Birthday-Day 2

Birthday-Day 1

Seattle, WA day one...

I arrived in Seattle, WA Saturday afternoon. My long time friend Torrey picked me up and took me to see Mia. I was Mia's nanny for three years and we have remained very close. I always joke that we are sisters since that's how it felt after three years of caring for her. I couldn't believe how big she's gotten. She's wearing make-up and going to dances. After that we drove over to the RAM in University Village to meet a bunch of my friends for dinner. I love the University Village and it feels a lot like home there. I lived just a couple of blocks away in my cute little apartment for three years and shopped at the Village almost every day. I know...but there were good deals to find! Although that is the reason I have a giant storage unit full of stuff just sitting there as I live my life else where. My friends Torrey, Zennie, Katie Burke, Stacey, and Katie Thompson (and family) all met me for dinner. Zennie and I have know each other for a very long time and loved hearing all about her kids. Her and her husband once took me to Hawaii and I had my first "first class" experience. We have a lot of good memories together.Later another of my long time friends Katie Thompson and family came. We lived together when her daughter was just a baby. I loved living with two young single mothers and spending time with their kids. Katie's daughter Alexa and I used to dance around the kitchen to the Backstreet Boys every Sunday. No matter how big she gets I will always think of her as that baby I loved. I also hadn't seen her little boy since he was an infant and he looked so different. I wanted to give him everything he pointed to and gave the more sign to, so I got him a balloon. It was just too cute. There's something so special about reuniting with old friends that you know will be a part of your life forever. I love them like family and am so glad I got a chance to spend time with them.

Olympia, WA day two...

I know...a LOT of pictures. There were just so many good ones to choose from. Sunday I called Brandon and he rounded up the troops. Rachel, Brandon and Little "B" came. It was the first time I had met "B" and he was so cute, mellow, and tiny. I can't wait to watch him grow up. Next Patti and John came over. I actually had a gotten to spend a little more time with them being that I crashed at there place while I was in town. They were so sweet. Gave up there nice, warm queen size bed for me while they slept on the couch. They insisted. We played Guitar Hero till the early morning hours and I learned that drumming is hard. Couldn't get the stick to hit at the same time. Last came Martin, Andy and Little Martin. Little Martin cracks me up. He is such a rough tough daring little boy. I would hug him forever if I could just catch the little bugger. My trip was so short I had to see people in bulks, so next I headed over to see my family. Again, I couldn't believe how big all my siblings had gotten. They entertained me with all their music talent. I never get to see them so I was thoroughly enjoying it. They are multi-talented boys and I am very proud of them. Last my brother Gabriel came over and we all hung out and reminisced about the good and bad. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. LOVE them ALL!

Momentum...

Went rock climbing for my 2nd time at Momentum last night with my friend Jon. My first time being 9 years ago in the Canyons here in Utah. Didn't get very far. I felt a LOT safer at Momentum, but still needed a cheerleader like Jon to not let me give up so easily. The dialog went something like this. Me: "It's getting harder." (I look down.) "Okay, I think I'm ready to come down now." Jon: "Nope, you're almost there. Just one more step higher." (I step higher...look down.) Me: Okay, now I'm really ready." Jon: No,you can do it. Just touch the pole. You're almost there." (I reach for the pole, but can't touch it.) Me: "Okay, now I'm really, really ready. REALLY!!!"

I'm excited to get better and conquer this fear of heights. Now, I see why people love this sport...addicting!

The Narrows...

Me and a couple of guys (Ben and Lenny) drove down to Zion and hiked Angels Landing and Orderville this past weekend. I thought I knew what a hike was, but Orderville was a whole new experience for me. 75% of the hike was spent in the freezing cold water. We swam (I chose to ride logs), climbed, slid, and walked from point to point. The excitement helped you forget about your frozen joints. Angels Landing was an experience I chose not to fully partake...too dangerous!

Vegas weekend...

We all drove down to Vegas for Annikki's 30th birthday. Went clubbing which I am not a huge fan of. So, my friend Easton picked me up and let me crash at his loft while the girls partied it up to the early morning hours. Then I tagged along shopping with him and his girlfriend Blythe (adorable), then met up with the girls (Annikki and Elizabeth) for more shopping, exploring, and eating. We went back to the hotel and had a fun little celebration, hit the sack then did a little more shopping before our drive home. It was a fun weekend!