Summer Fun

I recently realized that I have not blogged about any of our summer trips, with the exception of Girls Camp. I decided to do one big post about all of the amazing and wonderful trips that we took this summer complete with pictures (to be added later...).

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND:
We were very grateful to spend the long weekend with Jordan, Jera, Kayl, and Jens! Kayl loved to spend time with her Uncle Justus (Aunt Kate was starting to get jealous :) ). We went to see jousting at the fair grounds and we also enjoyed some cinnamon roasted almonds. It was great to relax and enjoy the family. Jera and I had fun with a cake recipe only to find out that we forgot the oil. Jordan and Justus were very gracious and ate a lot of the cake anyways. One of the highlights was running around a park with Kayl and Justus. We went down the big slides and were full of laughter. I must also admit that I love being able to spend a whole Sunday with family and not traveling. Sundays are already so special, but it was extra nice this trip. My only regret was not taking more pictures.

4th of JULY WEEKEND:
We enjoyed a quick three day weekend with Jesse and Stevie in California. One of the highlights, other than Jesse and Stevie, were the fighting elephant seals. Two elephant seals would get in each other's way and then take their snout/head area and hit the other seal in the head area. It was pretty nerve wracking to watch as they went back and forth for what seemed a long time. I wonder what their mothers would say if they saw the fight. After the elephant seals we went to the Hearst Castle. It was a enormous mansion full of priceless treasures and jaw dropping architecture. I'm so glad we were able to buy extra batteries. The place was beautiful and my pictures could not do it justice. We also enjoyed Stevie's bread and Jesse's pizza! They were delicious! A fantastic trip that was well worth the drive! We only wish we could have stayed longer!

LAKE POWELL:
Due to school conflicts Justus could not make this trip with me, but it was great to have time with the family! We learned a few very important lessons: bring extra toilet paper, Dr. Pepper, and Advil for the big wake-boarding crashes. Nanny Jo will always win at cards and Grandpa always likes to add more rules.

A few song titles/movie lines sum up the trip:
- Let's go fly a kite!
- Hello Dolly
- Skadoosh! (Kung Fu Panda)
- God be with you til we meet again (Jarod's farewell lakeside)
- Phineas and Ferb theme song
- Bon Jovi

Lake Powell reminds me a lot of Dad and it brings back so many different memories. It was great to feel close to Dad. The beauty of Lake Powell never ceases to amaze me and yet again my camera fails to give it justice. Dad was right, it really is God's country.

NEW YORK TRIP:
Over Labor Day weekend Justus and I finally took our trip to NYC to see his family. We were originally supposed to go for Christmas last year, but on our way to the airport found out about my dad's accident and death. We were so grateful to be able to make the trip and without any complications! After taking the red-eye over we spent our first day exploring Central Park, a hot dog from Gray's Papaya and the statues around Fordham University. The following day included The Intrepid, The Brooklyn Bridge, and John's pizza. The Brooklyn Bridge was a special trip. Just before Dad died, he had let me borrow "The Great Bridge" by David McCullough which he had just finished reading. While on the bridge I couldn't help but think of how much Dad would have enjoyed walking across the bridge. Throughout the whole trip we loved the many wonderful conversations we had with Justus' parents. We laughed a lot and had a great time. At one point we were introduced to a show we had not seen before. "You are what you eat" is on the BBC channel and it is addicting to watch. Sunday was absolutely relaxing. Again, I love not traveling on Sunday and enjoying the whole day with family! Monday was fresh NYC bagels, chocolate croissants, and some hours in Central Park before leaving for the Newark airport. Between Justus' mom and the good eats of NYC we were completely stuffed and delighted.

Cupcakes

For a Ward Birthday Party, I was asked to bring cupcakes. I was excited to make the cupcakes without a "box." I even made my own frosting and tried to be somewhat creative with the decorating. The result is shown in the picture. Yum!