Oct. 15-20 Road Trip!

This is something I've been trying to arrange all summer, but with problems in scheduling dates and the price of gas so high I thought it was never going to become a reality. Eventually the stars aligned and we were able to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

We left home Wednesday afternoon (Yes, just 40 hours after I got back from Vegas. Don't think that was easy!) and drove to Twin Falls to see the new temple and take a few pictures. Then we drove to Boise where we stayed with my cousin, Natalie and her family just long enough to get a few hours sleep and get on the road again while it was still dark. It was a long 8 hours and a billion 'how much longer?'s' but we finally made it to Seattle about 3:30. We got to drive right onto a ferry that took us to Whidbey Island where, thanks to some wonderful friends, we got to stay in a big, beautiful home right at the water's edge for free.

On Friday we got up early and drove into the city where we first went to the Seattle Temple. Scott, Shannah and Britney got to do some baptisms for the dead while I took the 3 little ones shopping. After we changed, we went down town to see Pike's Fish Market, the Seattle Aquarium and rode the mono-rail to and from the Space Needle. So just in case you're not keeping track, we rode in a car, boat and train plus did alot of walking all in one day. The weather was beautiful and except for a few clouds later in the day, the skies were mostly blue and sunny. After a busy day we went back to the house for dinner and movies.

On Saturday we slept in a little and after breakfast we explored the island. It is quite large being, I think, about 40-50 miles from tip to tip. We went first to the quaint little town of Coupeville where "Practical Magic" with Sandra Bullock was filmed. We found some great sea shells and a few jelly fish that were washed up on shore. We got to see some strange dancing in the street too. Then we moved on to Captain Whidbey's Inn were we got to explore the cute little rooms upstairs in this Inn that was built 101 years ago. Next we drove to Oak Harbor which is a pretty large city. I was excited to see a Wal-mart! I wouldn't let Scott pass that up so we did a little souvenier and snack shopping while we were there. Then we drove on up to Deception Pass which is the short, but very high bridge that connects the island to the main land. We were excited to watch a couple of harbor seals playing in the water below the bridge. After turning around to head back we stopped to play at a fun beach and then went to Camp Casey. This is a fort that protected the supplies going in and out of Puget Sound many years ago. We walked through a lighthouse, saw rabbits and deer and played on the gun emplacements. It got late so we headed home for some dinner, packing and bed.

It was hard to leave on Sunday. There were still so many things we wanted to see and do, but it was time to head home. We bearly made the 8:30am ferry (by 2 minutes, whew!). It was so incredibly foggy that we couldn't see anything. We stopped at a lighthouse for a quick picture then headed to Maple Valley near Seattle to visit some friends, Aaron & Stacy. It was so fun to see them. During the 8 hour drive to Boise we had some car trouble, but were blessed to make it ok where we spent the night with my cousin, Natalie and her family again. (Thanks for your great hospitality. You guys are awesome!)

The next morning we went straight to the Boise Temple for a few family pics and then headed on our way home. We ended up barely making it to Burley, Id where a nice guy towed us to a mechanic so the Suburban could get a new fuel pump and filter. We walked to a park next to the Snake River where the boys threw rocks into the river and the girls read books. Finally after $700 and 3 hours later we were on the road again. Although we spent alot of time in the car and it is nice to be home, we sure had a great time. We made many memories that won't soon be forgotten. A huge thanks to Don and Kaye for making this possible!!

Favorite Roads: Denny Way, Useless Bay Ave, Monkey Hill Rd, Smugglers Cover Rd, Sleeper Rd and the road we stayed on: Honeymoon Bay Rd.

Favorite quotes: "Are we there yet?", "How much longer?", "I gotta go potty", "I found another sea shell!", "There's another Payless Shoes", "Can we eat at Wendy's?"

Oct. 8-13 Girls Retreat!

It was time for our annual girls retreat with my mom and sisters. This year we went all out and flew to Las Vegas to stay with my Aunt Sheryl whose daughters also flew in. We even talked Grandma into coming! There were 9 women and 2 baby girls. Poor Uncle Bob, he was sooo out numbered.
Our weekend actually started early with me, mom and Julianne flying in on Wednesday night due to a great deal Jet Blue offered. Thursday we started it all off on the right foot with an endowment session in the Las Vegas Temple then picked up Natalie from the airport. Friday we went grocery shopping, hit the outlet malls in Prim(YEAH for $3 shirts at Aeropastale!), picked up Lisa, April, Amy and Grandma from the airport and finished the day with games until late (or should I say early??). Saturday we headed for Las Vegas Blvd to take in more shopping and of course our favorite, the Bellagio fountains. All too soon we had to head back home to change and eat before we went back for the Broadway hit Mama Mia!

Check out the dancing queens to the left. Man, that music is catchy! What a fun show!! After the show a few of us braved the cold wind to watch the Bellagio fountains again, but most went home to sleep or check on babies. Sunday we went to church and then relaxed and played more games. Monday was time to pack up and go home already. Although we missed our families, it's always hard to say goodbye. We all had such a great time, let's do it again soon! (Only next time I'm going to Donnie and Marie! :o)

It's official!!

I did it!! I passed my motorcycle road test on Thursday and got my motorcycle license. Even though we don't have a motorcyle yet, this is something I've wanted to do for a long time. My awesome friends/neighbors let me borrow their bike. It's an 1100cc so it has tons of power! It is sooo cool!! I think the funniest part is seeing peoples reaction when they see me on it. It makes me laugh. I first learned to ride a motorcycle when I was about 8 or 9 years old when my step-dad took us to the sand dunes twice a year. Of course back then I rode a small bike, like a Honda 100, but it planted a seed that kept growing. Eventually I would cruise the dunes on our Honda 250 dirt bike. When I was about 14 years old, my dad taught me to ride his big street bike. It wasn't too different from the bike in the picture. I have great memories of riding it around the roads of his trailer park. Good thing I never saw any cops! Man, those were some good times! And yes, I do wear my helmet. :o)

Singing his heart out and lovin' it . . .

Scott had a great time this past weekend singing with the MoTabs in conference. He was originally scheduled to only sing at the Satuday morning session. I was feeling a little selfish because I was excited to have him home on Sunday, but it was not to be. He went as an alternate and ended up singing at both the Sunday sessions too. This is the second conference he has sang at and he loves it! He has such a great time and feels the spirit so strong. We are so grateful that he has this opportunity. Even though we miss him when he is gone so much, I know our family is blessed because of it. Thanks hon!

It's a start . . .

I never thought I'd start a blog. I'm not real internet savey and I'm not a great writer so doing this never crossed my mind. Plus, there's always been the thought in the back of my head that says, "who would care about what we are doing anyway?" And then there is always the safety issue: just how much information about your family should be available on the web? But after enjoying some of my family and friends blogs recently I realized there is alot more to it than I first imagined. This will be a fun way to record my families happenings and share them with others. I guess it just started to sound fun. So, keeping it as safe as possible, here it goes. I hope you enjoy!