Silly Sisters & San Diego

When I found out Libbie was flying in from South Carolina for a few days that happened to be during the weekend of Hilary's 40th birthday, I knew a get-together was in our future.  A last minute (random) request to spend a day (Thursday, Oct. 20 - open for UEA) at Lagoon prompted quick action for me to leave town a day earlier but it all worked out perfectly well.  I helped get the kids up for school and let Aaron take over so I could meet Hilary and Libbie in Brigham City by 10am.  Due to a slight delay (Old Grist Mill you disappointed this time), we arrived at the parking lot just a few minutes after opening.  We raced through the entrance gates and headed straight for "Cannibal" only to be reprimanded by a young employee telling us to stop running.  What?  Really?  The fellow didn't realize that he should actually be cheering this 40+ crowd on!  No mind.  We kept a quick pace all day long and fit in as many rides as we wanted to.  

In line for "Cannibal" - the first of many selfies

We didn't 'ease' into anything - most intense ride first?

We left the park for a late lunch and then returned for several more hours of fun and laughter.  Aaron was surprised we stayed until 8pm because he figured we'd be ready to go by 4-5pm.  Ha-ha!

Libbie has real 'selfie' skills so we were glad she could document our silly time together.  I can't remember the last time I laughed as much or as hard as I did running/walking fast through the park with these two all day.  Although we were reassured that we DID NOT break this ride through the haunted castle, it didn't help that the employees had to come to our rescue twice before we emerged from the darkness.  Laughing/crying so hard...

We rode the "Rocket" about 5-6 times and ran into extended family while waiting in line (Riley & Jace's wives, Jenn & Cassie).    They were surprised to see us without children along - ha-ha!

Speaking of children, we almost pretended to have a few while waiting in line to ride the Ladybug Bop and Dinosaur Drop in the kiddieland portion of the park.  They are the awesome smaller versions of the "Rocket/Blast-off" but actually last longer which qualifies them to be personal favorites (along with "Spider").  We saved the best for last.  After getting our amusement park fill and heading to the parking lot, we found ourselves posing with these freaky creatures for a group shot. 

Frightmares at Lagoon

The next day (Hilary's 40th) was filled with more surprises as Libbie led a group of friends in a morning boot-camp routine - complete with green drinks at the end of our work-out session.

Hilary had plans to ride her bike (40 miles) so Libbie took it easy on us.  Back at G-ma's, Libbie and I did another round of exercises for good measure before heading over to help paint at Hilary's house - another surprise my parent's spear-headed.  It was an awesome birthday gift for her - one she can look at and appreciate every day (kitchen/FR).

Walls are easy enough - but Dad took on the ceiling the day before!

After some foot zoning, showers, etc. we headed to the temple together for an afternoon session. 

Dad, Mom, Adam, Hilary, Libbie

Being famished afterwards, we called the guys and said get ready for an early dinner at a Japanese place in town.  Entertaining and tasty!

Pies back at the house with the C. family.

Jameson, Adam, Hilary, Korinne, Jenna, G-ma, Britton, Heather, Libbie

Saturday morning is the ideal time to visit the "Pumpkin Walk" in CV.  Convenient parking + smaller crowds = the makings of a productive/happy outing.  Kristen approved of this year's theme - "What's More American...?".

Steve, Hilary, Libbie, Heather, Kristen

Ha-ha!  Is there a double meaning to this one?

Three Amigos 

There were a lot of fun displays but the Normal Rockwell was the absolute best all around.  Somehow - no great pics of it though.

I'm not sure all my kids will recognize what this (typewriter) is?!

Clinton vs. Trump debates - a real scary nightmare!

After the "Pumpkin Walk", we returned to help pack away patio furniture and move stuff around along with cleaning up the garden area (hooray for green tomatoes) before it was time for me to head home.  It was great to visit family and celebrate Hilary's 40th.  Aaron was awesome to maintain everything in my absence.

Exactly one week later, I found myself making the same drive along 1-15 but this time Aaron was with me and we were heading to the airport to attend a conference he was speaking at (love those companion tickets!).  We put Brinley in charge of maintaining everything at home for two days and I don't think the kids even missed us.  It helped that they had an extensive list typed up and various activities to attend which kept everybody busy and out of trouble:).

We arrived Thursday late afternoon and found this to be our view from Room 2468 at the Grand Hyatt of San Diego.  Below were a few restaurants including The Cheesecake Factory where we enjoyed a yummy dinner together.  Later that evening, we heard fireworks and looked out the window to enjoy a show from one of the ships in port. 

Friday morning Aaron was the keynote speaker at The Senior's Choice annual member conference where they treat him like royalty (a former member himself).  We stayed through Steve's presentation and joined everybody for lunch then I escaped to our hotel room and Aaron finished "working" before calling it a day.  We didn't have any other commitments to the group so we spent that evening walking along the harbor, eating dinner at Puesto's, a Mexican restaurant, and enjoying our brief change of pace.  We reminisced how 20 years ago (during our honeymoon), we walked along this same Seaport Village and marveled at all that has occurred in our lives together.  Although we didn't make time to visit Old Towne, the Mormon Battalion or Coronado this time around, we do have fond memories of time spent San Diego.

The price tag on these yachts are staggering.

Saturday morning we woke up to a beautiful day with ideal weather so we worked out in the hotel fitness room then I went for a little run before packing up and checking out.  

Aaron turning in our room key.

The Grand Hyatt is very grand!
Too grand for free breakfasts...

We did arrive in time for a session at the San Diego Temple and chuckled that we timed it perfectly to attend a Spanish-speaking session.  Thank goodness for interpreting head-sets.  I didn't have Libbie around to help me document this but we attempted a few selfies before heading to the airport.

Not only was Libbie married in this temple (July 7, 2001) but I was able to attend the open house while traveling with the Weber State Women's track & field team in 1993.  Aaron and I have visited this temple a few times while in the area and we really enjoy the beauty of this particular celestial room.  After returning the rental car and arriving at the airport terminal, we quickly took notice of Elder Rasband (Quorum of 12 Apostles) and his wife waiting to board along with three mission presidents and their wives.  The 'bodyguard' sat right behind us and confirmed Elder Rasband had conducted training meetings for mission presidents, etc.  We felt very safe on that return flight home:).  And the kids really did well in our absence.