Sunday, December 07, 2008

Like Father like Son (12/7/2008):

We couldn't resist posting this picture of Jared and Mario. The rabbit was really scary, but Santa?

Friday, November 14, 2008

November 14, 2008 (Kayak Rodeo)

Okay, it's not pretty, but I did roll a kayak this evening. As I began to roll, I let go of my paddle as if I were riding a bucking bronco. Crazy fun!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Gratitude (October 26, 2008)

I was in one of my church meetings this morning and ran across a letter by a nonmember. I think the letter gives us hope in the younger generation, and also makes me a little homesick for my little man Sam. Here is the letter from an older couple:

Dear Mike,

We want to thank you and your team --Sean, Sammy, Kyle, and Jeff-- for the work they did last evening.

The ivy on the wall had become of considerable concern to us; we knew it had to be cut back. We also recognized we could not do the job ourselves. That's a very frustrating feeling.

We sincerely appreciate the work you team did, including the cleaning up and bagging of all trimmings.

There is something else we'd like to mention; it concerns the young people of Albuquerque. Whenever we pick up a copy of the Journal there invariably are articles describing Albuquerque's youth as school dropouts incapable of holding a job, as having wild parties in which alcohol, drugs and sex are the major features, as criminals involved in robberies, stabbings, shootings, etc. In short, the Journal paints a horrible picture of Albuquerque's youth. No doubt some of this is true.

It was so refreshing to visit with Sean, Sam and Kyle. The lads are intelligent, courteous, down-to-earth team-workers whose moral compasses are set in concrete. They are living proof that some of Albuquerque's lads are the finest you'll ever encounter.

We are certain Sean's Sam's and Kyle's parents are justifiably very proud of their children. And, we are certain you are very proud to call them members of your team.

Sincerely,
Jim and June

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Eagle Scout Service Project (Oct. 25, 2008)

Today I helped one of two Deacons in the ward with his Eagle Scout Project. All of our scouts, teachers, and priests are Life Scouts. Our youngest is the first to do his Eagle Scout project! He had us paint basketball courts, four square courts, and hop scotch.

Here are some pictures from the event:



Sunday, October 19, 2008

Kayaking in the Rio Grande (October 18, 2008)

We finally used our kayaking skills in the Rio Grande near Taos, NM. The weather was exceptional. I was the first to capsize. Upside down, under the boat, I forgot all of my pool training. I pulled the rip cord on the kayak skirt and "wet exited" into the cold water. I capsized two more times before we finished the day.

My favorite part of the trip was when Josh and Dillon had a "roll" contest. Rolling is when you tip upside down, and then right yourself and your boat. Dillon was the first to roll the kayak. Josh followed and both men kept rolling until Dillon, blue faced because of the cold water, stopped. Josh kept rolling his kayak. After 14 successful rolls, with an exhausted look on his face, he failed to right the kayak and he had to wet exit. He kept repeating, "awesome adrenaline rush!"

Here's the group:

Some individual shots of the kayaking men:

This guy is practicing ballet. Funny what wearing a skirt does to a man.
The next pictures are more manly:
Do you see the excitement?


Sam, our guide kneeling in the front/right, was awesome. We are grateful for his time and effort in teaching and guiding us! Our plan is to keep taking lessons from him and do another kayaking adventure next year!

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Kayaking in October (Oct. 8, 2008)

For part of my Woodbadge ticket, I have committed to give the YM a Kayaking experience. This is the second roll class, and some of the boys are great. I am more like a marshmallow floating in the pool! Wouldn't it be cool if all of the YM could roll a Kayak? We're learning the sweep roll.

Here is our instructor.
Men in skirts:
Here is the first man to roll the kayak:Born to float:

Movie of two boys doing simultaneous rolls:


Here is me trying to roll:

Sunday, October 05, 2008

Albuquerque Airport!

Sam insisted that I post on his blog while he is on his mission. Here are some pictures at Burger King, just before we took Sam to the Airport. Jessica is the only girl eligible to hug Elder Hobbs, now that he has been set apart as a missionary.

Here are some pictures of the tear festival at the airport.
October 3, 2008: Joy Junction Fund Raiser

Celestine has been working the last few months helping to organize a fundraiser for Joy Junction, the largest homeless shelter in New Mexico. The keynote speaker was Coach Ken Carter. Coach Carter's life story was made into a movie starring Samuel Jackson. The event was a huge success with over 400 people attending the Gala event. The evening included live entertainment by popular contemportary Christian artist Jaci Velasquez.

Here is Mike with Coach Carter:

Here is Rob and Marie with the Coach:

Here is Celestine with Rob.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

April 24, 2008: BYU Graduation
Our beautiful Jessica dresses up for BYU graduation to be held at the Marriott Center on the BYU campus. Here she poses for her dad in her apartment living room.

Now the tricky part--getting her cap on without messing up her freshly curled hair. This was a major source of frustration and tears! The solution? Forget the bangs and just hide them under the cap.
Ooh, la la! Doesn't she look gorgeous in her cap and gown? We're so proud of our first college graduate--go get 'em Jess!

Jessica and Sebastian Dunlap (her eternal sweetheart and partner for life) outside the front door of their apartment. CONGRATULATIONS graduates!! We love you! We're proud of your hard work and wonderful accomplishments. You're off to a GREAT start for your future!


Jessica and Sebastian in front of the Brigham Young statue and the BYU Admissions building, on the way to the graduation ceremonies.

Our happy twosome inside the Marriott Center prior to the big event--what a pair of sophisticated hotties! You guys rock!

Proud Mamma with her baby girl all grown up. I love you Jessica! Thank you for being the best daughter and friend a mother could ever ask for. Keep reaching your goals and making your dreams come true.
Laura and Noah (Sebastian's twin brother) Dunlap (with Laura's dad, Andy in back). The happy pair have been married one year and are also BYU graduates--CONGRATULATIONS! Aren't they a gorgeous couple?

Jessica and Laura dream of their futures with big smiles on their faces!

The Dunlap couples after graduation, outside the Marriott Center on the BYU campus. Do they look HAPPY or what?

Twin brothers Noah and Sebastian Dunlap, with Laura's mom Jana, and mom Peggy Dunlap in the background.
Noah and Sebastian with proud dad, Geoff Dunlap.

Noah and Sebastian with proud Mom, Peggy Dunlap.

Geoff and Peggy Dunlap do a little dancing inside the new Gordon B. Hinkley Alumni Building, where we all enjoyed refreshments and live music.

Jessica and Sebastian boogie down on the dance floor. We had a fun time hanging out with them for a few days in Provo, Utah last week. We miss them already!


April 25, 2008: Individual college graduations
Sebastian (and his brother Noah) graduate from the College of Fine Arts/Communications the morning following the general graduation ceremonies. It was held at the DeJong Concert Hall at BYU. Here he is after the event with Jessica by his side.

Sebastian with his 3 leading ladies: sweetheart Jessica, Momma Dunlap, and Momma Hobbs. Are you feeling smothered yet, Sebastian?

Noah and Sebastian with the dads Geoff Dunlap and Mike Hobbs, following their college graduation ceremony. Our hats off to the four fantastic graduates!!