Images of Kylee, Amber and Andy's New Baby Girl

Andy and Amber are Proud Parents

Kylee Genevieve Pavlovich was born Friday the 29th of August (that's right, on Grandpa Lee Strickland's 77th birthday) in Flagstaff, Arizona. She weighed in at 7 pounds 11 ounces and measured 19 inches long.

See pictures of one-day old Kylee above.

McCain Picks Prom Date for VP?

Sarah Palin

I find it ironic that both candidates for the president of the United States made vice presidential selections cast in their opponent's image. Barrack Obama selected Joseph Biden, a seasoned Washington Senator and insider with strong foreign policy experience. Aren't these qualifications direct from the resume of Obama's opponent, John McCain? Likewise John McCain selected Sarah Palin, a relatively inexperienced Governor of Alaska who is young and charismatic as well as a member of a minority group, not unlike Barrack Obama.

Weighing the two selections, I am more impressed with Obama's judgement. If he erred, it was on the side of responsibility. At first blush, it looks as though McCain has exercised his judgement at this crucial stage to pick someone who looks good standing next to him on the convention stage--someone more qualified as a prom date rather than a vice president. Hopefully, as we get to know more about her, this intial impression will be proven wrong.

Bria has a new job. She works the counter at Pace's Drive-in. She needs to earn money to pay for her own gas. Last night her tank was almost empty and she doesn't know when she will receive her first paycheck.

She is also working as one of the managers of the Layton High Girls Soccer Team and is staying very active as a member of the band council. She landed as spot as a drummer for the LHS Jazz Ensemble.

As you can see, she is also making regular visits to the orthodontist. In addition to her oral health, she is scheduled for surgery on her knee on Sept. 9th 2008.

Our Outing to the S & S Shortline Railroad Park

The Saturday before our daughter-in-law April and our grandchildren left for Texas, we paid a visit to the S & S Shortline Railroad Park in Farmington, Utah (577 N 1525 WFarmington, UT 84025(801) 451-0222). Rides on the replica trains provide for a great family activity.

The park is laid out with thousands of feet of extremely narrow-gauge rails. Everything seemed designed with great care and a feeling for authenticity. There are several engines built to scale and supported by an on-site maintenance facility, working crossing guards, signs, a tunnel, trestles, and costumed engineers.

Our children and grandchildren seemed to enjoy the playground near the railroad at least as much as riding the motorized trains.

Paul Waits Patiently for his Turn Riding the Short Line Railroad