I used to laugh and laugh as Eric, Pace, John, and Mikey would recap their intramural basketball games. We'd drive home, I'd make dinner, paint a room, and do a reading assignment by the time they finished.
Honestly, the recap usually last the length of the game itself. And that is the reason I've put off blogging this summer. It was jam-packed and I fear it may take me as long to analyze play-by-play as it did to actually enjoy it.
In April, which was, granted, before I last blogged, we went to Las Vegas with our good friends, Mikey and Melissa. We had a great time, even though it was only a weekend. We hit up Hash House a Go Go, Gold and Silver Pawn (Pawn Stars), saw Cirque de Soleil's "O" at the Bellagio, and spent a night in old town, which we love. I did get spanked with a whip by a girl in a thong when Melissa and I were headed back to meet up with the boys... but I guess I'll put that in the win column, cuz I still got it.
We had wanted to go to one of Chef Ramsey's restaurants, Burgr, but decided it was too expensive. Instead, we went to a nice steakhouse in old town, called Vic and Anthony's. Much to our surprise, it was just as expensive and fancy as Burgr. So we were a bit underdressed. To make up for it, Eric and Mikey pretended they were pro-am golfers that had been out golfing all day that couldn't be bothered to change before dinner (whether it worked or not, we'll never know, but it made for an amusing night).
We stayed at a timeshare that had 2 awesome pools. A big pool and a lazy river. The lazy river was always full of older men women chillin' on the tube as they floated the river always with a drink in hand. The bigger pool was fun and had a sweet volleyball "court" in one corner. No surprise, Eric went right over to the group of kids (ages ranging from 8-14) and challenged them to a game. We played couple games and we smoked them.
On this blessed trip we also found out in person that Melissa was expecting, which was really special for me, because they live so far away and everyone seems to live so far away these days that being told in person is a rarity.
Last note on this one: if you go to a Cirque show, I highly recommend "O". It is stunning.
Lisa and I decided somewhat last minute to visit Stef for her birthday in May. I hadn't been to Nashville ever (and she has lived there 4 years now...!) and Lisa had only been house hunting with them before they moved. There is something invigorating about deciding to take a trip within three weeks of actually going. You don't have to do much counting down.
And it was a good thing we didn't have to anticipate too long, because we got to the airport and were checking our bags before we found out that our flight was cancelled. No flight out until the next morning. It was weather, so there was nothing we could do, but we were so frustrated!
The trip was wonderful. I would have never thought of Nashville as a tourist destination, but it is a beautiful city and full of history and things to do. We went and saw Matt play with his band at Tequila Cowboy, rode in one of those horse-drawn carriages downtown, checked out the new convention center, BBQed for Stef's birthday, and spent a lot of time at the Opryland Hotel.
We got to meet Stef's good friends and see her home, I love being able to experience it all in person, the trees, the climate, walking from room to room, so that I know where she really is and what she means when we talk about her life. I really want to go back with Eric soon.
We headed to Jackson Hole for a long weekend getaway. The drive was easy and as soon as we pulled into town I was enchanted. It was mid-June and the summer was just getting ripe. The first place we happened upon to eat had not only the most fresh Pepsi, but a pony-tailed waiter that lived for rafting. He easily convinced us it would be worth our while.
There is an Elk Reservation there, but we couldn't find any elk! We were so annoyed so I looked it up on yelp for tips, come to find they migrate, so they wouldn't be there that time of year. I was still mildly disappointed, but glad to know they weren't hiding from us.
We rafted the Snake River and had a great time on the bus ride listening to the 18-year-old kids that were recruited to work in the resorts for the summer. On the way up the boys were overtly peacocking, but on the way back the girls fell asleep and we listened to one boy turn into his natural self, the one I'm sure his parents know and love. He talked about his family, his plans, his job, everything with another couple sitting behind us. I wanted to turn around and tell him that this was the boy that the girls would fall for, but I kept quiet and just enjoyed the eavesdrop.
I was so nervous to raft, but it was great! Some really cool rapids, each named, but I particularly remember the champagne rapid, when you come across, however the water churns makes it look like bubbly champagne. One kid in our raft new like every species of bird, so it was also a very educational trip down the Snake.
We went to the Bar J Wranglers. I went when I was 15 or so on a trip with my best friend's family, but I don't have very clear memories from back then. I cannot praise them enough, it is so entertaining. The food isn't bad, and it's a fun environment. They have the act down, the jokes are cheesy but you can't help but laugh, but most of all, those old cowboy songs will take you straight to another time.
Grand Teton National Park is beautiful, we didn't get to spend a lot of time there (just drove through, stopped to look at a bear in a tree, and went briefly to Jenny Lake). We finally saw a moose on our drive back into town to head out.
As soon as we got home we booked a hotel to go back in October. That weekend doesn't work now, so we've rescheduled again. Eric and I fell in love with that place.
If you are still reading this, I applaud you. Stand up, do a couple sun salutations, and get a glass of water then come on back, because I still have Kelli's wedding, a trip to Denver and NYC/NJ/Boston to tell you about.
Kelli got married the end of June. I won't say much on here, but having all my family out here is so fun. It was hectic, but the reception was beautiful, the weather was warm but not too hot, and the food was delicious.
Lisa and I hear John Mayer was touring again and immediately checked the schedule. He wasn't coming to SLC, but that made the decision even easier to make a trip out to enjoy his show at Red Rocks.
The concert sold out as quickly as it came, Lisa, Eric and I all on separate computers trying to get through to him. The disappointment consumed me for about twenty minutes, until John's people quickly recognized there were easily enough people interested to double there money, so another show opened the following night and we were as good as on our way.
I was eager for Eric to experience Red Rocks, and it did not disappoint. John is the perfect person to see there: seeing John at Red Rocks I would liken to seeing the bear in its natural environment in Grand Teton Nat'l. Park. It's somewhat transcendental.
We stayed in downtown Denver for the duration of the trip, which was a fun experience for me to take in Denver as a tourist. We went to the Rockies game (for free: a guy just gave us his extra tickets outside of Coors Field), walked around 16th St., shopped, BBQed with the extended fam, and went to the Denver Zoo and The Bay with the fam. We got in some good and long overdue cousin time, and celebrated one of my niece's 1st birthday.
When my brother was in the Marines he met a man named Matt. He brought him to Powderhorn to meet us and he joined our family. Matt got married in New Jersey in August, so Eric, Mom, Adam, and I were able to attend. It was a great excuse to make a trip to NYC.
We went to Boston because the Yankees were away @Boston and we couldn't be that close without going to a game. Also, though I cheer for the Yankees, seeing a game at Fenway is definitely a bucket list item. We planned that for our first day of the trip.
Going to Boston was a total nightmare (we didn't eat before we left, traffic made the drive 5 hours, starving and thought we'd eat at a restaurant from diners, drive ins, and dives but it was closed, spending about $70 to park there before we even had a good time), but the baseball game made it worth it. Fenway is so smalll and old! For some reason as we walked through we felt like we were transported to the 1960s.... or 10s... or 40s... it just felt like another time. The lady next to us asked where we were from. Eric answered, "Utah", to which she replied, "What is that?". So not just another time, but also another place, haha.
Saturday we caught up with our good friend Christopher for a quick lunch. We were walking Times Square and luckily caught the Newsies matinee discounted. We decided on impulse to go for it and go to the wedding BBQ later instead of earlier, and it worked out perfectly. Newsies was an absolute delight. Another check off the bucket list.
The wedding festivities were everything I hoped they would be. We got to sit and listen to Matt tell the many adventures of his dad, the bear whisperer and other stories. The wedding was a fusion of Jewish and Christian tradition. I am grateful to the bride and groom for letting us be part of their day.
Monday we brought Adam back with us (he had been with the wedding party in Jersey) and we did a NYC boat tour and Ground Zero. The boat tour is a great way to see the big picture of the city. Ground Zero is hard to do, but it was important to us to go. The memorial is beautiful, but it is hard to swallow being there, figuratively and literally.
Tuesday, Mom, Eric and I went to the LDS temple. It's downtown in one of the buildings, a unique sensation to walk off those busy streets and into the most quiet and peaceful place you can imagine. We hit lunch at Carmines, striking gold with the spaghetti and meatballs.
We were finally ready to be home. And now, I'm sure you, too, are glad that we have been home for a month.
We decided this year we would travel, so we have. Excited to be in the routine that is Autumn. My favorite time of year.
And if you read this all, you deserve a cookie.
Honestly, the recap usually last the length of the game itself. And that is the reason I've put off blogging this summer. It was jam-packed and I fear it may take me as long to analyze play-by-play as it did to actually enjoy it.
In April, which was, granted, before I last blogged, we went to Las Vegas with our good friends, Mikey and Melissa. We had a great time, even though it was only a weekend. We hit up Hash House a Go Go, Gold and Silver Pawn (Pawn Stars), saw Cirque de Soleil's "O" at the Bellagio, and spent a night in old town, which we love. I did get spanked with a whip by a girl in a thong when Melissa and I were headed back to meet up with the boys... but I guess I'll put that in the win column, cuz I still got it.
We had wanted to go to one of Chef Ramsey's restaurants, Burgr, but decided it was too expensive. Instead, we went to a nice steakhouse in old town, called Vic and Anthony's. Much to our surprise, it was just as expensive and fancy as Burgr. So we were a bit underdressed. To make up for it, Eric and Mikey pretended they were pro-am golfers that had been out golfing all day that couldn't be bothered to change before dinner (whether it worked or not, we'll never know, but it made for an amusing night).
We stayed at a timeshare that had 2 awesome pools. A big pool and a lazy river. The lazy river was always full of older men women chillin' on the tube as they floated the river always with a drink in hand. The bigger pool was fun and had a sweet volleyball "court" in one corner. No surprise, Eric went right over to the group of kids (ages ranging from 8-14) and challenged them to a game. We played couple games and we smoked them.
On this blessed trip we also found out in person that Melissa was expecting, which was really special for me, because they live so far away and everyone seems to live so far away these days that being told in person is a rarity.
Last note on this one: if you go to a Cirque show, I highly recommend "O". It is stunning.
Lisa and I decided somewhat last minute to visit Stef for her birthday in May. I hadn't been to Nashville ever (and she has lived there 4 years now...!) and Lisa had only been house hunting with them before they moved. There is something invigorating about deciding to take a trip within three weeks of actually going. You don't have to do much counting down.
And it was a good thing we didn't have to anticipate too long, because we got to the airport and were checking our bags before we found out that our flight was cancelled. No flight out until the next morning. It was weather, so there was nothing we could do, but we were so frustrated!
The trip was wonderful. I would have never thought of Nashville as a tourist destination, but it is a beautiful city and full of history and things to do. We went and saw Matt play with his band at Tequila Cowboy, rode in one of those horse-drawn carriages downtown, checked out the new convention center, BBQed for Stef's birthday, and spent a lot of time at the Opryland Hotel.
We got to meet Stef's good friends and see her home, I love being able to experience it all in person, the trees, the climate, walking from room to room, so that I know where she really is and what she means when we talk about her life. I really want to go back with Eric soon.
We headed to Jackson Hole for a long weekend getaway. The drive was easy and as soon as we pulled into town I was enchanted. It was mid-June and the summer was just getting ripe. The first place we happened upon to eat had not only the most fresh Pepsi, but a pony-tailed waiter that lived for rafting. He easily convinced us it would be worth our while.
There is an Elk Reservation there, but we couldn't find any elk! We were so annoyed so I looked it up on yelp for tips, come to find they migrate, so they wouldn't be there that time of year. I was still mildly disappointed, but glad to know they weren't hiding from us.
We rafted the Snake River and had a great time on the bus ride listening to the 18-year-old kids that were recruited to work in the resorts for the summer. On the way up the boys were overtly peacocking, but on the way back the girls fell asleep and we listened to one boy turn into his natural self, the one I'm sure his parents know and love. He talked about his family, his plans, his job, everything with another couple sitting behind us. I wanted to turn around and tell him that this was the boy that the girls would fall for, but I kept quiet and just enjoyed the eavesdrop.
I was so nervous to raft, but it was great! Some really cool rapids, each named, but I particularly remember the champagne rapid, when you come across, however the water churns makes it look like bubbly champagne. One kid in our raft new like every species of bird, so it was also a very educational trip down the Snake.
We went to the Bar J Wranglers. I went when I was 15 or so on a trip with my best friend's family, but I don't have very clear memories from back then. I cannot praise them enough, it is so entertaining. The food isn't bad, and it's a fun environment. They have the act down, the jokes are cheesy but you can't help but laugh, but most of all, those old cowboy songs will take you straight to another time.
Grand Teton National Park is beautiful, we didn't get to spend a lot of time there (just drove through, stopped to look at a bear in a tree, and went briefly to Jenny Lake). We finally saw a moose on our drive back into town to head out.
As soon as we got home we booked a hotel to go back in October. That weekend doesn't work now, so we've rescheduled again. Eric and I fell in love with that place.
If you are still reading this, I applaud you. Stand up, do a couple sun salutations, and get a glass of water then come on back, because I still have Kelli's wedding, a trip to Denver and NYC/NJ/Boston to tell you about.
Kelli got married the end of June. I won't say much on here, but having all my family out here is so fun. It was hectic, but the reception was beautiful, the weather was warm but not too hot, and the food was delicious.
Lisa and I hear John Mayer was touring again and immediately checked the schedule. He wasn't coming to SLC, but that made the decision even easier to make a trip out to enjoy his show at Red Rocks.
The concert sold out as quickly as it came, Lisa, Eric and I all on separate computers trying to get through to him. The disappointment consumed me for about twenty minutes, until John's people quickly recognized there were easily enough people interested to double there money, so another show opened the following night and we were as good as on our way.
I was eager for Eric to experience Red Rocks, and it did not disappoint. John is the perfect person to see there: seeing John at Red Rocks I would liken to seeing the bear in its natural environment in Grand Teton Nat'l. Park. It's somewhat transcendental.
We stayed in downtown Denver for the duration of the trip, which was a fun experience for me to take in Denver as a tourist. We went to the Rockies game (for free: a guy just gave us his extra tickets outside of Coors Field), walked around 16th St., shopped, BBQed with the extended fam, and went to the Denver Zoo and The Bay with the fam. We got in some good and long overdue cousin time, and celebrated one of my niece's 1st birthday.
When my brother was in the Marines he met a man named Matt. He brought him to Powderhorn to meet us and he joined our family. Matt got married in New Jersey in August, so Eric, Mom, Adam, and I were able to attend. It was a great excuse to make a trip to NYC.
We went to Boston because the Yankees were away @Boston and we couldn't be that close without going to a game. Also, though I cheer for the Yankees, seeing a game at Fenway is definitely a bucket list item. We planned that for our first day of the trip.
Going to Boston was a total nightmare (we didn't eat before we left, traffic made the drive 5 hours, starving and thought we'd eat at a restaurant from diners, drive ins, and dives but it was closed, spending about $70 to park there before we even had a good time), but the baseball game made it worth it. Fenway is so smalll and old! For some reason as we walked through we felt like we were transported to the 1960s.... or 10s... or 40s... it just felt like another time. The lady next to us asked where we were from. Eric answered, "Utah", to which she replied, "What is that?". So not just another time, but also another place, haha.
Saturday we caught up with our good friend Christopher for a quick lunch. We were walking Times Square and luckily caught the Newsies matinee discounted. We decided on impulse to go for it and go to the wedding BBQ later instead of earlier, and it worked out perfectly. Newsies was an absolute delight. Another check off the bucket list.
The wedding festivities were everything I hoped they would be. We got to sit and listen to Matt tell the many adventures of his dad, the bear whisperer and other stories. The wedding was a fusion of Jewish and Christian tradition. I am grateful to the bride and groom for letting us be part of their day.
Monday we brought Adam back with us (he had been with the wedding party in Jersey) and we did a NYC boat tour and Ground Zero. The boat tour is a great way to see the big picture of the city. Ground Zero is hard to do, but it was important to us to go. The memorial is beautiful, but it is hard to swallow being there, figuratively and literally.
Tuesday, Mom, Eric and I went to the LDS temple. It's downtown in one of the buildings, a unique sensation to walk off those busy streets and into the most quiet and peaceful place you can imagine. We hit lunch at Carmines, striking gold with the spaghetti and meatballs.
We were finally ready to be home. And now, I'm sure you, too, are glad that we have been home for a month.
We decided this year we would travel, so we have. Excited to be in the routine that is Autumn. My favorite time of year.
And if you read this all, you deserve a cookie.
Most delayed comment to a blog post ever, a month and a half later. Late reactions have long been my downfall. The cookie offer has likely expired I'm sure. Anyways, just commenting to say that I am jealous of your many adventures. Also, I know this champagne rapid of which you speak. I've gone down that river dozens of times. My family has a cabin ten minutes from there and my aunt and uncle are river guides and would take us multiple times every summer. Next time I go to my cabin I'll see if you guys want to join us for some good times. Now only if that bird species guy could come too.
ReplyDeleteJust saw this, John. So a delay repaid with a delay. We'll take you up on the cabin. We miss you.
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