Well, after a long absence I'm finally back to share the most recent adventures. The last three weeks spent in Utah were very restfull and enjoyable. We left Tues, Aug. 12 after work and I drove my car while Shae, Eric and Sarah drove in their car. We had a slight hiccup when we made a brief stop in Simi Valley and I realized I had forgotten my entire bag of toiletries at home. I was extremely frustrated with that and going back would take an extra hour roundtrip. Fortunately family came to the rescue - Christopher was coming up a few days later and agreed to bring it with him. I had to make due with buying a few essentials (toothbrush, etc) and then borrowed the rest from Shae and Shantel for a few days. So, we were on our way again.
We drove thru the night, arriving in Provo just after 7am. I made it most of the way but had to ask Shae to take over driving my car the last couple of hours. Then, while Shantel went to work and Shae and Eric took a nap, Sarah went with me to the Orem Howard's with me where I would be staying. We visited with Sue for an hour or so and then I took Sarah to visit her Aunt for a few hours. I showered and got ready and then went back over to Shantel's.
That evening, after everyone was home from work and Brynne had joined us we all went out for a 'college night out'. We went to dinner at JDawgs, a small little hot dog stand just south of campus. Following dinner we went and played a 30 min. game of laser tag. We had another man and his son join us and we split into two teams. Despite Shae tumbling down the stairs before the game even started (resulting in a very sore hip and a big gash in her forearm), me running headlong into a wall and coming out dripping with sweat, we had an awesome time! We got our scores and excitedly rehashed our adventures in the dark. I am very proud to brag that I came out ranking #1. Shae ranked #2 and I believe Brynne ranked #3. It was a blast!
We then grabbed the makings for ice cream sundays and cooled off.
The next afternoon we attended the first graduation ceremony in the Marriott Center for all the graduates. Shantel officially became alumni! Her fellow Cougar aunt is very proud of her.
The next day was Shantel's graduation for her individual college. Afterward Shantel needed to spend a moment pondering the question 'Why do we have a statue of a Ute Indian on our campus?'
We then all went for lunch at Joe Verra's and afterwards we went for another rousing game of laser tag, this time joined by Christopher and Shantel's dad and uncle. Hmmmm, hate to brag again, but guess who ranked #1 again? Me! Shae got #2 again and if I remember correctly Shantel moved up to #3 this time (I'm too busy remembering who ranked #1).
Saturday morning bright and early (7am) Shantel and Aaron convinced us all to hike to the 'Y' with them. It was not my favorite experience, but somehow we made it, some with more ease than others.
Sunday morning Eric, Shae, Christopher and Sarah headed back to California and I drove up to Tremonton. The rest of the week I spent each night at a different aunt or uncle's home working my way back south from Tremonton to Ogden to Centerville to South Jordan. Thanks everyone for letting me visit with you! Friday night Brynne and I attended a session in the Salt Lake Temple. I stayed with her and Corlyss from Friday thru the following Thursday. I also spent time visiting with my friend Sara Bluth and her mom Pat, and Joel & Carrie.
Labor Day weekend Brynne & I were joined by Mom, Dad, Deven, Sara and Owen and attended the Owen & Rachel Howard Reunion. The attendance was fairly low but we enjoyed spending time together. Monday we packed up and each headed home our separate ways. I stopped in Vegas to enjoy a visit and stay with Eric & Breezy (congrats to Eric on being one of the 12 Outstanding Airman of the Year for the Air Force!!). I drove home Tuesday and was happy in one sense to be home and sad in another. Oh well, I guess it's back to reality now....
+web.jpg)
