A Runway Birthday

Thanks for always making us laugh, David (see video below). Happy birthday!

Father's Bring Instant Relief

 This Father's Day was HOT! After Stake Conference, we all huddled around the window AC unit. I kept asking David if he wanted to drive somewhere cooler and he kept saying that he wanted to stay home. But, even David has a breaking point. The moment came at around 4ish when the AC unit couldn't keep up with the 110 degree heat outside. Enough was enough. We ran to the car and drove to Montara State Beach (just outside of Pacifica) for instant relief. It was 70 degrees here.

In a world where fathers are less and less present in their children's lives, I'd like to pay tribute to this dad who is actively engaged in the lives of each of his children. Where I am weak, he is strong. We all rely on this strength to hold us together. Happy Father's Day David!!

The Unrefined Palette

David took the week off and it's no surprise that he is using much of this time in his studio painting. He recently opened an Etsy shop called The Unrefined Palette and is looking into making prints of his masterpieces to sell. It's fun to see his progression. He sure has come a long way in such a short amount of time.

Fangs

Getting into the spirit of Halloween

Painting with Resurrected Bob Ross

Some of the Priests in the YM's program spent the evening in our garage learning to paint from the resurrected Bob Ross. They had a lot of fun. It has even sparked a desire in some to pursue painting further.

45 Years

Another birthday. Another year. And still an amazing man! Happy birthday David.

A Functional Bathroom

If it weren't for a persistent dad, I don't think this bathroom would have ever gotten finished. Mom and Dad Zinn spent the afternoon with us to lend support, muscles, and knowledge to our bathroom remodel. I am thrilled to report that it is FINALLY done. We now have a working toilet and sink! I plan on decorating it in a beachy theme. 

An Art Gallery

 David continues to paint away. He's very talented and improves each time his hand picks up a paint brush. I think we are soon going to need an addition to our house to serve as an art gallery. 

David's Gallery

 David has been happily painting happy little landscapes with happy mistakes and happy homes for happy creatures. He's very happy. Enjoy the gallery.

Wintertime Blues

Here is the finished artwork from the talented artists, David and Kirsten.

This was taken from Season 1 Episode 8

Bob Ross Paint Along

 When we were newlyweds and living in Provo, Utah, David loved painting with Bob Ross (via TV). I have a picture of this somewhere. Recently, Netflix added Bob Ross episodes. David and Kirsten have been watching them together and as a result have the itch to paint along. What a wonderful daddy-daughter activity.

The Role of "Father"

I have spent over 21 wonderful years watching David be a father. He takes on the role of "father" with great importance. He spends much of his valuable free time bonding with each of the children. They are lucky to have him as their role model.

Deep Sea Fishing and Puking

David took the Priests and Laurels deep sea fishing off Monterey Bay. After a few minutes of being in the open ocean, the captain commented to David that he was surprised that they were allowed to leave shore since there was a small craft advisory due to gale force winds. These gale force winds made it hard for half the group to even fish. Many were sick for a time and others the entire time. Steven felt nauseous for an hour before he found his sea legs.

(Bishop Black, Britney, Bob, Emma, Josh, Steven, Nathan, Kelsey, Truman, Wesley. and John)

Everyone was able to catch something. Between David and Steven, they brought home eleven rock fish. The girls rocked. None of them got sick and Emma caught the biggest fish. David caught the longest. In all, even through sea sickness, they all agreed to do it again.

Completion

David has spent the past two weekends receiving training so that he can take the scouts on trips. I know for a fact that his favorite part was singing LOTS of scout songs:)

Off to Utah

Dave-o threw up twice last night. This morning, he told me that he didn't feel well enough to go with us. It was heartbreaking. This little guy has had his backpack packed and ready to go for two weeks. What a sad twist of events! Steven and Justin are stepping in to take care of him.

I was not happy to see that the airplane we'd be flying on was a prop.

Loni shared my concern. She made sure she was holding on to both of her armrests.

Entering Salt Lake.

 The smoggy affects of inversion.

Our first feel of Utah cold. We're not in California anymore.

Mom and Dad met us at the mall for lunch and shopping at Mr.Mac. They are staying in a hotel in Salt Lake City for the night. 

 None of us enjoyed the experience of Mr. Mac. We had a pushy sales lady who tried to make us feel bad if we didn't want to buy something that she threw in our faces (not literally). She would say, "But don't you want what's best for your missionary?" Ugh! We couldn't wait to leave that store.

We all drove to Douglas' house to have dinner. Nikkaila, Ammon, and Malena were there to greet us. Douglas was in Texas on business, but he had left us his famous shepherds pie in the refrigerator to be warmed up. I am grateful for this opportunity my parents had to say goodbye to James.

(Thanks for the picture, Mom)