A Visit from the Past

My friend and former  roomie from Wyoming came to visit me. We were roomates freshman, sophmore and junior years at BYU. We had a blast and it was some of the best years of my life.

Her awesome family. And this not all. She has 3 more kids at home. Andra's mom and dad took care of me on the holidays when I was so far away from home. They were a shining light in my life and introduced me to many new experiences in the West.

It was so surreal to reconnect with her and Kenny. Love you guys!! Thanks for driving 3 hours out of your way to come see me!

Quinceanera

My friend Debby is from Guatemala. Here husband is from the Netherlands. When latino girls turn 15 they have a sweet 15 party called Quinceanera. It's a BIG thing. Almost as big as a wedding.

Kasey was in the court. He practiced and practiced for MONTHS to get ready for this. Dancing, walking in etc...

When he put on his tux, I about died. So cute I could hardly stand it. He also got to ride in a party bus. He loved that part.

This is Zuleika, Debby's other daughter. Kasey and Zuleika have been friends since birth. They are only 7 months apart.  You'd never know it with their looks of concentration here. What a handsome couple.

My niece Julia and Debby's son Edwin

My nephew Adam and his partner.

The court. They even had to learn how to sit properly, and hold their hands and get up. Took a lot of practice.

The guy doing the music messed up so they kind of got messed up in the beginning of the dance, but it still looked fabulous.

They even had to learn when to turn with the music. During practice I would say "turn" to Kasey when it was time. At the event I had to work hard to keep from saying it. Kasey did great though.

Then they had to bow. SO cute!!!

Kasey pulling out the chair for Zuleika.

Scott and I. We also did quite a bit of dancing. By the end, I was exhausted. Can't do it like I used to. Getting old.

Cousins!!!

 ..and a little dancing...all night long!!

Debby's other son Noah who is great friends with Jordan. Not sure what the conversation is about.

These boys are all best friends. They got out on the dance floor and shook it. Well, just for a few min.

 

Jordan dancing. I love that Jordan doesn't care who's watching. He loves to dance and he goes and does it. Kasey...not so much. I love this about Jordan.

My friend Debby and her daughter. The mother of the birthday girl. Everyone looked beautiful!!

The birthday girl and her father Erik. Julissa looked gorgeous!! the dress was amazing.

We had a great time! I am so glad we were able to take part in this event. We've all been friends for a long time and we enjoy being with each other...dancing and laughing. Pretty soon in 7 years it will be Zuleika's turn.

Here's a little video of the boys doing their dance:

Adventure Park

During our Cape Cod vacation week, we went to the Adventure Park in Connecticut. Way too expensive but way fun!! Here we go...

Kasey zip lining

Jordan and Julia start off on a harder coarse.

Adam

I'm telling you, these courses were tough! After just one I was dieing. My kids kept saying, "you can do it". Ugh. Very hard on you physically and it added to my aches and pains. BUT the kids had a blast. Jordan is really high up here and he is not spread eagle on purpose. Good job buddy.

Matthew coming down on the free fall

This one was hard for Jordan. Starting out...

Then he fell. There is no one to come get you if you fall, they just talk you through how to use your own skills/strength to get back up. This is Jordan trying to hang on right before he had to let go. He got himself up again though.

A little perspective on how high up you are.!! (wave J)

Mark taking a zip!

Kasey bragging about how strong he is after a tough course.

The courses were all color coded. Purple, yellow, green, blue and black. I did 2 yellows and a green and I was bushed. Kasey and Jordan did a blue, two greens and a yellow. Scott was the only one who did a black and there is no way anyone else could of I think. Even as strong as Scott is, he had trouble.

Just look at all you had to walk on...way up in the air. wobbling and shaking!!

Kelli and Caroline

There would be no way I could come out of that split once I got in it. Way to go Scotty!!
At the end of the day, we were exhausted, Mark and Jordan got hurt, but we all had a good time.Jordan actually came down the wrong way on a rope and burned and cut 4 of his fingers. We brought him to 1st aid and he almost passed out because he was in so much pain. BUT he wants to go again. Way to get back up on the horse again.

A Visit From and Old Friend

 I had a visit from an old friend a couple of weeks ago. A friend I met freshman year in college at BYU. After his mission, we hung out in Provo for a little bit. I even visited him in Georgia. But it's been around 23 years since I've seen him. Since then, he got married and has 3 beautiful children. I had the chance to meet his wife and kids and they are wonderful.

It was great to go back in time, look at pictures and talk about experiences. It was a great time. I'm so glad he came to visit!! Tony and I have always been kindred souls. When we met at BYU, we always felt like we could be "ourselves" with each other. After all these years, I still feel the same way.

When I had cancer, he sent me chocolates! Thanks Tony for being who you are and for keeping our friendship going. :)

Primary Temple Trip

Our Church had a temple trip for the primary children. The last few times we haven't been able to make it. This time we did.

I was able to bring some friends of ours Cisco and Rudy. The kids looked sharp! They were very respectful and reverent during the whole thing. I was so proud of them.

The grounds outside were so pretty. They had these flowered trees I have never seen before. I mean I've seen these flowers picked, but never knew they grew like this on a tree. They were so cool. Jordan took the opportunity to smell one and I "caught" the shot. It goes right along with his sweet spirit.

It was a great day.

Car Show

Scott got some free tickets to a car show from our Scout Pack. I love a good car show. Anyone who knows me knows that I have had a long obsession with Mustangs. This Shelby GT was AMAZING! Price tag?...$80,000. I better keep dreaming. :(

I go for all the muscle cars, because YES I AM that old. Loving this red Camaro and especially the handsome boy inside it. xoxo

Of course Bumble Bee was there and I HAD to get in it. Sweeeeet....and the babe inside isn't too shabby either. Lol

Kasey has this little "come here cutie and let's go on a date" look he gives me. You have to see it in person to appreciate how funny it is. I'm loving this picture with him doing, well,,a slight come hither look. This kid cracks me up.