Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Twin Falls

 Our little family spent a couple days in Twin Falls together with this awesome couple.  Tami and CJ moved to Idaho recently and we couldn't be more pleased to have them closer.  We had a great time together, especially the cousins.
 Saturday morning we headed to the local skating rink.  It was so much fun.

 They had boys and girls races...which resulted in some awesome spills and a new champion in the family.  CJ officially has the finest skating skills this side of the Mississippi!!!







We watched Cole participate in a Basket Ball Game and then headed out on an epic hike.



 Tami and CJ live in a gorgeous area right on the ridge of the Shoshone Falls.  They can hike through paths that meander around hidden lakes, climb lava rock and take in a park and swimming hole.  I love it.  

 A few kids were not well and the Cahoons were still recovering from multiple other frequent visitors so we felt grateful for their hospitality.  We ate yummy food and watched a movie.  James had the time of his life going to a Scout pizza party, snow skiing the whole day and a Stake dance that evening.  He was the main reason for our visit.  He and Sam as different as they may be make the perfect pair. 

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

And the winner is...

The Annual Awards Banquet NMFN
Scott brought home the Agent of the Year Award for 2011.  
 Scott was the keynote speaker earlier in the day at the conference being held at the Hilton Garden Inn.  He gave a nice acceptance speech and we attributed his business success to the women in his life...Deserae and Patty! 

 Deserae has been such a huge blessing.  She is a fantastic assistant.

Presenting Scott reliving the good ole BYU single days on the dance floor...I'll leave it at that!

A dream is a wish your heart makes...

It has been at least 25 plus years for both Scott and I since we have been to the Magical World of Disneyland!  We jumped on the chance to go together when Scott earned a paid three day trip to the beautiful sunny weather of Southern California.
 We took a bazillion pics for our kids but neglected to take one of the awesome car we rented.  I found some crazy good deal online-$8 dollars a day, unlimited miles, no other fees!  We picked up our 2012 Jeep Limited and went straight to Disneyland.
 The minute we walked in I felt like I was a little girl again.  The music, characters, yummy smells, rides were all dreamy.  We tried to do and see everything we could squeeze in.  


 Thursday early evening we left the park to check in at the hotel and grab a bite to eat.  Ironically after pulling an - up all night getting ready to leave the night before- nothing sounded better then a Quizno's, the presidential debate and some sleep.  We didn't go back to the park until the next day.






We were only able to scratch the surface of the Disney parks but were glad to have been kids again for the couple of days.
 Saturday we went on a mad dash trying to check-out of the hotel, load the jeep and get through traffic to a state beach 45 minutes away.  We made it to the parking lot in time for the race directors to call us to our marks in the start of a coastal 10K.  I founded my bib number and was still pinning when the runners started.   
The race was so well organized and was quite fun...but I sure wasn't ready to get my motor going or endure the unusual heat of a boardwalk, ocean glare and no shade.
I admit I was miserable from mile one on and wondering what I was thinking being out early racing when I could still be at Disneyland.  I tried to just keep a good pace and finish strong.  I think the feeling was mutual among all the runners because the lead women passed me at 2 miles and was less then a minute in front of me...and I'm no speed demon no matter how small the race is.
I got some cool hardware for 3rd place in my age group...kinda stinks being in the fastest age group and Scott and I bolted for the LA Temple.


 Who doesn't love little chubby cheeks like that and a baby to snuggle.  We met up with Kimber and Mike and took turns going into the temple.  Scott and I went first and then Kimber and Mike.  I actually loved playing with Tyler while we waited and enjoyed some delicious food Kimber and Mike brought us to picnic with.


 Janette and her brood met up with us at the Santa Monica Pier.  We watched the men at muscle beach and even witnessed Kimber's awesome climb up a huge rope.  We took in the sunset and then headed to the Menssen home for dinner and visiting.  Kimber is a fabulous host and it was fun to see her cute home.  I loved being there.
 We pondered packing this little guy in our bags and taking him home.  He snuggled with Scott so cute.
  We timed our flight home after church and a nice lunch.  I was sad to say goodbye but anxious to see my own family.

 Brother and sister!!!!
Our trip was the perfect little getaway...Disneyland, yummy food, new places to run, temple excursion, time with family and cute nieces and nephews!  Let's go again soon.