Lagoon with Rachel

Preston started Drivers Ed today. He is taking a three week summer course. It will be nice to get that over with. He hasn't been excited about driving though. Still, live skill. Needs to be done. Mike dropped Preston off while I took Jorja to her eye therapy appointment. My dad was able to pick up Preston and bring him home. That was so nice! Plus, my dad got to hang out with Rachel and the kids for a bit. Scoop and Cori had lunch with Stockton and Alyssa today. They wanted to find a way to help with the wedding. They are going to hire someone to do the photography/videography. That is super nice.

Scoop, Cori, Alyssa, Stockton

Rachel was talking with Jorja and asking her what she was doing today. She told her she was going to go to Lagoon with a friends because it is Two for Tuesday. Every Tuesday after 2:00 tickets are buy one get one free. Rachel was pumped about that and called her sister-in-law to see if her two oldest could go with Marie and Mina. Rachel had a plan to drop the kids off and help her brother with packing while the older kids were at Lagoon. Rachel grew up really close to Lagoon and she would hang out here all the time without parents. She also worked here when she was really young. Anyway, Rachel thought she got the go-ahead and bought tickets - only to find out that her sister-in-law didn't mean yes. She said it sounded like fun, but didn't mean she wanted to do it. So... Rachel now had four tickets to Lagoon. Well, Rachel ended up buying two more and invited me to come with her girls. It was so much fun! Marie and Mina went off by themselves and Rachel and I played with Grace and Eve.

Rachel, Eve, Grace ~ I knew better than to get on this ride 

Rachel, Grace, Eve

Grace & Eve

Grace

Eve

Grace & Eve

Hahahahaha Eve

Grace & Rachel on Tidal Wave

Stephanie & Eve

Grace & Rachel ~ Grace putter hands up on ALL the big rides. She is adorable and loved them!

(Plus look at those divers arms! Straight up by her ears. That is how you do it!)

Stephanie & Eve

Grace & Eve (Eve's face hahahahahaha)

Jorja texted us and asked if we wanted to meet at the Bumper Cars. Everyone gathered there. The girls got a quick ride of Tilt-A-Whirl while they were waiting.

Grace, Mina, Eve

Jorja and Nathan took Mina on the Samurai while Rachel, Marie and Grace went on the Rocket. I stayed with Eve. She was too little for either ride. We had fun though. The Samurai is the last ride my Grandma Parry went on. She was 88. I have no desire to ride that at all and I am 40 years younger than she was. My grandma was awesome! Pretty sure Savannah and Markell talked her into that one.

Jorja & Mina

Marie, Grace, Rachel

Nathan, Jorja & Mina on Samurai

We parted ways with Jorja after that. We went on some rides and finally went on Goliath. When we were in the gift shop shortly after the ride it started raining. Like a huge downpour. We tried to wait it out, but it kept going. Rachel wanted to go to the car to get Mina her coat. The girls and I dashed to the bumper cars while Rachel ran to the car. We rode the bumper cars three times in a row. The operator was super nice and didn't make anyone get off the cars. It was a perfect place to wait out the storm. After the third time we had to get off. We walked out and found Jorja and Nathan there. They were heading to find somewhere Nathan could rest. He was sick from the Samurai. Rachel met us and brought ponchos. We went to Draculas Castle, then the rain pretty much stopped. After a Beaver Tail and some chicken we were ready to play again. This is random, but when Rachel was getting the chicken she asked the lady why there were so many moms working today. It is true. Not many youth, but lots of women my age were working. The lady told Rachel that it was her last day. If they work 60 hours during school days Lagoon will give them five season passes! What the heck? I wish I had known about that. Sounds awesome! I wonder if this is something knew or if they always do that. I told Jorja and she thought it would be so fun for her friends to do. Wonder if we can figure that out when she gets home. Anyway, we spent the rest of the day going on all the rides with hardly any lines. The rain sure emptied the place. Eve and Grace rode Wicked twice. We then hurried across the park to ride Goliath one more time. We got there right shortly after the guy shut the line down, fifteen minutes early. We tried talking to him to let the girls go. He said the higher ups said to shut the ride down. He told us to come back tomorrow. I said they were from Ohio and were leaving tomorrow. This was their only chance. He called up and asked for permission. Meanwhile a line grew behind us, so I did not think they would let them in. Finally he got off the phone. Closed the line up. Whispered to the girls to follow him. I grabbed all of Rachel's things and told her to go. He took them up the exit. They were holding the last car for them. Rachel, Grace and Eve got one more ride. Pretty awesome.

Eve & Grace getting off of Wicked

Today was so much fun. It sure wore me out though! Selfishly I'm glad the first plan didn't work out because this was a great day! Mike had fun while I was home. He started making this. Don't know what he is going to do with it. Pretty sure the little kids are going to love it though.

Memorial Escape

I made waffles for everyone with morning. We had lots of toppings. Rachel was surprised how many toppings her kids put on their waffles. Especially Eve. Glad they liked them! Once breakfast was over Rachel took Brett to the airport. He drove with Rachel out here but flew back today. That was nice of him to spend his three day weekend this way. Brett will be in Alabama for training for awhile. This way Rachel and the kids get to have fun while he is gone. Glad we got to see him, even if it was only for a day.

Mina

Stephanie & Brett

Stockton, Jorja and I went shopping for FSY stuff and saw this game. This has got to be the most boring game ever. At least if it is the way my dad had us play Uno without any rules when we were younger.

Rachel took her girls up to her brother's house to help him pack. He is moving to Idaho next month. I started wondering if this would be the last time all of my kids would be at home together. Before Jorja leaves on her mission and Stockton gets married. I know we will have random quick times this summer, but here we have a full week before Stockton and Jorja start FSY. I wanted to do something fun. We decided on an escape room at Gardner Village. We had never tried this one before. I love doing escape rooms with my family. We got out of this one pretty fast. It was called 'Malcom's Missing Millions.' There was a computer there and Preston started messing with it. Hacker.

Preston, Stephanie, Stockton, Jorja, Maysen, Mike

We tried to find a couple of places to get a treat, but everything was closed - until we found U-Swirl. We also grabbed a few treats at Gourmandise. Once we were home we played Mario Party. I kept looking at everyone playing and tried to memorize the moment. It was so nice to have all of them together. I sure love them more than they will ever know!

Rachel and her girls came back late tonight. They were exhausted! Still got a cute picture of Grace with Bear though!

Grace & Bear

Parker's Baptized!

Mike did the zoom for sacrament meeting. We went home after the first meeting. Mike and Jorja aren't feeling that well. We had a great day though. We went to the cemetery and visited Mom's and Grandma Honey's grave. Rachel and I got some flowers to put on them yesterday. I know we took a picture, but I can't find it. The most important thing of the day was Parker's baptism! I really wanted to make this one, but it just didn't work out. We were able to watch his baptism over zoom, so that was great. My entire family and Brett's entire family watched it together. So glad we don't have to completely miss important events anymore. Today is also Parker's 8th birthday. Pretty cool to be baptized on your birthday! The rest of the night was spent playing games. Mostly jackbox and squirrel game. Today was a really fun day.

Eve & Stockton ~ the only picture I have from today.

Panda in Nebraska

Stockton and Jorja came back from their FSY training today. They seemed to have a great time. The training was more helpful for Stockton than Jorja. Jorja had been to EFY several times, Stockton never went. Now Stockton has more of an idea what to expect.

Brett and Rachel got here today. I met them at Panda Express. It took me awhile to get there. Rachel sent me the Panda Express location with the address. I quickly looked at it, but drove to the one in Quarry Bend. As I stepped out of the car it dawned on me that this wasn't the address they sent. Even though I knew where the other one was, I decided to have the gps take me. It had me go left out of Quarry Bend. Then it wanted me to turn left on 1300 E. What in the world? I pulled over in a parking lot to look closer. Even though the address was the Panda Express in Draper, it was taking me to a Panda Express in Nebraska... where Brett and Rachel stayed last night. So weird! Anyway, I took Rachel grocery shopping with me and Brett took the girls to our house. Alyssa was there and they were so excited to meet her. They were all playing the tree game on the oculus when we got back. They sure did love that game!

Office View

I went to school and proctored an AP test for Justice and Greta. It was pretty easy. I thought I would take a picture of where I sat this year. Going to miss this spot.

Last Day

Today was my last real day of work for the school year. They had an employee lunch with a slide show program and raffle. I got a shirt. Right as I was leaving for the day I found out that Paula is moving offices and I will be in there with her. I have mixed feelings. I love working with Paula and it will be easier when I have questions. But... I also love being in front where I can help students and help the secretaries when they are busy. I have really liked this job.

Mike was still sick tonight. Preston has young mens at the graveyard. Putting flags on graves. He said he saw a few people in the ward, but they left. Preston fund some other kids and did the flag stuff and then he just walked home. I got Zupas and then watched The Adam Project downstairs. I slept in Maysen's bed again. Hope Mike starts feeling better soon.

FSY Training

I made crepes for the kids. Mike wasn't feeling very well and I did not want him to get the kids sick before their FSY training. We had crepes then Stockton, Jorja, Emily and Hannah drove down to BYU together. Hope they have a great time! Stockton and Jorja ended up in the same company together. That's crazy! I'm glad they did though, none of their weeks are at the same place. At least they get this week together.

Jorja & Stockton

I spent some time cleaning bathrooms today. I slept downstairs in Maysen's old bed, the one Preston usually sleeps in now. I did not want to get sick either. I need to go to work since I took a week off. Tomorrow is technically my last day.

Stockton and Alyssa Pictures

I had work today. It was my first day back and I had A LOT to do. I gave Paula a gift from Costa Rica and told her thank you for letting me go. She liked it. It was different kinds of soap a family down there makes and packages really cute. She laughed and said, "Just don't do it again. Last week was rough!" Preston had yearbook day today. He has shortened classes in the morning and then they handed out the books. He wasn't sure where to get them, so we found it together. I love being at the school with him! Once we found the line I left him and went back to work. He found me when he was ready to go home and I took my lunch break then. Preston is now done with his freshman year! He finished with a 4.0. All four kids were able to have a 4.0 all through their freshman year. Wow. They are amazing.

When I got home, Stockton and Alyssa were playing a game downstairs. Jorja was trying on mission dresses she had ordered. Saw her try on several before I had to hurry back to work. Stockton and Alyssa were leaving when I got home. They were going up with Gavin to get potential engagements pictures taken. This will be the one chance to get Stockton with a beard. The pictures turned out really great.

Alyssa & Stockton

Stockton & Alyssa

Alyssa & Stockton

Jorja had her friends Emily and Hannah come for a sleepover. They are also ambassadors and are also going to be FSY counselors. Training starts tomorrow, so they are driving up together. Stockton spent a lot of time shaving his beard. Too bad it is quite painful doing that. It's nice to see his face though. Hahaha

Stockton

Jorja and Bear Dog

Free AirPods

I found some more Costa Rica pictures Jorja had sent me. The first picture I looked for for a long time and couldn't find it. I wanted it to be on my Instagram post. Haha These pictures are in backwards chronological order.

Mike & Jorja ~ shenanigans after the temple

Mike, Jorja, Stephanie ~ on the tram to zip line!

Frog on the night tour

Stephanie at the fancy lunch during a downpour before the hot springs

Jorja was HOT in the treehouse!

Jorja ~ beginning our Costa Rican adventures!

Okay... back to reality... Preston got to school okay. I spent the day dong laundry. Maysen had done a ton, but hadn't had a chance to fold it. That was such a big help to me. Then I was able to use the washer/dryer for Costa Rica clothes. I watched BYU Sports Nation while I folded the other ones. That was fun. Jorja asked if we could go to Fashion Place mall. She needed a make up thing down there. Her AirPods stopped working so she grabbed them because there is an Apple store there. We set an appointment up at the Apple store and then went shopping. Jorja needs some pants without holes for FSY. We got a couple at H&M. Jorja went to the Apple appointment while I paid at the other store. (The guy had told Jorja that AirPod appointments were usually really quick. While we were both waiting we got the notification that our table at Cheesecake Factory was ready. I paid and got our table. Jorja told me what to order. Jorja waited and waited and finally left. As she was walking out a worker stopped her and apologized for not getting to her. He told her to come back after lunch. So we did. Lunch was delicious. Then we went back to the Apple store and waited some more. Finally a girl was able to help us. Jorja told her what the problem was. she took the AirPods back to run a test on them. She came out and said both of them had failed the test. (Both ears) She told Jorja that her AirPods were still under warranty and she gave Jorja a new pair. We weren't charged for anything. We were surprised. That was definitely worth the wait.

I was sitting on the floor with my lap top getting ready to play a game of Dominion. Someone threw a ball for Bear to chase right over my head. Bear crashed into me and my laptop. It broke my screen even more. Now I have hardly any spots without lines on them. I'm pretty sad about that. I don't want to get a new laptop.

Home Again!

I get up a lot earlier than everyone else everyday. I used the time on this trip to type a record on my notes app on my phone of what we did the day before. That is very helpful as I blog now long after the fact. I tried to get a picture here of how much room Mike has. I was on a little sliver of bed and Mike has half of the bed not being used. I couldn't get a good picture though. Mike woke up when I took the picture and asked what I was doing. I told him. He said that I shouldn't run away from him so he wouldn't have to chase me. Hahaha. My feet always feel claustrophobic when I sleep. I have to have them sticking out of the covers or it drives me insane.

Mike and his million acres of bed

We had plenty of time to pack up this morning. We had breakfast and then met our driver around 10:00. We were at our gate about three hours early. But that's better than five minutes late! We had just sat down to play a game of Nertz when Mike asked if we were missing a suitcase. We looked around and it suddenly dawned on me that I never took my carryon suitcase off of the conveyor thing when we went through security. Whoops. Luckily we had a lot of time. It took me awhile to find my way back. I spotted my suitcase right away. It was in the middle with all the security people. When I was finally able to get someone's attention they asked me to wait. One of the guards looked through her phone and found a picture of me going through security. She asked me to confirm that it was me. Then she needed my passport and scanned it. Then I got my bag back. I guess if I was going to leave my suitcase anywhere on this trip that was the perfect spot. When it was left alone security was all around it. And we had time to kill. Glad I got it back though. 

One last shot of maps while we were in Costa Rica

We had no trouble getting home. Flights were okay. Getting through customs was fast. (That was nice after the hours it took us to get into Costa Rica.) Stockton picked us up and then we were finally home! Bear dog was soooo excited to see Mike. The kids were all up so we hung out downstairs for awhile and gave them their gifts. We got Maysen and Preston shirts and we got Stockton a two person hammock. We talked for awhile and got to bed around 1:30 am. Preston has school tomorrow. I hope he isn't too tired!

7-11 in the Dallas airport. I don't know why I thought that was so funny.

Costa Rica Temple

Today was a relaxing day. We ate breakfast around 7:30, then our driver picked us up a little after 8:00. He dropped us off at the Costa Rica Temple. We had time to walk around and we even met a family from Utah. They live about five minutes away from us and the kids go to Brighton High School. The dad was super excited Jorja was going to Hong Kong. He kept telling Jorja how much she was going to love it. I was very happy when he told her how safe she would be there. He said you could be walking down the street with $100 bills hanging out of your back pocket and the people in Hong Kong would stop you and make sure you didn't lose anything. Glad she is going to a safe place. As much as we have loved our trip to Costa Rica, I'm so glad she isn't going here. The roads are so narrow and it would be dangerous to walk down them. I would be so worried!

Anyway, we did a session in the temple. It was my first time going through a session in another country. We had headphones so we could listen in English. Later they had some workers who could speak English at the veil. The celestial room was pretty small and crowded. I thin a lady was going through for her first time because there were a lot of people there supporting her. Four different American ladies were there. They are living in Costa Rica for a year, I'm not sure why. I think the lady's husband was there too because in the celestial room a man was there just weeping.

Stephanie & Jorja

Costa Rica Temple

Mike, Stephanie, Jorja

Stephanie, Mike, Jorja

Mike, Jorja, Stephanie

Across the street from the temple

Temple Grounds

The temple really is an oasis here

Stephanie & Jorja

Our driver picked us up after the session and took us to get covid tests. Man, those things are expensive! $60 a test. We also have to pay $29 to leave the country. That's $267 just to go home. It took a long time to get the test done, but we are all negative! Yay us! After the test we asked if our driver could take us to get ice cream. Jorja wanted to go to Pops. We saw those stores lots of places. I had an ice cream with jello in it. Haha. We got our driver a cone. He picked coconut. He told us that American ice cream is so good. He is right!

Random chandeliers at the hotel

Mike thought it was hilarious that the cabinets in our room looked like a face.

The rest of the day we just chilled at the hotel. We played Nertz, watched Seinfeld, slept, random things like that. When it was time for dinner we walked to a pizza place that wasn't too far away.

The only picture I took at the pizza place. Cactuses with Jorja in the background. Haha

Crazy that our trip is over. Tomorrow is going to be a long day, but I'm so excited to be back with the kids at home. Glad they have been okay without us! Maysen said Bear dog keeps waiting by the garage door. He's probably the only one who had a hard time with us gone. Hahahaha Silly dog.