King's 24th

I can't believe how fast summer is flying by. It has been a good, hot, busy summer for everyone it seems. I do believe that the highlight could have been this weekend. Thanks to Jodi and Matt and Carson for a memorable week! It was so neat to have the whole family in the temple with Grandpa in the front. Well done Matt with the blessing and Jodi in having everything so organized for a fantastic breakfast. It turns out that I really love my family! I can't wait for Bear Lake, another couple days with you guys makes me excited!!!

Well, I had a memorable 24th, and made a quick trip to King's peak. I had a really busy day at work on the 23rd and made it home at 9:00 that night exhausted, but we headed up to King's Peak anyway, I slept wonderfully for 4 hours, then we were up and started hiking. It was just me and Kim, we left the car at 6:15 in the morning and returned at 9:30 at night, it was a long day hiking, but it was wonderful! The entire time we were in awe at the beauties all around. We saw a bunch of cool animals and a whole lot of scout groups too. No fireworks though, but it was a great day off of work!

Work is going well too. It's going to be a busy next couple of weeks, but I will have an 8-5 work schedule for the first time in my 10 months on the job, so I'll take it! We've taken a group of kids hiking for the past several weeks, and it has been so fun to watch them appreciate the mountains too. I'll tell you what, kids will say the darnedest things, it's so fun to be with them for their first experiences in nature. We just finished our Summer basketball league that turned out to be awesome thanks to our volunteers. I also taught a volleyball camp and mmmm, loved that too. We had a frisbee class, rock climbing class and canoeing class that ended last week as well. I guess you can say that I really enjoy my job. We have a basketball camp starting in the morning and a sports camp the following week, so I guess I better get some sleep. Aren't they cute?!

Sometimes Pictures Tell It All- (Jill)

July has been a busy fun summer month. Here are some of the Highlights. Reverse chronological order.


Jodi, Matt, Carson- July 26, 2008
Ogden Temple



Holbrooks and the Polls- Carson's Sealing

Troy- Star-gazing and conveniently located

Kyle and Emily.......Ryan legitimately in the background

San Diego



Chicago with Full Moon

Spencer and Abby- Lagoons a'la fun with G&G

7-10-08

Farewell to the Philippines (Kyle)

Mag-Aso falls in Bohol. It's no Havasupai, but it was still a pretty cool place.

This is the Tarsier. It's the world's smallest primate. They're only found in Bohol. Aren't they the cutest thing ever.

Yes, you're right Troy, they're trout. Very large trout. This was off the coast of Bohol. I went to this tiny island off the coast of Bohol and did some snorkeling. It was amazing! It was just like Finding Nemo.

Oh man, these kids were great!

Here we are. The students at the Academy for Creating Enterprise. We just finished my last FHE in the Philippines. They're so much fun.

Well how about this? I’m writing my final blog post from the Philippines. It’s tough to believe it’s already come to an end. It’s been an absolutely amazing experience and I’ve loved every minute of it………well, almost every minute, there’s been a few bus rides that I might not put on my list of things I love about the Philippines. Anyway, the time has come for me to leave these beautiful islands behind and to spend some time in the great state of Utah before moving to another island that’s slightly more populated than the island where I currently reside.

Tomorrow I leave Cebu at 8 pm. I fly to Manila and then to San Francisco. I get to San Francisco at 8 pm on the same night. I get to live Wednesday night twice. It will be great. The bummer is that I can’t fly to SLC until Thursday morning, so I get to spend the night in the SF airport. I’m really excited to see you all!

Well, my last few weeks here have been wonderful. I took a vacation last week to an island called Bohol. I’ve been working pretty much every day, including Saturdays and then doing a fireside on most Sundays so I realized that after almost 6 weeks in this tropical paradise, I hadn’t even been to the beach. Everyone from the Academy was excited for me to take a few days off and they recommended I go to Bohol. I’m glad I did. It was amazing. I’ve posted a few pics. Don't worry, if those aren't enough pictures, I'll be sure to take you through the slideshow picture by picture when I get home. I've only got 1,158 pictures right now.

The day I got home from Bohol, I took off again for a tour of another island, but not for vacation, it was back to work. We did three seminars in three days, rode buses like crazy, and finished it off with an overnight boat ride that got us back to Cebu in time for church on Sunday. The boat ride was great! They booked a suite for me and I had my own bed and a little deck that I went out on to watch the sun rise.

Last night we had an FHE with all of the students. We played the present exchange game with a bunch of my stuff that I had wrapped up for them. It was a blast and they were all really grateful. I’m sure going to miss these guys. It’s been so much fun being here and I’ve made such great friends with these wonderful people.

Well, I’ve gotta go. They’re planning a surprise party for me that starts in a few minutes. I wish Edo wouldn’t have spilled the beans this morning. His English isn’t the best and I’m pretty sure he didn’t know it was a surprise. They had me fooled because they told me we have a meeting today at 3pm. I just put it on my calendar and didn’t think twice about it. Well, then this morning Edo said, “So Kyle, we have birthday party 3 o’clock today?” Bummer. I love surprises too.

I love you all and can’t wait to see you. I’m HOMEWARD BOUND!!

Happy Independence Day!

Brynley,
Well, I'm tired, and need sleep, but that can wait, I wanted to check in and say Happy 4th, and yes, it was a happy 4th. I had an awesome time in California with a 5 good friends. I did the crazy mixing of friend groups, and it went surprisingly well, everyone did a great job of getting along with everyone else. We hiked and climbed and drove a lot to do it, but it was a really fun trip! The weather was perfect, the scenery was perfect and the company was well, not perfect, but awesome. Work is going well, it's a fun season, because we're in the middle of a bunch of summer programs, so we just play with the kids. I'm teaching a volleyball clinic and it is so much fun. It's 4 hours a day every Monday and Wednesday...I guess i can handle that. We're also in the middle of Summer basketball, canoeing, rock climbing, frisbee, karate, boxing, tennis and hiking..I guess I can handle that too.
So life is good, oh and I have given a verbal commitment to a girl in my ward to move in with her. That's right, I have paid at this sweet residence up to August 5th, then I think I'm outta here! It will be exactly two years of this wonderful, sweet, modest condo, and it is time to move on! So, I hope this next place will be good, and worth the double rent price...and my own room too:)
I may put in my personal approval of our mother and her gutsy self to call Scott and get us a place to stay in Bear Lake. I am most excited to be up there, why is it so wonderful? I can't hardly wait.
Well, I'm still tired, so I better hit the sack. Love you all!!! And drop us a line, I love hearing what my family is up to;)

4th of July

Well, the post is a bit late...but we had a great 4th of July weekend! Did you? Aunt Marilee and cousin Sam at the Kaysville parade
With Daddy at the Drive-in Cousin Emma in the parade!

1st annual Poll Invitational...Matt's team...a close second:)

To good not to blog (Kyle)

Bearlake -
Oh wow!!! That’s the best news I’ve heard all day! I can’t wait! You can count me in. Can we play horseshoes? What about croquet? I kinda wanna take a ride in a trailer behind the lawn mower. Is it okay if we don’t mix the cantaloupe with the watermelon? Can we play Rummikub, Hand and Foot, and Sparkle?! I think we might have buried some toys in the sand. Let’s dig down to see if we can find them. Who’s bringing the big red bat? I’ll probably bring some pitching wedges. Anyone want to paint the fence with me? I challenge anyone to a propane tank riding contest. Don’t forget to wash the sand off your feet in the foot bath. Can’t wait to hear the dinner bell. Is someone gonna bring that giant metal swing chair up there? Where is that anyway, at Jodi and Matt’s? Can we stop at Macey’s for a Kong Cone? Everyone take Dramamine before they go through Logan Canyon. Who wants to walk to Sweetwater with me? We can play video games and get in the pool. Let’s go pick some raspberries! Ryan, quit throwing rocks at the no trespassing sign. Let’s say we’re going to hike up to that restaurant on the point………and then never do it. Anyone gonna’ bring a carp fishing pole? If there’s a boat in the water, don’t hit rocks in its direction……Kyle! Who thinks they can beat me in a rock skipping contest? You’re right Ryan, you probably can. I can’t wait to warm up in front of those big gas heaters. I get one of the HUGE checkered pillows! Top bunk! Anyone want to go to the golf course and collect balls on the driving range? What about in the pond? I’m going to the Garden City general store for some ice cream and penny candy….who’s in? I hope the water is high enough that we can go down the slide right into the water. Can we stop at La Beau’s for a shake……nope. One day we’ll ride that waterslide, I know it. Pickleville Playhouse anyone? Who are those people next door? I get the weed eater! I’ll challenge you to chess on the mini chess stools.

There you go. I’m excited. See you all at Bear Lake!!!

Bear Lake - Here We Come!!- (Jill)

Today, I think I am probably the most brave person that I know. Due to the high request and interest from every member of our family, (see scenes from last year's fun filled Bear Lake days)as you know we have been looking unfruitfully for a place to party at Bear Lake. So I just up and did it. I called Scott. His reply was when do you want it? I gave him the dates 10-13th and he said that would be great. He said I owe your mom about 3 years worth of cabin use. He asked if there was a chance to get my dad up there too because he knows that he would love it. So dad, there is a nice little challenge for you.

Bottom line, we are in!! So Happy Birthday Brynley!! Sunday August 10 through Wed, August 13th.

We will plan on renting a boat Monday the 11th for the day. We'll divy up the meals and supplies like we did last year so maybe we can talk details at the Poll party today.

I think I will look into condos at Ideal Beach for next summer however, because both dad and I are still nervous about using a good friend's cabin and four wheelers. We've paid for several repairs in the past so we are thinking it would be worth it to get a rental for future tradition just to take that pressure off.

Please write to me or blog to us what your plans will be for those four days. We need to plan on food and assignments because after all, it is just around the corner.

P.S. Mom and Dad (Gma & Gpa)- please do not RSVP until we have had a chance to talk about this when I am down there in a couple of weeks!!!

Love you all....and I am still shaking from my extreme courage.

Mom, Ma, Mo, Mother Dear, Sis, Aunt, Jillsie, Jillie and Jillie June

Fun in the Sun

Well it is almost July 4. Holy crap. Time has flown by. I don't post much on this blog, but I do post on Carson's blog quite a bit, so hopefully you all visit there from time to time. Kyle its so great to have you active on the blog. I love hearing what is going on in your life and its always exciting. Miss you however, but glad your livin the dream for both of us.
Brynley is in Cali now camping so we'll miss her on the 4th.
Congrats Ryan and Kath on the move in.
Matt and I are going to the Kaysville parade tomorrow, anyone who is interested may join us.
Carson is now sitting up. You'll see the pic on my blog. He is talking and so fun...well you know him. Really he is great. Its nice to have all the legal stuff done. We got some great pictures from my friend Jenny of the whole event so that was great too.
Right now hes playing on his jumper and talking to the colors on the side. I love this age because he learns something new every day.
Well work is going along...although I have to admit its now my passion anymore. Its still good to me however, so I'll stick with it till it stops being so.
My back give me little fits from time to time, but I have to say since Carson, I've been pretty blessed to tote him all around with minimal discomfort.
Love you all, thanks for your support on Monday....What a great day!

KP a few more pics

These are from the American Military Cemetery in Manila.
There are more Americans buried here than any place outside the US.
President Hinckley dedicated the Philippines for missionary work here in 1961.

Three men and a scooter. Don't worry Kyle they said. It's not too far,
Only like 25 minutes each way. Woo hoo!!

here's a few more pics. sorry to monopolize the blog. if you want to see more, (I don't think anyone but Troy really will, he's ALWAYS bugging me to let him know what I'm doing, LAY OFF TROY, let me live my life!) you can see some at www.picasaweb.google.com/kylepoll3

Kyle: Anyone for Mexico?

Just takin' a few pics after one of the firesides.
I love these people!

This is a boat down at the port of Cebu. You might have
heard about a passenger boat with like 800 people on it
that sunk in this last typhoon. Well, this is a boat from the same
company. The boat that sank was just a little bigger than this one.

Badminton is huge here. We went to this Badminton gym, yes that's right
a whole gym for Badminton, and played for a few hours. I was pretty much a
beginner compared to everyone else. Our Aspen Grove days didn't do it for me. I
held my own though.

That's called the Mayon Volcano behind me. It's very active
you can see the smoke coming off the top. It last erupted in 2006
and a bunch of people died. I want to come back here sometime and climb it.

Got a chance to go to the temple one morning. It was great!

Who wants to go to Mexico? Well, I think we’re going. I think. It’s been a wild couple of days for me. I thought I’d give you all an update. So I get home from the Philippines on July 17^th. I’ve loved my time here, but I am pretty excited to be home too. My plan has been to start work on September 2, the day after Labor Day. Well, I was waiting for American Express to get back to me to let me know what I’ll be doing for the next year. That’s how this rotation program works, we don’t know what we’re doing until the end of June each year. Well, the long awaited email came on Tuesday night. They told me they wanted me to come work sooner. Apparently the department I was being sent to had someone leave and is a bit shorthanded. Also, I found out that if I start before Aug. 10, less than one year after my internship ended, Amex would start matching my 401k contributions and include me in the profit sharing plan now as opposed to having to wait a year like everyone else. Well, as you all might know, I kind of want to spend some time with my family, see my Gma and Gpa in AZ, I have some vacations planned in July and August, and I might want to spend some time with a girl named Emily as well. So needless to say, I wasn’t thrilled with the news.

Since then, I talked to my future boss and I think we’ve worked some things out. It’s better than I had previously thought it was going to be. They would like me to start as soon as possible, but she was very kind and she understood that I had made plans. She wanted me to start sometime mid-August at latest so I could overlap with the person who is currently in my position. Well, I suggested that I start in Sep. but that I fly out to visit for a few days in late July or early August. I could spend some time with the current guy and then I could spend August getting up to speed on everything while not officially starting until September. She liked that idea and I’ll be flying out there the last week in July for a few days. I might go out one more time in August, but it looks like I’ll be able to wait until September to start so that’s great news! I will miss out on the extra bucks, but I think it’s totally worth it. So bring it on August!

As for me, and my life in the Philippines, it’s been an amazing experience. I’ve been here in Cebu for the last 4 days, but I spent the previous 2 weeks traveling throughout the Philippines. I went to a different city every day. I rode on buses, taxis, motorcycles, motor-tricycles, tricycles, planes, and I even walked a bit. No boats yet, but next week I have two boat trips. It was pretty tiring, but it was great. We had these meetings every night in the stake center of the town that we went to. We would tell them about the Entrepreneur Academy Awards, that’s the program that we’re putting on that has occupied the majority of my time here, and then I give a little seminar where I talk about saving and investments. It’s been such a great experience and I’ve met hundreds of the saints in this wonderful country. I’ve loved it. These people are so wonderful and inspiring. Their stories are amazing. I’m just so grateful I’ve had a chance to be a part of this.

As for the rest of my time here, I’m going to Cagayan de Oro on Saturday. Then I’ll be back here in Cebu for Sunday. On Monday I’m going on vacation. The guys at the Academy decided that after working every day of the past month except for one Saturday, it was time for me to take a vacation. I wasn’t going to argue. So anyway, on Monday and Tuesday I’m going to an island called Bohol. It’s close to here and I’ll just take like an hour boat ride. There are a lot of cool things to see and do there. If anyone is interested, I guess you could google Bohol, or not. Anyway, then on Thursday I take my last trip. We go to three different cities in three days on an island called Mindanao. It’s the southernmost island in the Philippines and there’s a lot of Muslims and terrorists there. So if you never hear from me, you’ll know what happened. Just kidding, I’ll be fine. Anyway, then I take a boat back and I’ll be here in Cebu from Sunday through Wednesday when I leave.

I love you all and can’t wait to see you in just two weeks!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to tell you about Mexico. I think Emily and I are going to go to Mexico to take some toys, clothes, etc. to an orphanage and to work there for a couple of days. We'll probably drive down from Mesa and then back up to Havasupai. I think we'll leave Utah on July 30 and be back to Havasupai on Aug 6. Anyone is welcome to come to Mesa, or to Mexico, or both. Let me know if anyone is interested. Gma and Gpa, how do those dates work for the two of you? I can't wait to see you both!!!

-KP