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.

ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS TO DO

in Utah is visit with my family.
Stephanie and I went to see Grandma. In December she is turning 92 and we are already planning her 100th birthday party.
It is so fun to talk to her and listen to her stories. We had a great time visiting with her!
Her memory is starting to fade, so some of the stories get a little more interesting, which is fun. I'm sad about her memory loss starting - that is one of the things I'm not looking forward to when I get older. Grandma is an incredible seamstress. Even though her memories are getting a little fuzzy, her attention to detail is impeccable. She is making burp cloths for her little grand babies and the edging looks like a surger has done the work. Nope, they are hand done with perfectly spaced and height stitching. I was so impressed!

She loves maps and was showing Stephanie some villages in Scotland that we have family history in.

One of the highlights for me was looking at a book her mother had made for her. It is a wooden bound book that her mother had made and painted on and also in the inside cover. The pages all had hand drawn borders with lovely memories and keepsakes inside. It is old and in near perfect condition. What a treasure!

Aunt Lucia was able to come and visit while we were with Grandma. The conversations had me belly roll laughing!

We had a wonderful dinner with Aunt Eloise filled with interesting conversation and a lot of laughter.

And of course we went to visit Grandpa Young's grave site so Stephanie could say goodbye.

HIKING THE "Y"

I read a review that said this Provo hike was "easy but steep", which is true but a little misleading.

It is easy because it's only 1.2 miles and you follow a very well marked trail but that is the only thing easy about it for a sea-level wussy hiker, like myself....

It is STEEP with a fewer places even steeper and the 980 feet elevation gain made me feel like a pansy.

So, I have a few words of advice that I will remember for next time and might help you when you go to hike it yourself.

1. Don't go during the hottest part of the day.

2. Bring more than one bottle of water.

3. Don't bring your purse - put your camera in a backpack.

4. Enjoy the resting benches and the beautiful view while you catch your breath throughout the switchbacks.

I finally made it to the top of the "Y" and the view is gorgeous!

The"Y" is 380 feet high and 180 feet wide and is the largest collegiate symbol in the United States - the letter is bigger than the letters in the 'Hollywood' sign in California.

Who wants to go with me next time I'm in town?