A Trip To Washington Part 2

Friday we spent the day in Seattle with my brother Jake. Our first stop was Pike's Place Market. I absolutely love going to the market, there is so much cultural diversity there that you just don't get in Utah. Andy was very sweet and bought we a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers. Jake showed us the gum wall, for some reason I had never seen the gum wall before. The gum wall is really gross but in a strange way it is kind of pretty. On our way to the gum wall we passed a barefooted hippie playing the accordion, you never know what you will see when you visit the market.

Andy.

Andy & I.

Jake.

The Face.

Our next stop was Dick's Drive-In. Dick's is kind of like the In 'N Out of Seattle, only a less healthy version. When I was a kid anytime we would drive home after visiting family in Spokane, my siblings would chant "Dicks, Dicks, eat at Dicks." They would chant this to the point that my Dad would get annoyed and consent to stopping at Dick's (there is also a Dick's in Spokane). I have fond memories of eating at Dick's and make a point of stopping there when I get the chance.

Then we made our way to the Ballard Locks. We all enjoyed watching the ships and boats pass through the locks, it is pretty neat experience. I loved standing on the dock and taking in the beauty around me from the tall evergreen trees to the smell of the salt water and moist cool air on my face. I really do miss Washington, it will always be the place I consider home.

A ship passing through the locks.

Andy & I.

We also watched the salmon run up the fish ladders. I think those may have been the largest live fish Andy has ever seen before.

A Salmon going up the fish ladder.

We spent Saturday with my Mom, Jake and Sadie. That morning we went to the Puyallup Farmer's Market. Andy found himself a box of peaches, he is very particular when it comes to peaches and had not found any peaches previously this summer that met his standard. I'm so glad he was able to find himself a healthy treat. I found my self a big ripe tomato and ate it like an apple, I think that may have grossed Andy out.

I also grabbed a bunch of beets. When I grabbed the beets my Mom looked at my strangely and asked what I was going to do with them. I told her that I was going to make popsicles. She gave me a disgusted look and said "That's nasty!" Little did she know that the next morning she would discover that she liked them. I know they sound kind of revolting but they are really good and they taste like fudgesicles, but they are healthy. Andy swears by them.

Then we went to lunch at Casa Mia. I think I ate at Casa Mia as a kid once, for some reason I don't remember it being as good as it is. Casa Mia is sooo good! If you ever find yourself in Washington, you have stop and eat there. We ordered a pizza with potato on it, I know it sounds weird but that was probably the best pizza I have ever eaten!

Our next stop was a local fruit stand. Sadie and I both scored a box of mangos for $1.00. Normal a box of mangos this size would cost close to $20.00. I cut up all of my mangos and frozen them so I could bring them back to Utah. They have been and will continue to be used in smoothie, I'm a smoothie addict and can't pass up a good deal on produce.

Next we went stopped at some yard sales and thrift stores. Andy and I found a few treasures to bring back with us.

That night was spent playing Ticket to Ride with my siblings. It was good time!

Sadie & I.

Creatures.

Me & Andy.

Sadie, Me, & Andy.

The Face.

Me & Mom.

Sadie being a creature.

On Sunday we packed up our bags and started our trip back to Utah. We drove through Chinook Pass on the way back instead of Snoqualmie Pass. Chinook Pass was so beautiful, it was like driving through a forest. We stopped to take a few pictures but our photos are nothing compared to the beauty that surrounded us.

Mt. Rainier is in the background.

As we were driving through Oregon, we got pulled over by a State Patrol Officer. He told us that one of our high beam lights was out and said that we should stop in the next town for the night, so we did.

The next day we finished our drive back to Utah. As we drove we listened to Seven Habits of Highly Effective People on tape. It was such a good listen, I recommend it!

I can't believe that we drove through five states (Utah, Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Oregon) in a week. For me, the time went by too fast but I'm so grateful we were able to make the trip.

A Trip To Washington Part 1

 Due to some changes that came about in life, Andy and I were able to squeeze a trip to Washington in to our busy schedules. I was really glad that we were able to make the trip, it had been two years since I been home.

We left on Sunday August 25th after church and stopped at my Dad's to sleep. The next day we drove from Rexburg, Idaho to Spokane, Washington--that is a long drive. Most of that stretch of the drive was through Montana and it rained a good portion of the way. We decided to stop for lunch in Dillon, Montana and found ourselves at Sparky's Garage. Andy and I consider ourselves to be food snobs and we both have to say that the food was so good! Those were seriously the best pulled pork sandwiches either of us have ever eaten.

While we were at Dad's, Russell asked us to take his picture with his friends.

We stopped to take a picture at the Continental Divide.

We now understand why Montana is known as the "Big Sky" state.

Andy at Sparky's.

While we were driving we noticed that the air had become really smokey. As came around a bend in the road, we saw a helicopter scoop water out of the river to dump on a nearby fire. It was a neat thing to watch.

Andy has wanted a bonsai tree for a really long time (once he even tried to grow his own). When we stopped in Missoula, Montana to get gas he noticed that someone was selling bonsai trees on the side of the road and he couldn't help but stop. Andy is now the proud owner of a bonsai tree.

That night we stayed with my Grandma and Grandpa. The next day Andy and Grandpa went golfing and Grandma and I went shopping. We all had a really good time and enjoyed being able to spend the with one another.

Andy wants everyone to know that he had his first Dilly Bar while we were at Grandma and Grandpa's house. It was a life changing event for him.

Before we left Grandma and Grandpa's house we were able to see my Aunt Michelle and Uncle Joe. I can't remember the last time I saw either of them, it was good to catch up.

Grandma and I.

Uncle Joe and Grandma-- He doesn't like to have his picture taken.

Tuesday night we had a slumber party with Nana and my cousin Casey. We taught Casey how to play Ticket to Ride Marklin, it is one of our favorite games. Casey enjoyed playing it so much that he wanted to play again. We enjoyed being able to visit with Nana and Casey. Before we left Nana's Uncle Aaron stopped by to say hi-- he is such a goof!

Andy, Me & Nana.

Us again.

Uncle Aaron's selfie.

Me, Nana, and Uncle Aaron. When I'm really happy my eyes almost close.

Me, Nana, Uncle Aaron & Casey. I'm not sure what Uncle Aaron was trying to do...

Me, Casey, Uncle Aaron & Nana.

Wednesday was spent driving from Spokane to Seattle. It was a really pretty drive. That night we crashed at my brother's house.

Thursday we wanted to go to the zoo and ride the camel and go kayaking with one of my friends. Unfortunately, it was raining so we not able to do any of that. Instead we found ourselves at the thrift store. We both love thrifting and had a great time. Later we met up with my friend Taylor and we went to eat at the Amerawcan Bistro in Tacoma. I really like to eat healthy food and there are not a lot a healthy restaurants in Utah, so we thought it would be fun to try something new. Andy's food was really good he ordered crepes. I ordered jicama tacos, they were okay but not my favorite. We also ordered some cheesecake, it was really good! It nice to try something new but I'm not sure I would eat there again, it was kind of expensive for the small serving sizes.

That night we went to the Rainiers game. As we were walking up to the box office to purchase our tickets this woman starting talking to me and said something about going to a nearby table for tickets and food and she handed me a piece of paper. Andy and I walked over to the table and these two women took the paper and asked what part of the stadium we wanted to sit in. I couldn't believe it, we chose seats that were behind home plate (this is Andy's favorite place to sit) and thirteen rows up. They also gave up passes for free hot dogs, chips, and drinks. I asked these two women if I could purchase two more tickets for my Dad (he was in town for work) and Taylor and they just gave me two more tickets and vouchers for food. Talk about the royal treatment, Andy and I felt so blessed.

Me & Andy. All of the people sitting behind us had already left.

During the game it started to rain, lucky for us our seats were covered. It was fun to watch the Rainiers played the Salt Lake Bees. I was hoping that the Rainiers would win, but they didn't pull through. Andy was kind of excited that the Bees won (they are his home team).

A Wedding, Bear World, & Spelunking

On August 17, 2013 my cousin Ben married his beautiful wife Jessica, in the Idaho Falls Temple. We are so happy for them and glad to have Jessica as a part of our family! We were fortunate enough to be able to go to Idaho to take part in the festivities with them.

Cousins.

During the time we had between the wedding and the reception, we decided to stop and visit my cousin Kelly. I don't remember the last time I saw Kelly, it was really good to catch up.

Later that day, we took Russell and Nathan to Bear World. Neither of the boys had been to Bear World before. We all had a blast! We enjoyed driving through the park so much, we did it twice. We saw more bears at Bear World than we have ever seen before.

Bears.

After we drove through the park we went to the petting farm and the boys pet pigs, deer, goats, etc. The cherry on top for the boys was that they could ride as many rides as they wanted (it was included in the cost of their admission). On the way back to the house Nathan said, "This is the best day of my life!" I'm glad we were able to make Nathan's day.

More bears.

Nathan enjoying the roller coaster.

Nathan petting Andy.

Andy and Russell petting Andy the mule deer.

Me and Andy.

Miss Piggy, yes that is really her name.

That night we went to Ben and Jessica's wedding reception. The reception was out side at Jessica's home. I love how simple and elegant her receptions was.

During the reception people we were able to dance. We told Russell that he should ask this girl who looked to be somewhere between 6-8 years old to dance. He promptly walked up to her and asked her to dance. It appeared that she said yes because next thing we knew, they were holding hands and running up the hill to hide behind a tree to dance. It was really funny to try to watch them. Anytime they thought someone was watching them they would run. It was quite entertaining.

While we were at the reception, we were able to visit with Auntie Joanne- I just love her. She is so kind and sweet, every time we get to see her it is a treat.

On Sunday we decided to spelunking with my family at the Civil Defense Caves. We piled into the truck and Julie and the boys rode in the back. If you decide to go visit the caves it is best to not drive a car or a van because the road that goes out to the cave is very rocky and bumpy and you can ruin the bottom of your car. As we arrived at the entrance of the cave, there were bees everywhere. For those who don't know, I am terrified of bees-- they are my number one fear. There were all difference kinds of bees swarming, these were the biggest bees I had ever seen. Somehow despite my fear, I made it into the cave.

Andy & I.

The entrance of the cave.

Dad, Wes, Kaylee, Russell, Me and Andy.

Dad, Julie, Wes, Kaylee, Russell and Andy.

  It was a lot of fun exploring the cave, we went all the way to the end and back. If you ever find yourself in Southeastern Idaho, I recommend visiting the cave. Make sure to take a flashlight and a jacket as there is ice in the cave.

As we walked back to the truck, the bees were still swarming. We later found out that some hornets had built a nest in the back of the truck and they had a bumpy ride out to the cave-- they were really unhappy by the time the we stopped the truck. Moral of the story, check you truck for bees nests before you visit the cave. Lucky for us, nobody was stung.

Before we left Megan opened her time capsule and look what she found--her blanket. No, it was not chewed by rats. She loved her blanket so much that it ended up with a lot of holes in it. Over the years many people attempted to give her new blankets but she would not give this one up. To prevent her blanket from permanently being destroyed she put it in her time capsule five years ago.

Megan and her blanket.

Another photo with the coveted blanket.

A Creature Comes To Visit

At the beginning of August one of my sisters came to visit us. I felt bad that Andy and I both had to work while she was in town. As soon as we would get home each day, we would go do something fun with her.

One night we went bowling at BYU and then we went to the Creamery. We had a lot of fun! I have to admit that my bowling skills were not with me that night.

Sadie and I making "The Face"

Everyone in my family can make the ugly face in the picture above--we like to call it "The Face."

One night Sadie and I went to a Relief Society Activity. The theme for the activity was Favorite Things. Sadie and I really enjoyed getting to know the sisters in my ward better, while exchanging our favorite things with them.

The highlight of Sadie's trip for me was doing Zumba. For the longest time I have tried to get Andy to go to Zumba with me and he would always tell me that we should play racquetball instead. I would typically respond to him by saying I will play racquetball with you if you will do Zumba with me-- for some reason he would never take me up on this offer.

While Sadie was visiting, Andy said he would go to Zumba if Sadie went too and if I played racquetball with him at a later date. Sadie laughed and said she would go so we could see Andy do Zumba.

The three of us went to Zumba and we had a really good time. I really enjoyed watching both of them dance. I was really proud of both of them for trying something new.

Graduation & Boating

On July 23rd we made another trip to Rexburg. Julie graduated from BYU-Idaho with a Bachelors Degree in Communications. I am so excited for her! Graduating is a really big accomplishment.

Dad, Julie, and Russell

I really liked the speakers and the messages they shared of hope for the future. I especially liked the talk by Elder Robert C. Gray. My summary of his talk would not do it justice, but you can listen to it here.

As Julie walked across the stage she received the biggest round of applause complete with horns and confetti.

Russell was very excited to play with his "clapper" and see his mom make her big walk.

After graduation we went back to the house and Dad put on a huge fireworks display for everyone (if they lived inside the city limits the fire works would have been illegal). I enjoyed watching Dad light the fireworks with a torch, it was quite the sight.

The next day we went boating on the Ririe Reservoir with the Ibarra cousins. When we first got to the lake I asked Russell if he wanted to go on the inner tube with me and he told me no. Later in the day he said he wanted to go, but he said that Dad had to "use the little motor" (trolling motor). He also said that Dad had to go really slow. Dad kind of laughed but consented to Russell's requests. I'm not sure if Russell had ever been on the inner tube before, but he did really well. I look forward to more tubing adventures with him next summer when he is a little older.

After Russell's tube ride the real fun began. Dad really know how to make people hold on for dear life. 

Russell enjoyed driving the boat. Dad would tell him what way to turn the wheel and he would do it.

That night we drove home. On our way back we stopped in Blackfoot to visit Auntie Jo Anne. I just love Auntie Jo Anne, she is so kind and sweet and she reminds me of my Nana. It made for a late night drive but was so worth it.

Crystal Hot Springs

On July 22nd we went camping at Crystal Hot Springs with our friends Trent, Kirsten, and their little boy Tanner. The company was great and the water was the perfect temperature. I would definitely go camping and swimming there again.

If you decide to go swimming at Crystal Hot Springs make sure you don't have any sort of cuts. The water is really salty and the slightest cut will sting. I would also suggest spending the extra money to go on the water slides. The slides are a lot of fun and worth it in my opinion. Your legs will get a work out climbing the stairs to the top of the slides, be prepared.

**Sorry for the lack of photos on this post, we had so much fun we forgot to take some.

MHS Fundraiser

Madison High School in Rexburg was recently rebuilt and relocated. As of right now, the high school does not have a football stadium. Julie (my step mom) was in charge of a fundraiser to earn money for the new stadium. For the fundraiser she organized a flag football tournament, Blister's BBQ came out to barbecue, and bounce houses were set up for the kids to play in. I was asked to come up and make balloon animals. How can you say no to making balloon animals? So, we made another trip to Idaho.

Making balloons was a lot of fun. I even taught Andy and Oscar how to make balloon flowers, both of them have some talent.

When I went to buy the balloons I needed for the event, I noticed some tattoo mustaches for sale and I could not resist buying them. One night Russell said that he wanted a mustache. Our first attempt at applying the mustache did not go so well. We made a second attempt and had success. Unfortunately, the mustache was too big to fit in between Russell's nose and lip so we cut it in half.

Mister Mustachio

Russell rode back with us to Utah. During our drive back we stopped to get some food. As we were waiting for our food, Russell walked up to an old woman who was waiting for her food and he said, "I have a mustache." She seemed to be caught off guard by this comment, she laughed and said, "Yes you do." Russell responded and said, "If you come to my house, we can give you one too." By this time, the old woman really didn't know what to say. All she could do was laugh. By the time our food was ready a crowd had gathered around Russell to admire his mustache.