Super Acitivity Starring David Bitter

The YM and YW had a super activity on June 28-30...the driving force behind it all was none other than Dave. They had 25 kids, 10 leaders and 4 boats. Dave's was the 'beginner to intermediate boat' -- teaching 9 new people how to wakeboard. In addition to the beginners many got lots of time behind the boat skiing, boarding and surfing.

As always, everyone loved Dave. He was the fun but noteably safe driver and everyone was floored by his unbelievable skiing. In fact, many of the YW and YM raved about it saying "You should be so proud of your dad!" to Kari. The kids said that he really got "his groove on" in a mirror flat section of water (no pictures).

Kari and her friends, Meredith Chapman & Amanda Selchau, drove to Nacimiento on Wednesday as the Youth were leaving. They spent the next three days being completely spoiled by Dave (skiing, eating, boarding, eating, tubing, eating...). He cooked them gourmet dinners, kept the boat filled with gas and entertained them all week long.


In addition to tubing, wake boarding and skiing, he took them to San Luis Obispo for dinner and a movie (The Last Airbender...don't ever see it). One of the most memorable moments for Dave was watching the remarkable stars each night on the deck (and usually falling asleep).

When they got home, Kari was totally pumped...Dave on the other hand needed a vacation from his taxing vacation of boating. All in all, it was a killer success.

Steven's First Successful Front Flip

On June 28, 2010 our ward had a Youth Conference at Naciemento, California. Since Steven had water polo practice for both high school and club, Dave took Steven and some friends early so they could have a little fun.

The pictures document that Steven successfully completed a front flip and landed!

The Van Dusens' were pulling Steven and they kept saying, "Do another one." When he got home, he was so sore that he could hardly move without hurting. And yes, he still went to six hours of water polo practice for four days.

I asked what he was thinking each time he tried to do the flip. These were his words, "Please don't hurt!" (Each time he started the flip.) Finally, phew! I landed it and did not destroy my body.

Father's Day Weekend

On Saturday, Dave and I went on some errands and ended up car shopping instead. After many hours of test drives and pouring over details, we decided upon a Honda Civic. It'll be Kari's College Cruiser. The only problem for the time being is where to park all the cars.

Father's Day was a big bash. We surprised Dave with a new portable BBQ. For a previous Father's Day, Jon and Kari had given him this same grill. Unfortunately, Dave had lent it out and that was the last we ever saw of our grill! Needless to say, he was pleasantly surprised.

We had a great feast for breakfast and dinner. Dave wanted an Ebelskiver pan. They were delicious and perfectly round just as demonstrated on TV!

Jon and Sarah's Surprise Visit

Jon and Sarah flew into California for her Grandma Doris' funeral which was held on June 16, 2010. It was a beautiful funeral with Kari playing three pieces, Sarah sharing memories and a lovely luncheon afterwards.

Sarah's words were sincere and full of faith. She touched the hearts of many.












The music made the program. Kari played a prelude, Fairest Lord Jesus, How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace. After she finished Amazing Grace, a woman in front of us said, "Wow!" That about sums it up.

Mrs. Ramirez, true to form, outdid her Thank You to Kari. It is her bucket of love.

Ashlynne's Sealing

This little Bundle of Joy (Ashlynne Marie Despain) was sealed to her parents on May 22, 2010 in the Draper Temple. It was a very special and touching weekend. It was great spend time with my sisters, parents and Grandma Bill.

Later that day, Jon and I went shopping for his Birthday Gift. He has been engrossed in rock climbing so he was overjoyed when he got a new pair of climbing shoes

Jon and Sarah have turned into quite the entertainers. They had 9 couples (+ Mom) over for a BBQ. This included their best friends (seen above) Danny & Shelley Jacobs. It was very fun to see lasting friendships growing.

Anne's a Teenager, YIKES!

On May 23, 2010, Anne turned the big 1-3. Since Mom was gone to the Despain sealing of Ashlynne, Dad took Anne to the Chart house for her birthday. (Mom was jealous.) She got the royal treatment! She had her own personalized menu wishing her happy birthday.

What a picturesque view!

After we got back, we celebrated Anne's birthday again. (She was very happy because her birthday lasted for a week!) We went to Fire Beach Grill as a family.

Memorial Weekend

Over Memorial Day Weekend we went to Nacimiento with The Hill Family and Trevor Brown to catch some skiing. Even though it was a very busy weekend, some of us got good water.