Family Reunion - Price List

Hello again, family!

Here is the price list for some activities that are available at or around Heise Campground. We will be posting a schedule for the family reunion soon, but there will be plenty of free time, so feel free to get out and do some of these things.

Campsites
$21.60 per family per night (this is the only money we will be required to pay)

Pool
Adult (12+) = $9
Child = $5

All day pool pass (including pool and hot pools)
Adult = $10
Child = $6

Value Pass (includes pool, hot pools, and water slide)
Adult = $15
Child = $12

Individual Water Slide Rides (this would be with the purchase of a pool pass, not a value pass)
Unlimited rides = $8
7pm to 10pm = $5
3 rides = $1
10 rides = $3

Golf
9 holes = $10
18 holes = $19
Clubs + 2 balls = $6

Zip Line
Between $30 and $75, depending on number of lines/riders


Obviously these aren't the only activities options. There will be plenty of free choices as well, including fishing, hiking, playing in the river, etc. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!

Family Reunion Meal Assignments

Hello Family!

By now we have contacted all of you for your meal assignment preferences for the family reunion, and we appreciate your willingness to help out! Below is the list of assignments for that weekend. We know that outdoor cooking is a little different than cooking in a kitchen, so things may be a little complicated. We want to try to coordinate supplies (so that we don't bring five dutch ovens, five griddles, five bottles of Pam, etc.), so we've created a spreadsheet in Google Drive to help us communicate with each other. We will be emailing the link to this spreadsheet soon. In the first column you will find your family's name. In the second column, please briefly describe what you'll be making for your meal. In the third column, please list supplies and/or ingredients you can and will bring for your meal that can ALSO be shared with others to help in their meal preparation. In the fourth column you can list any supplies and/or ingredients that you need, that someone else may be able to bring. (Sorry if that was confusing - hopefully it'll make more sense when you see the email.) If you have any questions or concerns about these assignments, please don't hesitate to call, text, or email Mike or me.


Bean Family Reunion Meal Assignments
Piippo Family - Dinner Friday night
Hill Family - Breakfast Saturday morning
Brian Bean Family - Lunch Saturday afternoon
Jeff Bean Family - Dinner Saturday night
Mattson Family - Breakfast Sunday morning
Lee Bean Family - Snacks for everyone for whole weekend
Mike Bean Family - Dessert Friday and Saturday night

Happy Mother's day everyone!!! I know, its been a while since I've been on the family blog, and even longer since I've made any posts. Now that I am done with school, I have more time to focus on what I want. I know that I've missed my turn but I figured I should put a review on up here. I honestly dont know what to post - nothing really new in our lives and nothing exciting going on (other than me passing my Statistics final -wahoo!) .... and at the moment dont have any good recommendations ... So I thought, what is something I could talk about? I recently have decided that I need to make the temple more part of my life since I have the wonderful opportunity of being a current temple recommend holder.

I am so grateful for the gospel in my life, and I am grateful for this church and everyone who has a testimony, and their love and support. Through my experiences, I know that our Heavenly Father loves us so very much. I am thankful for the members of our ward, who has shown us so much love and support. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to have a temple recommend and being able to go to the temple, and especially having so many temples to be able to visit! Since I live by so many temples, my new goal is to go to a different temple every week. I love feeling the peace that I find at the temples. What comfort and joy it brings to me. I know for a fact that prayers are so essential and that they are always answered, it may not be immediate, but we always have them answered. I still am a bit unsure of how the prayer roll works exactly though, are you to write your prayer or just the names? Only reason I asked is I noticed another lady writing from what looked like a prayer instead of just names. 

I am so grateful for technology, more so that there are so many amazing gospel tools for us all at our fingertips! Elder Richard G Scott said, "who could have imagined not very many years ago that the full standard works and years of general conference messages would fit into your pocket?" I have loved having several different access to many gospel apps on my phone. While I am at work I'll listen to the general conferences, scriptures, lds music, OR some firesides! Its so amazing and such a blessing to have access to all of the talks, especially when you are unable to make it to these special events. I love the Gospel Library app, LDS Podcasts (this app has SO MANY different talks, I was so amazed at how much there is in this app!), Mormon Channel (a lot of other topics and access to different things) and LDS Temples (pretty cool app, you can locate the temples, track your attendance history, get directions to the temple and how far away they are from you!, call the temples... I think its pretty cool feature that I've recently found). How blessed we are to have so much access to so many different things?!

Anyways... not sure what I'm trying to share here... but my goal is to visit as many temples as I can, especially if I visit other cities/states/countries, and I am grateful for how blessed of a generation that we are in, to have so many wonderful opportunities available to us. Well... I now need to get ready for church... Have a wonderful sunday!

Netflix

 Some on you were asking for a review of Netflix, and since I LOOOOVVVVEEEE T.V. (and all things that go with it), I thought I would give you my opinion.
 Netflix, I believe, cost $8.00/month.  To me, it is the best $8 dollars spent in a month (except maybe the $8 spent at McDonalds).  Greg and I have very basic cable, because we don't feel the need to spend $50 a month on programming that is mostly garbage.  Instead we spend $16 a month for netflix and Hulu Plus, and between the two, it satisfies my television viewing needs.  Let me give you a run down of the pros of Netflix, and then you can see if it is right for you.

Netflix:

1. I think Netflix streams great shows.  I am a fan of all types of shows: Comedy, drama, thriller. etc.  I love to watch shows that I have watched when I was a kid, without having to buy the DVDs.  For example:  I loved Saved by the Bell (mock me all you want, but you know you watched it, too).  Netflix has the entire series (commercial and ad free).  Do I want to watch the episode where Zack catches Kelly's boyfriend, Jeff, cheating on her at The Attic?  Yes I do.  And with one click of my remote I get to watch Kelly find out that Jeff is a cheating scum bag (I knew it!).
    Not a Saved by the Bell fan?  There are countless shows, including ones that have seasons currently showing on Network television.  Do you like the show Parenthood (if you have not seen it, you should), Grey's Anatomy, The Office, Bones, Downton Abbey, SNL, AFV, etc.?  Catch up on the series with all the previous seasons.  Do have a hankering to have a 24 marathon?  Watch any season of Jack Bauer get out alive, even though it was a 200 to 1 shoot out.  I have heard that the show Friday Night Lights is Amazing.  All 5 seasons are on Netflix.    Prison Break, is an amazingly addictive show, and all 4 seasons are on it.  You will never get bored with Netflix.

2.  It has tons of shows for kids.  Annabelle only likes one show: Curious George.  Unfortunately, PBS only plays it once a day.  I need Annabelle to leave me alone more than once a day.  What do I do?  Start up Netflix, and put Curious George on.  I have been told that it has been scientifically proven that Super Why and Dora help your child's brain development.  Every season of both shows are on Netflix. On Sundays we put on Veggies Tales, and Larry the cucumber teaches my kids bible stories while Greg and I nap.

3.  It has reasonably good movies.

4.  Documentaries.  Do you like Shark Week?  Ever wonder how the secret service works or how are country can possibly support solitary confinement?  Do you like Myth Busters?  There is a documentary for everyone.

Anyways, I hope this helps.  I have found that current television programming is getting worse and worse, and I feel with Netflix that I can watch shows that are clean and highly entertaining.  For $96/year (I couldn't even buy three seasons of The Office for that much) I get a wide range of programming anytime I want it.  But then again, I would pay $8/month for Curious George.  Hope this helps!

Any one seen this show?  When I first heard about it I thought it sounded weird but when I actually sat down and started watching it I found out how fantastic it is.  It is a relatively clean show that is very entertaining.  So go try it out.   The first season is on Netflix. Just beware that once you start it's hard to stop.

Family Reunion Info - Map and Rules

Hello, Family!

Here is the first of several posts that will give info about our family reunion! For future reference, we will label all these posts with "Family Reunion 2013," so you can click the label link (at the bottom of the post, under the comments button), or find the link on the right hand side of the blog (under the "Labels" section). Clicking on this link will pull up all the posts related to this year's family reunion.

First of all, we wanted to include a link to a wonderful Google Map that Mike made. This map shows the route from Grandma and Grandpa Bean's house to Heise Hot Springs, and if you zoom in on that area, you will see the individual campsites we have reserved, as well as various fun things to do there! Check it out here (make sure you are using Satellite view, not Map view, for the most accurate map).

Secondly, we need to make you all aware, per the campground managers, of the camp rules. Please read these carefully and go over them with your children. They are as follows:

Heise Campground Rules
1. All campers must register upon arrival.
2. Checkout time is 12 noon. Sites are to be vacated at this time unless prior arrangements have been made with the office (*note: prior arrangements have NOT been made with the office, so we will all need to be gone from the campground by 12 noon on Sunday, August 16th).
3. Each vehicle must have a vehicle pass with the gate entry code. Do not give this code to anyone.
4. Only two vehicles allowed per registered camper.
5. Fires are allowed in the fire pits provided. Do not move fire pits.
6. Place trash in cans provided, not in fire pits.
7. Do not leave your fire unattended. Put it out when you leave.
8. Horseshoes are allowed in designated areas only.
9. Quiet hours are from 10:30pm until 7:30am. After 10:30, you should not disturb neighboring campers. Quiet hours are strictly enforced.
10. Generators will not be operated in the campground (except for power outages).
11. No drinking to excess or loud parties.
12. Pets must be kept on a leash, kept quiet, and picked up after. Do not leave dogs unattended in or around your RV or campsite.
13. No fireworks or water balloons allowed in the campground.
14. No big rugs. They kill the grass.
15. Any violations of these rules may be grounds for evictions. No refunds.

Thanks, everyone! If you have any questions, let Mike or I know. We will continue to post more info to the blog as the family reunion gets closer!

Family Vacation

Yes- I like vacations.  A lot.  And they have to involve the beach (almost always).  So next May is our next planned vacation.  We've planned on going to S. Cali BUT I found that allegiant if flying direct to Hawaii from Boise... and this April tickets were at $300 round trip.  That is pretty cool and exciting, and I have to admit that I am tempted.  IF I can save a bunch of money, that might be an idea, but either way- next spring we are vacationing. 

THE POINT IS- we would like to invite anyone that would like to come.  I realize that work, life, time, etc. happens, so don't feel bad if you don't come.  We have just found that we LOVE traveling w/ our Aunts and Uncles and always want everyone to feel like they can come if they want. 

And I travel cheap.  Like, really cheap.  But would love to go w/ a beach house again.

Oblivion

So, I have been waiting for this movie to come out FOREVER. Unfortunately, it has questionable material so I will likely never watch it. However, the reason I was so excited as because one of my favorite bands, M83, was commissioned to to the entire soundtrack. I have been listening to it and love it. Wouldn't it be cool if more movies commissioned artists to write original music just for the soundtrack?

Weekly Recommendation: mental_floss

I miss two things about college. I miss the unique passion for and depth of literary discussion that can only be found in 300- and 400- level English classes. College was like the best book club ever. And I miss the joy of simply learning. So this week my recommendation is for a product that has brought that particular joy back into my life.

It's my new favorite publication, mental_floss. I first learned about it in one of Ken Jenning's wonderful books (all of which I also highly recommend), but I didn't check it out myself until a couple months ago, when I found a copy at our library. Since then, I have been reading through all the old issues that the library has.

Each issue of mental_floss contains articles, quick facts, and photos about random information from all disciplines - history, science, technology, current events, literature, art, etc. Alton Brown even has a food column in each issue that is reminiscent of his show Good Eats. The articles discuss topics that range from powerful nuns throughout history, to the dark internet, to influential TV shows, to Russian science experiments. The articles are so fascinating that I often can't put the magazine down. Some interesting facts I have recently gleaned from mental_floss include:

1. Though people credit Benjamin Franklin with coming up with the idea of Daylight Savings Time, the forum in which he "proposed" the idea was a satirical article criticizing French laziness.

2. Jelly Bellies introduced their blueberry flavor for the inauguration of Ronald Reagan (who was a lover of jelly beans) so that red, white, and blue combinations would be possible.

3. A man named Boothroyd wrote to Ian Fleming to point out that James Bond's gun was too ladylike, and suggested the more macho Walther PPK. Fleming took the suggestion, as well as several others Boothroyd gave him over the years. Boothroyd refused compensation, so Fleming named "Q" (whose real name is Boothroyd) after him.

Each issue also contains fun trivia tests and personality quizzes, which are great fun to take with your spouse. Recent quizzes include: "Are you the Nina, the Pinta, or the Santa Maria?" (Mike and I are the Pinta and the Santa Maria, respectively); and "Which forgettable U.S. President are you?" (Rutherford B. Hayes and Franklin Pierce); and "Which defunct political party are you?" (The Bull Moose Party and the Free Soil Party).

mental_floss also has a website, but I actually prefer the magazine, so that is my recommendation for the week.

(Also as a side recommendation, I strongly encourage you to watch this video.)

Anyone here watch survivor?

Anyone watch survivor?  Does Cochran remind you of anyone?

Hey, I am adding to this post.....Anyone watch The Walking Dead (big fans over here)?  Does Daryl Dixon (cast name) remind you of anyone?  -Steph-

           

How about this photo?  Remind you of anyone?

Spring Portraits 2013

Weekly Recommendation - Pondering

My recommendation will be short and simple, so you can take time to ponder it! One of the things I love about our house is that the master bedroom looks towards the mountains. Our house is on a hill, so it gives spectacular views of the foothills. I've greatly enjoyed taking time to sit and look out the window and appreciate the mountains' beauty. That made me decide to ponder more, and to pay closer attention to the beauty around me. As I've done so, I've been blessed to see the beauty in flocks of geese overhead, in the call of a pack of coyotes at night, or a beautiful early morning sunrise. As such, this week I am recommending that everyone take more time to ponder the beauty around them. Take time to sit still and think. Take time to look at nature, to see the birds, to look out into space, and try to comprend the complex yet simple beauty. God has blessed us with so many incredible things right at our fingertips, yet they are ofter overlooked, lost in the hustle and bustle of daily lives. So take a few minutes each day to notice the beautiful things around you, to say a quick prayer of gratitude  and as you do you'll notice it more and more and your life will be enriched. And yes, I know I sound a bit like a hippie, but try it, and you'll see what I mean. Love you all!

Dad's Yearbook Pictures

So a few weeks back Dad and I had a conversation where he said that he was sad that he had thrown out all his old yearbooks. I was sad too, so I began to search. I called Tooele High School and asked if I could order an old copy. Unfortunately, they don't have enough old copies to sell, but, just this year they loaded all of their old yearbooks online. I found a book for every year dad was there and I had a great time searching for him. I thought I'd share and post all the pictures I found here. Unfortunately it cut them off if I blew them up too big so sorry some of them are small. Dad doesn't know I did this so this will be new for him too. I love you, dad, and I hope you enjoy! For anyone who wants to go through these more thoroughly, go to www.skalooza.com and register. It's free and you can look through all the old yearbooks. You can zoom in lots more there and the pictures are much clearer. Unfortunately, Orem High has not yet gotten their books online, so sorry Mom, but I tried. 

Freshman '64

Freshman '64

Freshman '64 

 Senior '67

Freshman '64 

Freshman '64

 Junior '66

Junior '66 

Senior '67 

 Junior '66

Junior '66

JV Basketball Team, Junior  '66 

Track Team, Junior '66 

 Sophomore '65 

Sophomore '65

Sophomore '65 

 Sophomore '65

Track Team,  Sophomore '65

 Senior '67

 Drum Major, Senior '67

 Senior '67 on Band Trip

 Senior '67

Senior '67 

Senior '67

Don't buy this

This is Vanna. Our 2003 Chrysler town and country. And while the angelic glow in the picture may make it appear that I am going to give this vehicle praise: Think again. This car is trouble, no matter what ethereal luminescence it throws off.

As a caveat, Vanna has got us where we need to go. And she has successfully entertained our kids by way of her DVD player, but overall, she has sorely disappointed. I will list just a few reasons why you should never by this car (or really any Town and Country .... Unless you really want to ... Then PLEASE buy ours):

- We have had to replace the rack-and-pinion ... TWICE. Most mechanics say cars NEVER have to have that replaced. So having to fix it twice ($600) is like watching Cheech and Chong win dancing with the stars ... It should never happen.
- We have had to replace the window motor ... Twice! (See pic above to see how we used packing tape to secure the window ... Über ghetto). Do you know how embarrassing it is to have to open your door at the drive through at McDonald's to order, let alone be caught ordering at McDonald's at all? Windows should always work, period.
- The tailgate won't lift when it's cold. It's like this car has attitude and when I push the button to open the lift gate, it responds," Meh." And don't you think that 10 degree weather is certainly the time you need your liftgate the most? When you are glove-bearing and Christmas-package laden? Nope. Chrysler doesn't care.

Now for the laundry list:

- Cracking leather seats
- Tail lights that, after 2,000 miles of traveling decide they are done and literally just fall off on the highway.
- 11 mpg in the city, 18 on the highway
- Automatic doors that never close when you want them to but will crush you in a heartbeat if you get in their way.
- Buttons that spontaneously fall of your remote
- A battery that will die at the most inopportune times

Seriously, it's like our car hates us. In fact, I hope she's not reading this ... It make her even more stubborn ...