Oregon Coast
Here are some of the fun stops we made while in Oregon.

Cannon Beach and the view from our room

Tilamook cheese factory

Roadside view and the rock from the Goonies

Happy Birthday Bri!
Mike and I flew up to Oregon for a few days to surprise Bri for her big 3-0. It was so good to see them and fun to be there for the celebration.

Family Visit...After 48 hours notice my dad and sister were here for a quick visit. We got in our traditional game of liverpool rummy and even put up our Christmas tree. It was a lot of fun but went way to quickly.

After a weekend of cards and fun they hit the road, headed for New Hampshire. Unfortunately the weather wasn't the best. But they made it.

THANKSGIVING

Thanksgiving is up there on my list of favorite holidays. I am sad that it is only one day and that it passed so quickly. This year we chowed down at Mike and Leesa's. We made a tastey dinner and all went home full! Some guys from my office (that are here from India)joined us this year. Lucky for them they got to experience a little bit of our traditional craziness.

After dinner we played rock band. Tracy especially enjoyed rocking out on the guitar and drums. We couldn't get him away.

After rock band we went for round two, dessert! Everett was ready and hoping to sneak a piece before everyone else. The amount of food he eats still amazes me.

To walk off the extra calories Leesa and I finished the night off by some midnight shopping. We hit the mall along with an insanely large amount of people to catch the "sales". A few shopping bags later I hit the sack at 3:30 AM. I look forward to next year!

While in NH I was lucky to get to spend some time with my best friends since birth. Not too many people have those so I guess I am pretty lucky! Cassie and Keith were getting ready to close on their new house(below) so they took us for a quick tour. I am so excited for them, and so jealous. It is a gorgeous house and it is in a beautiful area. I can't wait until our childhood dreams are fulfilled...ie, I move in next door and we spend our days pushing baby strollers around the mall....Oh to be a kid again.

BOSTON!!!

We lucked out and Monday ended up being a beautiful day. Stacey and I started the day off at the bunker hill monument...and almost ended it there. After a few minutes of recovery we were on the trail. Stacey and I got to see the sights and do some shopping. Boston is still my favorite city, even after all these years.

Dessert Anyone?

One of my favorite places to eat when I am visiting home is the Backroom. Their chicken tenders and mashed potatoes are the best. Dad met us for dinner but instead of ordering dinner he ordered a vanilla frappe. Then when it came time to order desert, he ordered rice pudding. Then he finished my chocolate frappe and ate half of my mom's almond joy ice cream. I think if anyone has a hollow leg it is definitely him.

American Idol Spotting!

On my way to New York for a work training I happened to be on the same flight as David Archuletta. While we were waiting for our baggage my boss asked for his autograph and wanted me to get a picture of her with him for her kids....only I ended up in it! Turns out he was in New York for the release of his new album as well as an appearance on the Today show. I have never really met anyone "famous" so thought I should show it off.

PINK IN THE RINK

Pink in the Rink was fun as always. The Grizzlies went into over time and won in a shoot out. Tracy was set on getting onto the "big TV" and was dancing up a storm. Any event with the Bollingers makes for a great time. Go Grizzlies!

Witches Night Out!

I know this was weeks ago, but every year we try to hit witches night out. It is a fun night at Gardner's Village where we get to go and see the middle aged women of the area get decked out in witches garb and cackle for discounts. Lucky for us we didn't need to dress up to fit in with the crowd..at least I didn't anyway.

28....Happy Birthday to me...

Mike planned a surprise birthday lunch which really did catch me by surprise. Just a few friends and family. And they all came with such thoughtful gifts. These elbow pads were compliments of Stacey, and are to cushion my elbows while working so my joints don't ache. Apparently she listens to more of my ranting than I realized. So thoughtful! Not to mention the sand box birthday cake that Tracy and Everett made for me. Thankfully there was real birthday cake, which by the way was my favorite. Thanks Mike!

Every year we try to make it to our mission president's farm for a hay ride and some treats. We went with mission friends and Naomi and Jeff. After the hay ride we went to Jenn and Dave's for a delicious dinner and some games. Aside from getting pulled over in Provo it was a great night. I look forward to next year!

Blue Darts Never Get Old!

Over Labor Day weekend we headed up the canyon for a night of camping with the Boliingers. We got to off road up to the camp site(courtesy of Mike)...and got there just in the nick of time as Leesa and the kids were just seconds away from getting terrorized by a black bear...or what others might call a deer.

We spent the night getting kicked by kids but it was a lot of fun. It rained all night so we woke up early and broke camp. We headed home and had a delicous breakfast..and a much needed nap.

A few weeks ago my brother and a few of his friends took a road trip from New Hampshire Northern Canada. On their way back they surprised us with a visit. It was great to see him, even if it was for only a few hours.

While they were here we BBQed and played a mean game of Blokus and "beans." I don't think he realized how happy he made me by stopping by. I hope he takes another road trip soon.

Park City Resort

Our work party was at the Park City Resort this year. Mike, Leesa, and kids came with which made it that much more enjoyable! Tracy loved the "speed racer" so we went on the Alpine Coaser a zillion times.

The kids got their faces painted. Tracy was the black spider man and Everett a panda. The cutest panda I've ever seen.

Aside from the alpine coaster we did the alpine slides and the kids did the carousel and the airplanes ride.