San Diego Friends Trip - October 2007

We began our trip on Thursday morning as we met at the airport at 6:30 am to depart at around 8:30 am. Kaye and Ted, Dan and Nancy, Bob and Barbara and Bill and I were all wide eyed and bushy tailed and ready for a fun adventure as we congregated at the Delta gate for departure. We landed in San Diego and quickly picked up our cars from Enterprise and headed for Seaport Village. When we first arrived we found a young girl there who offered to take our group picture, but everyone was not accounted for so we declined her offer. When everyone finally met up Bob called out her by name and suggested that she could take our pictures. We laughed thinking that there is no way he could find her again as it had been a while since she was near us. Bob called her and almost instantaneously she appeared out of nowhere and we ushered her over to us for our picture. It was quite comical.

We ate at various eating venues at Seaport Village and then traveled to our motels not far away in San Diego. We stayed at the Marriott and it was a nice place to crash at night.

Monday evening we traveled to Los Angeles to the Pantages Theater to see the production of Wicked. It was really good. Those of us who had seen it before really like the Galinda who perfomed in L. A.

The following morning we slept in until about 8:30 am and then got ready to attend the San Diego temple. It was so nice and beautiful. Dan and Nancy were invited to be the witness couple and it was really fun watching them take the lead. After the temple we took a little side trip to the Anthony's fish market and bought some fresh fish by the water. It was really yummy. Then we took a little side trip to Coronado Island where we stopped at Marie Calendar's for some yummy desserts and then to the del Coronado hotel for a little sightseeing and shopping. Before we left we took a little walk around the exterior of the hotel which is on the beach. It was really beautiful with the sound of the waves as they came in off of the ocean or bay. We went back to our rooms to watch a playoff game between the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks to see who would be going to the World Series. The Rockies won.

Newport Beach LDS Temple

We woke up early on Saturday morning and hurried to make our appointment at the Newport Beach temple at 8:30 am. It is a beautiful temple that is quite different than the San Diego temple. It is a light pinkish beige in color and at the time it was built the neighborhood was very critical of. It is that color because it has to coordinate with the homes and scenery in that area. Bob and Barbara were asked to be the witness couple during this session and it was fun to have them given this opportunity. After the session Scott, Annette and the children met us for lunch at a place call Pei Wei, a fast food PF Changs. It was really yummy. We then took off to see Dan and Nancy and Kaye and Ted's time shares at Marriott in Newport Beach. They were absolutely gorgeous and so family oriented. We then began our trip back to San Diego with a couple of stops on the way, first being Balboa Park where the walked and visited on the beach and another being Laguna Beach at sunset. It was a really fun clean beach with lots of families and surfers and barbecues going on.

Walking on the beach at Balboa Park

Sunset at Laguna Beach with Billy and Barbara in the left corner background

The next morning we woke up to attend church at the San Diego 10th ward UC Branch/Deaf Blind Ward. The meeting started at 10:00 am. We arrived with a few minutes to spare and had a few extra minutes to take pictures of the meetinghouse. It is always fun to visit a different building and the different auxilliaries. It is such a small world and as we listened to testimonies Billy and I noticed that a woman who bore her testimony looked so familiar. I saw her again in Relief Society and after Nancy got the courage to talk to her I quickly went over to her as she was explaining that she had a brother who played ball for BYU. I asked what sport and sure enough it was baseball. Her brother is Jake Stubblefield. Her name is Emily and we visited with her at the games when Wade played ball. The meetings were very good and we had the opportunity to give input to the Sunday School lesson on following good examples in the New Testament. It was nice visiting with other sisters as you come to feel the same warm spirit everywhere in the church. It was fun for Billy to be able to share in the Finnish language with an older lady in the ward. She and her husband are both Finn's.

After church we stopped by Old Town to get a bite to eat and to visit the Mormon Battalion site. We ate at a really good Mexican Restaurant called Cafe Coyote. It was really yummy food and was close by the Memorial.

The Mormon Battalion Visitors Center
The Mormon Battalion were volunteer men who joined the service from 1846-47. They started the trek in Council Bluffs, and ended in San Diego, CA. They chose not to wear the government uniforms, instead used their money to give to the church to help the westward movement to Utah. They were a unique group as they were the only religious group in the US. It was very interesting. We quickly left for the airport and to drop off our cars at the car rental. It was a fun trip and to visit other areas, but most of all it was fun being with great friends.

This is in reply to a tag blog on Amy's blog.

1. Best thing I cooked last week? Cooking for two is not very exciting, but we had a pasta, vegetable medley
2. If money, time and babysitting were no object, where would you go and with whom? Hands down I would pick up all of our children and grandchildren and go to Disney World for a week, then I would like to visit the temple with all of my children and their spouses, then I would take each of my grandchildren one on one for a week and just talk and play and jump on the tramp and cook fun things together and communicate with them about anything and have the weather be warm enough to lay outside on the lawn and look at the stars and dream. I would then take all of my boys and grandsons to Cooperstown to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
3. When was the last time you cried? Last night watching the best movie I have seen in a long long time. It is called the "Ultimate Gift". I don't know why people are not knocking down doors to see this. It was life changing.
4. 5 things you were doing this month 10 years ago. October 19971. I was loving the fact that I was a new grandma to our tiny little McKenzie. At that time they lived with us for a couple of months and then close by in Springville and we had the blessing of visiting often. 2. I was making McKenzie a daffodil Halloween costume that grandchildren are still wearing. 3. Working at the District every day.
5 things on your to do list today: 1. Visit my brother in the hospital. 2. Get caught up at work. 3. Go to a viewing of my neighbors father. 4. Participate in a productive FHE by studying the Preach My Gospel book. 5. Call my grandkids and children wherever they might be.
6. 6 favorite snacks: 1. Fresh raw almonds roasted in the oven at 325 for 20 minutes. Yum 2. Fresh tortillas sauteed and then rolled up and dipped in homemade ranch dressing. yummy 3. Fresh oranges or bananas 4. Mixed fruit yogurt with clumpy rich granola mixed in.
7. 5 bad habits: 1. Asking for people to do things that I can do for myself 2. Being too task oriented that I don't stop to smell the roses 4. I have a habit of getting somewhere just in the nick of time, like when we work in the temple I know just exactly how long it will take me to get there and get dressed so I'm not late. It drives Billy crazy.
8. 5 favorite foods: 1. Toasted home grown thick tomato sandwiches with nothing but butter, salt and pepper and tomatoes. 2. Salmon drizzled with honey and soy sauce topped with Mango Salsa and 3. Sara's recipe for Cafe Rio chicken salad. 4. Chile Rellenos 5. Lettuce Wraps from Pei Wei, or is it Wei, Pei. 6. I also love barbecued hamburgers on homemade buns.
9. 5 places I've been: Recently, New York and San Diego, but I have traveled to Washington DC, Finland, Recife, Brazil, various cities in Europe and Virginia Beach, but St. George and the Sacramento area has to be one of my favorites this year.
10. 10 favorite memories: Having lived 57 plus years I have too many to list, but here are a few but not in any order. 1.Giving birth to each of my 5 children. 2. Marrying the man of my dreams in the temple. 3. Seeing the beautiful color of fish while snorkeling in Hanama Bay. 4. Seeing our children graduate from college. 5. Being present to witness the miracle of birth with Brynn. Seeing the happines and true joy of our sons and sons-in-law as they shed tears at becoming a parent to a new little one. 6. Playing spoons in bed with our 80 year old Grandma Beck. 7. Taking care of my mother and father in their final days. 8. Watching Wader #5 make those unbelieveable plays for BYU. 9. Sitting in front of the fireplace as Emily gave me a visual display on a white board of the step by step reproductive process as she was studying for her anatomy final. 10. The night Billy received the word that he had been hired as Food Service Coordinator for Nebo School District.

St. George Marathon

The Fans


Scott, McKenzie, Delaney, Cooper, Boston,
Grandpa Billy and Emily's friend Chris were at mile marker 24 to cheer on the runners.










Annette was the first one in at 4 hours and 13 minutes. To look at Annette you would think that it was a breeze for her, but she became ill about 6 miles before the end of the race, but what a trooper, she kept going until she finished.

Annette at the 24 mile marker.





Emily at the 24 mile marker holding her head high.
Emily was feeling great at this point, but soon later she was feeling the pains of a marathon. Later in the evening she and Annette had a massage given by one of Scott and Annette's friends that seemed to sooth a few of the aches and pains they were experiencing.

Emily came in at around 4 hours and 40 minutes. She had been training with her roomate Chelsey and they both did well in the race. They are not only students but try to keep active by running every chance they get.

Emily at the end of the race.

After the race we quickly left for Delaney's soccer game. It was so fun to see her playing with her friends and scoring goals to help her team out. Delaney is a fast little runner and a great soccer player.

Here is a fun shot with Delaney's team members after they finished their game. Cute little girls.

Delaney Vest's Baptism and Confirmation into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

This past weekend we had the opportunity of traveling to St. George to witness the baptism of our granddaughter Delaney Vest. Delaney turned 8 on September 20th, 2007. What a beautiful young lady she was as she entered the waters of baptism. Delaney was baptized and confirmed by her father Scott in the Morningside Ward. The baptism program was presented by the stake with a talk about baptism and a talk on the Holy Ghost given by Delaney's Grandpa Billy. Grandpa compared the Holy Ghost to the warmth of a blanket protecting us from the cold in the winter time. Just as the warm blanket makes us feel warm and protected, the Holy Ghost can help us feel warm and protected also. When we seek the companionship of the Holy Ghost, it will give us a warm loving feeling and we will feel safe knowing that we have someone with us to protect, guide and help us all of the time. The children then sang a song together entitled "I Know That Jesus Lives." Three of the children were from the Morningside Ward, Delaney, Chastin and David. The children were then confirmed members of the church and welcomed into the ward by the primary presidency and bishopric.

After the baptism we all gathered together for a family picture. Katie, Bud with Porter, Grammy Sharon with Dakota, Grandpa Ed, Ryan, Craig, Erin, Brielle, Scott with Boston, Annette, Grandpa Billy, Grandma Rowene and Emily. In front is Cooper, Baylee, Delaney and McKenzie. Missing from the picture due to Cub Scout committments were Wade and Sara.

Next we were off to the soccer game of Cooper held on the college field. Cooper and his buddies were so fun to watch. Cooper and his friend Luke made several goalies and most importantly they were made through assistance from one another.

After the game we went back to Scott and Annette's for a wonderful lunch prepared by Scott and Annette (Cafe Rio) . It was fun to visit with the Bodily's again as we enjoyed the wonderful meal and yummy desserts of chocoate pudding bundt cake and brownies.

Thanks Delaney for allowing us to be a part of this wonderful blessing. We're so proud of your decision at such an important time in your life.

We love you!

Bill and Rowene Vest Family Reunion 2007

On September 14th, 15th and 16th we celebrated our 6th annual Bill and Rowene Vest Family Reunion. Previously we have vacationed in San Diego, KOA in Nephi, Vest Family Home, Priest Lake, Vest Family Home, Pine Valley Cabin and this year at Scott and Annette's and Wade and Sara's home and the Abbey Inn in St. George. Our pictures speak for themselves as we enjoyed being together again.

This is one of our favorite places in St. George.

We began our reunion on Friday morning by eating a wonderful breakfast at the Abbey Inn then going for a swim in the pool. We enjoyed having the pool to ourselves as we dawned our swim gear, intertubes, boats, flotation devices and floaties for our peace of mind and safety. We had goggles and snorkles to boot for all of the young avid swimmers. We had some fun contests where the competition was stiff. The most graceful jump into the pool was by Wade as he hiked his trunks up high and jumped in like a dork. McKenzie won the contest for the best Charpae from High School Musical 2, Brynn for the prettiest and Spencer for the spinning entrance. It was a fun time to laugh and let our hair down.

We then went to Scott and Annette's home where Jenn, Chad provided all of the supplies for each of the families to make their own marshmallow shooters.

While the children were making their shooters Annette pulled out the arts and craft project where the kids created their own designs out of brightly colored beads. After creating their masterpeice Annette and McKenzie pressed the design with a hot iron to set the design in place.

They made some beautiful designs. We then all went back to our rooms for a rest to get ready for the grandchildren to have their pictures taken. Annette had purchased cream colored polo shirts for the little boys and cream tops for the girls that were adorable. The color scheme was perfect!

Thanks Annette for the color coordination. Great Job!!!

At 6:00 pm we met in the grassy area behind Pizza Factory where we met a photographer named Ashlee. The little boys struggled with the picture but even though it was a difficult task they looked so cute. Later the girls had their picture taken together and we got some cute shots. Wade and Chad then went to Cafe Rio to pick up our dinner and we went to Cox Park in St. George for a picnic. It was yummy.

We then traveled quickly to Tuacahn to attend the outdoor show of Cinderella. It was the Rodgers and Hammerstein version and was really entertaining. The night was not too hot as St. George can be in September. It was a lovely evening. On the way home Brynn, Delaney and Abbey commented that their favorite part was the wedding(Delaney and Brynn) and when they kissed (Abby). We all chuckled at their favorite scenes. Then Grandpa kissed Grandma and

WOW did they ever laugh!

Saturday we woke up early and after a hearty breakfast of Belgium waffles, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, fresh fruit, juices and yogurt we traveled to the Red Rock above St. George for our family hike. Cooper was brave as he with the help of Wader climbed the steep red rocks of St. George. It was a very warm day but a great little hike for the fam. Spencer and McKenzie were super troopers as they lead the way through the narrows. We were more than ready for the pool when we finished our hike.

The kids had another day of fun, fun, fun as they played and played in the pool. Brynn's favorite trick was blowing air down her swim suit until her whole suit made her look like a human marshmallow. It was so fun to see her belly laugh at how funny she was.

Abby geared up with all of the swimming paraphenalia that she could find and used it however she chose.
Next we went back home for a rest and then to Scott and Annette's for a barbecue, games and visiting. Grandpa, McKenzie and Taylor (McKenzie's friend) filled a couple hundred balloons up with water for all of the children in the family to take turns aiming and firing at various targets. A couple went into the neighbors yard were the neighbor children quickly noticed and came to join us. It was so much fun. A definite game to play again next year. Another game we played was with a huge parachute. Amy used her teaching skills to teach us quickly how to make our own family balloon inside the parachute. It was a fun activity for everyone to participate in no matter what age.

After visiting together and playing games the men and boys in the family went to the neighbors to watch the BYU vs. Tulsa football game while the girls visited and Annette gave pedicures to the girls. Later we went upstairs to watch the end of the movie Cinderella Story. It was a really fun evening as we treated ourselves to a yummy serving of ice cream. We retired to our rooms for a good nights sleep.

Early Sunday morning we woke up and Grandpa went to Scott and Annette's to see who would like to come and join us for a hearty breakfast. While they were all enjoying their breakfast we received a call from Amy Joe saying Abby brought it to her attention that she must call Grandpa commenting "Grandpa forgot your youngest daughter for breakfast." Where does she think of those comments?

We attended church as a family at Wade and Sara's ward. They have a wonderful ward. The children were very reverent and After sacrament meeting we went back to Scott and Annette's for pulled pork and salads and fresh salsa and fresh fruit. It was so yummy! Scott and Annette fixed our meal with the help of several other family members.

Sunday afternoon was spent visiting and relaxing at Scott and Annette's. Emily and her friend Chris had fun entertaining the kids as well as we adults.

Slowly one by one the family began giving our hugs and saying our good-byes and heading for our various destinations. It was strange having Amy go home the other direction to Woodland. What a wonderful weekend. It could not have been any better except to have Joe be able to join us. We missed you Joe! Families are the best!