Here is a video of Jordan (8) and Tyler (12) riding their ripsticks (a skateboard with only 2 wheels) in front of our home in Kaysville, UT. I'm not sure how they do it, but I tried and about killed myself. They love the fact the weather is starting to warm up so they can get outside and do what they do best - play. I have a bone to pick with mom cause she didn't make them wear their helmets, but I'll put her in a timeout as punishment.

Julie & Melanie in Hollywood, CA

Julie and a friend Melanie Dana went on a little trip this last weekend to Hollywood, CA to do some R&R and attend the play Wicked. Julie has been wanting to see this play for sometime and this was her chance. In addition to the play she and Melanie visited Grauman's Chinese Theater, the Hollywood walk of fame, Rodeo Drive (they spent our retirement), they ate at the finest restaurants and got lost. They both got asked if they wanted to experience the "hood" by a couple of fellas. I'm not sure what that meant, but you will have to ask them. The weather was fantastic and they came back with smiles on their faces.

Private Nich in Korea - world famous paintballer

I had a chance to instant message Nich today. It was 6:30 in the morning there (Korea) and he was getting ready to go paintballing. Nich is serving in the military as a Scout in Korea. He sent me this picture of his paintball team and thought I would share it. Nich is the one in the middle with the black hat.

Jordan's first outdoor soccer game of the season

Jordan had his first outdoor soccer game yesterday. It was about 40 degrees, but he had a blast anyway and scored the first goal of the game. Lauren also had her first game. Tyler has yet to have his first game of the season, but it is coming soon and he was there to help his brothers team.

More pictures from Sunday

Just a few more pictures from Sunday.

Sundays at the Rusnell house

As the Sunday School President in my ward I been able to establish good relationships with many of the youth of the ward. Julie and I have for the last few months invited many of the kids to come over to our home on Sunday afternoons for cookies, cake, nachos or whatever they tell us they want. It has been a lot of fun for our entire family. The parents of the kids often have to call over to our house to tell their kids to come home. We don't do this every week, but at least 2 or 3 times a month. It can be a lot of work, but we really enjoy it. Today Justin Bell brought over a new game that he has been working on. It is much like chess, but utilizes two chess boards and four players. I've played and it is a lot of fun.

Crystal Hot Springs & the kids

We loaded up the trailer this last fall and with some friends headed to Crystal Hot Springs ( http://www.crystalhotsprings.net/ ). Not the greatest camping spot in Utah, but when you are having fun does it really matter? Here is a picture of the kids with some friends that came with us. We spent two days here and relaxed around the campfire, the kids took a paddle boat out on the pond and went swimming in the Hot Springs. We had a really great time.

Julie (in the middle) with part of our cycling team

I work for Waste Management as the Utah Sales Manager and the company sponsors our cycling club. They provided our group of club riders with cycling jerseys and this is a picture of Julie with Alecia and Dave from our riding club. This was Julie's first full century (Salt Lake Century http://www.cyclesaltlakecentury.com/ ) and she did a wonderful job. I was so proud of her.

One of my favorite moments

This is one of my favorite moments caught on film. My young daughter and I were having the best conversation on the steps of my sister Heidi's house. My daughter Lauren is my little princess and she has me eating out of the palm of her hand.

One of Jim's favorite things

Well, on my list of favorite things is of course my wife and kids, but following close behind is my bike. Yes, that's right I said my bike. It has taken me about three years, but I finally built the bike of my dreams. I enjoy the outdoors and especially riding my road bike. It started a few years back when a neighbor of my talked me into visiting the local bike shop. I came out with my first bike and I'm currently on my third, but this time I build it from all my favorite parts. Two years ago I was able to convince Julie to join me on the road and we purchased her first bike. Now, she is on her second and it is a thing of beauty (not as beautiful as her). Last year she completed her first century ride (100 miles). I was so proud of her. I'm sure over the coming days, weeks and months you will hear more about our cycling adventures. My biggest accomplishment on the bike was the completion of my first 206 mile ride in a single day three years ago and I've done one every year for the last three. More to come on those too, but for now I wanted to include a picture of my bike because I think it is so sweet and it's my blog so there.

Jordan scores

Well I figure what better way to start off our first blog entry then to show a video of our son Jordan scoring a goal at his indoor soccer game this season. Jordan is #9 in the blue uniform and that is his mom you can hear in the background cheering him on. This is Jordan's first year playing indoor, but he has been playing soccer for the last three years. All three of our children love the sport and play often. I'll post more video and pictures in the near future, but hope you enjoy this one - please forgive the videographer, it was my first time and I was using a camera.