I love to see the temple

One of my New Years Resolutions is to attend the temple every other week. Since Leah and the kids are usually sleepyheads, we've decided that the best time for me to go is on Saturday mornings (so that we can maximize our time together when everyone is awake). If you are interested in joining me, come to the 8 am session this Saturday. No need to RSVP or anything, but I thought it would be fun if we "spontaneously" showed up at the same session every once in a while.

Death Valley

I took the boys to Death Valley on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day for a fun day of hiking.

They climbed to the top of some of the badlands, while I took their pictures.

Two loving brothers (this was right before they pushed each other off the ledge).

The only flower we saw on our 6.5 mile hike.

The view from Zabriskie Point.

I know it's been a while since I commented or posted anything on the blog. For some reason, we've been really busy over the past several weeks. I figured I'd share a couple of the pictures from our recent trip to Death Valley (or as Alex called it, the Death Valley of Fire). We hiked the Golden Canyon-Gower Gulch loop, which was a lot of fun. It is a pretty easy hike. Once the boys stopped belly-achin', they really enjoyed themselves.

B. Winkley Passed Away

About 40 minutes ago, President Gordon B. Hinkley passed away. Just thought you should know. Please pray for his family and in remembrance of such a funny, warm and great example.

How appropriate that such a cute story about him should be shared today. Thanks again for the laugh, Liz. He'd have loved it, I'm sure.

"B. Winkley"

So.......we were sitting in church today and it was stake conference. They were having a feed come from SLC with some of the presidency speaking, and it was a really bad feed and that is putting it mildly. So me and Billy were talking and he asked if it was always like this, and I told him no its usually pretty fluid when they do a broadcast. Then he asked what other situations they would use a feed and I told him General Conference. Then he goes ohhh like when B. Winkley talks to us. I just thought it was hilarious.......

Daniel the Caucusizer!!

Daniel participated in his first caucus on January 19. He was excited to be old enough to 'vote'. It was a great experience and even though it was somewhat disorganized it was good to see a caucus in action. After a full morning of caucusizing we retired to the local IHOP for some good 'grubbing'. The next day Hannah was over and was holding the 'baby', as we call Daniel. Daniel is the baby boy and Hannah is the baby girl, so there is always the argument of who is the real baby of the family. (They are both big babies.)

Slight change of plans!

Elara pondering what's for Christmas!
After hearing Elara tell me something this weekend, I have decided to only go to Hawaii for a week or so. I am going to stay and fight again for primary physical custody. I won't get into the details of exactly why in this forum, I just think I should have more influence in her life.

My kids and I !!!

I am getting an apartment up where Chickie used to live. And I'll be here for all the goings on this Hot Vegas summer. So that's what's up. I appreciate all the feedback. If anything I am glad that I could express what's been bothering me.

Ninjas spotted in Vegas!!

Speedo Ninja, Army Ninja and Helmet Head Ninja have been seen this week in Las Vegas. Apparently, Speedo Ninja sees a villain or other dangerous threat on the ceiling that needs taken care of (probably vacuumed out of the corner, to be exact).

Elara the tycoon

1/2 ain't bad...1 whole, even better!!!

Half of the Belanger Bunch on Sunday December 30, 2007

Daniel, Hannah, Andy, Leah, and Matt

Hopefully we'll be able to get a picture of the whole crew sometime this year!?! Love you, guys!

Whats Up Family

Whats going on I had a doctors appointment today so I have access to a computer for a minute. I had a great time with Victoria and baby over christmas exedus , we are finishing up our training and getting ready to go over I am ready to be done with N.J. I will not miss this place.im doing well and cant wait to see you all again I better get going I love u all And appreciate your thoughts and prayers love Mark Jr

I'm getting back into mullet hunting

Exhibit A --------------------------------------------------------------------Exhibit B






I needed a new hobby. so I bought a violin on line. Only problem is ..It won't be here for weeks.

Well the other day I saw a sweet mullet on someone else's blog and It renewed my passion for finding rare and exotic mullets.

I don't mean to brag..but I have a picture with a domesticated mullet couple. Yes, man, and wife together embracing such a beautiful cut. And yes I'm in the picture. Many mullet hunters secretly click a few pictures and never let them know they enjoyed their mullet. See exhibit A and B.
Any how I am Hoping for a sighting of a sweet mexi-mullet/ femullet combo, or a skullet in it's natural habitat (monster truck rally) .... Caution skullet is one species of the mullet brethren that can become very agitated when questioned at length about his sweet hairdo.

Our Madison's 11...Happy Birthday!!!

Madison at our Rockin' "NEW YEAR'S PARTY" Sunday. See more pictures at http://dldarrington.blogspot.com
Madison 5 years old- 2001

Madison 4 years old-2000

Madison 3 years old-1999

Madison 2 years old-1998

Madison 1 year old-1997

Madison-December 30, 1996

Can you believe it?!? I wanted to share some pictures I have of Madison at her first 6 birthdays! Hope you all enjoy!!!

More New Years Fun at the Springs Preserve

Matt on the bucking turtle. Ride em' Matt. Hannah on the balance beam.
Hannah carring baby Daniel who hurt his foot.
Yertle the turtle.
Hannah and Elara and Emeline and Paige studying.
Mertle the turtle
America's Next Top Turtle

Excuse the repeat. (Operator Error)
All the kids on the giant marshmallow!!

Hannah and Andy and Asher at the Exchange.Paige studying bugs.
Alexander the Great

Slow down, I want to get off!

The Texas Belangers have been ridiculously busy the last 6 weeks or so. We enjoyed a visit from Grandma Sarah before Thanksgiving and had a blast showing her some of our favorite places the short time she was here. After Thanksgiving it was a short week to prepare for our big Florida trip. The drive there was long as we hit Houston in the middle of rush hour and there were a few accidents slowing things down until we got to New Orleans. We went into New Orleans for a Mother's Po'boy and beignets from Cafe du Monde in the French Quarter and then back on the road to Aunt Lizzie's.

Liz and Billy are the best hosts! Rhiannon wanted to stay "since Lizzie doesn't have a girl and we have two!". Needless to say, that generous offer was denied.

Disney World was a blast and we all wished we could stay forever. The crowds were low and we lucked into some pretty cool experiences like a dream fastpass at the Magic Kingdom and an 8:30 breakfast reservation at Animal Kingdom that put us right by the safari just as the park opened so we were able to see lots of animals when they're active.



We spent another day with the Calban's on the way home and we enjoyed seeing Santa at the party on base. Then it was home again and a hurried rush to get ready for Christmas. Unfortunately mom got sick twice in the two weeks between arriving home and Christmas day, but we managed. We got a Wii and now asking the kids to clean their rooms is not nearly the problem it used to be. We asked the kids what their resolutions were for this year. We all want to be healthier and and strengthen our testimonies and Quinlan wants to go to Disney World. Happy New Year everyone!