My First Rodeo, I am Not a Hick

I am from California. I grew up climbing big trees, eating apricots off trees, running through sprinklers, going to the beach, waterskiing, swimming at our HOA pool, dancing at the studio, playing in the city softball league, going on Girl Scout outings and Indian Princess campouts-my outside toys were bikes, rollerblades, scooters, and Skip it. Sunshine most of the time, and never snow. It was perfect; not missing a thing as far as I'm concerned. (Well, except a sister, but I digress).

Did you see that I mentioned nothing of farms, cowboy boots, hats, horses, calves, lambs, lassos, or bulls? I don't think I even knew exactly what a rodeo was until...a few days ago. I am severely allergic to all animals, by the way. My first rodeo experience was in the pouring rain and we sat right above the animal coop, or whatever it's called. I was freezing, wet, and wheezing. I was not born and bread to be a hick. BUT, I can see how it could be fun, ha ha! We did eat strawberries and cream that were delicious. And I loved the motorcycle trick part. I'm happy I got to enjoy the festivities with Kip, who loves rodeos.

My Longest Friend...

Cameron Alexander Henderson

Cute Cam and I grew up across the street from each other on Ethelinda Way in the perfect Brea, CA. We used to do all kinds of things together...ride bikes, play on the dirt hill, do puppet shows, choreograph our own dance shows to be performed in my entry way (with a spotlight), attempted building a club house-but stained the driveway with wood glue...the list goes on.
Anyway, I just wanted to give a little tribute to him and our friendship because I adore him so much. I just got to see him last weekend because he is touring with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and they came on through SLC. The show was cute and all, but he's the best part of course. It was really great to spend some time with him!

This Is the Place Heritage Park

So, there was an LDS youth conference going on at the park and it was swarming with Mormon teenagers (a setting I obviously have grown quite accostomed to). Cameron thought it was pretty hilarious and he looked pretty funny walking through the mix of them all so we thought we'd get him a picture :)

After the show, with my Mama

Kelly Clarkson in the Rain!

Funny Story:

So, my pal Mindy scored some free tickets to the Kelly Clarkson concert (Yes!) and I was lucky enough to accompany her. The venue was the UVU baseball stadium field in Orem...hmmm...never had a concert there before.

We were pretty excited and had our blankets and snacks ready. It had been a pretty cloudy/rainy day, as has been the theme of the last couple weeks here in "happy valley." So, we park with not too much trouble, but then, low and behold- the line of death. Everyone just had general admission lawn tickets so an ENORMOUS line had formed starting at the front gate and extending a couple miles at least. I don't think I can sufficiently exaggerate the length of the line. But, I cheerfully got in the line and didn't think much of it.

After a few seconds I look over and see that Mindy is ANXIOUS and stressed, maybe even a little panicky.
S: "You alright Mind?"
M: "Well, what is this line? Are we even in the right line? Are we going to get in on time?"
S: "Not sure...looks like this is the only line, I'm sure it'll be fine..."
M: "I think I might go check it out.."
S: "You go ahead and investigate, whatever will make you feel better..."

....... .......do da do ....... ......standin' in the line ........ .......people watching ....... .......run into friend Amy from Florida ....... ......not moving ...... ......ten minutes go by ...... ......Cell phone rings, it's Mindy

S: "Hey, what's the scoop?"
M: "Oh my gosh Shell, just get outa line and come up here!"
S: "What? Where? Are you sure?"
M: "Oh yeah, they've only got two people up here checking tickets, it's gonna take forever! I mean, we're supposed to wait in that line, but it's so long. I can't wait in that line. Just walk up here trust me!"
S: "Whatever you say! I put my life into your hands now."

.... .....walking ...... .....wow, this line really is long! ..... .....walking ..... .....see sign that says, "No outside food or drink" .....dam* it! ..... .....hurry and wrap all the snacks in the blanket ..... ......finally see Mindy standing to the side of the security checkpoint!

S: (whispered) "So? What are we doing?"
M: "Just come here..."

Mindy proceeds to take me over to some tween girls with braces that are about 4 people back from the front of the line, and says to them in a very sweet innocent tone, "Uhm, can we get in line with you girls?"
Tweens: "Sure"

AND IN WE GO!!! BRILLIANT!!! WHY DON'T I THINK LIKE THAT?

Twas raining, but we had a blast singing and dancing around, and there was a beautiful rainbow!

And Summer Begins with...the Disney Wonder!!!

I have realized that I often blog about only the really awesome exciting things that happen in my life, and not too much of the day-to-day experiences. I'm a "fun seeker," as my father would say, so I'm not surprised about this habit. But, I promise I do live a normal routined life much of the time! It's a good life mostly and a lot of funny things happen that I should be better about sharing! And there are definitely the typical number of challenges in my world. So, that will be a goal, to express more of that...but as for right now, more thrills!

After a pretty busy and hectic school year with 35 6th graders, summer couldn't come fast enough... So you might imagine the happiness/relief/joy/excitement/bliss that a Disney Cruise could bring just a mere two days after the last day of school! And with Jamie, Ally, and Lisa- a reunion of us still single ladies from the college crew! We really had a blast, it was perfect! I had done this same cruise once before with Jamie and 10 other Florida friends, and this time was just as wonderful! Three of my favorite things on the planet are: Disney, sun, ocean and Three of my favorite friends are Jamie, Ally, Lisa. Can't get much better folks, it really can't. I realize how blessed and lucky I am to have the opportunities that I do and the fantastic friends that color all the corners of my life!

Ready or not?!

ALL ABOARD!!!

The TOP 6 best things about this Disney Cruise:

1. After the Sail Away Party countdown, the ship's horn toots "When You Wish Upon a Star" and I cry!!! Real tears!

2. Amazing food 24 hours a day!

3. A maid to clean your room and make your bed!

4. So much fun swimming in pools and oceans!

5. Characters and Entertainment

6. Adventure and Beauty!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Oh my goodness! What a fun birthday weekend! It was non-stop goodness I tell ya! I got to be in the beautiful California sunshine and with my most best HS friends and their cute kiddos! I will share some highlights!
Perfect Day #1 was spent at Newport Beach! Here are a couple of my besties, Adriane and Carrie
Aubrey and Tyler- they are a match made in heaven. They both put down food like there's been a famine, and if a some clumps of sand happen to get in their mouthful, meh! No biggy!
Love this battle scene (those are Dallin's legs :)
Holly looking fabulous with her two studs
The fresh baby Jude! This is Adriane's little guy and it was my first time meeting him, love at first sight
Birthday dinner at the Spaghetti Factory :) Mike is a nut and I love him!
Brynn and Glen! Brynn is prego with her 3rd and he's comin' soon!
"All the single ladies!" ha! Or just that one single lady in the middle...me
Perfect Day 2- DISNEYLAND!!! Awesome birthday adventure! I will forever love Carrie for trekking around both parks all day with me, along with her 3 boys!
Tyler was tall enough for Matterhorn! I held on to that kid for dear life!
His new nickname is Stitch! We discovered that this kid bites suckers, not fond of the licking technique. That takes way too much time!
Me and Fish...Madness!
Matt joined us and we traded in the two little ones so we could rock it on some big rides!
Day 3: Dodger Stadium! Man, it's been a long time! This place holds some serious childhood nostalgia for me!
Sari! It was so great to spend some quality time with her at the game!
Birthday cupcakes! This picture of Aubs is classic!
Dallin
Day 4: Triathlon baby! We are star athletes! And Fisher is a great photographer!