Warning: Not for the faint of heart!

Take a GOOD look...

That's gotta be some sort of record! That's my boy!

Guess who bumped into me?

No, not Steve Carrel this time. It was a different kind of bump THIS time.

So, here is the story. I'm driving down the street in downtown Bakersfield. I'm on my way to pick up a large delivery for my office when all the sudden a old lady in a white Toyota blows right through a red light on 17th and H, which also happens to be the intersection in which I am crossing through... except my light is green. So as my life is flashing before my eyes and I'm bracing for impact something pretty miraculous happens. I close my eyes as she is about to plow right through my drivers side door (of which I had my window rolled down half way and no side airbags or health insurance for that matter, OUCH!) I felt a not so big impact, or at least not as big as I had expected. I was like Whaaaa?!? So I open my eyes to find out a VERY LARGE truck coming the opposite way took the hit for me and then that truck was pushed into me which made for a much lesser blow.

So, you wanna hear the crazy thing? I mean, this wouldn't be crazy if you lived in Utah, but it's pretty crazy for Bakersfield. The lady who ran the red light, the guy who THANKFULLY got in between me and THAT lady, and of course me where all LDS. Crazy huh? On top of that, one of the witnesses who stopped to help happened to be non other than President and Sister Anderson! Small world huh? 

I got off without a scratch, thanks to GIANT "Mormon Assault Vehicle" that played interception for me. I was driving my dad's pickup which got pretty banged up, but is still drivable. The poor lady who ran the stoplight was in pretty bad shape with two broken legs and who knows how many other bones. I managed to snap a picture of her car.

That could have been my door that this plowed into, so I consider myself very blessed! Anyway, always remember to buckle up!

Avila Beach

Avila Beach...

Last Saturday Andy had a wedding shoot at Avila Beach and just for the heck of it he invited me along.  Andy's business partner and his wife came as well so we had a good old time hanging out.  For the most part Andy and Jason were hard at work shooting footage of the bride and groom so Amanda and I kicked it on the beach for a while.  Then Amanda took me to this adorable little place called Avila Valley Barn.  The kids would have really loved this place!  They had a total cornucopia of fruits and vegetables, fresh baked desserts, homemade ice cream and a petting zoo!  It's definitely worth dropping by if you're ever in that area.

The scenery at Avila Valley Farm.

When we got back the guys started setting up for the shoot.  It was interesting watching Andy in his element.  He really surprised me by how much thought he put into each shot and how precise everything was.  The guys put Amanda and I in charge of the crane which we did really well if I may say so myself (OK, really we had no idea what we were doing).  I had fun though and it felt good knowing that I had helped.  I think the whole trip and actually watching Andy in action really made me appreciate what he does even more.  He works so hard to support his family and accomplish his dreams and I love him so much for that.

Andy (in his steady cam vest) and Jason setting up the crane.

That's me operating that bad boy.  Notice that teeny tiny camera on the end.  The guys were using the big ones for the 35 mm and the steady cam.

Later that night we stopped off for dinner at McLintocks.  It was by far the most expensive meal I've ever eaten but our food was delicious and the atmosphere was interesting.  In case you've never been there they have this gimmick where they pour your water from a couple feet above your glass.  It looks totally unnatural and for whatever reason it reminded me of Alice and Wonderland.

Andy and I.  I promise the only thing Andy had to drink was a bottle of root beer.  What's funny is that I think about half of the photos I've ever taken of Andy look just like this one.

Andy's business partner Jason and his beautiful wife *Amanda.  These guys are awesome!  We had so much fun hanging out with them.

*Amanda owns a flower shop BTW called House of Flowers so if your in need of flowers for any occasion give her a call.  

My Primary Calling

March 21st, 2009~                                  Lexi & Sis. Waite

Hands down I I have one of the coolest callings in the church!  I am the CTR 8 primary teacher or as someone referred to me today the "baptism teacher".  Today I was privileged to attend the first of a long line of baptisms.  It was such a great experience and I'm so glad that I was able to be there.  I am proud to have the opportunity to teach such an amazing primary class.  Each student brings something unique to our class and I appreciate and admire each one of their sweet spirits. 

Let's go Condors, Let's go!

Last Friday night, March 13th, we took Evelyn to her first hockey game.  It was so much fun and Evelyn had a blast!  It was by far THE BEST game I've ever been too.  They played the Utah Grizzlies and scored 3 goals just in the last frame putting them back in the lead.  The score ended at 6-4 Condors.  It was a totally intense game.  Evelyn got really into the spirit of the game too.  She was dancing and cheering the entire time.  She has asked me every day since then if we can go to another "baseball" game (she still can't get it in her head that it's hockey not baseball).  And she keeps telling me how much fun she had.

Our family

During the break I took Evelyn down by the ice to get a better view.

Our best friends Nathan, Stephanie & Brayden joined us.  We had so much fun hanging out with them.

 Condors victory lap.  Go Condors!

Girls Night Out~ Robert Redford Style

Alright, so your probably wondering why Robert Redford.  Well it all started because my dad posted this picture as his facebook profile.  And I'm a little ashamed to admit that I had no idea who it was let alone any of the movies he's ever been in.  So my brilliant Sister in Law decided to plan an entire Girls Night around Robert Redford to illuminate those of us that didn't have a clue.  She took us over to where her friends' horse was stabled and we got to pet and hang out with the horses for a bit.  

Nichole & Grandma

Nichole, Tiffany & Tiffany's friend

Tiffany

Afterwards we went out to dinner and then headed over to my house for some of my homemade Lemon Meringue Pie and to watch Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.  After all that I can now be proud to say that I know who Robert Redford is. The Sting is next on my list of movies to watch as per Michelle's recomendation.  Thanks Tiffany for planning the whole night.  You did great!  And thanks to all my "girls" for going out with us.  You're all awesome!  I can hardly wait till our next get together.