Mantinue Family Reunion

This last week we went to Carl's Family Reunion in Washington State. We traveled by car and by so doing saw many fun things! We went to the Maryhill museum of art full of things from the 1900 to about early 1960's. (sad that our history is now being shown in museums) There were a lot of interesting objects involving the Native American's and many objects from Queen Marie of Romania. They had a whole room for Chess pieces. Carl liked to say which ones where easier to play then others.
There was also a life-size remake of Stone Hedge. It was really cool to walk through it and pretend we were in the real thing. From there, we had a great view of the Columbia river.
We also stopped at several waterfalls, and many places of Carl's family's past! Such as their old home in Washington. I always thought it was a small home, but it turned out to be a very nice home with a small farm land by it. It was very enjoyable to hear all their stories about the home.
We rode a ferry out to the San Juan Islands. It was chilly, but so much fun to see the little islands and imagine retiring on them. We also visited Pike's Market. It was a lot smaller then I remember, but just as crowded. There was an ugly monk fish that scared Grammie when they pulled the string to make it move.
After a VERY long drive, we made it to the Enviornment Learning Center in Washington where the actual reunion was held. I don't remember much of my family reunion with the Malon's, but I know this was much more fun. Most of Carl's family is Bi-polar or Manic which creates a very active and fun bunch. Cousin Howard was probably the most lively of them all next to Papa of course. I met many of my fist cousin's once removed, and second cousins, even fifth cousins who were about our age. We played Survivor, and sang and played sports, we enjoyed a card game once in a while, and enjoyed the scenery in many hikes. We had the pleasure of having DanaLee join us! She always makes things have some spice to them. Everyone was fun and it seemed everyone had fun. Even Carl's autistic cousin Gregory seemed to have a very enjoyable time.
All in all, great trip, and much fun!

Bri's New Job

I was looking for a new job for quite some time now and I found one!...Well, a temporary job. I am doing rush at the bookstore! Candice and Leslee know all about that fun. My first day of training was very fun. My trainer, Dallin, was very much a tease to everyone else and taught me all the little things involved with this job. Apparently we have a bookstore clepto. He is not allowed in the store, something I was not aware of. He just asked me for a bag for some things he had. Dallin basically ignored him but kept a watchful eye on him and afterwords told me about the guy. Really freaky actually. I am hoping this job becomes permanent! It is closer to home, so I won't need a car, and I can just stay at school and study after work or before work. Cross your fingers for me!

Lagoon

Carl and I went to Lagoon for the first time together. He had not been for about five years and I had not been for 'bout three. My camera is in repairs so we didn't get any pictures! SAD! We rode every single ride, besides the kid rides and the ones you have to pay for. We tried the new rides, Wicked and The Bat. Wicked is now Carl's favorite ride. I was freaking out because it is one that shoots you out like a cannon with a completely 90' drop. But after the ride we really wanted to ride it again! I was too chicken to ride the Rocket because I am a spaz that way. Carl went and came out all disheveled. After the Samuri we really started to feel all the G's and decided to go on Rattle Snake Rapids last. It was really relaxing and enjoyable. After 7 hours of pure fun, we went home.
Lagoon is so much more fun when you have someone you know loves you is with you!

Mike's Return

My favorite cousin Michael came home from his mission not too long ago. I went to see him and his family to welcome him home and introduce him to Carl. We chitchatted with Mike for some time. little Ethan Michael connected instantly with Carl. He drug him outside to play in the dirt while I caught up with Mike. Poor Carl was exhausted and filthy by the end, but showed his true fatherly side. ^-^ It was such a wonderful visit!

Carl and Ethan together was such a huge kick.

Ethan guzzeling his juice under the watchful eye of grandpa Richard

Last time I saw little Jackson he was still in his crib!

The man of the hour, my cousin...he hasn't changed much ^-^

WICKED!

Carl and I were able to see Wicked! THANKS MOM! We got there way early and got to witness the Wicked Ticket Drawing. It turns out the girls who was next to us won twice! It was unbelievable! People were booing and getting pretty scary. So she booked it out of there. The show was AMAZING! We ironically saw my old Dentist, Dr. West, and his family there. (We also saw them at the Trans Siberian Orchestra concert so we got quite a laugh at that!) We also saw cousin Alyssa there with her family!
Carl loved it and was singing the songs all the way home. It was such a kick. Our cast was amazing. Galinda was such a kick. I really liked her!

Dinosaur Museum

Carl took me to the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving point. It is the largest dino museum in the country! We saw a lot of different dinosaurs. We both thought it was really amazing that most of them were found in Wyoming, and Utah. We learned a lot of really loved seeing our world evolve! Highly recommended, even for kids!

I am joining the skeletons in the killing of the Mammoth.

They didn't find the body of this massive shark, but it's teeth were found and are about 7 inches big each!...poor Carl

It's Sith the Sloth ^-^

HUGE FISH!

This things neck was long with a tinny head, but it's body could have easily fit both Carl and me inside of it!

BIG TURTLE!

This was found in Wyoming! I thought that was pretty cool!

I thought this one was cool, but I forgot its name

The all terrifying T-rex!

Playing in the dirt?

Carl spent about half an hour playing with the erosion table. It was really cute actually!

The leg of "longneck"...don't get stepped on!

Not a stegosaurus, but something like it!

This thing was huge. It's a longneck ^-^

Carl in his little hole with little dinosaurs above him!

Hike Gehind SLC

We went hiking in SLC above UofU with our friend Max and his date Christine. We got there right as the sun was setting. It was very romantic and very fun! We then went to this cute ice cream shop called Spoon Me in downtown SLC. It was a very cute fun place although the icecream was not all that good, the atmosphere was awsome!

Carl and I at the very top!

The beautiful sunset

Max and Christine

So close to the top!

Carl and the city

Max and the back of Christine's Head

The men who conquered the hill