Before and After

Stay tuned... I went with Yvonne (my friend who does my hair and has been teaching me how to cut Justin's for the last 4 months) to buy my clippers and scissors. Tonight's the night for me to do it all on my own! I'm going to take before and after pictures of the massacre -just for posterity's sake. Wish Justin luck, he's a brave, brave man!

It can't be worse than this, right??

Opportunity Costs

While some of you know my aspirations for international experience, to some this could be a surprise. My undergraduate degree has an itty bitty minor attached in International Business, and my MBA has an international and entrepreneurial focus.

I like to travel. Most of the time I look for opportunities to leave home at least once a month, but sometimes more. It amazes me that I get this urge to pack up an leave every now and then because I sure do love coming back home. Three days is the perfect vacation in my eyes.

This is all coming up because within the next year it is our plan to move. The jury is still out on foreign v. domestic, but the move is on. My immediate options in the US would be Boston, MA, Reston, VA, Redwood City, CA, or Minneapolis, MN. Internationally we have Mississauga, ON, Canada; Bangalore, India; Bogota, Columbia; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Syndey, Australia.

It is important and more convenient to have these international experiences earlier in order to better position myself for future career opportunities, but there are many things to think about. What are your thoughts?

The Hunt for Red (& Blue) October

No, this is not a review for a movie that came out in 1990.

It's now the 3rd week of September... and guess what? We're three games away from the division championship -and it's been a while since Boston did that. I was excited to see Manny this morning on Sports Center (Haven't seen him for the last 25 games) and we're on our way! Granted... it's not May anymore -we're not 11 or 15 games ahead of the Yankees, but I'll take 3. The next 6 games are against the A's (who Boston beat last night) and the Twinns -which don't have the best record in the league (.490). So... that's promising.

Not to mention that the Yankee's have 5 more games to TRY and catch up. (They're playing the last 2 ranked teams in the division... but they lost to Tampa Bay last night -so there's hope.)

Kathy -looks like you'll get your money's worth out of that extra cable package you purchased for the play-off games afterall!

How to Run a 5K

I'm not a runner. I do, on occasion run on a treadmill or at Sugar House Park, but I'm not a 'runner'. Thanks to my spinning classes (oddly enough I'm not really a 'biker' either, but I'm enjoying spinning) I feel like my endurance has increased quite a bit... but my achy joints do not appreciate much running.

However... I wanted to share my running program for the last 2 weeks in order to get ready for this Saturdays race. (http://www.drapertheater.com/)

Spinning twice a week. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Elliptical's every other that I'm at the gym. No running so far. Actually, I did run for 12 minutes last week -it nearly killed me.

How is it that I can practically race on an elliptical -not to mention during spinning class- but when it comes to actually running I fall short. We'll see how Saturday goes!

How much is too much?

This is a question that can be asked of many different things. I asked myself this last night in regards to estrogen. How much estrogen (in a room) is too much? I'm not a real 'girly girl' and I've never had large groups of girlfriends -although my numbers did got up when my guy friends started marrying off and I needed a new group of friends. The idea of a large room full of (mostly) women frightens and intimidates me. I could only IMAGINE how poor Justin felt last night.

Justin was one of 4 or 5 guys last night at a 'special guests dinner' at a golf course we went to. He almost left me there by myself to go hit a few golf balls, but I showed him a couple of other men, and he reluctantly joined me.

This is all leading up to WHY we were in this estrogen-filled room last night. And, here it is... my big announcement... I don't know why I'm stalling...

I've decided to give Mary Kay a chance. -Not THE Mary Kay (she passed away a little while ago) but her company. I've been thinking about it for over a month now, and after Justin gave the marketing plan a solid OK, we decided to take the plunge. I'm not that big into make-up, but I've really liked the Mary Kay product over the years and would like to use it, and if I can make a little money while doing it, why not, right?

Actually, I could give you a list of "why nots"', -it's right next to my list of "'why to's", but I've nearly forgotten them, and I'm looking forward the upcoming challenge. Sort of.

So... please don't start screening my calls, I promise not to be a 'Mary Kay Stalker' (one of their terms, not mine), but, I might beg a few of you to be my guinea pigs and let me try out my sweet party skills on you one of these days. I promise to not put hot pink lipstick on any of you -unless that's what you're in to!

A Dear Friend

I got a call from my friend, Tracy, from New Zealand last night. Actually she's called a couple of times this weekend, and I've always missed her calls. We finally caught up last night. She mentioned that they have the Internet at her house now, and when she googled my name (or searched, I guess I'm not sure if she actually 'googled' it) she ended up find this blog!

YEAH!

Tracy, I love you and miss you. You're an inspiration to me everyday. I wish you and your family all the best. Hope you get to stay out of hospital and start feeling better soon. Tell Paul that I'll be around one of these days for that coffee he's aways promised me!

Tagged

This was from my cousin Annie...

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
Barney Legacy

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Americone Dream Oreo

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
M-Laf
4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
Purple Dog
5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
Hardcastle Provo (yet one more reason why girls need middle names)

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)Laf-Me
7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
The Red Water
8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers)
DeWayne Donald

9. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)
Happy Kit Kat

10.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names )
Petersen Bryan (Another reason why girls need middle names)

11. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
Neiswander Newark

12. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower)
Spring Daisy

13. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)Watermelon skirty

14. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
Fiber One Cottonwood

15. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)
The Reading Rain Tour

A night out

Justin and I bought season tickets to the symphony and went last night. The music was great and the guest who played the piano was really good and quite entertaining.
Here are my other observations of the evening...

1. A guy in jeans with white adidas shoes and pink stripes

2. A girl wearing a hot pink dress that looked like it couldn't decide to be a prom dress or a night gown.


3. Said girl in pink had on high heels that had CLEAR HEELS and they lit up like kids sneakers -I'm not joking.

4. A women with TWO of those walking poles that look a awful lot like ski poles

5. A guy in a tux wearing a bolo tie where the middle thing was at LEAST 5 inches tall.



6. A banana clip

7. A couple sat down next to us and said that we were in their seats. Justin looked at their tickets, and we were indeed in their seats. But, since their tickets were for the 15th, and it happened to be the 14th, we decided to stay just where we were.


8. A guy sitting next to me wearing green pants, blue socks, brown shoes and a black jacket.


9. Two gentleman in front of us who might have wished they were somewhere else. Before and during intermission they were talking about their fantasy football leagues.


10. And my favorite was an older man in front of my in line at the drinking fountain during intermission. He was wearing a red suit (it was made out of that fake silk looking material that's really thin and almost scratchy). It wasn't just a red suit... it was jacket, shirt and tie, all made out of the same material. Along with the matching pants, that were AT LEAST 6 inches too short and brown socks and shoes. Hot.

Today

I'm sick. I'm overdosing on Zicam, Vitamin C, and DayQuil. So far it's working.

A Day to Remember...

I heard on the radio the other morning that a few elementary schools (I'm not sure if any of them were local) decided not to have any kind of memorial service or even a moment of silence today. The reason offered to the reporter was that the kids were too young and didn't remember the events of September 11, 2001.

Isn't the the POINT of a memorial? To remember, or remind, us of an event or person? How many of you (myself included) know the date that Pearl Harbor was attacked, or D-day, or many other events that have shaped our lives and our country over the years?

I thought I'd share just a few thoughts with you today... to remember that day and how it continues to effect me.

I was home the morning of September 11th. Sick. I remember getting up that morning to an empty house, making myself a peanut butter and jam toast with a glass of milk. I turned on the Today Show just long enough to eat and take my pills. It took at least 2 or 3 minutes of staring at the TV to realize what I was watching. I changed the channel, and realized that whatever was going on was real, and it was pretty big. As I started focusing on what the TV was saying my dad walked in. He was on his way to work, I believe, and turned back around. We watched for quite some time before either of us said anything. My mom called home shortly afterwards from the hospital to ask if I was up and if I knew what had happened.

The next few days consisted of waking and sleeping on the couch, with the constant glare of the TV. Because I was on some pretty heavy-duty pain killers, any sleep that came to me was accompanied with strange and vivid nightmares.

I left for the MTC 3 weeks later, on Oct 3rd. I remember anytime I was out of the house between the 11th and when I left, I saw flags. Our flag was everywhere. On every business, every home, cars passing by, and peoples apparel. I liked seeing the flag displayed so often.

The next thought I wanted to share happened 5 months later. Salt Lake City was hosting the Olympics. I was in my second area on my mission and our Mission President gave the missionaries permission to watch the opening ceremonies at a members home. I was sitting in the Siulua's home with my companion and the elders, and most of their large family. I was excited to see images of Utah and wondered if I would feel homesick -something I hadn't really felt up until that point.

What I did feel surprised me a little. It wasn't the images of the mountains and valleys and temple that caused emotion, it was the moment when public figures in our society brought out the dirty and tattered American Flag which had flown at Ground Zero. I explained to the other people in the room (none were Americans) that you never saw tattered and dirty flags. They would be taken down and destroyed and a new one hung its place before anyone would really see it. It was quite emotional and moving for me to see that flag.

The third and final thought... (I think I'm starting to ramble) was the feeling I had when I visited Manhattan last summer. It wasn't what I expected, but in some small way it was much more. I hated seeing the street peddlers trying to make a buck selling old photographs, and I wasn't really amused by the preachers warning of fire and brimstone. I was surprised at how much like a construction site it looked like. Because, that's what it is now. But... I suppose it signifies rebuilding, healing, and moving forward. Which is what we have to do in our everyday lives when tragedy strikes.

I was surprised at the personal sentiments displayed on the construction walls. Statements like, "I miss you dad" and "God Bless New York" seemed to express the loss and determination that the community and nation has to rebuild and move forward. Here are a few of my pictures from that visit.

I don't see the elephant...

For those of you (which is probably at least HALF) that read this blog... I'm NOT going to write about Bevan. You have all done it justice, and I decided to write in my journal instead (yes, I'm still keeping a private journal that is NOT published on the Internet).

For those of you NOT in my family, by mom's uncle passed away yesterday. He was rather close to our family because he never married and had a family of his own, so he was involved in family celebrations and holiday's more often than he might have been otherwise. He had been quite sick for the last few months and the short story is, he's in a better place and no longer in any pain, which is a blessing.

So, I'll avoid the elephant in the room, and talk about what else I did this weekend.

Justin's been out of town since Friday evening. I went to visit my cute niece and her mom after I took him to the airport. Shondel is making Laila her Halloween costume... and I'm WAY excited to see her in it. She's going to be Wally (or maybe Wilma -is that a good female version of Wally???) the Green Monster. I'm excited to see it.

Saturday I went to do a 5K with Yvette and a few other friends ended up being there. I didn't run most of it, but I did enough to be pretty sore the rest of today, which doesn't take much.

I hurried home and got ready and went with Justin's mom and Shondel to Gardener Village to look around and have lunch, which was fun. When I got back from that I helped Yvette make a wedding cake and then drove 'up north'. Which is any place north of Salt Lake.

I went to a reunion in Roy. Not a high school reunion (Ugh) but another type of reunion, which was a little different. The ward I grew up in, -Roy 13th- had a reunion and invited everyone who had ever been a member of the ward to attend. It was nice to see alot of the people that have known me for most of my life. There were a few awkward moments (I admit I didn't send wedding invitations to EVERYONE) and I don't blame Jodi AT ALL for not wanting to come. Turns out I should have wore a sign (bigger than my wedding ring and new last name in ( ) on my chest) to announce, that yes, I am in fact MARRIED. It was the first (and sometimes) only question I got. Other than knowing more than I ever really wanted to know about everyone's individual grandchildren, it was a nice activity and I think we're (I went with my parents) are glad that we went.

After the reunion we went to a wedding reception of my brother Gordon's friend. He happens to be the little brother of my best friend growing up, Kristin, so I thought I'd tag along to that as well and see her and her family. That was fun to see her parents and her kids -I need to be better at stopping by when I'm 'up north' more often.

We met Jodi and had dinner. Justin had called and let me know about the emails that Paul and Karen had just sent about Bevan. We talked about that for a while and then I left to come home. My mom called and let me know that Bevan had passed away before I even got on the freeway.

What a day.

One Hundred and One... and I'm not talking about Dalmations

This post will be started today (September 4, 2007) but it will not be finished today. (I do have to get SOME work done) But... I was inspired to write a post entitled 101 things about ME... so here goes.
1. I am 27.

2. I am tall. (5' 11")




3. I have blue eyes.




4. I have brown hair (usually).

5. I have opinions about most things, but feel insecure in all things.

6. I am loved. By my family. By my friends. And most of all, by my wonderful husband.

7. I have plans for the future, but am fearful of taking the first step.

8. I feel, and have felt for some time, that I would make a good 'obscenely rich person'. I'm talking an obscene amount of money... not just 'well-off.' I know that these people still struggle and have their own set of problems, but I think I would be willing to have their problems. And, that I'd be good at it. I'd be a really nice 'rich' person. I'd give a lot away, I'd volunteer my time, and I would raise my kids to be well grounded and humble. I'm just saying... if ever given the opportunity, I'd think I'd be good at it.




9. I don't need an 'obscene' amount of money to make me happy. And... I hope my children will be well-grounded and humble anyway. With or without money.

10. I like to travel.

11. I have had many friends in my life. All of whom I continue to love and many I miss on a daily basis.


12. I am a Pisces.

13. I still have to look up how to spell Pisces.

14. I have 20/20 vision -thanks to lasik eye surgery.

15. I am a Viking (Valley View Elementary), a Redskin (Roy Jr), a Royal (Roy High) and an Aggie (Utah State).


16. I am a Red Sox Fan. I love Boston, the "T", and Green Monstah... and watched as they won the world series in '04 and 'beat the curse'.





17. I am a grand-daughter, a daughter, a sister, a sister-in-law, a niece, a wife, and an aunt. I am also a caseworker, co-worker, teacher, and friend.





18. I'm a 'dog person'. Always have been. Always will be.




19. I have traveled to California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, Idaho, New York, Massachusetts, Mexico, London, Paris, Raratonga (Cook Islands) and New Zealand.
(And I've had lay-overs in Illinois, and Georgia.)

20. I did NOT have to look up how to spell Massachusetts.

21. I like to have my toe nails painted a dark color.

22. I am afraid of falling and hitting my teeth on the ground.

23. I used to suck my thumb.

24. I'm afraid of heights, but I love roller coasters and want to go skydiving.

25. I carry 2 cell phones and a palm pilot with me at all times. I need a treo.

26. I like to bake, and I eat the batter. Even if it has eggs in it.

27. I have kept a journal most of my life.

28. I work for the State of Utah.

29. I applied for a graduate program at the University of Utah. I didn't get in. I received my final 'loser-letter' the same day I went on my first date with my now-husband. I think I got the better end of the the deal!


30. I am the oldest of 4 kids. I am a typical 'oldest child' personality type.

You Are Likely a First Born

At your darkest moments, you feel guilty. At work and school, you do best when you're researching. When you love someone, you tend to agree with them often. In friendship, you are considerate and compromising. Your ideal careers are: business, research, counseling, promotion, and speaking. You will leave your mark on the world with discoveries, new information, and teaching people to dream.

The Birth Order Predictor

31. Over the years I've wanted to be a dentist, a teacher, a lawyer, a mom, and a therapist, but never a caseworker.

32. I am a caseworker for the State of Utah.

33. I've eaten a pigs eye. It was disgusting -don't do it. I've also eaten pigs brain and lambs tail. All things I don't ever need to do again.

34. I started reading Harry Potter (the FIRST book) when everyone else was reading the 7th book. I'll get there.





35. I bought a wedding dress at the first shop I went in to. And, I loved it.







36. I am still friends with my best friend from kindergarten.

37. I have been with someone when they died.

38. My favorite ice cream is cookies 'n' cream and strawberry cheesecake.

39. I hate reality TV. I hate fake reality TV. I don't watch any kind of reality TV -this includes local news. This does NOT include Ace of Cakes http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_db. This is the exception that proves the rule. I love Ace of Cakes.

40. I don't really have a favorite color. I like green and purple -not the barney type. But... I love the combination of Red and Blue too -that might have something to do with the Red Sox.

41. I've always struggled with my weight, and expect that I always will.

42. Including the moves in New Zealand while serving an LDS mission, I've technically moved 17 times.

From Provo to Clearfield to Roy. From Roy to Logan 4 different times. I've lived in 3 different apartments in Salt Lake City, and I moved 4 different times in New Zealand.

42. I have belonged to many groups and teams over the years. Soccer, softball, tap dancing, basketball, and singing groups. I do not belong to any groups or teams as an adult.

43. I love watching movies. I love reading about movies. I love reading screenplays for movies.

44. I like trying new recipes.

45. I've started to participate in 5K's this year. I'll do 3 by the end of the September. Maybe next year I'll try a 10K. No promises.

46. I love going to the dentist. Especially when he gives me laughing gas.






47. I used to have a huge crush/obsession with Matt Damon. It's now moved from an obsession to a appreciation for his good looks, acting ability, and choice in movie scripts. -Oh, and... the Boston/Red Sox factor. This is MUCH healthier.


48. I drive a subaru. My dad has owned 2 subaru's. My sister drives a subaru and my sister-in-law just bought a new subaru. Draw your own conclusions.


49. I went to Paris, France and London, England on my honeymoon. Yep, pretty sweet!

50. I can't believe I'm only half-way done with my list. This is hard.

51. I listen to only one radio station. I'm not exaggerating. If the radio is on (which it is every morning from 6-10 and throughout most of the day) it's on one radio station. In my car I only have one preset saved, and it's at 96.3 FM. I'm addicted (and have been for some time now -FOP since 1993) to the morning show... "Radio from Hell with Kerry, Bill, and Gina. KXRK. Provo, Ogden, Salt Lake City, IS X96. http://www.x96.com/12605TIME/djs/rfh.asp I don't always agree with them, but I do more often than not. And either way, they make me smile, and they make the gym more bearable.

52. I have... no fewer than 5 email addresses I check daily. I'm sure there are many more that have expired or I've forgotten about. gmail, hotmail, yahoo, red-sox.net, and utah.gov. I need to simplify.

53. My motto for my life (yes I have a motto -it's a long story) is

SMILE AND BE GRATEFUL

54. I like calenders. I have wall calenders in my office and kitchen. And I use my palm pilot constantly, as well as a google.com calender.

55. I love the DVR (TiVo). I love to record shows and watch them later, and I've always hated commercials, so now I never have to watch them.

56. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

57. I play the piano and organ. I can sort of play the guitar, I wish I was better.




58. I know my best friends email (and most other things) password, and I have for probably 9 years. And she knows mine -if she remembers it.




59. I don't like telling people what I'm really thinking. It scares me worse than anything. Luckily, I married someone who is the exact opposite and forces me to face that fear. Sometimes I'm not very good at it though.

60. I hate to be late. I'd rather be early. I get anxious when I even think I might be late to things.

61. I can wiggle my ears.

62. I have some regrets, but I know I can't change the past and wouldn't choose to.








63. My favorite Sesame Street character is Grover.

64. My favorite Disney character is Winnie the Pooh -but I prefer Classic Pooh

65. My favorite scent at Bath and Body Works is Coconut Lime Verbena. I also love citrus scents.

66. I don't listen to the words of songs.

67. I like that my family doubled (or even tripled) when I got married.

68. I am quite critical of other people, but even more of myself.

69. I absolutely LOVE getting full-body massages. If I had the time and money I would get one every week. Who am I kidding... every day-but I'd settle for once a month.

70. I love children's books. I have a collection of about 150. I stopped buying them (or at least large quantities of them) about a year ago. I'm sure I'll start again when I have actual children. My favorites authors are, Ian Falconer (Olivia series), Dr. Seuess, Janell Cannon, Max Lucado, David Shannon (David books), and Lorna and Lecia Balian (The Animal)

71. I can't fall asleep if my feet are cold.

72. I choose Miracle Whip over Mayonnaise, Skim Milk over 2%, the toilet paper goes over the top, and I like runny macaroni & cheese. Corn chips over potato chips, air travel over road trips, crunchy over creamy peanut butter and being 10 minutes early over 5 minutes late.

73. If I could choose a super-power it would to be invisible.

74. I only like to drink ice-cold water. I hate room temperature liquid. I had a hard time in Europe with this.

75. I have seen every episode of Friends, Will & Grace, ER, the Office, and Rescue Me. Several times.

76. I wish I would have taken photography and pottery in high school.

77. I drive a 1992 Subaru Legacy. I have a Red Sox and New Zealand sticker on the window and a AAA bumper sticker. I need to get a 'Buy Local First Utah' sticker.
78. I prefer to buy from local merchants. It's more money out our pockets, but better for our economy overall. I hate Wal-Mart, and apart from an unfortunate visit for parade supplies in July, I haven't shopped there for almost 2 years.

79. This why I hate Wal-Mart. http://www.walmartmovie.com/

80. My favorite flower is a daisy with a purple center and the underside of the petals are purple. They grew like weeds in New Zealand. I have no idea what they're called.

81. I wish I drove a hybrid car.

82. My parents are still married. Almost 29 years.










83. My favorite movie is Good Will Hunting.


84. I don't smoke and I don't drink. Although I've tried both.

85. One of my biggest fears is having infertility problems.

86. I put lotion on every day, usually several times a day.

87. I don't like confrontation.

88. My favorite quote of all time is:

Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow

Don't walk behind me, I may not lead

Just walk beside me and be my friend.

89. Sometimes I count the steps when I walk, or how many seconds it takes me to do things. This is a very slight OCD characteristic. I have other OCD traits... but they're also pretty insignificant. Or, at least that's what I tell myself.

90. I'm a liberal. But, I'm liberal for Utah, which isn't probably that liberal.

91. I was named after a girl that my mom used to baby-sit. I went to her wedding quite a few years ago with my mom, it was kind of weird.

92. I collect bells. This is not one of my bells, but I have several that are similar. I don't know why there's a pair of glasses in the picture.

93. I've had many nicknames over the years... Mel, Mel Bell, Mellons, Melly, Harcase, Softshack, Hard-lee. My favorite is Melly.

94. I was a vegetarian for 2 and a half years. It started when I was in 9th grade. I wasn't a very good vegetarian, I was anemic all the time. The first meal I had with meet in it was at my uncles wedding and it was chicken cordon bleu. I love meat now.

95. My favorite holiday is Christmas.

96. I am fairly successful as a professional, but have a hard time seeing myself that way.

97. I have arthritis.

98. I worked at a Boy Scout Camp. Actually everyone by my mom sister has worked at a Boy Scout Camp. My dad's a Professional Scout, so I guess it just comes with the territory.

99. I never wear high heals. See # 2 for an explanation. I did buy my first (and only) pair of 'hooker boots' last year. I only wear them when Justin's out of town.

100. I love having lunch with friends.

101. I am sarcastic. It's toned down over the years... but it's definatley still there.

Ha! I can't believe I'm finished! I also can't believe anyone would want to read all of that. But... it was an interesting few days while I was writing it, I'm glad I did.

Matt Damon on Letterman 06/05/07 RED SOX!!!!!

It's September... and I'm still smiling!

We're not still where we were a couple of months ago.. (sorry for the video, but you get the idea)

And... Kathy always reminds me when I get excited in May and June about how far the red sox are in the standings. BUT -it's September and we're still 6 game ahead AND Buchholz pitched a no-hitter the other night. I won't mention the unfortunate sweep by said Yankees in the series before, but the good thing is that the yanks are losing... and now we're winning. October is only 4 weeks away, and it's looking good!

Take a left after Hades

This doesn't actually describe my weekend... but it was pretty close.
Friday I went with my mom, sister, and sister-in-law, went to Swiss Days in Midway. This was a new experience for most of us (in case you were wondering it's my mom who has been there -a bunch of times).

It was ALOT of crafts and women and strollers. I'm not a mom, and don't own a stroller, so I might not have the empathy for these stroller derby ladies... but I doubt they could have enjoyed pushing a stroller in a crowded grassy area. And... I also doubt the rest of us enjoyed being run over by said strollers.

Then we went shopping... for the next 6 hours at the outlet shops in Park City. We went to dinner on Main Street, stayed at the hotel NEXT to the outlet shops in Park City (thanks to Justin for such a great location) and then shopped in the morning for a couple of hours.
We have no pictures to prove we were at Swiss Days -other than a Swiss Days sign taken from the car on our way out of Midway... sorry mom.

I DID, on the other hand, take pictures at the camp ground that Justin's family stayed at the same weekend. Which... happened to be the first left after HADES. (For those of you not familiar with Mythology, Hades [hey-deez]: the underworld inhabited by departed souls). So... enjoy