Blanding...The Base Camp to Adventure

Our hair is longer and our spirit is renewed after a weekend stay in Blanding! Anything goes in Blanding...you don't have to cut your hair or shower, you can eat cookies for breakfast, fall asleep watching T.V., ride 4-wheelers until you drop, and jump on the trampoline all day! It's no wonder why Hank wants to move there. On our way home we had a conversation with Hank that went something like this:

Hank: "Dad, we need to move somewhere."
Randy: "Where?"
Hank: "Blanding...we can buy a black 4-wheeler, and yellow 4-wheeler, get a dog named Red dog and a dog named Shooter, and a trampoline..."
Randy: "Where will I work?"
Hank: "You don't have to work, Grandpa Griff has lots of money, or you could get a credit card."

This conversation went on for an hour while we were stuck in traffic going through Spanish Fork Canyon. His enthusiasm for Blanding has earned him the name "Ranch Guy 4". Griff seems to think he is Ranch Guy 1, 2, and 3. Max proved himself quite the 4-wheeler rider. We took him on a four hour ride and he cried when we got home because he wanted more! This earned him the title of "Ranch Guy 5".

This is the morning before we left for Blanding. They were so excited...and clean!

Breakfast at the Old Tymer

Notice the hair getting longer!

Ranch Guy 4 didn't mind the rainy weather.

Ranch Guy 5 was such a trooper on our four hour ride.


This was after our marathon ride...he didn't want to get off! This is such a classic Max face!

Hank was reluctant at first to have me drive the 4-wheeler, but I think I proved myself. He kept checking on me the entire ride. "Mom, how are you doing? Does your back hurt?"

This was such a gorgeous ride! The weather even cooperated.


Apparently horses jump on the trampoline in Blanding. Hank really wanted to ride Stryder but Stryder had other plans. Maybe one day Griff will get some horses we can all ride...hint hint!


Max was OBSESSED with Red Dog. He knew were she was at all times. What a sweet dog she is. Max loved petting her and kissing her. It was the first thing he did when he woke up every day.
We had a great weekend but unfortunately my thoughts were back home. My sweet Grandpa Karl had some complications with a procedure in the hospital and we almost lost him on Friday. Sarah and mom kept me posted on everything and assured me he would be o.k. I hated being away from my family during this crisis. Everything reminds me of him, especially being outdoors around horses. I am so grateful he's doing better. If anyone can rebound from an ordeal it's him. It was so great to see him last night when we got home. Hopefully he keeps getting stronger every day. I love him so much.

The Award for Best Counter at Bear Hollow Preschool Goes To...

I know...the suspense is killing you!

Of course....Hank is officially the best number man in preschool! He recognizes numbers up to 100 and can count that high as well. What a little genius! He gets that from me.

What a little stud! He is totally rockin' that bear head band.

Hank got to be the flag holder as they sang "God Bless America" and he took his flag bearing responsibilities serious. Max kept his chair warm for him.

Hank did so well in school this year. I am so proud of him and the sweet boy he is. Thankfully we have one more year of preschool...I'm not ready to send him to Kindergarten! My babies are growing up way too fast.

Bula and Vinaka Fiji '09

I am in love with Fiji! It is the most incredible place I've ever traveled to. Hawaii pales in comparison. Fiji is more beautiful, the people are more friendly, and the experience is far more authentic. We had an amazing time...here is a recap with tons of pictures!

The plane ride wasn't as bad as I expected. We flew on the biggest plane I've ever seen. There are two levels on this plane. Randy and I sat upstairs which was pretty cool.

The first three days were spent on the main island at the Outrigger resort. This is the view from our room. It rained the entire time we were there. We still managed to keep ourselves entertained.

Randy and his signature drink...as long as it came with a flower on the side he was happy.

Randy singing with the band...I believe he's singing "Hotel California" here. He jammed out with them numerous times. He kept asking them if they knew any Def Leopard...surprisingly they didn't.

The food was amazing. We ate A LOT!!

These guys walked on fire for us!

By far the coolest thing we did was a whitewater river rafting trip. We had a two hour bus ride into the heart of a rain forest. It was breathtakingly beautiful. The rapids weren't too intense but enough to get my heart pumping!

Our river guide asked us if we wanted a back massage and took us to this waterfall. We climbed up the rocks and walked behind the water. I only made it half way, the water pressure was so intense I felt like I couldn't breathe. Randy went all the way through and the guide had him lay on his stomach and let the water beat down on him.

We had the coolest river guide named Moses. He's the one on the left and he had thousands of stories. He lives in the village along this river. Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, Bill Gates, and the cast of Survivor Fiji all were guided down this river by Moses.
We also had a day at an amazing spa near our hotel. Randy had his first massage and wasn't sure he liked it. I, on the other hand, could have one every day. Maybe he should have gone for the facial or pedicure!

After three days, we hopped on this helicopter to head to Castaway Island. Lets just say, it will probably be the last helicopter ride I ever take.

I am so grateful this wasn't the last picture taken of Randy. We had some technical difficulties as we were landing and almost hit a tree, which would've killed us both. Luckily our pilot had enough experience and managed to make an emergency landing on a near by island. Needless to say I'm not a fan of helicopters.


Arriving at this island, made me feel better about things. This is Castaway, aka my home away from home.

This crew welcomed us after our near death experience.

This is our "bure" or home on the island.

This was the view from our porch. Our own little hammock, lawn chairs, canopy, and beach! We could literally walk out the front door and go snorkeling or kayaking.

I practiced yoga every morning to this view. It was surreal, peaceful, and my new "happy place"

The snorkeling was fantastic. I've never seen blue starfish and they were everywhere. The coral was almost as amazing as the fish. I saw the entire cast of Finding Nemo.

Every night we had a setting like this. The weather was gorgeous. We found out our flight got cancelled so we were forced to stay an extra day. Luckily the guy that took us on this trip paid for us to all stay at Castaway instead of some creepy airport motel.

The staff really made us feel at home. Everyone knew our names and greeted us with a "Bula". These are a few of our favorites.

Ben, Randy, Annie, Sam, and the "Rock" in front. He sort of looks like the Rock, right Kate?

BULA!!!! Tuwai was full of personality and energy. We loved this guy. He called Randy "BRRANDY".

He even carried Randy to our boat as we left.

This is Kim and Steve, other insurance people. They were actually really fun to hang out with. The island was really small so we couldn't really avoid all the insurance people. We had so much fun this night. There was a crab race and Randy and I bid on the 3rd place crab and won $99.


Steven, the manager of the resort with Randy and Steve.

This is the insurance crew...we were by far the life of the party! The big guy in the middle owns the company who sent us on this trip. He was so entertaining and intense, I nicknamed him Chris Farley. He and Randy had a mean cannon ball competition.

I have never stayed at a resort where I felt like part of the family. I actually got a little sad when we left. You will never meet nicer, more welcoming people anywhere.

This is one of the reasons I love this place. There was a beautiful hand crafted basin to rinse the sand off our feet before we went into our room and they placed a beautiful flower in it. Those little touches were everywhere. I'm still on "Fiji Time", meaning, I'm moving in slow motion. The jet lag is kicking my butt right now which is why I've been so slow posting these pictures. There is something to be said for taking it slow and taking in the beauty of everyday. Randy and I have fun anywhere but I'm having a hard time finding enough adjectives to describe how wonderful this trip was. Hopefully these pictures do it justice. Thank you mom, dad, Jeri, Scott, James, Darcelle, and everyone else who took care of my babies while we were gone. It's so good to be home with them. I missed them so much.

Fiji update

Just a note to all my friends and family... Randy and I are having the most incredible time here in Fiji. Our flight to come home got cancelled so we are coming home a day later....darn! Other than almost dying in a helicopter we're doing wonderful. Miss you all, especially Hank and Max. This place is paradise...not to rub it in your face or anything!

Birthdays, Taekwondo, and Fiji!

Happy Birthday to me! I turned 29 yesterday much to Hank's dismay. He told me he doesn't want me to have a birthday because then I will be old. How is it possible that 30 is right around the corner? The fact I've been married for almost 10 years, graduated from college 7 years ago (yes college, not high school), and have two children helps me realize I'm not 18 anymore. I have accomplished a lot in my 29 years, however I have much more I would love to do. Life is so short, no time to waste on things that don't inspire me or enrich my life.

I have such amazing friends and family who made my birthday very special. I really look forward to phone calls from everyone, so thank you to all who made the effort. Hank, Max and I watched Sarah's class in their talent show and then ate lunch at the Blue Lemon. If you haven't been there, it is fantastic. The food is really fresh and flavorful and the decor is very cool and modern. I can't believe it is in Highland! I was joined by Kate, Sarah, mom, Grandma Joanne, Grandpa Karl, Grandma Yvonna, and Jeri. My good friend Amanda stopped by later that afternoon for a nice visit. It was great to catch up. Then the door bell rang and I was greeted by a beautiful bouquet of roses from my amazing mother. She does WAY too much for me!
Randy got a babysitter so we could go out to dinner with my family at Outback. It is such a treat to go to dinner without my kids!

Sarah and Brett

Dad, Mom, Randy, Birthday girl (sporting my new outfit, courtesy of Hank and Randy), and Kate
We had a great time and lots of inappropriate conversation. The cake and ice cream was fantastic and the presents were even better. I now have a new wardrobe to take to Fiji. Thank you!!

Our entire family slept in until 8 this morning! I can't remember the last time that has happened. Hank had his first belt promotion test this morning and he did an amazing job. I'm so proud of him. The setting was quite intense but he stood up there and did everything we've been practicing. He had to break a board at the end and was quite shocked when he did! It was hilarious. Our video camera was out of batteries...ugh! Jimmy did great as well. They have made so much progress.

When Hank isn't wearing his Taekwondo uniform he insists on wearing his "cool clothes", which consist of a jersey of some sort, his cubs hat, and either jersey shorts or pants. It's a great look!

We had a BBQ for my dad's birthday tonight. I am convinced I have the coolest dad in the world. My kids are so lucky to know him. Hank told me he wants me to leave on my trip now so he can go fishing with grandpa and then play golf at Riverside. Thanks for taking care of my boys while we are gone. I love you so much dad!

I am feeling very anxious and excited to go on our trip tomorrow. There is so much preparation involved to get myself and the kids ready. I know Hank and Max are in great hands with my parents and Randy's mom, but I will miss those little rats. I'm sure my homesickness will quickly go away when I look out the window and see paradise! We are going to have the time of our lives! How could we not? See you all soon...