Fire, Fire, Fire!

A few weeks ago Brad started the Fire Academy. So far he has really enjoyed it, but holy smokes, it is rugged. It is a lot like boot camp. They have to run miles, do "up-downs", carry classmates, and jump out of windows while wearing all their gear. He has been doing about 80 hours a week between working 2 jobs and attending the fire academy. The picture below is just after his first day of class when he got all of his gear. He doesn't look excited in the picture, but he was. The timing of all of this couldn't be more perfect for Caden since he is obsessed with fire trucks. We all can't wait until the end of December when he will be done and hopefully certified.

You Gotta Love San Diego

A couple weeks ago Brad, Caden, my dad, and I went to San Diego to visit my bro Bill and have a little vacation. I had really been missing the beach so I insisted we go. I love the beach. It was a lot of work with Caden, but the weather was perfect (as always). I was also able to visit my best friend April and her family. They are one of the best families I know. I was so caught up with visiting that I didn't get any pics with April this time so maybe next time. We also visited some friends from our BYU married student ward. Brock and Emily's family is growing so fast and I am jealous that they get to live in San Diego. We went to the San Diego Zoo, Old Town, the beach, San Diego Harbor, In N Out Burger (twice), my aunt and uncle's house in Upland, and way too many gas stations.

B-Rad

Picture taken at Barlow Family Reunion 2008 Park City Utah
I just thought it was a great picture of Brad. Totally him, isn't it?

"Do you have any coupons?"

The self checkout voice (particularly the one at Smith's) has always gotten stuck in my head after leaving the store. I have had a secret desire to actually be able to touch the "yes" button on the screen. Last night I was finally able to push that button and respond to the lovely automated lady who says "do you have any coupons". Sadly, it only saved me just over $3 (which is why I hardly ever bother with those dumb cluttery coupons), but I happily walked out with that voice stuck in my head again. Sorta reminds me of "welcome to movie phone... why don't you just tell me the name of the movie you want to see". "Do you have any coupons?"