A few things we have been up to

Christian's Wedding

This day was absolutely beautiful, from the Sealing and the spirit that was there to the love of the bride and groom. Janay looked amazing and Christian was adorably in Love. Me, Kristen and Kimberly

My Birthday
My Sweet and Amazing husband took me to San Fran for an awsome birthday week end. We stayed at really nice hotel 2 blocks from Union Square. We ate amazing food, shopped, went to Pier 39 and saw Wicked with the best seats in the house. It was such a perfect weekend. He is the best husband ever and I can't thank him enough for constantly making all my dreams come true.

Logan's Graduation

I know it was a while ago, but it I just had to let him know how proud I am of him for doing so well in school, and for the choices he is trying to make in life. I love you Loges.

Camping With the Young Women

We decided as a Presidency that we were going to take the Young Women to the Dillon's Beach and go camping. It was quite an eExhausting, Memorable and fun Adventure, filled with kite flying, skim boarding, smore making, scary stories around the campfire and lots of bonding.

The Priesthood Chaperones that had to set up all the tents, start the fire and listen to giggling squeeling girls all night..... They had a blast.

The Barrow Family Reunion
We spent a beautiful day at the Gridley Pavillion hanging out, eating and visiting with Family. It was such a wonderful experience to get to know Gene's exstended family and alittle bit about our geneology.

The boys just being goofy

Gene and his brothers slid down well bounced down this slide over and over again and then would come to a pile up at the bottom it was hilarious.

Marc and Kristen got Engaged.

We are all sooooo excited and can't wait for the wedding these two are just absolutely adorable.To Mendo We Go Again....

We had the best time in Mendocino as usual. Everything is so beautiful, we had this amazing little house up in the redwood forest that was absolutely perfect for the Boys because they wanted to spend time paintballing. (don't worry we used biodegradable clear paintballs, we would never want to destroy nature) It had this perfect little arena where the boys could play and everyone else could watch. It was quite fun. Kelly and I even had to play alittle to make the teams even. We went to the beach and to the botanical gardens because of course I had to see the dahlia garden when they are in bloom, and there was a wedding that was going to be held there that day so it was particularly beautiful. We walked around old Mendocino, and had a picnic on the beach. It was so fun to just relax and enjoy being together as a family.

View from the pathway to the Dahlia Garden The Boys and Kelly all geared up

Janay contemplating playing with us

Parker showing off is skills

Kim and Kristen getting ready to set up thier chairs and cheer us on

One of my Favorite places, look how huge that flower head is

Yosemite
We had wonderful time in Yosemite even though it was a little rainy and overcast when we went. By the time we go to the top of the mountain to overlook the Valley the clouds started to clear, the sun came out and a rainbow appeared. The pictures don't do it justice it truley was a beautiful site.

While in Yosemite we did a lot of walking and hiking. We went to all the waterfalls and hiked the first few miles of half dome. Let me tell you the wet small straight up staircase that went up forever with no railing almost did me in on the way down. I definately had to have Gene by my side telling me I wasn't going to slip and fall all the way down. We enjoyed Yosemite Village ate delicious food and of course had ice cream. I can't go anywhere with out having ice cream.

Yeah Our Camera is fixed

The first picture taken with our camera. It feels like forever and I have a ton of things to post now that we have our camera back and can upload everything. So brace your self they are kind of long. Gene and I on our way to have Tempura and Chicken before one of our Ballroom Dance classes.

To Mexico, We Go

So we started our adventure by leaving at 10:00pm the night before we were supposed to be in San Diego. We drove all night long and arrived there at 7:00 am where we then proceeded to find the nearest Denny's and started our all week binge fest. After Denny's we still could not board the ship until noon so we headed to where else...Walmart, where else would you go if you needed something anywhere in America, and then Sam's Club looking for sunglasses. After which we found a parking spot in the cruise line lot and took a much needed nap. Around 11:30 we headed to the gate and got on smoothly, all was well, except Bryson was not feeling very well at all. poor Bryson=( After boarding we had lunch were we found the all you can eat ice cream machines which we had to have at least 2-3x per day for the next 5 days he hee. Some of the Highlights of the trip:

* Being with the Solomon's we had so much fun and love spending time with besties he hee. Thanks for going with us guys you are AWSOME. We <3>

* The all you can eat ice cream machine, the 3-4 scoops of ice cream I had every night at dinner, and the molton chocolate lava cake. he hee

* The hypnotist was hillarious and the evening shows were quite entertaining with the lovely 80 style costumes.. mmm interesting.

* Ending every evening with a new towel animal.

* Carrie and I in our matching outfits for the elegant evening. No joke black and white patterned skirts and black tops, with curled hair, and even the matching purses. It was hilarious, and such a coincidence. We both had no clue what the other was wearing.

* Watching the whales breaching and spraying, so close to our little catamaran.

* Sitting at the front of the catamaran and just relaxing as I watched the beautiful coast line and water around me I could have done that for 3 days. Bryson on the other hand, Not so much.

* Snorkeling and relaxing in Cabo. It was so beautiful .... we had such an amazing time.

* Traveling to the La Buffadora and walking through the Mexican flea market for some shopping, churros and tacos that made us late for the bus back to the ship, but they were worth it.

* Gene and Bryson's water balloon fight. It was quite a dead area on the ship, but once the kids saw how much fun the Big boys were having the all rushed over and it became quite a popular spot.

* Resting and relaxing in our room and by the pool, playing cards in the library, listening to Larry in the Kareokee lounge, and dancing in the clubs ( ha ha) and in the "party" area, "go red team, go red team go."

* Sea World was a ton of fun, perfect day, and hardly any people it was great no lines anywhere. All the shows were entertaining and we now have yearly passes. So we must go back to see Shamu #4 again, and again, and again.

* Seeing the beauty of San Diego's Balboa park and botanical gardens. The architecture and landscape was absolutely breathtaking.

* Taking a tour of the U.S.S Midway. We were on that ship for over two hours and did not even see half of it. It is crazy how huge those navy ships are and all that goes on inside to run it and take care of all those on board. I have such an appreciation for all those that serve our great country, Thanks Sean.

* The movie "Paul Blart-Mall Cop" and more ice cream before we headed home for our long drive. Where in we laughed, sang, and drank more Dr. Pepper than ever to stay awake. Thanks Bryson.

I can't wait to do it again!!!! Viva La MEXICO!!!!

Getting ready to board the ship

Gene trying to entertain us with his skills at lunch

I wanted the vanilla frozen yogurt and the chocolate ice cream of course they don't come out of the same machine, so I improvised.Gene and Bryson prepping for the water balloon fightAfter the battleMy favorite towel animal... I love Monkey'sThe beautiful arc in Cabo that we saw from our catamaran as we were heading to our snorkeling spot.Gene sitting at the head of the boatDrinking hot chocolate on the bow of the ship, just the two of us after a great day in Mexico Soaking in the view at the La BuffadoraThe Solomon's at La Buffadora
I wanted a Pina Colada and a Strawberry Daquire (virgin of course) and they couldn't mix them so I just got both, and we relaxed on the top of the ship and watched the sun go down over the ocean.
The Solomons just before one of our evening shows.
Us goofing off in the Kareokee lounge (Sorry Bill and Larry)


Miniature golfing on the tip top of the ship
Me and Gene getting ready to duke it out he hee


The Solomon's and the ship at night (both so pretty)

I just love this picture I think it is one of my favorites I just had to post it

Gene and I in an iceburg at the Antarctic exhibit with the beluga whales and the polar bears at Sea World. All of us except Gene prepping for the excitement that was awaiting us in the Sea Cow (Manatee) Exhibit.The Amazing Shamu (well not the original but like Shamu # 4)!!!

The Dolphin show, where the lady totally biffed it running to the rope, those crazy Sea world workers.I can't remember what it's called but it was beautiful Part of Balboa Park

Gene and Bryson trapped in the brig
Carrie and I also Gene and Bryson pretending to be manicans

Don't they blend in so well, especially Gene with his $8.00 Walmart Aviator glasses

The End of our great trip.

A Quick December

We began our Holiday Season with the Christmas Stroll on Plumas Street. We were volunteered to be in charge of the Santa booth for the City's Annual Chirstmas Stroll. It was Quite the event. Gene was the photographer taking pitures of hundreds of kids and thier families, and I was the developer, printing off all of the pictures and making sure that everyone was happy. It was quite the act of service, but by the end of the night we were having a good time. Here is a picture of the boys just before we became Santa's little helpers.

Gene, Christian and Marc

Our next activity was my mom and Bill's Hawaiian Christmas Lual. It was quite fun. We had delicous strawberry coconut smoothies, pulled pork sandwiches and fruit. We also had a poster contest where each person or team had to draw a picture of one of the twleve days of Christmas in Hawaiian and then we all sang it holding up our posters when it became our turn. After that we played limbo and as you can see the boys were tearing it up. I was surprised how low they could go.

Look at them go...

Marc

Christianand the Winner is. . . . Logan!!!!

The next weekend Mom, Bill, Gene and I went up to Nevada City for thier Victorian Christmas. I was a really fun night. We walked the up and down the little old streets and looked at all cute unique little shops and ate at a little restaurant that served delicious prime rib and salmon. We then looked at all the lights and listened to the christmas carolers and the sidewalk orchestra, and then we got chocolate and bananna filled crepes mmm so good, and I also got a large bag of Kettle corn. It is one of my favorite things to eat fresh hot kettle corn, and so that is what I asked for and made sure that my bag was fresh and hot. Needless to say we all munched on it all the way home and I had half a bag left by the time we got home. Oh, well next year I know to get two bags he hee.

It was so cold we were all bundled up in our down coats, hats, wraps and gloves. You would have thought we had lived in Utah or something. he hee

Bill, Mom, Me and Gene

On Christmas Eve we had the annual Barrow family christmas party and game night. It was a ton of fun. Although we missed Linell, Heidi, Robyn, Darrin and thier families. They are always such a fun and creative bunch. he hee. But Charlene did a great job colaborating with Heidi for our family history trivia game. Which my group lost, but Gene's group won and we got to share the prize....a large pack of gum and these nasty hillbilly teeth. You probably can't see them very well in this picture, but they were hilariously discusting and looked so real especially Ryan's. OH, so gross ha ha ha...

Sterling, Parker and Kim...don't they look comfy!!

Finally Christmas day, We had a wonderful christmas morning together just Gene and I opening our two christmas presents from eachother. It took all of about 5 mins. he hee After wich we looked at eachother and laugh at how quickly the time goes by when there is just two of you. At around 8 we went over to my mom's and opened gifts with the family. I don't know what it is about gifts, but I love to watch other peoples faces when they open gifts, it is my favorite part. To see thier eyes light up and the big smiles that they get, I just love it. After we cleaned everything up we went back over to our house to start our traditional Christmas breakfast. This is the one where all the boys are in the kitchen cooking breakfast and all the girls are sitting in the living room chatting it is wonderful.

The crazy kids

Mom and La-wen

Me and Tay

Mom and Loges

Mom and Bill The breakfast Crew

The Goods Before they were devoured
Just Plain Silly

We had a wonderful christmas season full of all kinds of fun activites, parties and family get togethers.

Happy Thanksgiving

This year was another wonderful Thanksgiving. My mom and I made a delicous Thanksgiving dinner, we had great company, and a surprise visit from Alexis and her kids. It was so great to see them on Thanksgiving, her kids are growing up so fast and are so adorable. Thanks for stopping by, it is always fun to catch up. We miss our family in Utah.

Me and Gene Me and Mom getting ready to carve the turkey

Me and Mom cooking away... Mom and Bill (We are excited he is here for the Holidays)Gene relaxing after eating his big plate of food

Logan waiting to start eating (What a silly boy)

YES, on Proposition 8

This election year Gene and I have been extremely involved in helping to support the Yes, on Prop 8 Camaign. We have walked streets, made phone calls, delivered signs, and so on. I only bring this up because it is something that is extrmely important to us. I believe that MARRIAGE is and should remain between a MAN and a WOMAN. This propsition is not about taking away rights of same sex couples, or even discriminating against them. It is about the sancity and the definition of the word Marriage, and I can not stand by ,not help or not do anything for a principle that I believe in. I have family members and friends that are gay and lesbian, this does not change the way that I think of them, it does not change how much I love and care about them. This proposition is not about them, but about marriage. They will continue to have the same rights and privelages under the law and would still be able to have their unions reccognized, just not labled "Marriage". If this Proposition does not pass, a lot of things are going to change, and probably not for the good of our State. Here are a few examples of what is going on in other States that have allowed same sex marriage:

Four Consequences If Proposition 8 Fails

(I found this on a friends blog)

1. Children in public schools will be taught that both traditional marriage and same-sex marriage are okay.The California Education Code already requires that health education classes instruct children about marriage. Therefore, if the definition of marriage is changed, children will be taught that marriage is a relation between any two adults. There will be serious clashes between the secular school system and the right of parents to teach their children their own values and beliefs.

2. Churches will be sued if they refuse to allow same-sex marriage ceremonies in their religious buildings that are open to the public. Ask whether your pastor, priest, minister, bishop, or rabbi is ready to perform such marriages in your chapels and sanctuaries.

3. Religious adoption agencies will be challenged by government agencies to give up their long-held right to place children only in homes with both a mother and a father. Catholic Charities in Boston has already closed its doors because of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts.

4. It will cost you money. A change in the definition of marriage will bring a cascade of lawsuits. Even if courts eventually find in favor of a defender of traditional marriage (highly improbable given today’s activist judges), think of the money – your money, your church contributions – that will have to be spent on legal fees.

And think of all the unintended consequences that we cannot even foresee at this time. Where will it end?It’s your children, your grandchildren, your money, and your liberties.

I am not trying to force anyone to believe what I believe, I am only trying to get out the facts and make people think about what they want.

Letha's Birthday

Ok so I have been really busy and haven't had time to update, but I wanted to post Leatha's 8oth Birthday, because we had such a fun time, all of us all cramped into a cabin. he hee. It really was fun, and relaxing though. We spent the weekend at Gene's uncles brothers cabin in Sierra City I think, anyways it was dang cold outside, and we had to keep two fires going to keep us all warm inside. Jeff cooked amazing meals, and we ate tons and tons of junk food, played lots games, read books, gave eachother manicures, laughed, looked at old family photos, went to church at the smallest chapel ever built in a brach of 30 people. We also listened to Grampa Gene's testimony when he was released from the Stake Pres. (very emotional). We had so many wonderful memorable moments, and I learned so much about the history of the Barrow family. Thank you again Linell for putting it all together.