Knechtions - The Knecht Family Blog

Things We Take For Granted

2011-02-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Mexico City today. I have not been to a country like this for a long time. Although I have seen lots of poverty and such in Brasil 26 years ago and India 6 years ago and such, I realized how blessed we are for living in the United States. As I was driven from the airport to the hotel, I saw lots of poverty and more. Lines at the hospital just to be able to get in and see a doctor. 45 deep or so it appeared.

We live in a great country and I am so lucky to do so. My wife and Children are also blessed beyond belief. I am sure that I will see lots over the next week whilst I am here.

Wake Up Johnnie and Start Posting Again - Boyack Reunion Planning

2011-01-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

Well It has been almost 13 months since our last post and it is about time I start posting again. Last night I had a wonderful call with two of my cousins, second cousins me thinks, and we held a debrief on the Boyack Reunion that they planned and hosted in August. It is my 'clans' turn to host the reunion in 2012. It is an even year so that means Boyack fun with 200+ cousins.

The Merrill Clan did a great job and now the Wanda Clan gets to do the 2012 reunion. I am quite excited for this next reunion as lots of ideas danced in my head throughout the night. You see, Boyacks have been holding reunions for 60+ years, every two years for four days. It is a time to bring the family together from near and far for a fun filled four days.

The Boyack.com website is being transposed into a Blog thanks to Cousin Dave in Vegas and I encourage you to turn to that page for updates and more about the upcoming reunion.

Our last participation was at the 2006 reunion in Park City just days before Kurt-Erik arrived. Here is my post from that reunion http://knechtions.blogspot.com/2006/08/boyack-reunion-2006-fun-times-galore.html. There is nothing quite like reunion time.

Love to all and we look forward to 2012

Christmas Eve 2009

2009-12-25T15:02:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful night with family. Usually we have friends as well but since Hans and I just got back home we had to limit it to family. Hope you enjoy the sites from our home as Santa came to visit. Somehow he finds us where ever we are.

Erik at School in Sweden

2009-11-11T02:02:00.005-07:00

Here are pics of Erik at the school he went to in Sweden. We wish we had more but these will have to do. They had removed most of them from their computer the week before I asked. Oh well.

Our Trip to Paris - Big Kids Tagging Along

2009-07-14T13:02:00.018-06:00

We finally did it. No More London...Paris was the choice and so we went. We all had fun...for the most part. Hans was sick and missed a big XBOX Tournament...but survived.

We had a great time at the different sites France offers...but were especially moved as we went to Normanady and saw the beaches of Omaha and Utah where the American Troops came and fought. To see the Cemetery there with over 9000+ bodies was also spectacular. Words cannot express our gratitude to the men and women {mostly men in those days} that died in the cause.

We saw families with three and possibly four generations walking around Normandy. We heard languages from around the world being spoken there at the site. It was awesome to think that peoople from all around the world come to see...pay respect to or just wonder about this historic area.

The kids went swimming in the waters on the Omaha beach. We dipped our toes...but...that was it.

As one walks the beach, a person cannot help but think about the beautiful rocks and sea shells that are found there. One also wonders if the red ones were originally another colour but are red in honour of those that gave their life for freedoms of many.

I also loved the pictures of the foot prints being washed away and going their seperate ways. It reminds me of the poem 'footpints in the sand' where it is talked about two sets of prints and then only one when Christ is carrying us.

I post many pictures....so that all can share in the personal experience we had.

JoJo Turned 6

2009-05-03T02:08:00.004-06:00

Some birthday pictures from JoJo's birthday when she turned six. New PJs and Princess Torta

Then and Now - Professional and non-Professional

2009-01-27T09:38:00.004-07:00

Folks a little comparison....then and now...hope you can tell which one is professional and which one was most recent.

All I Want For Christmas....

2009-01-27T06:03:00.003-07:00

is my two front teeth. JoJo lost her first one right before her 6th Birthday and has since lost another....however...no good foto exists of the second missing tooth.

Burpy Halfday JoJo

2009-01-17T01:21:00.002-07:00

Six Years ago today JoJo entered our lives. Here are shots from her birthday breaky in bed....our family tradition. Some pictures of JoJo through the years....got to love the digital age. The birthday pictures from today are at the end. Happy Birthday Ms. JoJo...aka Naugthy Chicken

First Snow Fall for Erik

2009-01-03T06:48:00.012-07:00

Although he was born in Heber he was born in August and we moved in December so he really didn't get to see too much snow. We got snow today in KKrona and all the kids had a hoot. Here are some snaps of what they did.

We had lessons in snow man making 101 taught by Alexander. Erik learned quickly to make snowmen.

JulAfton - Hus Mita and Tomas

2009-01-03T04:15:00.009-07:00

Okay...so I finally got time to put pics up of the family for Christmas eve at Mita and Tomas. We had everyone there including a special surprise visitor, played by SHK.

God Jul, Merry Christmas & Feliz Natal

2008-12-24T02:08:00.003-07:00

In addition to sending out the Christmas cards we sent we decided that we will blog our Christmas message and year in review.

We have been very blessed this year as in all the years past but this one took some interesting turns. I was asked to work in Stockholm for a bit at the beginning of the year and after spending six of the first eight weeks in Stockholm and down to KKrona on weekends we opted to up and move here to Sweden for a bit. So in March, with a trooper wife and kids we packed up the household stuff...loaded them in a Penske sleigh and Uhaul trailer and a neighbor of ours drove them to Arizona where we thought we would end up in six months time or so. We also had excess in the house and so we have storage now in both AZ and GA.

We arrived on a Friday and the kids were all in school on the next Monday and it was off to the races. The kids have really enjoyed being over here and life is a bit more peaceful and they can do more things on their own here without their parents worrying about them. We don't know how much longer we will be here but here we are for the time being.

Hans is 15.5 as we write this letter and is a great young man. He is honouring his Priesthood and being a great example to the young men in the branch here as well as to those that are not members. He is enjoying his time in the International Baccalaurte program here at the school and doing well in school. He recently remembered what it was like to work for a grade. He is ambitious and a great help to all in the family.

Ms turned 12 last month and is a beautiful young lady. She has so much love for people and willingness to help that she is much appreciated here at the house. She thrives at school and with her friends. She has, like Hans, choosen some great folks to hang with and we appreciate that. She is willing, not always glad, but always willing, to help with Erik as needs arise or the other two munchkins.

Zander bander turned eight during the year and was baptized here in Sweden, a special treat, for which Auntie Mouse came over and shared some time with us. Zander is growing and learning a lot and has been performing in many shows and such this Christmas season. It has been great to see him grow up during this time here. He is making choices and such and learning about those consequences.

JoJo is a wonderful almost six year old and enjoying almost everything. She does a lot of great stuff and her Swedish is going well. She is full of energy and a loving girl. She and Erik share a room here at MorFars and so it is fun to see her be a big sister in action and practice.

Erik is 2.5 and running all around....going to some day care and almost spitting out all the words he knows in both Swedish and English. I saw almost since he is speaking only a handful of words. However, we {okay..Cina might be} are not fussed since he will get the words flowing shortly.

Cina is getting her Masters in Sustainability and Longevity at BHT. It is cool that she is back in school and doing well. She is working with folks from all over the world and doing a great job balancing all that she is asked to do in School, Home, Church and more. She is an awesome lady.

Pops has been traveling less, but when he goes....he goes to interesting places. Four Continents this year, including a fun work/pleasure visit to Brasil. China was a good time as well for the Olympics, his eight, and now he is enjoying only going to Stockholm every couple of weeks.

As we think of all that has happened in the world this year, we still know that there is a God and he has a plan for all involved. There is sadness around but many happy things happening as well. We know that God Lives as well as his Son, Jesus Christ, and we are thankful for that. We are blessed to live in this time. May all of you be blessed by our Father in Heaven during all the days of your lives.

No More 30 Something

2008-12-23T03:36:00.003-07:00

No More Rest for the Old and Weary.....Erik distracted Cina whilst we got breakfast ready for the breaky in bed. However, we had to make two of everything since Erik thought it was for him as well as payment for having distracted Cina.

The Christmas Story - Swedish Style

2008-12-23T01:57:00.002-07:00

Here is Zander's class doing the Christmas story at the same church on Sunday night.

Decorating the Jul Gren 08

2008-12-23T00:12:00.007-07:00

Last night, the 22nd, we put the tree up and the kids got to decorate. Everyone was participating...including MorFar as he put strings on some of the ornaments that needed some re-stringing

Lucia Fest I Krykan

2008-12-23T00:10:00.005-07:00

Alexander's school participated in the Lucia activities in town at the church with Rosenbaum outside. Here are some pictures of the festivities. It was really cool at the end they had older Lucia girls come in candles on their heads. It was cool

Last Days as a 30 Year Old Something

2008-12-14T06:00:00.007-07:00

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!

About 40 years ago...Cina was born...or so the records say and so on the 13th of December...earlier than she expected we had a wonderful SURPRISE Birthday party for her. It started about 3 months ago in the planning and it only took one date change to make sure that all possible folks could be there. We had both literal family and extended family. It was one of the best nights in the world. Robyn and Linda picked us up at 6 PM and then we drove to FarMors so that we could kill some time.

MorFar Gunnar and the big kids needed time to get dressed in their Sunday best, having put on PJs to fake mom out. They also needed time to drive JoJo and Erik to some friends who were going to babysit.

We first had to buy gas, then to FarMors and then we got lost on the way to the restuarant. We got there at 10 after 7. We were greeted by the owner and he showed us to our table.

The week before, Cina and Linda were talking and Cina wondered if I had reserved a table for our dinner of '4' and Linda told him I think so...John is good. Cina didn't believe it and so she called to make sure I had a table. I told her I would call around and get one. I did have a table already...but I told Cina the next day when she came home from Stockholm that I got the last table available at Montemarte in KKrona. 7 PM was our reservation but we had to be done by 830 since they were so busy.

MorMor had already convinced Cina that there was no way to do anything between now and her Birthday since Cina is in school. I was gone for a month to Brasil and Stockholm and more. So when I picked her up at the airport...I told her I had tried and tried to organize something but no such luck and was it okay if we waited till the new year. That would prevent her from turning 40 so early. She agreed.

Well, on Saturday, since it was Lucia Dag we went to MorMors to do Lucia for her and Ake. Then Cina wanted to go out to Anderssons and Emilie told her no...and then she stopped my car with Erik and I told her yes...and then nope...they are too tired...we can't do that to them...etc. The reason was is that all of the kids and their spouses were down in KKrona already.

We then didn't go to Helena's either...Eva's mom. Cina was mad at us at that point and so we went home to do Lucia to MorFar. Then...I started to insist that we clean and stuff before Cina went to school at 2 PM. Cina wanted to go to town and buy gifts and such...but I was afraid we would run into the Andersson clan and more.

So we cleaned and slept and did other things. I then took Cina to school at 2 PM and was to pick her up at 5 PM. She said...oh...call Robyn and Linda and tell them we will meet them at the restaurant...and I told her no...I wanted to ride in their BMW. Cina wanted to go direct in so we could check into the hotel we were staying in for the night after the dinner.

Before leaving for school she asked if she could wear the nice pants and top she had on and I told her I thought it would be best in a dress...and she said...nah...I am going in this. Linda then did her last bit of magic before leaving our house and called Cina about 3 PM and indicated that since it was Lucia Dagen and more that she was going to wear a dress and wanted Cina to have a dress on too so that she didn't feel so lonely in having a dress.

I picked Cina up at 5PM ... okay 515 by Cina standards and we got back to the house...and the little kids were eating whilst the big kids pretended to have eaten. All were showered, much thanks to Cina for helping during the morning with that part without knowing, and Robyn and Linda showed up at 6 PM. We left our house...did those errands and poof...arrived at the restaurant.

We were greeted by the owner...a family friend...he winked at me and showed us to our table after some pleansantries. As we started to walk in...Cina recognized a couple of the people and then as she stood in the doorway and all stood and sung...she was amazed. Hans took the great shot of her as she watched all singing.

We had a great dinner...dessert and more. Emilie then went to the house in town to be with our little ones in case they wakened during the night. We went to Anderssons with the gang for a bit and then at midnight...got a phone call that Erik was throwing up. Off to the races...so much for our hotel room...so much for a night away.....but the party was great...the company was great and there is no forgetting this 40th birthday party...where the 3 Muskateeretes' (Sanna, Eva and Cina) who all turned 40 during the year....and all of our friends were gathered.

I think it will take another 40 years to pull something like this off. By that time Cina will have forgotten what happened so long ago.

Lucia Dag i Skolan

2008-12-14T05:54:00.003-07:00

13th of December is Lucia Dag and here are some pictures from JoJo's school where she participated and Erik's school where he sat in Pappas lap the whole time. It was a great show at both schools.

Lucia Dag i Karlskrona

2008-12-14T04:51:00.004-07:00

Emilie was asked to be 'Toast Master" for he school for the Lucia Day Activities at her school. She got to get all dolled up wit hthe help of Mom. She did a great job as the Master of Ceremonies.

23 Years On - Still Going Strong

2008-12-01T12:09:00.006-07:00

Here are shots of the members that we taught and baptized during the time I was in Foz {nine months} that are still active in the Church today and going strong. I am blessed beyond belief after having been with these folks again.

As Cataratas - Que Lindo

2008-12-01T11:59:00.003-07:00

So after 23 years...I returned to Foz do Iguacu and have a look at some of the pictures. I got here on Friday after teaching in Campinas for two weeks for IBM. I was met at the Airport in tears by some dear friends and then we got home....unloaded the car and headed out to the Cataratas. Enjoy the photos. I will put up more later...but time is short whilst at the aiport.

Sao Paulo

2008-11-15T08:14:00.002-07:00

I arrived in Brasil today after a very long set of flights. I was supposed to fly Copenhagen to Paris and then to Sao Paulo on Friday...but I read on Delata's website later Thursday night that the French pilots of Air France were going on Strike for four days and some flights might be affected. So I called Air France and they told me my long haul flight from Paris to Sao Paulo was cancelled. So they told me I could be booked on a partner airline. They looked at KLM..booked...so I got to go on Delta. However, that meant I went via Atlanta. 11 hours to Atlanta and then a four hour layover and then 9 hours to Sao Paulo...however, we boarded and then sat for two hours whilst they fixed the in flight video stuff. Panasonic at their best.

Here is a picture from outside my hotel looking at one of the landmarks in Sao Paulo. Well..off to have dinner with some Sisters and Elder from the Mission 24 years ago. Boy am I old!!!!!!!

More Halloween Pictures..Yes it is November

2008-11-15T08:01:00.003-07:00

Here are the other snaps of Hans as the Joker. He had quite a good costume and the kids had fun at our place. Some of the others kids in the branch are shown here as well.

M's 12th - What A Great Girl She Is

2008-11-10T23:09:00.005-07:00

Ms turned 12 on the 5th. What a Great Young Lady she has become. She was advanced out of primary on Sunday and will join the YW regularly when the other two primary girls advance next month as well. They are going up all three together so that they don't have one in one class and two in another. She waited after the Branch President presented here since she was expecting to recite an AofF.

And Who Says We Are Not Related

2008-11-10T22:54:00.005-07:00

Here is Erik on Emilie's Birthday eating a Banana. He was having fun doing this. He loves a banana.

Halloween In Sweden

2008-10-31T10:48:00.004-06:00

Getting Ready for a Good American Party in Sweden

Playing In the Park

2008-09-27T14:03:00.003-06:00

Teeter Tooter Teeter Tooter whilst waiting for the Cello Classes.

Erik is Singing in the Rain on the Way to School on Thursday

Some Fun Around Town in KarlsKrona. Enjoy the Kids from yesterday.

Teeter Tooter Teeter Tooter

2008-09-16T16:45:00.001-06:00

Fun with Pops before I went to the US of A.

JoeJoe's From Trader Joes - Fun at the Borens

2008-09-16T16:30:00.007-06:00

On Sunday whilst in the neighborhood I drove up to NY to see the Boren's. It was way cool. I got there in time to go to Church and then went home with them for a wonderful dinner made by Levi and then dessert made by me...having bought JoeJoes at Trader Joes.

Then and Now

2008-08-31T22:57:00.006-06:00

Barnens Gard is a fun place for the kids close to the inlaws. Here are some pictures from Saturday, the next to the last day of the year this year and of past years. You can choose who is who.

谢谢和再見北京 - Hello Vancouver, eh?

2008-08-23T06:22:00.007-06:00

Well, the Games of 2008 are over, depending on when you see this, and as the Sun Sets on Red China and as the flame is extinguished
Good Night from this blogger who is excited to get home to see his family in less than 24 hours after 3 weeks away.

The Games of Beijing brought a world to Beijing with a dream and many dreams came true.

See you in Vancouver in 18 months. These are the type of folks we will run into, eh?

Check This Out

2008-08-23T05:17:00.002-06:00

Hey check out this cool photo from National Stadium. Click here on the link

Reflections As Beijing Comes to a Close

2008-08-22T20:26:00.015-06:00

As I put this post together it is a reflective post both literally and in pictures. I took all of them but one as I saw many things around the Beijing Games. Some of these are the flame reflecting off buildings or buildings reflecting off buildings or buildings reflecting off water and the likes.

Beijing has been good to the people that came here to work. Some that I talked with were pleasantly surprised about the friendliness of the people and more. Many enjoyed seeing some of the world's landmarks and historical places. Athens and Beijing have been good for that type of stuff. They have been around for a long time.

Although there is some contention on the age of the Chinese Gymnastic Girls....all else has been run well. Yes, there is always lots of stuff going on behind the scenes to make things work well for all in the world to see. It has been good to work with the locals, as well as the United Nations {those of us that do this regularly from other lands} folks that are always around for the Games. We had good team work for the most part so that the world could see China.

It was sad that this huge Olympic Green is only open to ticket holders during the Games. There are so many yearning Chinese that have come to see this place and it you can only get into the Green with a ticket for an event in the Green.

The Chinese have made transport to and from the venues easier. We go from 'clean to clean' meaning that the doors on the bus do not open until we get at the venue and so we don't have to go through magandbag but once a day...on the way to the venue. We did magandbad once checking into the village. Obviously if we went out of the village to some non-venue place we had to do magandbag again.

All the buses during the Olympics must have that speed limiting thing installed since April when I was here last. No matter what road you are on, freeway or street, the driver can only go 40. None of them have tutted their horns well until yesterday. I got on a bus to go to Workers Stadium, closest stop to YaShow Market, and the lady bus driver tooted and gunned it and more. She was a normal Chinese driver in my book. All the other times I have visited here in the last 18 months drivers toot and make four lanes out of two. Not during the Olympics. The politeness has come into play.

The Chinese people were admonished on local TV to not spit and pee and such in the streets and they have done a good job. There are still little kids that squat and drop but that is because that is what they know. There are a lot less cars but that is because they went to odd and

Most of the Chinese are very friendly and try and talk English with you. They know more English than I do Chinese. On some of the rainy days I would go out and walk to the canteen and quack like a duck. I told the runners that I was 'Peking Duck.' A lot of them wanted to take pictures last night with Peking Duck. I was the Duck and they were the Rabbit.

Some of the crew got out to some of the streets outside the forbidden city and met a lot of locals. They were taken in and shown their 'hutons.' These people were very proud of what they live in, although in Western standards it is not much. There are a lot of people that have sacrificed a lot for the Games. Some of the local security and ushers and such all have lived in make shift housing here in the Green in cabins that have bunks and such in them. They are very proud of their land.

The runners and such working for BOB have done a great job and feel this is a good thing for them. They have made a good deal of money in their minds, which is very important to them, but they have also had a lot of fun. They have been hard at work. Yes I am sure we can all find things to complain about but those things also happen in everyday life.

There was lots of history made here in the Games from Swimming to Athletics to other sports. Most of the time it was fair play. It is sad when people, athletes or officials, try and change the outcome through other means.

I know if others spent like I spent we helped the Chinese GDP this month well maybe not the reported GDP since most transactions are cash based, but the inflow of money to the economy was up this month.

20 years ago now I was on my way home from Korea after the Games in Seoul. I was met at the Seattle Airport by my lovely cousin Jennifer. We had a good chat and said good bye.

That was a long time ago and many great things have happened since but as you have seen by some of the posts a lot of stay in touch and have reunions every two years. That is cool. Friends are made and kept.

In a couple of days, I get to fly home and be with my family. 19 years ago I married a friend and now she is my best friend. We have 5 wonderful children and have been able to see the world with work and have the family with me some of the time. They are strong. To let their pops go for a 3 week period here or there is hard, but they are the best kids in the world and I love them and my best friend.

Should the Games have been awarded to China? Yes. They have done a great job.

Where I have Hung my head the last 3 weeks

2008-08-22T18:38:00.003-06:00

This is called the North Star Media village. It reminds me a lot of Seoul's Media Village. We have large complexes that have buttons in the elevators to take us to the 32 floor...but nothing is beyond the 25th. Strange.

We had people outside greeting us when we arrived and now they are helping us go...go...go

I am living on the 17th floor in the ensuite that is all self contained. There are two other guys with me that have a common bathroom. It is good. Bed is firm and new and things work pretty well. I should say in the laundry down below there are leaks everywhere...so it is a bit wet when we do our laundry since I don't think the concrete settled or firmed up before the laundry opened and the washing machines pump out lots of water. Oh well.

Some Unattached Shots

2008-08-22T18:23:00.004-06:00

Here are some pics from around the Games that I have not tied to any particular theme. Have fun looking at them.

The first is Jen trying to hide as she came back from Swimming one night. She is the BVM - Broadcast Venue Manager for Bob. She makes sure all runs smoothly amongst all the groups involved.This is some of the volunteers that make sure people do not come into our compound unless they belong. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't.

One of our local military cops.

National Indoor Stadium where gymnastics and Handball were held.

Picture inside BOB at the IBC. A flag flies over the desk of those people from the country they are from. Some cheap and easy colouring to the walls of the IBC.

8 is the Lucky Number

2008-08-21T23:15:00.004-06:00

So in China as you all know 8 is a lucky number. That is why the Olympics started on 8 8 08. It was 20 yearsago now that 88 of us got together in Korea for the Games of Seoul. Here are 7 of us in this photo and there are others at other venues that were altogether in Seoul of the Games of Korea. All of us were at T&F and Ceremonies. It has been 20 years since then. 1988...2008. NBC has done 8 Games including Seoul. In talking with all the guys, it was determined we have lost about 8 hearing aides, 8 pieces of hair, 8 baseball cards, and 8 pounds. Okay maybe the 8 pounds is not true....maybe it is gained 88 pounds but our total IQ is somewhere in the 8 digit realm. Don't know....but there are only 7 of us in the picture.

In the picture Left to Right is Tim, Gene, Phil, Andy, Bob, Myself and Nicker Bocker!

Omega Sponsorship

2008-08-20T19:50:00.004-06:00

Yesterday there was a little get together of some Olympic Swimmers at the Omega House. They were there promoting the wonderful time keeper of the Olympics. There were 28 Gold Medals amongst the 5 of them on the stage. In the pictures we have Thorpe{do} from Oz, Natile Coughlin, Phelps, Katie Hoff and Alex Popov. They each did a slide show of their favourite photos they took during the Games. Phelps showed a couple of photogs taking pictures of him. They also showed their accomodations on Singapore airlines on the flight over. Popov showed himself with President Samaranch. Thorpe showed a picture of Dr. Kissinger, Jackie Chen and others at Peking Univerisity talking to students about what it takes to be winners.

Yesterday - Sorry No New Posts

2008-08-20T19:07:00.002-06:00

Hello All,

Thanks for looking at this blog a lot. It has been fun to do. However, yesterday there was a lot of stuff going on as we tore down Gymnastics and set up for the Handball finals. So I didn't get to do much. Also...one of the guys here on the TV crew from 7 in Oz has brought along the class bear and I have been playing 'Baxter' on the blog and answering the 6 - 8 year old's questions. You should go check out the blog for Baxter. Here is the link. Especially check out the comments and see what the little kids are writing.

Apparently...it has caused a great stir since the parents are looking at it...the council is looking at it and more. We have had fun doing it. I will get some pictures up today before it is over.

Olympic Ring Tower - High Rent District

2008-08-19T03:57:00.004-06:00

Here are some pictures from a tower here on the Olympic Green that change colours.

I met a man

2008-08-18T17:04:00.002-06:00

who is from Zimbabwe and is a photog here at the Games. His name is Alexander Joe. We were sitting close to each other on the bus on the way home last night. I struck up a conversation with him. I asked him what he covered and he told me wars. He is known as the Conflict Photog for AFP. He has covered 26 of them. So I asked him what the toughest war he covered was. He said they have all been tough but then indicated that the way in Bruni was the toughest. He was always wearing a 26 pound flap jacket and more. It was not much fun. He said he went down once prostrate on the ground and took 30 minutes to get up...so he decided after that he would always 'kneel' if he had to go down again. He knelt a lot.

I asked him what his favourite story was that he covered. He surprised me and told me the Coronation of the King of Swaziland some 20 years ago. It is a private ceremony but in the end he and a couple of others were inside. They were invited to sit down and so he did. He sat down and then realized his pants were now wet. He had just sat in a pile of Cow Dung but he was there covering the story and was inside. He said it was special since it was the last time there had been a true South African traditional ceremony for a Coronation. He is afraid that the West will Westernize their ceremonies.

This is his first Olympics and he is shooting Volleyball for AFP. He has been doing this for 26 years. He wants to retire and live with his wife in Mozembique {sp}. He is currently in JoBurg.

Anyway...a fun ride home on the bus last night.

Erik had a birthday shout Hurray!!!!

2008-08-17T14:48:00.005-06:00

It is hard to blow a cake.

We tried and tried and then my sister helped.

Mom had to hold on to me so I wouldnt blow away.

Emma can sure make that horse neigh.... It is great and I am sooo good at doing the sound myself. Hey, and there is a picture of my big brother Hans who doesnt like pictures.

I turned 2 and had a great party here are some pictures to show it. Miss you, Dad!

Watch my funny family go at it. they like cake but maybe not as much as me.

Phelps Did It - 8 Gold In a Single Olympics

2008-08-16T22:01:00.031-06:00

In these first three snaps you see Michael on the starting block and then jumping into the pool. You notice that he and the other swimmer next to him are entering at the same time. In the other relay Michael caused the team to be behind when he finished where in this relay he came back and made up almost 1 full second.

In these next three snaps you see Michael coming in for the touch and then the next guy jumping in the pool. I wish I had with me the stronger lens. It would have been nice but I did not think I would be where I was at the time.

In the above picture you see Phelps touching and then in the thee next three snaps you see the final strokes of the last swimmer coming in for a Gold.

Let the celebration begin. For all you number geeks. If Michael Phelps were a country in and of himself competing in the Olympic Games he would be ranked 5th based on Gold Medals Won in Beijing as of this AM. In these pictures you can see him doing the butterfly and then touching and then the others jumping into the pool and finishing the race. Fun Fun Fun.

The Number 8

2008-08-16T21:55:00.002-06:00

Here is one of the US team members arriving at the pool this AM with a baseball style warm up on with United States and the 08. One wonders if the 8 is for the Year or for the number of Golds Hauled in by Phelps. If he had not won today I am sure it would have been for the year but since he won I am sure they will say it is for his Gold Haul.

Phelps Arrives at Venue for Olympic History

2008-08-16T18:50:00.004-06:00

Here are pics taken by me as Michael Phelps arrived at the venue at 840 AM this morning in Beijing, just minutes ago. I wonder if 8 Gold medals will be a lucky number like 8 of 8 2008 at 808 PM

Different Forms of Transport

2008-08-15T20:26:00.005-06:00

There are many forms of transport around the Olympics. Here are some pictures from the various forms.

Some people actually obey the signs on the right but not always as it depends on where you are and what you are doing.

Lights On the Building

2008-08-15T02:58:00.010-06:00

Here are some of the buildings around the Olympic Green and the things they do on them. It is really cool.

In the pictures of the digital building this is where CIS and TV Grpahics was tested when I was over here on the last couple of occasions. We were in a different building the first two times. It is now the DHQ for the Games and overlooks the Olympic Green. See if you can see some horses on the Building.

The building with the big screen TV is a 7******* Hotel. I am not sure what the difference between a 5 and 7 * hotel is other than gold platted TP or Towels..

Bird Bath at the Birds Nest

2008-08-14T20:47:00.004-06:00

Well...obviously if you are going to have a birds nest you must have a birds bath. So the Beijing folks have put up some water for birds, both human and flying, to take a bath in. They have some fun with it...but last night was the first night I got out to see it at night.

Gymnastics Ops from Japan

2008-08-14T20:29:00.006-06:00

All of the Operators have names. This one is Yuta or pronounced Utah. To Say Good Morning in Japanese a person says 'O Hi O Ga Zi Mas' sometimes for short they only say O Hi O or Ga Zi Mas. As such I now had two states working with me. As such all the rest of the operators got names of States as well such as Montana, New York, Wyoming, Nevada, California etc. Their actual names include Masahi Nakatahi and Taku Yoshimura and more.

These are pictures from today with the crew from Japan on the Graphics team. Some of them are leaving after today and some go later on. They were a great crew to work with and did a splendid job.

I hope the panoramic picture of them in the graphics room turns out well for all to see as well.

Pictures of People taking Pictures

2008-08-14T19:48:00.005-06:00

Okay...so call me crazy...but last night I took pictures of people taking pictures of themselves. It was fun since the Chinese people are so proud, and with good right, of what they are doing. Ages from 2 to 95+ were around last night. Sorry they are a bit dark but that is how it was last night.

Other Sights and Sounds from Beijing

2008-08-14T03:40:00.008-06:00

Here you have other sights and sounds from the Olympics compliments of Merrin Munroe...one of the Graphics Operators at Swimming. She was in Oz with the Host Broadcaster working fulltime and then went on to work with a local Sydney company.

You can see that some of them are reminders on the highway as to not drink and drive and to not be too tall as you go under the overpasses. I put some up in April or August of last year, You can also see a tank. Three days ago overnight they came into the Olympic Green to protect things. Then they were gone the next morning however the military force that came with them still stand gaurd. Additionally, we now have busses that go through checkpoints with boom arms rather than no boom arms that stop people from driving through. You can see a new sign that has been posted at the start of the climb of the Great Wall. It is Visitop Tips and you should read them. There are some fun shots of the mascots and the cube in many different colours.

There is also a shot of a building with lights going up them. That is the DHQ building where I spent time testing CIS and such. It is the building shaped like a microchip. They have spectacular stuff here and London will not be able to top the venues of China.

Behind the Scenes

2008-08-13T16:39:00.009-06:00

Behind the scenes there is a lot that goes on. Here are some shots to give you an idea of what is happening. Here is the cabling that goes under a bridge covering a road that is not being used right now. These cables come out of NIS and go over to our broadcast compound. You also see the tower on which the cables of the catcam are placed. The catcam is called such because when it is seen....it looks like a skinned carcas of a dead cat. The catcam tower is in our compound and the cables go inbetween NIS and NAC and another set over to the BirdsNest.

There are also shots of the trucks, from AlfaCam that are back with us this time around as well. Actually they are not trucks...they are buses. So when I go to work...I hop on a bus :)

Each bus has two production facilities within them so they are covering two apparatus at Gymnastics. The fron deck can do bars whilst the back deck is covering floor. All of the Graphics operators are in a cabin with me next to the trucks.

You see in another picture a blue truck with another truck behind it. These are from France...and the blue truck is getting a test drive at the Olympics. It has only done one other event. These Games are breaking it in. It is really cool inside and all HD.

You see some people are doing their laundry here as well. Thoser are folks from JC {Japan Consortium} and so I wonder if they are trying to make a new laundry service for us at the Olympics.

There is again a lot of cables running around the venue and such....and I have tried to show some of that with these pictures. I don't have any stats on the amount of cabling this time around but it is huge. At my venue alone we have 9 graphics operators, the most of any venue. I have 7 for Gymnastics and then 2 for the aquatics sports. Here are some of the folks at Aquatics with me all the time. Some Aussies and Italians and Swiss. All floating around with many Japanese.

People of Beijing

2008-08-13T07:51:00.003-06:00

As I have been here now four times in the past year, I have seen nothing but friendly people here. It saddened me, as it did many others at the news of the stabbing of the American downtown Beijing. I saw this article this AM that is posted on the KSL site by TK. I was at the site of the stabbing the day before and as I walked the crowds with the locals on the day of Opening Ceremonies folks continued to be friendly as I have talked about earlier on the blog with the kids on the train and the respect that the younger ones have for their elders.

As I have seen on my many Olympics in the past whenever I go out of the Olympic venues one puts their credential away and walks with a purpose. Not saying that these folks were not...as I think they happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they are recovering and as TK indicated in the article they took some steps today or yesterday depending on where you are.

The Chinesse people are a very proud people. The Spanish Basketball team, invited to play in the Games took some promotional pictures for their local Beijing Sponsor and they all made some racist movements with their hands. I am sure you can find more about it by searching on Spain Basketball Team Picture.

There has also been discussion about who sang the song and the fireworks. Yes...somethings were done prior to the Ceremonies but just think about getting 28 plus footprints to work. It is done all the time.

The whole reason for this post is to let all of you reading it around the world that the Chinesse are great. They have been helpful and friendly and want to be a part of the good of the Games. As invited guests here we should be respectful of their country and culture.

An Omega Stat - For all you Number Geeks

2008-08-13T07:25:00.003-06:00

1932 First Olympics Omega did and they had one person that had 32 Stop Watches that he gave to the different officials working the events to do their timing. 2008 Beijing Olympics - Omega has 380 people and 400 tons of equipment. Boy how things have changed. Doubt they had a beautiful sponsor display like this one in Beijing.

You can read more about them on their website.

Views of the Flame

2008-08-12T16:24:00.003-06:00

I have taken some different snaps of the Flame and other items related to the Flame here in Beijing. Enjoy.

Snaps from the Olympic City

2008-08-12T16:08:00.004-06:00

Some of you have been asking for more pictures and new pictures. The problem is that there is not always connection when I have time but I will try and post each day or early in the AM Beijing time. Here are some snaps from the last couple of days showing some of the different things around the Olympic Green and also out and about. The people of China are loving showing off their country. They have done a great job and are good to work with. They have been friendly at every turn and have tried and succeeded to help when needed. As you can see from these pictures young and old....one, two, three and even four generations of family are out watching and looking at things. They are curious, proud and friendly.

Mr. President @ NAC watching Medals Won

2008-08-10T22:10:00.005-06:00

After visiting with Bob Costas, it appears the President came to Swimming. I looked out the GFX cabin and saw 90+ cars that were his...and so I wandered over and talked with a couple of agents whilst we waited for Mr. President. The agent I talked with took an internship at the SS many years ago and is now with the Presidents detail. He dreamed of it as a young kid and loves it now...they let me close to his car before he came out as long as I 'Did Not Touch It.' Okay...so I obeyed. It was fun to see a glimpse of another President in person.

In these photos you see them taking the flags out of the car and the seal and then placing them on the car. If the President is not in the car then they are off. They prep'ed the car right before he came out. They then lined up...and pulled on forward and the one I had my picture with the President jumped in...only after waving, in the wrong direction, and then getting in his car. All the other cars were blocking people from getting too close. Anyway...a good Monday morning start.

Mr. President @ IBC with NBC

2008-08-10T19:11:00.006-06:00

The President was visiting Bob Costas this morning, Sunday PM in the US. I happened to be going by when he came along and got some snaps. Can't tell for sure which one of the two limos he is in...but I think the first. Anyway....After meeting Presidents Ford and Regean it would have been nice to say Hi to the two Bushes. Now I know how Moses felt....talking with a bush...

Swimming Medals Day 1

2008-08-09T23:34:00.002-06:00

Today at Swimming we had some finals. It was the first of ??? for Mr. 'I can't sign an autograph' Phelps. The athlete exit is right across from our compound and out came Michael Phelps along with other medalists from today. The Hungarian man, the Korean dude and others. When Michael came out he walked to the bus...hopped on...and a fan stuck a pen and piece of paper through the window for an autograph and he slide the window closed. I think that is a bit rude....but what do I know about autograph collecting and the likes. Here are some snaps of some the medalists and others from the Swimming venue this AM. Here also is the medal count official page from BOCOG for your reference.

2008-08-09T06:19:00.001-06:00

Here are some pics from the venue showing the NAC against the Birds Nest with the flame in the background. Enjoy

Sights and Sounds of Beijing

2008-08-08T00:53:00.005-06:00

Hope you enjoy some of the pictures taken this AM 8 of 8 of 2008. Some of these were taken at 8 hours, 8 minutes and 88 seconds before the ceremony starts tonight at 808 PM. I also found it very interesting that whilst riding the train to T'Sqaure....I saw all sorts of older men sitting whilst some ladies were still standing. On came an elderly man, grandpa type, and the 6 or 7 year old boy that was sitting next to where I was standing, stood up and gave the gentlemen his seat. Later on whilst on a bus, the money taker, yelled something in Chinese, that I must assume, lazy old men, get up and give the ladies your seats, since about 7 men stood up and allowed ladies to sit down in their stead. Respect is still alive in China.

Whilst on the train...the lady sitting next to where I was standing started playing the slap game with her three year old daughter. I motioned to her and put my hands down to play. All of a sudden 20 or so heads in the train turned to see the American playing with the girl. I then did the finger magic of bringing my hands together and making the fingers jump. The three year old tried to do it too. Although I cannot speak Chinese, the fun and games are here.

Under Water Shots from Aquatics

2008-08-07T05:23:00.003-06:00

Here are some pics from the window under the pool....fishy fishy...where are the fishies.....

C2 Compound

2008-08-07T04:52:00.003-06:00

Here are some shots from around the venue at C2. It is at this compound that the coverage for Gymnastics and Aquatics, except for Handball, will be produced.

Have some fun with these. When the skies are clear and the sun is shinning I am going up on a cherry picker to take some cross the Olympic Green Venue shots. It will sort of be like Day on the Green from the Bay Area.

Prep, prep and more practise!

2008-08-03T04:41:00.004-06:00

Well...I have been in Beijing for a couple of days now and we had great weather yesterday and today and then this afternoon it turned smoggy. And here is a picture of the practise stuff we do....

LOL! My daughter Jojo watches all of Eurosport coverage to see "Pappa".

As you can see we will throw a great party!

Photo supplied by John Lawler.

MidSommar in BLT

2008-06-23T00:50:00.006-06:00

Emilie is here in the picture and here is link to the whole story.

Emilie is the 6th in the first line.

MidSommar i Sverige

2008-06-20T22:38:00.003-06:00

MidSommar '08 we went out to a camp where Emilie is for a couple of weeks. You can see the three beautiful ladies of the family with JoJo eating a cookie and then with them dancing once Emilie and all the kids at the camp got done the families could join.

Friday Night Fireside

2008-06-05T13:16:00.004-06:00

One of the young men in the branch is very talented and had a music fireside where the family von Knecht was asked to participate. Emma and Hans played 'Amazing Grace' whilst Zander sang it for the opening number and it went well. Then Hans played with Emma and Tom. Hans played alone as well as Zander.

It was a great night by all. The kids did great.

Baseball and Potty Time

2008-06-05T13:01:00.001-06:00

Erik has various times asked to use the potty and has done so successfully. We were outside a couple of days back and it was quite warm. We were kicking the football and also playing some baseball. Erik is as good lefty as a righty. He tosses a mean ball for a 20 month old. Anyway...he asked for the potty and we did what we did whilst still playing baseball. Something in his blood I would say.

Naval Military Day in Town

2008-05-26T00:26:00.004-06:00

On Saturday in town was the Military Day and there were great things to do. Mom was at some Young Women's training and I took the three youngest + Hans, who meet up with a buddy, into the Naval base and we got to play.

We went on some war ships that are still active with Torpedo's, Submarines and more. On some of the boats we could not take pictures. We also had some fun on some of the older boats like we did when Hans was little.

In these pictures you see Zander and JoJo on the muzzle of a tank and Erik is in one of the floating life tents that save them when in trouble. In order to activate it you pull 25 meters worth of cord and then puff...it breaks open it's case and becomes a life tent boat raft type thing for 10 people.

You see above a picture of Erik on the helm of the boat. Here is one of Hans from long long time ago.

Have a great Memorial Day!!!!

Sichuan Earthquake Relief

2008-05-14T02:36:00.012-06:00

I am sharing with you some photos and links that I got from a friend in China. As you know I have been over there a lot and although no one I know directly was hurt by this there are family members that have been affected by this. Here is the email and I DO NOT take credit for the photos...but want to share them.

"I was going to write a long sobbing email asking for your help before I realized that my words would be pale in comparison to these photos taken from a make-shift hospital from a town in Sichuan. Remember that this town is NOT the epic center, I can't imagine what that would look like.

I've attached some less gruesome photos with this email, there are a lot more here, please take a look (warning: not for the faint-hearted):

http://bbs.city.tianya.cn/new/tianyacity/Content.asp?idWriter=16661580&Key=277877630&idItem=63&idArticle=597833&page_num=1

I guess this earthquake really hit me because the proximity to my home. Couple provinces over, these people lying on the cold concrete parking lot could be my grandparents, my aunts, and my nephews. The truth is that I've seen photos of hungry African children before, I cringed, I sighed, and clicked on "next article". However sad it is, people care more about things closer to them. Therefore I figured you guys are probably more attached to this disaster and are more willing to help. If you are looking to contribute to the current disaster relief effort, the Red Cross China has published the account information to receive donations, please follow this link:

http://shanghaiist.com/2008/05/13/red_cross_society_earthquake_sichuan.php

Please note "Sichuan earthquake donations" /"四川地震捐款" when you make the donations. The Red Cross is also accepting blankets and tents. Every little bit counts.

Kids Are Quick

2008-05-08T14:45:00.002-06:00

Kids Are Quick . . . .
____________________________________
TEACHER: Maria, go to the map and find North America.
MARIA: Here it is.
TEACHER: Correct. Now class, who discovered America?
CLASS: Maria.
____________________________________
TEACHER: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the
floor?
JOHN: You told me to do it without using tables.
__________________________________________
TEACHER: Glenn, how do you spell 'crocodile?'
GLENN: K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L'
TEACHER: No, that's wrong
GLENN: Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it.
____________________________________________
TEACHER: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?
DONALD: H I J K L M N O.
TEACHER: What are you talking about?
DONALD: Yesterday you said it's H to O.
__________________________________
TEACHER: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't
have ten years ago.
WINNIE: Me!
__________________________________________
TEACHER: Glen, why do you always get so dirty?
GLEN: Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.
_______________________________________
TEACHER: Millie, give me a sentence starting with 'I.'
MILLIE: I is..
TEACHER: No, Millie..... Always say, 'I am.'
MILLIE: All right... 'I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.'
_________________________________
TEACHER: George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry
tree, but also admitted it. Now, Louie, do you know why his father didn't punish him?
LOUIS: Because George still had the axe in his hand.
______________________________________

TEACHER: Now, Simon, tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating?
SIMON: No sir, I don't have to, my Mom is a good cook.
______________________________
TEACHER: Clyde , your composition on 'My Dog' is exactly the same as your brother's. Did you copy his?
CLYDE : No, sir. It's the same dog.
___________________________________
TEACHER: Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on talking when
people are no longer interested?
HAROLD: A teacher
_________________________

I don't know to whom I should give credit...but I would if I could. Laughter is a great medicine

Just Over 100 Days to Go

2008-04-18T21:44:00.004-06:00

This is the Bird's Nest as they call it here in Beijing. This photo was given to me by one of the Results Managers for Canoe Slalom and I thought I would share it.

The stadium is spectacular. When I was here last time I took some pictures during the day. I put one of them up as a comparison so that you can see the difference.

You will notice the building to the right...that is the bubble building or where the Aquatics events are going to be held.

Anyway...it is a spectacular place. When I was last here in October I walked the Olympic Green and walked through mud and dirt as they were beginning to put the grounds into place around the Bird's Nest. Now it is done and people are able to walk and enjoy the place. In fact there are 5 or 6 test events going on right now and so many people are buying tickets to an event just to walk around the Olympic Green.

Fun Times at Historic Sites - Fort Chickamuanga

2008-03-19T15:19:00.005-06:00

When Mormor and Ake were here for her 70th..I mean 60th Birthday we went and visited some historic sites. Here are some pics from there. The kids had a blast and so did we.

Exciting News - Sweden Bound

2008-03-19T15:12:00.002-06:00

Hello All,

Thought we would let you know that we Sweden bound for 6 months or so. With me doing a lot of work in Sweden for IBM now...we are packing our bags and heading for Lyckeby. Yes..this is quick notice but we want to get the kids in school there for as much of the time as possible. We are leaving on the 3rd of April and right now booked to come back the first week of September.

Anyway...more news later. Cheers.

Global Warming - My Foot

2008-02-16T23:57:00.004-07:00

So on the 19th of January there was a cold day in you know where...I mean at our house. The kids, along with some of the neighbors got out and built a snow man. They had a blast playing in the snow. It is interesting because Utah has also had a very harsh and real winter in a sense. Lots of snow including last week people being buried in their cars for hours whilst waiting for help. Anyway...it just goes to show that our Nobel Laureate, the former VP of the 42nd President, might be wrong in this Global Warming campaign of his.

Pippi's Birthday Party

2008-01-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

Pippi Got Her Outfit from Mormor o Ake

Wasnt' too sure if she was happy or not

Pippa and all her friends from Ville Villikulla watched a show

Then they did Pippi's Favourite thing to do... Make cookies

They got to toss gold coins and toss their dad's shoes to see which one's would fly the farthest.

Driver's License at age 18 {months}

2008-01-07T12:37:00.000-07:00

"It is really okay to ride with me. I have seen mom and dad do this for 18 months."

"Really...I do know how to drive. No Comments or I will have to bite your nose."

"Now that it is started...I need to turn on the lights."

"Am I doing okay?" I haven't hit anyone yet.

"My mom laughs at my dad when he drives too!!!"

"Opps I didn't turn on the air conditioning for the kids in the back."

"I saw that stop sign...but there was no cop. No Cop...No Stop"

"Are you getting out so soon? We just got going."

Erik has decided that driving is the best thing in the world and so he has been practicing a lot. Yesterday, during church since we are in the pre-nursery month, I took him outside to keep him occupied during the third hour.