tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44432900144665768342024-03-13T04:27:51.182-07:00These are the MomentsTiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-32256185417644529332012-05-08T12:11:00.003-07:002012-05-08T12:11:38.304-07:00Hawaii<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Im putting together a post about my recent trip to Hawaii - it was awesome! Lots of fun things to share soon :)</div>Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-61317214816358881292012-05-08T12:10:00.001-07:002012-05-08T12:10:21.611-07:00Bringing a Smile to Utah Press Release<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Date: May 1, 2012<br />
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Bringing a Smile to Utah<br />
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National Smile Month is coming to Utah, as West Family Dental will be holding a special event to back the international campaign.<br />
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To show their support, the team from West Family Dental in Murray Utah, will be holding a 'Best Smile in Utah' contest from May 1 through May 30, 2012 that aims to put the smile into National Smile Month. By holding the contest on their facebook page, the team hope to raise awareness of how important oral health is. The grand prize is $4000 worth of free dental procedure(s) for the winner's friend, family member, or themselves, and a $250 gift card.<br />
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Dr West from West Family Dental said: “National Smile Month is an excellent opportunity to bring an element of fun to a serious issue.<br />
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“Good oral health is vital for a healthy smile as well as a healthy body, and we’ll be spreading that message at our facebook page via the contest.”<br />
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The Foundation’s Chief Executive Dr Nigel Carter said: “I’m delighted that West Family Dental has joined the many schools, colleges, health professionals and other dental practices in engaging with National Smile Month. It is a great reflection of local community spirit and an excellent way to promote good oral health.<br />
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“Taking place from May 1 to May 30, the campaign is an ideal opportunity to learn about oral health in a fun and positive way.<br />
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“By making an event as fun and imaginative as possible, we hope it will inspire more people to join in the fun than ever before while delivering the Foundation’s three key messages for good oral health of brush for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks and visit the dentist regularly – as often as they recommend.”<br />
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For more information please visit www.danwestdmd.com, and/or their facebook page: facebook.com/bestsmileutah<br />
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(News Release issued on behalf of West Family Dental by Adam Torkildson, PR and Press Officer. Telephone: 801.602.9873 Email: adam@customerhook.com).<br />
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Editor’s Notes<br />
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1.The British Dental Health Foundation is an independent charity that along with its global arm, the International Dental Health Foundation, is dedicated to improving the oral health of the public by providing free and impartial dental advice, by running educational campaigns like National Smile Month and by informing and influencing the public, profession and government on issues such as mouth cancer awareness and water fluoridation.<br />
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2.National Smile Month was established in 1977 and is the UK’s biggest annual oral health campaign. The campaign is sponsored by headline sponsors Wrigley, Listerine, Oral-B and Steradent. The campaign runs in the UK from 20 May to 20 June 2012 is also being supported by Aldi, Argos, Bupa, Dencover, Denplan, Lloyds Pharmacy, Save Water Save Money, SleepRight, Smile-on and Wilkinson. The campaign promotes three key messages for great oral health:<br />
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• Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste; <br />
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• Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks; <br />
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Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend</div>Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-26818856588275718072011-12-07T17:41:00.000-08:002011-12-07T17:44:12.342-08:00Livin the dream<div>How do you ever tell your kids no? I mean if they really believe in something or ‘have a dream’ in life. So, I was watching Glee, I know cheesy, but one kid wanted to be a dancer and his dad wanted him to become a doctor. Obviously this kid loves dancing and performing, but when looking at the big picture becoming a doctor if he was capable would be a much safer and maybe better life path. I hope to be a parent one day and hope t<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lq-NzLOBhIs/TuAWUTdNqLI/AAAAAAAAAUU/54q9zdaHBkg/s1600/IMG_0286.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683567267817564338" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lq-NzLOBhIs/TuAWUTdNqLI/AAAAAAAAAUU/54q9zdaHBkg/s320/IMG_0286.JPG" /></a>o be a good one. I think it will be terribly difficult not to want to protect my kids from pain and sadness; to help them bypass some of the simple mistakes, but how to do that without crushing their dreams. There was a scene in Glee where the father finally watches his kid perform and sees the excitement and passion in his eyes and knows that he has to let his son choose that direction. I just think it will be a hard thing to want all the best for my kids, but then let them make the choices that suit them best. Allowing my kids to ‘fall’ will be hard. Guess I’ll cross that bridge when and if I get there.</div>Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-39670075999480136232010-07-16T13:36:00.001-07:002010-07-16T13:36:57.211-07:00Window or Aisle???Isn’t that the impossible question? I usually go for a window on a long haul flight. Not because I’m concerned with seeing the view, I just know I can lean against the side of the plane and rest a little better, it also helps not to have to worry about everyone else’s bladder control problems. My mind has changed today – On any flight that has three seats on the window instead of just two go for the aisle. Yes, you may have to wake for everyone’s bathroom break, but you’re not stuck in an invisible walled prison. Plus, on the window is impossible for everyone to be on the same bathroom schedule and you’re going to feel horrible waking everyone when you need to go. Go for the aisle!<br /><br />Also, I’m not trying to be mean here or pick on anyone and I know being heavy and flying must be a nightmare. Still, I need to state that EVERYONE needs to be conscientious of the very little space we all share on the plane. Just because you are bigger than me does NOT mean you can flow into my space as well as yours. The space is tight, as we all know, and when someone starts taking more than their fair share I get really angry. 16 hours next to someone who doesn’t realize that the armrest delineates the difference between your space and mine almost drove me mad! I started off with soft nudges, but it didn’t work… just minutes later each time my space was constricting once again. If I’m stuck in that kind of tiny prison I want clear plexi walls to keep everyone out of my space!<br /><br />The flight today was really hard. I think my flights to India actually took longer all together, but it’s been at least 6 years since I had a single flight as long as today. The first 5 hours I sat and read and ate and watched a movie before I looked at the flight map – I figured we had to be about half way there… when I looked and saw nearly 11 hours left I was so sad!!! Tried to sleep for a bit, but needed to use the rest room. The next two hours (that felt like at least 6) was the most uncomfortable “sleep” I’ve ever had – even for a plane. With 8 hours left I got up, I walked a bit, used the restroom and ate a snack, read a bit more and then I was finally able to sleep. I passed out for the next six hours and woke with just a couple hours to go… VERY long flight, but glad to be here and excited for what the week holds.<br /><br />Now I’m stretched out in a huge king bed at the Intercontinental Johannesburg. I took a long bath, brushed my teeth and feel like a million bucks – a clean million bucks. Love how good washing my face and brushing my teeth and hair feel after a long flight. I will try to rest now and then, tomorrow, on to the Kruger.<br /><br />(I have lots of back posts to do, but they’ll have to wait until after Africa :) )Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-72464297510557424932010-05-14T16:20:00.000-07:002010-05-14T16:25:28.915-07:00Gross Out!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3buMW5XNI/AAAAAAAAASg/jO14dLIk0_I/s1600/airplanelav%5B1%5D.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471270708962745554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 205px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3buMW5XNI/AAAAAAAAASg/jO14dLIk0_I/s400/airplanelav%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Don't use airplane bathrooms. If you have to, then use them right as you get on. They are cleaner at that moment than at any other moment and probably a little more hygienic too. I know it can't always be avoided, but should if possible. As I stood in the bathroom today and listened to the sticky noise as my shoes caught on whatever disgusting cesspool of disease and germ and filth was there, I was taken back to Cambodia and our boat ride from Siem Reap to Phnom Phen. Awesome experience. Would recommend the trip to anyone at least once, but the one tiny bathroom on that speedboat for the approx 100 passengers for 6 hours was insufficient and disgusting to say the least. Of course there was no toilet paper - there never is in Asia, but that wasn't the bad part. No sink, so no hand washing or even water to make you feel better. Also, imagine any airplane, sporting arena, basically the grossest bathroom you've ever been in and multiply the gross factor by about a billion and you'd be getting close. The smell the filth it was tangible.<br />I was having tummy issues, so I had to frequent that smelly little room more than I would like to mention during our trip, but I was smart and brought toilet paper. I also could hold my breath long enough to last through most of my trips in and I had hand sanitized in my bag for as soon as I came out.</div><div><br />The real story here is my friend Jamie. She's a little of a germaphobe - had to be she's a Dalton and it's in the DNA. Anyway, I can't remember the exact why, but she went in there with no shoes on... I'm not kidding NO shoes. I think she had come in from being on top of the boat and left her shoes outside. She had to make a decision whether she wanted to go in without them or go back up the scary ladder thing to retrieve them. I don’t think I would have gone in without shoes and I’m a pretty tough girl, but remembering that bathroom can almost make me gag. Jamie said when it came to that point she was trying to prove to herself she could do it (and I think she really had to use the bathroom). Now, I'm not a doctor, but I do know lots of stuff can come through the thick skin on your feet and I don't think somebody could have paid me enough to do that.<br /></div><br /><div>Not sure what she gained except possibly some really nasty bacteria or virus or worse, and a really cool story that not many can trump, but she did move up a notch in the tuff girl book – that was gutsy!!! </div>Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-36493181397924828822010-05-14T15:43:00.000-07:002010-05-16T01:27:46.117-07:00Full Circle<div align="left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3Tce74GNI/AAAAAAAAASY/T9XrVrFu4mw/s1600/photo12.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471261608619022546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3Tce74GNI/AAAAAAAAASY/T9XrVrFu4mw/s400/photo12.jpg" border="0" /></a> It ended where it all begin… next to a swimming pool in the warm spring sunshine… on a small island in the pacific… and I LOVED it! Today Krista and I woke up late after my 4am conference call with work. We packed our bags and delivered them to the bell desk and then we went poolside. We basked in the warmth and the idolness for nearly 5 hours. We ate some fruit and drank some ice water, read a little and listened to a lot of itunes, but other than that we did nothing. PERFECTION!<br /><br />When we felt sufficiently kissed by the sun we borrowed the hospitality suite to shower and get ready. We still had a few hours before our late night flight. The plan was to head north again to have one last taste of Jo Jo’s amazing shave ice… little did we know it closed at 5:30 and we got there at 5:35. We decided we’d try the cheap knock off version, but when we got there the server was rude and they were out of haupia sauce anyway so we decided to skip our last shave ice and savor the flavors from yesterday. We did however want to repeat one other favorite thing from Kauai…so, we drove to Kalapaki Joe’s and ordered – you guessed it – seared ahi tacos – YUM! What a way to end the day. Oh, and don’t worry, we didn’t skip dessert. We shared a huge slice of mud pie to top off the evening before the flight home.<br /><br />I was lucky and my flight was fairly empty. I ended up with a full row to myself and took advantage. As soon as the door was shut I pulled on a blanket, spread across the three empty seats and drifted into Hawaiian dreams for the next 5 hours. LA was a bit of a blur; except the creepy married guy who was rude to his wife on the phone and then hitting on me as I charged my iphone. Exhaustion over came me on the last flight and then I woke in Utah to 40 degree weather.<br /><br />Oh well, I’ll hold on to the lovely weather and fun adventures in my heart! Until next time!!! Kauai, you will always be my favorite Hawaiian island! I heart you!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471780880875626850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S--ruG1doWI/AAAAAAAAASw/kS3N-DmsYqE/s320/Kauai_772.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Damage done to my legs in the past week.... the bruises are more impressive in person...</div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471780870683687858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S--rtg3g-7I/AAAAAAAAASo/WFbip_LlaRE/s320/Kauai_768.jpg" border="0" />Headed home :(<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471780888361913938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S--ruiuVTlI/AAAAAAAAAS4/klVj5YCVynY/s320/Kauai_775.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471780896799635010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S--rvCKCtkI/AAAAAAAAATA/nwudjlMSF6A/s320/Kauai_776.jpg" border="0" /></div>Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-49032949253159205372010-05-14T14:46:00.001-07:002010-05-14T16:20:22.024-07:00Top of the World<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3E2lFNqjI/AAAAAAAAAP4/0SYCGvhRkc4/s1600/photo41.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471245564270979634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 296px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3E2lFNqjI/AAAAAAAAAP4/0SYCGvhRkc4/s400/photo41.jpg" border="0" /></a> I woke this morning and I was so sore from kayaking and so tired from lack of sleep that I almost didn’t go on our planned hike. The call of the pool and the sunshine was great and with Kristin opting out I almost gave in, but I decided I wanted to go on this hike and I knew that I had tomorrow to be out at the pool. Krista, Lizzy and I headed north to meet Brandon and stopped to get some drinks and food for the cooler for lunch. We all drove to the <a href="http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/kauai/spot/kalalau_lookout/">Kalalau Lookout </a>and as we did I slipped in and out of consciousness along the way… I was really exhausted, but as we came to the top of the mountain to start the hike I took a deep breath and we walked out to the lookout. We got to the railings and instead of a stunning view of a canyon, we saw…. white, lots and lots of white. There was a thick fog over the whole valley :-(. Trying not to let the lack of enticing views thwart us, we followed Brandon over the railing and down the beginning of the narrow trail. As we hiked down the path the clouds would move and sway like swirls of cotton candy, but it took about 20 minutes before we had any measurable clearing of the clouds. Finally it happened, slowly the clouds danced away and we could see the huge green hills on the other side of the lush valley below. We could see waterfalls and sharp peaks below us and we knew…. we were on top of the world, and it was captivating!<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3KnPeqHzI/AAAAAAAAARw/H-IXlxXnt-M/s1600/Kauai+847.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471251897843851058" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 178px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3KnPeqHzI/AAAAAAAAARw/H-IXlxXnt-M/s320/Kauai+847.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3K4be9MAI/AAAAAAAAAR4/UgRfLpkgASY/s1600/Kauai+850.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471252193124102146" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 165px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3K4be9MAI/AAAAAAAAAR4/UgRfLpkgASY/s320/Kauai+850.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471247005134479698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 231px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 159px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3GKct14VI/AAAAAAAAAQY/AvKl_dyjAMw/s320/Kauai+848.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>As we walked all we could say was “WOW”, with every step. Literally I think Krista, Lizzy and I said wow somewhere near eleventy billion times in the 2.5 hours we were on that ridge. After about an hour we hit the peak and had some of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen. The huge green mountains were below us and then even lower was the beautiful vibrant blue ocean. It was stunning! The things we saw on that lookout very few are ever fortunate enough to see – even the locals. It was spectacular. We sat quietly and enjoyed the view for a few minutes before we headed back up the mountain. </div><br /><div>As we sat there looking down on the Napali Coastline, from the mountains we had watched above us from the sea at the beginning of the week, we took in the beauty. I remembered that on the catamaran as I looked up at some of those extreme peaks I thought how smooth they looked and how fun it would be to slide down them. I know that sounds very strange, but from so far away they looked like they were these inviting rolls of dirt covered in a lush green carpet. I imagined sliding down them like we had done on our stairs as a kid on a piece of cardboard or some manner of sled. It’s the same sort of thought I used to have as a kid whenever we passed the old Reams building in Provo. For those of you that grew up here you know the one I’m talking about… it was large and green with rolling curves – it looked like a huge turtle shell and I used to imagine skating up and down the large swerves of the roofline like a mini rollercoaster. Maybe I was just a weird kid and now I’m a strange adult. I realize the impossibility of these things and the danger each would pose but something in my imagination sees such a thrill in either and at that moment the idea of hoping on something smoothing and flying down the some 3000+ feet of green mountain sounded fun. Ok – enough crazy talk…</div><br /><div>We headed back up the ridge and did to our legs what we had done to our arms yesterday. This wasn’t as severe as the kayaking was to my arms. Likely because my legs aren’t as weak as my arms, but it was a good work out. As we hiked back up, the clouds came back in over the valley and hid the amazing views from us again. We had hit the summit at exactly the perfect time to see the whole vista before us. As we hiked it got pretty hot and loved standing at the edge of the white abyss and feeling the breeze as the clouds blew by. It’s pretty amazing to be above the cloud line on an extreme cliff like that. A little scary to think one faulty step and you’d fall thousands of feet with nothing to stop you (especially with my record over the last couple days), but exhilarating too. I would stand on the edge and let the breeze blow up from the ocean and up my body and out through my hair. There was a slight mistiness to the breeze that would cool my skin and instantly take the heat off my body in tiny kisses of moisture. It was an amazing sensation. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471252984856329922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 279px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3Lmg6oPsI/AAAAAAAAASA/mn6S9_IKS6E/s320/Kauai+867.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>We finished the hike and headed down the valley again. We stopped to look out over the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waimea_Canyon_State_Park">Waimea Canyon</a> – the Grand Canyon of the Pacific – and its vast valleys of trees and waterfalls. Another stunning view. We even treated ourselves to some fresh pineapple and mango from a local vendor. One the way back to Poipu we stopped to get some shave ice at Jo Jo’s shave ice. Now, I don’t usually think shave ice is all that impressive… usually; I just get it with no flavor because I love ice and the flavoring is too sweet for me, but this time was different. Brandon took us to the “real” <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/original-jo-jos-anueanue-shave-ice-waimea">Jo Jo’s</a>. This place was incredible. All the flavors are homemade and the ice is as fine as power and packed tight to hold in all the flavors. The best one was called the Double Haupia special – YUM!!! It has the most incredible macadamia nut ice-cream at the bottom of the cup then all the shaved ice is first covered in a clear coconut flavored syrup and then topped off with what I can only call liquid heaven, haupia. It’s a coconut cream syrup that is the perfect amount of sweetness mixed with the perfect amount of creaminess. I could drink that stuff straight from the bottle (and would have if they offered it that way). Unfortunately I asked them not to put too much sauce on mine thinking it would be the sickeningly sweet stuff they usually have at a shave ice place. After tasting mine and realizing I was wrong and should have let them just go for it I was really grateful that Krista would share hers, since hers had the proper dosage of this magical substance. Lizzy even stumbled a little on her diet and had bit of this heavenly mix – well worth it :).</div><br /><div>After all this excitement it was back to the hotel and a relaxing evening for me. Lizzy and Kristin headed to the airport and I sat and listened to the birds coo as the sunset on the pacific. AHHHH – another perfect day in paradise.<br />I have loved being so active and I’m so glad that Brandon was kind enough to take us on all these fabulous adventures, but I’m pretty excited to do nothing tomorrow. I need a vacation day before I head home.</div><br /><div align="center">These pictures dont do it justice, but enjoy: <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3NO2J4w3I/AAAAAAAAASQ/RCfo_QSjnfk/s1600/Kauai+857.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471254777263866738" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 146px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3NO2J4w3I/AAAAAAAAASQ/RCfo_QSjnfk/s320/Kauai+857.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3MyA8XauI/AAAAAAAAASI/TxQBLP_7564/s1600/photo39.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471254281943739106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 207px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3MyA8XauI/AAAAAAAAASI/TxQBLP_7564/s320/photo39.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3NO2J4w3I/AAAAAAAAASQ/RCfo_QSjnfk/s1600/Kauai+857.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471248090852127586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 202px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3HJpVGc2I/AAAAAAAAAQ4/qxAZyWnyvXo/s320/Kauai+882.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471249537519549154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3Id2lfeuI/AAAAAAAAARQ/RHr_E_J1Fw0/s320/Kauai+898.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471248116033476866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3HLHIzWQI/AAAAAAAAARI/jHh3oodlbNk/s320/Kauai+890.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyuSMCmG773A1EZsr1wBZcK5wbfk3QagqKK0NFQExStMtu_GFOhaXE3ErzSiIR7TkTldTUypV6NsCN5w0rQiA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><div align="center">Waimea Canyon<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471249549324711698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3IeikD9xI/AAAAAAAAARg/xz_mi7Um7Nw/s320/Kauai+925.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471249543096896626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3IeLXPDHI/AAAAAAAAARY/9ggNfYqcxgo/s320/Kauai+918.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471246604167737426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 238px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3FzG_68FI/AAAAAAAAAQA/xxiA6IwO6h4/s320/photo38.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">More memories tomorrow…</div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471248111892323090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-3HK3teWxI/AAAAAAAAARA/NlRjww_eH9c/s320/Kauai+888.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-19877104163981500962010-05-12T03:39:00.000-07:002010-05-12T04:06:40.777-07:00Row, Row, Row your boat... and then row some more<div align="left"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-qFpOQQQUI/AAAAAAAAAPA/qISueSd5coo/s1600/photo33.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470331640642289986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-qFpOQQQUI/AAAAAAAAAPA/qISueSd5coo/s400/photo33.jpg" border="0" /></a> Breakfast is the most important meal of the day “they” say, so we started it off right with French toast again only this time Nephi brought coconut syrup – my favorite – and we made fresh whipping cream for the strawberries and blackberries – so tasty! (side note: I know lots of space on these Hawaii blogs has been dedicated to food, but we have eaten some amazing stuff!!!!) After breakfast we headed out for today’s activity – kayaking!!! We drove to the head of the <a href="http://kauaiwailuakayak.com/">Wailua River </a>and got started. We had four kayaks and one was a double, lucky for Kristin and I because together I think we made up just about one fairly decent kayaker :).<br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">As we started out we all felt strong and excited… Lizzy even insisted on singing “just around the river bend”, but as we rounded the third or fourth river bend and didn’t see our destination our enthusiasm faltered a bit. We did however make it to the first stop, fern grotto, in fairly good time. A stretch of the legs and a look at the ancient site and we were off. Stop number two was really fun! We pulled up to the swimming hole and we were the only folks there for a bit. We hiked up and were able to take our turns at the rope swing. My arms aren’t strong anyway, but after an hour of kayaking I was “rubbish”. I could barely hang on long enough to make it to the center before I fell off. We got great pics of everyone else holding tight, but my strength was gone (not a good sign since we weren’t even half way done kayaking and the way back was supposed to be the tough part). After my weak showing on the rope swing I had to do something that I felt I could conquer, so I headed up the side of the cliff for a little cliff jumping. Bingo – so fun and not scared. We had a great time and it was a good break for our arms. We sat and ate fresh pineapple right off the core as Brandon cut it, it was delicious! Lizzy ate her apples and cheese, her diet for the day. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470333265062341618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-qHHxsLK_I/AAAAAAAAAPg/st1RqpWKSF8/s320/CIMG2826.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">Failed attempt at the rope swing<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470333270543552530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-qHIGG_0BI/AAAAAAAAAPo/NcwiimuJkBA/s320/CIMG2831.jpg" border="0" /><br />Next it was farther up the river and around a few more bends to the trail head. We hiked about 20 minutes in to see Secret Falls, a beautiful waterfall deep in the canyon. Krista and I decided to go for a swim. The water was fresh and crisp (actually cold, but crisp sounds nicer). It really was invigorating to stand in this powerful tropical waterfall and have the falling water massage your shoulders, amazing. As we headed out of the canyon I had accident number two for the trip…. As I headed up a large rock my wet flip-flop started to fall off… I had two choices – one, fall backwards and crack my head open on the rocks and ground below; or two, crash my shin into the jagged lava rock in front of me to catch my balance. I went with option number two, thinking that option one might equate to never doing anything again and option two would likely just tear up my leg. Happy to say my leg is pretty bruised and torn up, but I’m alive to fall again tomorrow ;). The hike down was less than comfortable, but I’ve hiked down a mountain with much more severe injuries (when I was in high school I fell and cut my leg open and had to hike down the mountain and drive for 45 minutes before I could get the necessary stitches… that sucked… and I still made it to the MORP dance – haha).<br /><br />Back to the kayaks for the trek back. The first part of the trip wasn’t bad. In the narrow part of the river the winds were calm. As we headed back into the main channel and toward the sea the wind picked up and it was horrible. We fought the winds with our already tired muscles and it was a struggle for each stroke. As Kristin put it, most of the strokes felt like we were “rowing into and through concrete”. If we didn’t keep rowing the wind pushed us backwards and its pretty demoralizing to watch yourself slip farther and farther away while your muscles ache and burn already. It was tough, but in the end we all made it and we’re happy to have had such an awesome day. I think in total we kayaked about 4-5 miles total (best I could tell on the internet), but I think I’m claiming about 15 miles due to the tiredness of my muscles. I have to mention there was no singing on the way back.<br /><br />Of course dinner was the next thing on our minds so we headed to the best local spot in Lihue called, <a href="http://www.marksplacekauai.com/">Marks Place</a>. it’s a little dive located in a strange industrial part of town, but the food was great. Brandon got some amazing teriyaki beef and my herb crusted swordfish was nothing short of mouthwatering (it was no ahi tacos, but very very good ;) – yes, I’m still talking about those tacos). I also bought some cinnamon macadamia nut shortbread cookies… oh, my, gosh!!! I ate three and I think they were about 10,000 calories each. Mark’s gets an A in our book!<br /><br />Back at the Hyatt we decided the perfect end for our sore muscles would be a dip in the jacuzzis. The jacuzzis and pools here are open 24/7 – AWESOME! We tried to wait for Brandon to get back, but couldn’t. We headed down and enjoyed the heat and some girl talk. When Brandon did show up I couldn’t do anything but laugh! He had been so nervous about getting into the pool with us. He said that they are very strict about kicking locals out that are not staying at the property. As I saw him come down the path toward us with his hoodie on and a backpack on his back I realized why he always gets kicked out… he looked like a local sneaking in. My suggestions was – next time try it without the hoodie and back pack you might actually end up blending. Haha – he’s so funny! But THE BEST tour guide (and friend) in all of Kauai!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470333236738608642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 235px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-qHGILRTgI/AAAAAAAAAPI/AUMlptaWyvc/s320/CIMG2815.1.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470333243706988434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 203px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-qHGiIqV5I/AAAAAAAAAPQ/Ythk9jlHOIA/s320/CIMG2820.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470333250529934706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 215px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-qHG7jYPXI/AAAAAAAAAPY/kb_rJDJVCmw/s320/CIMG2822.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Fern Grotto<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470333456745871122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 179px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-qHS7xFtxI/AAAAAAAAAPw/ljHEEk8CwUI/s320/CIMG2841.jpg" border="0" /></p><div align="center">Tomorrow we’re all set to hike!!! (at least I don’t have to use my arms – I don’t think I’ll be able to move them in the morning) </div>Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-86840925001559978932010-05-11T22:42:00.000-07:002010-05-12T04:11:03.169-07:00Bikes, Floaties, and Tacos!!!<div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-pG5QBZUEI/AAAAAAAAAO4/sbmLU4W4tMU/s1600/photo18.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470262646762197058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-pG5QBZUEI/AAAAAAAAAO4/sbmLU4W4tMU/s320/photo18.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left">Today was a GREAT day!!!! We did my favorite activity so far, and likely my favorite for the trip… we rode bikes :). The <a href="http://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=272264">Kapaa Bike Trail</a> is amazing! The trail is about 2.5 miles so the trip was just over 5 miles, but each second the scenery was stunning! The beautiful blue ocean to one side and the mountains on the other. Every once in a while I would get a little misting of sea water on my face as I rode. It was fantastic! The sun was shining a few fluffy clouds in the sky and our bikes. This could be my happy place too... the same amazing feeling of open air and freedom and some kind of mind-clearing effect just like riding back home (only on a much more leisurely pace). </div><div align="left"><br />It was heaven… until I fell…yes, I fell! I’m such a dork!!! I wish it was a cool story, but it’s not. Krista and I were getting pictures of us riding without any hands on the handle bars. I already had my pic done and it looked fine…. but, I couldn’t let that be it. I had to see if I could actually do it, for more than 2 seconds. Seriously what 32 year old needs to prove to herself she can ride a bike with no hands… me, I guess ;) maybe there is something wrong with me. Anyway, as I jerked back to grab the handles I grabbed the break at the same time and went head first over the handlebars. It was all very slow motion for me and I actually had enough time to think “this is what it’s going to feel like when I fall on my bike at home… only worse”. I was lucky enough to get my hands down so I didn’t hit my head and ended up with some cut up hands, a few cuts on my right leg and a couple road burns on my knees; nothing too major. I’m sure it looked hilarious from Krista’s view… too bad we didn’t get it recorded. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470260049241571826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-pEiDgOAfI/AAAAAAAAAOI/yYag87qrspY/s320/photo11.jpg" border="0" />Proof that I can actually do it - this was the original pic... way before the fall :-)<br /><br /><div align="left">After our ride we stopped and got shave ice and a <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60616-d1577086-Reviews-TnT_Steakburgers-Kapaa_Kauai_Hawaii.html">TnT Burger</a>. Amazing burgers and fries from a roadside cart. YUMMY! After lunch we met up with our new friend Brandon, a local, who was kind enough to show us around for the next few days. We headed up the canyon and met up with his friend Nephi. We transferred into Nephi’s car for an awesome 4x4 ride up the rest of the canyon. We had 6 people squeezed into the cab of his truck which made for an interesting and jostling ride. We saw the gates that were used in the movie Jurassic Park as the entrance to the park (and took a pic of course ;)). </div><br />After our drive up the canyon we got to the Loop Road Area. The plan was to float through the tunnel on the river to the clearing on the other side. Kristin was terrified – she’s claustrophobic and had no interest in going through a dark tunnel filled with water to get anywhere. Nephi and Brandon talked her in to coming… well, tricked/coaxed her into it and we headed down on our floaties. It was so much fun! Freezing cold river water and a pitch black tunnel. The whole ride only took about 7 minutes, but it was great fun. The tunnel started off with smooth sides and I could touch both sides and guide myself down the creek, after a few twists and turns it turned into a really rough tunnel straight through the jungle walls and it was too wide to touch the sides any more. Very fun, but a little creepy when you don’t know what’s coming right in front of you. Nephi had a flashlight to help Kristin feel better, but without the light it was complete darkness – fun :). There were two moments we wished we had on film today – me endoing over my bike and Kristin basically getting carried into the water. We all survived and even Kristin loved it. We spent about an hour back in the grotto on the other end of the creek and tunnel. There was a beautiful little waterfall there where we took tons of pictures. We even did a little cliff jumping! When we were done we hiked back out to the cars and headed down the 4x4 trail getting Nephi’s newly cleaned truck significantly dirty.<br /><br />After our days adventures we headed home and grabbed some dinner on the way. We had THE most AMAZING fish tacos EVER!!! Yes, I am confident enough to say they are the world’s best fish tacos!!! These tacos, that can be found at <a href="http://www.kalapakijoes.com/">Kalapaki Joes</a> in Lihue, were incredible. They’re not just fish tacos; they are Seared Ahi Tacos with a special chipotle aoli sauce… I wanted to drink the sauce all by itself! Have I mentioned that I loved the tacos??!!?? We talked about the tacos for the next 4 hours until we fell asleep and I’m pretty sure I dreamed about them too…. AWESOME!!!!<br /><br />Back to the condo for a little jacuzzi time. We met the sweetest old man in the jaccuzzi who was there for his son’s secret wedding. He told us the story and how excited he was. He and his wife have been married for 56 years. Of course our bunch of singles asked what his secret was and he said “yes, dear”. So cute! As we got out of the jacuzzi he was talking to his new hot tub partners about us and called us “enthusiastic young people” – ha I doubt that this group of early thirty something’s gets called young people very often, but I guess it’s all relative. After a quick trip to the local Coldstone (as if we hadn’t eaten enough for the day) we settled in for scrabble slam and picture fest. Another amazing day!!!!<br /><br />… Did I mention we had amazing seared ahi tacos ;)?<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470260076329965922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-pEjoamGWI/AAAAAAAAAOo/itrpcwaMLl0/s320/photo27.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470260070884223874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-pEjUIOq4I/AAAAAAAAAOg/wQ2_7zvzVYU/s320/photo21.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470260060159289970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-pEisLNKnI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/ZwU7U2ZzYOM/s320/photo13.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470258656502072034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 234px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-pDQ_JPwuI/AAAAAAAAANo/hrRIssotW20/s320/CIMG2802.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470258666824820018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-pDRlmYZTI/AAAAAAAAANw/T_AvOYYwOWE/s320/CIMG2803.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470260524679744338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 252px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-pE9upgy1I/AAAAAAAAAOw/aE4Lzhr1HlE/s320/photo28.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470258687936713794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-pDS0P2VEI/AAAAAAAAAOA/7LnODKzZjSQ/s320/CIMG2809.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470260061419562370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-pEiw3rZYI/AAAAAAAAAOY/XyfnrrIjOmU/s320/photo14.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">More of these moments tomorrow please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! </div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470255595227539266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-pAezAhZ0I/AAAAAAAAANg/i_nY7xXRqHg/s320/photo24.jpg" border="0" /></div>Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-46508610198560795772010-05-09T03:01:00.000-07:002010-05-09T03:26:29.072-07:00Na Pali Coast<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-aKezDqepI/AAAAAAAAAMA/s4jKjldBT7I/s1600/Kauai+634.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469211059194329746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-aKezDqepI/AAAAAAAAAMA/s4jKjldBT7I/s400/Kauai+634.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="left">Today we woke to a rain storm, but not to worry; rain in Hawaii usually blows over by mid morning. We made a great breakfast of french toast and fresh fruit and took our time about it. The plan was to bike around the east side of the island (very leisurely like), but plans changed when we found out that most things were closed tomorrow, Sunday, and we couldn’t get on the catamaran we wanted…. So, we arranged for the catamaran today and headed north. On our way out of town we got the great idea to rent bikes tonight so we’d have them tomorrow even though the shops were closed. We found a local shop willing to let us do it and the deal was done – biking tomorrow :-) </div><br /><div align="left">We found our pickup spot for the catamaran a little early so we decided to explore the area a bit. We stopped at the Kilauea Lighthouse. Pretty over look and cute lighthouse, but we were not interested enough to pay the $5 fee to go out to it (I know, cheap, but we were spending $$ on everything else, and it’s a lighthouse… really?). We headed on to the Hanalei Valley. The valley was incredible and the town was so cute. We drove through to Hanalei Bay and then had to head back for our catamaran ride. </div><div align="left"><br />The trip was fantastic! This island is beautiful! So lush and green! The cliffs off the North shore that surround the Na Pali Coastline are harsh and jagged, but covered in beautiful green plants. There are so many incredible waterfalls and hidden beaches dot the shore. Someday I want to hike the NaPali trail, but we won’t have time on this trip, plus it would be fun to hike in and camp for a day or two before hiking back out. This is one of those places where just by seeing it you know that there is a higher being out there – things this beautiful don’t just happen they are sculpted and created and given to us as a supreme gift of beauty. It was a bit overcast for most of the trip, but as the sun would break through there were moments of perfect beauty. The sun on my skin the breeze of salt air through my hair and the stunning scenery – gifts for all my senses. After a quick snorkel (I was WAY too cold for too much longer) we headed back up the coastline. On the way we were fortunate enough to see a pod of dolphins. It was so fun to watch them jump and crest the waves. There was one smaller one who keep jumping and spinning over the top of the water… I think he knew we were watching and was showing off – we loved it :).<br />After the tour we went back into Hanalei and walked around town for a bit. Enjoyed the local scene and listened to some island music in the park for a bit. We stopped off at a little bakery and pizza shop on the way back. The pizza was great, but the baked goods… YUMMY! Kristin got the macaroon, I got a butter macadamia nut cookie and Krista had the coconut cream chocolate éclair – oh, my gosh!!! Perfect end to the day. Lizzy is on the tail end of a diet so she has had to really watch what she eats and we are not helpful at all… sorry Lizzy! </div><div align="center"><br />Here is the pictorial proof, enjoy: </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469211598943260658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 190px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-aK-Nx1j_I/AAAAAAAAAMI/bPjGGvi5gTg/s320/Kauai+580.jpg" border="0" /> Hanalei Valley<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469211607603298498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-aK-uCjQMI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/s8U3Ep9KrGE/s320/Kauai+584.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469212209883048706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-aLhxtO6wI/AAAAAAAAAMo/B0aT3ktjkIM/s320/photo.5jpg.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469212203586446082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-aLhaQAYwI/AAAAAAAAAMg/VcDz7sdFEss/s320/photo_3.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469212221358253314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 243px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-aLicdIpQI/AAAAAAAAAMw/xONoQmk4eY0/s320/photo_7.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469212757075236498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 192px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-aMBoKBFpI/AAAAAAAAANA/Ic-L8DM1Eto/s320/Kauai+644.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469213012809546722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-aMQg10--I/AAAAAAAAANQ/JyOc4ZT95IQ/s320/Kauai+659.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469212199836266738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-aLhMR5MPI/AAAAAAAAAMY/wu_j-22R4Ws/s320/photo.jpg" border="0" /><br />Can’t wait for tomorrow’s adventures!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469212228562421362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 237px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-aLi3SvhnI/AAAAAAAAAM4/zcE5AOMMKDE/s320/photo_8.jpg" border="0" /></div>Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-35226301195371450152010-05-08T12:30:00.000-07:002010-05-08T12:38:51.819-07:00Kauai<div><div><div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-W8NaRtZnI/AAAAAAAAALQ/MT_B8E1_eYI/s1600/Kauaititle.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468984261089257074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-W8NaRtZnI/AAAAAAAAALQ/MT_B8E1_eYI/s400/Kauaititle.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Day 1 was great! Full of blissful nothing :)…. After my short work meeting and some emails we slowly got ready for the day, all that meant was that we put on swimsuits and headed to the pool - YAY. With a yogurt and some banana bread for breakfast we were set. The plan was to do nothing… not like we hadn’t just slept for 8, 10, and 12 hours respectively, but being lazier was on the agenda. </div><br /><br /><div>We took lots of pics, read a little, napped a little, saw the beach and walked the property a little. In the afternoon we check out of the hotel and went to Puka Dogs for lunch – SO amazing!!! I recommend the mango and pineapple relishes. We picked up Lizzy at the airport and headed to our new home for the next 3 days. Quick dinner at a local joint, where the service was 100% local (no preservatives like deodorant) and the mahi fish tacos - amazing!!! Then an early sleep since we’re still on Utah time. Beautiful perfect start to a fun and relaxing vacation!!! Here are some pics for a little photo journaling… </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468985278425161762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-W9IoJfYCI/AAAAAAAAALg/Mf1V3B91bwI/s320/Kauai+486.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468985292811260642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-W9JdvZ0uI/AAAAAAAAALo/pRLvxDuZt5M/s320/Kauai+490.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468985306091028418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 191px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-W9KPNi_8I/AAAAAAAAALw/hsPwvCBXIN0/s320/Kauai+511.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468985308358463458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 237px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-W9KXqJT-I/AAAAAAAAAL4/CpvOqCGaqjI/s320/photojump.jpg" border="0" /> <div><br />PS – I did it again… the packing trauma. Was I hurt as a child packing? Was I left to be the only one packing for a large group… what happened to make me so astronomically against just packing … what is wrong with me? I got all my errands done by 8pm on the night before I left. That was a great start. I figured if I started that early I would be done by 10 and have time to watch some TV before going to bed… instead, I procrastinated and did anything I could think of except pack… and the result was the same… I got 1.25 hours of sleep before I had to head to the airport… wonder if I can ever break that cycle. I sure hope so… I travel too often to keep doing this…. And I way over packed, but that’s not really a surprise either ;). </div><br /><br /><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468984267703096018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S-W8Ny6kktI/AAAAAAAAALY/gxWrRRWrmLo/s400/water1.jpg" border="0" /><br />Bring on more sunshine! </div></div></div></div></div>Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-59654293185339040402010-05-03T22:27:00.000-07:002010-05-03T22:35:48.201-07:00My Happy PlaceI found my happy place today (or at least one of them)! It’s when I’m on my bike… right as I start the ride… I’m strong and fast… I’m pushing hard enough to just start to feel it in my thighs… I can smell the spring flowers and the fresh cut grass… I can feel a soft cool (yes, I like this cool) breeze. I feel strong and healthy! I feel my muscles, I feel wind on my face and skin, IPod in and an awesome song is playing. I’m here, but I’m somewhere else too. I’m me, but I’m someone else too… I can go anywhere, do anything. I’m free…I’m strong! My happy place :)<br /><br /><div>About a year ago as I contemplated buying a bike my friend said I would probably like straight and fast… he was right… I’m a lover of open road and going as fast as I can for as long as I can! I love it!!!! (I think I would be a great timed trialist, but dont try to get me to do the hills ;) )<br /><br /></div><div> </div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467282968020601810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S9-w5HtpS9I/AAAAAAAAALI/hLeVGZuZNs8/s400/IMG_0311.JPG" border="0" /></div><br />My new bike - isnt she beautiful!!! Tomorrow she gets her new pedals and as I begin riding with clips my life will change forever, they say ;) .... hopefully for the good... Im pretty nervous about it.Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-18255963269079050342010-05-02T14:00:00.000-07:002010-05-02T14:04:29.608-07:00The Fabric of Who I Am...<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S93oiR7yqrI/AAAAAAAAALA/zjoOpmRl-rE/s1600/nyc2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466781198325033650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S93oiR7yqrI/AAAAAAAAALA/zjoOpmRl-rE/s320/nyc2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />Friday I had a fantastic surprise. I was on a blind date for lunch, but that’s not the story. Right as we sat down at the booth for our meal I was tapped on the shoulder. I looked up and it took a minute for me to even register who I was looking at. It was one of my favorite people on the planet. One of those people that when you see them you light up immediately. It was my friend Ben. Ben and I have known each other for nearly 15 years now – AMAZING! I feel old even saying that. I met Ben my freshman year of college. We lived in Raintree apartments in Provo, Utah and we were friends from the ward. I think officially I became friends with Ben, and that apartment of boys, because my roommate met Brooke (Ben’s roommate) at a dance and liked him. However it happened I clicked instantly with this group of guys and we were fast friends. I was officially the 6th roommate. I’m sure most days I spent more time at their apartment then at my own. I’m still great friends with three of the guys from that first year of college and consider them three of my best friends – for life I hope! Daniel, Brooke, and Ben… funny to type it out, it was spoken so often for so many years. Actually it was Daniel, Brooke, Ben and Tiffany :-)<br /><br />We did all kinds of crazy stuff together….We even did some illegal things I think… like filling a hot tub with Ramen noodles… oops, sorry Raintree management, we were stupid teenagers! There is another infamous hot tub story from Raintree and if you know Ben and me or have ever spoken to Daniel in the presence of Ben and me, you’ve heard it. There are so many fun stories with these guys, but I remember many late nights and lots of silliness. We died Daniels hair blue once. We spent an entire evening flashing pictures on a camera with no film, but testing what images were left on our retina from the flash of light. We eventually learned that Courtney was an amazing violinist. We stayed up late and watch surgeries on the discovery channel. We went to Dennys at all hours for chocolate shakes. Daniel and I went to almost every movie that came out the year we lived there. One of my favorite things was jam session with Brooke and Ben – Brooke on the guitar and Ben on the harmonica and vocals as they sang songs they had made up as teenagers or right as they sang. One of my favorites was one about going to school at UVSC – I wish I could get my hand on that song now :). These are people who are my platonic soul mates! Meant to meet and meant to be friends for life and longer.<br /><br />After they went on missions they all came home and we still hung out. I saw more of Ben and Daniel at that point then Brooke, but he’s still a part of the gang for sure (like how I make myself part of the gang when I’m sure as Brooke tells it I was more of the outsider). We all rollerbladed through NYC together in 1999 and I’m not bitter any more about the guys leaving me behind in the seedy ghettos of Trenton, NJ at 2 in the morning. Ben and I even drove cross country once. Some of my favorite memories are laced with images of these guys. I love them very much and am so glad that we were able to form those bonds of friendship so long ago. These guys are all married with beautiful families now and I rarely get to see them, but I know that they are some of the best people I will ever know.<br /><br />I guess the point of this post is just to say how great it is to see someone who you haven’t seen in a long time (4 years or more for Ben and me) and to instantly reconnect, instantly know this is someone who loves and supports me, and instantly recognize the imprint they have left on your soul. I recently was talking to another, more recent friend, and said something to the effect of ‘now and forever there will be pieces of you in the fabric of who I am’ (funny to quote myself I know). It’s just that’s how it is for me. I’m not great at small talk. I’m not one of those people who are instantly friends with everyone they meet, but if I become your friend. I will be your friend forever. You will influence who I am and become and I hope I can do the same for you. When someone is important in my life and I take the time to get to know them they literally change who I am and I love them for that. They forever become a part of who I am. If you’re one of those people – and you’ll know if you are – Thank you! I love you! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466781192460575906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 306px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S93oh8FmJKI/AAAAAAAAAK4/WoqwzqfXvbw/s320/nyc.jpg" border="0" />Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-81917174726526395912010-04-30T22:53:00.001-07:002010-04-30T22:56:06.931-07:00Tramp StampMy car got a 'tramp stamp' tonight. My cute little Audi ... who knew she would be so wild ;-). Ok, not nearly as cool as it sounds... I got rear-ended and the bumper now has a permanent imprint of the other cars lisence. Not cool! At least I made the claims adjuster laugh when I announced to Syd and Dez that my car just got a tramp stamp, I forgot as I said it that she could hear until she busted up on the other end of the line... sometimes i crack myself up :)Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-13545370918731546352010-04-30T11:02:00.000-07:002010-04-30T11:18:03.089-07:00Three Things...Im totally plagiarizing this from my friends blog. She is one of the most amazing people I know and even though she's 3 years my junior she is who I want to be when I "grow up". Here is her post:<br /><br /><div align="center">"I have a solution to the world's problems. It's called, 'Three things'. </div><div align="center">Every night before my kids go to bed I tell them three reasons why I love them. Ella thought I would run out of reasons, but I have proved her wrong. Now every night she waits with wide eyes and says, "Mom, don't forget my three things!"I always want my kids to know I love them. I always want my family and friends to know I love them. I may just start dishing out three things randomly, so just know you've been warned. All we have are moments. Let's make the best of them!"</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />I think she's on to something here. This practice is amazing for a mom to share with her kids - what kid wouldnt grow up happier and healthier knowing each night just how much they are loved by their mom or their dad, but since I dont have kids (yet, I hope) I think of doing this with my future spouse. How amazing would it be each night to lay down together and think of three things we love about each other. I think both people would feel so great about themselves as well as the person they love. It would be hard not to feel appreciated or recognized. It would be hard to be angry or hurt. Now, Im definitely no expert here having never had a spouse, but I think I want to try this out someday. Brit's a genius :-)</div>Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-9947680738182544202010-04-30T10:55:00.000-07:002010-04-30T11:02:14.044-07:00Weather Schizophrenia<div align="center">This is NOT what the day before MAY should look like.... </div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S9sahMTtmBI/AAAAAAAAAKw/KwTz6ievLKI/s1600/photo+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465991730286139410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S9sahMTtmBI/AAAAAAAAAKw/KwTz6ievLKI/s320/photo+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S9sagbeq6hI/AAAAAAAAAKo/M5UCvnpjK1A/s1600/photo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465991717178763794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/S9sagbeq6hI/AAAAAAAAAKo/M5UCvnpjK1A/s320/photo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I want to ride my bike, but not in this. Really tulips and snow...<br /><br /></div>Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-21140124634826650222010-04-26T18:14:00.000-07:002010-04-26T18:15:37.308-07:00Waxing PoeticOh, and I would like poetry… not a must, but a big plus.<br /><br />I have a friend who writes great poetry and posts it on his blog. Its all about these wonderful experiences he’s had mostly about loving and waiting...not about me. I have another friend who writes brilliant poetry about life and learning and her words are beautiful…not about me. I don’t really have the gift of poetry, but I appreciate it. I love when its written for me. I know that’s vain, but its feels so amazing to have someone craft words specifically chosen to move me in a certain way or tell me something they feel in a way they couldn’t express otherwise. Its probably why I like music so much, because it does the same thing, with or without words.<br /><br />Well, believe it or not Ive had a few very beautiful poems written for me in the distant past, but I found this one recently and had to get it out there… had to show what a few beautifully laced words can do and mean. Yes, this was written for me – it no longer is valid, but someday I hope to be this for someone and them me again:<br /><br />Eres mi sol, brillante y llena de vida.<br />Temo perderte.<br />Siento que morire del frio sin tu color y tu luz<br />Te amo<br /><br />You are my sun, brilliant and full of life.<br /> I fear to lose you.<br />I feel that I would die of the cold without your color and your light<br />I love youTiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-82422902137114286332010-04-26T17:56:00.001-07:002010-04-26T18:05:13.987-07:00What do I want...I want someone who is honest. Honest even when its hard because honesty is always harder to deal with when it surfaces on its own instead of being upfront to begin with. I want laughter… lots of laughter. I want friendship – true, honest, tell you everything, cry with, laugh with, grow old with, best friendship! I want passion… head over heels, butterflies in the stomach, cant wait to be with you – passion! I want an equal, a partner a compliment to my whole. I want to be enough…enough of whatever it takes for someone to do the illogical every once in a while. Enough for someone to do all the crazy, fun, silly things for and with. I want to be enough for someone to want to actually move forward and take that leap of faith… not married in a month sort of leap of faith, but I like you enough to take a risk and open my heart.<br /><br />This is just the start so I guess I want a lot, but I don’t think its unrealistic or I hope its not… guess we’ll just have to wait and see..waiting with baited breath...Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-40101943682072356192009-07-25T15:04:00.000-07:002009-07-25T16:10:28.457-07:00That Was Close...So, that might have been the closest I’ve been to missing a flight thus far....<br /><br />This is what happened: I HATE PACKING!!! I know, I shouldn’t have any trouble with it at this point and should really be pretty good at it since I pack at least once a month, but I suck at it! I wait until the very last minute and always end up staying up really late to finish. Last night was no exception. I actually did relatively well at leaving work at a reasonable hour (7). I did some last minute shopping, of course, and then headed home to get started... somehow I finally finished at 4:30am (yep - that’s right). I ended up cleaning my room and organizing stuff while I packed so that when I come home it’s not crazy. Then I set my alarm for 6:45 so I could shower and be ready when Joe came at 7:30.<br /><br />I grabbed my phone to turn off the alarm and it said 7:45... What - that must be wrong, it has to be wrong!!! I looked and apparently had missed a call from Joe at 7:28 - with that proof I knew the time must actually be 7:45. Oh CRAP!!! Even with an extra hour of sleep my brain was still very tired; instead of calling Joe immediately I hopped in the shower, even though I knew I didn’t have time to wash and dry my hair I wasn’t about to spend 14 hours traveling and go straight to the Tour de France without having at least showered. As I got out I called Joe and was relieved he and Steve hadn’t actually left me, at this point I figured I be in my own car chasing them to SLC - I was going to make it to Paris! They were at Steve’s and would come back for me. I brushed my teeth, combed my really gross hair, and got dressed. I figured if we left by 8 we could be there by 8:45 - definitely not the 2 hours they suggest before international travel (10am departure), but still doable. I impressed myself by being totally ready to go at just a minute past 8. We had made it on the road, but would we make it to the flight....<br /><br />Traffic was light, since it was Saturday morning, and Joe drove like a banshee. We made it to the Park-n-Jet and the van picked us up. He did one more round picking up this really slow couple. Finally we arrived at the terminal. Luckily with medallion status we didn’t have to wait to check in and we got to pass up the 30 minute lines in security too. We were checked in and headed to security when I had been up for barely an hour - way to go us! We actually even had time to get a breakfast wrap before we walked right onto the flight. Ended up being a great morning! I got upgraded to first class and after eating my delicious salad and fruit I literally passed out until the final descent. You know you slept a lot when the stewardess comments on it as you exit the flight.<br /><br />I need to say something here - I also hate spending too much time at the airport! This sometimes frustrates those I travel with. Although this morning was not what I had planned, and had a little too much margin for error, I still prefer it when I get checked in, have time to grab some food and then get to head right on to the plane. I don’t like to run (although in trying to balance this I’ve had to do that a lot), but I detest sitting in an airport for hours on end. It feels like the biggest waste of time to me. I would rather do anything else then wait in the airport! I guess time can be good.... it can be used for blogging and finalizing rooms in Croatia. That said, I apologize to those that travel with me, but honestly at this point I’m really good at determining pretty accurately how much time will be needed so that the experience is as short and sweet as possible :) - and hopefully no running involved, but I make no guarantees.... take note though - I have never missed a flights so far, knock on wood (I have however been the last one to board a few times). Happy Travels! See you in Paris at the podium :)Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-25927927848730578172009-07-24T13:43:00.000-07:002009-07-25T16:11:29.085-07:00DC 5 - Exhaustion & Joy<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmoerEONxAI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/HsQ8KCQ-K5Y/s1600-h/DC+267.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362132031554569218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmoerEONxAI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/HsQ8KCQ-K5Y/s320/DC+267.jpg" border="0" /></a> We’re headed home. The four or five days have gone by really quickly and yet been really long at times too! I’m so glad that I got to come with these guys to DC. It has been so much fun to spend time with them and watch them laugh and play. Again, I will state what a task I think it must be to be a mom. To worry about so many people all the time and try to let them be themselves and stretch and grow, but also try to get them to learn or do anything in any kind of order or semblance thereof… I was surprised at how many times I sat there watching Cameron and Karsen (and it could have been much more) and I was just entralled in their movements, their words, and their actions. Kids are so cool - little versions of who they're going to be someday and only that way for a little while.<br /><div><br /><div><div><div><div><div>Anyway, I’m pretty confident that we’ll all get a good nap on the flights back home and we’re not as lucky as on the way here… we have a layover in Atlanta. Today was not as full as yesterday, but I am whipped out. I need a vacation after this vacation.</div><br /><div>Today after crashing like a ton of bricks last night and waking up a little late this morning we finally got down town around 1130. We headed straight to the archives to make sure we could get in before we left town. We got lucky and the line was moving fairly quickly. We got in and the boys had a million questions as usual, but at least they’re interested. It’s always tricky waiting in line and making sure they don’t: bump someone, run into someone, annoy everyone around us with questions, or even hit someone while attempting to hit one another. We saw the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. I think Lexi thought it was pretty cool, but the significance was a little lost on Kars and Cam – maybe they’ll appreciate it more later.<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362131664783084978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmoeVt5FDbI/AAAAAAAAAJM/dujpAYAJTwU/s320/DC+247.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362131670414865506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmoeWC3zNGI/AAAAAAAAAJU/8zQ0Ta0rJv8/s320/tiffncam.jpg" border="0" /> As we left the museum we decided the other “must see” for the day was the White House. We considered taking the subway again so Cam didn’t have a relapse of his new illness, but decided we could make the walk up Pennsylvania Ave. We survived a little more of the “concrete jungle” as they loved to say (thanks Madagascar 2). Saw the White House and the grounds. Cam was disappointed that we couldn’t go in. I think he really thought he could just walk in and say hi to Pres. Obama. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362132015567618418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmoeqIqoQXI/AAAAAAAAAJc/1PcIRTB_71g/s320/DC+250.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362132020954031266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/Smoeqcu2ZKI/AAAAAAAAAJk/G1FiEbx0lW0/s320/DC+252.jpg" border="0" /><br />For lunch we had….. yeah, wait for it… hot dogs! Yes, day 4 of hotdogs for lunch. After that many hotdogs I think I’m officially done with hotdogs for a while. That is of course, unless I find a really good corndog somewhere – then Im totally in! Tummies full and a little time in the shade and we were down to our last adventure – The National Aquarium. It was actually a really fun stop! The displays are kind of small, but they have lots of cool fish, turtles, snakes, and frogs. We all enjoyed the stroll through the aquarium and the boys were running back and forth and pointing out the cool things to each other. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362132029054867442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/Smoeq66PV_I/AAAAAAAAAJs/_XRKtpSMpQA/s320/DC+255.jpg" border="0" />We took our final taxi ride back to the hotel and our favorite driver, Abdul was waiting to take us back to the airport. After a minor struggle to find our bags we loaded up and headed out to Dulles. Mom and Lex fell asleep on the ride in and I listened to a game of imagination form the boys in back. Made it to the airport and we’re on our way out. So much fun!<br /><div></div><div>I must really love these guys if I was willing to be woken up and move from first class to literally the very last row on the plane just because Karsen wanted to sit by me (awh). It was worth it when he snuggled up and fell asleep in my lap. **just a note here, I gave my mom first class on the way out and offered it to Lexi on this flight, but she didnt want it. I even gave him my blanket and I'm ALWAYS cold! I love these guys! I already want more of these moments!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362134483451511458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/Smog5yQAAqI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/L6NiTxjLrb0/s400/collage.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-57777871989086528052009-07-22T21:40:00.000-07:002009-07-25T16:11:45.316-07:00DC 4 - Adventures in Babysitting<div align="center"></div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361513403842125794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmfsCMaBX-I/AAAAAAAAAGk/BfsBPEh3FSw/s400/DC+201.jpg" border="0" />Up early today to drive into the city and catch our hop-on-hop-off bus. We decided to do the whole tour once to get a feel for where everything was and then hop off to see the things we want. We saw all of DC, Arlington, and Georgetown. It was a beautiful day! Later that night Cam would say “we had a crazy bus driver. We thought he was going to it someone and he drove a on the curb a few times”. All true, but it made for a fun ride.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmkzPosFvMI/AAAAAAAAAG8/KuX3i2wBYlY/s1600-h/DC+117.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361873175074684098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmkzPosFvMI/AAAAAAAAAG8/KuX3i2wBYlY/s200/DC+117.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/Smky_c0vytI/AAAAAAAAAG0/ZhNdMzqLR7U/s1600-h/DC+118.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361872897011862226" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/Smky_c0vytI/AAAAAAAAAG0/ZhNdMzqLR7U/s200/DC+118.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We hoped off and started at the Sm<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/Smkz8T95LBI/AAAAAAAAAHE/sAjAX4aSD6o/s1600-h/DC+123.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361873942606326802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/Smkz8T95LBI/AAAAAAAAAHE/sAjAX4aSD6o/s320/DC+123.jpg" border="0" /></a>ithsonian Castle. After a quick orientation we headed to the Museum of Natural History. As we walked across the Mall I could tell everyone was getting a bit cranky so we stopped for lunch first – hotdogs, but of course. The boys loved the Museum of Natural History! We stopped by the Archives, but couldn’t get in because the line was too long. We moved on to the Air and Space Museum. So much cool stuff to see there! The boys loved the space ships and all the astronaut stuff. They were also really excited about seeing the Wright Brother plane and Amelia Earhart’s plane (thank you night at the museum, but hey, it got them interested –right).<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362126666290238690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmoZyxDhFOI/AAAAAAAAAIM/-Q608u-yrTQ/s320/DC+128.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div align="center">Museum of Natural History</div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362126685847464610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmoZz56UqqI/AAAAAAAAAIc/5Ece4mrSpGw/s320/DC+141.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362126675445544258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmoZzTKT9UI/AAAAAAAAAIU/A2y9a276rPg/s320/DC+130.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362128338414129138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmobUGM6z_I/AAAAAAAAAIs/4Np8TadVsWg/s320/DC+156.jpg" border="0" />Cool shot look out from the Air & Space Museum</p><p><br /></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362128331133510978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmobTrFFZUI/AAAAAAAAAIk/8ZmePI5GSas/s320/DC+149.jpg" border="0" /> <p align="center">Ice cream break<br /></p><p align="left"><br />After the museum we to<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmoZVVFdgEI/AAAAAAAAAH0/cELEGFzMPVo/s1600-h/DC+220.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362126160565993538" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmoZVVFdgEI/AAAAAAAAAH0/cELEGFzMPVo/s200/DC+220.jpg" border="0" /></a>ok our first subway ride through DC. We went from downtown to China town… only to eat at Fuddruckers. Hey, don’t judge it’s really hard to find stuff those guys will eat. At Fuddruckers I swore I spoke a different language. It took me 20 minutes to order (no exaggeration) and even then I wasn’t sure they got it right. At the end of dinner Karsen came back from the bathroom and said “Grandma, I found a dime in the toilet”. UMMMM… awkward pause as we all consider what to do with him after he’s stuck his hand in this public urinal for a dime. Then I say “did you get it out?” – He responds – “ooh, no, that’s gross”… and the collective sigh of relief. After dinner we took a taxi over to the Lincoln memorial so the kids could try all modes of transportation in the city. Plus we were about to do a lot of walking. I wanted the kids to see the monuments at night because it’s SO beautiful! As we passed the Washington Monument my mom started to tell the kids that the red lights at the top were for low flying elephants. Cam’s response, “well, if there were flying mammals I’d be impressed”. Baha!<br />We got off and toured the Lincoln Memorial by night and it was beautiful. Lexi was really impressed with how DC looked at night. It’s really beautiful. We took a walk through the Vietnam Memorial and then over to the World War 2 Memorial. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/Smk1dRVw18I/AAAAAAAAAHM/ZX6LBoU-V5M/s1600-h/DC+227.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361875608348448706" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/Smk1dRVw18I/AAAAAAAAAHM/ZX6LBoU-V5M/s320/DC+227.jpg" border="0" /></a>Seeing that Memorial by night was beautiful. Lexi has a great love for WW2 stuff and she loved walking around. We got a little lost on the way over and walking in the dark around DC at 11 wasn’t my best idea ever, but once we got to the memorial it was ok. We started the walk back down the side of the reflection pool to catch a cab at the Lincoln Memorial and it had been a LONG day of walking. Cam had finally had enough and asked to sit on the bench. I know that walk looks easy, but after 10 hours downtown ½ mile is forever to a nine year old. I explained that if we made it to the taxi stop he wouldn’t have to walk anymore. And queue one more classic response: He says “I think I’m going to have a new sickness – walk-to-much-itis”. As I try to recoup from laughing so much he says “I just made it up myself. It’s short for tired leg sickness”. Wish I knew where he came up with all of this stuff. We caught our cab and made it safely back to the hotel and CRASHED! </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362126657580858258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmoZyQnCe5I/AAAAAAAAAIE/vtGSZ44PGWE/s320/DC+127.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362126651637151922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmoZx6d8uLI/AAAAAAAAAH8/FnhO8VxpBKU/s320/DC+126.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362128535514051922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmobfkdM9VI/AAAAAAAAAI8/Ac8ohiUpeAA/s320/DC+186.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362128546767643618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmobgOYRI-I/AAAAAAAAAJE/Ed-RMKTF2vw/s320/DC+203.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362128345963187570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmobUiUwTXI/AAAAAAAAAI0/Kux9mrDg3TY/s320/DC+173.jpg" border="0" />Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-80996001272679786102009-07-22T17:20:00.000-07:002009-07-25T16:12:18.206-07:00DC 3 - Mt. Vernon<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmewitN0GrI/AAAAAAAAAGc/7XDQxsDcins/s1600-h/DC+082.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361447991707441842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 298px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmewitN0GrI/AAAAAAAAAGc/7XDQxsDcins/s400/DC+082.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>Today I had a meeting with the hotel to look at their meeting space. I was exhausted having to be down there at 8:30 (give me some credit – that’s 6:30 Utah time). When I came back everyone had just woken up. We got ready for the day and headed out for Mt. Vernon. I had never been there so I was excited to see it. We took a water taxi from our hotel down the Potomac. It was a beautiful day and we saw tons of cool stuff! It was a fun way to have the kids really see history happen. The boys had all kinds of questions about Washington, Teddy Roosevelt, Jefferson, etc, etc… I was very glad to have a blackberry with internet access so I could keep all the facts straight. I think they knew more than I did for sure.</div><div><br />It was a little overcast today, but only rained a little as we sat and listened to an actor portray George Washington’s personal physician and tell about being alongside him in battle and then being there the day he died. The guy was incredible – totally worth listening to. After he finished he let us ask questions and Cam had a million. He was really nice and answered as many as he could. As we headed to the boat for our return to the hotel we were running a little late so we decided we should run. Cam calmly said – “I’m not worried, we have two legs, raptors have two legs”. Apparently the logic is – they only have two legs and they go fast so if I have two legs I can go fast. Not sure I was as confident, but we made it. The plan was that as we headed back from Mt. Vernon we wanted to go to Alexandria, but on the boat ride it started to down pour and when we made it back to the hotel we were all soaked… we opted out of the Alexandria idea (I’ll save it for next time). </div><div><br />When we got back we wanted to go out to dinner, but couldn’t decide on anything so the boys had hotdogs again and we had Potbelly’s Sandwiches. We walked around the wharf area again and headed home to see the fountain show at the hotel before an early bed since the next day was our big downtown adventure.<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361445867142573314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 306px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmeunCmE7QI/AAAAAAAAAFM/2So_fv9KC0w/s320/boat.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361447294638472434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/Smev6IbnvPI/AAAAAAAAAGM/gtYpqjR3Nz8/s320/DC+109.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">The boat ride over</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361445874342971682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 176px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmeundaySSI/AAAAAAAAAFU/VGsDXweouWk/s320/DC+064.jpg" border="0" />My new home on the Potomac</div><div align="center"></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361445882847965922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/Smeun9GiMuI/AAAAAAAAAFc/eOARiYBKuek/s320/DC+073.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">A slave cabin on the estate</div><div align="center"></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361445894835961538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmeuopwsfsI/AAAAAAAAAFk/xtuUN8vbr_I/s320/DC+081.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div></div></div><br /><div align="center">Wandering throught the grounds around the mansion</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361447036243319890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmevrF1anFI/AAAAAAAAAF0/n7NKUVybxP0/s320/DC+085.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">A tree planted by George himself</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361447056047947042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 210px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmevsPnNPSI/AAAAAAAAAGE/2m7OPcsGAUU/s320/DC+098.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">Near George & Martha's tomb.</div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361447044810311138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/Smevrlv8heI/AAAAAAAAAF8/Nbc2vifU3cE/s320/DC+092.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center">The back of the estate</div><div align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361447303983349074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/Smev6rPnPVI/AAAAAAAAAGU/RaWU7OqNeWo/s320/DC+111.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p align="center">Lexi and me sporting our super curly humidity hair at the end of the day</p>Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-33896769360147201252009-07-22T17:07:00.001-07:002009-07-22T17:09:21.437-07:00Aaawwwwhhhh!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmeqBBKb3qI/AAAAAAAAAE8/Gt3J5ePUGLs/s1600-h/DC+058.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361440815876660898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 274px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmeqBBKb3qI/AAAAAAAAAE8/Gt3J5ePUGLs/s400/DC+058.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>So after the ballgame Karsen wasnt feeling very well... maybe it was the hotdogs, nachos, sprite and cotton candy that did it, maybe. Anyway, we woke up and found this note that Cam had written as he went to bed....</div>Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-37238521643184057122009-07-22T16:24:00.000-07:002009-07-22T17:06:29.590-07:00DC 2 - Take Me Out to the Ballgame!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361438868886815634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmeoPsD4g5I/AAAAAAAAAEc/yjrCs1XBWg0/s320/DC+032.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><div><div><div><div>Well, I don’t think I’m ever going to be completely current with this thing, but at least this is just a few days ago. …. So, day 2, our first official day in DC, we woke up late and were pretty lazy most of the day. We hung out and the boys enjoyed some R&R and SpongeBob (which I don’t get at all; it’s SO annoying). We left the room in the afternoon and headed out to find some lunch. </div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361431629124564034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmehqR2DdEI/AAAAAAAAADc/cBMpNf7SXOs/s320/DC+014.jpg" border="0" /> <div>We walked around the harbor area around our hotel, which Cam has named “Hotel City”, and finally sat down to eat at a little sports bar. Everything we do is an adventure with Cam & Karsen. As we try to order the two of them are checking out the kids menu, which happens to be their coloring book for the moment as well. Karsen politely orders his grilled cheese sandwich and now its Cam’s turn. First he says: “um, what do chicken tenders taste like?” to which I of course say “tastes like chicken”. Apparently he wasn’t sure as they weren’t called chicken nuggets or chicken strips. Not satisfied with the chicken nugget options he stares at the very short children’s menu and then asks totally seriously with his hand under his chin resting on the table… “Can you tell me how big the mini-burger is”? I’m not sure why, but this comment struck the funny bone of all four “adults” in the area (me, mom, Lexi and our waiter). The waiter starts to explain what size he thinks the burger is. Totally hilarious – in the end he went with the very big mini burger and had trouble finishing it. </div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmeiaYxyYRI/AAAAAAAAAD0/h-NndVWrJ64/s1600-h/DC+022.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361432455619436818" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmeiaYxyYRI/AAAAAAAAAD0/h-NndVWrJ64/s200/DC+022.jpg" border="0" /></a> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361431352397605506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmehaK9NKoI/AAAAAAAAADM/pEB3_UEW4n8/s200/DC+024.jpg" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361432829300952306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmeiwI2ZzPI/AAAAAAAAAD8/rW8Gp2j-9iw/s200/DC+018.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>We left and walked around more and then stopped for some gelato. They loved it. As we sat and ate the Katy Perry song Hot & Cold came on. I didn’t think the kids would know it very well, but we all ended up sitting there singing together. As the song was ending Cam explained: that song is about opposites: if you have an assignment in your class about opposites you can just think of this song – I must remember that. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmenL7lziJI/AAAAAAAAAEM/JoTUSfzlmCQ/s1600-h/lexnkars.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361437704824522898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 170px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmenL7lziJI/AAAAAAAAAEM/JoTUSfzlmCQ/s200/lexnkars.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmenCzD3lII/AAAAAAAAAEE/aFTwEbYUVSQ/s1600-h/DC+026.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361437547915875458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmenCzD3lII/AAAAAAAAAEE/aFTwEbYUVSQ/s200/DC+026.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div>Back to the hotel to change for the game. I thought the guys might like to go to a major league baseball game. I bought the tickets, but I’m slightly cheap and wasn’t forking over $60 each for two nine year olds to watch the game so we got the extreme nose bleed seats for $13… and they loved it! They didn’t care how far up we were or that we were in the sun – the game, the food, the dancing – they loved it all and we had a blast cheering on the Nationals, even though they lost.</div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361438876108196082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmeoQG9mCPI/AAAAAAAAAEk/wOCXgD5rmZo/s320/DC+042.jpg" border="0" />Yes, thats the fence behind us.. one row from the top of the stadium, but it was still so much fun!</div></div><div align="center"><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361438880229598098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmeoQWUNo5I/AAAAAAAAAEs/Kl8qel5vtOI/s320/DC+043.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361438889606103714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmeoQ5PvwqI/AAAAAAAAAE0/rKvPnenzD0k/s320/DC+053.jpg" border="0" />There was an amazing sunset over DC that night<br /><br /><div align="left"><br />On the ride home the driver asked the boys what they thought and as they were gushing Karsen explained that he felt like he had just “conquered the concrete jungle” it was so funny. I swear, I don’t know where they hear this stuff. It was also hilarious because Cam got really upset that Karsen was being the funny guy. As Karsen tried to make us laugh again Cam sat there saying “blah, blah, blah” right over him. Funny that kids are so protective of their roles at such a young age.<br />On the ride home we stopped to get some groceries for breakfast. There wasn’t a store near the hotel so we had the driver stop in the city. Lexi and I headed it to get our stuff, but ended up waiting in a very long checkout line. As I stood there I was a little surprised to realize we were the only white people in the entire store. I didn’t mention it to Lexi because I didn’t want to make it a bigger deal than it was, but as we left she looked at me and said “it’s kind of strange to be a minority”. Guess I had to give all the kids a different cultural experience. It’s good for her to be out of Utah a little and see that diversity can be great!<br />All in all a great day and lots of great moments!!</div></div></div></div>Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443290014466576834.post-57766646978116257102009-07-16T22:22:00.000-07:002009-07-16T22:35:00.458-07:00DC 1 - Up, Up, and Away....I flew out to Washington DC with my niece and nephews last night. I got to bring Cameron, Karsen, and Lexi out to an extended weekend here. Traveling with kids is pretty tricky… always trying to make sure that you don’t lose anyone and that no one leaves anything behind. We made it through security and I felt horrible for always being frustrated when I’m behind a family in line… it’s a serious skill set to get a group like that through that process. We bought dinner and boarded the plane. Karsen and Cameron did pretty well for a 4 hour plane ride. Karsen was kept busy with Get Smart on my iPod and Cam played his gameboy for most of the first part of the trip. It was great to watch their excitement as we headed out. <div><br /><div>They are both such great little guys! I love spending time with them. Karsen is the sweetest and most considerate kid I’ve ever met and Cam is SO funny. I think in the next few days there will be lots of “Camizims” on here. As we got situated and ready to take off it was hilarious to hear Cam (the plane expert because he’s been on two flights) explain to Karsen (the plane novice since he’s never flown) how a plane takes off: “basically you just start going forward really fast and then they go off the ramp and up into the air” – haha! I love how kids think, especially that one :-). They both kept asking me all kinds of great question throughout the flight and the guy in front of us got a good laugh out of it – I’m glad he thought it was funny because those two guys hit the back of his seat and dropped their tray tables so many times I think I would have gone crazy if I was seated in-front of them instead of next to them. I also wish I was still as excited about free Sprite and peanuts, but I guess some things lose their novelty when you’re not 9 anymore.</div><br /><div>As we got off the plane my mom was excitedly telling me what she had heard about Robert Redford:<br /></div><div>Mom (very exasperated): Did you hear Robert Redford got married? I can’t believe it – he never even got to meet me.<br /></div><br /><div>Cam (curious): Grandma, who is Robert Redford (pause) Is he one of your old friends?<br /></div><br /><div>HAHA – man, you just had to hear the delivery – so great!<br /></div><br /><div>We were lucky enough to have a driver meet us at the airport and take us to the hotel. The kids thought they were superfly in the decked out Suburban with our own driver. As we pulled up to the hotel everyone was oohhing and awwwing. It’s a really large structure right on the Potomac River. As we pulled closer Cam said “it’s like paradise”. Man that kid makes me laugh! Its his delivery – total deadpan. I’ll tell you more about the hotel in another post, but here are a few pics from the flight.</div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359296532595867794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmALzTdcAJI/AAAAAAAAACc/5s8ZWnkcoi4/s320/DC+001.jpg" border="0" /></div><div align="center">The Boys - Cameron & Karsen</div><div align="center"> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359296542862394370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmALz5tKxAI/AAAAAAAAACk/FWe-1TubZPQ/s320/DC+003.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div align="center">Me and the guys</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359296548095214914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8ziGEzFz5Tc/SmAL0NMxRUI/AAAAAAAAACs/SqbqSydYCpo/s320/DC+004.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><br /><p align="center">Lexi with the guys. Notice the guy in front of them... yes, he was slightly creepy when he peeked over, but at least he didn't get mad at the noise and bumping.</p><p align="center">I'm excited for more of these moments this weekend :-) !</p>Tiffany Sommerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15606906535072275304noreply@blogger.com0