Star Date - March 20, 2009
Captain's Log - The whole crew except Dr. McCoy (Clark, who stayed home and cared for the Cannon creatures and performed at a paying concert with his band) assembled themselves at the foot of volcanic Mount Ranier for the marriage ritual of Rob and Deb Snyder. We were overcome by the forest atmosphere swathed in seemingly ever-present rain. Who could help but equate this setting to that of the book, "Twilight"? Amanda and I ended up making a 44 mile round trip into town to find a copy of the just-released Twilight DVD to bring back to the little "Forest House" where we stayed. But the focus of the weekend celebration was a "Mardi Gras" wedding. The afternoon nuptials were followed by the entire wedding party gathering to Alexander's Inn restaurant where everyone selected their favorite mask and the party began. It included a lovely prime rib or salmon dinner during which we learned that the U of U had lost their first game in the NCAA tournament. But our spirits were undampened as we ascended upstairs to dance the night away. Rick was especially good at dancing the night away in Energizer-bunny fashion. Many of us pooped out after a few hours but Rick kept right on dancing. Instead of a cake, we were offered a buffet of cupcakes. Two people won prizes for choosing the cupcake that had Rob or Deb's name on the bottom. Carole caught Deb's bridal bouquet. About 9:00 pm the nearby media room was adorned with more buffet snacks for the late-night revelers. It was truly marvelous.
We ventured into Mount Ranier National Park twice and had snowball fights. We were lucky enough to see the volcano's peak come out of the clouds for a few moments - a sight that we were told many visitors never see.
A special highlight for me was the rehearsal dinner when Deb presented Rob with a groom's cake decorated with an air-brushed top depicting the four captains from the Star Trek series. Underneath their pictures were the words, "Rob and Deb, Live Long and Prosper". Noting the need for good communication, each guest was given a Star Trek communicator which we all wore. On the back was inscribed the "star date" of their marriage. She had champagne goblets inscribed for them with "Live Long and Prosper". I can't think of a better wish for a couple as they embark on a marriage. So we thank you, Rob and Deb for inviting us all and with our hearty congratulations send our "Spockiavelian" wish for your happiness - may you both "Live Long and Prosper"
The bunny trail was sporting a new member this Easter - Big Jesse Bunny! The day before Easter we took Mandy's gift of a new pink, round bunny and hopped on over to our former home teacher's back yard (Ed McDonald). His daughter Alisha was there and acted as hostess for the Holladay 27th Ward Primary Easter Egg Hunt. Jeff had agreed to the Primary's special request that he be the Easter Bunny for the event. You know, I thought Jeff looked really good in white fuzz, but Barkley freaked out when he saw him until he took the giant bunny head off. However when the little kids started to arrive it was back on with the ever-so-hot fuzzy bunny cranium. The Bunny went armed with gold chocolate coins which he kept finding behind the ears of all the little children who dutifully swore to him that they had washed their ears just that very morning, Then in true Easter Bunny fashion, he gave the gold coins to the children. Glen and Dianne Park were there with their ever-growing troupe of lovely grandchildren. And who should show up with her lovely little daughter, but Julee Moake. who tended our kids so much when they were little, she gets partial credit for raising them. She of course said they were the best kids ever. It's my opinion that our kids were extra lucky to have the Easter bunny for their Dad.
