THE ROAD TRIP WITH MY FATHER AND BROTHER WAS

a lot of fun.
We had some deep discussions, reminiscing, some tears, a lot of laughter and a few adventures along the way to Utah and back home.

On the way home we saw some beautiful wide open spaces filled with crisp, white snow.  We pulled along the roadside and took pictures.  We have a few pictures of me taking a picture of Michael, who is taking a picture of dad, who is taking a picture of the snow.  We got the giggles and thought this was hilarious.

Utah is beautiful in the winter.

We stopped by Snake River in Idaho

We had also stopped in at Burley, Idaho hoping to find the house my grandfather was born in but the two addresses we had don't exist.  Man was our bubble burst.  We have some investigating to do there.

Dad and Mike begrudgingly went along with me wanting posed snuggling pictures.  I thought this was HILARIOUS but they didn't find it as funny as me.

We also stopped at Shoshone Falls, which is gorgeous!

I'd LOVE to go there in the spring when the water is heavy and raging.  I've added this little excursion to things I want my man clan to see.  It's absolutely beautiful.

FUN RUN

Many of you know my cousin, Jeff, passed away unexpectedly in March.
Perry, Utah is hosting a "Jeff Young Fun Run" as a fundraiser for Jeff's children on Saturday, June 11.
If you live in Utah, please come - it will be a lot of fun. There will also be a raffle, silent auction and bake sale.
If you don't live in Utah, you can still register and run the 5K or walk the 1 mile where you live.
If you would like a registration form email Kristal at ksmall84302@yahoo.com
There is also a Jeff Young Memorial Fund set up at US Banks.

THE DAY WE LEFT UTAH

it was absolutely gorgeous, which was a welcomed sight because it was dumping thick snow the night before.
We had a few hours to spare before our plane left, so we drove down to Provo.

We met my aunt and uncle for lunch and my father couldn't stop himself, much to our delight, from making a snow angel outside the restaurant.

We stopped by to check out the progress of the Provo Tabernacle.

I love that they are saving the brick. I wish we could have spent a little more time in Provo, but Delta doesn't wait for sightseers.

WE FOUND

the Provo, Utah house my mother lived in when she was younger.Next time we are in Utah, we are going to find the home of my great grandmother. That will definitely put a little skip in my step.

OUR FAMILY HAS BEEN MOURNING

the loss of Jeff. A husband, father, son, uncle, cousin, grandson and nephew to a family who loved him dearly and misses him.
There have been many tears, hugs, sleepless nights and through reminiscing we have found glimpses of smiles and even laughter. There are never ending stories of this great man who loved his family, life, joking and teasing.
Over 1000 people came to pay their respects at his viewing Sunday evening and it was an amazing sight to see how many lives he had touched in only 44 years.
Monday there was a beautiful, touching memorial service and he was buried by the snowy mountains he loved.

Jeffrey Cole Young

1966-2011

We love and miss you Jeff.

Until we meet again.

I KNOW I'M GETTING OLDER BUT

in my mind, I'm still young and still invincible. Tragedies happen to others. Not our family. The deaths I have experienced have been with grandparents, and albeit sad, they were old and can be justified.
When I was 17 I lived with my aunt, uncle and cousins. They are my second family. They are not my aunt and uncle, they are my other mom and dad. My cousins are my brothers and sister.
Tuesday I got the worst phone call of my life. One I thought I wouldn't hear until we were "old". My cousin is only 44 and had a heart attack at work. He is leaving behind a gorgeous wife and four beautiful/handsome children. He loved his family so much, was a hard worker, loved to hunt, loved life, had the funniest goofy laugh that you just couldn't help yourself to laugh with him and was the king of teasers. 44 is too young to be called back home.
I know we believe families are forever and I know we will all see him again but the pain in my heart is so painful, I'm wondering 'why?' and my heart is breaking for his wife and children, his mother and father, brother and sister. They were all best friends.
I'll be with them soon, to hug them and cry with them. I wish I could take away the ache and pain of torn hearts.
Hug your family tight. Tell them you love them. We forget we are not invincible.

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.