PICTURE PERFECT: 2

Again, I present a few of my favorite things in picture form.

BUMPY NERDS:
It’s no secret I’m a fan of weird candy, but not since since my discovery of Trolli Dinosaur Eggs has a sugary confection gotten me so excited. Too bad the Draper Harmons ran out of Bumpy Nerds last week. I learned this unfortunate fact during a midnight candy run.


FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS:
I have to give credit to my brothers for this one. They swore by this odd comedy. It took about two episodes for me to get into it, but I’m now hooked. I can’t get enough of Murray their band manager, too funny. I don’t encourage you to watch it unless you appreciate dry humor. In fact, much of the general populous could watch an entire episode and think, “huh”? Again, if you laugh at “According to Jim” or “Reba”, this show is not for you.

PRINCESS CRUISE 2005:
One of the smartest decisions I ever made was to go on a cruise with an extended group of Nikki’s friends. Not only was it a blast, but it was the turning point in our relationship. (What could she do? She was trapped on a boat with me for seven days). Even smarter was my suggestion that we become exclusive a week before we set sail. I’ve never been much of a player, but I’ve got to admit, that was smooth.

ESTE:
I was just there today for lunch, tastiest pizza in Utah. Runners up include Big Apple and N.Y.P.D.

22 COTTONWOOD DRIVE:
This one is for my siblings. I took this photo last December as I pulled up to my parent's Sunriver vacation home on a quiet Sunday night. Twenty plus years of memories came flooding back: sledding on the golf course, fake candy stores, bike rides, puzzles and river rafting water fights. Childhood was great, wasn’t it?

CAPTAIN ADORABLE:
Sorry Batman, I have a new favorite superhero. Man, I love this kid. Light of my life…

THE MASTER TUB:
While it’s technically located in Nikki’s bathroom, the master tub and I have a date at least twice a week. I’ve always enjoyed a good bath, but never has the tub been so spacious and the water so jetted. Bubble bath and candles are still never involved.

BOYS WEEKEND/MARIO KART TOURNAMENT:
Last year’s Boys Weekend included the BYU vs. UCLA game in Provo and some Mario Kart at our old West Jordan house. The camera work is lacking, but the photo is priceless. The shadowy figures from left to right include Jason Boyer, Kevin Burke, Chris Burke and Bret Ahlstrom. You may notice the ragtag furnishings and wall projector. Our couches and televisions had already been moved to our new place, so I had to scrounge up any furniture I could find. We all slept on the floor. I like to think of it as indoor camping.

1979:
I don’t recall ever being homeless, but this photo suggests otherwise. Now, if I could only find my old Puerto Rico T-shirt.

TICKET TO RIDE:
The best board game on the planet! Much like Catan, it’s easy to learn, but difficult to master. I am proud to say that, at one point, I ranked 3rd among more than 13,000 Xbox gamers on the Ticket to Ride leaderboard. My skills are matched only by my brother Chris and his wife Katie.

RIRIE’S NEXT TOP MODEL:
Nikki will kill me for posting this, but I just couldn’t resist. This is one of several modeling photos of our 12-year-old Nikki. What a fox! Let’s be honest, my 14-year-old self wouldn’t have stood a chance.

HUNTER PHOTOS

Friends and family have asked to see new photos of our little Hunter. Here are a few:

MEET HUNTER

Hunter Romney Burke finally decided to join our family Monday, Feb. 9 at 6:38 PM. Weighing in at surprising 10 lbs, 5 oz and measuring an astounding 24 inches, he is happy, healthy and quiet. Although, we’re not quite sure where he came from, we’re happy he’s here.

Nikki was a trooper throughout the process. After 20+ hours of labor, we decided it was time for a c-section. It was a great call since she is so tiny, and he is so big. All in all, it was a weird and wonderful experience. I didn’t think it was possible, but I think I love my wife a little more now.

Favorite quotes from the experience:

-Nikki’s doctor during surgery - “He’s out, and we’re going to have him walk over to meet you.”

-In the nursery – Brendan: “Wow, look at all those premies.” Nurse: “Uh, those are regular sized babies… yours is just a moose.”

*Let it be known that “Moose” is not his official nickname. It’s “Tank.”

“It’s me… with my sweet faux hawk”:

Still a little swollen, but we’ll keep him:

The first yawn:

“In this corner, weighing in at 10 lbs, 5 oz….. it’s Hunter ‘The Taaaaaaaaaaaaank’ Burke!” Ding, ding, ding:
We put him immediately to work holding his own pacifier:

THE DANCE OFF

Who says that white men can't dance? This is footage taken from our Season Ticket Holder BBQ last night. It was completely the players' (mostly Deron's) idea. Good stuff!

PRE-WEEKEND HUMOR

Today is dragging, so I thought I’d share a few funny videos.

LAWRENCE WELK:

And I thought the real Lawrence Welk show was funny.

RAS TRENT:

Unfortunately, downtown Portland is crawling with guys like this.

CHARLIE BIT ME:

You’ve probably already seen this, but it deserves a presence.  Did I mention that Nikki now wants a kid with a British accent?

JANICE & BILLY:

This is only funny because Billy doesn’t get hurt, at least not physically.

TRIUMPH & THE STAR WARS NERDS:

A bit off color at times but a true classic, this one makes me laugh Every. Single. Time.  I’m talking about an almost-wet-your-pants-you’re-laughing so hard experience. "Burger King, where all Dragon Masters eat."

IRONY

So, this is what happened when our mailbox recently met a snowplow. Those who read my previous mailbox entry will see the irony in this. To my credit, the pole, which is buried in 50 lbs of concrete, remains unmoved.

For those concerned, our mailbox has since detached completely and is now gently resting on a bank of snow… two feet from its pole. Surprisingly, delivery continues without interruption.

The Baby Shower

Saturday my friends and family had a Baby Shower for me and the little guy doing flips in my tummy!!

It was so fun to see everyone! I feel very spoiled and very lucky to have so many wonderful friends and great family!!

We are getting so excited to meet the little guy!!

Here are some pictures from the shower:

Brendan's Aunt Heidi got us this

bear rug, it was a huge hit:

Here is my dear friend Nalani who helped plan the shower:

Here are my girlfriends from Book Club:

My girlfriends from work:

My girlfriends from the gym:

And my dear friends Kathleen, Pam and Allison:

I have to give a shout out to my dear friend Nikki, (yes we have the same name and spell it the same) She made this amazing Diaper Cake . .everyone was very impressed:

I had such a blast and loved seeing everyone!! I am truly a lucky person to be surrounded by so many wondeful, amazing people!!