New England--- Highlight #5 and #6

#5--- the FOOD

Thanks to Abbie and Jake for letting us come on one of their dates to eat LOBSTER. 

And then we went out for ice cream.

New England knows its ice cream.

I had the black raspberry oreo... mmmmmm

I wish I would have gotten a picture of the huge roast beef sandwiches.

Those things were good.

I think we all spent the entire week filling up on meat and sugar.

It was glorious.

#6--- The company

I think Ben could spend all day with these kids and never run out of energy.

We had so much fun just playing.

Those kids couldn't get enough of Ben.

Being with family the whole week was such a blast.

I never wanted this trip to be over.

We should probably make this a yearly tradition.

I don't think anyone would have any complaints about that.

New England--- Highlight #4

ZIP LINING

 

 

This was probably our favorite highlight
of our trip here to New Hampshire.
And we couldn't have done it without a little help ($) from Grandad.

(big thanks Grandad)

I totally psyched myself out on the way up to this place which I do any time I convince myself to do crazy things. I was all nervous and a bit sweaty... although I'm pretty sure the sweaty part had a lot to do with the 97% humidity that day. Either way, we had such a blast and this is something I would love to do again. After the first jump I realized it was less scary and more awesome. The longest zip line lasted over a minute and we were so high above the trees that you could see all the beauty that is New Hampshire. 

I told Ben that I want to work at a zip lining place so that we could go all the time. Definitely sounds way better than the job I have now.

We loved New Hampshire... a lot

New England--- Highlight #2 and #3

Highlight #2 for our trip?

SURFING

Thanks to Danny and Lindsi for inviting us on their date night. 

Surfing was a blast. I think Lindsi won for most times getting up.

Highlight #3

Candle pin bowling

Ellie definitely won for best style points

New England--- Highlight #1

We just got back from a week in New England and it was amazing.

Highlight #1 was visiting Grandad

I think I was 7 the last time I got to see him.

All the grandkids warmed up to him really fast and we all loved seeing all his amazing wood carvings.

I hope the 18 of us (10 adults, 8 children) at his house wasn't too overwhelming.

We miss you already Grandad.

Mesa's Historical Landmark

If you know Mesa, you know Dizzy.

The legendary street preacher of

Stapley and Main

died last weekend of bone marrow cancer.

He's been there ever since I can remember and I get an occasional wave of the middle finger when I drive by and smile at him. Mesa won't be the same without you Dizzy.

Memorial services will be held this Saturday July 10th at 6:30pm at Pioneer Park. Following the memorial there will be a candlelight vigil walk to Stapley and Main to walk his corner.

Funny hats and large headphones are encouraged.

We will miss you Dizzy

Fail

I tried to make this...

found here

And it turned out like this...

I wish I could bake cool things.

Maybe some day.

The frosting turned out really good though.

And we made some tasty strawberry ice cream.

I'll stick to what I know for now.

One day I might attempt this

 found here

But I'm a little discouraged after my failed attempt at a much simpler cake this weekend.
I want to learn though because how pretty is that?