We enjoyed singing "Happy Birthday" to her and celebrating her special day. She's always happy and brings so much joy to us.

Banks Kids

2010-10-04T10:07:00.000-06:00

St. George Marathon 2010

2010-10-04T09:49:00.002-06:00

Saturday, we watched Garrett, Cheryl and Jill compete in the St. George Marathon. Garrett finished in 14th place overall at 2:37.14, Cheryl at 4:12.55 and Jill at 4:21.17. We are so proud of you guys! It was fun and inspiring to watch the race.

Food, Fall & Fun

2010-09-30T09:30:00.000-06:00

Last night we drove up Cedar mountain to see the colorful fall leaves. Our friends, the Carpenter's, also came. We took pictures, ate pot-luck dinner and visited. We then drove to the "C" to enjoy the view and breathe some fresh smoke (from the fire near Beaver). We then drove down the face of the mountain to see the modest cabins. We saw a few deer. It was an enjoyable time.

Relief Society Retreat

2010-09-21T14:43:00.001-06:00

Our ward relief society had a retreat from 1-8 pm at Hilda Grimshaw's, an older lady from our old ward, cabin up Parowan Canyon. It's a million dollar cabin with three levels. The views were absolutely gorgeous. It took 30 minutes to get there. We had 24 women attend. A few came and went and a couple came later. We played some fun games, made a craft with a temple picture and put it on a painted 2x6 and mod podged it on and put a ribbon on it. We had a speaker, a woman in our ward, and she talked on light- that ye may have light. We ate dinner which included blue ribbon chicken salad, fruit tray, veggie tray, rolls and cheesecake. We had snacks on the counter to eat whenever. We visited, tied a couple of baby quilts, and some shot hoops- including 90 year old Sister Grimshaw. We had a sister share some thoughts and we had a testimony meeting at the end outside as the sun was setting. The mountains were so beautiful. Red rocks capped the mountains and the pine trees stood tall and the bushes were beginning to change to their fall colors. We left at eight like planned and came home. Becca

Jesse's Black Eye

2010-09-21T14:35:00.000-06:00

Jesse bonked heads with Ashlyn on the trampoline Sunday. We were visiting with the Banks/Payne family while the kids were in the backyard. His eye is more colorful today that the picture shows.

Daddy Daughter Derby

2010-09-20T11:23:00.001-06:00

Saturday I took Bryn and Ashlyn to the stake daddy daughter derby at the stake center. The girls each got to decorate a car donated by the Happy Factory. They then got to race them down pinewood derby tracks against the other girls. Ice-cream and cookies were served at the end. The stake primary presidency was in charge of the activity. It was to spend time with the girls and I think they really enjoyed it.

Iron County Fair Entries

2010-09-17T11:49:00.000-06:00

Here are some of the winning entries that Becca, Bryn, Ashlyn and Jesse entered in the Iron County Fair 2010.

Tera Laughing

2010-08-31T09:48:00.001-06:00

Blanket and Wigs

2010-08-31T09:45:00.000-06:00

We had some fun the other day with some wigs and a blanket.

First Day of School

2010-08-20T15:59:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was the first day of school for Bryn, Ashlyn and Jesse. Wednesday evening they got father's blessings for the school year.

Lake at the Hills

2010-08-18T09:43:00.001-06:00

Becca took the kids to Lake at the Hills yesterday with her friend Sarah and her kids. They had a fun time swimming and playing in the sand on the beach.

Campout at Three Peaks

2010-08-16T10:55:00.000-06:00

Friday evening I took Bryn and Ashlyn camping at Three Peaks. Becca stayed home with the others. The girls wanted a turn camping since I took the boys to Father & Sons in May. Friday we setup the tent and had tin foil dinners. The girls played with the fire and walked around on the rocks. We found a young girl that was lost and showed her the way back to her parents. Saturday morning we had Pop-tarts for breakfast and walked around the rocks some more. We packed up camp and drove over by the shooting range. We wandered around the side of a hill that had been dug out. It was fun to spend that alone time with them. It warmed my heart to see them play to gether and get along so well.

Banks Family Get-together

2010-08-16T10:42:00.000-06:00

Family came over to our place last night for pot-luck and to visit. There were Grandma Payne, Grandparents Banks, Slacks and Stewarts. We had fun visiting. The kids played on the playset/slide. Even Grandma Banks went down to the tube slide! That was fun to see.

Block Party

2010-08-16T10:39:00.000-06:00

Saturday evening we had a block party at our house. It was the first time we've hosted. There were about 20 people that came. We had a pot-luck dinner and then visited. The kids played volleyball and had fun running around and chasing each other. It was an enjoyable time. We were hoping for more people, but were glad for those who came.

Washing Machine

2010-08-13T08:15:00.000-06:00

Yesterday our washing machine quit on us. Last night we emptied the water out of it by hand, pulled it out and unscrewed a few things. We noticed a belt laying on the floor that was frayed. We'll see if we can get a replacement for it.

School Teachers 2010-11

2010-08-12T10:05:00.002-06:00

Bryn, Ashlyn and Jesse found out who their teachers will be this year. Bryn has Mrs. Huntsman, Ashlyn has Miss Soper and Jesse has Mrs. Webster. You can see pictures of their teachers here.

Tera's Teeth

2010-08-12T09:37:00.000-06:00

Tera has four teeth now. They appeared in the last week or two.

Jonah's Birthday

2010-08-12T09:36:00.000-06:00

Jonah enjoyed his birthday at the reunion. He also got his mom to make the baseball cake he wanted.

Jonah Dressed Up

2010-08-12T09:34:00.000-06:00

The girls had a fun time dressing Jonah up in different costumes.

Jesse Swimming

2010-08-12T09:33:00.001-06:00

Jesse has been taking swimming lessons for the first time. His last day is today. He has enjoyed it and is one of the best in his class.

Boys Playing in Pool

2010-08-12T09:32:00.000-06:00

When Jill was here she came over with her boys. They had a great time playing with ours in the swimming pool.

Boys in the Tree

2010-08-12T09:30:00.000-06:00

On the 24th of July we attended Founders Day. The boys wanted to sit up in the big tree.

Ashlyn's Scooter Accident

2010-08-12T09:25:00.001-06:00

Saturday we left the kids with Becca's parents while we went to the temple. Ashlyn was riding a scooter down their asphalt driveway and realized it didn't have brakes. She jumped off and got all scraped up. She has abrasions on her elbows, hands, knees and ankles. They're healing and she's doing pretty well now.

Jesse's Swimming Lesson

2010-08-10T15:49:00.001-06:00

For my lunch today I watched Jesse at his swimming lesson. It was neat to see him do well and be so brave. He had to swim a few feet to the teachers. He also got to jump off the diving board a couple times.

Ashlyn

2010-07-13T11:24:00.006-06:00

Photos of Asllyn include Twelfth Night play, reading to kids, strange eye trick and physical fitness award.

Jesse Biking and Jumping

2010-07-06T09:09:00.003-06:00

We took the kids to Mud Mania on the 4th of July. They enjoyed playing in the mud. Here's a photo of Jesse jumping in.

Jesse learned how to ride his bike this past week. Riding his bike was all he could think about the next few days.

Photos of Tera

2010-06-09T08:49:00.003-06:00

Allergy Shot

2010-06-08T15:57:00.001-06:00

I got a Kenalog shot today for my allergies. I started getting itchy, watery eyes a couple weeks ago and decided it was time. It has worked pretty well in the past.

Temple Trip

2010-06-05T16:00:00.004-06:00

Friday, Becca and I attended the temple with the Carpenter's (friends in our ward). We ate at Golden Corral afterward. It was a very enjoyable trip.

Sold Dodge Caravan

2010-05-15T16:04:00.002-06:00

We sold our Dodge Caravan. It was a great van, but we wanted one with fewer miles and more room. The buyers saw our advertisement on KSL.com. We bought that van a few years ago from Cedar City Truck Sales.

Bryn's Track Meet & Presidential Fitness Award

2010-05-14T09:12:00.013-06:00

Bryn's school had a track meet on May 13th for the third, fourth and fifth graders at the Canyon View High School track. She entered four events and took first in all of them. She ran 1:22 in the 400 meter, 3:23 in the 800 meter, 1:10 in the 4x100 meter relay and 6 feet in the broad jump. As parents we were nervous but excited to watch her compete. We are so happy for her.

Bryn was also awarded the Presidential Fitness Award for the third year in a row. It is awarded to kids who meet certain physical fitness criteria.

Boot Me No More

2010-01-27T14:51:00.003-07:00

Yesterday I had my appointment with the orthopaedist. I don't have to wear my boot anymore. Yea! I will now wear an ankle brace for five weeks. I will now be seeing the physical therapist for a month. We'll be working on increasing flexibility the first week. Each step toward full recovery makes me excited.

Bryn Playing Piano

2010-01-20T13:19:00.002-07:00

Bryn playing the piano.

Crutches No More

2010-01-05T14:26:00.003-07:00

Yea, yea, yea, yea, yea!

I just got done meeting with Dr. Nakken and I can work off my crutches. I'm so excited. In three weeks I have another appointment and I'll be able to get rid of the boot.

P.S. For those who don't know, I had surgery on my foot four weeks ago to repair a couple of peroneal tendons.

Earthquake

2010-01-04T09:58:00.003-07:00

That's not something you feel everyday. I'm sitting here at work and the next thing I know I hear this big bang. I didn't know what it was at first. I guess there was a 4.1 magnitude earthquake 8 miles south of Cedar this morning at 9:24. Pretty cool.

Ashlyn's Article of Faith

2009-12-28T10:06:00.003-07:00

Ashlyn recites the fourth Article of Faith.

Baptism and Blessing

2009-12-07T09:27:00.006-07:00

Tera had her baby blessing Sunday.

Ashlyn had her birthday and was baptized Saturday.

Jesse can count to 30 now.

Jonah and Tera

2009-11-30T08:15:00.002-07:00

Jonah enjoying an interesting outfit.

Recent photo of Tera smiling.

Tera Photo & Video

2009-11-23T08:08:00.002-07:00

SpongeBob is taking great care of Tera. She is so happy.

This video was taken yesterday, November 22nd.

Halloween Costumes

2009-11-05T14:59:00.001-07:00

Jonah, Bryn and Ashlyn dressed up for Halloween. Jesse was sick and didn't dress up.

Setting Apart

2009-11-02T08:51:00.005-07:00

I had the opportunity to see my parents set apart by their stake president Greg Powell. It was a spiritual experience. I had mixed emotions. I was excited their time has come to serve a mission, but I will definitely miss them while they're gone.

They were set apart at the Cross Hollows Stake Center in the high council room at about 8:00 pm last night. In attendance were my grandparents Banks, grandma Payne, Uncle Dave & Aunt Jeannie, Leanne, Alan, Ember and her family, Cheryl and Garrett and Brent.

I cherished the opportunity to stand in the circle as my parents were set apart. It had never crossed my mind that I would get to participate in that. It was very special. They were promised great blessings.

My brother Brent is dropping them off at the MTC today. They will be great missionaries. I feel the Spirit so strongly when I think about what they're doing. What a blessing to know the gospel has been restored and to be a part of it. What a wonderful time!

New Baby Tera

2009-10-26T09:35:00.003-06:00

We are happy to announce our new arrival, Tera! She weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces and was 20 inches long. She was our smallest baby. She and mom are doing wonderful. We are so grateful for each of our children and the joy they bring to our lives. What a miracle!

Fire, Fair and a Few Weeks

2009-10-02T13:00:00.001-06:00

A week ago I took Jesse on a daddy-boy date in Cedar. We stopped by the fire station and got a tour from a ward member. Speaking of fire, Becca came home the other day and the smoke alarms were going off. She was of course scared. We figured out that a battery in one of them had gone bad. Whew.

We went to the Iron County Fair a weeks ago. Jonah loved merry-go-round with motorcycles.

The girls are being silly again. Bryn enjoyed dressing up like pregnant Becca. Only three and a half weeks left.

The Greenshow

2009-08-31T12:53:00.004-06:00

Last week we took the kids to the Greenshow. We got a kick out of Jonah dancing. I think they enjoyed the singing and dancing. It's a little different than when I used to go as a kid. I think they would have enjoyed seeing the dancers avoid the eggs. They also would have liked the Punch and Judy puppet show. We let them run around the lawn for a few minutes after the Greenshow got done.

Llamas on Cedar Mountain

2009-08-11T09:52:00.008-06:00

We enjoyed our time with the family Saturday at Grandma Payne's cabin. As we were leaving we encountered some llamas on the side of the road. We stopped to take some pictures and they came right up to our van. We opened the window to look at them and they thought they were invited right in. It was funny.

Jonah's Stitches in Chin

2009-08-10T14:33:00.003-06:00

Jonah fell off our playset and hit his chin on a wood slat at the bottom. I was at work so Becca took him in to the doctor. Becca held him down as he screamed while the doctor placed three stitches. He is happy and doing well now.

Banks Reunion

2009-07-29T16:03:00.009-06:00

We enjoyed a reunion with the Banks side of the family at the Deer Haven campground on Cedar mountain. The kids were able to break a pinata and go fishing at Kids' Pond. They also had fun playing in a log hut that their Uncle Jared built. We enjoyed the devotionals around the campfire and getting to know each other better.

Main Street Mile

2009-07-27T09:48:00.004-06:00

I ran the Main Street Mile with my family in Cedar City on Pioneer Day. Ashlyn and Bryn also ran it with me. My time was 5:55. My goal was to get under 6:00, so I was happy. Bryn got about 7:00 minutes and Ashlyn got about 7:20. It was the first time I had run that race.

Elison Reunion at Tropic Reservoir

2009-07-21T11:36:00.014-06:00

We enjoyed a few days camping near Tropic Reservoir with Becca's family for their annual reunion. A few of the things we got to do are as follows:

Break pinatas
Shoot bb guns
Shoot arrows
Find candy in sawdust (Big Dig)
Geocache for treasures (with GPS units)
Watch movie with projector (Horton Hears a Who)
Becca got a haircut (From her sister Melani)
Canoeing
Roast hot dogs and marshmallows (for smores)
Skits
Family flag

Playset Finished

2009-06-24T08:13:00.007-06:00

Becca's dad came up to our place a few days ago and helped Becca put a border around our playset with wood 4x4's. She then bought a bunch of rubber wood chips from Walmart to put inside the border. It ended up taking way more bags to fill it than we were expecting. We decided we weren't going to spend any more money on them to fill it. She went and got some pea gravel and put a layer in and then put the rubber chips on that. I think it looks fine and should do the job. I appreciate all the hard work Becca did on it. We're excited to have that project done.

Hives

2009-06-23T12:46:00.005-06:00

I've been suffering with hives on my arms the past few days. My arms are red, bumpy and itchy. I went to the doctor yesterday and he prescribed some medicine. I don't know what I'm allergic to. We'll see if that does the job.

Wife Rebecca

2009-06-21T12:49:00.001-06:00

Marrying my wife Rebecca was the best decision in my life. She truly makes me happy.

Family Portrait

2009-06-20T12:36:00.002-06:00

Banks family left to right: Bryn, Jesse, Chad, Rebecca, Jonah and Ashlyn.

Marriage

2009-06-19T12:40:00.001-06:00

We were married in the St. George Temple. We met while attending Southern Utah University.

Mission Call

2009-06-18T08:46:00.003-06:00

My parents got their mission call yesterday. They are going to the Santiago, Dominican Republic mission. It will be a Spanish-speaking CES mission. They leave on November 2nd. They will serve for 18 months.

Utah Summer Games 5K

2009-06-15T16:58:00.005-06:00

I watched Garrett, Cheryl and Ember run the 5K Saturday morning. Garrett took second overall. He took first overall in the 10K on Friday. Cheryl and Ember ran well too. Dad, mom and Brent came to watched as well. It was fun to see them run and cheer them on.

I was planning on running but found out that the Clydesdale division was cancelled.

5K Road Race Results

Sister Jill is Expecting

2009-06-15T16:43:00.003-06:00

I found out yesterday that my sister Jill is expecting in October. I was visiting with the family yesterday and they asked if we heard. I told them we hadn't. They asked if we had seen the picture that Jill sent. I told them I had. The picture went right over my head. Each of her kids was holding a ball. There was a ball next to them with no one holding it. It was there way of saying a new baby is coming. I did think the picture was strange because they're more into wrestling and karate. I didn't understand why they were each holding a ball.

Cafe Rio

2009-06-15T16:36:00.004-06:00

I noticed Cafe Rio is going up across from the lighthouse in Cedar City. Doesn't Cedar already seem saturated with Mexican restaurants? I also think it's interesting that they're only a block from Costa Vida. Aren't they the same type of restaurant?

Engagement

2009-06-12T09:59:00.004-06:00

I official proposed to Rebecca in my dad's bishop office. We were engaged for three months before we got married in 1997.

Mission

2009-06-10T10:37:00.007-06:00

I served in the Texas Houston East mission from 1993-1994.

The areas I served are Vidor, Broadway, Pasadena, League City and Orange.

My companions were Richard Rowley, Wayne Ostler, Scott Hegwer, Paul Hess, Bruce Tippets, Elder Dutson, Jeffrey Snow and Thomas Capps.

My mission presidents were Allen Farnsworth and Fred Stringham.

Cedar High School Graduation

2009-06-09T08:25:00.003-06:00

I graduated from Cedar High School in 1992.

High School Basketball

2009-06-08T12:43:00.003-06:00

I enjoyed playing basketball in high school. This is a picture from my junior year. My coaches were Steve Hodson, Kit Janes, Richard Hobbs and Brad Lambeth.

Eagle Scout

2009-06-07T10:42:00.003-06:00

I am an Eagle Scout. My scoutmasters were Warren Woolsey and Garth Jones.

Baptism

2009-06-03T10:35:00.000-06:00

I was baptized by my father at the Cedar West Stake Center. I was eight years old. My twin sister Lori was baptized first.

One Year Old

2009-06-02T12:46:00.001-06:00

This is a picture of me when I was one year old.