Wakeboarding

Do you ever have those experiences that make you feel like a gimp? An old lady who waddles down the side walk because of her old spiny back? I thought I was sore after snowboarding. Wakeboarding is by far more painful. But completely worth it.

Jace has been talking about going out on the boat since I started dating him. Somehow yesterday the stars aligned and we were able to go with Steve and Claire--two of my new favorite people. I love trying new things. I got up at 0630, yes the cruel hour it is, to Jace at my door with a big grin on his face. I have never seen him so excited. He was like a little kid on Christmas morning. The water was a bit chilling but I wrapped up in a robe and started to watch. After a few fun runs by the professionals the newbies got to try. Steve was the first to go then it was my turn. I wasn't brave enough to try the ski yet--that will be next time--but I had a blast on the wakeboard. I had a few frustrating episodes trying to get up for the first time but once my brain clicked there I got up! By the end I was even trying to cross the wake. I almost did it before I face planted it. Jace even taught me to drive the boat so he could go out. I'm still rusty at that. More practice will be required. The hardest part was seeing over the top. Oh the curse of shortness continues :D. Jace has me hooked now. I can't wait to go out again to the smooth mirror-like water! Even if that means getting up at 0630.

Yup that's me. Hard to believe right?!

Claire, Steve, and Jace chilling on the back.

Jace & I we finally have a picture together!

River

Saturday was HOT! I know the word comes duh comes to mind. Jace and I joined Levi, Crystal, and Cheryl to float down the Provo river. The water was FREEZING! Sunscreen on, tube in hand I went out into the water. 200ft later I flipped into the river. I thought the water was cold in the beginning, nope I couldn't breath for several seconds. Luckily Jace had caught my tube and I climbed out and up through the brush. I have several scratches and bruises to prove it. I quite enjoyed the rest of the floating experiencing. Especially after my bum and feet went completely numb. I even got a pretty decent arm workout. I only managed to flip myself in one more time at the end. I think my leg hair grew about an inch though. The sun decided to hide while we were on the river but popped out again afterward. Saturday was a perfect day. I defrosted, showered, and spent the night playing games with Jace, Steve, and Claire. Did I mention Jace can cook? The boys fed us really well. I think I finally warmed up by the end of the night.

Oregon

Over the 4th of July I did something slightly crazy. I spent approximately 3o hours in a car. Doing what you might ask? Driving to and all over Oregon. My parents, sisters, and I piled into the Acura and drove to Portland. My dad grew up in Oregon and I've never seen where he grew up. So I tagged along. We drove to Portland and saw just how big a city it is. I am not a city girl at all. Too many things in the way. My dad showed us his old high school, his bike route around the town, his old house, and my Great grandma's house. I was reminded of a little town in a movie while driving through there. After the trip down memory lane we crashed at the hotel and ate dinner at red robin. Fries and a chicken wrap are the best things in the world. Not a bad way to end the day.

Sunday we got up and attended church at my dad's old ward. It was funny to watch people recognize him. Lets face it my dad has gotten older and has a few more grey hairs. But some of the older ladies still recognized him with all the changes. They started to tell stories and I found out what a crazy kid my dad really was. After church I met the infamous Uncle Tom. I have heard stories about him growing up. And they were all true! We all walked in and were afraid to sit down because of the cat urine smell and the junk everywhere. Moving on from that quick visit we all crammed in the car again and drove to the Coast.

My Uncle David and Aunt Lori live in the quiet coast line of Oregon. Check one thing off my Bucket List. I love their house, tucked away on a hillside. I haven't seen my cousins in a while. I can't believe how much bigger they are. Dinner was fantastic, a great way to kick off the fourth of July. We did fireworks afterward and all crashed. I of course was teased and questioned about Jace. Gotta love family right.

The rest of the week was spent doing a variety of activities. My favorite was the boat ride. We all crammed into a speed boat and did a tour of the river. My legs and arms got some sun! Our guide kept spinning us around and jumping through rapids. We got soaked. My parents in the back just got plastered over and over again. I also got to participate in the adult dinner. Its weird to think sometimes. I'm an adult now. The other point of the trip was see my grandma. She managed to trip and twist her ankle while breaking two bones in her elbow. Poor grandma. It was a lot of fun to see her again.

The worst part of the vacation was leaving their gorgeous house and driving 16 hours back to Utah. Kristi, Kalli, and I watched Gilmore Girls, slept, took pictures, read and did everything we could to pass the time. Lots of breaks, food, and ice cream also helped to pass the time. I've been to Oregon and back! Gotta love family vacations.