Space Aliens Found

We received some more pictures from North Dakota. Apparently all things do come to those who believe.

Life in North Dakota

A set of couple missionaries in Minot take the Elders out to lunch once a month. It's a place called Space Aliens, dedicated to the proposition that Fox Mulder had it right. (As a side benefit, the Elders are apparently fond of something called Martian Munchies). The couple sent us some pictures, including this one. If you ever have missionaries over for dinner, it's a nice thing to take a picture and send it to their parents.

Picture Analysis

Each time I open the family blog and see the two pictures, I can't help but ponder the stories our faces tell. I know what you're thinking--"Yes, that old black and white is intriguing." But that's not the one that fascinates me. Yes, we would all like to know what's going through Mike's mind ("How full can I make my diaper?"). But look at the more recent picture.

Am I the only one who notices that Mom, Dad, Jennie and Suki form a square, and all of them are wearing white shirts, with the collars extending beyond a sweater! It's like a secret code or hidden message. What does it mean?

Sure, Dad tries to throw you off with that fained expression of senility, as if he's absently mumbling "Who's going to bring my soup?" Mom is clearly nervous, which forces her mouth into a off-kilter smile, as if she is trying to hide the gap caused by a missing tooth, when in fact she has all her teeth. Jennie and Suki look pretty innocent, but then right behind them is Matt, with his Stephen King/Uni-bomber stare, clearly about to crack under the strain of some almost unbearable secret.

Todd is smiling, without a care in the world, which suggests he's not aware of the secret. (Or perhaps it's just become a Pavlovian reflex--"Hey, someone's taking my picture! I wonder how much money I'm making?"). Lee is wearing a turtleneck sweater, which must be part of the hidden message, since turtlenecks went out of fashion in the 70's (check out the other picture). What does that mean? It's like a weird, inverted universe. And look at the expression on Lee and Mike's faces. They are clearly ecstatic about some shared secret knowledge. What is it?

As usual, I'm off to the side, clueless in my blue button-down and sweater vest, which I bought after I ditched the hep-cat turtleneck from the 70's (and have been wearing ever since). Please, someone let me in on the secret.

Big D for Obama

As some of you know, Todd was in the DR visiting Mom and Dad. Dad asked Todd not to say anything, but apparently Dad has undergone a bit of a political change. In addition to Temple duties, he and another American living there have been bitten by the Barack bug and have formed an organization called "Expats for Obama." Here's a picture of Big D at a rally that was attended by Senator Obama's two cousins. If you look closely at the young man's jacket, you can just barely make out the Obama campaign logo.

Nice to know that change is never out of the question.

New Converts to the Church

http://cnnentertainment.co.nr/2008/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/01

Science Fair

Payton wanted to participate in his schools science fair this year. The topic he chose was "Do mealworms move differently on different surfaces" (The answer is yes, in case you were wondering). This is a picture of Gracie and Jake visiting him in front of his display. The judges chose Payton as one of only three students in the whole school to go to the district science fair. We are so proud of him! (he be smart likes hiz dad)

Thank You

Kristina
you do such a Great job managing this Blog site (I know you have Sym's help)
Thank you for keeping it up and always tweeking it to make it look so nice! It is such a great way to keep intouch and Thank you to all who send the photos of your cute Kids - growing SO fast!