Naturalization Ceremony

Last Friday, November 13th I had my naturalization ceremony where I became a citizen of the United States.  On Monday, November 2nd I went to the UCIS office (Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) where I had to pass a test and have an interview with an agent of the federal government and immigration services.  I was given a civics test manual of 100 questions to study from including principles of American democracy, systems of governments, rights and responsibilities, the colonial period and independence, the 1800's, recent American history and other historical information, geography, and symbols.   I got 100% on my test and the interview went perfectly.  Needless to say, I was given a warm welcome to be a citizen of one of two of the best countries in the world!  (Canada being the other, of course.).  Chad and I have been through so much with immigration since I moved here 5.5 years ago.  We have finally reached an end and feel like we've had a huge load lifted off our shoulders now that we'll never have to deal with U.S. immigration again, what a great feeling!  We do still plan on moving to Canada when we're done with dental school but at least we can have the assurity and confidence of knowing that we can come back here without any further problems... and who knows, we may just decide to retire here one day.  Besides, as far as I'm concerned, there isn't a border between the U.S. and Canada.  I am more American than you may think.  My ancestors in America go back about 10,000 years.  Some of them (my native ancestors) migrated to Canada from the United States several generations ago - known to you as the First Nations/Native Americans.  Many of my relatives on my maternal side migrated from Europe to New York and then eventually came to Canada so there is a lot of history there as well.  I'm kind of angry that I even had to go through the immigration process.  My dad's a U.S. citizen and that would have been an automatic entrance for me if I would have applied before I was 18... oh well, it's done now!

I want to start off with saying that I'm really sorry if you weren't able to make it to the ceremony because it was that great of an experience and really a once-in-a-lifetime event.  I tried inviting everyone local I could think of and sent out an invitation as a formality to close friends and family even though I knew some of you couldn't make it because of distance.  I also want to thank those who showed up and shared this AMAZING experience with me.  I would also like to thank those who RSVP'd to show their support even though they couldn't make it, it meant a lot to me.  A big thanks to Chad's parents for driving all the way from Utah to share this special ceremony with me... THANK YOU!!!

"The Experience"
Wow, wow and wow... have I stressed that enough?  I will try to type this without getting emotional but at least if I do, you can't see me... one of the wonderful aspects of the blogging world.  I'm not great with expressing my emotions in front of others. 
Chad and I were talking about the ceremony last Sunday night and what it meant to us.   We were both getting teary eyed as we talked about the emotions and feelings "in the air" that were surrounding everyone at the ceremony.  There were 80 immigrants from 35 different countries who became American citizens that day, and many spectators.  Everyone took turns and stood up to introduce themselves to say which country they were from to the presiding judge.  A few selected new citizens stood up and shared their stories about becoming citizens and how they came to America for better lives; from poverty and generations of dreams of hoping to come here one day.  The judge shared a talk on how immigrants come here to obtain better lives.  It was really emotional as he talked about the rights so many don't have - how in some countries women don't even have the right to drive or vote, and are treated badly, etc., and there obviously aren't the opportunities in many countries like there are here as far as an honest living, education, and overall quality of life.  He also talked about how the people who immigrate to the U.S. usually always succeed with their dreams and work hard because they are very grateful for the opportunities given to them... I think that many Americans and Canadians can really learn from the examples immigrants are and for their hard work and all that they contribute.  A lot of them came from nothing and worked hard and were eventually granted freedoms and citizenship so they too can experience life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness... does that sound familiar?  They are the 3 rights in the Declaration of Independence, for all people are born of natural rights that no government can take away, as declared by Thomas Jefferson and the other Founding Fathers.  One other thing Chad and I discussed was togetherness - how all of these immigrants coming together felt as one; the smiles on thier faces and the love that everyone felt for each other was phenomenal.  It was as though we were all one big happy family with big dreams and unwaivering hopes and desires to accomplish every goal imaginable.  No more division, all one nation, and forget that anyone was thinking about being either democrats or republicans or somewhere in between - I doubt there were any feelings of division to anyone there, only feelings of unity.  People in this country fight too much.  They are so worried and focused on who is right and wrong, who has the best/worst ideas, the mistakes and shortcomings of others, namely leaders.  Everyone seems to be missing the point.  The  fighting, name-calling, and bashing each other based on which political party we belong to is not the point of living in a free country rich with so many blessings.  After all, we are all supposed to be one nation under God.  Speaking of leaders, we watched a message from Obama and recieved letters from Senator Reid & Senator Ensign. Unfortunately they were both out of town and couldn't attend the ceremony. 

It was really neat to learn about the Constitution.  It gave me great insight as to how the government operates; how the Framers of the Constitution wanted to limit powers of the governments by separating them into different branches... how brilliant!  It's neat to know that the Founding Fathers were fore-ordained by Heavenly Father so that the U.S. can be built on the structure it's on, including the amendments and the Bill of Rights so that we can always be assured of our individual rights and liberties. 

You have just read the blog of one of the newest U.S. citizens in America today.  I'm so happy, and on the day of my ceremony I was running high on adrenaline all day.  I truly do feel great loyalties to this country and will stand up and fight for its freedoms.   I'm grateful that my husband is in the National Guard serving those who fight and defend this country and that I have the honour of saying that I'm the wife of a National Guard Officer.  Until next time my fellow Americans & Canadians.  I love you all.

4th Quilt - Autumn Log Cabin

This is the first log cabin quilt I've made.  And I have to say, I did enjoy working on it BUT, log cabin quilts get kind of monotonous, the bigger they are.  This one is just a little smaller than a twin size but still big enough to be repetetive.  I couldn't imagine doing one any bigger unless I gave myself way more time to work on it.  This one took a couple of weeks in total and it's 35 squares.  It has vibrant fall colours and is a great addition to my fall decorations and home decor.  It was fun but I'm not sure how soon I'll do another log cabin.  Thanks for the great tips on the binding mom, it turned out really good! 

Some News...

If you haven't heard yet, I've been in an accident that was close to either hurting me beyond functioning like a normal human being or very possibly taking my life, by a few feet.  I don't mean to sound dramatic but I'm still a little shaken up by it.  I'm getting a little better (physically & emotionally) each day other than the whiplash symptoms.  Time will heal.  I'm not up to it yet but possibly in a few weeks or so I'll write a post and put up pictures of my accident... of my injuries and of our poor new Murano which we'll never see again.  I'm really angry that people don't take the time and consideration on the road and don't value the safety of others.  I've forgiven the man who ran a red light and hit me going 40 mph, and I would have still forgiven him if I wasn't here today.  However, he has a lot of hard realities to face before he'll ever be at peace with himself if he continues to make careless and selfish choices.

I'm counting my blessings and very grateful to my Heavenly Father who has, again, preserved my life, and for my angels who are watching over me.  I'm grateful for the atonement and for the blood that my Saviour has shed for each trial I go through, he must really love me.  I realize more, with each trial, my mission on earth and that it is far from being over, and that I have much service and work to do for my Heavenly Father.  I would like to thank my family and friends who have reached out to me and who have offered to be there for me... I hope you know how grateful I am for each of you, and I will be there for you whenever you need me.  I have so many amazing people in my life and I have felt so incredibly loved over the past week.  I would also like to thank my caring and loving husband whose love for me truly is unconditional.  He has been such a sweetheart.  He has cooked the meals and done all the chores... I will try to get up and help him and he'll tell me to go rest.  He has offered to drive me to appointments even while he's supposed to be in school.  He was even going to miss school in the afternoons so he can be with me.  He has enough points in clinic for the semester so it would have been possible for him to not be there.  However, I didn't think this was a good idea.  Thanks to my friends who are taking over, and a big thanks to Sheena for packing up her babies and driving me to my appointments.  God bless all of you.

On another note, I'm going private on my blog in a few weeks so if you want to continue to read it then please email me your email so I can invite you.  mandyleej@yahoo.com

City Center

I am officially a new employee at the City Center.  There are four properties (in one), and I'll be working at The Aria Resort & Casino.  Check the website out, it's really quite amazing!  http://www.citycenter.com/.  I start training on December 2nd and start work on December 16th.  I'll be working as a casino accountant.  I feel really blessed to have been hired.  I was watching the news last night and they reported that there were over 160,000 applicants, 50,000 interviews, and 12,000 people hired.  I'm really excited to go back to work.

The downfall is that I have back problems from my accident and it gets painful for me to sit for long periods of time.  I've recently come out of the closet with this back thing.  I've never let on to anyone about the agony of it.  Mostly because I don't want anyone's sympathy and also because I'm a tough chick and don't want to be thought of as a decrepit... which I am not!  I'm fine as long as I don't have to sit for a long time!  I'll still kick your butt in the gym, he he.  I must say that it feels good to be completely honest though.  Anyway, I worked at home for a while doing bookkeeping part-time but I'm really needing to get out of the house and have interaction with others.  I feel like Heavenly Father will bless me to have the strength if this is what I'm supposed to be doing.  He knows that I NEED to do this so I'm going to be as strong in my faith as I can be!

I would love for anyone to come on down and see me!  I'll give you a tour of the property.  Oh ya... this is really cool... I get paid for an hour over lunch AND they feed me.  It's a buffet, and so with that said, it's going to be really tempting to be out of control with the food.  I have a great shift... 7:30 am - 3:30 pm which means that I'll miss out on the rush hour traffic.  MGM is a great company to work for.  They go above and beyond with thier benefits and treat thier employees really good from what I've heard.  Good times, I'm excited!

Highlights of Summer 2009

I had a really good summer this year. I'll pick up from my previous "Stadium of Fire" post which is also a part of my highlights for the summer.

I can't remember if I mentioned it before, but Sadie and I had the great opportunity of going to girls camp with the church. I had the privelege of being a mom to 19 teenage girls for almost a week, what a job!  Sadie is not a member but she still had a really good time.  All the girls were very warm and welcoming to her and we both had a real blast and really amazing spiritual experiences. News update: I am no longer in the Young Women's Presidency as the presidency was released before I went back up to Canada at the end of July.  We were due to be released as we served for more than 2.5 years but man did it fly by!  Just a quick note:  Thanks to all you beautiful, dynamic leaders who I served with, you ladies are amazing in every way!  I really enjoyed my calling and was very sad to not be a part of it anymore. It's amazing how attached you can get to those girls... even if they are crazy, annoying teenagers!

At girls camp... me on the right.

The other leaders and I looking like Charlie's Angels.

Sadie hanging out in her tent with her group of friends.

For mine and Sadie's birthdays, Chad surprised us with tickets to the Lion King Broadway at the Mandalay Bay - how appropriate for two Leo's birthdays! I'm actually a cusp which means that I was born on the borderline day (Aug 23rd) where the horoscopes change making me a Leo and a Virgo. I really don't follow horoscopes and all that jazz, but I truly am a Leo at heart (with Virgo tendencies). Just ask Chad... all I can say is thank goodness I have some of the Virgo tendencies because we know how lion's can be... mostly in the dominating department. (Tangent #1 - I'll explain later.) Anyway, it was a really good show, and the music was phenomenal! We also got spoiled going out for dinner at Magianno's. We are frequents there. Good Italian food in a nice restaurant with a great view of the strip, what more can you ask for? Forget about it!!! (Said with an Italian accent.)

Chad had to leave for Texas at the end of July for his officer training so Sadie and I drove up to Canada... yes, drove. It was a long way but we made it fun by making it longer (I know, right?). What I mean is that we went on a very slow, but very beautiful route. We went up through Montana through Whitefish, into British Columbia through the mountains, and stayed in hotels along the way. We spent a couple of nights in Banff (which is one of my most favourite places in the world). My mom, sister, and her kids met us there where we all hung out and just... hung out and had fun. It was nice to just relax after all that driving. We did an average of 5 hours a day for 5 days.  It was really not that bad but when you're the only one driving with a 14 year old as a travel companion it can get long. Sorry Sadie... I'm really just kidding, she was great and we had a blast travelling all that way together. She was my little d.j., gps navigator, and was great company.

It was great to be in Canada for a month. I got to be a part of things I otherwise wouldn't have been a part of had I not gone for that long. This includes watching my nieces at dance camp, watching my niece and nephew in swim camp, making apple butter with my mom with apples from her tree, hanging out at the beach and eating ice cream and other good frozen treats with family, holding my dads hand as he is going through a difficult time, being my sisters date at her high school reunion (her hubby couldn't go), seeing friends I hardly get to see, hanging out with teenagers (Sadie's friends who also call me aunty), taking the Zodiak down the river with my mom and her friends, running into old friends/schoolmates that I haven't seen in years which seemed like every time I'd leave the house.Rocky is not a very big place, and everyone pretty much knows who everyone else is... that is one thing I miss about living in a town. It was funny when I ran into a girl in the grocery store I haven't seen since high school and she said "oh ya, I heard you were in town". You've gotta love it! I guess that's my way of feeling like a celebrity.

My awesome friend Shar.

 Shar's darling little girl and her cute new baby .

Brooklyn at dance camp.

And Megan (modelling her new glasses)...

Dawson

Sadie & Benson.

My sister and I going to her reunion.

Brooklyn basking in the sun.

Our hotel in Banff.

The weather in Alberta was amazing, as it always is. I love the variety of temperatures and weather where it can range anywhere from negative fourty to positive fourty degrees Celsius. The seasons there are so obvious that it's hard not to be embraced by the beauty of them. The sting of the cold as the winter approaches eludes you as the snow falls, and where the frost unequivocally takes over covering everything in sight with absolutely no prejudice. There is nothing more peaceful than a white, snowy day where everything falls silent as though in awe of the beauty it's suddenly surrounded with. The summers are capable of storms that are so volatile that it's never known what beautiful wonder will become of them. Whether it be a quick shower that simply kisses the foliage or an introduction to a rainstorm abundant with lightning, thunder, haunting clouds, and warm winds which can last for hours before the rain is finally given permission to grace the earth. The empowerment of being one with an awe-inspiring lightning and thunderstorm is a reminder of the worth each of us has been given, how very much a part of nature and a powerful existence we are. The fall arrives, and the trees shed their outer beauty so they can prepare for the cold winter to be welcomed. Before the leaves fall they reveal the beautiful colours of their spirits born to them by a loving God, who through the beauty of His creations, shows us how much He loves us. The spring can be somewhat of a conundrum. Mother nature seems to sometimes test our patience to see if we are worthy of an early spring season. Suddenly, as if out of nowhere, she decides to send a beautiful day that promises that the wrath of winter has left, and that we will be blessed with a regeneration of beauty and life. (Tangent #2)

I don't mean to go on tangents, but that's what happens when I write. Hence, I have problems sitting down and writing a simple entry. There's a lot I have to control. You wouldn't want to trade me brains for a day, there are a lot of complexities going on in there... and it never ends.

Now that you have a taste of how mother nature is in Alberta, I'll continue...

We mustn't forget the day that I picked Chad up from the airport after not seeing him for an entire month! Let's just say that we ran into each other's arms and didn't let go for approximately two days after. We hung out in Calgary the next day and had fun just being together. Afterwards we went to Rocky, and everyone in my family was happy to see Chad, as always. Even though he didn't have much time there before we had to drive back to Vegas we still managed to have lots of fun in our remaining week.

We took my mom and Terry's quads out for a couple of days and rode around on trails in the forest which Chad loved... including getting stuck dozens of times! I've never gotten so many mosquito bites as I did the first day we went quadding. (For the Americans reading, quadding means four-wheeling). We didn't bring insect repellent which wasn't a good idea because it was marshy which essentially amounts to major mosquito breeding grounds!  We did some other fun stuff, mostly hung out with the family.  Chad made a cake with my niece and nephew which was really cute.  My niece Brooklyn told me how she was going to sprinkle some love and a little laughter and smiles in the cake so when everyone ate it they would laugh and smile the whole time.  We surely did laugh and smile the whole time we all ate it.  She is truly a little gem. 

Chad trying to rescue me out of the big mud puddle I thought I was tough enough to get through. 

Chad winching himself out of a very deep mud hole.

Chad and I had a long but good trip driving home. We bought some heavy metal cd's for the ride (which I loved listening to when I was a teenager), and rocked out almost the entire way home. We had a wicked time! I'm think I turned Chad into a Metallica fan, or maybe he already became one from Guitar Hero. We also went a long way home and drove through the beautiful mountains.  We stopped at the Chateau in Lake Louise and had lunch with a view of le Lac Louise which is absolutely breathtaking!  Chad ordered a gourmet hamburger and he swears it's the best he's ever had.  The below picture I took on our way through Banff National Park... that's a glacier.

Like I said, it was a great summer and I love creating memories. I try to make the most of my time when I'm there and try to see everyone but sometimes it seems impossible. I've come to accept that there's a good portion of peeps I won't get to see until I move back. There's never enough time to do everything in the short time I'm there. You wouldn't think a month is a short time but it is when you haven't been home much in over 5 years. I love my life (yes, in Vegas too) despite the rantings you may have heard about that. I'm going to savour every moment here because we don't have much time left in smokin' hot Vegas. 1.5 years is going to go by really fast as it already has! I'm really proud to tell people I live here. Its been a really great adventure so far. But, I couldn't be here for much longer than what is necessary. I'm a winter girl, and I need my seasons!

Update

Just signing on to say hi to everyone. I'm still in Canada and my husband is still in Texas. I haven't seen him since July 28th and it's getting really old, really fast. I got married to um, not be single, hello. Well there are more reasons than that but you know what I mean. I will be seeing him a week from today so I'm trying to not get used to single life. Just kidding. It's really not going to take any effort. It's kind of weird though because there are days that I'm not really sure what to do with myself. Even when I'm surrounded by friends/family. I'm so used to having Chad with me pretty much everywhere I go! It will be great to see my Chad. I think I'll get him to wear a bright orange t-shirt at the airport in case I don't recognize him... you know, it's been so long!

Chad is doing great. I get to talk to him on the phone every night so at least we can hear each other and get updates. We did the video thingy on Skype too so it was great to be able to see him. He has lots of great stories so hopefully he will write about them. For those who don't know, he is in San Antonio, TX completing his officer training for the National Guard (OBC). He posted pics on Facebook.

So, this is just an update to say hello and that we haven't fallen off the earth... yet ;). I hope everyone is enjoying the rest of the little summer that's left (unless you live in Vegas, then it will be around for a few more months, aaahhhh, too hot, help me!!!). Summer is always so much fun for me. I will be sad to go home but happy too because I miss my peeps in sin city. It's always difficult to return to everyday, real world stuff after a great vacation. And I must admit, I get a lot of those so I'm greatly blessed. Chad doesn't want me to go back to work full-time because he likes that we can always take off on his days off. However, things are "slowly" improving with my back and neck problems so I feel like it may be a possibility to return to work full-time... once again. It's mostly because I'm telling myself that it will be better this time but we'll see... I'm kind of too much of a trooper that way and end up hurting myself. It was alright working at home but I'm too much of a people person to hang out at home all day without any interaction with others. Okay, I'm rambling now. Anyway, it will be great for Chad to get through dental school so we can finally settle down one day. I'm really, extremely tired of living the university life. Life has been really good to us though. We are thankful for being a part of the National Guard... it has blessed us in so many ways. I can't believe I can say that after Chad has been gone for so long but this will be the only training he has to do, and I'm glad it's almost over with. Well, adios amigos... until next blog...

Stadium of Fire!!!

Sadie, Chad, and I went to Utah for the 4th of July long weekend to visit family & friends. Sadie always comes to stay with us from Alberta, Canada for a month over the summer. It's always great to have her here with us!

Chad and I hooked up with friends from Utah. It was great to see you guys again!
We went to a family BBQ and then to the Stadium of Fire with cousins, Chad's parents, and sister. Shedaisy and the Jonas Brothers performed. Sadie, being a 13 year old, was very excited to see the Jonas Brothers... so were thousands of other teenage girls there... it was a very shrilling experience!

We went to the open house for the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple. What a beautiful temple! It has very modern decor and is very different than any other temple I've seen... it is very nice!

I always enjoy Canada Day, 4th of July, etc. I'm an overly festive person so anytime I can celebrate any holiday, I'm there! We had a good time, and we always love getting out of Vegas even if only for a few days!

3rd Quilt

I was told by a friend who is married to a dentist that while Chad is in dental school, I will become really good at a hobby. Mine turned out to be quilting. It's an expensive hobby but it keeps my sanity. I find it to be therapeutic - it's funny how you can do a project that not only requires great patience but also requires blood, sweat, and tears, but yet somehow you still seem to love doing it. I literally put those 3 items into this one. Blood - it's funny how you can have a quilt full of pins but quickly forget about the pins and still handle it as though there aren't any and then you get poked with one and then you get mad about it when really, it's no surprise that you get poked. Sweat - well it's not a miracle that you just naturally sweat in Vegas even when you're not doing anything other than just sitting around. On top of the heat I mostly was sweating because I'd fear that I wouldn't be able to nicely finish a certain part on the quilt after seam-ripping the same seam a dozen times. Don't let anyone tell you that curves are easy to sew together. Well maybe they are but not when you have to match 5000 of them! Tears - again, the tears came when I would I have to seam rip the same seam more than a few times. I'm sure I could have left some of them the way they were but being the perfectionist I am, I couldn't leave it. Perfectionism and quilting do not mix!

I Love Going Home

I recently went to Alberta for a few weeks and left poor Chad to study for his big monster of an exam... as if 5 days of studying for boards counts. He did good on his own though as always... with the exception of his diet. I am his nutrition police, and when I'm not here to be he eats things I wouldn't approve of. He appreciates me though. I remember one time when we lived in Utah I left for 4 days. One of my best friends lived in the condo below me. After I returned home she came upstairs and told me how 3 out of the 4 days I was gone, her and her husband saw Chad bring pizza's home. He does eat really healthy. I just like to give him a hard time when I leave and the stove doesn't ever get used.
Moving on... I was able to go to Alberta and be there for some fun events! Since I've moved to the U.S. (more than 5 yrs ago) I haven't been up north over June. June includes Father's Day, my mom's birthday, and my niece's birthday. My niece's birthday was a big deal because she is getting to the age where she probably won't be celebrating with her family anymore. This year she had a party with her friends and then the next day with her family. I was honoured to be invited to both. It was fun hanging out with a bunch of 6-7 year olds!!! We went bowling and danced around the alley to some great tunes. I will admit, I ate tonnes of junk food but it's difficult for me to pass up chips (especially the Canadian Old Dutch kind), and cake. On that note, I just have to add that my sister makes the most amazing birthday cakes I've ever seen (and I'm not just saying that). Thanks Boorman family for a great weekend with you guys!

This is the quilt I made for Brooklyn. Looks good on her, hey??

We went out to eat dinner for my mom's birthday at a really good restaurant overlooking a lake. I miss Alberta... it is so beautiful there! I'm glad I was able to spend my mom's birthday with her. She is the nicest person I know and would give the shirt off her back to anyone. She always smiles and says hi to strangers and can strike up a conversation with almost anyone she doesn't know (and knows). She will always go out of her way to make you feel welcome and comfortable. She is definitely a peacemaker and doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She always has nothing but nice things to say about everyone and has helped me to see things in positive ways.

I'm also happy that I got to finally spend Father's Day with my dad whom I am very grateful for. He has taught me great things in life and is someone who has great strength and is someone I will always look up to. I was always proud of him as my dad. He is a very lovable and charming person and can make anyone laugh and feel good about themselves. He jokes with pretty much anyone and knows how to bring out a smile... unless he's grouchy... you don't want to get on his bad side!!! I guess that's where I get my temper from. However, my mom is a true red head so it could be from either side I guess. Except my mom is a lamb and I've mabe seen her mad a handful of times. I have great parents. They have been through so much but they have still managed to continue to be the great people they have always been. I love them with all my heart. I'm also grateful for my entire family and the opportunities I have to see them even though we live far apart.

Orlando, Florida

Blogging apparently isn't my thing. We went to Florida over 3 weeks ago and I've finally decided that I need to take some time to sit down and do a blog. I know that when Chad and I look back on it a few years after dental school, that we will be glad that I've kept it up but let's face it... I don't like blogging. I don't think I've been on this website for almost 2 months now. I've just been having way to much fun with my spare time. Here's the Florida trip scoop...

We had a great time in Florida! The weather was perfect and we had an entire week of fun activities planned.

We started our vacation out by meeting up with some friends of ours from Vegas , Keli & Ryan, who happened to be going to Florida over the spring break too.

Later on that day, Chad and I went to the Kennedy Space Center and had a blast! I absolutely love anything to do with space so it was a great experience. We went on a simulator that was a lot like being on a real shuttle taking off to space... without the g's, unfortunately.

Canadarm...Chad and I drove to a nearby beach and then went out for a dinner at a really good seafood pub near the ocean. Later on, we met up with Chad's brother and his family at their condo at a Disneyworld resort. They arrived that day.

The next day, we went on an alligator fan-boat ride on a marsh preservation with Keli & Ryan, and their son Tae. We got to hold a 3 year old alligator. He was surprisingly really silky smooth!


In the afternoon, we all went to Cocoa Beach and hung out at the ocean. Chad and I got tan-ish burned. Chad and Ryan were swimming in the ocean forever... Keli and I were wondering where they were, but we had a good time chatting and watching Tae playing and trying to eat the sand. Chad thought he would help Tae out and build a sand toilet. Hmm, of all the things you can think of to make out of the sand!

Later on that day, we picked up Chad's parents and his sister from the airport, who just returned off her mission a few days earlier. It was really good to see her again! The next day, we went to Disneyworld and that was the beginning of a week of endless walking. There was so much to see at all 4 parks so we broke it up each day. We would get a start in the morning (around 9 am) and then would end up back at our condo about 10 pm so we had some very long days! We only ever saw our condo to shower and sleep.
Part of the gang...
We eventually went back to the NASA Center because on the day we went, we didn't get to do the tour because we ran out of time... which by the way, I HIGHLY recommend doing. Only if you're a geek like me and totally into that kind of thing. When we did the tour, we went as close to the shuttles as possible. In the below pic, you can see one of the shuttles. We were there just over a week before the Atlantis shuttle was scheduled for take-off. I'm sure you heard in the news but it took off on May 11th and it just recently came back. Hmmm, I just realized that if a shuttle can go to space and back before I post my blog then that's really lame... okay, I'm feeling it now. Anyway, before Atlantis took-off in May will be the LAST time that 2 shuttles will EVER be out together again (and only the 19th time). They are retiring the shuttles... the second shuttle being the back-up in case anything goes wrong with the first. This means that they are working on a new shuttle that will no longer require a back-up. They are also retiring the Hubble telescope in 2013 which has been in space since the 50's, and putting a new one in that is 20 x's more powerful!!! Can you believe that??? The Hubble telescope is already capable of finding over 10,000 galaxies in one single location!!! I cannot wait to see what the new telescope is going to do!!! I could go on and on about the space center but I'd better move on. I just have to add that Chad and I got to talk with a NASA employee. He told us all about the new shuttle (below is a pic of a piece of the new shuttle they're working on). The guy has been with NASA since '53 and knew so much so it was great to talk with him. I forgot to get a pic with him.

The area behind me was used when a shuttle was taking off and for when monitoring the shuttle in space.Atlantis shuttle behind me...

Back to Disneyworld. We had a really neat evening when we went to dinner with the Disney princesses. I highly recommend doing that. I'm not sure if Chad enjoyed it that much (just being funny). We had a hilarious experience (at his expense). Let me indulge, he he he. I'll begin by saying that Chad didn't get along with one of Cinderella's stepsisters so well. Whoever the red-headed one is (I think Drizella... I'll just say that) came to our table as we were eating... this is how it all started... Chad preferred to eat and stare at his plate instead of acknowledging that Drizella was standing at our table talking to us. She looked over at him, gets a mean scowl on her face and says, "well don't stop eating or anything just because I'm here!". She looked over at me and said "is that your prince?!". I said yes and she said "which kingdom is he from, they must not teach any manners there!". Chad continued to eat (or should I say, never stopped eating). Drizella shook her head and rolled her eyes and left the table. A few minutes later, a song was playing and some of the kids got up and danced with the characters. Drizella was dancing with a little boy and made a point to come and dance near our table with him, and looked over at Chad and said "jealous??". It was so funny!!! Chad was giving her attitude the entire time and they both acted like they genuinely hated each other. It was pretty awesome! It was also funny that Grace, our niece who is 8 years old, got her picture taken with Prince Charming. He kissed her hand and when she came and sat at the table she said, "I have a bad feeling in my stomach", as she had a huge grin on her face. It was so cute.

When we went to the Epcot Center, we toured around to all the countries. The countries I didn't post pics for are Mexico, Norway, Germany, U.S., France, & Canada. It was neat to taste food from each country. I gained 5 pounds from the trip but it was so worth it! Chad and I ate at a nice French restaurant in France and it was so delicious! It was pricey but we had to do it. Chad wants to go back just to go back to that restaurant! Our server was (really) from France and so I had some fun speaking a little French with her. It was fun to order our meals (because they were all in French), and I think she was impressed that I knew how to pronounce the words. Next stop: Europe. Can't wait to go! Epcot was a mere teaser.The U.K...
Meditating in Japan...Chad strangling the camel in Morocco???

Kickin' it in Italy...

Chillaxin' in China...The Animal Kingdom was fun. We got to see all kinds of animals. They had some fun rides and a safari. We went and saw the Lion King Musical. We were going to go to the Nemo Musical but didn't have enough time... we didn't have time to do lots of stuff. I tell ya, a week just isn't long enough!!!
I love this pic of Chad & Kate, so cute!!! Hollywood Studios was pretty cool. We went on a ride/tour that shows how they make movies. Chad loved the Aerosmith roller coaster ride. I'll have to admit, it was pretty dang sweet... if you like that kind of thing. We all became (or were made more of) adrenaline junkies by the time the trip was over.I have to mention that I absolutely fell in love with Florida. This trip was the first time I have ever been there and I have to say, what a beautiful state! We rented an SUV and got to tour all over the Orlando area and drive near beaches and through cute little surfing towns. It was so cool to see alligator's in their natural habitat. I have a whole new respect for them now. I really enjoyed how green it was along with the dense forest and never-ending lakes. The weather couldn't have been anymore perfect. I'm ready to go back!!!

It was great to spend time with Chad's family. It was so much fun and we came home with so many fun memories. I'm excited to back again one day.

Here is a link to the rest of the photos in case you're interested at looking at them.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=127191&id=677497176&l=6eb3479804