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!

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:

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.

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!!