The long long long road trip August 13, 2009

Many months ago, Kris (mother-in-law), Katie (sister-in-law) and I had the idea of a road trip to Kentucky to visit Jenny (other sister-in-law) and her husband, Judd, and their new baby Ethan.  No one (Joey) thought we’d actually do it….but we did.  Oh yes, we did. 

The trip got off to a rather rocky start when a cop pulled me over just outside of Evanston.  I was not aware that it’s a law to change lanes when there is an “emergency vehicle” pulled off to the side.  I just slowed down when I passed him.  Several minutes later, there he was pulling me over and yes, giving me a $100 ticket!  I was not a happy camper….still not, really.  But…the road trip went on. 

We drove through Wyoming which was not very impressive and it was very windy.  Next, we hit Nebraska, where I first saw the largest statue of Jesus I’ve ever seen….and it was in the middle of a giant field.  Very wierd.  We made it to Kearney, Nebraska the first night and stayed in a nice hotel for some much needed rest.  It was a long day.

The next day we drove through some really heavy (and scary) rain storms through a bit of Ohio and then into Missouri.  We got to out hotel early enough for the kids to have a good swim….which they really needed after being cooped up in the car all day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We stopped in St. Louis on day 3 where we got to go to the top of the “gateway to the west” arch in these little “pod” elevators.  If you ever get the chance to do this….don’t.  It really wasn’t worth the time that it took.  When we got to the top, there were just some tiny windows in a very narrow hallway.  Pretty lame.  The arch was cool to see though, and they had a cool museum.                                                             

  We took some back roads through Southern Illinois due to a huge traffic jam that we ran into and visited an Amish village in Indiana where we ate a delicious dinner.  It was delicious for everyone except Nate, that is.  He absolutely HATED it and had a scowl on his face the whole time.

 

 

 

We finally made it to Kentucky very late at night…but that didn’t stop us from cuddling a bit with cute baby Ethan.  Jenny, though very sleepy looking, seemed happy to see us and to show off her beautiful new baby.  Eventually, we did get off to bed and rested most of the next day, which was Jenny’s birthday. 

 

 

One of the funniest moments of the trip was when we were getting up to leave Texas Roadhouse, where we had eaten Jenny’s birthday dinner.  Jenny went to grab her purse and much to her surprise, there was a giant rib stuck to it!  It was Nate’s.  We all had a good laugh about it. 

 

 

During our exploration of the Kentucky/Ohio area, we got to go to a lot of neato stores.  I love love love to look at stores, so it was very fun for me.  We hit some outlet stores, a GIANT store called “Jungle Jims”, The Container Store, Crate & Barrel, and Trader Joes.  It was a lot of fun to get to go in stores that we don’t have in Utah. We also had a great photo shoot with all four kids which turned out really great. 

After all the shopping, we decided to do something the kids might like, so we decided to visit the Cincinatti Zoo.  Unfortunately, I had the WORST headache of my life (it lasted nearly 24 hours) so I wasn’t able to enjoy the zoo to the fullest extent….but, it was a really cool zoo.  They had a lot of animals that I’ve never seen before….like bonobos….very similar to chimps.  Tessa loved petting the snakes and was the only one brave enough to do so.  As we walked in to see the Manitees, Nate asked, “Are manitees a species of aligator?”  Cute kids.

On our last day in Kentucky, we decided to walk along the “purple people bridge” to say that we walked from Kentucky to Ohio in one day.  I thought that the area around the river was really beautiful.  I also liked to look at all the cool buildings and places around Cincinatti.  After the bridge, we stopped for a light dinner and then off to the Aquarium.  If any of you know of the aquarium that we have in Sandy…this aquarium was MUCH better than that one.  I was very impressed with it.  We got to feed nectar to some birds.  Just as one bit Tessa on the finger, another one pooped on my foot.  We tried hard not to laugh because Tessa was upset, but come on…pooping is funny, even if it was my foot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We even got to pet some sharks!  Tessa and even Averi both got into it and loved it.  A very fun aquarium…so glad we went.

Our stay in Kentucky was so nice.  Judd and Jenny made us feel so welcome and were such great hosts.  Judd was even nice enough to cook for us and entertain Nate by playing video games with him.  I loved his hot wings, they were delicious.  He also made some “goeta”..this weird sausage stuff that Kentucky-ans like to eat.  It was pretty good.  And, best of all, they fed me strawberries.  Lots and lots of strawberries.  (I usually hate them, but this baby loves them)  So, thanks Judd and Jenny!  I had such a fun time.

The long 24 hour drive home was basically un-eventful except for the really terrible rain storm that we drove through (again).   Only this time, we had lots of lightning and thunder added to the enormous amounts of rain.  We stayed in Newton, Iowa and then Laramie, Wyoming. 

There were a few things that really saved me on this trip:  My iphone, to keep in touch, connect us with the internet, and to help waste time in the car.  My navigation system, what did we ever do without it?  The DVD system in the car with about 24 kids movies, enough said.  And lastly, really great traveling companions…I love my in-laws!

This was the longest I think I’ve ever been away from Joe Joe…and it sure was nice to get home to see him again. The kids especially missed him and  I think I learned to better appreciate his company.  I think he missed us too.

Kie-Yak July 13, 2009

We spent the weekend up at the cabin and much to my delight, we were able to go kayaking.  My in-laws, Kris and Bob recently bought these and were nice enough to let us try it out. 

We took them up to Causey Dam and had a good time.  What a work out!  My arms are sure to be sore tomorrow.  I got a little discouraged about half way through our “trek”, thinking, why does this look so easy for Joey.  He always seems to take to things so well and I always seem to struggle.  Whenever I try to do anything “sporty” I always feel like everyone is staring and pointing at me; like I don’t really “fit in”.  But, I put my mind to it and actually got OUT of the kayak all by myself….without making a scene.  Yippee!

Unfortunately, I used the foot “pedals” of the kayak to try to situate myself better on the seat and broke both sides!  OOPS!  I felt just terrible.  Now we will have to see if we can replace the parts that I broke.  Hopefully, Kris will forgive me one day….she seemed pretty mad.  (no, just kidding)

I think that my in-laws are pretty hip for getting and using these kayaks.  I hope to one day be cool and sporty like them.

weeding with grandpa July 13, 2009

I heard that my dad was going to be over at GeGe’s helping to weed her garden, so I thought that would be a perfect thing to do for our Thursday “service” day.  I didn’t tell my dad that we were coming and I think he was pleasantly surprised to see us. The kids were not really too helpful, but enjoyed raking and digging in the dirt; looking for worms.  They always enjoy a visit to grandma’s candy jar too.   After we finished with the weeds, we did a drive by at Wendys and enjoyed our lunch at Riverdale Park.  It was a nice time.  It’s so good to have my dad back.

my sweet new ride April 21, 2009

We picked up our sweet new ride last Thursday.  It’s a 2006 Honda Odyssey with leather seats, DVD player, navigation system and a back-up camera!  I LOVE it!!  The kids are hypnotized by the movies and they don’t fight anymore!  It’s gonna be so nice for our drive to DisneyLand in June and then to Kentucky in August. 

We bought it at a place called “Totally Awesome Cars” in Clearfield….they are are not affiliated with SuperDell.  It was a very “casual” place with absolutely no pressure whatsoever.  They have very awesome prices, but the service is not so hot.  The owner, Josh, will not return my phone calls since we bought it.  I need to get the wheel lock key from him so we can get the new tires.  It is also lacking the owner’s manual.  I hope the good deal will be worth it in the end.

It’s Britney B*tch! April 20, 2009

Oops, I did it again!  Okay, I’ve never done this before, but I had to use that line.

Unbelievable as it may be, I attended the Britney Spears concert last week.   Before you start judging me…I did NOT pay for it!  Hayley got free tickets and aksed me if I wanted to go with her.  Much like my inability to look away from a car crash, I just couldn’t say no.  So, I got all “hootchied” up (as best I could) and went to the show.  When we got there, I discovered that everyone was a lot more “hootchie” than me.  I tried to take a picture of one of these girls, but it didn’t turn out.  There were MANY girls in “school girl” outfits.  I was also surprised at how many YOUNG children were at this concert. 

 As for the show, I’ll just say it was quite a “spectacle”.   Our seats were on the VERY tippy top near the ceiling, so this is the best shot of the Brit I got.  We also got to see the Pussy Cat Dolls.  They looked a lot like strippers to me.  I fell asleep a few times, but Hayley and a few of her friends from work REALLY liked the show. 

 

 

 

 

I think that her friends may have been a bit tipsy?

After the show, I found an empty popcorn box with Britney’s name on it.  I thought it would make a lovely photo.  Hayley kept it ….for her scrap book, I guess?

love affair April 14, 2009

I would just like to announce that I am in love.  In love with a mini-van.  It all started last night when I sold my car (after only 2 days, by the way…thanks KSL.com!). 

Having the car gone, and after Nate’s birthday dinner, we decided to do some test drives to decide between Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey.  The Odyssey won.  I had the opportunity to drive THE coolest car ever and I am now in love.  In love with it’s leather seats that warm your bum, it’s DVD entertainment center, it’s power everything, it’s back-up camera that appears as if from nowhere, all of it’s luxurious features and most of all the smell!!!  Too bad that it’s too darn expensive for us to buy! I seriously dreamt of this van all night long.   Unfortunately, we (Joey) were not in love with the price of this beauty and we can’t get it. 

It sure would be nice to buy one brand new, but I guess that I’ll have to settle for used luxury.  “sigh”

buying and selling April 12, 2009

I am looking to sell my car so that I can get a mini-van.  Yes, I realize that I only have two children, but I still want one; don’t judge me. 

I spent much of my spring break getting new tires, oil changed, full inspection and getting it detailed.  It is in really good shape and I’m now afraid to let my kids ride in it. 

In case anyone out there is interested, we are selling it for $5,000 (if I know you or we are related, I’ll cut you a deal).  It’s a 2002 Mazda Protege 5 with 117,288 miles on it.  It’s in good condition, but has a little body damage.  Send me a comment if you’re interested! 

Ge Ge April 2, 2009

I was a bad grand-daughter and completely forgot my Grandma Ge Ge’s birthday until one week later!!  I know it’s a terrible excuse, but my mom usually reminds me.  I felt really really bad.  My grandma ALWAYS remembers my birthday.  I

The kids made gifts and we loaded up and headed to Riverdale for a visit.  Because my grandma is so awesome, she has forgiven my transgression and welcomed us with ice cream and cookies. 

So, Happy Belated Birthday, Grandma!  I love you!

“hunting” for plastic eggs April 2, 2009

We attended the annual Best Buddies Utah 5K walk/run at Davis High on Saturday.  I am proud to say that I can run a mile…and walk the rest. 

After the run, the kids had a “hunt” of sorts.  I think it’s funny that they call it a hunt, when in reality they just throw a bunch all over the big gym floor.  They should call it an Easter Egg “pick up”. 

It was a fun day.  One of my students won 4th place, and was 1st place out of the students with disabilities.  He ran the entire thing in 28.32 minutes.  I signed him up for the track team on Monday.

after the poker March 23, 2009

We went over to the Gillman’s on Saturday night to play a little poker.  I was the biggest loser, only in a bad way and was banished to the other room with the kids.  I successfully got them all to fall asleep and then fell asleep myself.  I later found this photo on my camera….not sure who took it?