EMBA in Asia

For more details about Kjell's "foreign excursion" here is a link to an impressive photo blog created by someone in his group. Kjell writes:

"Today we took a bullet train from Kyoto to Toyota City and toured the Toyota factory. It was really interesting to see how their constant-improvement policies are put in action. Japan is very collective (as opposed to individualistic) and the Japanese have been able to accomplish some pretty cool things as a result. Many foreign companies have tried to duplicate "The Toyota Way" but without everyone wanting to contribute to the common good, no one has yet been able to see the same results. Still, there are trade-offs. Japanese children are pretty much "broken" in their schooling years until college. They learn to take their place in the machine, but they are very innovative/creative."

Plane Ride

We made it! Overall, the plane trip with 3 kids was a success! Wether was an absolute doll as usual. Holden, the biggest surprise of all since he is 2, was amazing. He sat in his seat the whole time and watched Baby Einstein after Baby Einstein. Marcus did well too, although he's really struggling with his behavior. Does anyone else's kids act up before and during travels?

Kjell writes from Japan...

This was our first full day of the trip and we spent it mostly visiting sites in Kyoto. We saw a bunch of temples, the coolest part so far has been the gardens. They manipulate almost everything (the trees, waterfalls, moss) and it looks really cool. The Japanese are really nice and I've enjoyed the food (I think I've getting to be known as the guy who tries anything). I did have one experience where what I thought was a fruit custard ended up being some sort of seafood pudding. I didn't go back for seconds. No one here is overweight and everyone thinks that we have Swine Flu (50% of everyone we see is wearing one of those masks).

We're Off!

Kjell left for Japan this morning and I'm off to Connecticut with the kids tomorrow. I'm ready for my landmark flight with 3 boys to be over...it's not too late - anyone want to fly with me? I'll post a full report upon my arrival to...

We'll be spending lots of time here:

and here:

Happy Memorial Day!

More Utah McCords!

On Saturday Kjell, Joshua (Kjell's brother), and I drove to Alpine to meet their half-brother Rick and his family for the first time. We had a very enjoyable evening and look forward to getting to know them better.

Photo 1 - Joshua, Kjell, Rick

Photo 2 - Joshua, Kjell, Rick, Penny (Rick's wife), Madison (almost 16). The McCord's have 3 sons as well.

Photo 3 - Penny, Madison, Olivia

Marcus' Graduation from Kids Village

Today Marcus graduated from "Sweet Peas" at Kids Village. He has one more year of preschool before kindergarten. They grow up so fast!

On a side note...I was able to lose the 20 pounds I gained during pregnancy when Wether turned 3 months old on May 7th. Yeah! I enjoyed a milkshake today:)

Garage Doors

Photo 1 - Garage doors when we bought the house.

Photo 2 - Original garage door that Olivia paints the color of the shutters.

What happens next:

Olivia ruins the garage door by hitting it (not on purpose, really). It is a lawn ornament for several weeks and then Olivia gets to pick out a new ONE. She convinces Kjell that two doors would look better then one at minimal cost. Kjell agrees based on the fact that Olivia can no longer hog the garage when there are 2 garage doors.

Photo 3 - The center column is installed.

At this point Olivia realizes she is definitely putting form over function...the doors will look great but 8 feet is a narrow space to park a wide minivan. She knows her mirrors won't last long.

Photo 4 - Beautiful carriage-house style doors complete the New England style of the house (plus add light to the dungeon-like garage).

What do you think?

For my Mom

I love you!

Olivia

I looked out the window and what did I see?

Laundry Room Cabinets