Down but not out....

Yes, I am alive... perhaps just barely. The same could be said for my computer. I have yet to convience it to download my pictures so this is just a short (who are we kidding, I am never short), not exciting update. We traveled the majority of August and the first of September. First to Wisconsin and then Ohio, thank you James, Marmee, Papa, and Jessica. The trip was really fun. Grace is still talking about it. Two nights ago, she made up a story about the turtle shower hook and how it went to Wisconsin to visit Uncle James and saw alot of corn... and cheese. (It really is all about the food!) After two fun-filled weeks, we came back at two in the morning and left the next day for Santa Monica, California. Jake had a job there and we went to enjoy the beach by day and get a glimpse of Jake in the evenings. (Jake's job didn't work out so we just had a great vacation.) Grace and Isaac loved the beach. They stayed at the water's edge for hours, even without any toys! I will be posting pictures... eventually. Grace also decided what she wants to be when she grows up (drum roll, please) a shamu trainer at Seaworld. She would like to dive with Shamu. After our week in California, we rested for a few days and headed up to Jackson Hole, WY with Grandma and Grandpa for a cousin baptism. Jackson is gorgeous and between the candy store, the boat ride, Russ's niece, and all the cousins, Grace can't wait to go back. Thanks, Joanie and family! That catches us up to the second week in September, though not traveling, I still felt like I was on vacation because my dearest friend, Ann, came and stayed for the week. Since she lives a luxurious life in Hawaii, I don't get to see her too often. Luckily, she'll be back on the main land soon. Every time Ann had come to visit she has to help with a medical emergency. Once it was Grace sticking her finger in a pencil sharpener, but this time it was just Grace running full speed into a fence and getting her first bloodly nose. Surprise? maybe only that this is Grace's first bloodly nose.... Meanwhile, Jake is in New York and comes home just in time for me to drive with Ann back to Las Vegas. It only took me about four hours to get over the anxiety of leaving Grace and Isaac, so I was ready to relax for the night and fly back to SLC the next evening. Little did I know that Ann had many surprises up her sleeve! We picked up her sister and then drove to Vegas to stay at the Bellagio! The water show was even more amazing viewed from the twentieth floor!!! Then we ate at the buffet. Baby Sam was in heaven with the gourmet desserts. The fun didn't stop there... Ann got us tickets to the Blue Man Group. I really enjoyed it. And yes, there are pictures.... (I am sorry!) The next morning I ate a chocolate muffin while I read my book club book in bed. Then Ann and I got pedicures, lunch and had just enough time to hit a book store before I got back on the plane to reality.... Shortly before landing, I cried. Yes, folks... I'd like to blame it on the baby (hopefully, anyone who saw me thought it was the book I was reading) but I just can't believe I am so luckily to have such wonderful friends and family. I don't deserve all the kindnesses given to me. I have certainly never displayed or will ever be able to measure up to all the wonderful people in my life. Anyway, this is already longer than anyone will read. A few other notable events, we went to the BYU vs Wyoming game with Uncle Justin (thanks for the ticket, Allie), the contract with the house and the bank fell through, Jake quit working for his employer, I CANNED peaches (thanks, Leanne!), my BYU application is almost done, and I am turning into a huge (I have to force myself to eat fruits and veggies, it is going to take me years to lose this weight!) emotional wreck! I'm just about to reach week 32 and probably won't make it to week 38. Then I'll be an emotional wreck with a baby!!!! Sorry for the blogging absence. Hopefully my next update will contain pictures!!!