Mom here. I thought I would write one more letter before my favorite month is over. I guess because I was born in July, and because I love the heat and summer, that this is my favorite time of year. And that is especially true this year since I got to be with the WHOLE family for lots of the month! Again, I appreciate the great letters you have all written, especially in gratitude for the Disneyland trip.
It was wonderful having Kristi, Blaine and family stay with us for two weeks in July. Some highlights were coming home from my daily run and seeing happy Ben in the highchair when I opened the door. Also, I loved reading Gwen stories. She listens just as well as her dad did. I loved going up to the cabin with the Genessy family on July 8. I had forgotten how fun it is to take someone new to the cabin. Don, in spite of a little fall he took, told me several times how much he loved the cabin. And there is something really bonding about doing dishes by hand at the cabin with Jan! I thought it was a great time. The next night I enjoyed our "interesting combo" at the Hale Theater play - Blaine, Don, Janey and I. Again, it is fun to go with people who you know are enjoying it. We were sad to say farewell to Blaine on July 13, but glad that Kristi and kids could stay on. We had such a fun birthday celebration for Rosey on the 15th. Kristi and the kids and Max and I rode trax downtown to have lunch with her at Temple Square. Later Nick and Stef joined us for a dinner of sweet and sour chicken and chocolate layer cake. Most of us went the Brigham Young Park to the Western Shadows to see Rhondalee Paskins perform. That was a fun one. I was glad Kristi could come to the Layton summer party at the pool, as well as join us other days at the pool. It was really fun for me to have reason to go to the pool. I loved watching Gwen putt around in that little life jacket. I was sad to say farewell on Monday, July 21, to Kristi, Gwen and Ben, but so happy to have the memories and to know that they were going home to a happy life.
Max went to week-long scout camp from July 21 to the 26 and I was proud of him for having a good attitude. I was proud of dad, too, for taking his turn to be with the boys one night. Max came home and reported how fun it was to have dad tell the big foot story and talk about the stars the night he was there.
I had a wonderful 50th birthday. I felt like it lasted all week. Monday we all watched Hello Dolly and decided that we just love that show. Tuesday (the big day) dad took me to dinner at Red Lobster followed by a concert in the park listening to polynesian music. I appreciated all the thoughtful gifts and I am still looking forward to whatever Janey is working on for me at the computer. Dad was generous and gave me a Garmin running watch. It is what I wanted but I do have to say that I have learned that I don't run very fast and that my runs aren't quite as long as I thought they were. Bummer. My friend Michele was here for the week and she took me out to lunch on Wednesday. Later that week when her husband Mitch came into town we went to the Jordan River Temple and dad and I took them to dinner at Geckos.
Wednesday, July 23, I got to go to the big rodeo with Janey, Nick and Stef and Clay and Trista. That was thanks to Rhondalee who gave us tickets. She performed at the rodeo and it was fun to hear her group sing again. Then late that night we checked out the action on the parade route. Rosey was sort of in charge this year and did a great job saving us places. Janey and I (and Joan Hutchinson's neice Bree) and aunt Karen went in early to the parade on the 24th. Yorgs joined us later. Dad, the hardest working man I know, was in the basement slaving away for IBM while the rest of us baked at the big parade. I LOVE the parade, even though if I think too hard it makes me teary thinking of grandpa. Several ran the 10k, including Nick who placed tenth in his division. After ending the race in Liberty Park he then ran back to join us to watch the parade. I loved watching him run up 2nd South. There were about 40 of us at parade between everyone's families who had spent the night - Richard and friends, Amber and relatives. It was great. The only family members were the Yorgs and aunt Karen. Later in the day we went to the pool where grandma Winder and lots from Ted's family joined us for a pot luck dinner and swim. I had a wonderful 24th!
July 26, 27 and 28 were spent with Bassett family members. Sid, Steph and family are in town, as well as Liz and girls. Jeannie hosted a bridal shower on Saturday for Bob's bride to be, Ashleigh. I made "Blaine's favorite casserole" for when the men joined us after their golf game. It was a fun evening watching the Osmond/Tabernacle Choir program. On Sunday, after hearing the Day's of '47 Royality speak in our sacrament meeting, we went out to grandma Bassetts for dinner and a mini-camp grandma testimony meeting. That was nice. On Monday afternoon the same group came swimming at the Winder pool and then we headed up to the cabin for a spagetti dinner. There were about 22 of us.
Last night was a drive with the Stake Presidency and wives, plus Rosey and Chelsey Luekenga, up to Walsburg to stake Young Women's Camp. Rosey and Chelsey stayed to be in charge of certification today. It looked like all was going well at camp.
So that brings us right up to date. I did can 42 quarts/14 pints of apricots this month. I also got my first tomato and lots of zuchinni and cucumbers.
Farewell to sweet July.
Love, Mom
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
My two cents about a trip that cost much more
I've been meaning to getting around to writing forever. I finally sat down on Sunday to do it but then felt guilty for ignoring Gwen so instead decided to have her dictate a letter. I finished that but then our dinner came (our nice neighbors have been bringing dinner by the last couple nights since Kris has been sick. Not ward members but just neighborhood friends...)
Anyway, the other thing we did on Sunday was watch one of the Disneyland videos. I didn't plan on watching any of our video for awhile since usually we don't rewatch life that we have lived in such recent memory but we made an exception for this. It was so fun! And luckily we have like four other videos to watch since I just really kept that camera rolling.
As I watched I was inspired to add a few things to the list of things that made this trip great:
1. Switching off cars--the drive really was a pleasure and a highlight of the trip (I was only being a little tongue-in-cheek when I voted for the car ride from Barstow to St. George as one of my favorite rides on the sidebar survey...). Thanks to everyone for being willing to switch it up. I had great conversations and rides with almost everyone (the only exceptions maybe being Stef and Janey, who unfortunately I didn't happen coincide with too much). Also to add to this is the fun of having such a good fun variety of treats. I think we're the type of family that could drive across the country and back with no real destination but still have fun being together (although with gas over $4/gal I don't recommend that we actually do this. :)
2. Having everyone be so great with the kids--It's been mentioned that it was so fun that we all stayed together and switched off on rides and I enthusiastically agree. However I want to add one more level. It wasn't just that people were willing to stay together, it was how happy everyone seemed about it. And not just staying with the kids at the park but playing with the kids throughout the trip. A huge thank you goes out to everyone (I started to make a list and I realized that literally everyone is on it!) for acting happy to take Gwen potty or change Ben's diaper, for going to restaurants that sounded good to us, for not complaining that Bentley cried all night, for playing with the kids because you love them (as opposed to because we desperately wanted a break, which we really did...), in short for just making all of us feel so loved and welcomed and part of the group even though we're kind of the black sheep location-wise.
3. Having so much on the "gold plan"--seriously, it's hard to know how to really thank someone for a gift of this financial magnitude but your sacrifice and generosity don't go unnoticed Mom and Dad. Thank you for paying for our expensive gas (and even throwing us a bone by paying with our cash-back credit cards!), for giving up your miles for our hotel, for the wonderful dinners and snacks, and of course for the Happiest Passes on Earth. I hope you got as many memories as we did out of it to make your sacrifice worth it!
4. Having everyone be so easy going about things. Particularly the week after we got back. I was so glad that many nights the Genessys were willing to come to the cabin or to a play or whatever we had planned and let us share "their week" with you guys as well. I was also glad that you were so understanding to let us stay in your house but come and go as we pleased so that we could spend time with everyone else, even though I'm sure you would have enjoyed the time with us as well. Maybe the top award for flexibility goes to Max for giving up his room to give us a place to hang out. Also Nick and Stef would have to be runners up for planning their day around our little golf outing and then providing babysitting and hospitality services for us in Provo. Also mom for planning a Bassett party on the night we asked for. Also... Okay maybe I shouldn't try to list all these either. Just...thanks to everyone for just being awesome and flexible about everything. Thanks to you we really were able to make this trip everything we hoped it would be (and, trust me, that was a tall order).
The list could go on I'm sure (and it does if you scroll down to everyone else's blog posts) but suffice it to say that we did it and no one can ever take it away from us now. This vacation will live on in Bassett lore for the rest of our lives. It was everything we could have asked for and the only bad part about it was that it had to have a beginning and an end. Along with the rest of my family, and especially Gwen, I give the trip a big THUMBS UP! Until next time...
Anyway, the other thing we did on Sunday was watch one of the Disneyland videos. I didn't plan on watching any of our video for awhile since usually we don't rewatch life that we have lived in such recent memory but we made an exception for this. It was so fun! And luckily we have like four other videos to watch since I just really kept that camera rolling.
As I watched I was inspired to add a few things to the list of things that made this trip great:
1. Switching off cars--the drive really was a pleasure and a highlight of the trip (I was only being a little tongue-in-cheek when I voted for the car ride from Barstow to St. George as one of my favorite rides on the sidebar survey...). Thanks to everyone for being willing to switch it up. I had great conversations and rides with almost everyone (the only exceptions maybe being Stef and Janey, who unfortunately I didn't happen coincide with too much). Also to add to this is the fun of having such a good fun variety of treats. I think we're the type of family that could drive across the country and back with no real destination but still have fun being together (although with gas over $4/gal I don't recommend that we actually do this. :)
2. Having everyone be so great with the kids--It's been mentioned that it was so fun that we all stayed together and switched off on rides and I enthusiastically agree. However I want to add one more level. It wasn't just that people were willing to stay together, it was how happy everyone seemed about it. And not just staying with the kids at the park but playing with the kids throughout the trip. A huge thank you goes out to everyone (I started to make a list and I realized that literally everyone is on it!) for acting happy to take Gwen potty or change Ben's diaper, for going to restaurants that sounded good to us, for not complaining that Bentley cried all night, for playing with the kids because you love them (as opposed to because we desperately wanted a break, which we really did...), in short for just making all of us feel so loved and welcomed and part of the group even though we're kind of the black sheep location-wise.
3. Having so much on the "gold plan"--seriously, it's hard to know how to really thank someone for a gift of this financial magnitude but your sacrifice and generosity don't go unnoticed Mom and Dad. Thank you for paying for our expensive gas (and even throwing us a bone by paying with our cash-back credit cards!), for giving up your miles for our hotel, for the wonderful dinners and snacks, and of course for the Happiest Passes on Earth. I hope you got as many memories as we did out of it to make your sacrifice worth it!
4. Having everyone be so easy going about things. Particularly the week after we got back. I was so glad that many nights the Genessys were willing to come to the cabin or to a play or whatever we had planned and let us share "their week" with you guys as well. I was also glad that you were so understanding to let us stay in your house but come and go as we pleased so that we could spend time with everyone else, even though I'm sure you would have enjoyed the time with us as well. Maybe the top award for flexibility goes to Max for giving up his room to give us a place to hang out. Also Nick and Stef would have to be runners up for planning their day around our little golf outing and then providing babysitting and hospitality services for us in Provo. Also mom for planning a Bassett party on the night we asked for. Also... Okay maybe I shouldn't try to list all these either. Just...thanks to everyone for just being awesome and flexible about everything. Thanks to you we really were able to make this trip everything we hoped it would be (and, trust me, that was a tall order).
The list could go on I'm sure (and it does if you scroll down to everyone else's blog posts) but suffice it to say that we did it and no one can ever take it away from us now. This vacation will live on in Bassett lore for the rest of our lives. It was everything we could have asked for and the only bad part about it was that it had to have a beginning and an end. Along with the rest of my family, and especially Gwen, I give the trip a big THUMBS UP! Until next time...
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Gwen's take on Disneyland
I want to tell them about when I went to Disneyland. I splashed. I saw Tinkerbell and Jasmine. When I was watching the two parades but I wasn't tall enough to go on the rides. And I want to tell them about when I went to everything that I loved to see the Whinney the Pooh ride. In the parade I saw Arial. And I saw her little guy. That guy that's red and he sings under the sea...that guy, him. He's a boy, not a girl. Some rides I liked were Peter Pan, the bugs one, the bumper cars. But I didn't like the show about the bugs. Some rides that got a thumbs down was Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and the seawitch ride (??) I always remembered when I went to Disneyland. I want to tell them that we saw Mickey. I wonder if Mickey talks. I think he's just a costume. And I want to tell them that we went and saw ss, ss--it starts with a letter 's'--Cinderella, and that we chased her to the bathroom. Are you typing a note for Grandpa or something?
I really miss them but I still love them. I hope that we can go to Disneyland when I'm four I hope because I really will be taller next time I have a birthday.
Love, Gwen
I really miss them but I still love them. I hope that we can go to Disneyland when I'm four I hope because I really will be taller next time I have a birthday.
Love, Gwen
Friday, July 25, 2008
Points
I just want to give a shout out to Blaine. He is starting to do weight watchers again and is doing such a great job! It is a hard thing to do, especially when all your wife wants to eat is ice cream! I'm so proud of him and thought he could use y'all's support (yes I used two apostrophes in one word).
Not only that but he has been such an awesome husband since we have been home (and always). About an hour after I got home I started getting way sicker than I had been at all on the trip. Not only morning sickness but I got a wicked earache and sorethroat. I have been virtually helpless and he has taken such good care of me. I seriously love him so much. It is hard to feel so helpless all the time, but I just want to burst into tears when he gets home because I survived through another day and he is so good to help with whatever I need when he gets home.
Anyway, the point of the whole post is, Blaine; gotta love him!
Not only that but he has been such an awesome husband since we have been home (and always). About an hour after I got home I started getting way sicker than I had been at all on the trip. Not only morning sickness but I got a wicked earache and sorethroat. I have been virtually helpless and he has taken such good care of me. I seriously love him so much. It is hard to feel so helpless all the time, but I just want to burst into tears when he gets home because I survived through another day and he is so good to help with whatever I need when he gets home.
Anyway, the point of the whole post is, Blaine; gotta love him!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
One Year
Hi Everyone,
I certainly miss Blaine, Kristi, Gwen, and Ben. It's was definantly way more busy around this house, but WAY more fun. Thanks again guys for staying for so long. I know it can be hard and not super comfortable to be away from home for that long, but we sure loved it! Kris, I hope that someday I can be as comfortable and tight with my in-laws as you are with us. (Stef, you're great too!)
I haven't ever thanked Mom and Dad for the trip! Thanks!!! I loved that we could stay together...we are a pretty dang cool family.
Well, not much has been going on with me besides work. And, I feel like I have seen all of you so recently that there really isn't much to report that is new. I have been on a date or two...always keeps life interesting, but nothing exciting to report there. :) I go to work everyday, and that is pretty much the same old. The last time I wrote about work I was probably very negative and said that I hated it, but it's amazing how things can change. Although I still sometimes go to work with the attitude that I kind of wish it was already over :) I don't hate it. I love the girls I work with, and I now have the help that I need. I am no longer running a one-man-band like I was at mother's day. I still get full time but usually only have a couple of over time hours. The only thing not to like about work (besides bad days) is the price of gas! It's killing me. But, that's life. I still don't think I will work there once I start school...but we'll see!
As to school...I still don't have a place to live. :( Okay, most of it is that I am lazy! I need to get on it!
The only other thing that's new is that I have now been home from my mission one year. Last night (23rd) was filled with bitter-sweet feelings. In the past when I would look at anything from my mission, it would give me a stomach ache and I really did not like looking at anything from that time, I even put most of the pictures away. The other day I needed to find my mission call (I am teaching Called to Serve in primary and wanted to show it to the kids) and when I found it I found my mission pictures which I haven't looked at since the mission. I forced myself to look through them and was suprised to find the huge stomach gone and feelings of peace and almost a longing for the mission come to me. This was definantly a new feeling and I really appreciated it. Although I wish I could have served the full time, I know Heavenly Father appreciates what I could do! As Mom and I discussed all this last night and I was in tears over the whole thing, we decided this would always be a sensitive, and emotional part of my life! How grateful I am to have a loving family and even more and loving Heavenly Father who love, care for, and are patient with me.
The 24th has been great! I love this holiday. We went to the rodeo last night thanks to Rhondalee Paskins! Oh how I love that lady!
Love, Janey
I certainly miss Blaine, Kristi, Gwen, and Ben. It's was definantly way more busy around this house, but WAY more fun. Thanks again guys for staying for so long. I know it can be hard and not super comfortable to be away from home for that long, but we sure loved it! Kris, I hope that someday I can be as comfortable and tight with my in-laws as you are with us. (Stef, you're great too!)
I haven't ever thanked Mom and Dad for the trip! Thanks!!! I loved that we could stay together...we are a pretty dang cool family.
Well, not much has been going on with me besides work. And, I feel like I have seen all of you so recently that there really isn't much to report that is new. I have been on a date or two...always keeps life interesting, but nothing exciting to report there. :) I go to work everyday, and that is pretty much the same old. The last time I wrote about work I was probably very negative and said that I hated it, but it's amazing how things can change. Although I still sometimes go to work with the attitude that I kind of wish it was already over :) I don't hate it. I love the girls I work with, and I now have the help that I need. I am no longer running a one-man-band like I was at mother's day. I still get full time but usually only have a couple of over time hours. The only thing not to like about work (besides bad days) is the price of gas! It's killing me. But, that's life. I still don't think I will work there once I start school...but we'll see!
As to school...I still don't have a place to live. :( Okay, most of it is that I am lazy! I need to get on it!
The only other thing that's new is that I have now been home from my mission one year. Last night (23rd) was filled with bitter-sweet feelings. In the past when I would look at anything from my mission, it would give me a stomach ache and I really did not like looking at anything from that time, I even put most of the pictures away. The other day I needed to find my mission call (I am teaching Called to Serve in primary and wanted to show it to the kids) and when I found it I found my mission pictures which I haven't looked at since the mission. I forced myself to look through them and was suprised to find the huge stomach gone and feelings of peace and almost a longing for the mission come to me. This was definantly a new feeling and I really appreciated it. Although I wish I could have served the full time, I know Heavenly Father appreciates what I could do! As Mom and I discussed all this last night and I was in tears over the whole thing, we decided this would always be a sensitive, and emotional part of my life! How grateful I am to have a loving family and even more and loving Heavenly Father who love, care for, and are patient with me.
The 24th has been great! I love this holiday. We went to the rodeo last night thanks to Rhondalee Paskins! Oh how I love that lady!
Love, Janey
Sunday, July 20, 2008
From Dad-
What a great trip. Thanks Hon for documenting everything in your email. I want to just add a few thoughts before the trip fades.
- First thing that hit me was that we have raised some great kids. From every standard, they are a delight to be around. They have great spouses. They have great kids. They are kind to each other. They are thoughtful. They love each other. They love their father in heaven. They are hard workers. What a delight to be with these great people for a whole week. I just wish we could be together forever. Hey wait. We can. We just have to keep the covenants we've already found.
- I loved seeing everyone's patience as the babies cried. Max, Rosey, and Janey all pitched in. I loved the interesting combinations we found ourselves in as some would wait to ride a ride while others were using the fast passes.
- I really loved staying together. I truly thought that once we arrived at the parks, people would get impatient with the big herd trying to move together...especially with babies in the mix...and so they would recommend that we break up and meet together later for lunch or dinner. But to my delight, everyone wanted to stay together. And I felt that our best times were in Bug's life riding the kids rides, or in Fantasyland in Disneyland riding rides with Gwen. To me her delight was why were all there.
- I loved the pure excitement as we pulled into the parks...and although we got separated, we found each other immediately using phones. It made me really tolerant as I saw other people in the park talking on the phones. Instead of thinking they were talking to business acquaintences keeping up on lives they should have left behind, I realized they were just probably trying to just hook up with the rest of their gangs who were standing in line for the 8th time for Hotel Hollywood..
- I loved the tender mercy of walking into the park on our magic morning, and having Mickey standing there waiting for us. That was magical. And every princess or character we saw would stop and hug Gwen....just to see the excitement in Gwen's face was worth every sacrifice I made to be there.
- I loved how willing everyone was to take their turn getting fast passes. It cracked me up how focused we were on getting passes...and then when we got the extra set of passes how we were almost overwhelmed with options. But we did get to see the whole show...and rode nearly everything we wanted to see.
- I was impressed with Blaine and Nick as they booked it across the desert without air condition. Whoa! With or without the recording of the office it had to be hot. I was glad when I heard that they had arrived safe.
- I loved getting out of the car on the way home from SL and feeling a blast of heat. It was about 112-115 on the drive home. Getting out of the car made me realize why they called the town Baker. It's what the residents do who live there everyday.
- I also loved keeping track of how much the gas cost at each stop. It was a feeling not unfamiliar after having ridden rides like Hotel Hollywood and the screamer. At $4.50/gallon, I found myself trying to catch my breath at every stop.
- I loved the delight of the parades, the inspiration of the fireworks, the thrill of the rides. But it would have all been sour and miserable if we had had moody unpleasant people to pass the time with. Everyone was so wonderful!
Thanks to all for making this a trip worth remembering. I'll post pictures today!
Loves.
What a great trip. Thanks Hon for documenting everything in your email. I want to just add a few thoughts before the trip fades.
- First thing that hit me was that we have raised some great kids. From every standard, they are a delight to be around. They have great spouses. They have great kids. They are kind to each other. They are thoughtful. They love each other. They love their father in heaven. They are hard workers. What a delight to be with these great people for a whole week. I just wish we could be together forever. Hey wait. We can. We just have to keep the covenants we've already found.
- I loved seeing everyone's patience as the babies cried. Max, Rosey, and Janey all pitched in. I loved the interesting combinations we found ourselves in as some would wait to ride a ride while others were using the fast passes.
- I really loved staying together. I truly thought that once we arrived at the parks, people would get impatient with the big herd trying to move together...especially with babies in the mix...and so they would recommend that we break up and meet together later for lunch or dinner. But to my delight, everyone wanted to stay together. And I felt that our best times were in Bug's life riding the kids rides, or in Fantasyland in Disneyland riding rides with Gwen. To me her delight was why were all there.
- I loved the pure excitement as we pulled into the parks...and although we got separated, we found each other immediately using phones. It made me really tolerant as I saw other people in the park talking on the phones. Instead of thinking they were talking to business acquaintences keeping up on lives they should have left behind, I realized they were just probably trying to just hook up with the rest of their gangs who were standing in line for the 8th time for Hotel Hollywood..
- I loved the tender mercy of walking into the park on our magic morning, and having Mickey standing there waiting for us. That was magical. And every princess or character we saw would stop and hug Gwen....just to see the excitement in Gwen's face was worth every sacrifice I made to be there.
- I loved how willing everyone was to take their turn getting fast passes. It cracked me up how focused we were on getting passes...and then when we got the extra set of passes how we were almost overwhelmed with options. But we did get to see the whole show...and rode nearly everything we wanted to see.
- I was impressed with Blaine and Nick as they booked it across the desert without air condition. Whoa! With or without the recording of the office it had to be hot. I was glad when I heard that they had arrived safe.
- I loved getting out of the car on the way home from SL and feeling a blast of heat. It was about 112-115 on the drive home. Getting out of the car made me realize why they called the town Baker. It's what the residents do who live there everyday.
- I also loved keeping track of how much the gas cost at each stop. It was a feeling not unfamiliar after having ridden rides like Hotel Hollywood and the screamer. At $4.50/gallon, I found myself trying to catch my breath at every stop.
- I loved the delight of the parades, the inspiration of the fireworks, the thrill of the rides. But it would have all been sour and miserable if we had had moody unpleasant people to pass the time with. Everyone was so wonderful!
Thanks to all for making this a trip worth remembering. I'll post pictures today!
Loves.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Bee's can be deadly!!
Hey everyone,
First of all, I would like the thank mom and dad for a wonderful trip to disneyland, I had a ton of fun !! I'm sitting here at home by myself while everyone is at the Layton family pool party thing. Yesterday I was mowing James and Karins (not sure how to spell it) and while I was mowing in the back I hit a post that had a bee's nest in it and as soon as I hit it, I got attacked by a bunch of bee's. I got stung three times in the face, one on my eyelid, and the other two were on my cheeks. I got away from their attack and walked home. I got home and looked in the mirror and everything was o.k.
After a couple of hours putting ice on it and everything, the swelling eventually went down and I went to mutual thinking that I would forget about the whole thing, little did I know about the next day. I woke up and my eye felt itchy and it hurt like crazy, so I looked in the mirror and my eye was about swollen shut! I still needed to go babysitting for Andrea. I went up to Andreas and the kids barely recognized me for a second. After a while, I came home and watched bugs life with Gwen and then took a long nap. And that has pretty much been my whole day so far.
Love you all,
Max
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Summer
Dear Family,
I am sitting here at the kitchen table on a rather hot sunday afternoon. I have read the only 2 recent BAWB letters and I thought I ought to take a minute to record my own letter.
First of all, some memories from the trip:
I loved sunday night when the whole family came together! It was so much fun to see Blaine and Kris and Gwen and Ben. I think my favorite part of that evening was singing "I am the king of the swingers rule..." from the Jungle Book for our opening song. Thanks for being so fun everyone!
I loved riding in the car with Blaine and Max. Max was such a good uncle to keep little Bret happy during the drive, and Blaine was fun to bring along some episodes of the office that we could listen too while we drove. Blaine and I probably both agree we won't go out of our way to eat at that chicken place again that we ate for lunch.
I will never forget the best $15 anyone has perhaps ever spent on me for food. For $15 at sizzler I got the salad bar ($10 value), an 8 oz steak, malibu chicken, and popcorn shrimp with fries. It filled me right up. I loves just being in Aneheim too. Something about the palm trees and the humid air just says "vacation" better than almost anything else.
I loved our walk to disneyland the first morning. Mom said it best when she said excitement was hi. It was so excited walking away from the cars and down the elevator to the tram. Stef and I liked all the pictures behind the buttons on the elevators.
The punniest ride we went on the whole trip (pun completely intended) was the Jungle Cruise. Those tour guides give that speech way to many times in one day :)
I loved it when Me, Blaine, Max, and the babies all went to the Tiki room. It felt like a refridgerator...so a little bit like the ice box. The only difference between the Tiki room and the ice box is that instead of Bill Eccles, there are lots of singing birds. We thought of Kristi's parents who love that show.
I could never forget Bret sleeping in the bathroom every night. Sometimes he has pretty bad gas so we left the door open so he didn't exfixiate himself. Stef was so sweet to get up with him.
I loved when we got off the ride which shoots you straight up in the air and mom absolutely LOVED it. That of all rides is probably the one that scares me the most and yet mom wanted to make sure and do that one again.
A landmark event was our first escourt on Tower of Terror. B&K and Stef and I stayed up talking the other night, and we got remeniscing about that again. The usher was very mysterious.
I loved on our last day how we came back in the afternoon refreshed. I was so excited to be energized for an evening of rides. Fireworks and Mexican food was fun, as well as doing all the rides with Mom, Jane, Rose and Max. It was fun riding Thudermountain two times just because no one else was in line to ride.
One of the best parts was being with everyone. Thanks to all those without kids who were willing to take their turn watching the kids. I was so happy that everyone did so well staying together throughout the entire thing. You guys are great.
One additional highlight so far of the summer was yesterday afternoon. Stef and I went up and got our AC fixed and then we thought we would hang around to spend some time with the family. We went over to the Winder Pool to find that Mom and Dad along with Curt, Liz (and girls), G-ma, Karen, Andrea etc had all come. Richie was even there. It was so much fun to dive off the board, play the color game, race max and Richie, and just have a great time. That was such a highlight for me. Thanks everyon who came. B&K we wish you could have been there too.
I love you all. I apologize for my scatter-brain way of writing. I know it's not perfect but take it for what it is.
Loves,
Nick
I am sitting here at the kitchen table on a rather hot sunday afternoon. I have read the only 2 recent BAWB letters and I thought I ought to take a minute to record my own letter.
First of all, some memories from the trip:
I loved sunday night when the whole family came together! It was so much fun to see Blaine and Kris and Gwen and Ben. I think my favorite part of that evening was singing "I am the king of the swingers rule..." from the Jungle Book for our opening song. Thanks for being so fun everyone!
I loved riding in the car with Blaine and Max. Max was such a good uncle to keep little Bret happy during the drive, and Blaine was fun to bring along some episodes of the office that we could listen too while we drove. Blaine and I probably both agree we won't go out of our way to eat at that chicken place again that we ate for lunch.
I will never forget the best $15 anyone has perhaps ever spent on me for food. For $15 at sizzler I got the salad bar ($10 value), an 8 oz steak, malibu chicken, and popcorn shrimp with fries. It filled me right up. I loves just being in Aneheim too. Something about the palm trees and the humid air just says "vacation" better than almost anything else.
I loved our walk to disneyland the first morning. Mom said it best when she said excitement was hi. It was so excited walking away from the cars and down the elevator to the tram. Stef and I liked all the pictures behind the buttons on the elevators.
The punniest ride we went on the whole trip (pun completely intended) was the Jungle Cruise. Those tour guides give that speech way to many times in one day :)
I loved it when Me, Blaine, Max, and the babies all went to the Tiki room. It felt like a refridgerator...so a little bit like the ice box. The only difference between the Tiki room and the ice box is that instead of Bill Eccles, there are lots of singing birds. We thought of Kristi's parents who love that show.
I could never forget Bret sleeping in the bathroom every night. Sometimes he has pretty bad gas so we left the door open so he didn't exfixiate himself. Stef was so sweet to get up with him.
I loved when we got off the ride which shoots you straight up in the air and mom absolutely LOVED it. That of all rides is probably the one that scares me the most and yet mom wanted to make sure and do that one again.
A landmark event was our first escourt on Tower of Terror. B&K and Stef and I stayed up talking the other night, and we got remeniscing about that again. The usher was very mysterious.
I loved on our last day how we came back in the afternoon refreshed. I was so excited to be energized for an evening of rides. Fireworks and Mexican food was fun, as well as doing all the rides with Mom, Jane, Rose and Max. It was fun riding Thudermountain two times just because no one else was in line to ride.
One of the best parts was being with everyone. Thanks to all those without kids who were willing to take their turn watching the kids. I was so happy that everyone did so well staying together throughout the entire thing. You guys are great.
One additional highlight so far of the summer was yesterday afternoon. Stef and I went up and got our AC fixed and then we thought we would hang around to spend some time with the family. We went over to the Winder Pool to find that Mom and Dad along with Curt, Liz (and girls), G-ma, Karen, Andrea etc had all come. Richie was even there. It was so much fun to dive off the board, play the color game, race max and Richie, and just have a great time. That was such a highlight for me. Thanks everyon who came. B&K we wish you could have been there too.
I love you all. I apologize for my scatter-brain way of writing. I know it's not perfect but take it for what it is.
Loves,
Nick
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Disneyland Trip Overview
For the record, I thought I would give an overview of our Disneyland trip. Hopefully everyone can fill in with little stories or favorite moments, but I'll cover the basics.
Sunday, June 29 after a 9-to-noon church we came home to a little beef stew supreme dinner and had the cars packed and ready to go by 2 pm to travel to St. George. There were 9 of us (Bret, Wendy, Blaine, Kris, Gwen, Ben, Janey, Rosey, Max) We took both our Hondas - the tan Odyssey van and the green CRV. We did some mix and match driving with different combos. Cars were performing well until we got up to the 70 mph speeds and there was an awful buzzing or humming in the van. We learned the next morning that this was a windshield defect, but nothing to worry about safety-wise. We arrived in St. George at the beautiful Yorgason home about 7 pm where Nick, Stef and baby Bret were waiting to introduce Bret to B&K's family. What a fun reunion! They had a spagetti/garlic bread/salad dinner prepared for us. After dinner we enjoyed a devotional with a spiritual thought by Stef and Disneyland memories by all. Thanks N&S. That turned out to be our only devotional!
Monday, June 30 we were out of St. George by 9 am to head through the desert in our three cars. We stopped for restrooms and for gasoline and then for a late lunch in hot Barstow. By about 4 pm we arrived at our Marriott TownePlace Suites on State College Blvd. in Anaheim. We had three rooms: Room 116 with mom, dad and Max. Room 108 with Blaine, Kristi, Gwen, Ben and Janey. And room 106 with Nick, Stef, Bret and Rosey. We took a long swim/hot tub before heading to a late dinner at Sizzler. Afterwards the girls grocery shopped for breakfast and lunch foods for the week.
Tuesday, July 1 we met in mom and dad's room about 7:30 am for a cereal breakfast and to make lunches for the day. We headed in two cars to Disneyland where we parked, rode the little bus and arrived in Downtown Disney. Energy level was high! After getting our 3-day Disney Park Hopper passes, we chose to spend this first day at Disneyland. We started at Jungle Cruise and worked our way around the park counterclockwise. In the mid-afternoon we watched the Main Street Parade. Seeing how delighted Gwen was made that extra fun. We ended in Tomorrowland after a full, long day. We were pushing two strollers with three kids. Gwen, Ben and Bret couldn't go on many of the rides but were so patient while the adults traded off so everyone could ride. We seemed to hit it lucky on our fast passes and really got quite a bit in considering our large group. We even stayed together most of the day. People just kind of ate lunches when they were sitting out from a ride. Quite often we looked over and Stef had on her hooter hider and we knew little Bret was happy, too. It was around 7:30 when we left the park for home.
Dinner was pizza, salad, chicken wings and pop in mom and dad's room. The whole process of finding, ordering and waiting for the pizza was much longer than that sentence! We didn't eat until around 9:30 or so. I think the little ones were already in bed.
Wednesday, July 2 we met in our room again for breakfast and to make lunches and snacks. Todays chosen park was California Adventure. We arrived at 9 am right as the park was opening. We started on Soaring Over California. We were disappointed to see that Gwen was still about an inch short to join us on the ride. So again we took turns. We did this park kind of counter clockwise, too. We spent the morning in the Paradise Pier area after the Grizzley River Raft ride, and then headed over to Bug's Land where Gwen could go on all the rides! Then we headed over to the Hollywood section and later in the afternoon enjoyed the Pixar Play Parade. We separated a little this day, but mostly stayed together. We left the park at dusk and went home to order out at the Denney's next to our hotel. We were exhausted from all our hard play, plus we wanted to get to bed in good time for our early morning on Thursday.
Thursday, July 3 we met around 7 for breakfast in our room. There were no lunches to pack since we decided to come back mid-day and return in the evening. We arrived at Disneyland around 7:45 early enough to park in a different lot and take a different little train to the park. We started in Disneyland at the new Nemo ride where we had our longest wait of the week - 45 minutes. And then our sound didn't work so we were invited to do the ride again. (Janey and Stef, feeling claustrobic, declined) From there we went to Fantasyland where Gwen could ride the rides. After that we checked out the princess area and then went to Mickey's Toontown. Feeling ready for our nap we headed back on the Disneyland train to the entrance where we went home for swimming/hot tubs/leftover pizza and naps. About 5 pm we returned to the park, this time to California Adventure to do some favorite rides (Grizzley Rapids, California Screamin, Tower of Terror) Then we headed over to Disneyland for dinner and, thanks to Stef's encouragement, watching the fireworks. Suddenly the park seemed VERY crowded. We ate our mexican food while standing up watching the fireworks. It was worth it as the firework show was wonderful, complete with narration, music and tinkerbell flying through the air. We rode the Indiana Jones ride at 10:30 pm after the show and decided that some were ready to go home. The park was crowded! However, mom, Nick, Janey, Rosey and Max all stayed until the midnight closing and got in as many rides as possible. We even ended with a little shopping!
Friday, July 4 was a lazy morning where we slept in and then checked out of the Marriott around 11 pm to head back to St. George. It was a hot, hazy day. It was at our stop for lunch in Baker (next to the world's tallest thermometer) that we realized that Nick's air conditioning wasn't working. We all shifted cars and Blaine and Nick headed across the desert in 105 degree weather, no air conditioning, non-stop to St. George. Somehow they survived and even beat us to the Yorgason home! We ate a yummy dinner at the Pasta Factory on St. George Blvd. and some headed back out to watch more fireworks before heading to bed.
Saturday, July 5 we ate breakfast, cleaned and headed home. Blaine and Kristi took their family in the CRV to stop and visit friends along the way. Mom rode with Nick in the hot Accord and the others rode in the van. We stopped in Nephi for a late lunch and then parted ways.
What a wonderful trip! We were all blessed with good health and strength. I felt we were protected and watched over throughout the trip. I appreciated everyone putting forth their best efforts to be kind, thoughtful, forgiving, patient and loving and we worked together to have fun. Thanks for being wonderful kids and grandkids. Dad and I love you all so much.
Now I hope you will fill in with favorite memories of our time together. Rather than respond to this letter, post a blog telling us your favorite moments. For example, someone really needs to record Gwen's Nevada desert stop comment to Max!
Love, Mom
Sunday, June 29 after a 9-to-noon church we came home to a little beef stew supreme dinner and had the cars packed and ready to go by 2 pm to travel to St. George. There were 9 of us (Bret, Wendy, Blaine, Kris, Gwen, Ben, Janey, Rosey, Max) We took both our Hondas - the tan Odyssey van and the green CRV. We did some mix and match driving with different combos. Cars were performing well until we got up to the 70 mph speeds and there was an awful buzzing or humming in the van. We learned the next morning that this was a windshield defect, but nothing to worry about safety-wise. We arrived in St. George at the beautiful Yorgason home about 7 pm where Nick, Stef and baby Bret were waiting to introduce Bret to B&K's family. What a fun reunion! They had a spagetti/garlic bread/salad dinner prepared for us. After dinner we enjoyed a devotional with a spiritual thought by Stef and Disneyland memories by all. Thanks N&S. That turned out to be our only devotional!
Monday, June 30 we were out of St. George by 9 am to head through the desert in our three cars. We stopped for restrooms and for gasoline and then for a late lunch in hot Barstow. By about 4 pm we arrived at our Marriott TownePlace Suites on State College Blvd. in Anaheim. We had three rooms: Room 116 with mom, dad and Max. Room 108 with Blaine, Kristi, Gwen, Ben and Janey. And room 106 with Nick, Stef, Bret and Rosey. We took a long swim/hot tub before heading to a late dinner at Sizzler. Afterwards the girls grocery shopped for breakfast and lunch foods for the week.
Tuesday, July 1 we met in mom and dad's room about 7:30 am for a cereal breakfast and to make lunches for the day. We headed in two cars to Disneyland where we parked, rode the little bus and arrived in Downtown Disney. Energy level was high! After getting our 3-day Disney Park Hopper passes, we chose to spend this first day at Disneyland. We started at Jungle Cruise and worked our way around the park counterclockwise. In the mid-afternoon we watched the Main Street Parade. Seeing how delighted Gwen was made that extra fun. We ended in Tomorrowland after a full, long day. We were pushing two strollers with three kids. Gwen, Ben and Bret couldn't go on many of the rides but were so patient while the adults traded off so everyone could ride. We seemed to hit it lucky on our fast passes and really got quite a bit in considering our large group. We even stayed together most of the day. People just kind of ate lunches when they were sitting out from a ride. Quite often we looked over and Stef had on her hooter hider and we knew little Bret was happy, too. It was around 7:30 when we left the park for home.
Dinner was pizza, salad, chicken wings and pop in mom and dad's room. The whole process of finding, ordering and waiting for the pizza was much longer than that sentence! We didn't eat until around 9:30 or so. I think the little ones were already in bed.
Wednesday, July 2 we met in our room again for breakfast and to make lunches and snacks. Todays chosen park was California Adventure. We arrived at 9 am right as the park was opening. We started on Soaring Over California. We were disappointed to see that Gwen was still about an inch short to join us on the ride. So again we took turns. We did this park kind of counter clockwise, too. We spent the morning in the Paradise Pier area after the Grizzley River Raft ride, and then headed over to Bug's Land where Gwen could go on all the rides! Then we headed over to the Hollywood section and later in the afternoon enjoyed the Pixar Play Parade. We separated a little this day, but mostly stayed together. We left the park at dusk and went home to order out at the Denney's next to our hotel. We were exhausted from all our hard play, plus we wanted to get to bed in good time for our early morning on Thursday.
Thursday, July 3 we met around 7 for breakfast in our room. There were no lunches to pack since we decided to come back mid-day and return in the evening. We arrived at Disneyland around 7:45 early enough to park in a different lot and take a different little train to the park. We started in Disneyland at the new Nemo ride where we had our longest wait of the week - 45 minutes. And then our sound didn't work so we were invited to do the ride again. (Janey and Stef, feeling claustrobic, declined) From there we went to Fantasyland where Gwen could ride the rides. After that we checked out the princess area and then went to Mickey's Toontown. Feeling ready for our nap we headed back on the Disneyland train to the entrance where we went home for swimming/hot tubs/leftover pizza and naps. About 5 pm we returned to the park, this time to California Adventure to do some favorite rides (Grizzley Rapids, California Screamin, Tower of Terror) Then we headed over to Disneyland for dinner and, thanks to Stef's encouragement, watching the fireworks. Suddenly the park seemed VERY crowded. We ate our mexican food while standing up watching the fireworks. It was worth it as the firework show was wonderful, complete with narration, music and tinkerbell flying through the air. We rode the Indiana Jones ride at 10:30 pm after the show and decided that some were ready to go home. The park was crowded! However, mom, Nick, Janey, Rosey and Max all stayed until the midnight closing and got in as many rides as possible. We even ended with a little shopping!
Friday, July 4 was a lazy morning where we slept in and then checked out of the Marriott around 11 pm to head back to St. George. It was a hot, hazy day. It was at our stop for lunch in Baker (next to the world's tallest thermometer) that we realized that Nick's air conditioning wasn't working. We all shifted cars and Blaine and Nick headed across the desert in 105 degree weather, no air conditioning, non-stop to St. George. Somehow they survived and even beat us to the Yorgason home! We ate a yummy dinner at the Pasta Factory on St. George Blvd. and some headed back out to watch more fireworks before heading to bed.
Saturday, July 5 we ate breakfast, cleaned and headed home. Blaine and Kristi took their family in the CRV to stop and visit friends along the way. Mom rode with Nick in the hot Accord and the others rode in the van. We stopped in Nephi for a late lunch and then parted ways.
What a wonderful trip! We were all blessed with good health and strength. I felt we were protected and watched over throughout the trip. I appreciated everyone putting forth their best efforts to be kind, thoughtful, forgiving, patient and loving and we worked together to have fun. Thanks for being wonderful kids and grandkids. Dad and I love you all so much.
Now I hope you will fill in with favorite memories of our time together. Rather than respond to this letter, post a blog telling us your favorite moments. For example, someone really needs to record Gwen's Nevada desert stop comment to Max!
Love, Mom
Monday, July 7, 2008
oops this is stef i forgot
I really had it in my head to write that Bret had so much fun with little Ben too! He even said he forgives him for the eye pokes :) ! I loved how they were both always just sleeping! They will be best cousins! Sorry for leaving this out! love, Stef
Vacation from Vacation
So Baby Bret and I just got home from our two week hiatus. The first week in Colorado with my family was really fun, but I learned that little Bret sleeps much better with his daddy there. He was completely spoiled being held at every second and getting lots of attention. He got to meet his great grandparents and his great great grandma with whom he got to celebrate her 92nd birthday. His present to her was settling down for a two hour nap in her arms. It made her day. Bret also got to spend some time with his bigger cousin Carson. His only qualms with Carson were that he always tried to grab his face when they were playing :). It was a really fun reunion and it was even more fun when Nick got there on Thursday night.
The next week, you all know, was the Disneyland trip. Throughout Bret's tour of the western U.S. he was good as gold. We couldn't have been more blessed that he would travel so well. He put up with a lot as we found places to change and feed him. Lets just say the any place part of anytime any place was definately true on our vacation. We had such a fun time in St. George, California and everywhere inbetween. Thank you so much Mom and Dad for a great trip. I know that you both sacrificed alot so it would be such a good trip. Thanks especially for letting us sleep in the master bedroom in St. George. I am kind of a grizzly bear when I don't get sleep as most of you probably know. So thanks again. Thanks for all the meals and the Disneyland passes. We will have lots of fun memories!
Thanks again for all of your support in the baby blessing yesterday. It was slightly crazy since we all only got home the day before and we all could have used more time to let more friends and family know, but we are especially glad that Blaine, Kristi, Gwen, and Ben could be there. Nick gave such a sweet blessing. I also really liked Gma B's testimony about the power of blessings. It was really powerful.
Well that's it for now. The Nick Bassett family had a blast on vacation and is now recouping from it!!! :)
Love you guys, Stef
P.S. Dad I just changed my email, if you get a chance will you invite me to the blog with the new email? Its stef.m.bassett@gmail.com Thanks!
The next week, you all know, was the Disneyland trip. Throughout Bret's tour of the western U.S. he was good as gold. We couldn't have been more blessed that he would travel so well. He put up with a lot as we found places to change and feed him. Lets just say the any place part of anytime any place was definately true on our vacation. We had such a fun time in St. George, California and everywhere inbetween. Thank you so much Mom and Dad for a great trip. I know that you both sacrificed alot so it would be such a good trip. Thanks especially for letting us sleep in the master bedroom in St. George. I am kind of a grizzly bear when I don't get sleep as most of you probably know. So thanks again. Thanks for all the meals and the Disneyland passes. We will have lots of fun memories!
Thanks again for all of your support in the baby blessing yesterday. It was slightly crazy since we all only got home the day before and we all could have used more time to let more friends and family know, but we are especially glad that Blaine, Kristi, Gwen, and Ben could be there. Nick gave such a sweet blessing. I also really liked Gma B's testimony about the power of blessings. It was really powerful.
Well that's it for now. The Nick Bassett family had a blast on vacation and is now recouping from it!!! :)
Love you guys, Stef
P.S. Dad I just changed my email, if you get a chance will you invite me to the blog with the new email? Its stef.m.bassett@gmail.com Thanks!
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