On Top of the World

All right kiddos, so this is going to be a big post. A few days after my last post I received word that a close family friend had passed away. Actually it happened on September 11th, which brought on a whole new meaning to the day this year. So I scrambled to find a way to Arizona where the family lives and mourn with them (as well as play and have fun, cause Bob would NOT want people crying over him, just enjoying each other). Unfortunately Lindsay was not able to come with me, which was so sad cause it would have been nice to have him there, but I made it.

You see Bob Bess was an amazing man. Him and his wife Cindy met my parents when both were newlyweds and went on to create an amazing life long friendship that anyone would envy. Me and my siblings grew up in our younger childhood years next door or near The Bess boys and were like extended siblings. Bob's death came as a shock to all of us but everyone is doing well. It is so nice to have an understanding of the Gospel of Christ and a belief in the Plan of Salvation knowing that we will be reunited with our loved ones after death!

So I went to Arizona and we played and visited, spent time in "memory of Bob" shopping and eating. The funeral was probably the most amazing that I have been too. There were lots of great musical numbers as Bob's favorite things in life were Music/Media and food. And there was an abundance of food provided from all sources (Bob worked in a corporate position for a grocery chain). It was amazing! There were lots of tears shed and lots of comfort but all in all we kept laughing and joking about things Bob would have commented about.

Some of my favorite memories include having Lindsay learn how to give a good foot rub from Bob (He gave Cindy one every night!), eating off the BBQ by their pool, going to Disneyland, going to the raceway tracks, bartering in Mexico, and just listening to his wisdom and advice that he knew just how to give. Him and his family ( minus one son) also came to Spokane for My brother's wedding a few years back and ended helping Linds and I clean our house that we were moving out of to prepare for an inspection and helping us move in. I felt so bad that they spent part of their vacation doing that and yet they say they had fun. Crazy!

His memory will not be lost on many people and I know his wisdom will continue to pass down. Here are some pics from that trip.....

I get the opportunity to go back tomorrow because I am going to pick up a car down there! Yes, we will now have two cars which will be so nice! I am sure that with small trips I will still bike, but I can grocery shop in the day now and run into the city if I need to without trying to find a ride, or take Boomer to the vet. It will be so grand! I can't wait.

Also I got to see this little boy for the first time in person....

This little guy's name is Carson and he is one of my best friend's from high school little boy. I got to spend an afternoon with the two of them and it was so nice. Last time I say my friend was while she was six months pregnant with Carson! It seems that their little family is doing well indeed and I want to wish Kasey good luck with your new job!!!!

The next morning after I got back Linds and I went on a backpacking trip that we had already planned and had a complete blast! We were able to take Boomer with us and see some of the gorgeous fall colors in central california! A few highlights and a lowlight....the colors made the forest look like it was on fire-greens, fire orange, yellows, and a bit of red here and there, towards the beginning of the trail it was like you were walking through an enchanted hallway of aspens, totally breathtaking. Usually Lindsay and I have a hard time taking pics cause we are too busy having fun but we took almost 70 pictures of this trip it was all so beautiful. Continuing on with highlights and such......we hiked by six lakes all of which were crystal clear greens and blues and you could see fish swimming in them, it was perfect weather (about 60-65 sunny with a breeze) for hiking. It makes me want to go back thinking about it. The not so good, we had this dinner that we were preparing that smelled delicious-especially after that day's hiking and I was starving. You are supposed to boil water then pour it in the pouch, stir, and let sit for a set time. Well Lindsay thought otherwise, we boiled the water, he poured it in, and instead of stirring and sitting, he decided he could seal the bag and just shake it. Not so good, this is the outcome ( so sad!)

I actually started laughing cause it all happened in slow motion. Poor Linds burned his hand and thigh in the process and Boomer got a tasty dinner. I actually did try some of it off the ground. I was just so hungry and it smelled and looked so good. Luckily we re-rationed our food and cooked a not so good Mexican rice and Chicken dinner. Better luck Next time!

And this last thing is a hilarious video we took of Boomer the night prior to leaving. We bought him some booties because we weren't sure if it was going to snow, or have ice, and just in case one of his paws were to get injured. We tried them on at home and they are now dubbed the "Anti-Gravity Boots." Oh so funny, it was like the booties spring loaded Boomer's feet off the floor when he moved. I hope you enjoy!