Family Pictures

Carter = 3 1/2 years old

Courtney = 6 years old

Cassidy = 8 years old

Thanks Tori, your photography skills amaze me!

Dogs - the good, the bad & the ugly

So, anyone who knows me, knows that I HATE dogs - with a passion. I don't hate many things in this world, but dogs are one of the exceptions. I would honestly be OK if some virus killed every dog on the planet. In fact, I would probably celebrate the birthday of the scientist who created the virus.

Now some of you are reading this and thinking that I'm a heartless jerk. However, I want you to know that my feelings are not unfounded. I have been attacked by 1/2 dozen different dogs in my life, and literally have scars on various parts of my body to prove it. I think I've had to get those stinkin' rabies shots at least 4 or 5 times. I will admit that my time living in Argentina (where the dogs run "wild" and breed in the streets - having to attack people for food) probably had a lot to do with my hatred of the K9 breed.

Anyhow, there must be something in my blood, because my children have had the same "wonderful" experience with dogs. Every one of my children has been attacked & bitten (drawing blood) by at least 2-3 dogs in their short lifetimes. Below is photographic evidence of the latest attack (Carter had to get 4 stitches on his face). Only 4 days prior to Carter's "incident", Cassidy had her lip torn open by a dog as well.




But for some reason, one which is totally beyond my level of comprehension, my kids still LOVE the stupid animals. (Between you and me, I believe my wife is brainwashing them - she comes from a "dog" family.)

Well, to make a long story longer, for as long as I can remember, my children (and wife) have asked for a dog. I have always had several excuses for my firm "NO" response (we have a little baby crawling on the floor, I'm allergic to dander, they shed, they have fleees, THEY BITE).

Then my wife started doing research. She found a breed that has minimal dander, doesn't shed (it has hair, not fur), is really good with kids, and is hypoallergenic. Plus, we won't have any babies crawling around anymore. All of a sudden, I was running out of excuses.

So I finally caved in, and bought Kimberly and the kids a Yorkie-Poo puppy for Christmas. I personally can't think of a more MANLY dog than a "Yorkie-Poo". It just sounds manly.

So I introduce to you, the latest male addition to the Bates family - Colby. He's 9 weeks old, weighs in at 5.3 lbs (with a maximum expected weight of 8-9 lbs). Small enough that he can be used as a football if things don't work out.

Just between us girls, the best part is that he is still learning the art of "potty training". I secretly smile every time he takes a dump or pees in the house - because without me having to say it, it's like saying "I told you so!"

And although behind closed doors, I often refer to him as the bastard step-child I never wanted, I have to admit that I am slowly warming up to the little terd.

We'll see how long it takes for my wife / kids to get sick of bathing, feeding, walking and cleaning up after him. If any of you are interested, he may be for sale shortly down the road. :-)

NY Trip

For the 2nd year in a row, I found myself in NYC in December (I guess there are worse times to be there). Although the trip was almost all business, one of the nights I walked back to the hotel, and snapped a bunch of pictures. It is definitely the city that never sleeps.

Times Square

The famous Christmas Tree at Rockefeller

Saks 5th Avenue

More Times Square, in the snow

SLC weekend getaway

After Kimberly's triathlon, I figured she deserved a weekend of rest and relaxation. So I took her up to Salt Lake City for the weekend (without the kids). We had a great time, and really enjoyed taking in all the sights...

Here's me practicing my photography skills (The church has already asked me if they can use this for the next cover of the Ensign).

Here we are in front of the Conference Center - we went to "Music and the Spoken Word" on Sunday morning...this building is unbelievable.

Mo-Tab singing in the Conference Center.

The old tabernacle.

Doesn't Kimberly look totally hot here? On an unrelated side note, I look like I'm going to mug someone.

Christmas lights on temple square...it was fun to people watch - the place was literally packed.

Practicing my photography skills again.

Views from "The Roof" Restuarant in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building.

Karin, we took this picture for you. Look, you're not the only person who has "peacock blue" ornaments on your Christmas tree.

Snapshots of our hotel...it was a nice place.

Doesn't Kimberly look amazing here? I think we should move to a cold weather place, just so I can see her wear that beanie and scarf more often.

We went down to the "Gateway" shopping center while we were there. It was a really nice area, that must have been an addition during the Olympics.

Here is another photo that Kimberly made me post. As with the former photo I was forced to post, I do not want to talk about it.

Thanksgiving Day Triathlon!

On Thanksgiving morning, Kimberly and Cassidy competed in the local triathlon! They had been training for a while, and did an awesome job. I personally don't know why anyone in their right mind would even consider subjecting themselves to the pain & agony of a triathlon, but what do I know.

Here are the girls right before Cassidy's triathlon began.

Cassidy (& some sexy dude in all black) on the "run" portion of the triathlon. Kimberly informed me 5 minutes before Cassidy started that a parent could go with them if they'd like (hint, hint).

Here we are towards the end of the 4 mile bike ride (I was riding a huffy mountain bike pulling 100 pounds of kids behind me...I literally thought I was going to die).

Here's Kimberly passing everyone up on the swim portion of the adult triathlon.

Motoring by at an average 20 mph on the bike.

What a hottie...flying by so fast in the run portion, I couldn't get the camera ready fast enough.

Here are some of the amazing triathletes after the race. Dave and Karin Rusick with Kimberly. I think Karin finished 1st place in her group, and Kimberly finished 3rd in hers. And Dave didn't finish in last place (there was a 1-legged 75 year old woman that he beat out). I must admit, I was pretty impressed with how well they all did (including Gina, Big Red, & Chris).

PS - For those of you who were wondering, I finished first place in the kids triathlon. I had to trip a couple of 6 year olds in the run, and push over this one kid on his bike, but I made sure to bring home the gold.