Feels Like We’ve Been Here Before

If you get a Christmas card from me this year and it sounds negative and bitter, it’s because 2010 has not been kind to us. Don’t get me wrong, I am working every day to see the glass half full but this year continues to challenge my optimism and patience like no year ever has. I’m still hoping for a change of luck so if when things turn around I will keep you and my Christmas card recipients posted.

Why the doom and gloom? Would you believe that Mr. S had to have surgery on his leg again only days after he lost his job? I know, right? How much is one great looking couple asked to endure in one year? And it’s only July.

Thank goodness we were able to go on our motorcycle trip and enjoy one month of summer without incident. Thank goodness for awesome neighbors who have kept us well fed. Thank goodness for Oreos. Without them I would be 5 lbs lighter but cope a  little less. Pass the milk.

It All Started With A Mouse

Today is the 55th Anniversary of one of my favorite places – Disneyland! I, of course wasn’t there on opening day. Though wouldn’t have that been the greatest?I do remember being there for the 35th, 40th, 45th, 50th. Not on the actual day, but sometime during the anniversary years. And after 4 trips to Disney World, including the 7 months I worked there, I think I’ve hit some of WDW anniversaries too. I don’t always consciously choose to go to celebrate the milestones, but I go often enough that it has just worked out. My name is Robyn, and I am a Disney-oholic. It has been 2 years since my last visit. Though I have no intention of earning my 3 year chip. In keeping with tradition I will be going later this year.

I came across a great video on the Disney Parks blog showing footage from opening day 55 years ago. Take a look and celebrate with Walt Disney on his big day.

She Found It!

Last year I wrote my mom a birthday post. I wrote a list of some of the great things she has taught me, and I may or may not have gotten a little emotional while writing it. That’s how I roll. In that post I alluded to my mom’s tech savviness:

Finding the link to my new blog is going to take at least another 6 months. And then finding this particular post…well, that could take years!

Well, wouldn’t you know, I received a call from my mom the other night telling me she had read my blog and by some gift from God (or WordPress) she found that particular post. Only took 15 months. She enjoyed it so much she printed off a copy, which was probably a good idea if she ever wants to read it again. Looks like I have only further cemented my status as the favorite child.

Life Is A Highway And We Rode It For 4 Days

Awww..July 4th. How I love thee. Besides my birthday (more on that to come) and Christmas, the 4th of July is my favorite holiday. I love America. I love fireworks. And I love all things red, white, and blue. I’m especially fond of the new flip-flops I bought this year at Wal-Mart for a mere $3. They were the inspiration behind my new July outfit. I must have been looking too cute to bother with any pictures, but thankfully in Utah the patriotic celebrations last all month long and I will take some pics on the 24th. I love those pioneers too.

The long weekend also meant that Mr. S and I embarked on our 2nd annual July 4th weekend motorcycle trip. This year’s trip took us on almost 900 miles of some of the most beautiful highways in Idaho and Montana. The only hiccup we experienced happened about 16.8 miles in. How can I know down to the tenth of a mile? Because that is when I lost my odometer cable. I also noticed that the speedometer was no longer working. Apparently the two are connected. Who knew.

We made it safely to a Yamaha dealership and once we were assured that it was still safe to ride we continued on. And I left confident that if I did get pulled over, for the first time in my driving career I would finally be able to answer honestly when the officer asked me if I had any idea how fast I was going. I never got my chance.

Here is how the trip broke down -

Day 1: Twin Falls to Riggins, ID. At check-in our hotel offered us complimentary beer. They also welcome pets. Horses included. Day 2: Riggins, ID to Darby, MT. We found the White Bird Battlefield, rode the Nez Perce and Lewis and Clark trails, and were not offered beer at our hotel. But that didn’t matter because Darby is “the best kept secret in Montana.” It’s true. They have street banners that say so. Day 3: Darby, MT to Hailey, ID. In honor of Independence Day we took some time to visit the Veterans Memorial across the street from our hotel in Darby. Then on to Hailey. The only requirement for where we would stay was whether or not there were going to be fireworks. We stayed at a Bed & Breakfast, of which I am now the mayor, and we were able to watch fireworks from the parking lot. Not the greatest display I’ve seen and I did have to sing the patriotic themed songs in my head, but it was sufficient. Day 4: Hailey to Twin Falls to Salt Lake. Only 60 miles on the motorcycles then back to the truck. We picked up Kingston at my sister’s and made it home.I think Kingston had a great time playing with my nieces and nephews, but he was definitely happy to see us. And I him. Apparently my love for my dog is transparent. As I was snuggling with Kingston and telling him how much I missed him my 5 yr old niece asked me, “Are you going to love your babies more than Kingston?” No. Of course not. Maybe? By the way – this is not an announcement of any kind.

Not sure where we will go next year, but I’m kinda hoping I still have an excuse to speed.

Happy 4th Of July – I’m Out!

Mr. S and I have hit the open road on our motorcycles for a few days. We trailered the bikes to Twin Falls and dropped Kingston off on the way at my sister’s house. From there, who knows where we will go. Well, actually I know but I’m not telling. At least not until we get back. Hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July holiday – I’m out!

There’s More Than One Way To Mow The Lawn

As I mentioned in my last post I am very excited for summer. Summer means BBQs, swimming pools, pedicures, and my birthday. Only 9 more days for those of you keeping track.

As more and more TV commercials are targeted toward summertime activities and holidays, I was reminded of a favorite of mine from last year. This commercial comes from the UK but you will most likely recognize similarities to the American version airing this year. But with fewer innuendos. Which is really too bad since they are what make the commercial so ridiculous. And by ridiculous I mean AWESOME!

I give you Mow the Lawn. You’ll never look at hygiene the same way again.

Momma Said There Would Be Days Like This, But What About An Entire Season

Summer is here and I couldn’t be happier. Mainly because Mr. S and I had such a painful (Mr. S’ broken leg,) eventful (then I had surgery,) and uneventful (recovery blows) spring and I am ready to put that season to rest and move on to all of the fun things we have planned for the next few months. We are both feeling good and ready to take on all the warm weather we have been gifted in the last couple of weeks. And now that my blog is back up and running (thanks to @ashbuckles) I can also keep you, my devoted fans, in the know. You guys are so lucky!!

This past weekend was one I need more of – fish tacos from Lonestar Taqueria, a night at the temple with Mr. S, and a picnic in the canyon. It was Mr. S’ brilliant idea to pack up our Sunday dinner and take a drive. We ended up in Big Cottonwood Canyon and found a great little secluded spot to enjoy our meal and each others company. And of course our little family picnic wouldn’t have been complete without Kingston.