UP UP AND AWAY

So this weekend was the Ogden Valley Balloon Festival. Todd and I have been going up there for the last few years, it's fun and so peaceful we love it. And we just remembered Friday night on the way to the gym. So I immediately called my nephew Val to see if he could get a condo. He said it was short notice but he would try. I was like what you can't get one in a week or two, little did I know that it was this weekend. So we ended up staying at his condo with his wife, Olga and three boys, Val IV, Tony and Nicky. Very sweet and cute little guys. Luckily Todd and are absolutely no trouble what so ever.

Me and Todd not the greatest pic but for some reason the camera doesn't take pictures of us the way we think we look.Saturday Night - getting ready for the glow.

Sunday Morning launching

Here are the boys, it was freezing.

just some of my favorite pics.

No frogs this year in fact a lot less than in years past. Hopefully next year they will have a better turn out.

the ride home in Ogden Canyon

BITTERSWEET WEEKEND

Kirsten and Tanner did it, they moved to Virginia. I'm not going to lie I am Happy and Sad about the situation. Mostly Happy because they are moving on with their lives, but sad because it is so far away. I will hardly get to see them in person anymore. But I can't wait to see what they do next.

Kirst with Baxter and Jack last evening in Lewiston.

on the way to the airport

Yea!!! Courte, haven't seen YOU in months.

FedEx Field

Cooooley, #47

Redskins vs. Bills

Aren't we just the cutest little Cole family of girls.

Chris' '69 Camaro SS, was a blast to drive. Better if there weren't so many damn corners to turn between Chris' and Nancy's house. I need open road to punch it and maybe better aiming lights for the ride home, luckily it was Sunday.

Courte again!! Tanner the Pedophile

Kirsten just moments before a cop pulled her over because her tint was to dark in the state of Utah. Hello, we aren't in Utah!
Me and Baxter, he is so sad he already misses me.

That Famous Preston Night Rodeo

Okay this last weekend was a full weekend to say the least...The last time I blogged was on Friday when Kirsten had her last day at USU. Well that evening we had sushi for dinner at Kazoku in Smithfield it was delish, plus we learned that Kazoku means Family in Japanese.

Well then on Saturday I saved up all my calories for "Fair Food" I love it. By the time Todd and I made it up to it was nine o'clock and I was ready for a good greasy carni handled corn dog. It was fabulous, I couldn't have asked for a better appetizer or a better view of the greatest mullet since 1986.

After that we moved on to the funnel cakes another amazing "Fair Food" you can't pass up. I thought we had spaced the timing of eating pretty well. But it left me still a little hungry and now I wanted fries, but the fries there were not that great looking. So we left, but not before seeing....

Now what bride to be wouldn't want their bridals taken at the carnival. I just don't know.

Now time for fries and a Dr. Pepper, screw the eating right. I am an adult I am accountable for everything I eat. (and it shows). Now we're off, time to go home. Ahh, but not before stopping and seeing Todd's mom. And where do you find his mom in Preston, at home you say, nay, at a bar, of course. So we check out the closest one The Owl and tahdah magically she was there. So we go in to talk to her and invite her to Kirsten and Tanner's little shindig we are having on Sunday. She of course is way past "half in the bag" and has to introduce us to everyone she sees and most of everyone has no idea that she even has kids. I just want to go but before that can happen I hear a man announce. "Qwayne is up, it is his turn and he will be singing, KISS' Doctor Love". This just topped off the evening, as he walked up to sing he pulled out his shades and put them on soooo cool and seductive. (People were watching) And then he began to sing. OMG I thought I would die laughing it was so funny. But we couldn't laugh at least not out loud, Todd is asking me where my camera was, I'd left it in the car dang it. But the image of Todd's mom's clampet boyfriend is burned on my brain. And it isn't just the singing, oh no, the dancing too. Mostly pelvic thrusting and Todd's mom was so proud she has been wanting us to see him sing for years. (I am still shuddering). That has to be the best Preston Night I have ever had. Everywhere we looked a gahut or a clampet.

Sunday, we had a little going away for K and T, here are a few pics from that day. Nicky was even in town. It was nice.

Traci, Sutton and Nilda

Grandpa and Whitney

Danny

Nicole and Michelle

Proud Moment

One of my babies finished her Master's today!!!! I don't think I have ever been more proud of her as I am at this moment. I am thrilled that she has this drive in her, SHE IS AMAZING! I have always thought that if Kirsten wanted to do something she would do it. And she has.

I tell my kids all the time that they are "All grown up" I can't believe it is really happening, she is all grown up. Right now I am so giddy I can hardly stand it. I went around the office telling everyone, nobody thinks it is really that exciting, just me and Todd. WHO CARES. I think that it is one of the greatest things ever.

CONGRATULATIONS KIRSTEN!!

USU Ladies Football Clinic

This was the biggest waste of time for me and Kirsten. But don't we look cute.

This was pic was taken moments before my daughter knocked me on my ass, not only on my ass but to where my head was bouncing off the ground! This is the only part of this little episode I can remember. I don't remember her running toward me or hitting the pad. The only thing I remember is that my feet were slowing coming up from underneath me and I was thinking, "I am about to fall, if I don't get my feet back under me. Too LATE!" Bamm, bounce, bounce. I was a little shaken and I have to admit a little embarrassed. Luckily for me I tend to trip, fall and run into walls, chairs, desks and such that I am used to being a little embarrassed. So we went on, in the meantime everyone notice all the coaches and of course all the other ladies and of course congratulated Kirsten on her nice hit. I am so glad that I can make her look good. Usually it is the other way around.

The reason it was a waste of time is because instead of learning the rules and the calls and when they call them, USU coaching staff in their infinite wisdom decided it would be funny to see a bunch of ladies TRYING to hike, catch, throw, tackle, run, backwards, forwards, side to side. They are awkward positions and shouldn't be done outside of your own home. But I guess if you can make a living, looking silly to the outsider, who cares, I have to admit I am pretty sure they were getting a kick out of watching. I hope the have it on tape to show the team later this season when they lose all their games and need a little pick me up.

Just a Quiet Sunday Afternoon

Yesterday what a beautiful day. I woke up as usual about 6:00 a.m. Every weekend I wake up that early but on a week day I struggle to do it. Anyway I laid around for awhile trying not to disturb Todd until a more reasonable hour. Nine o'clock finally rolled around and Todd got up got dressed and we went to the movie, "Step Brothers". Ehhh. It was funny but not as funny as everyone claimed. Then we headed over to Iggy's for a quick bite to eat and a little NASCAR. The sandwich I got wasn't as good as the last time I got it, this should have been a sign, but I did not heed. Lunch ended up being a little to filling so we decided to hit a park and relax under the shade of a nice maple tree, and the grass and the dirt it smelled so good I wanted to eat it, mmmmm, yumm. Anyway we laid there for awhile and I was telling Todd I think when we were little we used to go to parks and hang out on Sunday's too. I was pretty psyched about remembering happy moments from my childhood. Just as we were getting ready to go I started playing Suduko on my phone I played a game and when I looked up there was a car right behind where we were parked. I was a little startled by it and I guess the person in the car noticed. Anyway we got up and were on our way to go workout at SARC anyway I get in the car and start to pull out when I noticed the person in the car is now right on my ass. I thought she didn't need to be so close she could have my spot no one else was around. Then she started following me really close, Todd at this point is mad and swearing and turning around looking at her hoping that she would stop. No luck, she followed me from Central Park to the cop shop. I went there because they say if you are ever in trouble you should drive straight there. Well I don't know where the F*@# the front door is anymore to the police station, well I ended up in the Post Office parking lot and I stop and roll down my window, this psychotic bitch is asking my name, I'm like, why. Basically it boiled down to that she thought I had given her a "LOOK" and she didn't like it. Well, crazy bitch I didn't even see you. So much for a quiet Sunday afternoon in Cache Valley.

Recap of last few days of fun in the valley

Are we the cutest girls in purple - This was definitely "Purple Monday".

Stephanie, Dana and LuCinda
So last Friday I hosted a Blood Drive at HRI, our goal was to reach 35 units and we did YEAH!!! We actually reached 36 units. Thanks to all those who participated in this drive or any drive you all are awesome. Here are just a few that helped out that day. For the most part Harris employees.

Greg Taylor

Here I am I couldn't give blood my crit was too low I was a little bummed, I'll get it done next time! It makes me sad when I can't give.

This is Susan and her husband Josh
Mandy, Mandy she looks a little scared, she is not really.

Here is Jade isn't she just a cutie!

And Jenn you know she is having a blast.

Then on Saturday Traci and her sister Krista and their new bellydancing performing group, Shimmering Sands, performed at the Whittier Center and The Indian Oven catered. YUM!

Good fun, Good friends and Good times were had.

Kinza (Krista)

Sumra (Traci)

After the belly dancing we headed over to Krista and good times were had there as well until about 3:30 a.m. playing Rock Band.

Traci playing the guitar

Todd singing!!
LuCinda on the drums and Krista

Me singing and Holly bouncing on the ball.

Empy Nest...

This week has been filled with so many memories of Spenser, I can hardly believe it has been over five years since she was here. I think of her daily, but these last few days have been intense. Todd and I went to the cemetary on Sunday, I don't think we've ever been together except on Memorial day. I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day, the sky was clear and it was sunny and warm. It reminded me of when I was kid and I would twirl around and lay down and the world would just spin. Wow, to be a young again. I think that is how Spenser spends all her days now. I miss her so much but I think I really understand that she is so very happy now. I know that this is what God had planned for her and for us. That even though it is very hard sometimes, this is why were are here. I want everyone in my life to know how much I love and appreciated them and even though I am not good at saying it. I do love my family very much. I miss Courte so much right now and I am becoming uneasy about Kirsten and Tanner moving so far away. Someone just asked me, "How long they were going to be gone". I said forever... and even though I will be seeing her on holidays and probably talking to her on a daily basis I know that I will be missing her too. It so hard to see you children grow up and move on but that is exactly what they are supposed to do. And hopefully if you do you job right they grow up to be happy and productive people. I think Todd and I have done our part, now it is their turn. So far so good. I look forward to what happens next..

Your Mama Don't Dance and Your Daddy Don't Rock and Roll...Whatever

Well the Fourth of July weekend has come to a close... It was a great one too, even though my kids are no where in sight. Courte still in KY and Kirsten and Tanner in WY. But, my cute friends Jim and Julie were here to keep us company.

The weekend began on Thursday, July 3rd, Todd and I headed down to SLC to the ESA (formly known as the Delta Center) Energy Solutions Arena. We saw Dokken and Bret Michaels with Poison. IT WAS AWESOME!!! I love Bret, he is on my list of people I would divorce Todd, to be with in a second. Todd is very aware of the list.

Don Dokken, I think he kind of looks like Meatloaf.

Bret Michaels

Bret Michaels

C.C. Deville

The Bass Player from Dokken and our concert buddy,

I found her to be very observant, she thought that Todd of course looked like he was in his forties,
but not me. I think she was pretty smart.
Then on Friday the Fourth of July we had our usual crowd my family at my house for the parade, lunch and fireworks...

At the parade... Justin, Ene, Francene and Cameron (nephew, sister, neice-in-law and nephew).

Joey and Victoria (sister and neice)

After parade festivities lunch, fair at the park and usually just sit and enjoying everyone.

Vannessa and G'ma

Grandpa doing just one of the things he does best.

Victoria

Cameron and Francene

Todd and I didn't stay for the fireworks because we went to the STYX concert with friends. Here is Todd and Julie in front of our dream vehicle, Julie posing for her engagement picture. Kind of Redneckish don't ya think.

STYX was pretty cool.

Jim and his dad, the car used to be his dads, it was the giveaway car for this year... A stupid girl won it. I think Jim was very sad.

This is me and Julie at the Crusin' on Saturday. Are we just so cute. Jim and Todd are pretty lucky!