tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39653064908757075992024-03-19T03:21:34.358-04:00The Ray's DaysThe life and times of the Ray party of ninematt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.comBlogger2976125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-16123361349926148292024-03-18T20:54:00.001-04:002024-03-18T20:54:07.785-04:00That’s a wrap <div>Bath time fun. I covered them in bubbles one night so then they asked for them every night. </div><div><img id="id_20a2_c8cf_16b6_9b8b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/17pupBCxj29Mr_xzMKn3zMYUSLplz40Aj" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The night lexi was gone I slept upstairs and Carter came into bed with me and he was the worst co-sleeper! No matter how many times I scooched him over, he crowded me, he talks in his sleep and is just generally wiggly. Anyway, we sent Lu a tired Mimi and Car-car picture. <br><img id="id_5b24_bd27_add5_7b0a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1jDDBIA6PisfvXPnX4vu0gk3f4yhVxl2x" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>A very particular boy enjoying a thumbs up kind of morning. <br><img id="id_c555_6881_83b2_a249" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ZRN_S3KifWTlv92i33jJ4iVaWKTGi9nB" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>They went to school and I enjoyed a long run. I did laundry and cleaned bathrooms and vacuumed so everything would like beautiful when Lex got home. <br><img id="id_b0d6_625c_1317_8aed" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1KpV-Rx5nRd-51c_oCm4jwFzzLzrQgRIr" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>After school we went to the library which the boys loved! I thought about taking them to a play place, but library’s are so fun and free, so I think we made the best choice. <br><img id="id_6fe8_3696_ab75_408c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1G0I4zCWSisx_eaThmZnFa9VkfxVh7m7l" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>They colored pictures and were so happy. <br><img id="id_f442_1b41_ad0c_8e47" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/17ypIjMp5V1x4rMlqYXMid3tjXemu7xOG" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_9207_a089_37b1_1b59" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1TGR-PeTMhaqYs3HtknY2bqarUEbxZoKk" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Until Emmett told him he used the wrong color on mommy shark and he got upset. 🙄 <br><img id="id_6277_6dfc_221b_ad15" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Jx6H7V1NXKbQHJFy9C1gvT5_mwjQwF_9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Thankfully we got over it. <br><img id="id_14de_dc4f_aa6e_486f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1c5yu5RjTxMPJ89UZRPaaYj8IGpM-GNGu" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Emmett spent all his time coloring and then was sad he didn’t get much time to play. And we took more pictures home to color, just to be on the safe side. <br><img id="id_d634_4a1d_6568_1cd2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1cxrD3PeswOuHIHejd6jekO11yWss4cia" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Back in the 301 Delaney and Frankie and crew did some family history. <br><img id="id_f315_6488_a4fe_1f1a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1iDq2KSl4lCJ_AYR1-hyjbXdYHzKaN__t" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We left flowers and pictures and a favorite treat for when Lu got home and I made white chicken chili and salad and we had a nice night. <br><img id="id_f965_e228_d317_339a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Q88379KKElEhY_SNDje5OlzblwqI7doA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>On Friday Carter woke up with pink eye, whomp whomp. It was going around his school, so it wasn’t unexpected, but still annoying. He asked for me to take him to the dr, so that made me happy. <br><img id="id_5d06_38cd_bd50_fd50" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1K0i_Gt59yGXUXlpCkkIcj1AMTnXFlEub" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>He’s such a sweet guy!<br><img id="id_fd8a_97d0_8ef0_f005" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1FeCihH1X3Rx-LiwtiuoTpGTFeodEhTqF" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We had to go to the walk in clinic and it took a long time but we finally got eye drops and his eye started looking better almost immediately. He did end up getting it in both eyes, but he’s the only victim, so yay. <br><img id="id_c335_e8e5_21e4_104a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Tqywf7ydgoFK7kUUfyD7IAgJa2oo-2Ty" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Friday was so busy. After the Dr and Walgreens for the Rx I went to Emmett’s school for a special corned beef and cabbage family lunch to celebrate St. Patrick’s day. I was so happy I got to go!<br><img id="id_f35d_1d73_4679_134d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19TgqeZ1v40F0365EyY351BJfIzHVL2hx" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>All the kids call me Mimi and I got so many (pink eye) hugs and loves. <br><img id="id_8e66_9628_baa3_aa61" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/17663EcL24cDnBWxzLXV5spdRgnaHevsm" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I was not excited about the corned beef but it was actually really tasty! Emmett had like 3 helpings so lunch took forever but it was fun to be with him in his classroom so it’s all good. I can’t believe this big boy starts kindergarten this year!<br><img id="id_dd54_1839_a696_2e5e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1lDfwy-kHUwDxdbLyhaw-E0V0dWVyj6Uw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I went for my last long run in Montana. I love running there! This is Lexi’s third house in Great Falls and my favorite area to run around.<br><img id="id_f2b9_1183_17ff_540f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1G_-pJCoN-sE4Er-Egla7NEBZnzejiGCD" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I relistened to some Liane Moriarty books and I love them and love the scenery and love being Montana. <br><img id="id_8e4c_a807_14c1_ed43" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1mcnQoM7kFZD81aovOT3mRzq_Pkf7DQME" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Back home Frankie and crew checked out a Lax game. Frankie’s ready for some Raider gear! Also can’t believe she’s starting high school next year!<br><img id="id_2915_e762_e8ff_30a0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1bji7hODUpKFtWv_6ZE2V3XhMn1e3tSBc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I said goodbye and gave the boys all the loves that night because I had to leave by 4:30 the next morning. It was a fabulous trip and I’m so grateful I was able to spend so long with them!<br><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-87284385455748579992024-03-12T20:53:00.001-04:002024-03-12T20:53:35.204-04:00Spring in Montana <div>These two are busy! It’s not that I’ve forgotten how much work littles are, it’s just that they are a lot of work. </div><div><img id="id_1792_1b05_aef1_3a0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1UgYrtSK67dm6UEpN5zk-Jj9jsStqZmwI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Saturday was free Brusters day and I was so sad to miss it! The crew enjoying ice cream in their jams. <br><img id="id_bed7_d47d_e715_412b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1XfvmkO8Izy6GSBxyzQd9jooiTzDfmcqF" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Spring is here in Great Falls so we’ve been spending lots of time outside. <br><img id="id_1d7f_985b_3019_e664" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/10V_cENC8FvbG4oHgHT9zbT0u831VVuby" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>After the park I was treated to Montana classic - MacKenzie River Pizza Co. The serve “Lodgepoles,” which are like delicous cheesy breadsticks. <br><img id="id_36d6_3220_87af_7c11" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1BAz1guZs0EVnmsEJhP6unWAHpbIMt3x4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We went to see King Fu Panda 4 that night and the boys loved it, especially the part where he says “I’m gonna kick my butt!” We heard that again and again.<br><img id="id_ce10_5a1e_b185_f982" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1bOmY6lnOdLVprh_h2x4jwXXP7ryKMRdP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Loved it!<br><img id="id_c250_95b_8b35_b221" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1X59A8m219eklnKP_aMQz3j6Vzc2j6X4i" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We went to see a sad Easter Bunny and the boys were, understandably scared. 🤣<br><img id="id_3896_91f9_84d6_6b08" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1llzuHn5Rnzz0vv-mp5E56cYsjMmpQCZc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Emmett had to go to the Dr so I got to hang out with Car-Car in the waiting room. He loved this driving toy. <br><img id="id_aabd_934c_e283_150c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1rheETVC-WPxF053TR-88dzMsZbiskcll" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We played there for 30 minutes driving from the city to the arctic to the beach to the dessert. Remembering again that 3-year-olds are repetitive. <br><img id="id_8c1a_71dd_c91f_e7f6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1QPHPAILUZHaNGbw40Yb4wxn1PMUMcmkC" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>One of his ideas was on of the knows took pictures, so we had to. <br><img id="id_712_6584_2dcf_c55e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/10sQDH2PBlUpaJ1onSeIhqrnJ4HNkfvBG" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Today I went for a 6.5 mile run. <br><img id="id_c601_3e63_295d_3792" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1_aMO2WP0b3HSOwMi20hOjIbh8dFuSOzE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>A little farther than I planned, but 🤷♀️ I also went grocery shopping <br><img id="id_137b_db9b_dbd_e160" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1V4beyqkp7YdUACq8_IxgLXLgihwLRG3R" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>After school we played at the park. <br><img id="id_81b7_d74b_4a94_9176" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1wACHiZxXGzsIMZeDgrhjvvjgGWYG8Z54" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>A train!<br><img id="id_2e75_f80b_80ad_63b8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1wtuSTmc4cewmTYBlUqwk_QGu47xr1SWw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Lu is gone for the night, so the boys and I came up with a plan.<br><img id="id_21c5_abd6_629d_c369" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1HbEw2JlfywZtQsRESa-cvi9wrYOoM1jP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We played then came home for dinner. <br><img id="id_3028_43f5_9bfd_8c46" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1fP1r8ZCgTWxM12DiaUBhJ1tGqKXWf6Qp" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Paris Gibson founded Great Falls, fyi. He’s alllll over GF. <br><img id="id_8a60_e8b3_223d_cdac" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1OelNypkVgsby91azeB3rYh9UOvplHcfY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We’re in the movie night part of our schedule. Next up is baths, then stories, and bed. <br><img id="id_b596_f158_7f2a_72c6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1HnO12mFoLlkAFBYsNM3uUQi-ZF-149OD" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Only 2 more days in Montana!<br><br><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-73085074022294856522024-03-09T08:39:00.001-05:002024-03-09T08:39:59.643-05:00Girls day <div>Lexi Lu was off today, so we had a girls day. We trip planned and shopped and went to see Argyle which was silly and fun. </div><div><br></div><div>We went for a walk and let the boys run and play at the park. </div><div><img id="id_455a_96fb_7b9e_9c92" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/187JNqC1yGEoh4AhwuyHyRtaQlMuAXGHY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It was in the 40°’s and everyone was ranting about how warm it was. There was even a lady in a sleeveless top while we were shopping. Montanians are crazy. <br><img id="id_4391_6421_d3ee_59e3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1As4MZ9mboXuZO9CPePGO9aUYFB568_T6" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I’d never seen Bluey, so they boys showed me some episodes and we cuddled. <br><img id="id_4e16_77a6_9535_91ec" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ESv6EtP_NyijI9ye1jruvHdJQa1ntpR-" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Emmett was all, me too!<br><img id="id_8930_cb78_8e03_b64" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ZhSRsYv5LJs7iociidxhUFyQHLif03Qf" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Damian has been spending his days off from the AF working at a meat shop. Lexi knows the owner and they were short staffed and, long story short, he gets a nice discount and wanted to make us dinner. We don’t eat a lot of red meat, so this was a yummy treat for me! Not pictured - green salad. We did eat some greens!<br><img id="id_4a81_a062_29ad_f7e8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Tzn4N6OJZM7W3_oZEzodo-M8XT2N_-9K" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We stayed up too late talking again, but what’s a gal to do. </div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-69699530697464195902024-03-08T00:50:00.001-05:002024-03-08T00:50:01.040-05:00Big sky country <div>These cuties woke me with hugs and cuddles. It was hat day at school and they kind of look like investigators in their stylish outfits. Carter didn’t want to be in the picture. 🤣</div><div><img id="id_85b9_2343_3399_ff96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1-ShplZnqJL9jQQ-ranGxPA1DXxqapyEC" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And then he decided he did, but didn’t want to smile. I love that silly little 3 year old!<br><img id="id_7b7_e17_2ec_2b2b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13o-zycyfUBkENzL93IKLAiOjv8sjvaYr" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I spent my morning in this beauty. <br><img id="id_afbd_ee7e_3668_d627" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1JIZYFlaHILLKTjcxSc171KnG8bOACS2Z" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It was windy and so bright. The boys were telling me that they hate the sun because it always hurts their eyes and even when they close them it’s still so bright, and while I don’t hate the sun it was a v v bright day, so I kind of feel them. <br><img id="id_6bc0_d9ef_e4f2_c4ba" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1NUSctHMHihWkcK1YqkGGRKIhjSZ7AqZr" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The Helena Temple is the first temple built modularly and from announcement to opening took only 2 years. That’s pretty amazing. <br><img id="id_a751_7305_d715_2518" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/16m59MxXtvAh_TSO8gNhTDhRDfCVwYtgj" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It was a beautiful hour and a half drive. <br><img id="id_bebd_38b4_4807_e4c9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1PSLsFm4DXXAns2GfcwfW0KSZ8dPuS17m" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I’d love to go out and explore this cool plateau. <br><img id="id_1f6c_530b_94eb_36bd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1INoDH5BgXAYERDdiPawukYsJM6cyy2j-" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We grabbed a pizza for dinner and had the best night. I love these Montana days. <br><img id="id_9931_e85b_c5ad_80d4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1AHjPyb7l3l5L3WoUro-3P8LX7R7XaiY5" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-14574686372841704062024-03-08T00:35:00.001-05:002024-03-08T00:35:24.496-05:00A Mimi miracleI’d hoped the flight to Minneapolis might leave early but we didn’t leave till after 8 so I thought for sure I’d be sleeping in Minnesota. I even got a hotel recommendation from my seatmate. <div><br></div><div>I texted Matt from the plane around 9:20, what I thought was boarding time for GF, and asked him to check my Great Falls flight hoping that one might be running late too. He said it was on time, but it was only 8:20 there since they’re an hour behind us. Renewed hope!</div><div><br></div><div>He found out I’d be flying into gate C11 and my next flight was leaving from gate C12. More hope!</div><div><br></div><div>I talked to a flight attendant and she told me I’d have 11 minutes to get there and that they’d do everything they could to get me off the plane quickly because there were a handful of people with close connections but mine was the closest. </div><div><br></div><div>I had myself all ready to roll so that as soon as we stopped I said goodbye to my seat buddy, grabbed my suitcase, and everyone stayed in their seats to let us off! It was so great. There were 2 other guys and we waited at the door as they cross checked and whatever else they do. </div><div><br></div><div>And then we ran! I accidentally brought our suitcase with the sticky handle, sometimes it doesn’t go down, so I resolved to carry it so I didn’t have to worry about it getting stuck. So there I ran like a maniac with my Jean jacket and coat on, big backpack, and carrying my little suitcase. I shouted good luck to my connecting buddies as I ran around the corner, past the restaurants, and to my gate. The gate m was close, but not right next door. My lungs were burning and my mouth was so dry and it’s disconcerting because I thought I was in better shape. 🤣</div><div><br></div><div>I shouted “did I make it?” as I ran up and the 2 gate agents cheered and told me I did with 1 minute to spare. They reopened the door for me and I ran to my seat. I wanted to shout and tell everyone “I made it!” but to my new plane buddies I was just the annoying late boarder. C’est la vie!</div><div><br></div><div>After all the drama and adrenaline I was shaking and I’m not sure how, but I forgot to fill my water so I was so thirsty still. </div><div><br></div><div>I still can’t believe I made it and I’m soooo grateful to be going to sleep in Great Falls tonight. I can’t wait to see my boys tomorrow! Anyways, that was supposed to be the short story, except I don’t know how to write short stories, of the mimi miracle. </div><div> </div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-36473321431720510252024-03-06T19:22:00.001-05:002024-03-06T19:22:20.787-05:00Adventures in life <div>I finally got around to our annual Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt. </div><div><img id="id_9b7f_8f2c_5f73_fa47" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1fMvU3mMwxJ8Zh86LJI1397Ez7ZYRwG2g" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I made it more difficult this year and the girls… did not get it. 🤣<br><img id="id_55fb_205b_3e9a_5e54" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Jfo7Ug7q8V6tnlFFpz2dmacGTvBmnBiA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It took them a really long time and they kind of started to lose interest and we were heading to the stake center to set up for women’s conference so I gave them clues. <br><img id="id_de40_3dcd_c294_9f5f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1AEmcDgyW-UbGeDqsDnPn2Jz-jZNvHc_7" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I got us a new game called Wingspan that I am totally not sure about but has good reviews and beautiful artwork. We tried to play for family night, but D was the only one who’d read the rules and there was a lot of “do this, but I don’t know what that’s for” going on. We’ll watch some YouTube videos and try again. I really want to like it!<br><img id="id_597_31e7_77da_c4ab" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1unTGQr9mibMVAlc9onIXqPjf7KjlZF92" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We met up at the stake center for setup. We’d left early to pick up some grass seed and then the nursery was closed so we had dinner at Cheddars then got to church early. <br><img id="id_d10f_d73f_8464_ff04" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1JkpxmQeKc3xeXbJXY4eVzbz5ScPaaYFX" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>L-R - Heather, Susanne, Amber, and I’m the shorty. <br><img id="id_7ca6_1f5e_6156_e3e1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1kip6zl7qS9l_3u3pcuF2kBr0gfjW1eoa" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We stayed till 9:30’ish and brought Amy home with us so we enjoyed a nice chat and it was a great evening. </div><div><br></div><div>Everyone was home on Friday, which could have been really great but I had WC loose ends to tie up. And also, we did just have a vacation, so a relaxing day at home isn’t the worst thing to happen. Adi and Lily went shopping and had a movie night, but the rest of us stayed home. </div><div><br></div><div>It was another family affair as we headed back to the stake center Saturday morning. The girls wanted McDonald’s brekkie, so we left at 6:30 and ran ran ran. </div><div><br></div><div>I had to laugh at this tower of chili on the stage. And no circuit breakers were popped, so yay!<br><img id="id_3a3_489e_4785_24f0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1zYOmE8jwzGitPcehASLvCrwKFN56s16I" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It was a lovely day. Unfortunately we only had about 200 women. But fortunately we had 200 women! We had 250 last year and had hoped for 300 this year, but life is busy. We probably had 30’ish young women, so that was cool. <br><img id="id_9aff_47ef_eb52_b7ec" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1_wjtauRKKN7ilnye732ch5OvMShxj7ww" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We had technical difficulties that cause us to start 10 minutes late, but no other issues. I only got to enjoy a few minutes in each class, but what I heard was wonderful and it is such a blessing to gather as sisters. </div><div><br></div><div>This is our last hurrah with Amber since she’s moving to South Africa this summer, so she was extra emotional. I’ve loved serving with her and this has been her favorite calling - which is wonderful to serve with women who love to serve! My new counselor is super excited too, so it’s all good. <br><img id="id_f883_4526_2a61_27dd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1gvgtkDc6qHvt549z_jsWRC9U5irfKGPv" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I love women’s conference, truly. And I love when it’s over. We had helpers come clean and take down with us, but we still didn’t leave till just after 4. <br><img id="id_4e3d_ebb_972e_6883" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1lu2hXS3csbFqrmCf6Kld5b41bw3SAw5n" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>These girls worked hard all day! They kept our snack tables stocked and ran errands for us and helped setup and cleanup and were just all around mvp’s. <br><img id="id_1a76_c462_b02f_3c72" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ivo4qkjOhLDZrnIxb-IJ8VLZQdIfoh0j" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We unloaded and put away and washed dishes and put away and decided to have a breaking dawn marathon (minus the steamy scenes) and it was a lovely night. Wonderful day wonderful night. Parts of Breaking Dawn were filmed in Squamish and we knew which scenes to look out for, including one where Bella is driving in “Forks” but really she’s driving on the Sea to Sky Highway and you can see a 80kph sign. We paused and snapped a pic, obvi. <br><img id="id_1d19_26ed_bf4d_bb09" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1DOkK4kSOA1OcoldMdJhVXL1RMp_vK3hX" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We got to church early to put away easels and for adi to play prelude. We ended up with extra waters that we returned (on Tuesday and extra easels that we need to return to their proper ward buildings. <br><img id="id_95c1_42ba_3ef5_7d72" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1bnK2V-DUa9uJ3fpOMi6ce8k5fZndfGV5" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We researched and planned our summer trip all day on Sunday. I’m excited to report that we’ve got a rough plan, bought our airline tickets and procured one rental house. When the girls got home from school we watched a video of our ship and we’re all getting excited. 4 more months!<br><img id="id_d763_a398_5489_c6ba" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Nl9gcP2Mz6HpSa8oRvfkcvMlLtKxfirD" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>For family night we had popping Oreos and watched some rock Steve’s videos. We are including the girls in this years trip planning. 🤗<br><img id="id_5a4c_99e0_474b_8fc2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1m43BfyiT-r43ahQaGJCNGFPTe52b7OVS" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>LG is getting traffic lights! Finally! I met with my new counselor and spent 2 hours with her and we’re gonna get along just fine.<br><img id="id_2d2_4165_cd47_d643" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19fChBa2EO0wtRWQdRjGJ8x2Olii_zh0m" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>On Tuesday night Matt took D to ballet and Frankie and I picked up Jaidyn and Jessica and met up with the rest of her crew at LHS for rising freshman night! 4th raider strong kid over here! She’s super nervous but it’s gonna be fabulous. <br><img id="id_c05e_ba5e_5c0d_facc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/184rvzgXigv8Ocvleug4hysymtiVgLRxl" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>In other “how did this happen” news - Adi got her learners permit this morning! Everybody’s growing up. She did not want to drive back to school and I am fine with that. She’s been driving with Matt a few times and I am happy to let him take the lead there. <br><img id="id_3de7_df9c_eac9_4c59" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1BbYA2TpctQhvZmcuksnqwmAUgzSKPpvO" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>At 2 I headed up to Dulles for my flight to visit the boys (and Lu) in Great Falls! I got a notice that my flight was running late, and I only ever had a 1 hour layover in Minneapolis, so it was gonna be tight, but I felt ok about waiting. I hung out in the USO and ate dinner, but then whomp, whomp - delayed another hour. I went back to the gate and then called another lady at delta and then talked to another lady at the gate and I decided to head to Minneapolis and pray for the best. Idk if they’ll be willing to get me a hotel and flights tomorrow are iffy too, but I’m not stressed. <br><img id="id_c60c_ee2_10f1_8e3b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1WXmslOMKLpNO9NP_9Na4WlOIlRjD6oEx" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Maybe I’ll get lucky and my Great Falls flight will be running late too. 🙏🏻 🙏🏻 🙏🏻 Adventures in life. <br><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-14621140764538954732024-02-29T07:00:00.001-05:002024-02-29T07:00:42.085-05:00Retired! <div>We got up early Saturday morning and grabbed one last shot. I’m so thankful we had this week to spend with Mike and Cami in that beautiful place. it was such a great week. </div><div><img id="id_91b3_1d3a_7bdf_1c9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Z13NHChsz1yLVmQ_SyqyWO4ahP6yTqAO" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Also on Saturday this happened. 1 year better at Spanish. Maybe? Sort of?<br><img id="id_a735_7ec7_d2f4_31ba" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1dCpho5kb241k8nX0xU9ucs8X4f6JDeng" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>After we dropped off their snow gear at the rental place we headed for McDonald’s - mikes request. 🤷♀️ and our McDonald’s foreign country tour continues. 🤣 Some of the Twilight movies were filmed there, including a rock climbing scene filmed in that there mountain region smack dab in front of us. Also, kind of crazy to be driving and there’s just this giant wall of mountain as far up and across as you can see. <br><img id="id_2464_6653_477c_31aa" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1MIPEv-liM-UpxW1efYtC_dtitTPoAu1T" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We loved the little maple leaf in the middle of the M! It was on everything. Well done Canadian McD’s!<br><img id="id_979d_12e2_309f_553b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1xJcacGKAJwD0k9RB00aEf6r9Ks42mqzJ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>This mountain/cliff thing. I’m telling you. <br><img id="id_d930_e9c8_45dd_4be7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1M2z5wEz5i75136aGFr7DyrLo4RGXRNzN" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We wanted to give ourselves plenty of time to cross the border, and it turned out we only had a 10’ish minute wait after all. So we had time to stop for snacks just over the border. The store had a giant nut roll, my dad would love it!<br><img id="id_8a0c_3bf1_13c8_3ac" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1jp1BrzMXUS6mcTv_gHCkeyhgeysrJz_R" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We got to the little Bellingham airport and said our goodbyes to Mike and Cami with 2 hours to kill. I got in some steps (with various family members that joined me) and this was the entirety of the terminal.<br><img id="id_699_8e9d_3695_1051" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1v7CTcVyGbD29fTozZJS1rlSP81rd9u4h" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>5 little baby gates, so cute and quaint. <br><img id="id_3f37_717b_d0fe_b7a4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1mpjetySDJO9pFcHPF6RO6NHZ-2DQnLjT" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Our day of flying was great as far as days of flying go. We each had a row to ourselves from Bellingham to Las Vegas, and then the girls sat together and Matt and I blessedly managed a row with just the two of us from Vegas to Baltimore. We landed at 12:30 est, which was 9:30 pst, so we weren’t in too bad shape. Then our luggage took forever and we just missed a shuttle, and that is how we arrived home at 3am. </div><div><br></div><div>We made it to church, Frankie taught her lesson and did her training moment for her after church meeting. She’s been her class president for over a year now, and we love to serve. ❤️🤣</div><div><br></div><div>When we got home from church we had a yum box from France waiting for us, so adi dished us each out our treats. This has become a family favorite each month. <br><img id="id_8da2_8ddb_c110_6bc2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1tj1TQQQ8Xes-_YZKBLehUoHNTp8VFLR5" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Scripture study that night brought sisterly cuddles, but by the time I grabbed a picture it also included nose tweaking. <br><img id="id_5f0b_4b98_471f_c58e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1UhdjIgJt42sVY1KDDndKDNEhltX51FzW" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The rest of the week has been a blur with 0 pictures. It’s consisted of laundry, grocery shopping, naps, loads of catchup homework, a Laney planned yw activity that required us to pivot, and women’s conference. </div><div><br></div><div>Also yesterday adi and Delaney went to the dentist where Adi finished her oral therapy 🎉🎉🎉 and Delaney progressed from level 8 to level 9 (completely undeservedly) and we also discovered she’s lost all her baby teeth - she lost her last one *in* a caramel during our yum box eating on Sunday. That means these two tooth fairy’s, one of which has been tooth fairying for approximately 23 years, are retired!!!! Celebration!<br><img id="id_13c4_3f32_3fa6_861b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ee3SKlEvxvmJYbBEuvj60z4UmgpvUdAq" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And the only reason I remembered to tell Matt was this thoughts note Delaney left in her doorway, complete with a spotlight shining on it so we wouldn’t miss is. </div><div><br></div><div>“Dear tooth fairy, </div><div>Your last tooth! I’m so proud! Love, Delaney </div><div>PS - please turn off my light”</div><div><br></div><div>And because she’s the spoiled baby of the family and I’m pretty sure I’ve missed a couple of these last tooth losings and the fact that we’re always late and she gets no glitter money or fairy dust or any of the other cuteness the others got, she gets $20. Sometimes it pays (literally) to have old parents. <br><img id="id_5580_3842_c5b2_25a7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1GTCGe2cT6YmRR_Xgt9vboI_w9MZx7ukE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-10255405560244068472024-02-25T21:26:00.001-05:002024-02-25T21:26:05.965-05:00Last day <div>Mike sent me his pictures, including this beauty. My girls love their fancy glasses. </div><div><img id="id_4acd_5d5_3aa5_5586" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1huEk3EhrjMfsmEjfT-IX71meM7Kz4Qr3" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I watched a Facebook reel where a family decorated their grandparents house with these adorable tiny ducks and I was all like, mine. I don’t know what we’ll do with all of them, but we put them all around Mike and cami’s room and in pockets and suitcases and the girls laughed the whole time. <br><img id="id_4f87_6cb1_608_dd9b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1EoajMkmcFY5qBzDZfNjn6Z5vdW064W8s" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I went up with the crew Friday morning. We waited in line and grabbed a pic of Matt with the Spanish flag. <br><img id="id_2acf_f04a_81e4_10c6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1NZCgKTfkePzea585SLpAr9QdtwhFwnqq" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>After we’d waited 30 minutes, we found out that the gondola had stopped moving, and as far as we know it didn’t start moving for a good 3-4 hours. I hope people weren’t stuck up there for that long, that would be a nightmare!</div><div><br></div><div>We ended up walking about 5 minutes away to Blackcomb where we took their gondola up and then took the Peak to Peak across to the family area the girls liked. I grabbed a few pictures of everyone. <br><img id="id_3d74_2c81_ba59_c082" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ehO2SQgNzVn6677qkh91xUCduy3MfEB9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I know I keep saying it, but it was all just so beautiful. <br></span><img id="id_2cc2_45d5_c363_4672" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1czduVTzYts85LE1u10qlQ3ywJEji2yMU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I’m so happy these girls are learning to be brave and push themselves while they’re young. I wish I loved skiing, but the heights and the speed just make me so anxious anymore. I’m always trying to balance pushing myself with accepting myself. <br><img id="id_81dd_7a47_a851_8d35" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1UWla662fjqZEm6P1WjeVspnzF_HN8Xem" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>D wanted her goggles on. <br><img id="id_a9de_9b7d_1704_3823" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1S2q_dO_o2kmZGhQLf0utE22ETppI3Hwm" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Peak to Peak! Adi was pretty nervous. <br><img id="id_6edf_b741_3aac_7016" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Q7RPFhxFPZ6Zwkx8DtSej9BLQyTQRuwc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It was so cloudy the day Matt and I took it, but Friday was clear and bright and you could see everything. Every. Thing. That is a loooong and high ride. But we made it. Again. <br><img id="id_c9e4_2e51_a4ad_1d47" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1pNhgDlSuCSCd-QqPmekY0xjWKqV6bQo6" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I had my book to read and I found a table and completely enjoyed my day. Adi found me after lunchtime so we found a bigger table and eventually as people left we were able to schooch closer and closer until we finally grabbed the table in the window nook. We left a duckie as we waited. <br><img id="id_f361_a1c8_8393_9dc5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/10U1ZmNEC2SiXRhXm-S961Tzc9sLwm5Ht" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I loved sitting in the window nook even though it was creepy because it extends out from the building, but the view was amazing. <br><img id="id_b55b_b8dd_b468_a45c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1QGFVOvHEZI0ZeyFcuzDr4pfJ7-XkN6w9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Shaped like a triangle. Everyone met us there and ate their sandwiches and oranges I brought. <br><img id="id_7447_535d_b9ad_385d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1MbxMuORX9MacfW0V4b505dOMMZdqRjjO" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Everyone went back out for more snow fun and then adi met me again as things were closing at 3:30. We grabbed a few last pictures. That stone guy is all around Whistler.</div><div><img id="id_b042_b534_6b29_8ea" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/11NOJCg7QrNcn8Zb65itgwfr_2s7NN_zM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We were standing on a patio with chairs and a beautiful view. Maybe people sit out there in the summer time?<br><img id="id_45af_8ffe_54fa_6741" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1hsZnU81TZooNowdQb8lXVm53J1ihc-_R" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><h2 class="rtecenter" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0.2em 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; direction: ltr; font-family: Khula, sans-serif; color: rgb(29, 60, 81); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 1.4375em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: -webkit-standard; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400; -webkit-text-size-adjust: none;">Here’s who this guy is:</span></h2><h2 class="rtecenter" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0.2em 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; direction: ltr; font-family: Khula, sans-serif; color: rgb(29, 60, 81); text-rendering: optimizelegibility; line-height: 1.4; font-size: 1.4375em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">This Iconic Structure is the Whistler Mountain Inukshuk, created for Whistler as a Symbol of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games</h2><img id="id_ad40_f01_5385_f738" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1vA98Rv2mcyjVgfoGKEa7pbUW1eaGeatf" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Canada ❤️ <br><img id="id_7fb9_1497_5e16_f0fa" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13imGKcwK6rTacvTcOVV66yG0I2J1u2XZ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>You know when you’re leaving someplace beautiful and your like, I’ve just got to get a few more pictures! I don’t know if I captured enough! That was me. <br><img id="id_ddd5_e12_1243_eece" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1wOyC-XJ3WcNnkiSbXatJbj_1lGrgs5yU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>See?<br><img id="id_408_ae93_409b_6724" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Va-6m1MslHXElUiof3eXWDeHJGD1J0z5" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>See x2?<br><img id="id_6e6b_6ac9_b421_3694" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1fKj3pwTU40k-IdupmkjpMShovFQRzwZG" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Adi and I grabbed a gondola just the two of us and for 25 minutes all was well. And then, dun, dun, dunnnn!<br><img id="id_ffa5_84f9_616a_f859" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Cjn6uQ3SZTEcitYl1RQP8chJTGye6zAe" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Our gondola stopped. Just for about 10 minutes, but in a fairly high spot. And then we got stopped again, but this time we weren’t as high and it wasn’t as scary, but it was another 15 minutes. The worst is the not knowing. Are we gonna be stuck for 3 minutes? 3 hours? Climb down a ladder, or whatever other terrifying means of getting people down there is. We played Heads Up to distract ourselves and it was fine. Cold, but fine. <br><img id="id_e8b2_55e0_4424_fb71" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1oSmVh9fjtmx0Zoj3ACQRiLGjSMWN1Hbh" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>When we got home we saw Mike and Cami had found our surprise. 😂<br><img id="id_84a2_e139_7a45_9904" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1UH1v4hPXzEHxCkguiHl1YOS64XFTcc5h" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We had family hot tub hour where we continued our Heads Up game. Even Cami came down to join the fun. I was the first to go up to shower and I left my phone for everyone to continue playing and found this beauty. <br><img id="id_1be_28c9_6bce_cc53" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1H_5Fv1p7hrHGNzhfqKUabuLmvG1qSvcf" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We all showered and packed all but one suitcase and our snow stuff that was still drying. We had a hodgepodge dinner to clean out our cupboards. Cereal, pasta, bananas, apples, oranges, carrots, bacon and cheese grilled sandwiches, and yogurt. We did an amazing job on the food if I do say so myself. We watched some movies and were responsible and didn’t stay up too late talking, and just like that it was off to bed on our last night. <br><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-48074110814967164162024-02-23T17:54:00.001-05:002024-02-23T17:54:45.486-05:00Beaver tails <div>Thursday was another at home day for adi, cami, and I. Cami and I finished the puzzle and laughed when we flipped it and Cosette’s message to her was all jumbled. We got to a point where we knew we’d mixed up some pieces but we didn’t care. Adi enjoyed some solo hot tub time and then I joined her in the afternoon. </div><div><img id="id_8713_e6d_f594_619d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1UZokw47O3EIa7_p4kPzg4SyKwiNZ7Zmx" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I also woke up early for a women’s conference presidency meeting (loose ends!) and then had a quick meeting with president Boyd that evening. <br><img id="id_ecd1_b9c8_3ed9_143c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1MfFYWQj0YN1ir3uSfSjnetufW6IC5cfV" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>After leftovers at home we all hit Whistler village for a treat and a souvenir. I decided on a Beaver Tail treat and it was sah good. <br><img id="id_d553_2771_3fad_dc0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1H8nI2NKCrsg6TLrcLERWMFN7awLLBkPe" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Fried deliciousness. The place didn’t even smell greasy. <br><img id="id_e411_4c05_496b_fc48" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19kyYRVAkO6rGLNCXAOTKWjoNMjfAcoYO" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I got a brownie one with Nutella, brownie bites, and white chocolate chunks. <br><img id="id_7dd8_2e2e_368d_6924" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19Oiz_jy11hyA9tcPt2ItQBpAVMuw2OIp" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Then we shopped around the cute little stores. <br><img id="id_56ea_6ccc_1a69_7a16" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1XnMuePL9PMUBpWuJk639G2PjEaTHD9fO" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Frankie and I took pics of sweatshirts we liked so we could compare and know where to go back and find the one we wanted. This is the one she ended up with. <br><img id="id_5294_ee2a_5ec4_5637" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1RWuN2yl9xLjInL0B5rXH5XpDsSVpDKRW" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Adi chose a cute maple candle and Delaney picked some pins. <br><img id="id_34a3_abcf_be59_5016" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19yICZpi6HCcALiq7mBE4aoY3Z6wzUAj9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>They have a cute little snow mound/playground and the girls found sleds and sledded and then walked on ice and then we headed home for hot chocolate and ice cream and Oversimplified. <br><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-37948725023626990492024-02-22T18:44:00.001-05:002024-02-22T18:44:43.334-05:00Goalz <div>Yesterday I decided to join the crew, so I got to see firsthand how very long it takes to get everyone ready and geared up. Delaneys boot was pinching her and Matt was able to fix it so it fit better. </div><div><img id="id_1bf0_aabb_384a_1bb3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1YoI5O9kVQ9XOHijkiEJ-szVsUkec8CQj" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We parked in Whistler village and walked to the ski lifts. They have gondolas here which I love! Open ski lifts are part of the reason I don’t like skiing. <br><img id="id_11e9_371d_8ac1_5071" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1lHpTcnBi3QZxAG1BJDBISwfuKoRopAoo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The mountain is huge and the gondola just kept going and going and going. I think that’s why adi is making this face. <br><img id="id_f623_5714_6628_b5b0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1KSMbs8UDtaViykOzzCN52-Epl8e5AT_Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>At one point the gondolas all stopped and for a minute it just swung back and forth and made all of us feel queasy. And also so very high and scary. 👎🏼 <br><img id="id_2220_fec2_958_5a3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1kyd1s4E99h5eVEbZjmxdWdpnZJBV-dAs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Olympic rings. ✔️ <br><img id="id_7f45_50d4_948f_77e5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1bF2x69ZnLqpIfHoL-VGX5xnowlZXiozj" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_ede9_2acd_c5dd_1005" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1fB0yxHhBrRLAA1B3fTnFUWvGTfAHbGCM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Matt and I took the peak to peak gondola from one mountain to the other. It was high but fine, and then we passed a *giant* cliff and we were *so* high. One of my goals is to do something new or scary every month so double check. ✔️ ✔️<br><img id="id_4741_b961_767b_1068" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/11PSpSmi44KDZGwkJAYBst53WazM5PPl9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I even talked about catching the gondola down from the other mountain, but Matt and my big girl panties convinced me to go back with him. <br><img id="id_ad35_3af1_5a7f_b1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/16EKdUijf6IHjRET9qBtwkSwLBW4INL_9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We checked things out on that side first. <br><img id="id_4ab7_3ead_1d4a_3535" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1WVKY-nNTke51PsykQodVXXCQ2NqTtnWE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Meanwhile, the girls enjoyed the family area. <br><img id="id_f2f4_d990_fcf4_2970" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Uq6mdoH27ALDRmUrAa9107egKA1zTzOf" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Delaney has surprised me with how much she’s loving skiing! Last time we went she liked it but wasn’t that into it, this time she wants to be there all the time. She packs snacks and falls down and gets back up and is just a super skier. <br><img id="id_14e6_b278_87ea_f526" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ifAI79A33lSF3oQdOor1jDQX0Hw5cv5R" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We had an afternoon adventure planned, so we headed back down the gondola around 1:00. <br><img id="id_339f_934d_b67_c597" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1H_gZQIkDdW-8Oi_83T2Uvxz_HR0mO-W6" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I was trying to take a picture of the gondolas going down and it took me way too long to realize that I was taking pictures with my camera reversed still. 🙄 🤣<br><img id="id_4dc8_9ae_6388_406e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1CUS4lUAx91bCHtHMe1Q5EELb6PqSvzEo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It just keeps going. <br><img id="id_2575_ee5c_b07b_cb24" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1tDqU9cfeGZEZObbCBq937ulyZZX5WYPn" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Through the clouds and out of the clouds. <br><img id="id_e38f_6312_28ac_aac1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1X_EcLzQzFAOtfQts2MRm9LTeAQhqA-Jp" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We came home and ate lunch and headed to Olympic Village for some cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Two things I’ve wanted to do forever! <br><img id="id_d1db_711d_392d_c62e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1qeTGuQ91r59rytRuvStEl1lRJijwN-tP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Check out the ski jumps! 👆🏼 worst nightmare!<br><img id="id_82bb_e3a_f921_5950" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/18QUsSaV9Zc980z_Z1PflencZa-Vuy1S5" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>They stay open late on Wednesdays and offer reduced rates, so we were able to rent cross country skis for $10. <br><img id="id_4819_b961_bf87_854e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1p9KF2ac8Ld7-3q_sajwwkqQ5fnvuPSxs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Because it was so cheap we let Frankie and Delaney get some too. Adi, Mike, and Cami snowshoe’d and then went home after a bit. <br><img id="id_54f1_d3a2_52eb_d205" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1gFoR0AfA0WSKZKXzmFIdlNXc8VSzAHt9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I loved it! Except for the hills, and they were small hills, but they just make me so nervous!<br><img id="id_20d1_1ec7_8f22_2c58" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/11MOe2zPU_oUb7pVI8qcKlK7dsjG9RkrU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Ring ✔️<br><img id="id_8dc5_3375_3db_1d21" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1jMhE0TcisWX_GDiA1HeU1ZHvhUFJbm_f" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>They do several events out here and it was just beautiful and peaceful. <br><img id="id_d184_a39f_143a_79b8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1bDUOXnP7AksGeW0snzC_LvIvj_YDR3Of" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>They had a couple blocks of these trailers with equipment and the snow piled up in front was this gorgeous blue color. Like so white it was blue. <br><img id="id_f356_fa22_de1c_f89c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13O1Jny-llFUja7ArqeuhHwncZKp2hNRq" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We also got to see the biathalon stadium which is skiing and then shooting and I had never heard of it. <br><img id="id_9272_df1_bcab_cc27" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1s0HBVRbuGcgPlP45CeMoResXtpDFlJ3T" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>As you can see, once we really got going it wasn’t very cold. I kept my coat on but no hat or gloves, and Matt and Frankie took their coats off completely. <br><img id="id_aca0_7035_bcd0_640e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1yqvpn-eQ56YNOWM8Qi2oSI6fAxVs-rvM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I fell 4 times, twice because I got scared on a hill and made myself fall so I’d stop going fast and twice just because. One of the times I made myself fall I just kind of sat straight down and hit my tailbone on my skis and it’s still crazy sore today. Hope that feels better before I get to fly cross country Saturday. <br><img id="id_5c1d_1b07_71e_8c91" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/12MpuE0NLO4NH1Cak_Ad-euqjKrCyXqCu" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The sunset was absolutely gorgeous, this picture is my fave. <br><img id="id_5aaa_4998_63a9_abcb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1g0PtVNC97XIUMC-Bv5jTKLm3tXqPjdEJ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The day lodge and the lights and they had a fire and it was just an amazing evening. <br><img id="id_afb4_20cb_9c22_b1c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1P8N7tLTUeOEF8crC-AGHDoVxpazxeCt7" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We skii’d around some more of their smaller course and then headed out around 6:00. I’d definitely cross country ski again!<br><img id="id_b8b5_da00_5b90_53e3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1DIkwlgJKXcLGFWwZkMKi_HivUIzPpz1F" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I must have mentioned I wanted Pacific Northwest salmon and Cami remembered and found the best salmon in Whistler and Mike was able to get us a reservation for 8:45. We let the girls eat leftover pizza and we had the best and fanciest dinner! We had a roasted cauliflower appetizer and delicious bread and I had a tender (“the chef cooks it medium rare, would you like to follow the chef’s recommendation?”) delicious salmon and veggies and Matt had a seafood trio special with salmon, tuna, and coconut curry shrimp. It was seriously delicious and so nice to have a fancy dinner with just the grownups. <br><img id="id_7867_6e01_c520_47f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1GPrXFzRR1-M0V9fXpZso3zhlVVu9Bnzg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We spent another late night chatting and then Delaney looked so cute and peaceful this morning. <br><img id="id_64d3_296e_8c75_ae88" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1KWOBgYe_XE3kPiQlSVb95PhZW0bgxxXW" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Finally, Amy is watching old Amazing Race seasons and they were on our canal cruise! Even on the same company boats as we got. I’ve even seen this season but not since before we went and I didnt realize they were the same. So fun!<br><img id="id_1ccb_4262_7a61_2613" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1tbA-xt0io97USwbKAoMYy-m6qmkkKMMT" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-73080619013465287332024-02-21T22:45:00.001-05:002024-02-21T22:45:29.547-05:00Fresh powder! <div>I’ve been snowboarding around 5 times in my life and I obnoxiously used the phrase “fresh powder” at lease 100 times because I’m awesomely obnoxious like that and I think fresh powder is so funny. </div><div><img id="id_bcae_182e_e903_5ac5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13Dh5ZICeSZNBwVsZmy7Sp_rg7J3mSkNX" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Matt sent me all these pictures so I don’t really have witty captions for them. <br><img id="id_5b29_eabb_1c76_756a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1cN5tW1z9K5XrGhp4uy8l2JhjMR7T0XTl" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>These are all from Monday, before the fresh powder. It’s unfortunately not very snowy. <br><img id="id_3314_ebf0_9a60_ce72" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1QbZirFqp32OLlIi22xGar5V_TkzEW4BI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_c0d5_b4a8_c5bb_cc51" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1t1z-HMSnBqyr-qCm0xCnwewcM3ZhPwOK" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_af04_b2ea_f62f_f721" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1I-gJ91e6yRq1NuMoyX3aqVN4HXaMu5BH" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I wish I liked snowboarding! <br><img id="id_ddf8_31aa_a2e1_2042" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1GTj-ajMSBAIH8tP21tT63-uBch-FM4g3" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_5fa8_b215_c2a3_5506" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1w9_IjDrOfFHibFHjygrgW3XRS63Quq60" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_950c_e3bb_a3b2_b618" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1vznR9KmsGBEzJGtseU3wy1jM8u5ZEAOX" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_9f87_6a6e_32cd_6d3a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1keClSnnw4JLfIIEuedcnraSTafAqQ1cl" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Delaney and Adi were both a little cautious that first day, but Frankie was locked and loaded. </div><div><img id="id_9bd_d812_b61a_1e36" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1IKUik2q47LYOI1-hOy5kJwe7ggtHl8hV" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>A and D like to ski and Matt and F like snowboards. <br><img id="id_c486_c10e_5ca8_d66c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1P9IxTyUBbqfZ0IES7zK5rFR3b8WxvtmL" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_48d8_ff73_2019_95e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1siHsK1YFKRdEqusfKn8tDuyQ3b0BCKFk" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_e80_1762_3d58_df9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ME9VmxxuR5gTevozBKDSCJEZUbHPhmkl" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_edce_61d5_cd9_e892" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1PykNSehNMTboRiajf4UMSKAgf1C66kIj" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>None of us can get over this view!<br><img id="id_d8ae_5715_ccc_fb9f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1CLrC4xaBx0LlXl-LNktcmJSOsdtGPFb8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>On Tuesday morning before the rest of us came downstairs Uncle Mike and Adi came up with an to go to the fancy bakery and get some treats. Frankie tagged along and they came back with 2 boxes of deliciousness, including this yummy meringue with a creamy filling inside. <br><img id="id_5770_d3b7_510b_4056" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Pdqrz5IPMuq7EPaEz-EFDWGyZuCYTfpl" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>On Tuesday Adi stayed home with cami and I, so just these 4 went and it had snowed all night so there really was fresh powder. <br><img id="id_1842_90d1_12df_beaa" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1a73ozdVKCc5l1QUvxF5iD4s11imzUm2e" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Check out the Olympic rings behind her head. <br><img id="id_70f9_a048_4bc0_3420" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1pp1a_i0wMNxetUco64QywHg7hs-HoJXA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Frankie and Mike were buddies and Delaney and Matt. Delaney found a course she liked and got so comfortable that she didn’t want to come home till late in the afternoon. <br><img id="id_8b13_43c_f311_456b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ervHsKitsHHOu3TfvRlHB8mvQ6nYOHpM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Adi, Cami, and I headed into the village and did some window shopping/scouting out the souvies. <br><img id="id_4c85_186_6715_bc8b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/17s3CzSkpQxvYaoWJs_rK2C83cWW0qfiu" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Mike and Frankie decided they were done, so they headed to the village to meet us. <br><img id="id_edcc_ba93_cc46_c5e5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1uHSaglpBqykuc7ftwqVnAtB9_myf1fdj" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Delaney was living her best life!<br><img id="id_ac29_a693_3101_7bf9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ItmM51BQosVaueOcFUWHXn4IV_xI7Kz_" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_ac7_245e_ef25_9159" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1gCoj4rnvQ5mXFpIZzdYLUqLnUvmGnOgG" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I texted Matt to see how it was going and got this response:</div><div><br></div><div>(This is D) It’s pretty good, and I figured out how to ski down quickly without making a triangle. I’m having fun and dad is too(I think) so we’re all good. And yes we are at the lodge, snacking </div><div><img id="id_a5ff_da11_ee98_cbeb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1dRqji_G7kzRoDQZJpLrAKKAkavFi9vgr" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Yay for progress! The rest of us enjoyed some poutine and a bratwurst. <br><img id="id_6bd9_95ac_ddb3_4978" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1wO7pftbtBNj5HRh7fq-EPyAZ_Rr8dvb1" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">We walked around the village and I think I’ll probably have to take a picture every time we see Olympic rings, at least so far I have. <br></span><img id="id_d681_5f81_e2d6_2059" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1lqy-wavwSjkVxR9SJ9HIGXXVbbiXKuxK" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"></div><div>They had the Vancouver Olympics here in 2010, so that’s pretty cool. <br><img id="id_9e7_9cd5_808e_f7d0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1_4-6aVhh2jrizhcXUkXCMZAwGHr7RE-p" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_80_9ead_be1d_fab6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1MkySgmerb81E_VeJkNa9_i4o8ca7yjp1" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_53a_bf5_fef4_e6ff" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1nfb0HFv2iAE2LxglHZ55pRybyI_UGguK" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>These 2 made it home at 5 and headed straight for the hot tub. Mike ordered pizza and we played Times Up and the kids went to bed and we stayed up late talking. <br><img id="id_fa1a_fd85_5779_4163" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1VkFKJ5Q6Px12BMyfVA-0kp42FB4p8n1K" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And that was a Tuesday. <br><br><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-39937613901837740062024-02-21T10:24:00.001-05:002024-02-21T10:31:01.264-05:00Squamish Sunday <div>Our crew was up early Sunday morning since we’re 3 hours behind Maryland time. We got brekkie and got ready for church and then Delaney had to check out the snow and she looked so funny. </div><div><img id="id_77d2_239d_c80_c9eb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1iKeMV-NVs3tRQSu4rIVU9NUfhMC0aZvY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Everyone was excited so everyone went exploring. <br><img id="id_c6bc_6855_5880_3c51" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1KyfJxhp-EGsUjJ5HwsKm_PU1fSzOw5ei" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It’s so beautiful! This is the view from the dining room window and at night you can see all the lights in that little village and it’s the cuuuuutest!<br><img id="id_b0fb_ddd2_8a60_e55d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1_tTV-G7btKNqiXMeNtBsLoT-5x8WZ4dZ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We went to the Squamish Branch and it was the teeniest tiniest church building I’ve ever seen! This is the chapel we met in. <br><img id="id_508c_adbd_2416_dafe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1iX3DfMUz-XWtrXZ_WY1EKWx2qyplbNDg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Frankie did a panorama for me. There were 30 people at church and 16 were visitors. Of the 14 that were branch members, 2 were an older missionary couple serving there from Arizona, and there were 5 young children. The branch president looked like he was about 15 (but he wasn’t, 3 of the children belonged to him and his wife) and he also played the organ. <br><img id="id_7ffc_892b_eaec_b7b1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1L6oArOVTcpzem5VLaLXOMOsNwwsth0X8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>They had a baby blessing, which they said was a rare and special experience for them, and the older sister missionary had made cinnamon rolls to celebrate, so we all enjoyed them and mingled after sacrament meeting and before Sunday school. This is the second time we’ve been given treats while traveling, we got Berliners in Berlin on New Year’s Day too. <br><img id="id_e3f_c221_8197_a9ff" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1OA6imOeRusjRGQhONCsoFCLZH1gHhw19" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It was an absolutely fabulous day! The speakers were one of the stake auditors and her husband and the talks were very good. The Sunday school lesson was excellent. There were no youth, so Delaney chose to help in primary and Adi and Frankie stayed with us. We talked about President Nelson’s talk about what our lives would be like without the Book of Mormon and everyone shared (including Frankie) and it was all just powerful and the spirit was so strong. <br><img id="id_1dfe_b36_5a2a_3193" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1KtSKfMT1MQfEYquMVrNuGlomQoSpW4ay" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Look at that baby church! S’adorable!<br><img id="id_1704_60f7_66_275b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1lzfX64e8NEsoKsuEYJZ1xFdjZI8EJiLM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Sometimes when kids pack you just get what you get. I don’t let the girls wear sweatshirts to church, but #traveling. The Mickey sweatshirt and Santa socks slay me. And the long John’s underneath for good measure. <br><img id="id_b2f0_f204_189_879b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ZE4u1DAhKAXZlEXW0eFBOsCsurHuPOZp" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Another window view. Sorry not sorry, it’s so beautiful!<br><img id="id_7a1c_4902_e780_ebf5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1hSSJqxrwxWiWTfTEn8LX6xtdYXLYLuty" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The condo is fairly 80’s complete with a full wall of mirrors. <br><img id="id_e86a_8b_3b7d_6c9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1OrIq6dp_-BbqDEgulB2zf_9Hmtx7Hwly" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>That night we went to Whistler Village to see their Fire and Ice show that they only have Sunday evenings. <br><img id="id_9c8d_4711_754a_ccb6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/11OVdWYKwloo4qtW-UQaKjpNKkOcsfjGE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We watched everyone warm up and the girls sledded down on their booties. 🤦♀️<br><img id="id_79f8_bcdd_3d3c_d491" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1DcrG5jkhCYx02UuAzLRFHP6sjiUGE2Yl" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The boys watched right up front and Cami and I got some steps in and then watched to the side with the girls. The girls also took their hats and coats off while they sledded on their bums and got them wet and meanwhile I was *freezing*. We’ve had this red ski coat I brought for many years and it’s not actually that warm. Good to know. <br><img id="id_4c5d_3fb2_4c29_5cfd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1yGZhVB5otR4xG14EdUoRvH7E2A4If5iP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>They were hauling the performers up and down the hill with snowmobiles super fast and then they were flying down on their boards flipping all over the place through the ring of fire, so wild!</div><div><img id="id_9072_f84e_cc61_f1a8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1wh9eOpdR1cP4vy5tCTQMF-I0uYWneCTI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Whistler Village is exactly how I imagine an Olympic village to look, it’s adorable. And Matt doesn’t know if he’ll be ready for the Pan Pacific. (Strictly Ballroom reference)<br><img id="id_fd4b_9d6f_9734_b02d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1sZD54C7k-dhiOs-eX-5jDXr74sMF8iDZ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>No one was hungry before the show, but we were starving after, so I made grilled cheese and tomato bisque after we got home and these girls were sleepy as they waited to eat. And that was a full and wonderful first day!<br><img id="id_d127_bc49_984c_3bce" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Bym3YPbFGJI0DDWXhscH5l5d4O5Drp6V" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>On Monday morning the boys took the girls to Squamish to get their skis and snowboards and cami and I went for a long walk. The ski lift is in walking distance from our cabin and it’s so cool. <br><img id="id_9eba_de6d_4aa7_7297" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1WWfRaL9GHB4c_ZumZsjvqgbtwQy5oxsQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Cami and I puzzled and napped and enjoyed a lovely day at home. At 3:00 we went to pick the snow crew up and the MD Rays hit the hot tub. We officially believe a private hot tub in the basement is the coolest thing ever. <br><img id="id_18a8_301_56f1_57d5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Rg0vHXF7bfEuyIA0JrsGTIPnqLoeXMbz" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Post skiing/hot tub hot chocolate and a book. Perfection. <br><img id="id_3e46_9a19_5b77_f521" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1c4vVOxFpewfQC1OhB8q9-6W2UGsmwVUc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I ❤️ Canada. 🍁 That night we cooked up a frozen lasagna and I made some white trash/traveling garlic bread. <br><img id="id_a232_c401_4e48_3686" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1JmFIojdvKz51b9QA69UDYqkNZ6a6dC0y" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Delaney has always been obsessed with fire, so she’s been helping Matt start and tend our fires.<br><img id="id_a8db_9d37_7599_7362" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1usUHEmk0EfBbwZjD6wvCdNwF4kUIhsQ0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>So cozy!</div><div><img id="id_94b0_9d02_1ffe_c63c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ryEmqKbGa3EPOtdQOfDx_RJBPkVGs_1V" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Meanwhile, Cade has the boys and Lexi was in the markets for a new car and she found one she liked in Salt Lake City, so down they went. <br><img id="id_f30d_a081_350d_384e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1nJdXrzvtwrl3aGrB5RqiYfZ83UNZDKC0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>This crew got to hang out for a several days. She FaceTimed me one time with Maggie’s little Oliver and told him I was Mimi and he’d laugh and point and say “there’s Mimi, there’s Mimi!” ❤️❤️❤️<br><img id="id_970d_38_871d_8f43" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1DbIi6yLBBA3HxJy2kml1Dw0-qQrmSnNF" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Half of this picture set was various shots of them laughing. I love that our bigs still visit us and we are still close! <br><img id="id_8490_36e7_94f_1eb9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1XWcejvd2NNBwhex6EXWuTPzErxiXsm5c" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And now I want Coldstone. <br><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-29021076954232694892024-02-20T08:37:00.001-05:002024-02-20T08:37:14.719-05:00To Canada with love<div>I got home late late Thursday night and got up with everyone Friday morning to see them off before I took a nap. Then it was laundry and packing and cleaning. We picked Adi up a little early from school and we all went to Randy Casto’s funeral. Matt is Elijah’s primary leader and they have a cute relationship and Adi and Carter are friends, so we were glad to support and love their family </div><div><br></div><div>That night we were expecting snow all throughout Baltimore and southern Maryland all night, and our flight left at 6am so we decided to get a hotel close to the airport. </div><div><img id="id_21f3_e5a7_80d1_4215" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1AtAM17hmCGRNTe0Sfsk5XVREaweaYHvV" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We had to wait for laundry and then get all packed and eat before heading out so we got there later than we wanted and Delaney and I were the only two brave enough to hit the pool. It was cold so we didn’t last long but it was fun for a few minutes. <br><img id="id_ce62_e7a1_d865_a862" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1SoNPMxjUU3OYntyKiFtFu2n768byirOG" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We all woke up early and went to bed early on the road in a winter wonderland by 4:30. <br><img id="id_b552_2e8b_64aa_8b63" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/17sx_fxOPdafmFDSv12ZkiKCj5VKvon88" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We had picked up pop tarts and belvitas for brekkie and we cashed in both those boxes before we were able to get lunch, we were glad to have them. <br><img id="id_a5f4_3961_e51c_3308" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1nL-FGMdxw3VDbxBVPNpi1RRFBBMxAle9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We drove around looking for parking for at least 15 minutes and then just missed the shuttle so we had to wait another 15 minutes in the cold and dark. <br><img id="id_b6f3_f798_a607_b7b5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1z4GGANkgj9XEeY0JFvboc6UA65iw2Y0E" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We got to the Denver airport with just enough time to grab crepes for lunch. <br><img id="id_52a8_771b_9660_81f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1fd_glu5TQAZt1kO6pet5VXRAWuF7tRLb" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We got to board with the A group but it didn’t even matter because our plane was only 55% full. <br><img id="id_d53a_987d_6ec9_b4fc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1oQmkq9ui8ikXCH0LZR3597uApJtVSswD" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>They told us because it was so empty that we all needed to spread out and the Rays understood the assignment. We each got our own row and promptly fell asleep. <br><img id="id_d0f5_49a5_446f_46f3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/16-pc_2vnDU1nBk19mP167lg2IYfj0_81" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Delaney grabbed some pictures while I slept. <br><img id="id_ff6c_a040_1ab3_8986" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/138WhmxBBi-ZG2rDRAzO5YJN5RpzrR_4l" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I woke up when the pilot made his landing in 20 minutes speech - best flight ever. </div><div><br></div><div>Bellingham is the tiniest airport I’ve been to, even smaller than Great Falls. Delaney rode around on her suitcase while we waited for Mike and Cami. <br><img id="id_5f12_178b_b278_43a3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1uhgNL1Qds6uxjRi32dLe_-hHQiQwepwH" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We stopped for lunch at DQ before we crossed the border and then waited in line for 30 minutes, then quick detour to the Vancouver temple. That day, the 17th was the day they closed for cleaning, otherwise I would have planned a trip for us. <br><img id="id_52_1136_c3d_b8f1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1TGBSK9jLBitr6qVpWsjDSPsG57uWWGAE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We walked all around the temple and the boys went inside for the bathroom and then cami, adi, and I went in, and we got to talking to the sister at the front desk. She told us about the dogwood inspired door handles and some of the art, and then she asked if we had our recommends and offered us a tour! We were so excited! And even though it felt weird walking around the temple in our street clothes, we would have done things right if it had been open, and our hearts were in the right place. As we walked she told everyone “these two ladies are visiting from Mary-land,” and even though cami had told her she was from Seattle we just went with her story. It’s a beautiful temple. Fav place to be. <br><img id="id_9fa5_dabf_1cf9_fc1d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1UXj_eVBYzF9FlmPybLofDtm0z3MQRNAG" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Then it was on to the Sea to Sky Highway! It was a beautiful drive! <br><img id="id_351e_479a_a913_efbe" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1CJck-rrkg-tW9fYI0VFc9ZDTmmi-xOzM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We stopped at a little grocery store and picked up food for the week and enjoyed perusing Canadian fare. And after we unloaded cars and put things away Adi and Delaney took a dip in the hot tub that’s in the basement. <br><img id="id_e651_2885_98df_238" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1vE2dlh3HaCrbIIPpWS143WBG3smUbDCI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We’re so glad to be in this beautiful part of the world and to have a whole week off to spend together. <br><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-16421161084576471562024-02-19T22:30:00.001-05:002024-02-19T22:30:22.034-05:00Alabama wrap up <div>Written mid flight from Orlando to Reagan on the 15th. </div><div><br></div><div>I got up early to do one of my favorite things, to run in a new state. They have a cute little hilly neighborhood. I was pretty winded and thought to myself ‘they must have a high elevation’ and then I checked and it was like 380’. 😭 The hills!</div><div><img id="id_f542_44a6_afc5_85a4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1O1Swf_VdzOqqU_PJjaS5G-52H2LG_0LS" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Jeanne had never been to Waffle House, so obvi my dad had to remedy that. <br><img id="id_2382_f983_1be2_e02a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1YsB3QzYV29H56T5ubJjZ5hT3wkBLQiu5" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We picked up some things at Walmart, including these cute matchy Heart of Dixie sweatshirts for my dad and I who were very surprised at how cold we were the whole time we were in Alabama. It was v humid, so maybe that’s why? No Alabamans seemed cold, so that seemed weird to us too. <br><img id="id_cabe_92a3_e09c_b5b3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1APfdYrxIwVj99PgpkmQ1Zz5CKVqTBO1_" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We bought a puzzle and settled in for the night while Jeanne met up with Christian for a special warrant officer dinner. <br><img id="id_3458_5415_5e1a_b68d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1OBWJ55MmsZXwJNooDHzEUbAVDb4Hrazr" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We had family napping hour that afternoon, so I stayed up till midnight working on this. The next morning my dad fixed the pieces I’d messed up and I fished our last piece out of the crack in the coffee table - you can see the piece stuck in there, but I didn’t realize that till after my dad had fixed it. <br><img id="id_8582_40f3_5154_5528" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1RUxacIT4XKk3FQRXnxSqT9WRswDHoYvs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Wednesday was the big day! We met up with our warrant officer candidate and he showed us around their cool museum. <br><img id="id_3304_d156_890c_8548" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1vJbWh7QhQRj4z9OQPHDMGovYxFEkYxHg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>He was the very last candidate called. Saved the best for last. <br><img id="id_6c64_f274_153d_b7e7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1BOmLhk_uYT2fHwK5YGCDAyfEao4gDuUQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Jeanne and I each pinned him and papa got pictures and we’ve got a warrant officer! Jeanne pointing out his cavalry scout 10th mountain badge. <br><img id="id_d748_9df2_1e36_187e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1wSQkk-Mx5eTB1kFvt0hGD6W5JOE6-uov" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Lots of pics. <br><img id="id_217_daf8_61dd_6d9a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ylNvb_qpSTG12T3kbUlh6ZCXHTmMKxt9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And one with the celebratory crew. 🎉 🇺🇸🚁<br><img id="id_ebd5_cb6b_8768_625b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1cx3ujVYA5ozjESPdNMO_2eyT7BWYeGkn" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The first soldier to salute after you become an officer is a big deal. You’re supposed to give that person a dollar to commemorate it. So i loaned Christian a dollar to give to papa and then he signed it for him too. ❤️<br><img id="id_db53_292a_eea_d900" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1jVjALSFHldWE6h4YsPALyjCgy_LdZll2" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Christian had to report to his flight school that afternoon so we hung out at home, went for a run and watched a movie. I’m not the biggest animal fan and they always can tell and because I don’t love them, they love me. Both Dorothy and Maggie were all about me. <br><img id="id_75c2_ad47_4887_2c61" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1x7MYeHveHzJBW6WHeyXJinMlDjVULBcJ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Papa let our new WO pick our dinner location and they picked hibachi. None of us remembered that it was Valentine’s Day, but thankfully we got there as soon as they opened and even though it took a long drive one, it was fun and not too crazy. <br><img id="id_d68d_a0d2_2a2f_3563" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/16giCAHEld3gYCBS2KSbN7KfjfITFIn4D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Today we woke up early to drive back to the villages. Christian and Jeanne both had to work anyway, so we were all up and at it by 6:30. <br><img id="id_d329_1345_d0db_e442" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1SnJkXcCY3CiFweeC0QXpAduHGSbEkm14" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I spy sleepy eyes. My dad and I left at 7 and since we lost an hour we got to his house by 2:00, then I got picked up by the Village Shuttle at 3:30. <br><img id="id_dc2f_3c20_32b4_d66d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1vLFBSkRQdugopJKVP03tt1ETiuUaB0UL" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It took a full 2 hours to get to the airport and I grabbed a pretzel and got some steps in. Tonight was our relief society Roundtable and unfortunately my flight left right during it. I was able to log on for the first half, so I listened as I walked. And now I’m in the air halfway to DCA. Thankfully Reagan is only an hour away from home. <br><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-28045892203507431612024-02-13T08:31:00.001-05:002024-02-13T08:31:31.780-05:00Of dances, terrible pictures, Super Bowls and Alabama <div>On Saturday night I got to take these 10 cute kids up to Bowie for a dance. </div><div><img id="id_6d80_7d89_3336_bb15" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1BQ7p-vrHv9uWAujOB9hRdwDi2d-tdZAI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We spent a few minutes trying to get a good picture, and this is as good as it gets. They weren’t as obnoxious as I thought they might be, they were more so on the way home, and because the van is so big I didn’t get to hear any of the back seat conversations but I did catch a lot of video game and girl talk from the row of boys right behind me. 🤣<br><img id="id_908f_a7fb_3ebd_e4e0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1uyUGXI1WOHJgst9lDnwGY-07obXhg9lQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>In the terrible pictures section of this here blog. 🤣 we were trying to get a picture and I was posing but then also the lady next to me was trying to get out and it was all too much and then Johnna posted this and I just had to laugh. <br><img id="id_5590_5c6c_831e_5edd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1wdX7qDeDJYp0IZLYJZL6Yiwy_bQnavMn" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Then Dr. Dennie shared some candies from our Souper Bowl. I mean, we were having fun. <br><img id="id_334e_8f2b_6f7f_3ef7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1uqhpnNPnQWx9AoHMhCtQe5bdkhU6ZNAW" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And another for good measure? 😭<br><img id="id_5ce4_fa_9028_7a7a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1sKHTCjsG3nWfpEJYcPOiJYW9UgygyElL" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I went to the Capitol ward and Spanish branch on Sunday. And as my thoughts are at least 33% women’s conference at all times, I went through our RS closet again cataloging serving dishes and paper products. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I ❤️ women’s conference and I ❤️ when it’s over. ❤️❤️❤️<br><img id="id_a857_ff7b_1fc4_aba6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1xE8rehRoAjHIP1SFXNrqWh790MYFS1A7" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I love this pretty Think Celestial bulletin board outside their RS room!<br><img id="id_d6d_2fbc_f7cf_56e5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1GcR6G4qE2pEBm6RJW6gpbFjMO5W0toCi" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I got home and got straight on to zoom for a mission correlation meeting. It was a good one. Sunday was the Super Bowl, so Delaney made some Alecia pasta salad. We didn’t have all the correct ingredients, but we had most and it was yummy. I made deconstructed nachos and we watched what turned out to be the boring half of the game, just past the halftime show and then I had to go to bed because #earlyflight. <br><img id="id_aa7a_ab1d_e263_e6ca" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1WLUjpYwwt90xurvmJIgRjjQfqlZuXrcx" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>My alarm went off at 2:30 and I was on my merry way. I parked at the same hotel d and I parked at when we went to magic kingdom and caught the 4:30 shuttle to the airport. I meant to get some steps in but i laid down and slept instead. <br><img id="id_46e3_7242_ca4a_ab61" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1p2oi3flemfsQWvKMMHViQSMuq5rDiP4q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I pulled a Matt Ray and grabbed this shot and then laid down in the whole row I had to myself and slept the whole flight / the very best way to travel. <br><img id="id_2001_5996_8d8e_8906" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1pRedaiw-S_UmBouY1HK-W5hnTveDfx4p" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And Florida!<br><img id="id_663f_48ef_ec2d_182" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1XND8ulYTbrWlva3m6fWT4841SVRJBSRu" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Mt dad picked me up at the airport and off to Alabama we headed! We stopped to peruse one of the many Florida citrus centers and ate a leftover Super Bowl sub. <br><img id="id_ac2c_a226_4672_b8e6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1fRwciW6pfwqSfnxcnHY4eE_58rqYWVIK" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>My dad has a nice new car and it was fun and smooth to drive and we chatted the whole way. <br><img id="id_3c3_886d_976_63b7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/17EidJ3T3_CDVGBUyjuyOO0DQvsckND48" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>At a rest stop I took a walk to see their solar energy information. <br><img id="id_5387_abd5_13a2_c9b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1PqDuMnC1iJ5dCoZqD253b8jGaD_rJv_u" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>A little Chick-fil-A for some frosted lemonades and fries. <br><img id="id_e4be_ee08_146f_18e4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1XVN4g45dRM6Tvw7TUOwF9ulaqH6-0_XV" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And a pop into Wally for a cord someone forgot (hint, it wasn’t me). Can you tell we were sloooooow travelers?<br><img id="id_d572_f7e9_4d04_8997" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/16_LQcMR3rAK1_aVp2UMGc96HK3Phw6Gt" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I will always stop. <br><img id="id_100a_475d_88e8_edf8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1DJ_lWHRTxV-_9T7jRqoYARv4piaIdyJH" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We finally made it to Enterprise around 4:30. Jeanne showed us around and then we headed to dinner. <br><img id="id_5031_ef20_86d4_4d5a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/11CUfy7fYFOaB3syk8fSj0sVxA-_oGq3D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We got there around 5:15 and saw they had a trivia night at 6:30 so we stayed. <br><img id="id_35a7_6d51_ba00_2314" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1oXOfNI_Xmv6yZLFkkM1PFP79wh9Ao9Hi" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It was so fun and at one point we were tied for 3rd place, but then ended up last. You’ve got to risk it for the biscuit, that’s what I always say. We each pulled out some incredible answers and some duds, but we all had fun. <br><img id="id_24d_f4ea_e936_30f9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1F-ClQ-PlFzEAVUTEfGv8tn7ncRKPgD1k" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And I love the cute lamps at the restaurant. <br><img id="id_c050_7715_758a_5ebc" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1qNkD0eRExp3mQvv_j8r7vOAGiS7csNRd" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We’re hoping to see Christian today, but the life of an almost warrant officer is a busy one and one not dictated by self, so we’ll see!</div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-6927878391222207802024-02-10T13:45:00.001-05:002024-02-10T13:45:01.369-05:00A Night on Broadway <div>I saw this pretty little flower peeking through when I got home from my run yesterday. It’s been fairly warm for February, but I’m not getting fooled into believing we’re coming out of cold weather. February can be brutal, and we’ve all got a case of the Februaries going on - sleepy tired, sick of cold tired, ready for a break tired. But yay for pretty flowers. </div><div><img id="id_977_40b7_44cf_5d36" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1XlDFtg44dKgR8F4IW9zMmA2dK7Ahvl-y" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br></div><div>And yay for more pretty flowers. Matt brought these beauties home to me yesterday. It’s totally frivolous and I hate wasting money but there’s just something about fresh flowers. I love having them in the house!</div><div><img id="id_73b4_d753_95bc_c64e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/10U1fZWcqsUXGUL4mDx3IdA24VSNu3ueN" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>A big group of 16 of us met up at a Mexican restaurant for a delicious dinner and then headed to A Night on Broadway. Sarah G directed (or something) and Tony sang and it was cute and fun and irreverent. The only problem with a big group is you can’t talk to everyone, but it was so fun to be together. <br><img id="id_dd52_d060_febc_a62b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1smXcc3z6gQ9F_XLc5ouQRdW2VzH4IWoz" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We picked adi up from a babysitting gig on our way home and put Frankie and Delaney to bed. It was a full and fab Friday!<br><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-53811429639908614612024-02-09T15:43:00.001-05:002024-02-09T15:43:29.191-05:00 Soup-er bowl <div>Delaney had some friend troubles at school, and she woke up yesterday morning with a stomach ache so she stayed home. She says it wasn’t anxiety, but I think it was. </div><div><br></div><div>I spent a long time making oatmeal crème pies for staff appreciation and a Frankie party, packed for Mondays trip and for Canada, took care of D, and made some calls for our yard. </div><div><br></div><div>While Delaney was at ballet I went to Olive Garden and filled the space car with soup, salad, and breadsticks. </div><div><br></div><div>This morning I heated up soup and loaded the jolly green with 5 crockpots, oatmeal crème pies, tablecloths, towels, and the OG soup, salad, and breadsticks. </div><div><br></div><div>Evelyn and Ashlee met me there and we stayed busy all day heating soup and breadsticks, changing out crockpots, and rotating desserts. We sampled the goods and chatted and I had 8000 steps by 1:00. It was a fabulous day, I love treating the teachers and staff! And working with Ashlee and Evelyn. ❤️</div><div><img id="id_a240_79fb_8be7_5ce2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1O3BYtCEQzAUIDAN8pFmmLAb3vD3IwvA3" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Delaney also loves coming to the staff workroom after school. She helps herself to a plate and plops down to enjoy it. Today she and Gabby went exploring around the school and then when adi walked over from the high school they all did a job for Ms. Freire. Frankie never likes to stay and we talked about how she was cray cray as we loaded the jolly green back up to come home. Tonight is a fun date night! Par- tay!</div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-79074922966337895702024-02-08T19:49:00.001-05:002024-02-08T19:49:47.349-05:00Baltimore aquarium <div>I’ve gone on every one of Adi’s field trips (except parents weren’t invited to the oyster festival), so when this aquarium trip came up we decided together that I’d only go if they needed someone. And then they needed someone. I was not the most excited to be on a bus for 3-4 hours, but away we went.</div><div><img id="id_cc47_163e_69a2_3cb9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1As0pi2FUC1J4P0juhEavO1e0BHBJ8rR8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We’ve never been to the aquarium and it was really beautiful. Adi hung out with me almost the whole day, she’s the best. <br><img id="id_7620_2c2a_1478_cda8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1T89rQEQZJt2-mTLPfXrL7Arg8rgZK4ZV" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>These cute little blue blobs were our favorite! Shades of blue, white, and shades of brown and they’re just short and fat and adorable. <br><img id="id_6350_4bd3_e06d_80bd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1OIMyJOeI1bi8ROgHdUIfmUtYORRAA-Pi" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I loved their dolphin training. They don’t do shows anymore, but they were training dolphins. <br><img id="id_2fdf_3e0c_dad7_5314" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1x2ST8OR-3typS7OUGv2dO4xINbvxeeII" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And adi got this amazing shot. </div><div><img id="id_d255_fcd9_369d_9080" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1WqKgt1ktu9gR4kgH-6ES3Sh6VWbKihtk" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>She and a bunch of her friends touched the stingrays. </div><div><img id="id_e9da_588a_debd_6be8" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1q8GXBvqgiOcSnzwQ02bSbNK6EImryTDS" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Just for a second and then she was good. <br><img id="id_7e8f_1ae1_f62f_7a1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1bJBi5BYlCjGeY1rSmaydXRd0IOXEgGbP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The timing on this field trip was ridiculous. We had an hour and a half drive up, an hour and a half at the aquarium, walked together across the street to the Shake Shack for an hour, spent another 30 minutes at the aquarium, and then another 2 hours on the bus home. 🤦♀️<br><img id="id_f82_e950_f42d_c4ba" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Rta8UXciRYJ1AIP7KNlQiur3rwQd9MLu" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>During our last 30 minutes at the aquarium we spent some time in the Australian section. <br><img id="id_216c_b7f9_646b_c698" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1hxuyS95qlZwl9shlESf6yu1ztDUgfciC" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The aquarium is pretty small, so I feel like we saw everything we wanted to see. <br><img id="id_29ac_ab30_3a62_7eb2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1MGUOLDfBKzXnKHunTN8aXWjOpslEW9zj" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The crew! Adi and I really like some of the girls in the second year, but I guess her year is ok too. <br><img id="id_1985_a76b_911b_83dd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1MfKDYdjQEO88g6LS9-vgbNeTpmM6JUZA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>In other news, how cute are the teeth marks in Delaney’s giant hot chocolate marshmallow. <br><img id="id_7851_10c3_e4c5_1465" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1nnA7kT1l5sMgKEH6oOgoBZ9tZS4r20Av" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I was helping Delaney tidy her room and she had found this cute picture of me and Lexi in one of her books. We had gone on a camping trip up to Sequim with my mom to see my favorite lavender fields. It was an amazing trip. <br><img id="id_1dd7_e9aa_dc8f_5a2f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1wr9G9ebG4cmoTJ6Xy56uU0FTiECdQyVb" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Yesterday I went over to Lori’s new apartment to help her put up pictures. She is wonderful and we had a nice few hours visiting. </div><div><img id="id_9123_7958_5d49_8f02" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1o1OFkgwNII_MC0Yynp7GgIGoE5_vwPYq" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I’ve been working on some family history stuff that has me stumped so I went to the family history center tonight and look at these cute sources or whatever they’re called. That handsome fella is my dad. I haven’t made any progress yet, and I’m getting ready for some major travel, but I’m gonna try to get with Dixie when life gets back to normal. <br><img id="id_f773_b8de_3010_90f2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1gY-_cQv4o3_ACq-xxh4n01FWHDz7Nhdy" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Meme time. With several plane tickets bought within the last month, this is v true. I need a no spend March and we all know that’s not gonna happen. <br><img id="id_433f_b06a_2a76_cd9d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1VKhpngsawpy1-vHTAyOYLoULP1kBI11-" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 417px; height: auto;"><br>Can’t wait for next week!!!<br><img id="id_8e93_86c1_55a0_e0c9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/12nL0z1f95gb4Z8vRZVAzVBXhNElp4EXe" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>😭<br><img id="id_cea_7483_6a9e_16f1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1TGf8GWgDwD7-DegJio0JPlolQnl3B8tz" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>An oldie from thanksgiving. Gerrymandering is the dumbest.<br><img id="id_564d_f09f_6eda_12db" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1pa0WM_XwDsyMh3aPVuZ0bPW6gUmB-HHp" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>❤️❤️❤️<br><img id="id_956b_9a85_de88_833d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/14T8BIsyt8gdAGUekyIPd3apdxWNYADZj" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-40217753469516596972024-02-07T06:42:00.001-05:002024-02-07T06:42:10.939-05:00Birthday trip part 3 <div>We drove from north of Baltimore about an hour to a hotel close to the temple. This was a hotel.com hotel, so not one we usually stay at and it was so fun and different. </div><div><img id="id_5158_b890_abaa_7160" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1nJ75tO8osrBBDdSPw3TEDpVKDYrBuNgs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It’s in a shopping center/office building, super 80’s Miami Vice style, it was really fun to see. We enjoyed a nice buffet brekkie and made to order omelettes. <br><img id="id_c083_99cd_b264_75fb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/18SsB3_JXuCiwMoQ-vIYz4rSkD95y5WvP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I don’t know why Adi’s posing like this, but hello ugly couches. <br><img id="id_858c_e9f8_96d9_32d3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/12S5O2iZOGhv1eR_vece6qr8Fj9kT0EbD" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We loved the glass elevators so of course I had to get horrible pictures going up and down. <br><img id="id_82c_f0f3_603e_530e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1S4qIUw5qFrVd8DBZx7DpCbBHc_0yyyKf" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>After brekkie pool time on the top floor! They had half the pool roped off for swim lessons, but there was still plenty of room. We swam and hot tubbed, swam and hot tubbed. Adi and Frankie headed down first and started the shower train, then me, then Matt and buggy. <br><img id="id_ccda_7c6a_885a_65af" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1RvdOgzqLHtZ_uxlY2KQAr7XXS1VsrNuf" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We didn’t have an appointment, but we showed up at the temple hoping for the best, and we got it! They squeezed us in and let me print names to use. <br><img id="id_c506_7701_570d_39e3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/152vMVtzZbBWXfj8WotyeD4hDyUqFpn1U" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It was Delaney’s first time and a beautiful experience to have all 3 girls together. <br><img id="id_b872_f3c1_f176_abf5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/16B-hUhOp8oF_BmXLHdbay85xoiteRDHr" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Aaaand we ran into one of our favorite missionaries!<br><img id="id_a397_c58e_54c9_3920" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1lXwSMWNCxi1RO3yVI2pBbi_svRNlz8wK" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We love Sister Whitehead and it was so good to see her for a few minutes! I ran into 6 people I know in the <2 hours we were there. We’ve lived here a long time!<br><img id="id_106a_add2_5ce8_3e76" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Z8yoiRmDp_H3AaNPEj7u3wu1APUvcBxw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We wanted to do something in DC and adi set about to find something cool. And she did!<br><img id="id_c4d2_117e_f75_c36b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1MzwzNFlnc1VWma4N4p1HkKwD8qTEWGI2" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Planet Word is free and was actually a fun and interactive museum. <br><img id="id_7021_b5f4_befd_986" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/10RkYcRK01pSdk4RPPa4Bmj3q9tqog-nX" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>This room was all about languages, every iPad had a person on it that shared some of their favorite words and phrases from their native language and talked about dialect and how many people still speak it. It was really cool. <br><img id="id_83b1_5106_5df9_5ede" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1LmqFXz6Faqu6xGh72XW4tHpK9DT0T-yy" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>They did a show with this word wall behind us and they highlighted the different words as they were said. <br><img id="id_4c72_a9b8_18b4_9364" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1QPaPL-ubvbXhxNTEX8kxv35V-DL_UJ3W" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Then the girls favorite, karaoke. They did Sweet Caroline with Matt and it was so fun because everyone was super into it and supportive of all the singers. Sweet Caroline is such a fun song to sing with a crowd. Then the girls did Jolene by themselves. Delaney actually has a really sweet and clear voice, and in the videos you can very sweetly and clearly hear her belting these songs out. I was impressed with all of them!<br><img id="id_6e2_b825_f86f_a2f5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/11TMrmdD-7gc0IFbWGfc3EQ3zY7MZcQ36" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>This room had a bookshelf of books and when you laid them on the table they’d come alive with a light movie. So. Neat. <br><img id="id_2812_f030_ac4d_5fa1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1BXLKq2BwSI47xUMw4YjNyIEimos_rD7J" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Lightning Thief 👇🏻 <br><img id="id_c63d_a966_7ae9_d62" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1CKjNEbiQEvSiPtXflcjJZqWdDgibmOsX" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We stopped for dinner at Panera in Waldorf, birthday girls choice, and made it home around 9. It was a really great weekend trip. </div><div><br></div><div>While we were driving I was looking at my phone and I got an invitation to join a new Spirit of Washington Dinner Train employees fb group, so of course I joined. I worked there from the time I moved to Seattle in May of 2003 until I started teaching in September of 2005. It was a great job, 5 hours on weeknights (5-10) and then a double every Saturday (10-10) so I could have Sunday off. I made $ and it was a unique opportunity to work on a moving train. Most people were just excited to be there, so that made it fun. We made announcements and told jokes and walked with giant trays of food stacked on them. The trip was @3 1/2 hours, an hour and a half going up, stopped for 45 minutes at the Columbia Winery, then and hour’ish trip home. </div><div><br></div><div>Anyways, I’m looking around this new group, seeing who I know, and the man that started the group had found a 6 minute video of our train on YouTube. I’m watching and calling out to my family all the friends I see. Then I started wondering why I didn’t know anything about this video, because I knew everyone in it so I must have been working there at the time. And then, bam, there I am! I didn’t believe it at first, I was like, is that me? I think that’s me! I screenshotted and zoomed in and showed the girls (Matt was driving) and sent it to Alli because she also worked on the train. And sure enough, it was me. Neither Alli or I have any recollection of this video being made or anyone ever talking about it. And I never actually look at the camera, so maybe I didn’t know I was being filmed? Or I forgot, which also isn’t impossible. Though I really think I’d remember featuring so prominently in a high quality movie. 😭🤦♀️</div><div><br></div><div>So here I am, carrying 8 apple crisps up to be delivered. <br><img id="id_253d_41d0_6c7c_e979" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1uPPFiR5Ud4R808BDuC1GLCDVvlJbA6W7" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The trick to serving on a dinner train is to use the walls for support and keep a wide stance. <br><img id="id_1156_c174_a406_c66e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1nbmCc1QvnLLjM31UtgSUvsgbK4nhTMhg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I was serving in one of the dome cars this day, they were the fanciest and more expensive. Anyways, this was a fun walk down memory lane. And I’m a star baby. 😎 <br><img id="id_f5b9_bcaf_a8e5_cf9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/14WwS_7V5J_WDiKYHZaUtNqA1-i6naeQ-" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-42602608539373691052024-02-06T07:06:00.001-05:002024-02-06T07:06:20.818-05:00Great wolf part 2 <div>Ropes course adventure the only shot where you can see all my climbers. </div><div><img id="id_c168_9c96_46fd_107a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/151ID_kNwVaPWI5DwXmLNVp6AR55hqpX0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Delaney didn’t bring closed toe shoes, so she wore Frankie’s and Frankie wore mine, and I didn’t get to climb. Whomp whomp. <br><img id="id_172f_e4f9_616e_f78" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1z3vfaZVUq-PlrhMwfgD-psZHXtcWdj5e" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Daddy kisses before she sets off. <br><img id="id_76e5_e4ce_23ff_e31e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1XuhXs0KLFzLPiePzgqcahwpIPOHcBxHU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We love our baby bug. <br><img id="id_4c45_db0b_7079_1fdd" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1xnPSUZ3UUtJ0d6b0BBan06xmLhOcEJlL" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Our last dry activity was the Moonstone Mine Mirror Maze. <br><img id="id_d23e_e9a4_d28e_8b9c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1ED2YfGGLHjCWvp64e875Q_VmOcE4qc4p" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It was actually a good one, you could not tell if there was a mirror in front of you or not. I tried and tried to get mirror pictures of all of us doubled. <br><img id="id_c1ac_5686_4a6d_2dc6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1VZsyUe8mtWpimOPMorm2OGhSHro493m4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And failed several times. <br><img id="id_2d18_4a70_3b48_fa28" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/10WeVlJHzyEmVeWUw3_TzLJDlVChlytO8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The girls *loved* this one. They danced and ran around and when they adults left they played hide and go seek. <br><img id="id_f0cf_f522_ba71_c9bb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1py_peRo0BaeS6yMPBzzp75HzSoUDEjee" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Still trying to make the wolf ears happen. <br><img id="id_f623_8494_5f22_224b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13S0gOQ8sTB-EKJ-wz4Ntv_uDcb-t24U2" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I managed to get doubles of everyone but me. 🤷♀️<br><img id="id_cf43_8a4b_57be_ddc2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1IuFayYi4WcF6-c9RV1GQFkEMtkuRxrgS" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>At the end they had a mine game where you had to pump this handle to uncover the gems. Adi and Frankie made it happen. <br><img id="id_bf92_cd4e_c552_e9f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/15CAaQzU2HQPWGXawpQIpKvaH1rjnUtyT" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We swam our hearts out from 2:30-8:00 when the pools closed. We all rode the 5 seat tube rides together a bunch of times, one of them had a whirlpool drop, but not a huge one so I was fine. Everyone was starving so we finally grabbed pizza and then the girls ditched us. We people watched, </div><div> walked laps, and finally spent an hour floating the lazy river. That was the best float! We ended up being the last people in the river after it closed. </div><div><br></div><div>We took showers and got dressed and surprise! The dry activities were still open. The birthday bug wanted to do the ropes course again, so the girls and I went bowling. This time we had a lane where the fun pictures worked, I forget what it’s called, but Frankie’s done this with her friends. <br><img id="id_8652_b28f_c3d_c363" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1993k3QjqHWt5gVde-Kwd2KypOYUGe1k6" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>You take three different pictures, a happy, silly, and worried and then it cycles through and adds your head to bodies doing silly things. <br><img id="id_f1a7_2d04_eae9_e813" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Atp1YiaBLdaNsU3UA9GKKXOWF6-S8oX-" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It was fun to watch. <br><img id="id_4f64_9b88_8f4b_2036" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1_fg2wHbutzPMbf6vLCxHKLkAW62ErPfE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_c0dc_2a31_2a89_6b9e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1IePpTtFCY6impri4k-q0U6proKsD4mH_" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>When Laney and Matt were done they joined us and we finished the night bowling till they closed at 10. <br><img id="id_aacd_dd82_943_25e3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1b9XlrDflUMMcv4zHPpRgbIhZ2CZoMibs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Matt always makes good and creepy faces. <br><img id="id_dd55_2f8a_e9b0_e3ad" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Bin7COSmBa0rurZhg8IUt7NmRetv6EP6" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>This was one of my favorites. 😭😭😭<br><img id="id_910d_23e4_6db3_b770" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1IcDtRof8XCpM4iy2sDM_K1eZ-W8uE4pP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We were some tired people leave for the day! Delaney especially. She did more slides and ropes courses than any of us. Did I mention she and Matt rode one of those crazy slides that shuts you in a cylinder and drops the floor out from under you? Because she did. <br><img id="id_1e3a_6998_7157_54ff" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/199ld8bxXl8ocZtJaGLN5OypM5mTMNidr" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Notice, I’m still rocking the dang wolf ears. <br><img id="id_39db_2330_eb5_ecc5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1zcg1yh5iY3dVgxTlgUnwcLVAOI-0Mhx_" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We had a fabulous time and we’re good on great wolf for another 5 years. 🤗<br><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-34269515619956680022024-02-05T09:24:00.001-05:002024-02-05T09:24:49.449-05:00Great WolfIt’s a birthday trip year, and time for our every 5 year trip to Great Wolf Lodge. We went back and forth and back and forth on where to go and finally decided on Great Wolf and I was able to find a Groupon. <div><br></div><div>The girls were off Friday and Matt was able to shift things around. We had everything packed and were able to leave Thursday afternoon as soon as Adi got home from school at 3:00. We decided to go to the new GW that’s near Baltimore and it was further than I had at first thought. It was also rainy and foggy and we saw several near accidents. We even called a company to report on some awesome driving by a truck driver who avoided an accident. They were so surprised to get a good driver report, they didn’t know what to do and it literally took 20 minutes. She was like “I know how to process complaints but I don’t know how to do a compliment!” And look at this coolness: 55° at 5:55. #simplegal<br><div><img id="id_35bc_2f7a_141c_67b0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1O_b-RQBNIWDWPmgpfOr9fsRcz44keucR" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We took our swim gear to our room and hit the pools! The girls were off and Matt and I hung out in the last river and the wave pool where the girls found us and recruited us for some slides. The pools closed at 8 and we showered and went down to get the rest of our stuff from the car. Frankie came down with us. ❤️ aaaand we remembered to pack our wolf ears and magic wands. <br><img id="id_1db5_92d2_805d_f75" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1sc10fchjPQ8lp3r6Ikdf5CKu6Fhdt0B4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>After showers, the girls took their wands and went out to play. There were tons of preteens running allllll around the giiiiaaaannnttttt resort. The girls didn’t stay out long and we watched some tv as we wound down. Momma and daddy with the birthday bug. <br><img id="id_f710_a0aa_2db6_5ad2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1fiuV-iKzGeDpvQ6viwZ2hh6YsNRd-0_5" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And adi and Frankie watching from the couch. <br><img id="id_f518_99c2_3024_fb34" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1IBjuyBBawZPh0oDe8d5gisyWuxAS3kvf" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The view from our room the next morning. It was foggy all weekend!<br><img id="id_8ad6_6825_e94b_5d51" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Mc-OBsGrypA11ibyMlQeJ2d8FaQ1cuxF" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The decor at GW is so cute. <br><img id="id_6d48_49f8_618a_c11f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1qZuxc0Pfd3PHn6YGfUW_q3zHnq_jR4Ay" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The girls had their little kid camp room and they even let Delaney have the top bunk. <br><img id="id_a188_bf26_9a3c_d90e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1SuEZ07_qs4kdDfKByIJzPa5Fwb-Ot1zn" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>You can’t really tell, by the light is a moon and stars. <br><img id="id_3c_72e5_1fcf_9f75" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1vDm-8OHT-WX43P55qZGo52BWtdiXGPB8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>This GW was cute and new, but I like the other one better. <br><img id="id_edc4_f751_fdea_5c28" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1nl0BpmQnN7ydEkzu4P1unEmUBF2a27U8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We even looked at pictures and that room had a fireplace and all. <br><img id="id_bb30_7c2f_337b_e51f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1S24yab92CtmBjPYkxxhfGWcv7__PMk6j" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I brought donuts and fruit for brekkie and we managed to make it down to the pool right when they opened at 9. <br><img id="id_5c53_1d01_3aa8_2ed2" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1B_nzfNYHcciXNVjo4txHvUJ68-G3j1Fe" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We left the girls at the pool and went straight to the front desk. <br><img id="id_8afe_143c_f30d_dcb0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1eD4u-gdhyb_R-gF9p5mCUeqJ-zz1d4Ij" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>When we woke up we found a puddle of water near the radiator and table and Matts bag had gotten wet. The radiator had leaked, and we needed maintenance and a late checkout so we could blow dry Matts clothes. <br><img id="id_e9a4_fe3_ec16_895a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1_kokz_SMMIzMamKGNcZZSkom-2QpxAnl" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>These big kids are the way to go! You’re not technically supposed to leave them, but they’re big kids. Adi is old enough to be a lifeguard, so we figured we’re good. <br><img id="id_ace6_20cf_8ec2_e1e0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1a1uWG0K-nc3qsVEvQXy7SLQ3bw5JuXMm" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The front desk offered us a $50 credit on our room, but since we booked with Groupon they switched it to free activity bands for our family. Matt and I dried his clothes and packed everything, then we found the girls at 11:30 and we all went and ate the sub lunch I had brought in our room and the girls changed into dry clothes and when we checked out we went and did the dry activities. <br><img id="id_5e75_8dca_270f_2f13" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1bvWP33OPZg9ZRTMJyzQ9s5ht9jZnc_SE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We did mini golf. <br><img id="id_5ac8_1f9b_52f_4a52" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/12PWPsHRwbIcb73vzqX0B8HaMnIJB8Ury" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Frankie was poopy about the wolf ears, but Delaney proudly wore her birthday headband. <br><img id="id_4355_cf8a_78db_9aae" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1hLlexre96G8IWL3Fj4fh4vfAU5xk8Exo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>So pretty!<br><img id="id_9246_9efa_ebb8_103" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1JSkZ9SJmzLVcj5YoTj-3JitVxV6B4RZw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Adi busy being a wonderful daughter and model. <br><img id="id_8c0a_897a_1b4_de20" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1f7OCQmkgjr-3ty1Sdb687_6tTmkqk0BQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We grabbed some pictures while we waited for a bowling lane. <br><img id="id_64a5_c875_2088_3bc1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1bwGvMZppshGQIscp1ckJPl3CIlhT-9xR" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I would *never* pay for the adventure bands, and I would have been disappointed if I did pay, but for free it was kind of perfect. <br><img id="id_abec_d50_f31c_426d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/12UTYfCi94fmg_twfbLrGmqoMKtOHJWPJ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We swam, ate, dry activities from 11:30-2:30, swam till the pools closed at 8, then dry activities till they closed at 10. <br><img id="id_158b_76e7_58d4_866a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1NVOIuOXI5r1C9K31YHmyfN6-UQe99WLb" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>*12*<br><img id="id_fab1_e68f_30bf_66d6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1-otIbeeIdfs63aqIz8lAWLAjblcqSlKC" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>The lanes were tiny short and the balls were tiny small. <br><img id="id_7c6_ade1_91e2_15ab" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1qZIa9YC-Aqj260yojfil7utKVLrirzcw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It was interesting to say the least. <br><img id="id_30a1_1269_269_8375" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1zu_6mLzyJAJ8zgnQKethzbKrmHxlxVNP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I thought i’d be good because it was so small, but I really wasn’t. 😂<br><img id="id_6790_fc87_e248_766b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1hd3rmJXNya4DEmmdy_staxh5imfpvJKl" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We had fun!<br><img id="id_205b_8c44_a4e7_6992" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Kn511UU1g7fbkk_Iao1l5XAnXHxTYeuK" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Always imparting wisdom. 😭<br><img id="id_3fa5_7736_8204_ebb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1BvQ8ZePwMl_AlxZpGKpgs64lSPIycyO1" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>To be continued!<br><br></div></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-4709298851348976522024-02-04T18:47:00.001-05:002024-02-04T18:47:39.934-05:00TryingI’m trying hard to be consistent, which is not my gift. Although I am progressing so that’s what counts. <div><br></div><div>We hosted a little valentine game night yesterday and managed to not take a single picture. Whomp whomp. The food, which is always my focus, was all cute a heart shaped - charcuterie board with pink, white, and milk chocolate dipped strawberries and pretzels and pepperoni and cheeses cut into heart shapes, with raspberries and crackers and salami and honey cherry tomatoes. I made homemade oatmeal cream pies (adding that to my cookbook), applesauce bread and lemon poppyseed (dyed pink, obvi), little phyllo caprese cups with soft mozzarella cut into hearts, chips and salsa (on account of salsa matching our color scheme), meatballs, and then adi made a delicious cheesy bread that she shaped into a heart all on her own. </div><div><br></div><div>We played the newlywed game, Cupid, and a valentiney trivia game. One of my goals for the year is to host more, and so I’m not going to let perfect be the enemy of good. We didn’t do any prizes and the games weren’t as planned as I’d hoped, and 2 couples rsvp’d late so we didn’t have a chance to invite any others, but it was a lovely night with our friends. </div><div><br></div><div>I cooked all day and then in the last hour it was all hands on deck and everyone helped. Delaney put together another one of her famous quirky charcuterie boards, it was very cute. Then Matt and I put it all away and did the dishes so we’d start with a clean house on Sunday. And that’s when we remembered pictures. Oh well. </div><div><img id="id_c913_8cfd_551d_2653" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1rH69vqyoEEKLR898P_pWOy8bErpgUMZz" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Delaney also went to a Strive to Be conference. She wasn’t happy about waking up early on Saturday, but I hear she had fun. Not from her, but others told me. We helped a new family move in, got our new retired dependent id cards and Delaney had another babysitting gig at our house. <br><br>Also last week our precious Carter was in the hospital. He’d been sick for several days and then a boy at his preschool was diagnosed with RSV, so Lexi took him to urgent care where he tested positive and his oxygen was in the 80’s. The admitted him to the hospital immediately and they had to stay for three days. 😢 <br><img id="id_9f2_f73e_1e58_833c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1rRJ7TzvTBByhp-UrVZw4QOBEOOxrDFMe" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I FaceTimed them while I walked and waited for Delaney ar ballet and he just whimpered the whole time. He was so miserable. <br><img id="id_f5b7_857a_210d_ac9d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1SLDg5Nkq37MsCUo89gcCBLWs6FazkdNo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We were all grateful when he started to feel better and was willing to eat again. Still on oxygen, but doing so much better. <br><img id="id_95f9_39a1_5d1c_d8d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1A86K2nPAZPnrj19FkKmPT6dsDS3SxZi9" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And finally on Thursday, home. These are the times that it’s the hardest to be so far away. 3 days is a long time to be in the hospital and I so wished I could be there. I’m going in March again this year and I’m so excited!<br><img id="id_e983_c3e0_8aa5_7510" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1LDkeEzPHLOnud8BFGfutYzxMJO8zyGZl" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And finally, our latest puzzle. This thing was HARD! When we got down to the last few pieces they didn’t fit, and Matt and his minute detail oriented brain switched a few pieces around and voila, they all fit. I was just ready to call it good, but that’s where we complement each other. <br><img id="id_1a9a_fb13_4a25_e176" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Sl2UzLon33XE-C2kIzTXbCFLyvqLdWbF" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>It’s been a lovely napping, friends, salmon for dinner fast Sunday. <br><br><br><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-33711061090507713962024-02-02T23:37:00.001-05:002024-02-02T23:37:51.898-05:00Just to not fall too far behind. I am busy planning planning planning. Planning parties and trips and conferences and it’s all good and it’s all busy. <div><br></div><div>Today we helped a new family unload their moving truck. It’s not common that none of us have anything else to do when a service opportunity presents itself, so it was nice. And we ended the night with chicfila which was also nice.</div><div><br></div><div>The girls asked why old pictures were always so dark and I had to laugh. The early 2000’s are now old and it’s kind of wild. Oh these two sweet babies that are now all grown up. 🥰 </div><img id="id_cd01_b65_92e6_917c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1YqHNqUFkaJpa539tJAa7O1KgjjuIPtGe" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-80877005127939171002024-01-31T23:19:00.001-05:002024-01-31T23:19:58.933-05:00Happy birthday baby bug! <div>Delaney turned twelve on Monday. It’s wild that our baby is such a big kid. </div><div><img id="id_e1a0_e5b7_f181_a616" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1k89PB7dkTk4a2b720YiRP7b4Q-S-oaM-" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We did brekkie donuts and sent her off to school. I don’t think we’re allowed to deliver lunches anymore, so school day birthdays are anticlimactic. Then after school they had piano which I even made the birthday girl do. <br><img id="id_fab6_ef76_2708_a4b4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1n8u9cn-3VzPAv8hACimplC52VbjGtQjt" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>She wore her cute Alice in Wonderland earrings from Planet Word. <br><img id="id_375b_28c_7e41_2c47" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1JNQu24Px7l0zHoxLZZyML5ZLXORf3OpU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>She requested a King Cake, complete with a baby that she found, perfect birthday luck. It was an unconventional birthday, but we aim to please. <br><img id="id_8a18_3f86_75a9_ff11" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1RbXn8uv_a4JMv6tosI82g_BF3ojAnGhy" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Delaney loves fire and plays with candles whenever I have a candle lit, so I discovered that we only had 6 birthday candles and it really was Delaneys doing. I bought these fun tall matches, so we lit those and tried to sing fast before they went out. <br><img id="id_a8fe_51d9_1345_c98" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1hJsy9YmEoROCmp2Xmt7HCs9iYNlinFEs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Matt worked late so she’d already showered and this years pics weren’t as cute as all her other years. I love Facebook memories for that. I’ve posted every year on her birthday except for 2022 and that year was garbage anyway. <br><img id="id_d342_1f75_fa41_c795" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1TrMt77Dfjly-BUToaXIPrMUUomhE_JmC" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Our Great Wolf Lodge trip was her gift, but Lu sent a few things and I let Adi and Frankie pick her something. <br><img id="id_3f9e_9bfe_d486_f065" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1mSCdbaEsU1wD0KB4f7qtdbdycv3hH14X" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>She’s a happy girl that doesn’t like smiling with her mouth open anymore. 🤷♀️<br><img id="id_3cc3_88c8_5fbc_c740" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1vp8SqLgdrgwlnHjIpmND-YzzZzXgfswy" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Adi and Frankie got her fancy PeachyBbies slime. They love slime. <br><img id="id_e69c_7b99_f8c0_7290" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1yTKCVZexNzCumf1o_5Y4QPzo_Omv-iYI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Momma and baby. Love love love her. <br><img id="id_a3af_5788_73c0_7cce" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19h_7Xud8NbhDhSGUTriitZOVdcHit-Wv" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And one of my all time favorite pictures. Listen all newborns are ugly in a cute way and I can’t even with this angry little bruiser! I wish I could kiss those little cheeks and that little centimeter of hair on her head! ❤️❤️❤️</div><div><img id="id_eb6c_fd11_58cb_d2f9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1eA-87tT-Z33DwQ3kxakXHB8ukewTP-gW" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Also, adi the master break maker is at it again with her artisan bread which turned out amazing. And she’s always finding new ways to curl her hair. <br><img id="id_a748_4c9b_e1c6_fcb4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1FII89GORtU4FOMowCD89z3xrEW7TBUjW" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Hallelujah! We’re all feeling the midwinter slump and it’s good to remember we’re on the upswing. <br><img id="id_d64f_cd2a_ae9_f44f" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1JvX6ozGNEJl8eD9sqPQuSnjNceTjOI9-" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>And also hahahahaha. Love their cute relationship!<br><img id="id_6e20_8939_b8b_46b1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1tTwNs8x2jjXb1Prpa3QQayaW1vXM4Y4S" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3965306490875707599.post-3118497661381483742024-01-22T09:58:00.001-05:002024-01-22T09:58:51.533-05:00Stake conference weekendIt was a wonderful and very very cold weekend. Delaney has been trying to freeze bubbles but they keep popping. I don’t think it’s quite cold enough. <div><img id="id_d96c_393c_52d9_6fd0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1SetpvmZb9MmB75NgznjdaCiUArYUv7Tz" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>They look cool though, they do some cool electric ripple looking thing before they pop/disintegrate. <br><img id="id_f602_f41d_b2a2_9d7b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1P4qBw6VVUDSZS1tr0qf22SxS1446h0wP" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>I had an area stake relief society council during the day Saturday. We had a family services counselor come talk to us and it was SO good! I took pages and pages of notes. And now I want to be a counselor again! I wonder what I’ll be when I grow up. 🤔 </div><div><div><br></div><div>Matt and Frankie went to Quinton’s basketball game while I zoomed. They brought the little Dorns home with them for their slumber party at our house while their parents were out of town. </div><div><br></div><div>Wonderful Adi made pizza dough and helped everyone make individual pizzas. Matt and I went to the adult session of stake conference with Alecia, Noreen, and the Frazier’s. It was a wonderful meeting and also just wonderful to be together. I don’t now and I hope I never do take for granted how nice it is to be together in person with groups again. </div><div><br></div><div>Sunday was an early morning, much to the crews chagrin. We managed to get out the door by 8:30 and were on our merry way. </div><img id="id_9303_bf9a_975d_5e19" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1vJc23AjoYoWkWS9E-s8JnCDr1I6lGQGB" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>We packed snacks and paper and pencils and they all did really well sitting the 2 hours with just Matt as the adult. I sat in the wrong spot on the stand where my big head was constantly visible on the screen. Mental note for next time. The crew wrote me 2 notes and the conference was wonderful and my talk went well and also it’s done. I like giving talks, I appreciate the opportunity, and also I want to represent my savior well and so it’s a big responsibility and always nice to be done. </div><div><br></div><div>The kids played so well together, we had zero issues. They played games, both board and Wii and agreed on movies and it was an easy weekend. We had linner and then snacked the rest of the evening. I made a quick smores dip that was just ok but we managed to kill. <br><img id="id_2d26_75f9_9ef3_1bea" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1FYhklxRH91Uf7TKuPBAX4nR_BYwjP-hK" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>They played our family faces memory game all weekend, it was cute. “I got me!”<br><img id="id_9118_9bc5_c67_6c66" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1aAzCPFyoNddSBw5s_gVi_RRK99GSFruJ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Matt took the Dorns home at 8 and I jumped on a presidency meeting zoom and it was just a great weekend. </div><div><br></div><div>And some memes. </div><div><br></div><div>This is so funny and sort of true. Why don’t you want to do the things I want to do???<br><img id="id_1631_49f5_83d2_ca34" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1JrZ7PQWZtnMDW09oP8kAOTjGUnShp0ze" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>❤️❤️❤️<br><img id="id_3b9c_895f_5d79_ad60" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1Wumc6-miLFKN8J2RCufDGr4ai7GyzFwI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>❤️❤️❤️<br><img id="id_34c1_fe16_7bd3_5286" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1dcXxFh7q-zdkw_5ySYmhM6Iyvt_mR1zg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>11/10<br><img id="id_a497_7773_b437_9eae" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1zKtKl6atBSaUfCVA-AJUo4JN3AGUWmy6" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>❤️❤️❤️<br><img id="id_650_6b05_405a_9642" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1SlrNOeGbvK34LIZycq5SGnYKCQQEG7ZC" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>All dayers are rough. <br><img id="id_b010_52d1_fd07_d693" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/19-XOJhWnHTbI-nEYBsEdSSR_0V2Ak5uB" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Why is this so hard? 👇🏻 <br><img id="id_b401_582a_149e_c66a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1JYIYrJIL3H4HqKMEjcXQJdnuLQpJoxFc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br></div>matt and michelle rayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15905937116266947660noreply@blogger.com0