Yu-tah, Part II

My last week in Utah came unexpectedly because my professor canceled the last day of class before finals. Since our final was a take-home essay i was given the option of turning it in via email, which is what i did. A big thank you to the Yus for taking very good care of me while i was there!

I wish i had an opportunity to take a family picture of the Yus. All i came away with was an impromptu session with Taisei a couple weeks ago. What a happy baby! For more pictures of Taisei, you should check out his blog. Yes, Taisei blogs. Not only is he happy, but he's also very smart.

After a couple of shots, Hiro started getting jealous. Good thing Hiro is a really well-behaved dog and very gentle around Taisei. He'd sit right next to Taisei for a couple of seconds and look at me, and then start licking him. Taisei didn't seem to mind and even smiled a couple of times. Honestly, i think Hiro was just looking for someone to play with him because that's how he'd always try to get my attention when i was reading or doing homework (it's either that or Hiro wanted Taisei to let him out because nature was calling).

You can't blame Hiro for getting jealous because most of the time i was there, i spent time with him. Here's a picture Jerin took of Hiro luxuriating in his favorite spot, whether i'm awake or asleep.

Hiro and i went hiking my last week there. At the time i wasn't sure if it was going to be my last week because i was still debating if i should come back for finals week just to spend more time with the Yus. I used the hike to think things through. Jeri & Wami, i promise i'll come back just for vacation during a holiday or weekend (and we'll have to take some family pictures when i'm there).

Here's a picture of Hiro and the Salt Lake Valley, edited together from five separate photos using PhotoStitch. On the far left you can see the University of Utah's (Wami's Alma Mater) Rice-Eccles Stadium & Tower (site of the 2002 Winter Olympics' opening and closing ceremonies). In the middle-right you can see the Utah State Capitol Building (under refurbishment) and Temple Square. And on the far right you can see the Great Salt Lake.

I think the hot sun, combined with fur and short legs, made it really tough for Hiro, but he did his very best to keep up. At the start of the hike he was in front and leading the way. About half way up, he had fallen behind me and just barely kept up. By the time we reached the top, he was exhausted. I decided to cut our hike short, relax and take some pictures. It was a very nice view and i could imagine how beautiful it would be all covered in a fresh winter snow. Is it beautiful enough to tip the scales of reason and make me want to live there? I apologize to all those of you who do live there because i'd have to say the answer for me is a resounding no.