It doesn't look that delicate!

Honestly. I can't figure out why they named it Delicate Arch. It has to be at least 100 feet tall, and the rocks look rather sturdy. If it was my decision, I would have named it something really descriptive like "Big Arch" or "Upside Down U Arch".

Anyway, I digress. Last week Daniel, Julie, and I hopped in the trusty pickup and drove to Arches National Park for a day of hiking and sightseeing. We had a grand adventure; we even lost the hiking trail for a brief time. However, Daniel volunteered to locate the correct path and, before anyone could stop him, selflessly crashed through the ecologically fragile underbrush. Ten minutes later we were back where we were supposed to be. So much for low-impact hiking! After sightseeing our fill of Arches, we drove into the backwoods of Southern Utah to Warner Lake Campground and spent the night. For those that want out-of-the-way camping I highly recommend this spot. It's in the middle of nowhere! It was absolutely beautiful, however, and well worth the $10 I spent reserving it. Although the trip was short, it was very relaxing; just the thing we all needed. There's nothing better than self-imposed isolation to recharge one's batteries. Hopefully those batteries will last through the next couple of months!

Your name is...

Lunch! At least that was what I named the unfortunate feeder mouse (Mus musculus) that Julie and I owned for approximately twenty minutes. To be sure, I realize that it was a waste of time to name an animal that was fully intended to be a meal for our pet and I acknowledge the lack of creativity in my choice of a name. However, I also felt a vague moral obligation to allow our noble mouse to be remembered for his (the girl at the pet store gave me a male since "it was going to die and the females are more important") selfless sacrifice on behalf of Leo the Ball Python's nutritional requirements. It was amazing to watch. After placing Lunch in Leo's cage, Lunch immediately began investigating his surroundings. This included Leo. It was a fatal flaw in an otherwise perfectly planned and executed operation. Leo remained still, measuring her (I don't know if Leo is a boy or a girl, but we determined our opinion in the most scientific of ways; we flipped a coin) opponent. Before Julie and I had a chance to begin placing bets on who would emerge triumphant and before Lunch knew what in the Hades had just happened, Leo struck with lightning speed and astonishing accuracy. The results were plain to see: Leo - 1 Small, cute, furry, and defenseless mouse - 0. I was once again reminded why I love pet snakes so much; it's a chance to see nature at work from the comfort of your own home! And to think, it all happened in less than thirty seconds from the time Lunch was placed in the cage. I can barely wait until it's time to feed her again; next name for the unfortunate mouse - Dinner!

P.S. - For those who don't know - about a month ago Julie and I were asked by my nephew Cody if we would be willing to take possession of Leo. Given my absolute devotion to pet snakes, I immediately said yes. I've always wanted a Ball Python and I was tickled pink to have the chance to get one for free. I would like to extend my thanks to Cody for letting me take care of his snake and to my parents who brought Leo down to us. We're having a great time together!

Edumacated!

On April 27, I donned my meager regalia and participated in that ceremony of ceremonies, the college convocation. Although I won't officially graduate until August (due to a desire to finish my history minor), I had fulfilled all of my major requirements and I was allowed to ponderously make my way across the stage and into the BYU history books. Here are some pictures to commemorate the occasion.

In the first picture, my parents and I pose for the ages. I was acutally slightly disappointed that my father was not wearing any Notre Dame memorabilia. It just wasn't the same without the somewhat good-natured rivalry.

We took the second picture in order to provide proof that my brother Daniel had indeed been on BYU campus. We were glad that he put his personal preferences aside and made the trip.

The third picture is of my beautiful wife and my amazing Ma and Pa-in-law. I was very excited that they made the trip to Provo from California, and I know Julie was glad to see them. I think I can honestly say that they are the best in-laws ever (it's true that they are the only in-laws I've ever had, but I'm a good judge of character)!

The fourth picture contains three of five BYU graduates in my immediate family. Phil and Erin were unable to make the graduation (although I expect them at my medical school graduation). I had it taken to show my Dad that he is rapidly becoming the minority in the family and to encourage him to give up the fight and join the fun!

Finally, the last picture is of me looking forward into my amazingly bright future! I want to thank my family and friends for all they have done for me over the years. I couldn't have made it without a lot of help! Thanks and have fun! - PAT

Intrepid Explorers!

It has been quite some time since Julie or I posted anything to the blog. We promise to try harder; we have some fun outings coming up, so we should have plenty of material to share in the future!

Last week, my brother Phil had his spring break. In celebration, we decided to hike the Grand Canyon, the biggest hole in the world! It was an awesome trip; I highly recommend it to everyone. We started on Thursday morning in high spirits and ended on Saturday morning, footsore yet elated at our accomplishment. Here are some pictures from our trip. Remember, however, that it's much more amazing in person!

This first picture is of Phil and me just before we began the descent of South Kaibab Trail on Thursday. As you can see, we were pretty excited and dressed for the chill that was in the air. Within a few minutes of hiking, however, we shed the cold weather gear, never to wear it again!

The second picture is the amazing view that we saw as we descended from Cedar Ridge. The entire descent was full of beautiful views like this.

The third picture is of me at the top of the Inner Gorge. The Grand Canyon is actually two canyons in one. The large canyon is the Outer Rim, which stands approximately 3,000 feet tall. The Inner Gorge is where the Colorado River cuts through the Outer Rim and is an additional 1,500 feet tall. The result is yet more breathtaking scenery.

The fourth picture is a view of the Canyon as we ascended on Saturday. This picture is looking north; in the middle of the picture is the Inner Gorge, with another canyon branching north. This canyon is Bright Angel Canyon; where it meets the Inner Gorge is Bright Angel Campground, our place of residence for two days. We were almost done with our trip at this point. We were both excited and disappointed to be leaving this beautiful area!

The final picture is of Phil and me immediately after we crested the South Rim on Saturday. We were tired, sore, and elated at our accomplishment. I've already begun planning another trip to the Grand Canyon so that Julie can enjoy the splendor...I think we'll invite as many people as possible and make it a veritable exodus! Phil has begun brainstorming our next adventure; I can only hope that it will be as epic and exciting as this trip was.

Thanksgiving Fun!

Julie and I went to California over the Thanksgiving holiday to visit the Christie side of the family. We had a lot of fun! On Saturday, November 24, we went out into the country and had some fun with off-road vehicles! We were able to spend time with Mattox, I rode a motorcycle for the first time, and Julie and I discovered the joys of riding in a dune buggy! We had a great time and can't wait to go do it again. It now looks like we'll just have to buy some dirt bikes ;) - PAT

Who wants to be a Doctor? Me, me!!

Today I received official notification from The Ohio State University College of Medicine that I have been accepted into the 2007 first-year class. Needless to say, I am absolutely beside myself with excitement! Much of the stress has now disappeared...now we're waiting to hear from all the other schools. Hopefully Stanford will realize what a great candidate I am and invite me for an interview! - PAT

Fishing in Mexico!

It's been awhile since we posted anything; things have been very busy! I've been interviewing at medical schools, Julie has been working, and I just spent a week collecting fish in Mexico. Here are some pictures from that trip. We visited approximately 21 streams and rivers throughout west central Mexico, gathering small fish and preserving them in ethanol. Three of us (Dr. Jerry Johnson, Laura Scott, and myself) were from BYU and two of the participants (Dr. Jaime Zuniga-Vega and Ivette Casas) came from the University of Mexico. It was a great trip; I learned quite a bit about fish and Mexico. I think Julie and I will be taking a trip down there some time in the future. Mexico is absolutely beautiful! - PAT