A Much Needed Vacation

Jim and I were asked to go to Lake Powell on a house boat for 5 days and we gladly excepted that invitation. Jim and I have never been to Lake Powell (that we remember) and we have never been on a houseboat (that we remember). We went with Aunt Lynne, Archie, Brandon and Jessica. Jenny and the boys, Ben and Levi, drove down from Oregon to enjoy in the fun.
On our way to Lake Powell, we stayed at Boulder Mountain Ranch in Boulder, Utah for two days before and two days after the houseboat trip. The Ranch is about 4 miles off the main highway and we had no cell phone reception. Did you hear me, NO CELL PHONE RECEPTION. Actually, I feel that I handled it pretty well and I survived. It's interesting to feel that you need to have your phone at all times and it was nice to not have it and not need it. The reanch had a large log cabin and mini cabins to stay in. The horses graised in the meadow and the are was so quiet you could hear the stream water running through the property.





While at Boulder Mountain Ranch, we went driving around looking for beautiful landscapes and adventures and we found them!










On Monday, we arrived to Lake Powell. We stayed at 3 different coves during the five days. Each night Aunt Lynne had a themed night. The first night was Luau, the second night was Bride and Groom for Brandon and Jessica. The third night was movie night and the 4th night was Baby night for Jim and I. (No, we are not pregnant, YET! hehehe...)









As for the rest of the trip, the pictures speak for its self. It is a vacation that we will always remember and love. We fished, floated on the rafts, rode on the Seadoos, went tubbing, made homemade ice cream, slept on the top of the house boat under the stars, caught frogs, cooked, swam, caught up on books and listens to music.





















On our way back home, we stopped at Boulder Mountain Ranch for 2 days. While Jessica, Brandon and myself all decided to take a nap at the Ranch... Aunt Lynne, Archie and Jim drove to Hell's Back Bone which is a big accomplishment for Jim since he is afraid of heights.





Our vacation was ahhhhh-mazing and very much needed.

4 Months of Catching Up

I am not surprised that it has been 4 months since my last blog post but a little birdie ((cough))((Dad))((cough)) has sent me emails reminding me that I need to update the blog. Since May 2011, we have been enjoying time with our friends, birthday's, family events and vacations.
In June, I celebrated my Birthday with friends the weekend before at Megan's house Megan was so sweet and made me feel extremely special. She prepared tacos with all the fixings and strawberry shortcake. Megan even had two of my favorite drinks, fresh mojitos and Stella Rosa wine.

On my actual birthday, Jim and I went to dinner with Stephanie, Ryan and Kennedy as well as one of my best friend since high school, Justin. We went to Don Jose's to enjoy my favorites. Chips n' Salsa and Shrimp Fajitas. Deeee-lish!

For Father's Day, we sepnt the day with Jim's Dad and the rest of the family. The kids came over as well so we had a great time swimming and messing around. We love hanging out with those kids. We also got to call my Dad to say Happy Father's Day though a phone call is not the same as seeing him in person.

In July, Chris and Gwen came to the house for the weekend. I got an above ground pool for my birthday so we swam a lot. Gwen and I went to the fabric store and about buttons, ribbon, lace and fabric to make headbands which are the newest crazy. It was a lot of fun. I also tought Chris a "Mitchell Tradition"... eating watermelon with salt. He loved it!

Towards the end of July I fly out to Alabama to celebrate Jacob's first birthday and Brian's 30th Birthday. We had an absolute blast!! We had the whole family there except Jim. Maybe next time... So, becky and Stacey did an amazing job at putting together this birthday party. I am still amazed at all the creativity that went into the planning.




In August, We celebrated Stephanie's Birthday at where elsse... The Brandin Iron. Ahhhh, the Brandin Iron. That place never changes.

Has It Really Been 5 Years Already???

On May 13, 2006, Jim and I were married. I think we both are a little baffled that its already been 5 years. I asked my Mom where the time went and I loved her response "your just keeping busy and living life". So true!

So this year Jim surprised me with a weekend get aways. I was super excited since I normally find out his suprises on accident and I am a good guesser so that doesnt help. Well that and Jim hates keeping surprises... But this year, this year he 100% suprised me and took me to San Diego. We had a beautiful hotel room with a balcony that looked over the bay.




There were also bike rentals and these little go car things but Jim didnt think the go carts were such a good idea. Look how small they are compared to the SUV next to it.


Jim and I also went to the U.S.S. Midway to take the tour. I still laugh because I know I am getting old. I used to dred going to things like this when I was younger and now I look forward to the tours. I ttok a picture with the Navy Pride for my Dad but of course I still love my Marines. awww... good times.


The ship ceilings were not very tall so Jim hit his head a few times.




Jim thought he was being funny with his plane "wording"... hahaha.

It's not often that I get Jim in a seat that looks like airplane seats so I took a picture while I could get it.


We also went to the statue to take pictures. I tried to convince Jim to pose like the statue but he thought I was crazy!!!

Another Year Older and Another Year Wiser

Jim birthday was on April 6th. Normally, I am really good at surprising Jim with his birthday presents but this year I need his help picking it up since I was over 150lbs. It was a bbq which was a combination charcoal and gas grill. Jim says he LOVES it and we have already used it 3 times. On the Saturday before his birthday, we had to assemble it together and it took Jim and I 4 hours to complete it.

On Jim's actual Birthday, I invited some of Jim's work friend to dinner at his favorite sushi restaurant. I dropped off birthday balloons at the restaurant and then went home to get dressed and pick up Jim. The Owner of the restaurant was very sweet and gave up free appetizers, a free birthday shot for the entire party, sake bombs for $1.00 and dessert. Jim thought that was so cool... very VIP! ;)

Thursday night, Jim's parents came up to our house and took us out for Jim's birthday to La Casita. They visited for a while afterwards and then drove back home with Hannah and Lucy in the car with them. Woohooo... we were dog free for a few days.

On Friday evening, Jim and I went to Vegas with Jarrod, Katie, Ryan and Stephanie. It was a fun weekend. We gambled, eat a lot, drank and gambled some more. Ryan won a progressive jackpot which was really exciting.

As a final birthday celebration, Jim's Parents came to the house to deliver the dogs back to us and Jim's Mom made Jim his favorite brthday cake. Chocolate cake with a chocolate peanut butter frosting. It's heavenly and tastes just like a Reese's peanut butter cup.