Protect Marriage, Protect Children, Yes on Prop 8

I recommend a "yes" vote on Proposition 8 for the following reasons:

1. When possible, children deserve a mother and father as parents. One of each, not two of either. How will a little girl learn about mothering with no mom? How will a little boy learn how to treat his wife without a father to show him? Other alternatives are not as good. Our society should be encouraging mother-father family units, not promoting alternatives.
2. The desire of two adults of the same gender to have an intimate sexual relationship should not trump the rights of children to a mother and father. I don't see how one can look a toddler in the eyes and say, "the law does not allow you to have a mother. You will not be allowed to have a mother because two people want to be your father." The child has needs beyond those of the parents.
3. Gender should not be removed from marriage. "Same-sex" marriage by definition takes the man and woman from marriage and replaces two identical entities. Marriage certificates should not read, as they do now, "Party A" and "Party B." The reason gender-sterile terms are used is that we do not have a name for genderless marriage partners.
4. It is a difficult and challenging issue. I mean no offense or disrespect to those who feel otherwise. Nor do I doubt the genuine love and parenting effectiveness of same-gender couples who are raising children, which may in many cases be better than single-parent situations or dysfunctional-marriage situations.

Jeffrey A. Robinson

Exciting Visitors

We had a surprise visit from our extended "family." Our best friends in Holland were Mark and Kira Davis. Their lovely daughter Kate grew up to marry Austin's mission companion, Sam Henderson. Sam and Austin were in the same MTC group and served together in Serbia. Small world! Sam and Kira came to Southern California to show their Serbian friends Disneyland and the Beach. We are so glad they could stay with us during their all-to-brief visit.Kate standing next to the Dutch "wastafel" that Mark and Kira gave to us in Holland in 1987. Robyn and I had our eye on this cute wastafel in a little second-hand antique shop. Kira and Mark bought it for us and surprised us! Such a wonderful gesture from a great couple.

Jeff, Sam & Kate Henderson, Robyn
That's another Dutch antique behind Robyn.

Anika holding Matia, next to Predrag Djukic. Sam and Kate, Robyn.
Predrag is an insurance company manager; he was gracious enough to compliment Robyn on her fresh tomatoes--Austin tells us that Serbians grow great tomatoes.

End of Summer Party at the Larsen's

Thanks to Erik and Jane for the wonderful end-of-summer party on Labor Day. We had a chance to say goodbye to Christian, Katie and Dylan as they head off to Boston.

Christian & Dylan in the pool.

Christian takes Dylan for a swim.


Katie, Jane & Susie watching the fun in the pool.

Jaden & Ryan

The Maltbys Visit

John, Jan, Zoe, Emma and Sophie came to visit on the return leg of their half-way-around-the world trip.

Among other things, we enjoyed a little hike up the Whiting Ranch trail, newly opened from last year' fires.
Come back soon!

Family Vacation--Part III

Continuing a family tradition---a stop at Zion National Park to explore the Narrows and other sites.

Weeping Rock

His and Hers


Midair showers

The Bandana Brothers
Ryan, Austin & Stephen

Along the Narrows Trail:
"Did you see that French Guy changing out of his speedos?! Yuck!"

Blogger's Break

Caitlin & Marissa

The famous Siren of the Narrows,
rarely photographed in her habitat.

Stephen Davis
There is no shrine.
But if there were, this picture would go in it.

Salim and and Lisa
along the trail

Austin & Rachel
They rock The Narrows.

Ryan Robber-son

Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid


Heart Rock
Discovered by Stephen, claimed by all.

Homeward Bound.
Although not shown on any map, the road from Zion National Park actually leaves the US for a few miles, at least in La Verkin City.

Family Vacation--Part II

We enjoyed our time in Bountiful with cousins and family from Utah and New York.

Stephen, Robyn, Olivia, Marissa, Catilin, Lisa, Audrey, Joyce

Visting the newlyweds outside their first apartment at BYU student housing.

Family Vacation--Part I--Fresno to Carson City--Aug 08

We drove 2200 miles on our "Wild West" Family Vacation, from August 8-16. The first leg of our journey took us to Fresno, Sacramento, Placerville, Lake Tahoe and Carson City, NV. Two state capitals in two days!

First stop: pick up Ryan at the CSU-Fresno, at the end of his EFY stay. Brian went with us; he picked up Nathan and they continued on to Yosemite.



Next stop: Sacramento, where we toured "Sutter's Fort" --a huge commercial establishment built in Mexican Alta-California by Swiss immigrant Sutter about the same time Joseph Smith, Jr. was building up Nauvoo, Illinois.

Panning for gold at the original site of the California gold rush discovery. After several carefully panned scoops from the river bottom, I have a nice vial of black sand to prove that all the gold has previously been discovered.


Sunset on the beach at Lake Tahoe.


Visiting the Great Aunt Elaine Harris--Grandma Marion's sister--in Carson City, NV. She has the same warm smile, twinkly eyes, and generous disposition. She treated us to Sunday lunch. She emails Grandma Marion almost every day; they talk about everything; and Grandma Elaine knows more about our family than we do. She remembers all the cousin's adventures in Carson City--back to the 1970s and beyond.


With cousin Margo Leatham in Carson City.

Meeting the extended family!
Margo and Dan's son Joseph (far left) was newly set apart to serve in Santiago Chile. He gave a great farewell talk in Sacrament meeting. His brother Benjamin newly returned (6 weeks) from Minnesota (Spanish speaking) mission; and Ryan and Stephen.