Robert & Shauna Valentine Family

Shauna talks about having "joy" in life!

2012-01-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

As the Stake Relief Society President (Google "Relief Society," the largest women's organization in the world, if you are confused.), Shauna gives a wonderful presentation and leads an interesting discussion on happiness, smiling and the concept of "joy." She gives this presentation in all nine units (Wards) of the East Highland Stake of the LDS Church. (Google "LDS Stake" and "LDS Ward" if confused. An LDS Ward is a parish and an LDS Stake would be similar to a diocese.)There is no paid clergy in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, just volunteers (like Shauna) who is a wonderful women's leader (in the opinion of her husband, yours truly, Bob, who asked for her phone number after her presentation).

Park City on a Saturday Afternoon!

2012-01-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

Bob and Shauna went looking for movie stars at the festival, but they had all gone home or we didn't recognize them.

Another Saturday Afternoon Art Lesson

2012-01-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

Sydney, Sheridan and Sloane always look forward to Grandmother Shauna's art lessons downstairs.

James and Adam at the People's Choice Awards

2012-01-14T22:03:00.002-07:00

James said "I love you, Mom," and later explained that he didn't have enough time to say anything about his old man. Maybe at the Grammys . . . ?

For the complete acceptance for "America's Favorite Band," go to YouTube and enter "People's Choice 2012 Maroon 5," or some such thing.

Bob and Shauna's Friday Night Date - 1-13-2012

2012-01-14T19:58:00.000-07:00

It was our turn to volunteer at the local LDS (Mormon) welfare cannery. With our neighbors in the Canyon View Ward (Congregation), we cleaned up the equipment that produced canned pork and beans during the day for the needy not only in the LDS church but elsewhere. For more information on this wonderful world-wide program, we encourage you to Google "LDS Welfare Program" or similar words. In the past year we have volunteered on the production line producing canned peaches and other foods. One of the benefits of activity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the many opportunities to provide service.

Lissa Bangerter, Trish Allen and Shauna Valentine,pals!

Scrub, scrup, scrup. Make the health inspectors happy!

Whistle while you work!

Is it time to go home, yet?

Sydney James

2012-01-04T06:52:00.003-07:00

Photo taken by Will Holland at the Burgon Christmas Party. Sydney James, daughter of Gina (Valentine) and Jonathan James contemplating life and eternity.

Amanda Valentine Holland

2012-01-04T06:50:00.000-07:00

Amanda's husband Will Holland took this picture of Amanda on the deck of Christopher Burgon Valentine's home in Sandy, Utah that overlooks Hidden Valley and the Wasatch front.

Amanda Valentine Holland and Christopher Burgon Valentine at the Burgon Christmas Party. Photo taken by Will Morgan Holland, Amanda's husband.

New Years Eve: 2011 - 2012

2012-01-02T09:54:00.002-07:00

Following a delicious buffet dinner (Magleby's), we enjoyed the official opening of Patrick Barlow's adaptation of "39 Steps" at the Hale Center Theater in Orem at 10 p.m. on December 31st. At one minute to midnight, the play was interrupted, and we celebrated the new year with the cast members and patrons in the SOLD OUT theater! The play, directed and adapted to theater-in-the-round by our son-in-law Christopher Layton Clark (Lisa's husband) will run through February 11, 2012. We laughed our heads off! Lisa and Christopher brought their five kids, who are very theater-saavy! If you live in Utah, don't miss this comedy!

The actors - Blake Barlow, Kelly Hennessey, Alex King, Jake Suazo (who should be a regular on "Saturday Night Live") and Carter Thompson were brilliant, playing forty different characters with clever changes!

Owen is always a participant!

Margaret didn't quite make it! Hugh will no doubt be an actor someday!

Miles and Phoebe are ready for the stage! They have the DNA and the environment!

The 2011 Burgon Christmas Party!

2011-12-29T14:18:00.001-07:00

Shauna and her brothers Kent and Paul and sisters Vicki, Jackie, Lonnie and Shelly organized the party at the recreation hall at the LDS chapel across the street from where they all grew up after relocating to Orem, Utah from Midvale, Utah! Their father Marv Burgon helped start Orem State Bank, and their mother Margaret was on the board of directors of what is now Utah Valley University. Shauna and her two brothers and four sisters have over 35 children, and all of the cousins now have big families of their own, so the gathering was crowded and noisy. Some of the great grandchildren of Marv and Margaret are starting families. Remembering names is a big challenge! Families are forever; but memories require family group sheets and carefully completed genealogical records.During the Burgon Christmas party, the family opened a ten-year old time capsule put together in 2001.

Some of the grandchildren danced to a Wii!

A Great Christmas Present!

2011-12-28T18:19:00.000-07:00

Robert thinks that Shauna should get the Nobel Prize for Grandmotheringness!

The Kids Were Home for Christmas!

2011-12-27T00:31:00.000-07:00

Lisa, James, Christopher, Amanda and Gina had a sushi and sashimi dinner Monday night, December 26, 2011 at Tsunami.

Christmas Eve in Highland, 2011

2011-12-26T11:53:00.002-07:00

Shauna made pajamas for all of the grandchildren (again!) this year.

Lisa and Gina brought us to tears with their Christmas medley of songs, accompanied by guitarist James Valentine, pianists Chris Clark and Christopher Valentine. Several of the grandchildren played Christmas carols, too. Very noisy. Very enthusiastic!

Merry Christmas from the Valentines!

2011-12-19T14:27:00.002-07:00

Giselle (Gigi), Imogen (Imy), Zane and Amelia Valentine, childen of Christopher B. Valentine, MD and his wife Marilyn Ashby Valentine MD. (Robert cannot stop bragging about his children and grandchildren.)

The Dancing James girls!

2011-12-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

Sheridan, Sloane and Sydney love to dance!

Another Magazine Publishing Award!

2011-11-12T21:10:00.001-07:00

Shauna Burgon Valentine, editor, and Roxy Johnson, publisher, won another prestigious Golden Spike Award for their BYU magazine "McKay Today." Last year they won a national "Addy" award, too.

My Fair Lady at Hale Center Theatre in Salt Lake City

2011-11-03T21:29:00.002-06:00

Our son-in-law Christopher Layton Clark has directed dozens of plays and musicals. "My Fair Lady" has SOLD OUT for two months at the Hale Center Theatre, a delightful and creative theater in the round! We took our New York City friends, including a Metropolitan opera mezzo-soprano with us last night. Theater aficionados, they praised the production, the cast and the direction. Standing ovation!

Two separate casts, both wonderful.

The stage rotated up and down for quick scene changes. If you are lucky, you may get a couple of stray tickets.

Fall 2011 Pics of Lisa's Family

2011-11-03T21:17:00.001-06:00

Margaret, Mom Lisa, Phoebe

Phoebe

They love each other! No putdowns! This is a safe place!

Owen

Margaret

Hugh

Miles

Fall 2011 in Provo, Utah, USA

Happy Halloween 2011 from Lisa's Kids

2011-10-31T13:59:00.000-06:00

Not sure what Miles is supposed to be: Dr. Who? You can guess the rest.

Apple Time in Wild Rose Park!

2011-10-18T08:35:00.002-06:00

The little apple orchard next to our home yielded a few very delicious apples this year. Robert mows the orchard and trims the trees. Neighbor Margo sprays them with a mild insecticide, but, alas, the abundant rain this season kept washing it off. A few red, green and yellow survived. The deer will finish them off this winter!

Just driving around and dropping by our kids' homes!

2011-10-18T08:30:00.001-06:00

Imogen is always drawing. Grandma and Chris overlook Hidden Valley and the Wasatch mountains from their back deck!

Sydney Alexis James turns six!

2011-10-18T08:26:00.002-06:00

We dropped by to say hello and give Sydney her birthday present, a bee pillow!

Snow comes to Utah Valley and the Wasatch Mountains!

2011-10-07T13:16:00.000-06:00

It snowed in our yard yesterday, but today the snowfall is above 7,000 feet. We live at 5,000 feet.

Pansies thrive in the winter in Utah. We planted these just one week ago after removing the summer petunias.

The bushy pampa grass in the middle of this picture was brought from our home on Park Avenue in Lincoln, Nebraska seven years ago. It thrives here!

Fall Decorations!

2011-10-07T13:10:00.001-06:00

Isn't this just about the best time of the year?

U.S. Highway 89 through Zions and up the middle of Utah!

2011-09-19T09:49:00.000-06:00

Getting off of Interstate 15 leads to some beautiful scenery in Utah. The central valley is amazing!

The central valleys of Utah have plenty of water and beautiful scenery. Utah's population could increase by millions. Plenty of room.

Maroon 5 at the Palms in Las Vegas

2011-09-19T09:45:00.002-06:00

James bought us dinner at the famous "9" steak house. Wow! Maroon 5 is the best band in the world! Their performances are incredible!

Sound check in the afternoon. The performance was filmed in 3-D for MTV worldwide distribution.

Great seats, as usual. Pals Peter and Sharee Berry.

Whenever James and Maroon5 play in Las Vegas, we drive down. It is less than six hours with beautiful scenery. Our old pals from Lincoln came with us.

Hanging Out in Boulder NV

2011-09-19T09:40:00.000-06:00

On our way to the Maroon 5 concert in Las Vegas, we decided to have lunch in delightful Boulder, NV and drove over the new bridge, too.

9/11/2011 Memorial Statue in Sandy, Utah

2011-09-15T11:58:00.000-06:00

By famed sculptor Stan Watts, this memorial drew thousands on Sunday, September 11, 2011. It shows three firemen raising the American flag at ground zero. Across the street were over 3,000 full-sized American flags. Never forget who attacked us and who wants to kill us.

Mountainville Academy in Alpine, Utah

2011-09-15T11:50:00.000-06:00

Sloane is in the 5th grade and Sydney is in kindergarten in this wonderful school. I couldn't photograph Sydney today.

Why do the Valentines Have Over 150 Photo Albums?

2011-09-15T11:46:00.001-06:00

Answer: Because Shauna works hard at putting them together! Question: Who is going to scan all of these albums?

Staining the Driveway, Entrance and Back Patio

2011-09-14T14:58:00.001-06:00

Home Depot sells Behr stains that apply easily with a sprayer and are not slippery. Robert and Shauna did not like the wide plain concrete. What to you think of the stripes?

The grasses have thrived this summer.

Robert installed lamps over kitchen counter!

2011-09-14T14:02:00.000-06:00

No fuses blown. They have not yet collapsed!

Burgon Kids at the Jolley Cabin in the Mountains

2011-09-11T11:13:00.001-06:00

Rand and Lonnie (Shauna's sister), the best hosts ever!

Bike Ride to Bridal Veil Falls

2011-09-11T11:02:00.000-06:00

We rode up Provo Canyon several miles some some of the grandkids, Chris and Lisa and their kids, too.

The kids head into the ice cold water.

Off come the shoes!

The water volume is more than we have ever seen due to the snow last winter.

Art Lessons at Grandmother's Home

2011-09-11T10:49:00.002-06:00

Grandmother Shauna Burgon Valentine loves to give painting and other art lessons to her grandchildren.

A bike ride on the Jordan River trail with Shauna!

2011-08-23T09:48:00.001-06:00

What a babe!

Hanging out after the concert at the Hollywood Bowl!

2011-08-02T19:08:00.004-06:00

Drummer Matt Flynn and his wife, parents of two kids.

Stevie Nicks' voice is better than ever. She is a delightful person. Her new album is amazing. Adam and Stevie's voices mix perfectly. Adam and Javier's solo brought the house down, too. It is a privilege to witness such talent. James, of course, accommodates the fans after the event is long over.

Maroon5 SOLD OUT at the Hollywood Bowl

2011-08-02T19:03:00.002-06:00

What a thrill for the LA boys, Adam, Mickey, Jessie, who grew up in LA and James and Matt who love LA! What a show! Stevie Nicks and Javier Colon surprised the audience with duets with Adam, whose voice has become fabulous over the last eleven years!

Sound Check at the Hollywood Bowl

2011-08-02T18:55:00.003-06:00

Hanging out backstage with the band and families.

In the afternoon, the bands check out their equipment. Train and other musicians opened for Maroon5. Javier Colon, winner of the "The Voice," is a delightful person. Lots of food backstage. Nedra is a fabulous cook!

Hanging out with James in LA

2011-08-02T18:47:00.006-06:00

LA from James' home just below the Griffith Park Observatory in Los Feliz.
Shannon and Jessica, the couple!

alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636426040668958210" />

James flew Mom and Dad to LA for a Maroon5 Concert. We saw the LaBrea tar pits, some museums, went to Captain America and ate some fabulous meals!

Amanda & Will's Amazing Nashville Wedding 6-11-11

2011-08-02T17:55:00.006-06:00

Amanda and Will's trendy Nashville friends. Bob felt like a pair of brown shoes on a black tuxedo.

A little late in the posting, here are some of Amanda and Will's favorite photos!

First Hike of the Summer

2011-07-14T12:22:00.003-06:00

Dry Gulch - two miles up and two miles back and lots of ibuprofen. Gina did it with 40 lbs of Porter on her back. Flatlander newlyweds Will and Amanda are in great shape, too.

Niece Christina Naegle marries in the Salt Lake Temple

2011-05-04T21:09:00.006-06:00

A very handsome couple, Christina and Robert Bennion met when they were thirteen and have been pals ever since. Robert returned from an LDS mission in Brazil (I think) a year ago. After the ceremony in the Temple we lunched in the famous Beehive House, then attended the reception high on the hills above Bountiful. Everyone attended, well over 600 people!

The Mysteries of Shauna's New i-pad Explained by the Family Nerd.

2011-05-02T17:20:00.001-06:00

After The Piano Recital, the Trampoline!

2011-05-02T17:18:00.002-06:00

The Clark Virtuosos Spring Concert!

2011-05-02T17:15:00.002-06:00

Miles, Owen and Phoebe shine again and get better and better!

April 30, 2011 in Highland, Utah

2011-05-02T17:12:00.001-06:00

Gimme a break!

Easter Sunday at Highland

2011-04-25T13:30:00.005-06:00

Robert, Cristy, Mom and Angela: The Valentine kids and their 95 year-old mother. Amy Lee Corbin is in Colorado Springs.
Cousins Sheridan James and Phoebe Clark. It was chilly on Easter Sunday!
Christina Naegle and Robert Bennion will marry on Tuesday, May 3 in the Salt Lake Temple.

Shauna, Amy (95) and Miles (13) had birthdays this week. We gathered for Easter dinner in Highland. George and Angela and their kids came, too. The only ones missing: Amanda in Nashville and James in Jakarta, Indonesia on their way to Thailand, or vice-versa to perform. We all had a delightful time eating traditional ham and potatoes and too much other stuff!

April 3, 2011 and it is still snowing in Utah!

2011-04-06T02:41:00.002-06:00

Dad Christopher and daughters Gigi and Amelia make a snowperson! We used to call them snowmen!

Stacking Pork 'n Beans at the Lindon Cannery

2011-04-01T09:46:00.002-06:00

Our Canyon View LDS congregations gets frequent assignments at the Lindon Cannery, one of dozens across the country operated by LDS Welfare Services. Stacking cases was easier than slicing peaches last Fall!

Monte Bean Museum followed by McDonald's!

2011-03-29T06:59:00.002-06:00

The Clark grandchildren spend a day with Grandpa and Grandma. Can life be any better? Owen ate 20 Chicken McNuggets!

Sunday, March 20 at the Valentine's in Highland!

2011-03-21T16:18:00.002-06:00

Shauna gives drawing lessons to the girls while they eat Creamies! The older kids play games on their I-Pads!

Lisa's Family

2011-03-08T07:39:00.002-07:00

Lisa, Christopher and children: Miles, Owen, Phoebe, Hugh and Margaret. Phoebe turned eight years-old and was baptized by her father.

2011-03-06T07:00:00.001-07:00

Happy Valentine’s Day 2011
Shauna & Bob Valentine

Shauna has been working in public relations, student mentoring and as Alumni College Director for the McKay College of Education at BYU for the last six years. Her publication team won a national “Addy” design award for the “McKay Today” magazine she edits. She volunteers as Stake “Relief Society” President in Highland. Robert continues to sell real estate and is the “Emergency Preparedness” director of their local LDS congregation. He co-chaired his 1960 Provo High School 50th reunion, too. He and pal Jim Ford completed lots of hikes in the beautiful Wasatch Mountains last summer. Check out our family blog for occasional entries and pictures of the kids and grandchildren.

Son Christopher and his wife Marilyn are the parents of four children, Giselle (12), Zane (8), Imogen (6) and Amelia (2) and live in Sandy, Utah, a few minutes away. Christopher practices family medicine in West Valley City and serves as Chief of Staff for the Jordan Valley Medical Center. Marilyn practices pediatrics for Intermountain Health Care’s “KidsCare” at Riverton Hospital and serves on Intermountain’s Asthma Advisory Board. Chris finally relinquished his piano playing duties in Sunday school after many years. They are avid skiers.

Daughter Lisa and husband Christopher Clark are parents of five children, Miles (12), Owen (11), Phoebe (8), Hugh (5) and Margaret (3) and live in Provo, Utah, about twenty minutes away. She teaches a long-distance science fiction course for BYU. Don't ask her what her hobbies or interests are, or she'll burst into tears. She does voice-overs for commercials and appears in a couple. Christopher teaches acting and directing at Utah Valley University and has won many awards. He directs professionally, too, most recently the touring show for The Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City, UT. He is in the Bishopric in his local LDS congregations. The kids ski at nearby Sundance resort.

Daughter Gina and husband Jonathan James live in Suncrest, which overlooks Draper, Utah, close by. Gina "stays home" to take care of their four children, Sloane (10), Sheridan (7), Sydney (5) and Porter (2.5). She volunteers as the legislative VP for the local PTA and runs marathons. An avid cyclist and backcountry skier, Jonathan is VP of Sales & Marketing at Equinox, a financial services company. Thanks to great snow this winter and amazing nearby Utah resorts, all of them, including Porter, have become great skiers. Jonathan and Gina are active in their LDS church ward in various positions.

Son James has an impressive home overlooking LA in Los Feliz below the Griffith Park Observatory but lives mostly in hotels and buses because Maroon5 is constantly on tour, currently in Europe. They are pretty much SOLD OUT for the next few months in venues around the world, including Turkey, Indonesia, Russia and Japan. He visits us frequently in Utah. He goes snowboarding with his siblings and nieces and nephews. He has become a good tennis player, getting lessons from pros around the world for concert tickets! Check out his activities on www.maroon5.com

Daughter Amanda loves Nashville, Tennessee where she promotes her clothing business. Mandy is engaged to be married in the fall to Will Morgan Holland, whom we all like very much. She “dresses” artists for videos and TV shows, too, currently the wardrobe designer for a CMT series as well as preparing once again to show a collection at Nashville Fashion Week. Last summer, all five of our kids finished the Nashville Country Music half-marathon together, laughing most of the way. Mom and Dad watched from the sidelines. Lots of pictures are on our family blog. Her website, among others: www.amandavalentine.com

Chris, Lisa and Gina and their spouses Marilyn, “Topher” and Jonathan and their children come over to our home almost every Sunday evening. We also stay close to Robert’s mother Amy (95) and sister Cristy. Grandmother Shauna cooks delicious meals and ends up reading stories to the little kids. We love to sit around and just talk; often taking walks on nearby trails and parks. We have family prayer to express thankfulness for our blessings, the Gospel of Jesus Christ and friends like you.

No Photo Shop Here, Folks!

2011-02-16T19:33:00.004-07:00

Once in a while, he grows a beard. Does anyone remember Gabby Hayes? (Hint: Roy Rogers' sidekick.)

Valentine Grandchildren Invade the Dinosaur Museum

2011-01-18T08:08:00.003-07:00

Pictures thanks to fuzzy I-phone. Lots of fun! The grandchildren enjoy each other's company!

Lunch at the Blue Boar in Midway, Utah

2011-01-18T06:50:00.003-07:00

Shauna and Bob and friends enjoyed a delicious lunch at one of the best restaurants in Utah on MLK day!

This Ironrite was manufactured in 1954!

2010-12-29T14:18:00.003-07:00

Did your Mom or Grandmother use one of these Ironrites?
Most of all, you get to sit down while ironing!

Bob found it on KLS.com for $75 and picked it up (with some difficulty - it weighs a ton) in Roy, Utah from the son of a deceased woman who used it for years. Shauna has always ironed sheets, pillowcases, napkins, etc. and was recently called to be the East Highland Stake Relief Society (google Relief Society), which means lots and lots of tablecloths! It works perfectly!

Christmas Chaos - 2010

2010-12-29T12:00:00.002-07:00

Valentine Grandkids in Christmas PJs - 2010

2010-12-29T11:58:00.002-07:00

The Valentine Women 2010

2010-12-29T11:56:00.001-07:00

Gina and Jonathan stuck on a ski lift for three hours!

2010-12-24T10:20:00.002-07:00

Celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary at Solitude near Salt Lake City, Gina and Jonathan decided to make one final run, but they ended up stuck on the lift for three hours due to a power outage. These pictures were on the front page of section B of Friday, December 24, 2010 "Deseret News." Jonathan is standing up on the lift next to Gina and Johnny's brother Paul. They are also pictured at the base of the life shortly after being lowered. Today, Friday, they are back on the slopes with their four kids and brother James (Maroon5) and other cousins and relatives. The snow in nearby Utah resorts this year is fabulous!

Jock Kids!

2010-12-18T06:10:00.002-07:00

Gina and Jonathan push the envelope!

Santa Bob

2010-12-14T20:56:00.002-07:00

Bob has decided to get a job as a Mall Santa when his beard becomes totally white. It is getting there!

You meet amazing people on the tennis court!

2010-12-07T04:16:00.002-07:00

While getting ready for a Maroon5 concert in Buffalo, James got double booked with famous cellist Lynn Harrell.

Grandkid's Piano Recital

2010-12-05T22:00:00.002-07:00

Three of the five Clark grandchildren are turning into great pianists! Hugh and Margaret will begin piano lessons in a few years. The medals continue to mount!

A Little Snow Does Not Stop Intrepid Hikers!

2010-12-05T14:48:00.004-07:00

The Emigration Canyon Ridgeline Friday morning was a little slippery, but lunch at Ruth's up the canyon later was delicious!

Dancing Granddaughters!

2010-12-03T04:13:00.005-07:00

Gina and Jonathan's kids keep active dancing and skiing and just having fun!

Festival of Trees at South Towne in Sandy, Utah

2010-12-03T04:09:00.003-07:00

Invited to watch granddaughters dance, Shauna and Bob Valentine enjoyed the spectacular event Thursday afternoon, the 40th year this event has raised money for the Primary Childrens Hospital. We will attend every year from now on. We have some great ideas for our Christmas Tree this year!

Late Afternoon Winter Light in Highland

2010-11-30T13:24:00.002-07:00

Yesterday, I grabbed my camera and caught the perfect light of Utah's high desert country.

Saturday Morning Breakfast with Gina, Jonathan and Kids!

2010-11-27T15:26:00.002-07:00

James heads back to LA to practice for the CMA next Friday night!

The James Kids Go Skiing !

2010-11-26T22:25:00.004-07:00

Two year-old Porter James' first day of skiing! Fearless!

The snow is fabulous and the grandkids are already hitting the powder slopes of Utah's Wasatch front!

Thanksgiving 2010 in Highland!

2010-11-26T08:20:00.005-07:00

Amy Valentine, almost 95!

Thanksgiving is getting close!

2010-11-24T18:23:00.001-07:00

Why? Shauna is baking pies!

Eagle Pass Above Y Mountain

2010-11-20T21:32:00.003-07:00

Hiking pal Jim Ford is out of town, so Bob took the easy climb past the Y to Eagle Pass Friday afternoon as the sun was setting over Utah Lake.

Adams Canyon - Friday, November 12,2010

2010-11-12T17:31:00.005-07:00

A little chilly, but Bob and James made it almost to the falls and almost into the creek! At around freezing, this is a good time of the year to hike. With the leaves gone, one can see more of the rock cliffs. This is a very pleasant hike, just off of US #89 past Farmington. It is only about 3.6 miles roundtrip, a lot easier than last week's climb to the peak of Antelope Island.

50th Anniversary of the BYU Honors Program

2010-11-09T09:25:00.005-07:00

Although my first semester at BYU in the Fall of 1960 was a total disaster, I was invited to the 50th anniversary of the Honors Program anyway. After six months active duty at Fort Ord with the U.S. Army Reserves and a two year eight month mission to Argentina for the LDS Church, I enrolled at BYU again in the fall of 1964 and sailed through a BA, MA and earned a PhD at Duke. I sometimes think that all 18 year-old males should be prohibited from going to college for a few years after high school until their brains get organized and their hormones calm down. Bob and Shauna Valentine are right in the middle of the picture. It is hard to miss Bob's huge shiny cranium.

Frary Peak, Antelope Island, Friday, November 5, 2010

2010-11-06T06:30:00.008-06:00

Frairy Peak on Antelope Island seen from Adams Canyon near Farmington a week later. Glad we climbed it before the snow storm!

Highly recommended hike, although a little scary at the end when scrambling is required. Antelope Island is a very interesting place, just a few miles off I-15.

Bob and Shauna's First Apartment

2010-10-31T00:16:00.003-06:00

Married in May 1967, we lived at 462 North 1100 East, Provo, Utah until August 1969, and then moved to Durham, North Carolina. We paid $80 a month. No AC in those days. We bought a window unit. Shauna was teaching at Cascade Elementary in Orem, and Bob was finishing his MA at BYU. Mr. Rasmussen was a delightful landlord. Our unit was on the bottom right side. Green carpet in the living room and purple carpets in the bedroom.

Farmington Trail Creek

2010-10-29T16:58:00.005-06:00

The waterfall is down below, hard to see in this picture but spectacular.

Mighty hikers Bob Valentine and James Ford, highly educated aging curmudgeons who talk and talk and talk because no one else will listen to them, hiked up the Farmington Creek Trail past the 40 foot waterfall and beyond, followed by soup and salad at Whole Foods on 4th South back in the civilization of Salt Lake City.

Canyon View Ward Party at Mutual Dell

2010-10-28T07:50:00.002-06:00

Two or three times a year, our LDS congregation drives up nearby American Fork Canyon to Mutual Dell for a social. Shauna competes in the cup stacking contest. We have a wonderful "ward" (congregation) full of dear friends and neighbors!

Mormon Battalion Historic Site Visitors Center

2010-10-28T07:43:00.002-06:00

This is a must-see tourist attraction in "Old San Diego" that commemorates the longest military march in U.S. history from Council Bluffs Iowa to San Diego by the U.S. Army sponsored Mormon Battalion during with war with Mexico in 1846.

Maroon5 Concert in San Diego

2010-10-28T07:35:00.004-06:00

We arrived in San Diego in time for the sound check and other pre-concert activities. The concert was amazing and the band is better than ever and makes me think of chapter one of the best-seller "Outliers." These men have put in over 10,000 hours and have reached near perfection.

Kolob Canyon near Cedar City, Utah

2010-10-27T13:16:00.001-06:00

On our way back from LA, we took a hike!

BYU Homecoming 2010!

2010-10-11T15:10:00.004-06:00

Shauna was involved in BYU Alumni Association Board of Directors events all week, and Bob got to tag along! The parade, as always, was lots of fun and we handed out salt-water toffee to the crowds, which included some grandkids. BYU beat San Diego State in a great football game. Check out the mountains behind the BYU campus!

Mormon Pioneer Trail - Friday, October 8, 2010

2010-10-11T15:01:00.002-06:00

As the Mormon Pioneers began their epic 1,300 mile trek from Nauvoo, Illinois, to the Salt Lake Valley, they didn't know that the steepest and longest sustained ascent - and the highest elevation of the entire journey- would occur at the end of the trail, on the day they first caught glimpse of their destination. Bob and Jim Ford hiked the 9.1 historic trail from Mormon Flats to LIttle Dell Reservoir in a rain storm. Bob was always thinking of his great-grandfather Valentine Valentine (Wallentin Wallentinsen) who arrived in Brigham City in October 1853. This portion of the trail was used until 1861.

Lone Peak!

2010-10-03T09:28:00.005-06:00

Starting at 4 a.m. Grandpa Valentine made it above the second Hamongong (meadow) to about 10,000 feet at 8 a.m. and ran out of steam. Gina, Jonathan and their friends kept going up the granite boulders to the top at 11,235 feet where they frolicked with a dozen or so white mountain goats.

The Provo Half Marathon

2010-10-03T09:21:00.003-06:00

Not on Sunday! This race took place last May, I think. Just forgot to load the pictures. Missing this time? James and Amanda! The finishers: Gina and Jonathan, Lisa and Chris.

Cotton Candy in Provo Canyon

2010-09-29T15:49:00.001-06:00

Burgon Family honored in Midvale, Utah

2010-09-26T04:52:00.003-06:00

The prominent Burgon family helped settle Midvale more than a century ago. The new overpass over State Street around 178 South in Salt Lake City honors their early contributions! Shauna Burgon Valentine has a rich heritage, so do her children and grandchildren.

Kenny Creek Trail, Friday, September 24, 2010

2010-09-24T17:00:00.003-06:00

4.5 miles with a 2,217 ft elevation gain. From Mueller Park Road, East of Bountiful, Utah. Beautiful hike. Ford and Valentine can hike, this being their 15th or 16th hike of the summer. At the top, ruins of an old miner's cabin.

Sunday afternoon with Grandma Valentine

2010-09-20T17:56:00.002-06:00

Friday, September 17, 2010 - Bell's Canyon

2010-09-20T17:49:00.004-06:00

Half way up!
Steep, rocky trail!
Jim Ford, to right hand corner. Nuts!
That's where we have been.

Chris + chalk + driveway!

2010-09-16T03:29:00.002-06:00

Photo Shoot in the Salt Flats near Wendover.

2010-09-16T03:23:00.002-06:00

Don't ask, just wait for the next "McKay Today" magazine edited by Shauna!

NERD ALERT!

2010-09-16T03:21:00.002-06:00

Gigi and Miles + I-Pads.

Jonathan James completed a 9+ hour mountain bike race.

2010-09-05T08:31:00.002-06:00

Up and down the mountains surrounding Park City, Utah on Saturday, September 4, 2010.

Grandeur Peak, Wasatch Mountains

2010-09-03T21:55:00.003-06:00

Grandeur is north of Mt. Olympus, with views of Salt Lake Valley and the mountains to the East, including Parley's Canyon.

A Saturday Afternoon Hike to Battle Creek Falls

2010-08-29T13:10:00.001-06:00

A stubborn rattlesnake on the trail!

9th Hike for the Boys of Summer 2010 - Desolation Lake

2010-08-25T11:14:00.002-06:00

Up Big Cottonwood Canyon to Trailhead. 2.6 miles up Mill D North Fork Canyon to Desolation Lake at 9,232 ft. Up a few more hundred feet to the "spine" on the Great Western Trail that permits a view of Salt Lake Valley to the West and Park City to the East! Breathtaking views. Then down Beartrap Fork, a quiet side canyon about 2.2 miles to the botton of Big Cottonwood, then another 1.6 miles back to the car. The best hike yet!

The "Lion King" Broadway production comes to SLC!

2010-08-21T23:35:00.001-06:00

Matatawhatever!