•9:01 PM
Hi, everyone! Not sure if anyone is still checking out this blog, but if you are, we've got a new blog. Please go to http://theyoungdales.wordpress.com/.
•3:13 PM
I'm having issues with my pictures again. Some will enlarge, and others won't. I don't get it.
•2:40 PM
Jason turned 33 this summer, and where did he want to go to celebrate? Sin City! We had a free room at any one of the Harrah's owned properties, so we took advantage of it and went over Labor Day weekend. And because we're high rollers, we upgraded the room for an extra $40. Oh, ya, we don't mess around.
We also invited one of my best friends, Mike Fleischmann, and his wife, Rebecca. I think the last time Mike and I went on a trip together was back in high school with the band. They flew out and met us there, and we took the scenic route. Once there, we went to Merriman's, which has some really great Italian food for not a lot of money, considering we were in Vegas. Turns out they also have a restaurant in Scottsdale, so if I ever need a fix, it's close by.
Anyway, Jason's main reason for wanting to go to Vegas for his birthday was that Lewis Black was to perform at the Mirage. Lewis Black is Jason's favorite comic, so the show was his birthday gift. Turns out the night of the show was Lewis Black's birthday, so that was kinda cool.
While we were on our way to the show, we stopped in front of the wax museum at the Venitian, and I took this photo of Jason:
That's as close as he'll ever get!
Unfortunately, we didn't hit it big while we were there. I can't even remember if we broke even. Mike got really lucky and played on some winning slot machines the first night we were there.
All the times I've been to Vegas I never saw a famous person. I think I saw a famous person, this time! I think I saw Johnny Fratto while we were walking through the Venetian. For those of you who don't know who he is, he is friends with Eric the Midget. If you don't know who ETM is, then you need to tune into the Howard Stern show. Anyway, I think it was Johnny Fratto.
•11:06 AM
We were incredibly fortunate to go to Hawaii again this year to visit Jason's sister, Karen, and her husband, Jim. We were there from June 7-15, and of course it was wonderful! We got really lucky twice while we were there.
The first lucky moment for us was that we had planned our trip during the week that Hawaii celebrates King Kamehameha Day, and we didn't even know it until much later. This day is a big deal for the people of Hawaii, and it was so great to celebrate a state holiday with them. There was a parade in the morning with small floats and beautiful princesses representing each island. Next to the Rose Parade, I think this parade uses the most flowers. (That might be a slight exaggeration, but they did use a lot of gorgeous flowers). Then after the parade we went to the community center for some delicious mixed plates, local Hawaiian bands and music, and hula dancing.
Our second lucky moment had to do with the Kilauea Volcano. It erupted the week before our trip, and we were so fortunate to see smoke and gas rising from vents in the crator, as well as watching the lava flow into the ocean! I cannot even begin to describe what it feels like to see that sight. It reminded of me of fireworks, but so much more spectacular.
After King Kamehameha Day and Kilauea, the next most incredible thing we did was drive to the top of Mauna Kea and stand on top of the world. We were at almost 14,000 feet above sea level and the view was breathtaking. Looking out, instead of an ocean of water, we had what looked like an ocean of clouds. We spent a couple of hours up there before we made the treck back home. Oh, and it was so cold and windy up there. There were even a few patches of snow.
Also on the agenda of our trip included sailing along the Kohala Coast, an overnight trip to Hilo, visiting a lava tree forest, standing at the eastern most point of Hawaii where the cleanest air on Earth is found, checking out waterfalls, taking a swim in the ocean, and of course, taking lots and lots of pictures. Here are a few more of our favorites for your enjoyment.
•11:01 AM
Waaaaaaay back in April, while on their way to Hawaii, Jason's brother, Curt, and his girlfriend, Stacey, stopped by for a short visit in Arizona. This was our first time meeting Stacey, and we're only sorry that we didn't meet her sooner. We love her! We wish we could have spent more time with them, but we'll get to see them again at Christmas.
•10:47 AM
Our good friends, April and David Martinez, recently had a baby girl, Evelyn Rene. She is the sweetest little thing, and we are excited for April and David to be parents. I was so surprised when April asked us to be her Godparents! We are incredibly honored that they asked us and at the same time feel overwhelmed. What an incredible responsibility! If you are reading this, please say a little prayer that we will be good examples for little Evie throughout her life.
•10:44 AM
Now that my sister has made it official on her blog, I am sharing the great news that I am going to be an aunt! The big day is set for June 13, 2009. Jason and I couldn't be happier for Mattie and Paul!
We're also working hard to add a cousin soon!
We're also working hard to add a cousin soon!
