CHASING SEAGULLS

was on Stephanie's birthday wish list, so I took her down to find some seagulls that she could scatter.Although it was foggy, the weather was quite nice and the wind was minimal. It was beautiful day at the beach.

FOR STEPHANIE'S BIRTHDAY, WE WENT TO THE BEACH

As soon as we got into town, we went to MorArt to take a fused glass class. The owners, Dan and Maurice, are amazing and so much fun. They were encouraging, positive, helpful and dedicated to making our experience successful.

I made a Tree of Life and Stephanie made a panda. Here they are in the kiln, ready to be fired. We'll get our finished product next week, so stay tuned for the final reveal!

Me, Maurice, Dan and the birthday girl. What an incredibly fun way to spend the afternoon. There is no doubt that we will definitely be back for another class.

STEPHANIE-PALOOZA IS OVER

and I can't believe all that we did - we had so much fun!!

Hiked Trail of Ten Falls

Went to the Pirate Festival

Went whale watching

Discovered Nye Beach

Went to Cobble Beach

Tried to fly a kite at the beach

She dyed her hair purple

Had a family bon voyage party

Had a Utah going away party

Visited Grandma and Utah other relatives

Had fun in the party mobile

Went to Hatch Family Chocolates

Attended General Conference

Tried lots of new restaurants in Utah

Went to the Bonneville Salt Flats

As added perks I saw high school friends and had my first solo hike

I think I need to have a Laura-Palooza now.

SO LONG, FAREWELL, ADIOS, CHEERIO!

It came time for me to leave Stephanie so she could continue her journey to Scotland for her new life adventures.
I might have cried. She might have cried. I'm so happy for her!!

I had to say goodbye Miriam too. She's our awesome Mexican sister.

PS - Yes, I know it looks like I'm having boobie issues in the photo but it's the only goodbye photo I have.

WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I THOUGHT OF

General Conference as a day off of church.
Now, I look forward to watching it on television and to listen to the guidance it provides.
Stephanie and I received tickets (super duper close!) from Kacy to attend the Saturday morning session at the Conference Center.
I had never been to a live session before and it was amazing to be that close to the prophet and other men of God.
And to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir live - their music pierces your soul.

Hearing to remember to express gratitude for what I have and not to focus on what I lack, to slow down a little, that my self worth has nothing to do with my to-do list, etc....made my heart full.
I always hear one or two talks that I feel are spoken just to me.
One of my favorite talks from the Saturday morning session was this one.

Before I left for the airport on Monday, Stephanie and I had lunch with Kacy and toured a few places on Temple Square. We had a wonderful weekend where we were fed physically and spiritually. I can't think of a better way to have a bon voyage weekend than all the things we did!

I WISH I COULD PARTICIPATE

in the taste test of the chocolate I purchased for my man clan from The Little Chocolatiers' shop - Hatch Family Chocolates ....

They say it's delicious and give it two enthusiastic thumbs up!

If you're wondering, Steph and I did not see Steve or Katie. Maybe next time....

STEPHANIE'S FRIENDS HAD A

going away party for her at Lindsey Gardens Park - what a spectacular view this park has!

They had a potluck smorgasbord and Miriam made cute cupcakes that look like the Scottish Flag.

Derek and Erica drove in from Rexburg.

Highland games were played and of course there was some sibling wrestling.

The best part of the party for me was spending time with Jill and Ann. There is serious laughter with those two around!

VEGAN EATING IN UTAH

was easier than I thought it would be. We ate at a few national chain restaurants - I found great menu choices at my standby, P.F. Changs.
California Pizza Kitchen and Olive Garden were kind enough to make some vegan accommodations.
Some wonderful Utah finds were Blue Lemon Bistro - that is where we had our Monterey reunion lunch, Divas - has yummy cupcakes...

Guru's Cafe - this Provo restaurant was extra special because we met Monica and Eliot for lunch there.

And one of my favorites was City Cakes - I wish we would have found it sooner on the trip.

My taste buds had a wonderful "hallelujah" moment while I taste tested sweet treats.

Maybe it's a good thing they were a late discovery because my taste buds still quiver at the thought of the peanut butter chocolate brownie - SO GOOD!!

A QUICK JAUNT

out to the Bonneville Salt Flats - NOT!
But it sure was fun!!

We had to go into Nevada to turn around.

And we never looked at the gas gauge.

We might have had the gas light come on in the middle of no where and five minutes later we might have seen a sign that said the nearest gas station was 22 miles away.

We might have said lots of prayers that were answered.

I CAN'T EXPLAIN IT,

it was just one of those nights gone giggly.