I Am Legend.

Tonight, I became a legend.

Ward softball. Pretty awesome. Other team didn't show - we played against ourselves, and it was awesome.

Definitely found my softball cleats from hs/college; still fit like a glove.

I melted. I think the back of my knees sweat more then the rest of me. (Sorry, tmi) Even my hair got in on the action = gross.

Next, ward BBQ - burgers, dogs, and chips.

I had a cheeseburger and a hot dog, and 5 gallons of water.

Until....

The EQP dropped a triple stack cheeseburger onto my plate. With 3 slices of nasty American cheese. Then, they dared me to eat it all. All three hamburgers + 3 nasty pieces of cheese + bun (obviously) for $5. Mind you, this is post-dinner.

I smashed it. I squeezed it. Just so I could fit it into my mouth. Friends gathered 'round, cheering me on.

Ketchup was placed at my right hand; water directly in front.

Tyler massaged my shoulders, screaming, "Come on! You can do it!"

And this is the final story:

"We didn't think you could do it," they said.

"We are so impressed!" they said.

"We are going to announce this in Elders Quorum on Sunday," they said.

"I need some pepto bismol," groaned my tummy.

All in all, I am now legend. I have earned respect from the men folk. 

They even offered me a spot to bear my testimony about my experience in Elders Quorum on Sunday, after they announce my feat.

Little do they know - I have a tripple header (of softball) tomorrow morning at 7:30 am. This food baby better be gone by then.  Wish me luck!

I loved this tree in San Diego. I want one :)

Up close. How pretty is that red mulch contrast?! I liked it.

Impromptu family portrait! I have to say, this Thacker family was too much fun - Tyler is best friends with Eric (first row, right) and they grew up just a few houses away from each other in Cali. Its been so nice to become a happy addition - Eric calls me "best friend-in-law!" haha Hence, the weekend in California was awesome. We had so much fun with each other and the hospitality was amazing. I made stuffed french toast for everyone - I may or may not have definitely earned my keep with that feat :)

Characteristic Paul. Please note: this fire hydrant does not belong to the church. I guess its ok to pee on it when that's the case.

Bro. and Sister Thacker. I think this picture could be their Mission President picture. haha Joy radiates from their countenances. I count myself lucky to know them.

Thacker - son to Kristin and Paul, nephew to Eric/Allison/Brian, grandson to Bro. & Sis Thacker.

High energy. Pretty funny :)

Allison, performing her aunt-ly duties :) Bennett is so cute!

 Eric, Kristin, and Allison. These guys are definitely the LIFE of the party, anywhere you go!

This is my favorite picture. Its so funny. Eric and Allison, being awkward. Can't you just feel that from the pic? haha This is classic. Hence, the best was saved for last :)

Thanks for the fabulous weekend, Thackers! We definitely need to do this again!!!! Miss ya!

California. Part 2. A little late.

For those of you who guessed what building that was: This is the answer! We visited the Mormon Battalion Site in San Diego! Ok, so much fun. I would love to go back!

Here's another pretty view! 

The inside; first entryway. The sister missionaries are dressed up in costume; makes the experience pretty fun!

They had interactive picture frames posted on the wall (to the right in the picture just above this one) that talked to each other and the Sister Missionary, then they told the story of the Mormon Battalion. So, as the story progresses, you move from room to room, and this way they get lots of visitors through and keep them entertained.

In this picture, they had 3 tent/movie screens, and they told of how the Saints responded to the call of the US Army.

In this next room, we got our supplies at a store, and the characters knocked on this window to chat with us (inside the room), and right here it starts to rain! We had to close the window after that started...

This cute little guy, Bennett, was such an angel through the whole thing. He just loves my camera.

In the store, they passed around the muskets that the soldiers had to carry - those things were dang heavy! Allison is trying to shoot Eric, but he has foiled her plan! Sister Thacker was loving this sibling dispute! haha

After a few more cool rooms, the Saints ended up in San Diego, and were allowed to go home to Salt Lake. At the end of this trip, you got to take your picture! They printed copies, you could email copies; it was so cool! It was in that old fashioned, sepia-type coloring. It looks pretty authentic! haha

Here's Kristin and Paul's family picture! Thacker can't wait to get down!

Sister Thacker is helping grandson Thacker climb all over the canon! He was loving it!

View of the last room, to symbolize San Diego back in the day. I haven't edited any of these photos (work has been a little hectic lately-I'm exhausted lol) so please excuse all of the visitors on the sides of this photo!

Then, you could go outside and play pioneer/soldier activities! You could pump water...

...you could pan for gold (they also talked about the gold rush of 1849)...

and...you could bring water up from the well! (The pioneers dug lots of these when working at Sutter's Fort.)

Next, there was an "Heritage Park" across the way, and I think its going to end up being one of those historic parts of town that's been renovated to preserve history. Delaware has "Old New Castle," which is a really awesome part of town where William Penn landed and colonized DE. Look it up on google or something. We love it. So, it seems fitting that San Diego get one too :)

Next...scenes from Heritage Park!

Have you heard the song "Bulletproof" by La Roux?

Not to be odd, but when I first saw the music video, I couldn't really if she was a Justin Bieber type (you know how he sings so high and kinda looks cute, in a girly way?) or if she was a lady person. Rude, I know. But I didn't mean it.

Curiosity got the best of me. At least I still love the song.

Clearance + Jeans + Love

Today. Clearance was calling my name.

I bought 6 pair of Women's Lucky Jeans for $2.49 a pair.
I bought 2 pair of Big Star Women's Jeans for $5.99 a pair.

Total Cost: $26.94
Total Savings:  $706.59

$30 for 8 pair of jeans. Sometimes, you just have to shop.

(Also, Tyler is trying to get me to "purge" my wardrobe of all the clothes from high school/fresh-soph yr of college. I'm having a hard time. Think of this as motivation!)

California. Part 1

Part 2:

5 points to you if you can tell me where this is, or what this is. 10 points if you know both! If you were there with us, you're ineligible! :)

I hope you enjoyed our silly faces, dbl chins, and part 1 of the craziness. Part 2 coming soon :)

Bear Lake Continued, Then California. Whew.

Luckily I have a week off to catch up. This is the bbq pit overlooking the lake - so pretty!

Cornhole. Have you ever played this game? Its sooooo hard!

Tyler and Brianna - competing against each other, looking fierce.

And again....

Jana and I dying of laughter b/c we are soooo bad at this game.

I just love Jana's expression in this picture. Tyler must have said something....haha

The Sonkens  munching on cherries!!!

Step One: Concentrate, pull back beanbag

Step Two: Release passionately. Or, however you can - I just hucked it. Overhand doesn't work.

Step Three: Wait with anticipation....

Step Four: ITS ABOUT TIME!!!!!!!!!! I did it!

We also did a lot of sunbathing and chatting. Such a great weekend.

 Karen and Zac were way better than Jana and I!!! haha

This is our attempt at getting windboards to sail. Without much of a breeze. So hard, but once the wind started, it got much, much harder!

Bob and Sara- thanks for the awesome weekend! We loved it!!!