GWG - Episode 3

The Johnson Household

The School in Vale, South Dakota

A common milk separator machine, circa 1930s

 

 

 

Letter to a Millenial

I give my nieces, Hailey and Madyson, and their generation a hard time.  Probably more than I should.  I really only do it because I care.  They are amazing young women and amazing young women and young men seem to be a rarity more and more.  It's easier and easier for me to criticize and find fault with their generation.  It seems they don't want to work hard, nor do they know how to.  It seems they lack respect and appreciation for their elders and it seems harder and harder to connect with them (the generation, not my nieces) on a real level.  That being said, I'm pretty sure the generation before mine said the same thing about my generation and I know two generations before mine said similar things about the generation before mine.  It's simply the cycle.  I guess I've officially picked up the baton and become an old man.  :( 

 

Nonetheless, in spite of me being a crotchety old fart, I do have the occasional pearl of wisdom to share.  When my niece graduated from highschool earlier this year, I had the intention to sit down and write out a list of those simple tips of life that you see on a poster in your Mom's office or like the advice given in the song by Baz Luhrman, "Always Wear Sunscreen", seen here.  I thought it would be funny.  Instead, as is typical in my case, I grew too serious and scribbled out an impromptu 7 page, hand-written letter filled with advice that was never solicited.  From me to my beautiful niece and now, for my records....

Hailey Leilani



My #1 Niece,

 

I'm sure you may not read this or if you do, you'll roll your eyes as you do, but nonetheless, I want to pass on a few points of advice that will help you along the way as you navigate the seas of life.  Some of these lessons I've learned the hard way by trial and error, others I learned by watching or listening to others and some are just common sense.  ALL ARE GOOD AND TRUE.

• Be busy in the pursuit of happiness.  Do something.  Happiness, nor success will chance upon you.  Know what it is and go to it.
• Be willing to work.  "Success" only comes before "work" in the dictionary.  Work, consistent work, hard work...whatever it may be, welcome it and never, never shy from it or cower to it.  Trospers are hard workers.
• Spend more time with people than your computer and phone.  Those soft skills are going to quickly be a thing of the past.  Your stock in any organization will soar if you do and you'll be more fulfilled. 
• Self analyze.  Evaluate your efforts as well as the accompanying success and failures.  Learn what works in every situation and then improve.  Failure is valuable.  Learn to embrace it.  Learn from it.  Be a better you tomorrow than you were today.
• Think long term.  Don't trade the grander success of tomorrow for the immediate gratification of today.  Life is a marathon, not a sprint.  Have vision.  See what may lay ahead as a result of a decision today THEN decide accordingly.
• Be not concerned with the thoughts and opinions of others.  As long as your decisions make you happy, your Mother happy, your Creator happy and eventually your spouse happy, that is all that matters.  Ultimately, it really boils down to you and God.
• Treasure, learn and appreciate .  Visit places.  Get outside.  Learn the cultures of others and to appreciate them for their uniqueness and not for their similarities.
• Give back.  Realize there is no such thing as a self-made person.  All good things come from God and others.  Learn to give of yourself in time, deed and money.  If you do, I promise you will be cared for always and will never go without.  I would even dare to say your chances of success will increase as a result.
• Identify mentors.  Find those who are like-minded and have found success in their field (business, health, family, finances, etc) without sacrificing their morals and ethics.  Follow after them.
• Set goals.  Work towards those goals.  Write them down.  Set deadlines. Make steps and correlate efforts.
• Always be grateful.  ALWAYS.  You have been given much.  Never lose sight of that.  Find goodness in everything around you, even in your trials.  Count your blessings daily.
• Take care of your body.  It is a most precious gift.  Don't let your appetites control you.  You dictate to them.  NEVER SMOKE!
• Be grateful.  It's that important that I mention it twice.
• Always wear sunscreen.
• Don't settle.  Be happy always, but never settle.  Always strive to improve your station.  Always work toward the goal of whatever it is that you are passionate about.  Menial jobs or entry level positions are not the end all.  Learn what you can from them while making your station better than it was at receipt, but never settle. Onward and upwards!
• Take risks now while you're young.  It is harder to change your philosophy or MO as you get older when you have more to risk.  Now is the time to think big and make a big and riskier impact.
• Control what you can control and forget the rest.  Life isn't what you do with it, but what you do with what is thrust upon you.  Don't waste precious time and energy trying to change things that you ultimately have no control over. 
• Learn to live within your means.  If you cannot afford it (cash), don't buy it.  Credit cards should only be used in dire emergency.  Happiness may be facilitated by things, but never found from things. 
• Family above all else.  'Nuff said.
• Save.  Put away for a rainy day.  You will be amazed at what time and discipline can accomplish.  The amount you can save may vary, but savings aside first.
• Be honest in all dealings with your fellow man.  No quality is more greatly desired than that of honesty and integrity.
• Lastly, know you're not alone.  You not only have family you can always rely on, but most importantly, there is a loving Heavenly Father that wants your happiness...probably moreso than even you.  Learn to develop that relationship.

 Each of these points can be expounded upon for hours.  I hope they at least promote some thought and consideration.  If you ever want me to chat with you about any of these things or more, I'm always available and so is your Aunt Sarah.

You are amazing.  You have limitless potential.  Having said that, never let another soul utter those words about you.  The only time people say "you have great potential" is when you're not doing as well as you could be or should be.  Plan for your best, work for your best and ultimately expect nothing but your best.  Potential is for losers. 

We love you and we're excited to see all the places you'll go and all the things you'll accomplish. 

Love,

Uncle Q

Not the Longest Post, Ever! I Promise, I Even Checked!

We're goin' back to Cali.  Cali.  Cali.  Goin' back to Cali.  Yep!  I think so.

 

 

Day 1 - Travel and Chinese Food

 

School got out the last Friday of May and the following day we packed the van and headed for the land of my childhood.  We grabbed GrammaGramma and headed South.  Other than a brief stop in St. George so the kids could cool off and get the wiggles out, we made great time. 

 

 

If you've ever been to St. George, you probably know what I'm talking about.  There is a city park near city hall that has a splash pad and a man made stream for the kids to play in and chill out in the hot Southern Utah Sun.  The kids love this place and it's fun to let them play in the water. 

 

 

The first day we were in So Cal, as is typically the case, we immediately got some great Chinese food.  I'd be lying if I denied we ate Chinese a few times the week we were in So Cal. 

 

 

Day 2 - Scottish Festival & Highland Games

 

The 2nd day we were in So Cal, we joined my brother's family (Jim, Samantha, Hailey and Madyson) as well as my Grandma, Mum, Uncle Brock and Aunt Carmen and headed to the Orange County Scottish Festival and Highland Games.  We had a great time, as we usually do.  It was warm, but there was a nice breeze blowing up from down yonder.  Kilts are more comfortable than pants!

 

Carmen, Brock, Dax, Madyson, Mum, Leah, Sarah, Moi, Grandma, Samantha and Jim.

Of course, if there is a face painter near, Leah will sniff them out.

A kilt, sporran and sandals like a true So Cal Scot!

Dax wasn't a fan of the Wicked Tinkers so he tried to catch a nap. 

 

We stepped out of the heat long enough to catch some great music by
the Ploughboys

Jim and his two wee lasses.  It just donned on me that this was a pic from last year's highland
games.  Oh well.  I'll leave it in anyway. 

Mady and I enjoying the different booths with Dax in tow.

Now that's a tall lad!

Leah and Dax enjoyed visiting the booths of all the different
clans and getting stickers and/or stamps (along with candy).



Her battle face.

The presentation of the clans

 

This year, the games fell on Veterans Day.  The typical presentation of the families/clans had a more patriotic theme this year.  It took longer which was hard on Dax and Leah, but the ceremony was moving.  They did a moment of silence, honored all those in attendance from each branch of the armed services and the Marine Corps Marching Band gave a stirring performance of each branch's song.  It really was a great morning that made me proud to be American and of Scottish heritage.

The Marine Corps Marching Band

Honoring the fallen soldier.

Leah tried her hand at being Marida.  I don't know if I spelled that right.  Anyway, she
tried her hand at archery. 

Leah and Dax were fascinated by the hammered dulcimer. 

Of course, one of my favorite exhibitions was the cars of Great Britain. 

We listened to a lot of music throughout the day.  I felt bad for this particular band because
Leah stole the show.  She went up front and danced the time away.  Of course all while
claiming she was shy. 



To cap the day off, Dax and Leah played in the many bouncy
houses they had on hand. 

Am I blessed with two of the most beautiful lassies around or what?!

We had a blast and it was only the beginning of our week!

 

 

Day 3 - Sundance Meadows, Cousins & More Chinese Food

 

Day Three of our Adventure found us at Sundance Meadows, a ranch and campground East of Temecula wine country.  My brother, Jim's family has a membership at this campground where they enjoy hanging with friends and family, horseback riding and fishing.  There is also a big pool and playground.  We joined them for lunch out there.  The kids enjoyed feeding the horses and especially enjoyed a successful day at the fishing hole. 

 

Hailey's phone didn't get service at the campground.  Without texting, calling,
Snap Chat, Facebook, Instagram and the like, what's a newly graduated millennial
to do with herself?!  Sleep.

Uncle Jim and Aunt Sam bought a few bags of carrots for the kids to feed to
the horses.  Leah and Dax loved it.  Jim and Samantha love their nieces and
nephews and both Dax and Leah know it. 





Typically, Madyson is the older cousin that tends to enjoy her younger cousin's
attention, but this trip Hailey was much more involved with them as well.  Of
course Leah and Dax were happy about that. 

The kids had tried fishing once before in Arizona with their Grandpa, but with no
success.  They were anxious to catch fish and this little fishing hole was the perfect
place to give them a taste of success.  It had catfish, carp, small mouth bass, large  mouth
bass, blue gills, croppies and more.  The kids were pulling out fish left and right.

Hailey and Mady were helpful in teaching Leah how to spot and catch the bluegills.

Uncle Jim helped Leah catch her first fish ever!  In fact, Leah hooked ten all day!

Mady is so enthusiastic about fishing with Leah's Little Mermaid fishing pole.

Dax also had a good day and hooked 5 of his own.  Great job, Dax!

This part of the trip was a huge highlight for the kids.  Leah had been wanting
to fish and catch a fish for months.  Thanks Uncle Jim and Aunt Sam!

How many Trosper girls does it take to catch a 3 inch blue gill?  Apparently 2.

Jim looked manly with his big knife on his belt, all while remaining firmly in touch
with his feminine side via his hot pink fishing pole. 

Hailey grabbed some peace and quiet on the SUP.

While Mady got hooked into paddling around in circles with Leah.

Dax sure loves his fish!

Mama Bear relaxed in the shade with a cool beverage all day.  She was having no part of the
catching or releasing of those slimy little fish. 

All in all, it was a great day at Sundance Meadows and we already want to go again.

 

We couldn't spend the night at Sundance Meadows because we knew we had to get back to my other brother, Scott's house.  We had been staying there, but they were gone and were returning that night.  Leah and Dax were anxious to spend time with their cousins, Grace, Jane and Lucas, so we rushed home.  It is awesome how well the kids get a long; especially Dax and Lucas.  They are best buds when they are together and Dax still hasn't stopped talking about Dax 2 1/2 months later!  Just as soon as we got to their house, we went and got Chinese food...yes...again... then the kids entertained us with song and dance. 

 

Scott and Cynthia are always such wonderful hosts and we are ever grateful for the comfort and hospitality we feel at their home.  It is nice to be part of a family that takes care of their own as does both of my brothers and their families.  I hope they both feel the same way about us. 

 

I don't remember exactly what Grace and Jane were singing, but the safe bet would
be a song from Disney's Frozen. 

Jane, singing and ready for her close up solo.

Dax being the usual, "Boy of many faces".  What a ham!

Dax's best buddy, Lucas, did not come home with the others because he was
with his Grandma Cheryl.  Dax was initially devastated until he figured to
pass time annoying the girls as seen here. 

 

Leah showing off her dance moves.

Me and my baby girl, Jane.  I love this girl.  Of course, I also love all my other nieces and
nephews. 

Leah and Grace were happy to visit, play and even take naps together. 

 



 

 

Day 4 - Beach Day

 

On Day 4, we headed to the beach.  I decided we would go to Corona Del Mar for the day.  Corona Del Mar is a great beach for families with small children.  The shore is sheltered by the jetty so the waves are very small if anything at all.  There are rocks to climb on, a seawall to walk along, sealife, giant unusual rock cliff formations to explore and a cove to play in.  It's the perfect place for small kids.  I was amazed at how empty the beach was.  There was hardly anybody there.  Good for us, right?  Later that night, we had dinner on Balboa Island where we ran into our neighbors from across the street, Brandon, Corbin and Ashley.  They were vacationing that week in Newport Beach. 

 

We told them how empty the beach was today and they explained that their experience was entirely opposite; that the beach was crowded and too busy.  I thought that was odd.   Back at home we found out that there had been a shark attack 3 days earlier at Corona Del Mar!  That would explain the empty sand and water there.  Too funny.  Ignorance is bliss.  The best part is that I had explained to Leah that we used to go to Corona Del Mar to look for sand sharks.  Of course, sand sharks are harmless, but had we seen one, she would have freaked out and probably sent the few that were at the beach that day into a panic.  I'm glad we didn't see any. 

 

This girl loves all things Sand and Sea

She is beautiful, ain't she?

This might very well be my happy place; these three on a sandy beach.  The
only way it could be better is if the beach were in Hawai'i.

Looking for sandcrabs.

Every kid's favorite beach pastime.  Running from the waves and tide. 

It looks like a little tinier Dax is riding on Leah's back. 

If that isn't a mischievous grin, I don't know what is. 

Building sand castles or digging holes.  Her favorite!

Building sand mountains with Dad. 

Until the tide rushes in and then they're outta' there!

Life in general is better when your toes are buried in the sand. 

A family seawall selfie!  A family that beaches together stays together.

Looking for sealife over the seawall.  Only a few crabs and sea cucumbers this time.

If it makes Mom cringe, Dad shake his head and Sister get him dirty, he's in!

Leah was writing T16 (2016) for a family photo, but Dax's attention span wore out before the pic.

After the beach we headed to Balboa Island.  The kids thought it was pretty cool to drive the
car onto a small boat then to be ferried across the water. 

We then headed for dinner at BJ's in Newport Beach.  It is right across the
street from the old boutique hotel Sarah and I stayed in for a couple nights
after our honeymoon.  The Balboa Inn.

Things cooled off pretty quick at night when the fog rolled in.  We were not
prepared so we found a tourist gift shop and bought a Mexican blanket for $15.
I'm not used to spending that much, but it was still a good deal. 

Usually when we take selfies, I'm not happy with how I look.  Sarah always
looks great, but I usually don't.  I don't mind this pic though.  We look relaxed,
don't we?

Now that's more like it!

In typical fashion, Dax made a mess of himself while Leah played with her food followed by
Dax copying Leah and playing with his food.  And they wonder why we don't take them out
to dinner more often!?

Playing with her food.

Copying Leah playing with her food.

Welcome to another episode of "The Boy of Many Faces"!



And then the fog set in.



 

 

Day 5 - Knott's Berry Farm and Graduation

 

Day 5 was a busy one.  When we were in So Cal last time, we bought an annual pass to Knott's Berry Farm for the whole family.  We have enjoyed our visits there because the crowds are smaller and we can fit more activities in a smaller period of time.  It was a bit more crowded this time around, but still WAY less busy than Disneyline.  We went two days this week from 10-2.  4 hours was perfect.  It allowed us enough time to have fun, but we didn't get too tired and were able to leave before traffic on the 91 was in full swing which would have resulted in me teaching the kids a few new colorful words.  I hate the 91.  After a half day at Knott's on Day 5 we headed to Lake Elsinore to my niece, Hailey's high school graduation ceremony.  After a half day at Knott's on Day 6, we headed to Eastvale to watch my Sister-in-law's and niece Grace's Kindergarten musical presentation. 

 

 

I know Knott's doesn't have as many characters as Disneyline, but the kids love Peanuts anyway.

 

Camp Snoopy is far more kid friendly for smaller kids than any of the rides at
Disneyline.  My kids love Camp Snoopy, but Leah is more of the daredevil
rollercoaster type of kid so we find ourselves in that no man's land sometimes.

 

Though she wants to ride the rollercoasters, she still enjoys the smaller rides
still...or at least she knows we have to split our time between the big and small.



Dax on the other hand loves the smaller rides.   Especially the
train rides.  Here he is motioning the pulling of the whistle
string, "All Aboard!  WHOO WHOO!"

The kids love the river rafting ride.  It's fun though I have to wedge my fat arse
into it in order to ride it.

Leah and I rode the Ferris Wheel while scaredy cats, Mama Bear and Dax
chickened out. 

One of the many times Leah and Sarah rode the more aggressive rides, Dax
and I filled our time with rides like the Merry Go Round, giving us another
opportunity to enjoy....THE MANY FACES OF DAX!

Growing up, one of my favorite attractions was riding the train and getting
robbed by the train robbers.  Of course, today, the performances by the
stuntmen cowboys is very subdued and not scary or offensive to the softer
side of society.  This ride is yet another victim of the wussification of
America.  Sigh.

Dax loves trains so of course he was fascinated by anything having to do with
the train.  I swear he looked at this conductor as a super hero.

 

After a fun day we raced East to the Elsinore Storm stadium to attend Hailey's special night.  Hailey was graduating from Temescal High School in Lake Elsinore, CA.  It was fun because the whole family got together.  I have an awesome family and we always have a good time.  Don't get me wrong, we are not without our drama from time to time, but we always enjoy ourselves when we're with each other.

 

I'm proud of Hailey, my oldest niece.  She is so capable of anything she decides is important to her.  I won't go on much here about her graduation or her...I don't want to embarrass her.  Wait, yes I do, but I won't.  I will however try to create a blog of the letter I wrote her as she embarks on this next exciting chapter of her life. 

 

 

Samantha helping her oldest daughter don the cap and gown.

 

 

Graduating means growing up.  Just to prove that she is still part of the self-centered and
youthful "ME" generation, Hailey snaps several selfies. 

 

 

 

Jim and Sam waiting for the ceremony to begin. 

 

 

The newest graduate, Hailey Leilani!

 

It was hard to get good pictures of Hailey and the ceremony.  We were in row
one of the stadium, right at first base, but because it's a baseball stadium, the
safety netting was up and made it difficult for cameras that close to get good
pics. 

Hailey with her Uncle Scott (my littlest brother) and his wife, Cynthia.  They
sure love her.  Hailey has told us in secret that of all the Aunts and Uncles she
has, that Scott and Cynthia are among them. 

Hailey with her Uncle Marque and her Aunt Sarah.  Hailey has confided in us
many, many times...over and again, that she considers us to be her favorite
family members.  Thanks, Leilani!

Hailey with her Mother, Samantha, and her Dad, Jim.  Hailey has told me in
confidence that of all the Dads she has had, Jim is in the top 10.  ;)

Madyson, Samantha, Hailey and Jimmy

Day 6 - Knott's Berry Farm and Music Performance

While Leah and I were talking to "Sad Eye Joe" in jail, Dax was recruited to be
a Newsie.  He learned the high sign, peddled some newspapers and was even
paid a copper penny for doing a great job. 

The Timber Mountain Log Ride....Before!

The Timber Mountain Log Ride....During!  This photo was on facebook and gathered
over 200 likes in a matter of a couple days.  We couldn't have planned for a better pic.

 

 

Dax was not too happy about getting wet this time around.  He got no
sympathy from me. 

Leah and Sarah expressing their excitement for and fear of Timber Mountain Log Ride.

The kids had a fun time visiting the horses.  Leah liked this horse because it
reminded her of Chico back at home.  I like this horse too until it reached over and
bit me!  Right on the meat of my shoulder.  SUNOVA!

Dax and Leah both were never too happy to ditch the rides for a show of
any kind.  Once the show started, they enjoyed it, but before it started they
couldn't understand why we weren't riding a ride. 

Can you?  Can you do the can-can?

If you have an annual pass to Knott's, a visit to the park is very affordable if
you travel with Sarah.  She packs food and drinks and we literally don't spend
anything.  If it were not for the games at the Boardwalk, we would have
gotten away for super cheap!

The kids love winning stuffed animals that they show attention
to for 13 and a half minutes. 

My Sister-in-law, Cynthia, teaches Kindergarten.  The highlight of their year's end is a big music performance put on by all of the Kindergarten classes.  She kept telling us we didn't need to come home from Knott's early to attend the performance, but we were all glad we did.  They did a WONDERFUL job.  I would much prefer to attend something like this than our school's dance festival and I believe the kids get more out of it too.  Such a great job, Cynthia and Grace!  Oh, by the way, Grace (Cynthia's oldest daughter) also attends the same school where Cynthia teaches.  This means we got to witness Cynthia's skills as a producer, teacher, choreographer and director while enjoying Grace's talents of singing, dancing and all around cuteness.  :)

I made sure I stopped in and wrote some graffiti on Cynthia's class's white board.
It's true though...she does eat glue. 

Cynthia putting some final touches on her performance.

 

Grace was front and center and we had seats right up front (it's good to know the teacher).  This
allowed us to enjoy Grace's personality in whole.  She is such a funny and bright little girl.

Immediately after the show, Grace's groupies gathered to compliment her and
to ask for her autograph.  :)

Day 7 - Relaxing and Partying Trosper Style

Day 7 was the first day we had since arriving wherein we didn't have something taking us this way or that.  By now, Dax's best buddy Lucas had returned so we just planned a day of relaxing in the kiddie pool, splashing at the water pad and picnicking in the back yard.  The adults spent some time helping Cynthia put together Father's Day gifts for her students and their Fathers and then we got ready to go to Jim and Sam's to celebrate Hailey Leilani's graduation "Trosper Style"!  What is "Trosper Style" you may ask?  "Trosper Style" means a few things; Immediate family, extended family, friends who are like family, WAYYYYYYYY too much food (most of which is grilled, smoked or bar-b-que'd), bouncy houses and cool beverages outside.  We always have fun and the best part is the people.

It really is fun to watch these two together.  I'm so happy Dax has a boy cousin on my side of the
family his age.  As a child and the oldest of many cousins, I always was envious of my brothers
who had cousins closer to their age.

How many kids can say they have the most fun grandma with moistest and brightest purple
hair?!  I know 7 who can!  Here are 5 of the 7. 

Dax ready to blast somebody with water.

Dax and Dad catching some mid-day Z's. It was a hot day around 100 degrees.

I am also very grateful that Leah has some girl cousins her age.  Grace and
Jane are the bestest!

I love this pic.  Jane is always sucking her thumb and I always ask that she share
and let me have a bite.  She always says "no" and hides her thumb.  Sometimes
she taunts me with it.  She is such a cute little girl.

Making Girl Scout cookies in Grace's Easy Bake Oven. 

 

Madyson is such an amazing big cousin.  Leah and Dax love her so.

Prior to this trip, Mom had left us and was living with Jim's family for a
month or two, so the kids were excited to see her. 

Samantha shredding the pulled pork and giving her best impression of
The Wolverine.

Samantha did a great job with Hailey's Grad party. 

 

The bouncy house was a huge hit with the littles.

 

Jim always takes a lot of pride in his cooking, as does Scott.  Whenever we
come home, both guys (and their wives) work hard to take good care of us,
doing their best to keep me the fattest of the three of us. 

 

Many don't know I have a Sister.  When I was 14, my Sister, Cindy, came to live with us. 
She was 17 and pregnant with Nikki (front left).  She only lived with us for 2-3 months, but
we immediately built a bond with her that has lasted now for nearly 30 years.  We still keep
in touch with her and her children and grandchildren.  Every trip to So Cal includes a visit
with NikNik, Ben and now, Bolt.   
Back:  Corey (my great Nephew), Cindy (Sis) and Jessica (Niece)
Middle:  Jessica (Niece), Mom and Dax
Front:  Bolten (my great Nephew) and Ben (Nephew-in-law)
 

Have I mentioned how much I love watching these two together?

I think Leah and Dax might enjoy these get togethers even more than we do.
As Sarah and I are typically occupied in conversation, Leah and Dax are
relatively unchecked and typically ditch the real food for all the sweets they
can eat. 

The happy Graduate!

I was outside chatting with the dudes while Hailey opened all her gifts.  I heard
she made out with a ton of moolah.  Must be nice!

Looks like mom got put on cleaning duty all by herself.  :(

Day 8 - The Final Day...Travel & Reflection

 

We always have fun when we go home.  Even more fun when my family is involved.  Even more fun still when we avoid traffic!  It was a great week.  Day 8 and our final day, consisted of travel home...tired, exhausted, fulfilled and ready to tackle the rest of Summer.