Got To Love Vacations!

Hello all! I have to tell you all about my week long trip to Utah and Boise. It was fabulous! I must say little Cayden is a great road tripper. He was a trooper and after spending 28 hours hanging with me in the back seat, we are best buds! Love that little guy! Okay, so Tuesday before heading out I got my haircut, stopped at the store for a few things, met up with a friend to go running (well, we kind of got a ten minute run in... sorry Lisa!), then played tennis from 8pm until 11pm. It was a fun evening, but made for a sleepless night. Once I got home at 11:30pm it was then time to start packing! I find that while I am packing I often find other things I have to do like pay my bills, do the dishes, water the plants, organize my room, etc, etc, etc. So, needless to say I finally made it to bed by 2am after I finished my “packing”.

Wednesday morning came around mighty early since I had to get up at 5am to shower and get the last minute things taken care of before heading out. Jared, Katie, Cayden and I were on the road by 6:37am- yeah us! The trip to Utah went by rather quickly and we pulled up to the house by 4:30pm. That night Todd came to hang with us. After an exciting game of remote control soccer Jared, Katie, Todd, and I went bowling in Tooele. Apparently Wednesday night is not a big Bowling night in Tooele, because we were the ONLY ones there! We had a great time. I felt bad for Todd when he left at 11:45pm and still had a good 35 minute drive ahead of him. To make things worse he took I-80West instead of I-80East. That was a 32 mile mistake that cost him about 30 minutes of precious sleep! Sorry Todd!

I hope we get a lane!!!

Say What?

STRIKE!

Thursday Jared, Katie, Cayden, and I headed out by 10am for the second leg of our journey. The stretch from Utah to Boise seemed to drag on for a long, long, time, but we finally made it just after 4pm. It was fun to meet my almost 3 month old newphew, Eli, and to see my cute nieces Emmy, Meggy, and Alyssa again. Didn’t take long to get Uncle Jared on the tramp and playing with all of them- such a good Uncle! That night I got to hang with Jen as we ran to Costco to pick up some goodies and food for all the troops coming in. Not very often do I get to hang with just my sister, so thanks Jen for the fun shopping excursion! Mom, Jess, Sean, Tayler, Rylee, and Jayson made it there by 9:00pm that evening. The party has begun!

Friday, July 4th, was a very lazy, relaxing day. I watched Wimbledon, painted my toe nails, played the wii, golfed (the card game), got a ride on Steve’s scooter, and just hung with family. Brent and Ashley arrived to Jen and Steve’s house at the same time as Ryan, Marcela, and Reyes. They made it there by 1:30pm and now the whole gang is here, all 21 of us! That evening some of us went swimming at the hotel and then Brent, Ashley, Mom, Emmy, Jared, Katie, Cayden, and I set out to find the Chili’s so we could enjoy their delicious desserts. Well, let’s just say Brent’s stellar navigation skills didn’t kick in so we ended up getting some Klondike bars at the store before calling it a night. Don’t worry Brent, we still love you!

Since it has been over two years since all of us have been together and over five years since we have had family pictures, it was decided that Saturday was the day to remedy that. The only rule for pictures was everyone had to adhere to the dress code of black, tan, or white colors. Everyone looked great and pictures weren’t even too painful. I’m excited to see the pictures from the Photographer. There were a lot of cute pictures that were taken just from all of our cameras, so we’ll cross our fingers that the Photographer got some cute pictures as well. After pictures we had a few hours before we had to get ready to go to Meghan’s baptism. The baptism was very nice. Meggy looked great in all white and she was definitely “glowing” with excitement! I’m very proud of you Meggy and I’m glad I was able to be there with you on your special day. That night we went swimming again. Yes, that is two days in a row that I went swimming and even wore my bikini! Yes, I know it is a miracle and I even have pictures to prove it! Me and the pool don’t really get along however… see the picture of my fat lip. Lets just say that Jared won! Anyway, we celebrated that evening for Meggy by enjoying homemade icecream and a special decorated congratulations cake for her. We also played nertz well into the evening before retiring to the hotel.

Meggy's Baptism Day

Sunday, church was not until 1pm, so we got to sleep in and enjoy a lazy morning. Actually, I’m glad church was so late so I got to watch a good amount of the Wimbledon Men’s Championship match between Federer and Nadal. It was a great match, Nadal came out on top after five sets and beating Federer 9 to 7 in the final set. After church we had Hawaiian haystacks and again, just enjoyed being with everyone. Mom and I played our traditional Scrabble game… Mom won. Steve compiled everyone’s pictures and that night we enjoyed a little slide show presentation complete with music and the pictures scrolling through on the TV. Jared also brought his demo reel, so everyone got to see a small piece of what he has accomplished in his years of school.

Monday was our final day of everyone being together. Brent, Ryan, Jared, and I went and played tennis in the morning. It was a lot of fun, especially since I have awesome brothers who all make me laugh! I love my brothers and I love tennis, so it doesn’t get much better then that, especially since I won! After showering, packing up, and checking out of the hotel, we headed over to Jenny’s for breakfast and few more hours of hanging with everyone before hitting the road. We even got a small soccer game in where it was guys versus girls. Good thing we had Emmy as our secret weapon and Katie, Emmy, and I beat Jared and Brent! I have to hand it to Jared, Ryan, and Brent for doing an amazing packing job and being able to fit everything in so Mom could head back to Utah with us. We said our good-byes and pulled out at 1:45pm. The trip went by fast and we made it home by 7:20pm. That evening Mom and I brought dinner home from Kravers, picked some cherries, and enjoyed some good laughs as we looked through some old family pictures.

Go Emmy!

Today, July 8th was the last leg of our trip. Jared, Katie, Cayden and I got on the road by 10:20am and we made it home by 6:40pm. It was such a great trip and so nice to see everyone. I enjoyed just watching the kids play, relaxing in the shade of the backyard, playing games, and just being with my family. It was a fabulous trip and definitely sad to say goodbye and have to head back to Colorado. Back to life, back to reality… But then again, I guess I have to work so I can afford these trips and good times hanging with my awesome family! Love you all!

What a good looking bunch!

Momisita Just Chillin'!

Jenny's Cute Family

Brent & Ashley- Super Cute!

Jessica's Cute Family

Ryan's Cute Family

Just Jules

Jared's Cute Family

Grandma with all the Grandkids

Aren't we super cute?

Scrunch Picture with my Bro!

Daddy Daughter Tender Moment- Fer Cute!

Sisters- Can ya tell?



4th of July BBQ

Strike a Pose!

Such a good Uncle!



"Steve, do you give up yet?" - Jared



Worn out with all this excitement!

READY……SET…….UPDATE!

Okay, okay, I’ll admit it has taken me way too long to get my blog updated…. SORRY! So, here is a quick summary and a lot of pictures to hit the highlights of this past month:

May 17th - Ran the 5KGift of Life and Breath to support the amazing Zollinger family in their goal to raise money for lung cancer research.

May 17th - Questy, Kristi, and Tara came into town, met up with them for dinner at the cheesecake factory, then went to the temple, Questy entertained us with her great stories and jokes… it was a fun night and great to see friends from “the good ole days!”

Such great memories hanging with friends!

Sisters? Just Great Friends!

May 26th - Ran 10K- Bolder Boulder with Ashlee, Lisa, and David. Actually, David, Lisa, and I stayed together while Ashlee had her own way of getting to the finish line! I am more of a steady pace runner while Ashlee sprints and walks so we couldn’t stay together. For not training, I was very pleased with my time… crossed the finish line in 1 hour and 4 minutes! Not too shabby! It was a fun race and I had some good friends to keep me motivated.

May 31st - began at 6am with a tennis match with Rob Reid (yes, I won), then I went shopping, then I supported our Enrichment Beauty BBQ, went home long enough to change before heading over to Megan Jone’s graduation/birthday party, stayed at the party for only about 20mins before we went to the theater to see the Musical, “Momma Mia”! It was quite the fun-filled day!

June 5th- Soccer Champs! That’s right, the Cherry Pickers took it all! We rock! It went to a shootout, but we did come out on top!

June 6th & 7th - Relay for Life…AKA the all night party! I was there from 3:00pm on the 6th until 8am on the 7th minus a few outings to get some food and play some midnight tennis with my co-worker. No kidding, we really played tennis at midnight until 2:00am… it was a great match. I lost though 6-1, 3-6, 4-6. Then we walked our shift from 3:00am till about 4:30am. Then I got a 30 min nap. This year for Relay we had about 20 people on the team and we raised over $700 for the American Cancer Society…. Go Team! It was a fun night. Once Relay ended I had exactly an hour to get home, pack, shower, and be ready to head to the Airport to go to Utah! No worries, I made it!

The Night Has Just Begun!

Most of the Team... Are we all crazy for wanting to stay up all night???

The Survivors- the dedicated few who made it through the night!

June 7th- 14th was my Utah Home Improvement Trip. It was such a great week… we did a lot of painting! When we were not working we were shopping, walking Gardner Village, Visiting Grandma, playing scrabble, watching movies, supporting enrichment, visiting the cemetery to clean off Dad’s headstone, playing with nieces and nephews, and just having a great time enjoying the company! We did so much that it felt like I got a month break- it was awesome! Oh, and I also went on a date to Lagoon… that was fun, except the power went out- Crazy! I still had a good time, but I know Todd was a bit disappointed. Overall, the week break was fabulous! I loved every second of it and I especially loved being able to chill with my family!

Jared making an entrance!

Katie knows how to work hard!

All play and no work????

Rylee wanted in on the action and Uncle Jared is right there to help out!

Mom's finishing touches before putting the room back together

Cayden is showing us his dance moves while his Mom takes a quick nap!

Cousins' saying hey to Grandpa

Sisters chillin' at the Training Table. Hey, I made it in a picture!

June 15th- This Sunday happened to be our Ward Conference and Father’s Day was not highlighted as much as it typically is. I did think of Dad a lot that day and can’t help but realize how blessed I am to know him and to have him be a part of my life for 21 years. I truly learned a lot from him and miss him very much.

June 20th & 21st – This weekend is titled “Third Thursday Retreat”. If you want to learn more about “Third Thursday” you will have to go to http://thursday3rd.blogspot.com/ where the history is explained. Third Thursday Retreat took place in Vail, CO where a group of us stayed in a condo overnight and then enjoyed the beautiful Vail summer weather the next day. We laid out by the pool (Yes, even I laid out, but I did not wear a swimsuit. No, my legs did not get any tanner- I tried though!), ate strawberry daiquiri’s, went shopping, and taste tested some mighty fine BBQ in the Vail village. Oh, and I got to experience the famous Baugh Joe’s pizza since we stopped there for dinner on our way up- it was mighty good!

Hangin' with Einstein

Third Thursday Group

June 22nd – Went to a BBQ at Barb and Valarie’s house. Barb is moving to Utah this week, so that was pretty much a farewell BBQ for her. Barb cracks me up and I will definitely miss her!

June 23rd – Today, so now I am all caught up! I took my car in to be checked and get it ready to go for my road trip in two weeks… Boise here I come! I also got the emissions test done today, so needless to say I did a lot of waiting today. It didn’t help that I forgot my book. Good thing I have a great friend who lets me bother her at work… we had a nice conversation via text, which definitely helped the time go by faster. I also have some great Visiting Teachers who picked me up and took me to lunch! So, now you know the big stuff and aside from Monday’s FHE, Tuesday soccer practices and tennis lessons, Thursday soccer games, golfing, hanging with friends and other assorted fun activities you now know my life! Until next time…. Love you all!

TAG

So, I have been tagged and I’m making good on them now. The first is a little ABC list about myself which Jessica tagged me way back on 11 April and Jenny re-tagged me to do it today. Enjoy! A- Attached or single: Single B- Best Friend: This one used to be easy… it was always Jared. But now that his love of his life is his best friend this question gets a bit more difficult for me. Actually, right now in my life I think Buckley would be my best friend, Buckley AFB that is! No really, other then family by best friend would be Ashlee, but that is not to discount all the other awesome, wonderful people I am privileged to call “friend”. C- Cake or Pie: Pie D- Day of Choice: Any day I get my time! Typically Thursday’s are good days. E- Essential Item: cell phone, lotion, gum, debit card F- Favorite Color: orange G- Gummy Bears or Worms: worms H- Hometown: Stansbury Park I- Indulgence(s): Eating ice cream while watching a movie and relaxing J- January or July: July of course… Happy Birthday to Me (and Jared)! K- What happened to K? L- Life is incomplete without: family M-Marriage Date: ??? (Will it come true if I just pick a day?) N- Number of Siblings: 5 (3 brothers & 2 sisters) O- Oranges or Apples: either, I love fruit P- Phobias or Fears: disappointing or letting people down Q- Quote(s): "Could this possible be another glorious day?” Sister Hinckley R- Reason to Smile: enjoying the sunshine playing tennis or soccer, cute nieces and nephews, sleeping in, vacations, checking something off “the list”, a hello from a friend, spending time with family S- Season: Spring- it is getting warm!!! Summer is not my favorite season anymore since that is our busy season and I work 15+ hour days! T- Tag 4: Ryan, Jared, Barb, and Questy U- Unknown Fact About Me: I am currently studying to face a warrant board to become a Contracting Officer (potentially receive a $1 Million warrant- yikes!) V- Very favorite store: I don’t really have a favorite store, I just like shopping! W- Worst Habit: Not going to bed at a reasonable time and getting up way too early X Got left out as well! Y- Your Favorite Food: raisinetts, ice cream, bread Z- Zodiac: Cancer… is that a bad sign? The second is a movie survey that Questy tagged me to do way back on 4 April… so I’m a little slow! Anyway, it is kind of fun, hope you enjoy it! Movie Tag Favorite movies you have to be "in the mood" for in order to enjoy: 1. School of Rock 2. Tommy Boy Favorite movies that make you laugh out loud no matter how many times you have watched them 1. Monte Python and the Holy Grail 2. Brian Regan “Walked on the Moon ”Your favorite "Guilty Pleasures" 1. Any Matthew McConaughey movie 2. Lord of the Rings (Viggo Mortensen, but only in this series) Favorite movies you have seen so many times, you can recite all the lines 1. Hook 2. Hercules Movies that "Opened your eyes." 1. Hotel Rwanda 2. Life is Beautiful Most Overrated 1. The Fantastic Four 2. Star Wars What were the last 2 movies you watched 1. Half of Alice in Wonderland (it was too lame to watch the rest of it) 2. Cat Ballue (Okay, I don’t know how to spell that) Favorite "smart" movies 1. Count of Monte Cristo 2. Hunt for Red October Your spouse's/significant other's favorites 1. ??? 2. ??? Your all time favorites: 1. Aladdin 2. Hercules

SHOUT OUT

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Here is a shout out to my Momisita! Just want to say thanks for a wonderful 26 years and say I LOVE YOU! I have been extremely blessed to have a great Mom and can contribute pretty much everything I am to her example, her friendship, and her willingness to put up with me for all these years! Thanks Mom for everything you do, and continue to do for me! Love you tons! SHOUT OUT TO FRIENDS This past week I have realized how blessed I am to know so many awesome people whom I call my friends. My friends make me feel so loved and I am truly grateful for them, so here is a shout out to all my friends to say THANK YOU! I am especially grateful for my friends who have said, “You need to come play volleyball and be social!” “Where are you, I don’t see you at the ward social?” “Just wanted to call and let you know I was thinking about you.” “Want to go to the Rockies game?” “Want to go shopping with me?” “Do you want to come over for dinner and watch a movie with us?” “Hey, I’m going to be in Denver and I want to see you!” “Lets go to the temple and do the 8am session tomorrow morning.” “How are you?” A different person said each quote…. I know what you are all thinking, but yes, I really do have that many friends! In fact, the list could go on, but those are the ones I remember from this past week. It’s a good feeling to know you are loved.

Inspections, Retreats, Soccer, Graduation- Just Life!

Hello all! So, it has been a while since I have blogged, so let me see if I can fill you in on the happenings in my life. First off, my darn cute little nephew, Eli, is out of NICU and finally got to go home! We are so happy that he gets to be with his family. Can’t wait to meet you in July Eli!

Okay, so April has gone so fast, seriously, where does the time go? Well, at the end of April we had a huge inspection at work, so the past few months I’ve put in a lot of hours trying to prepare for that. The inspection was definitely an experience… one that I wish all could have. It is challenging and stressful, but also rewarding when it goes well. Contracting got an OUTSTANDING (the highest rating)! Go us!

The 18th and 19th of April was a Ward Leadership Retreat held up in Breckinridge. It was probably one of the better “Leadership” conferences I’ve been to, and believe me I have been to quite a few! We stayed in a really nice cabin and played games Friday night and then had the conference portion on Saturday. It was nice that our ward did something like that.

So, I’ve started playing soccer again. I am soooo out of shape, but I guess it is the motivation I need to get back in shape, right? It is an outdoor, coed league…. It is fun to put the cleats back on. Hey, I even scored last game, so I still occasionally get lucky!

The big day- Jared, Mom, Cayden

Okay, now the biggest news of the week…. Jared Graduated!!!!! Congrats Jared on your BA degree from RMCAD! Jared was definitely on the 7 year plan, but I think he still beat Brent who was on the 8 year plan? ;^) No seriously, I am so happy for him and know that all the long days, and stressful nights working on projects is all worth it to finally have that piece of paper! He graduated Summa Cum Laude- very impressive Jared! I’m very proud of you and will definitely come visit you in Spain if that is where your talent takes you!

"Yeah Dad!" Cayden is proud of you, too!

Oh, such a cute family!

Mom came to Colorado for Jared’s graduation. While she was here we took her to experience the goodness of Atlanta Bread and then we did the graduation thing all day on Saturday. It was a quick trip since she got in Friday evening and headed back Sunday afternoon, but it was fun to hang with Momisita while she was here. Enjoy some pictures from Graduation Day.

Accepting the Diploma

Drama Boy Striking a Pose!

Twins... no more needs to be said!

Mom, Jared, and Showell Clan

Jared's Senior Display... Showing off his talent!

New Nephew

Little Eli Moore was born on Saturday and he is a cutie! Congrats Jen and Steve! His first few days in this world have been a little rough, but we are all keeping him in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong little guy, I want to meet you!

Claim to Fame

Okay, so everyone knows that I love soccer, right? Well, Saturday, 29 March, was the Rapids home opener against the LA. Galaxy. It was a multi-stake singles activity where we got a nice discount on the tickets and there was a drawing, which allowed 20 people the opportunity to be on the field (sitting on the player’s benches) while the teams warmed up. Okay, so it probably sounds cheesy, but it was awesome! David Beckham plays for the Galaxy and Cobi Jones is a trainer! It gets better, so who should be there but Alexi Lalas! Cobi and Alexi played on the US team and I loved watching them… so it was pretty cool to think that I was only 20 feet away from them! I think that is the closest I have ever been to a celebrity. Anyway, the game was a lot of fun- we killed the Galaxy 4-0! Go Rapids!

On the Field

David Beckham is the one in all white

Lucky Winners

Alexi Lalas

David and Cobi in the same picture- can it get any cooler?

Friends

Today was General Conference and the first Conference since President Hinckley passed away. It was a really good Conference. It was neat to see the change in President Monson as he now stands as the Prophet of the church. I was happy that he even brought some humor to the Conference in his closing remarks- reminded me of Pres. Hinckley. We all miss President Hinckley, but it was nice to finally have a chance to sustain our new Prophet, even President Thomas S. Monson.

Well, that’s all I have for you right now. Work still consumes my life… pretty exciting, huh? Until next time…. I love you all!