I'm goin' to DisneyLand!!!

I'd been home for about 4 days when it was time to get back in the saddle and head to San Diego to see Jaime. we drove through the night, which scared the crap out of me, but I had Brad and my bestest cousin ever, Sheldon, to help me out. it was a long drive. we got there at 8 AM and immediately went to sleep for until around 1. then we went to Mission Beach. it was beautiful!






The next day we went to DisneyLand!!! my first time ever. and it was amazing! I can't wait to go back. we didn't have to wait for any rides at all. January is the best time to go, for reals.

the next day Jaime's dad took us to an amazing restaurant on Coronado. we had the best lobster bisque I have ever tasted! the view was amazing. we took these fun pics:



then we went back to good ole' Mission Beach. the water was FREEZING, but the sun was warm. besides the seagul pooping on my beach towel, it was a perfect day! after laying out and going numb in the water and watching the awesome roller skaters perform on the sidewalk, we went up to a little restaurant called Cane's on a roof with an awesome view of the ocean. pretty dang good food too!




that night we played rockband till the crack of dawn! we are superstars! Jaime can even play the drums with her feet!


we had a great time! thanks so much, Jaime! can't wait to see you again. seriously, is there a more perfect place than San Diego? you don't have to ask me twice to go!

Leadership

because of my new position at work, I was able to attend our annual Leadership conference in Orlando. it was so weird being there in my new position, but definitely great. I got to produce some of our classes for some of our best presenters and demonstrators, put up samples and displays, and work at check-in. we had time to go out every night and it was tons of fun. we took a lot of silly pictures, went to City Walk and played around at Margarittaville, visited the upside-down building (I can't remember what that was...), ate cheese fries at Johnny Rocket's, and spent too much money. I love my new co-workers! you should all be jealous of me.


the best part was that we went to DisneyWorld!! I had never been there or DisneyLand, and we had half a free day on Saturday. we hopped in a cab (which turned out to be a death cab!) and headed to the happiest place on earth. it was SO much fun! we didn't have to wait longer than 10 minutes for any of the rides either. best. time. ever. I could barely wait 6 days to be in DisneyLand!! that's right - both parks in one week!

Christmas 2008

wow! I am really far behind. so, to sum things up, I will just tell you about my favorite parts.

we didn't have money this year, so we didn't really exchange gifts. we all gathered at my dad's house in Enoch to eat turkey, play games, and rest. the snow was coming down all over the state like crazy, but we had to drive to Fish Lake for the big annual family Christmas party, so we braved it. this is what the cabin looked like when we pulled up:


the drive was scary to say the least, but it was definitely worth it. I love my family! we had fun playing games and laughing all night until we crashed into bed. but, not before my grandparents gathered us all together to share some of their wisdom and remind us of what is important during these hard times. in place of exchanging gifts, we woke up the next morning and put together hygiene kits for the Red Cross.


I'm always overwhelmed by the love and compassion my family shows. and not just at Christmas. all the time. I love them so much and I can't wait for nest year's cabin retreat.