Seattle Trip

Spent a quick weekend in Seattle in early December to visit the family. When I asked Jason what was on his "must do" list in Seattle, his only item was to go by the stadium. So here we are at Seahawk Stadium. As a side note, I successfully navigated from the airport, to the train, to the stadium, to the waterfront, to the train, and back to the airport without any problem. Which was a major victory for me. And Jason - and Biz - who were both justifiably worried about my ability to get around in a big city.

 

For months, I had been telling Jason about the waterfront and Ivar's and Ye Olde Curiosity Shop. I had really set this trip up as a visit to my childhood. So you can imagine my dismay (followed by my hysterical laughter) when we got to the waterfront and it was.... completely closed. Silly me. I didn't think to google "the Seattle waterfront" and see if it was closed for construction. Can you close the waterfront? Apparently you can. At least we got to walk over to Pike's Place and watch the guys throw the fish.

And it was still a beautiful night in Seattle. Even if we had to eat hamburgers in the one place that wasn't completely shut down.

Apparently I don't have any pictures from the family gathering on Saturday. We all look pretty much the same as the last few times we've been together.

Finally, we went to the airport plenty early so we could eat at Ivar's. It's not the same as being on the water surrounded by overfed seagulls. But it's still the best fish you'll ever eat.

Until next time, Seattle!!!

Muppets and MoTab



The thing I love best about Temple Square at Christmastime is that it's subtle. Never glitzy or overdone. Like this tastefully decorated tree at the Joseph Smith Building. You can see that less is definitely more.

 

In all seriousness, however, the Tabernacle Choir's Christmas Concert was magical this year. I don't know who came up with the idea to have the Muppets as the special guests, but it was brilliant. Bird Bird directing the choir, Elmo reporting live from Temple Square - it was a really fun show. The only thing we needed was Linda to sign during "Keep Christmas With You All Through the Year."

Giving Thanks

I was having a hard time deciding when I should travel to Idaho over Thanksgiving weekend, until Ashlee told me that her girls were dancing in the Festival of Trees on Friday afternoon. And then I knew that I needed to be in Boise by 2:30 in the afternoon on Friday. Decision made. I danced at the Boise Festival of Trees a time or two myself back in the day, so I had a really good time watching the girls perform with their Irish dance group. Note: I really want to do Irish dancing. Like really bad.

 

Another highlight of the Idaho trip was getting these two ready to go swimming in the hotel pool. Neither wanted to wear the swimsuit that actually fit them so we switched it up and Lauren wore a suit that was too small and Carly wore a suit that was too big. They were pleased as punch. You can't argue with those smiles. Or I can't anyway.

You can always tell when Uncle Aaron is in town because Bryce is sporting a mohawk. I really don't know who put Aaron in charge of hair.

Tyler's baptism day was Saturday!!! Can't believe he's so big. He loved his new white towel with his name on it.

 Happy day all around.

Is it cute to be a Daddy's Girl at 35?

I put up the department Christmas tree on a slow afternoon. What would I do if my Dad didn't work in the building to assemble the tree stand? No really. What. Would. I. Do???

Gratitude

Grace
Reflection
Appreciate
Tranquil
Insight
Thankful
Uplifting
Depth
Enduring

Favorite Aunt Traci's Favorites

The highlight of Halloween for me this year was when these five had returned from trick-or-treating. One member (who shall remain nameless, Mr. Bryce) stripped off his costume in about 2 seconds flat and sat in the living room in his unders shoveling candy into his mouth until he was discovered. Just about anything goes at Grandpa's house. You want to eat candy in your underwear in the living room? Go for it!

A Happy Day

Saturday, November 1st was a special day for our family. We were all able to be in the temple together.

One brother wore a suit jacket for the occassion. But the other brother actually gave me a side-hug. So I'm giving them both points.

 The Girls. All appropriately dressed. (As usual.)

And finally - here's a shot of a group of people who should never pose for a picture together.

#professional

I love when I hear myself say absolutely ridiculous things.

Example: "I'm not sure I want to work for an organization that doesn't own any ice cream scoops."

Fall Fun in Idaho

Rice Krispy Pumpkins? Check.

Cheesey Smiles? Check.

Moments of "Killing Me With Cuteness?" Check.

Church? Check.

Looks like we hit all the required elements for a fantastic weekend trip to Mountain Home. Yay!

Moment of Brilliance

My sister and I had lunch today. We shared a sandwich so that we could both order dessert. Pure genius, if I do say so myself.

Sugar Cookie Saturday

I put Jason's kids to work on Saturday decorating my apartment for Halloween and frosting sugar cookies. I burnt the quesadillas and I don't have On Demand TV- so I doubt they're going to want to spend a lot of Saturday afternoons at my place. 

 

At least no one can accuse me of not letting them lick their fingers while they were frosting cookies.

Kicking It Old School

I wouldn't want anyone to assume that the reason that I volunteered with United Way's Day of Caring on September 11th is because I wanted one of the "Live United" tee shirts. Clearly, the opportunity to have my picture taken with Chester the Cheetah was also a motivator. As a bonus, I got to spend a work day playing with underprivileged children. It was a neat day.

Friday night I went to Wendover to see Collin Raye in concert. I was really impressed with his voice - and especially his cover of One Direction's "Story of My Life." Who knew Collin Raye was so versatile?

Saturday night was another concert, this one at Usana. I hope no one goes back in time and tells my 15 year-old self that grown-up Traci went to see Alabama in concert. (Or that I wore cowboy boots.) I know my teenage self would be really disappointed in me. But the concert was fun and the people watching at Usana is always spectacular.

Note to Self

To the person who thought scheduling a dentist appointment for 7am on a Monday morning was a good idea:

It wasn't.

Signed,
The Management

My Nieces Are Cuter Than Yours

Another Recap Post

I saw a little sign the other day that said, "Someday I want my life to be as awesome as I make it sound on Facebook." There's some truth to that. With that said - here are some pictures from my awesome life!

 

Lagoon with my family. Tanner and Lauren loved the rides in Kiddieland. They would hop off one ride, get back in line for the same ride, and jump right back on for another round. Which is exactly how it should be.

Getting excited for Lagoon-a-Beach. This crew talked me into going on Wicked for my first (and hopefully last???) time ever. Going to Lagoon always reminds me that I'm not as young as I used to be.

Apparently there are some members of Ashlee's family who DON'T think it's awesome to take pictures of different libraries when they're on vacation. I don't understand those people. So Ashlee and I made a point to stop by the Farmington Library when she was in town for the weekend.

The main purpose of her trip was some WICKED fun. I love this musical so much. I think I would see it every single day of its month-long run in Salt Lake if possible.

Who can believe it's time for back to school? Tyler and Bryce were so excited to be packing their lunches and riding the bus again. Tanner may be the most excited about back to school though, because he gets his Mom and his house to himself and he never has to remind anyone that it's his turn.

A cute Dad with his cute kids on the first day of school. They are ready!

Just Another Day At The Office

GOOD.

BETTER.



BEST.

AWWW

Proud grandkids with their new shoes. Prouder grandpa.

Keep Calm and Kiss a Mermaid

Tricia and I made the trek to Southern Utah this weekend. I strongly encouraged her to pose with the pioneer clothing display we saw at Mormon Handicraft/Deseret Book. I'm really glad I did that. We also went by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers museum in St. George but it was closed. I was disappointed. But at least no one can say I didn't try to make this weekend an educational experience.

Before the trip, we were able to have lunch with all the nieces and nephews at the Pizza Pie Cafe. I just love this little stinker, even though apparently I can't keep my eyes open to look at the mess he made of his pepperoni and Oreo pizza slices.

 Not to mention his face!

Friday night we saw "The Wizard of Oz" at Tuacahn. It was really well done. I thought the show started at 8:00 and really it started at 8:45. Whoops. So we had plenty of time to explore the giftshop, pose for pictures, and make fun of the really terrible pre-show entertainment.

Saturday we went bowling. AND WE BOTH BROKE 100. We bowled two games and one of us broke 100 both times... but it wasn't me... so I really don't want to talk about that.

Also Saturday we saw "The Little Mermaid" which I have wanted to see since it played at Tuacahn a couple of years ago. It was wonderful and they did such fun things with the staging. I can also highly recommend the bottled water, frozen lemonade and chilled Junior Mints, a necessity at Tuacahn in mid-July. Great weekend trip!

Summertime Fun

I was told I need to update my blog more regularly. Apparently my Dad doesn't know what he's been up to if he can't read about it on my blog. So Dad... this one's for you.

 

The view from the Bountiful Temple is one of my favorites in the world. I was so glad I was able to capture this picture on an overcast night.

Jason and I went to Boondocks and burned through $10 worth of tokens. I realized I could play about $2.50 worth of skeeball before my back starts to get sore. That's right - I'm so old that I feel it when I play too much skeeball.

Lauren, Carly and Biz came over for a Friday night tea party. Lauren and Carly kept themselves entertained for 45 minutes running back and forth from my bedroom (where it turns out they were playing with my ear plugs - DON'T TELL HEATHER) to the laundry room, where they would bang candles against my washer and dryer. It was a good time. Biz and I entertained ourselves by eating all the tea party treats. To each their own.

Tyler, Bryce and Tanner counting their Lagoon money. I love that Bryce has been playing what he calls 'The Money Game" with Tanner, where he trades pennies for Tanner's dollars. Tyson claims he didn't teach Brycie this game - but I'm awfully suspicious. I've been on the wrong end of too many similar trades with Ty.

It's summer, so of course I went to the Syracuse Parade and a few minutes of Farmington Festival Days. I actually love greasy food and bad music at city parks. I really do.

 I found some random pictures like this one on my phone after a car trip with these looney tunes.

And finally - I have to say - I have done nothing as cool as Lauren looks in this picture. She OWNS that boat ride. You go girl.