Smoothies and Tunes

My Hometown Card's 2011 Season In a Nutshell

2011-10-29T02:25:00.013-06:00

The Official Jason Sanders Recap of the St. Louis Cardinals 2011 World Series Winning Season:

Spring Training, top pitcher, Adam Wainwright out for Tommy Johns surgery.Days before the season began, the Cardinals turn down Albert Pujols’ request to resign for a $200 million 20 year contract, last year with Al.
Season with ups and downs, playing for top spot with the Reds.
Passed by the Brewers.
Brewers clench NLDS with the Cards 10 games down.
Aug. 25^th, Cards 10.5 games down on the Braves in the Wild Card Race.
Cards come back, beat out the Braves in the last regular season game to clench the Wild Card spot in the NLDS.They go up against the Phillies, baseball’s best regular season record, and beat them in 5 with a 1-0 win pitched by Carpenter.
They win the NLCS against the Brewers in 6 thanks to some great playing by Pujols, Freese, Jay, and of course, the Cards new mascot, the Rally Squirrel.
They go on to the World Series, for the 3^rd and final time, as the underdog.
Down 3-2 to the Rangers, they come back in the most remarkable fashion. Bottom of the 9^th, 7-5. Pujols and Berman on base, Freese with a 1-2 count hits one deep into right field over Cruz’s glove to get a triple and 2 RBIs to tie the game. 7-7. Extra innings.

Josh Hamilton crushes a HR with a man on, we’re down by 2, again. 9-7 Rangers.
Bottom of the 10^th, Theriot hits a grounder and brings Descalso home. 9-8 Rangers.
Berkman hits an RBI single to center to bring Jay home, once again, on a 1-2 count. Game tied 9-9. On to the 11^th
The Rangers get one on, but we strand him. Bottom of the 11th.
David Freese, on a 3-2 count, hits a gorgeous walk-off homer straight down center field to win the game and extend to game 7, first time a WS has gone to 7 since 2002
The Game 7 win comes at the hands of Carpenter, and again, David Freese. 6-2. The Cards win their 11^th World Series in 2011, maybe our last time with Albert Pujols in Cardinals red.

It has been great boys, thanks for the ride.

I Heart Apple Care #2

2010-04-25T00:40:00.008-06:00

So an update to my previous story... (see "I Heart Apple Care")

When they replaced my Logic Board a few weeks back and found that my heat pipe was also having issues and fixed that as well. When I got it back the external hardware wasn't set well so the battery didn't sit right. Also the track-pad wouldn't "click" right, so I brought it back in. They messed with the battery and got it to fit in well and decided the track-pad and keyboard broke as a result, so they said they'd replace that. I couldn't give them my computer with finals approaching so I scheduled an appointment for the next week to come drop it off.

As I went in and gave it to the guy at the "Genius Bar," he went back to talk to his manager. He came back 15 minutes later.

Apple Employee: "Alright, my manager decided to replace your MacBook since you've had so many issues with it. You initially paid $X,XXX for it 3 1/2 years ago, so we'll give you that credit towards a new laptop. You can get the MacBook Pro 13" with no additional cost."

Me: "I'm sorry, did I hear you say a FREE new MacBook Pro?"

Apple Employee: "Yes sir."

Me: [Long pause as it registered in my head] "You're serious?"

Apple Employee: "Yes sir."

Me: [15 seconds to freak out in my head] "Can I subsidize that to get a better laptop?"

Apple Employee: "Yes sir."

Me: "So I can pay an extra $XXX to get a MacBook Pro 15" with the new i5 processor, better graphics cards, and more hard drive space?"

Apple Employee: "Yes sir." [He was good with the "Yes sir's"]

Me: [Passed out due to an overwhelming feeling of joy.]

So there you have it, for just $600, I am getting this brand new MacBook Pro.

I'm going to say it again.

I LOVE APPLE CARE.

I couldn't recommend apple and their warranty plans more. I don't know how else to communicate that.

The End.

Alma 2

2010-04-05T09:35:00.003-06:00

I read this a few days ago and got a kick out of it.

This is the heading to Alma chapter 2.

--Amlici seeks to be king and is rejected by the voice of the people
—His followers make him king
—The Amlicites make war on the Nephites and are defeated
—The Lamanites and Amlicites join forces and are defeated
—Alma slays Amlici.
--Amlici had a bad day. 87 B.C.

Talk about epic fail for a guy. I guess that's what you get when you rebel against the Lord's people. You and your army, die...

Have a great day!

I Heart Apple Care

2010-04-04T13:33:00.009-06:00

So post mission I bought my first apple product, a 13" MacBook. With that 13" MacBook, I purchased the apple extended warranty, AppleCare. The warranty didn't cover accidental damage, but everything that happened from product defect. At first I was disappointed, because, as those that know me well know, I don't treat my electronic items very well (especially cell phones) and was sure I'd damage it myself before something broke. Well it didn't happen that way. These are the things that have been replaced on my laptop over the past 3 years:

New battery
New CD-Rom drives (x2) (Optical Drives)
New screen cover
New full keyboard and track pad (x3)

Hundreds of dollars, possibly totaling my computer, all for free. Now I know what you're thinking, why should I need that many repairs on my machine? Shouldn't it work? Well, here's my philosophy. HPs, Dells, Compaqs, etc all are competition for the relative same product, right? If you buy an HP and you don't like it for one reason or another, next time you purchase a PC, you just get a Dell. There is a lot of replacement opportunity. That does NOT apply to anything Apple. They aren't driven to perfect their hardware because they know if you like their software, you won't have any other options but to buy another Mac. SOO, you buy AppleCare and live with it. That's my understanding, take it or leave it.

So my MacBook blacked out on me Friday. One evening it worked, the next morning it didn't. I admit, I was rather scared. My life is held on my computer. I was in Salt Lake for conference the next day and took the opportunity to drop by the Apple Store to get it looked at. The genius guy took it back to the back and came back with bad and good news. Bad news, my Logic Board is shot and I am 3 months out of warranty (see below for a photo of what one looks like). Good news, his manager told him to go ahead and order the repair even though I was 3 months out of warranty. Add a logic drive to that free list baby! Apple Really Takes Care Of You. If you ever buy any Apple product, especially if its a laptop or desktop, GET APPLECARE. You won't regret it :)

Here's what a MacBook Logic drive looks like.

That is a long post for that simple advice. They have only treated me well, and I'd recommend it to anyone. So there you have it.

Awkward story of the week

2010-03-28T13:07:00.003-06:00

Awkward story of the week:
(set-up) Me calling an applicant for a counselor position at EFY this summer to answer some questions she had. I dialed her number and it rang... and no one picked up, so it went to voicemail. This was my message...

Me: Hi ________ (insert random woman's name here), this is Jason from the EFY office calling about the questions you had. I'll be here until 4:30, feel free to call me at this number ###.###.#### before then, or I will just give you a try again at the beginning of next week. Thanks, love ya, bye.

My co-worker, Jenny, just sat there and started at me, then said.

Jenny: Did you know her?

Me: Not yet, why?

Jenny: You just told her that you loved her....

Me: Whatever Jenny, I did NOT tell her that.

Jenny: You totally did! You just told her that you loved her!

Me: Oh... no....

So there you have it, I found out this week that I love a random EFY counselor applicant that I have never met. Yes ladies, I guess it's that easy to win my heart.

Just a Little Thanks

2010-01-10T23:24:00.011-07:00

Its been too long since I've posted something legit and worth reading; not that this is worth reading :)

These last few weeks have been pretty stressful. I am currently working 3 jobs, with the Technology Department for the Church on BYU Campus, as an intern with BYU Athletic Marketing, and as an Office Coordinator in the EFY office. I have some form of commitment every weekend this semester but 3 or 4 with the Young Ambassadors, touring through Arizona for 10 days and lots of weekend shows in Provo, SLC, Idaho, and Wyoming. With of course school on top of it all. Now this is not Jason complaining, just getting stuff off the chest onto the blog. But that isn't really the stressful part, I'm currently working on my Advertising Program Application that is due this Friday afternoon (1/15). The application includes the grades from 3 classes that I've already taken, 5 essays, a full-length exam, and a 60 second video to be viewed by the board of Advertising professors that decided who gets in and who doesn't. This last week I got all the filming for the video done (Thanks again to all of those that helped with that btw, especially Justin.) and this week I have all of the editing as well as the exam and 5 essays.

Now to my point.

I would have crashed and burned long ago had it not been for a few people.

Thank you Mom for your constant faith and encouragement.

Dad for the Father's blessing and patriarch-like advice.

Kap for keeping me sane and laughing.

Justin and Brittany for putting up with me 4 nights in a row, the Community watching and Killer Bunnies playing was what I needed.

The roommies (Caleb, Brad, John, Tyler, and Mike) for your examples, laughs, and evening sports watching.

Tiff, you're Tiff.

Kevin, for your coaching and preparing me for a big, stressful job.

Eliza, for already being such a great "Co," you have a desire to do right and conviction to the youth that will guarantee a successful summer, I am honored and blessed to work with you.

So that might have been a little bit more than a few, but I really do appreciate you all.

Thank you.

btw, I love this photo

On Broadway - Brad Robins

2009-12-25T23:32:00.007-07:00

My roommate, Brad Robins, released his album this last summer entitled, "Center Stage." The song is called "On Broadway" from the musical Smokey Joe's Cafe. This is a video I made to promote his CD. If you like what you hear, the album is available on Amazon, iTunes, and Napster. Visit BradRobins.com for more info.

For the HD version on YouTube, click here.

Brad Robins released his debut album, "Center Stage" summer of 2009. The album features Brad singing a wide variety of broadway hits from shows such as Les Miserables, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon and many others. This video features the first track on the album along with more information on Brad and how to get his album online. Become a fan of Brad on facebook and follow him on twitter. For more visit bradrobins.com. Download your copy today.

One more great vid

2009-12-02T03:30:00.004-07:00

Watch the whole thing, I promise its worth it.

Childhood Memories Come Back

2009-10-18T18:27:00.008-06:00

This last weekend I saw probably the best movie I have seen all year. Where the Wild Things Are. I do not remember the last time I was so emotionally involved in a movie nor a time when I had laughed so hard in one either. (I'm going back for a second time tomorrow to watch it with my fam for FHE :) )

I grew up with this as one of my favorite books. I read it all the time and had all the monsters and Max in stuffed animals (Just like every other little boy). It amazes me now how a book with only 10 run-on sentences, a total of about 350 words, would be so appealing to so many children worldwide and find such success. But the movie takes the book to such a new, higher level. I had NO IDEA what to expect when I went and I'm kind of glad.

What I most enjoyed about the movie was the boy "Max." What he did as a 9 ye

ar-old boy was just amazing. His acting was so extremely sincere, pure and honest; I felt like I could see right into those most private feelings, fears, hopes, and dreams that are held only in his heart.

I know movies are expensive, especially if you are a starving college student like me, but I would recommend any sacrifice necessary to go and see this film while its still in theaters. It will be worth every cent :)

Here is a trailer for the movie...

http://wherethewildthingsare.warnerbros.com/#/Splash

And a featurette about the boy Max and the director Spike...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-aKTxuOGJc

A Powerful Witness, A Powerful Truth

2009-10-18T17:42:00.003-06:00

I teach Elder's Quorum for my ward and even though I teach at 8:30am, I just love it. Today's lesson was on contemporary witnesses of the Prophet Joseph Smith and I really wanted to involve some sort of media. I like involving media into my lessons for a few reasons; first of all it simply keeps everyone awake at 8:30 in the morning, but also I've found that it teaches in ways I cannot.

Satan has learned how to use the media for his own cunning plans, and really does too good of a job with it; I feel we need to really step up to the plate and show its use for great good. So as I was preparing for my lesson, I started searching youtube for some sort of video that would bring the message home to the guys I would teach this morning. I came across Elder Holland's talk from this last General Conference (a meeting where the presiding leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints deliver messages to the 13+ million members of the church worldwide), one of the most powerful witnesses I have ever heard borne.

As I watched this late last night, I felt once again a powerful confirmation of the truthfulness of the restoration, the Book of Mormon, and the Prophet Joseph Smith. I know in truth that God the Father and Jesus Christ, His Son, appeared to the boy Joseph Smith. That they prepared Him and the world since before this world was to carry out the task of bringing the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ back to the earth. I know the Book of Mormon is scripture, just as is the Bible. That in and through the words contained therein, we can find direction, guidance and peace. I have a sure knowledge that we are led today by a Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and Apostles, like the one shown here in this video, Elder Jeffery R. Holland. They are called and led by God to show us the path back to Him, through His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

For more information visit: mormon.org

Enjoy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUqNW_PTTp0

You Can't Go Wrong With Some New Finds

2009-10-15T23:18:00.006-06:00

I love music, period. And sometimes finding new music can change a week from good to great. I LOVE these two songs, I think they're both fantastic.

This is a great new song by Michael Bublé from his CD "Crazy Love" that just came out a little while ago.

Another great song I heard for the first time last night by a group called Owl City. The song is called Fireflies and yes, I know its been around for a while, the 1 million + hits on the youtube video tells me that, the song just gets my foot tapping and I simply like it, ... a lot.

Enjoy...

EFC Slideshow 2009

2009-10-04T23:40:00.005-06:00

This is a slideshow I made at the end of the summer for all of the EFY counselors that worked with us. It was put together between 2am and 6am, so don't do too much judging. In addition, I truly am sorry if you are not in this and worked with us this summer, also if you feel someone is in it too often, I used the pictures that I had or was given.

To all those I worked with this summer, thank you. Still looking back, I couldn't imagine a better team; one that truly was prepared to teach the gospel humbly, with the Spirit, and by example. Your lives were examples to the youth and to me. May you still see the hand of the Lord in your lives today, is my prayer.

Enjoy.

The Best of the Best

2009-09-30T02:46:00.008-06:00

My bro is the greatest. Period.

Some basic facts:

He is 6' 4" (about 5-6 inches taller than I) (I call him "Tall Freak" occasionally, its a term of love)
He will turn 22 on Oct. 26th -- we are 2 years, 2 months, and 2 weeks apart in age.
He teaches spanish at the MTC (and LOVES it)

Some of my favorite Kaplan stories:

Our High School is 4 stories tall. Kap wanted to drink from the 4th floor drinking fountain from the 1st floor. He got permission from the Head Principle (the principle loved Kap) to go in with some friends on a Saturday and do just that. They collect hundreds of straws, connected them one by one, and he proceeded to drink from a fountain 4 stories above him. Inspiration.
My favorite story happened just a few weeks ago. Kap got a speeding ticket and had to go in to court. He spent a long time in the court room watching those that came before him; his was the last case. When it came his turn he asked the judge, "Your honor, I don't ever plan to be in this position again, I am not one to be guilty of crimes. I have a favor to ask you." "What can I do for you Mr. Sanders?" "Well your honor, you haven't used your hammer all day, and I really wanted to experience something that I most likely will never have the opportunity of experiencing again. Can I sit up in the witness stand and would you slam your hammer on the stand and yell 'GUILTY!'?" Ha, the judge just sat and stared at him for a few moments, not knowing how to take this request, and then just rolled with laughter. "Sure son, come on up here. Kaplan Bryan Sanders, I find you guilty!" SLAM! Ha, my favorite part was that Kap called me up that night just to tell me of a dream come true. Another reason I love my bro.

Why I truly love my brother:

I can't talk with anyone like I can him, he has a perspective and understanding of life that is beyond his and my years.
He is real, no walls, barriers, fake faces. Everyone gets the same Kaplan Sanders. That is refreshing.
He is plain out FUNNY. I don't laugh with anyone else like I laugh with Kap.
He doesn't worry at all what others think about him, he did many things in middle school and high school to consciously train himself that way.
He loves to work.
He is tall (ha)
He speaks from his heart. What he says reaches mine.
His priorities are straight, that helps me keep mine the same.
He loves.

Thank you Kap. How blessed I am to call you my brother and my friend. I love you bro.

Open the Windows

2009-09-30T00:05:00.002-06:00

It simply hasn't stopped. I just wanted to share my gratitude for how week by week new opportunities continue to open; the Lord is aware. From the seminary teaching option opening up, to great experiences working with EFY, going on a second year with a great touring/performing group (BYU Young Ambassadors) and now as a team leader, to being assigned as a student supervisor at work with OIT. I had been worried these past 3 years that I have been home from the mission about being provided the experiences and opportunities I need to succeed occupationally. I no longer worry. To what seemed all at once, I now have so many great blessings that have just been poured out. Quite literally, the windows of heaven have been opened.

This is one recent development. I was hired as a non-paid intern with BYU Athletic Marketing at the end of last winter semester for this academic year. There were about 15 hired to help with promotions and marketing for all of BYU's games. 3 or 4 of us are each assigned to different teams to head the marketing and events (I have been assigned to Softball and Baseball) and all of us work every home football game. And I got the SWEETEST assignment associated with the games. I was asked to run the music in the box, its pretty much amazing. The marching band handles the vast majority of the music, I really only play 8-10 songs a game. But in addition to the music, I also play the Cougar Growls when there are first downs, when the fight song is played, or just for kicks. I sit in a "loge" on the 3rd floor of the box with David, who's in charge of coordinating the promotions for the game; the announcer, Kelley; and his two spotters. Here are some photos of the interns, shots from the box where I work and some vids taken during the game, enjoy.

Some of the Interns

This is a shot during the FSU game, yeah I know, I should have just deleted it after such a disappointment...

A shot during the Pep Assembly before the FSU game.

A vid from the FSU game

A vid from the CSU game

Life-Changing

2009-09-28T23:07:00.004-06:00

I could not stop laughing after I watched this video. I think I watched it at least 10 times in the first 5 minutes. Wow. Laugh out loud funny. Enjoy.

Djembe! (Gesundheit)

2009-09-16T01:26:00.003-06:00

So I was doing some late night youtube searching at work (I work a 4am shift once a week and things are generally pretty slow, that leaves us a lot of time to work on hw, surf the web and watch some movies) and found this sweet vid. This little dude is pretty dang impressive, 4 years old and has skills most don't.

This is called a Djembe, an African Hand-drum, and a little btw, it's probably my favorite instrument to play. It is smallish (compared to a drumset) and can simulate a drumset in many ways other drums can't. This makes it a great option for small, acoustic settings. Check this out for more info on djembe love.

Enjoy.

2009-09-15T01:05:00.001-06:00

This is me trying to update my blog by texting, just for kicks, let's see if this works.

I've Learned

2009-09-07T14:10:00.006-06:00

I've Learned that Life is Tough, but with family, I'm Tougher.

Here are some photos of each one of my family members, they are all great.

Kap's "new" car, gangsta suit and fake mustache.

Dad's Bday

New Years Crab Dinner Tradition, hence the hat on the Mom.

Love you fam.

These Are My Teams - No Losers Here

2009-09-05T22:29:00.009-06:00

Take it or leave it, they're the best. Period. Cougs and Cards.

BYU Cougars. Beat #3 Oklahoma.

St. Louis Cardinals. Highest Winning Percentage in the National League.

Chicago + Z's + The Cubs + Good Friends + A Big Shiny Bean = Happiness

2009-07-30T21:08:00.022-06:00

Hello Chicago.

So I finally had a week off from the efy tour, it really was needed; I got 23 hours of sleep in the first 48 hours, marvelous.

We didn't do a lot most of the time, a lot of sleeping, movie watching, Spongebob Square Pants movie watching, Spongebob Square Pants coloring, just plain relaxing.

Joe, Spencer and I did go swimming and were the oldest ones in the pool by at least 8 years. They had an adult swim for 20 minutes and we were 3 of the 4 people in the whole pool.

We spent some quality time in downtown Chicago visiting Navy Pier:

Millennium Park:

Michigan Av:

And the Big Shiny Bean:

We ate lunch at Giordano's (some real Chicago deep-dish pizza -- wow), all joking aside, it was by far THE BEST pizza I have EVER had, ever, period. period.

Spencer, Kevin and I went to a Cubs/Astros game today. None of us were Cubs fans, (The Cubs and the Cardinals are actually huge rivals, I have pretty strong feelings against them really.) but we really wanted to go to Wrigley Field and experience a Cubs game. They smoked the Astros, 12-3, I think there were a total of 5 home runs between the two teams. I found myself getting honestly depressed as the game went on the the cubs started to tear the Astros apart, (I didn't realize I hated the Cubs that much) so I had to step back and breathe a bit, "Ok Jason, its only a game, settle down." ha.

Anyways, its been a great week here in Chicago. I am SUPER excited to get started with EFY again though, way too much down time, it's killing me. And in Nauvoo? It doesn't get any better. To finish things off, we have a little vid for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Just a few thoughts and a vid

2009-07-29T22:28:00.004-06:00

I love this music video, its simply one of my favorites. I feel like it sums up a lot of what is my purpose in working with efy and what I hope to accomplish. What's funny is that I find that as I work on helping the youth, being an instrument in the Lord's hands for their benefit and growth, I find that the Lord blesses me 100 fold. Matthew 10:39 comes to mind. The more that I lose my life, the more that I find it; how marvelous that is.

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBEYyHGbwto

Fix You by Coldplay

Point Proven

2009-07-25T21:47:00.004-06:00

Example B

Enough said.

This isn't pride, it's honesty

2009-07-24T12:38:00.009-06:00

Ok, I'm just passing on what I've been told. Take it as you will, I'm just saying it as I've been informed.

Over the past few months I've had 7+ people claim that I have a celebrity look-alike.

You ready?

Its....

Tom Cruise.

Yeah, I know. I'm way hotter than he is.

Besides, he has brown hair, is way short and has facial hair. I'm tall, blue-eyed and much handsomer (with not even a 2nd day shadow).

I'll let you decide, your comments are appreciated.

Cafeteria food, COWs and alrights.

2009-06-28T22:31:00.010-06:00

So I've done an awful job with my blog this past month and a half, I never finished posting my Young Ambassador tour photos and stories, nor did I talk about my week as an EFY counselor in Provo and my two BC weeks (so far) in the mid west, so now for the recap.

I LOVE EFY!! This is my 9th year being involved with the program; I went 6 years as a youth (5 in Lawrence, Kansas and one in Ohio) and now 3 years as staff. My first year I was a counselor in 2 sessions, last year I had 3 counselor, 3 BC weeks, and this year I have 2 counselor weeks and 7 BC weeks. I keep on wondering if I should grow up and move on with my life....Ummmm....I don't think I will :)

My guys my first week were ABSOLUTELY hilarious. One's name was Alex, he was a more quiet kind of guy the whole week, I could tell that he would be there, having fun, listening, and such, he just wouldn't actively participate, just a little shy. Then came Thursday, the spiritual day. That evening, after our testimony meeting and nightly devotional, I gave the guys time to write themselves a letter that I'm going to mail them come December, reminding them of what they learned and promised themselves they'd do. So I knocked on his door to see if his roommate needed a few more minutes. As I knocked, he pocked his head out the door.

"Can I help you?"
"Yeah, do you guys need any more?" (minutes,... it was implied :)
"No, we have enough towels, thank you." SLAMMMMM

He totally SLAMed the door in my face. I just rolled on the floor laughing. Where did that come from?!

Another story. We were at breakfast Saturday morning eating outside; it was kind of chilly. After he finished eating, under his breath, but still saying it to be heard, "Man, its cold outside, I think I'm going to go double up on underwear."

HA!! The youth just crack me up. They are FUN, plain and simple. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed them.

My guys that week were all-stars. 4 of them were 17 and the other 6 were 18; half of them had already graduated from high school, some taken a semester or two of college and a few getting their papers ready. Talk about a great group of guys. Our devos were all power-packed with testimonies they bore, insights they shared and experiences that had changed them. They surprise me every week, leaving me better.

These were my guys, they're great.

This job is:
-the most rewarding job, ever
-the most tiring job, ever

-the most fun job, ever
-the job that makes me grow the most....ever....?
-the most spiritual job, ever
-the most sleep-deprived job, ever
-the most fulfilling job, ever
-the most draining job, ever
-the most wild and crazy job, ever
-the most rewarding job, ever

-the most cafeteria-fied job, ever

-the most life-changing job, ever

All in all, the best job, ever.

Coming Home -- Norway

2009-05-11T15:08:00.022-06:00

Norway, wow. It has been a very powerfully surprising experience being in a country that I have so much ancestry and roots from; especially since my family still holds close many Norwegian traditions. To be honest, I was most excited for Norway from day one. I was more than pleased with the experience there. We took a 4 hour ferry from Denmark to Christianson, Norway and then drove up to Stravangar to perform a fireside. As we began to sing, strong feelings came over me; I felt oddly close to all my past ancestors who had gone before me. It was such a powerful and moving experience. I felt like I had finally come home.

These are two sweet guys we stayed with in Oslo, Mike, Joseph and Clause

They took us to the Norwegian Parliament, this is where they pass all their legislation.

You can't go to Norway and not see some good ol' viking ships. This is Matt and I, next year's percussionist/drummer duo!

We made two different papers in Skien! Gabe was the star, all the girls just loved him.

I was pretty sick the week we were in Norway, so I did a lot of sleeping on the bus. On the way to Oslo I woke up after a good, long nap to this... I thought we had taken a wrong turn into Greenland...

I ran in to Amy Ingerbredsen in Bergen! It was fun to see her and chat for quite a while, she seems like a great missionary.
Atop Bergen out looking the city with Bailee and PJ

And with Josh, my eternal roommate (we've roommed together 5+ times). It was freezing up there, can you tell?
At some neat church that was built off of a mix of Pagan and Christian beliefs with Dani, how that works, I still don't know.

Our 4-hour ferry from Denmark to Norway with the whole gang: Dani, Mike, Josh, Shayla, Nikki, Jeanette and Daysha.