The Windy City

Our trip to Chicago was amazing! We started off on a little excursion, getting lost on the way to our hotel. Our plane landed in Milwaukee at 7 p.m. We hopped into our rental cars and were off on the 30 min drive to Wakigan where our hotel and the Naval base are located. Two and a half hours later, we FINALLY made our way to our hotel (sigh). At this point we were all completely wiped out from the long trip and crashed. Hanner's graduation was at 9 on base the next morning. We had to take a shuttle to base and go through lines of security (naturally) and be seated by 8. Although we were all so tired it was so worth it!

Two of the highlights of the ceremony for me were when I picked Hanner out of the 800 other sailors, he looked so good! I have never been more proud. Also when they were saying the sailor's prayer. Watching the heads of every sailor bow in unison. It was truly an amazing thing to be apart of!

After the ceremony he was ours for the rest of the day! And we were very excited! We headed back to the hotel where we changed, goofed around a bit (of course) and then headed to lunch.

While out and about on the town Kye purchased, with his own money, one of the Navy uniforms at a souvenir shop. He sported it with pride.

Hanner really wanted to get a picture of himself jumping in the air, to capture the moment of how he felt of being done with his 8 weeks in basic training. It took us a few tries to get a good one but I think we finally got one!

WHITE CASTLE ANYONE?

Being from Wyoming, my family can be considered to most people (hicks from the sticks). While we didn't stick out like a sore thumb in crowds, our conversations and inside jokes reek of hicks!

"Herold and Kumar Go to White Castle" is a DUMB movie that I've only seen bits and pieces of. But I had NO IDEA it was an actual fast food place. So needless to say, we HAD to eat there (not my choice). And let's just say we finally found the fast food restaurant that is WORSE than McDonalds. My ten and twelve year old brothers wouldn't even eat the burgers. I guess we would have figured when the burgers are 60 cents a piece and they come in a "crave case". The whole experience has turned into a huge family joke.

Off to Chicago!

I'm leaving on Thursday with my family for Chicago. My little brother Hanner is graduating from bootcamp in the Navy. I am SO excited to see him! It's amazing to see the transformation he has made through his letters in just six weeks. I can only imagine how he is going to be in person.

My Gammy Mikell, Aunt Terry, Aunt Robin and Hanner's friend Brooke are coming along for the trip. Hanner has no idea these guys are coming, so it should be nice surprise for him! We are leaving at the buttcrack of dawn (6 a.m.) Thursday to drive to Denver where we fly out at 3. The three youngest kids are VERY anxious and excited. They have never been in a REAL airport or flown in a commercial aircraft before. Needless to say this should be a great trip and experience for everyone.
I'll post pictures of the trip when I get back!

I normally loath Valentines (puke). Don't get me started on my TRUE feelings about the "holiday" . This year however, I had reason to celebrate! I made a trip down to Laramie to see my best friend Henley, JP and their darling little angel Liv who is now almost 4 months old. It's been super hard being away from them this semester and I miss them all so much!


Along with getting to spend time with the other three members my quad-pod ;) I got to see the rest of my crew which was also AMAZING, I miss all of them too!


I've gone through my share of friends that suited my "lifestyle" at the time and have a select few who have stuck around long enough for me to find who I am, and for that I'm so greatful! I have the worlds greatest friends! And even though I don't get to see them as much as I'd like, and all of our lives are going in different directions, I know that no matter how long the time between meetings I can always sit down with them and start up a conversation like I just saw them yesterday.


Being away from my family while in college really made me realize how much I love, care, and need them in my life. Being away from my friends has made me realize the important role they also play, and how much i need them in my life.

Run... Run... Run!
Training for a half marathon is A LOT of work! I've done everything from a 3K to a 10K, but never have made the stretch of doubling my furthest journey by foot. 13 miles (yikes!). I'm nervous but VERY excited! It's not the worry about whether I'll finish or not, I know I will... It's the time and the shape I'll be in when I cross the finish line. The day is April 17th in Salt Lake City.

My wonderful and oh so VERY talented friend Kristen took some pictures of me for her photography business. These are a few that are posted on her blog.

Subbing for a librarian causes an excess amount of boredom, and this is what came of a day staring at bookshelves and listening to junior high hormonal conversations (sigh). Me... starting a blog (or attempting to). Joining the world of technology and staying in touch via cyber space (how exciting!) Hopefully this thing gets a little more interesting as I get better and more comfortable with this sh'tuff....