There's No Place Like Home: June 15-18, 2008

We had a quick visit with Mom and Dad, John and his wife Meghan when w got in at 10 p.m. Then it was off to bed.

On Sunday we celebrated Father's Day with breakfast, cards, and church with my parents. It was so cute. Jacob went up with their Primary to sing because he wasn't able to sing with our Primary in Fremont but he really wanted to sing for his daddy. They sang completely different songs than he had been learning in our branch but you would never know it as he gave it his very best.

On Monday Jacob, Daddy, Uncle John LaMar and Aunt Meg all went to see "Kung Fu Panda" while Mena, my dad, Grandma Elison and I went out for the traditional spaghetti and meatball lunch. One of the funniest things about my Grandpa is his Idaho Swedish pallet. The man hates all spices, sauces, ethnic, etc... food. So what started out as Emily and I taking grandma out for some spaghetti one in awhile when we lived there, over the years, has turned into a granddaughter tradition with whoever is in town visiting, taking grandma out for a little italiano fare. Last year, after John and Meg's wedding, it was Emily, Tiana, Meg, Mom, my cousins Marsha, Katherine, Baby Ben, Mena, Grandma and me. But this year we went out before everyone arrived just because of the time crunch once the reunion was in full swing.

Tuesday and Wednesday, we went camping with my Dad at Big Bear lake in the mountains for a little canoeing. I could really kick myself because this was one of the highlights of our trip and of course I forgot my camera. DOH! It was absolutely gorgeous and serene. Mom and Dad as well as the kids took turns going out in the wood canoe with grandpa while the others played on the shore. We told family history stories by the campfire and roasted hot dogs as well as making s'mores. It was so lovely and I just wish that I could share it with you in photos. The pictures in my mind are memories for a life time.

Vegas, Baby, Vegas! June 13 & 14, 2008

Let me start by saying this was the little vacation that could. I was starting to think this trip was never going to happen. Gas prices going up, Phil started a new phase in his career, not having the vacation savings I thought I had been saving. (Yes, we thank you Mr. tax man for being so proficient at your job.) But we did it. We made it out west.

For starters, we had decided to fly instead of drive because the van is such a guzzler with the cost of food and lodging across the plains. It did mean not visiting with our Utah and Idaho friends which was disappointing but at least we were able to make the reunion. We flew into Vegas because we were able to find such incredible deals on flight and hotel as well as a 12 day car rental for a lot less than driving. But it looked like we were going to be in trouble because when we arrived at the rental desk it was 12:05 on the 14th. I KID YOU NOT! And Phil's driver's license expired at midnight on the 13th! His birthday. Because even though he had to get a new license last summer because of a wallet theft from the YMCA (blah, blah, blah, Fremont crime rate) they didn't re-new his license then and Ohio's are only good for three years. BUT...because of my license being stolen I was using my Oregon one, which I never turned in because I like my picture, and Oregon's are valid for 7 years. ha HA, so we rented the car and my thinly legal license.

We finally made it to our room at 1:30 am @ Circus Circus (don't recommend it). Woke up the next day and had breakfast at the Excalibur buffet (yummy yummy goodness) and then Jacob played in CC's adventure dome while Mena and I napped. We then all went swimming before our late check out and finally left Sin City after a quick bite at the Denny's around 5 p.m. And then it was off to good ol' So Cal...

June 10, 2008 - the First day of Summer

Jacob finished school on Wedneday, June 4th but
Emily's kids weren't done until Monday the 9th. So that Tuesday we went with my sister-in law, Margarida, her daughters, Alessandra and Ayana, and Great-grandma Ridout for a little end of school, first of summer celebration. We eat ate too much food and played extra hard. Emily's sisters-in-law Melissa and(who was in town from Wisconsin) and Kathy also came to visit with their kids. The kids had a great time together and the mom's of course loved the chit chat. Cousins are awesome! Having a family that accepts you for who you are, warts and all, is one of the greatest blessings of life!

Way Back on June 8th!

So about a month ago we went to the annual Nimelli garden party at our friend's Katrin and Jim's house. This was our first time making it but apparently it's been running for about 8 years. We had a great time with lots of food and two wading pools for the kids and even a croquet championship with the winner keeping the coveted flushing toilet bank for the year.

Just to clear up the relationship for those of you out west and not in the know. Jim Nimelli is my high school best buddy's older brother whom I was terrified of for years. And Katrin is his awesome wife that I've really enjoyed becoming friends with over the years. We are so excited to finally be on the invite list of their family and close friends annual gathering.

One of the great things about moving to Ohio has been spending more time with good friends.

I'm back...

Here I am without any photos...AGAIN! I can't seem to save any pics from my camera to my computer. It's telling me that it is restricted. It seems when I log onto the computer as AMY I'm actually now the default user and I can't, I don't know, AAARRGGGHH!! We had a great time in California and as soon as I can figure this stupid thing out I will have photos and a play by play of our fabulous vacation.

Yes Ma'am!

Hi everyone, this me the prodigal blogger. I'm writing now because I've just received an e-mail from Nic K. DEMANDING I post. That's correct. She was clear and concise that it must be done. Here are her words: "Post on it. Tonight. I know your in california. But do it."
I must obey. Ma'am, yes, ma'am!

I wanted to post about our lovely time at the Nimelli Annual Family Picnic, BUT...I was having computer issues and so gave up so that I might get us ready for our Family Reunion in sunny So. Cal. Here we are it's Wednesday and we've already have had a full and fun time. We arrived in Las Vegas on 10:44 pm but didn't get to our hotel (Circus Circus) until 1 in the morning. We brunched at the Excalibur, rode rides in the Adventuredome and then swam on Saturday before driving to Hemet, Saturday night. Jacob and Mena struggled Sunday and Monday with heat exhaustion and dehydration but yesterday we went up to Big Bear to camp overnight and canoe on the lake. I'm very very sorry to say I forgot my camera on what was a photo op dream. It was so beautiuful and serene. So far it's the highlight of our trip.

Tomorrow we are going to the Redlands Temple, visiting my cousin Kaelene and getting ready for the reunion. Friday is the beach and Mexican fundraising dinner we are ALL going to. Saturday is Official Family Time. Sunday is church with grand'rents, meet and greet with my new nephew Quinn, Monday- amusement park choice still in question, Tuesday- visit with Paula, P-Diddy, Yocum- Webb and family then drive back to LV,NV at 1 pm and arrive at DTW 7 am on the 25th. I will have several posts and pics to cover the last big events next week.

Love you guys! We'll chat later....

Mena's 2nd birthday

Mena's #2 birthday was fabulosa. Complete with Dora pinata, decorations, cake and party dress, Mena was the star of her own Super Silly Second Fiesta! The party was kicked off by an exciting delivery of her balloon bouquet and B.B., a new lovey, Batholamew Bear sent by Grandma Joan and Grandpa Blake. Then as Aunt Emily, Uncle Ron and the cousins, Grandma & Grandpa Riddout, and Aunt Margarida, Uncle Ammon and the girls arrived; Daddy started up the grill. We had a great time even though the San Andrea like winds kept us inside on an otherwise beautiful day. We missed those of you who couldn't attend and want to thank you for the birthday wishes that were sent.