How Bizarre

A couple weeks ago we noticed that there was going to be a parade on Saturday afternoon and we decided to go see what it was about. We are still uncertain as to what the theme of the parade was, but one thing was for sure, it was the most bizarre parade I have EVER been to in my life... This is the look we had on our faces for most of the parade...

We saw many creative things...tThings that you would see in any parade - like Santa Clause....or the half dressed crazy man clown in the skirt behind him...er I mean her...We saw a few scary things...And a few disturbing things...Some cute things (it's a crab)...My husband enjoyed some things more than others...
What's a parade without old guys beating on drums?...

The younger generation showed it's own version - electric of course! We were shocked to see this, the culture here isn't very accepting, but while they weren't so loud, they were proud and the wedding music was great...

You always need to throw in a few Gods... you know, for luck...

And yes!!! The Hare Krishna are alive and well and marching!It was the most diverse group I have ever seen.

We must have our animal sacrifice! (I really don't know what it is, but since it's my blog, it can be what I want - so there!)
I have no idea what they were representing, but I really liked the dandelion flower thingies on their float... oh and the fact that the guys wore a big fluffy pillow thingy around their necks.
You would never get me out marching on the street in these costumes, but there were A LOT of people that sure made me feel better about myself...There were people that had a lot of courage... or not enough brain cells?
The view was always interesting...

You can tell who they look up to...

Here are a couple samples of the drummers...

This is the traditional Hakka (remember to say it like your Jewish). They're the original inhabitants of the island. These are the people that I showed doing the elephant dance.

These kids were a crowd favorite....

All in all it was great! It was amazing to see my children just stare in wonder! Wish you were here....xoxoxoxo!!!!

Vacation

So our vacation started out just like any other.... everyone's excited.... we get to the airport and of course run into problems - they have us seated seperately ALL over the plane... after the nice stewardess finally gets us all together we have a non-eventful flight (a first for us - and apparently the last)....

Of corse our first night back in the U.S. we eat ourselves sick - literally!! But it definately was worth it.... see how happy Ashton is now that he ate his chocolate cupcake!!

John and I took the girls to Knottsberry Farms - Ashton sooooo didn't want to go - so his uncle took him golfing instead.... ("still waiting to get those pictures James")

We went out to dinner to celebrate Uncle James Birthday...

and yes, once again we ate ourselves sick.

We soon travelled to Helper and reunited with our family there.

The kids had the time of their lives playing EVERY day with their cousins. Their Aunt Judy and Uncle Troy were sooooooooooo sweet and found bikes for them to ride along with helmets. The kids were in heaven... they couldn't have been any happier.

The first thing they would ask every morning was "Can we go to Aunt Judy's now?"

We went swimming quite a few times. All the kids loved it.... I think even the adults liked it too.

I had videos of Tom, Brandon, Mellissa, Lindsay, and the kids all jumping off the diving board, but I believe the computer fairy ate them... I am still searching hoping to find them :'(

While Jordan and Ariana didn't want to play baseball, they did however build a 'fire' everyday. And they always came back with a ghost story to go along with it.

We spent some time in Salt Lake and visited friends... It was fabulous!!

To those of you we didn't see, or weren't able to spend very much time with we are sorry... and I'm even more sorry for the fact that for most of you, I didn't even take a picture - I was usually too emotional to even think straight... I was just too happy to see and talk with you, that my mind wouldn't function properly!! But I will more than make up for it when we come back!

Dinner with friends is always great, especially when the little ones enjoy the food so much!

We had to take a picture of Balance Rock since I was asked 8 billion questions about it by my kids, no matter how many times I stated "I Don't KNOW"...

We played in the park and of course where there is sand,

we must attempt to make a sand castle.

We barbequed with friends and the kids thought they were heaven.... they got good food, actual cotton candy, they got to run around the neighborhood like their heads were cut off, and they got to watch fireworks... I think the parents had a pretty good time too!

We also went to the zoo.... this is the only picture I took.... I have nothing else to say about that.

We had an excellent time and then we went to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate Ariana's birthday!!! The kids were so excited!

The kids HAD to eat breakfast everyday with Grandpa...

it was a must... they really enjoyed being there and I'm sure will always

remember this summer with lots of fond memories!!

We also went down to the dinosaur museum in Price... the kids got to dig for bones and saw many interesting sights. They brought back arrowheads and then I spent the next hour arguing with my son that no he cannot get a stick and make a real arrow out of it...

We went and hit golf balls with Grandpa... and luckily none of them landed on the roof!

We played baseball across the street as much as we could guilt our cousins into playing with us!!

Again, this is where I took a lot of videos.... and the search continues...

We celebrated Judy's birthday with her.... and of course ate ourselves sick...

that happened a lot at my mom's house.

Then we drove the long drive back to L. A.

What can I say, it's not a sight that I get to see now....

this picture was solely just for me!!

We got back in time to go see the X-Games, thanks to Aunt Neeno and Uncle Danny...

Imagine the questions that followed that excursion!!!!!!

The girls made the plung and got their ears pierced along with their Aunt Linda.

And it only took about 2 hours... don't ask... it was touch and go and at one point I almost got an extra set of holes in my ears... now I know why parents do it when their kids are just babies.

We went to beach and the kids got to boogy board... we practically had to pry them away...

Then we went to California Adventures - once again thanks to Aunt Neeno and Uncle Danny... Some rides were a little bit scarier than others. This one above actually gave you puke bags.. the sad part ... both John and Janet opened theirs, but fortunately didn't end up using them...

To all our family and friends,

Thank you so much for such a great summer!!! We will always charish the time

we got to spend with everyone. Thank you for putting up with us and letting us stay with

you and overrun your lives. Thank you all for making it so special.

We all love you and miss you terribly, but we will be back before you know it.

Hugs and Kisses XOXOXOXO

Nicole, John, Jordan, Casey & Ashton