Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Week Two: Texas

It's amazing, I know. You thought I had forgotten all about my need to update about our family vacation. Well, I obviously had you fooled, because here it is. Please be grateful, because I will most likely wake up with the mother of all headaches. Too much screen time can really do a person in.

So. We left Oklahoma on Saturday afternoon. I rode with Haley and Bennett, and it was truly something to remember :) Lots of talking, singing, story telling, laughing... and roaring. I loved it.
After what seemed like a very short trip, we got to Texas and were immediately given a tour of Haley's newly-beautified-completely-put-together-home that seriously looks like it came straight out of Better Homes and Gardens. We were all very impressed with her decorating skills. Well, impressed, and a little intimidated. Some people have it, some people don't. Anyway, along with an eye for decorating, Haley is also the most organized person I know. For example, one time I needed a paperclip. I opened all the drawers that, to me, seemed like a suitable place for a paperclip. But no. Haley quickly took me to the back room, opened a coat closet, reached to the highest shelf, grabbed the box labeled "paperclips" (silly me,) opened it, and lo and behold-- there they were! I don't know what I was thinking. I should've known that everything has a specific spot, and everything is actually in that spot. With its own label. :) Again, some people have it, some don't. 

On Sunday we went to church with Haley and it was really good. I mean, church is always good. But it turns out that it's just a little better when you get to eat fruit snacks during sacrament meeting (thanks, Bennett.) It's a shame children don't realize how lucky they are until it's too late. 
On this day, Mary and Wayne, and Bekah and Nathan also came to Haley's for dinner. It was lots of fun to see Bekah and Nathan again. We miss them in Rexburg!

To be honest, I don't remember what we did on what day after that. But I do know we did lots of fun things. I regret that I don't have very many pictures from this week, but I will share what I do have.

On one day, Haley took us to her gym. We thought it would be really fun to do Zumba together. If you have ever seen any of us dance, you can understand why we thought this would be fun. Lets just say that none of us took it too seriously. We couldn't, or we would end up completely humiliating ourselves. Despite our lack of dance skills, we were very excited about it. And let me tell you, it was sooo great. I seriously loved it and was excited for all of us to go back again for a round of yoga before the week was over...
However, a few days later when the time came for us to get in the car and head back to the gym, I was, for some reason, the only one ready and willing. So, obviously, I wasn't going to go. Who wants to go to a strange gym in Texas and do yoga for the first time all by themselves. Not me. I think I'll pass. 
Next thing I know, I'm in the car driving to the gym. 
I, of course, acted very confident as I walked in (late,) laid down my little mat thing and jumped right into the position everyone around me was holding. Then I realized I had shoes on. Crap. No one else has shoes on? I lost my image of confidence right in that moment-- I wanted to stand up and shake off the nerves with a confession that I was a new comer and I had no clue what I was doing. But instead, I sheepishly headed to the back of the dimly lit room and took my shoes off. After that minor setback, I was right back on my mat and holding the warrior 1 stance. In no time at all, I was very relaxed and actually enjoying myself. On top of that, I learned some great things--like how to kegel :) Needless to say, I loved the whole experience. I think it's something I could actually get into. 
If that gym wasn't all the way in Texas.

Another thing that we had the privilege of participating in was 3:00 ice cream. That's right. Everyday at 3:00 we would all head to the back patio and indulge in a delicious almond fudge ice cream cone. This tradition is one that Haley, Bennett, and Jace (Bennett's little friend) are all accustomed to. But for us new people, it seemed like we were living the dream. I loved 3:00 ice cream time, not only because it was a yummy treat, but also because it was a time where we would all sit around and just talk for a while. Here are Grandpa and Bennett enjoying each other's company.
The week that we were in Texas also happened to be the final week of The Bachelorette. I know, I know. You're thinking, "She watches The Bachelorette?! But that show is so stupid!" Yes. Yes it is. It's a guilty pleasure. Moving on. After watching the whole season, I was not about to miss the final episode only to find out who won by reading some random person's facebook status. And I was certainly not about to watch it alone. 
So...
I gathered the family (even my dad) and we watched it together. As you can see, they were thrilled :)
(In all reality, they were thrilled. You should've heard my mom and dad rooting for JP. What you are seeing in this picture is nothing more than a few people trying to look cool so no one picks up on the fact that they could actually like such a stupid show.)

Ok. So, have you ever seen a sign with your name on it? Like a restaurant, or a store, or a street name? Because I feel like cool things like that always happen to people. But not me. That is, until this trip! As we were driving one day I saw a street called, "Courtney Lane!" I, not wanting to pass up any opportunities, made sure to get a picture with this sign. It took a few days to get everyone to go with me, but one night after a fantastic dinner at the Olive Garden, we decided it was the perfect time. Yes!
 
Can you just see the joy? Also, my mom's maiden name is Hill, so that was like an added bonus.
 Right next to Courtney Lane, there is a park that Haley and Bennett like to go to. We drove over there and ended up at a duck pond. We later realized that this particular duck pond was reserved for any crippled, handicapped, or truly ugly duckling that has ever lived. It was super funny, but we must've had some sympathy because we fed them our olive garden breadsticks. Pretty generous if you ask me. Here is everyone looking out at the ducks, labeling each one with some sort of disease or handicap. (Yes, I did get this picture off of facebook. And Allison Kay Hazard is in it.)
Bennett and I got very brave and walked right up to some of the ducks. They practically ate out of my hand! That is saying a lot, because some of those duck/goose/swans were as big as Bennett. I was scared they might go after him. Or me.
 This was my favorite little white duck. Look at the one in the background. Monstrous.
 Just like a puppy.

 When I asked Bennett where the ducks feathers were this is how he responded...
Such a smart boy. Nothing gets past him.

During the week, we also went to a really fun little water park. It was a struggle getting there (thanks a lot Gar) But once we made it we had a great time playing in the water, laying out, and, for the few and the brave, going down slides. At one point, I was sitting in the pool when a little girl came up to me and started talking about her dad and how he threw a bomb in her house. But "just a bug spray bomb." Oh.....ok. So that's fine then? No. Apparently she is now living with her aunt and uncle. I was horrified. (For some reason pictures from this outing are not on my computer.) 

We also went to Lowes. 
Unloaded the dishwasher :)
And played on a slip n' slide that Matt sent from Iraq for Bennett
 Well, played...
 And watched...
 And slept. Take your pick :)
On our last day in Texas, Haley took us on base and showed us where she will go to pick Matt up. She told us how it will work and we all imagined what a happy reunion it would be for all the families involved. At the time, she still had about three weeks to wait, now she has just a few hours before she will get to see Matt :) I'm glad I can imagine just how it might be.
Haley and Bennett 
 Allison and I were matching!
Our week in Texas was fantastic. Of course, my favorite parts were just the talking parts. Dinner conversations, car ride stories, having sleepovers and talking late into the night. It was the best.

However, I have to say, the week's highlight was listening to Haley explain Teen Wolf to all of us. She doesn't mess around :)

Until next time,
So long

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Peter Pan

Welp, sometimes life is sad. Like when your bestbest friend takes off for college and leaves you behind. Great. Who needs college anyway?  


I hate to get all sentimental on you and everything-- but isn't that cute? We go way back. This was at my sixth birthday party. Becca in her grey sweatsuit and working boots, and me in my party dress and Reebok shoes. Nothing's changed :)

Now we are all grown up, and it's a little bit weird sometimes because we live in different states. Where has the time gone?? Sometimes I want to just go back for a day or two. We could dress up like Peter Pan and sneak around the neighborhood. Fight over the best way to draw a cat. Take a drive in the mini van and hope that no one notices the cat poop on the roof. Play night games and hide in old refrigerator boxes. Ride the bus to school and yell really loud when we go over big bumps. Vandalize our 9th grade locker. Make movies. Go on first dates. Play our first tennis matches. Get in our first car accident. Fall up the stairs on the first day of college. Drag main and do some basic street racing. 

All of it was so great. I could go on and on. But I've already gone way too far. Gotten way too sentimental. I'll stop. 

All I'm trying to say is that we've come a long way. And she's the best.

Anyways. Bye.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Molecules That Make Up Eternity

Is it a little bit ridiculous that I love mormon messages so much?
Maybe.
 But they're so great. 
Who wouldn't love this?

(Don't worry. Week 2: Texas. Coming soon.)

Until next time,
So long

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Okay Okay. I'll Update.

It's just that there's so much. It's overwhelming, and to be honest, I don't know where to start. I have three weeks of vacation to cover, and I'm thinking I'll just post one week at a time. I guess I'll just start writing and see where it goes. Good luck, whoever you are. Remember, there are no expectations to read all of this. Don't feel obligated.

First week: Cleveland, Oklahoma
Lets go back in time. About four weeks ago my parents, my sister Allison, and I packed up the car, hopped in it at 4:30 a.m, and drove to Cleveland, Oklahoma where we met up with my brother and sister and their families for the Little Hazard Reunion (just our immediate family.)

It was so fun to see Griffin, Ashland, and Zoey. They are the cutest little family, and Zoey is such a fun one year old (we celebrated her first birthday while we were there.) She is smiley and loud, and has no teeth at all. Haley and Bennett also drove up from Texas. I always have fun with these two. No matter what.

Before I go on I want to make sure that those who couldn't make it this year know they were missed. Logan, Rachel, Evelyn, Jack, Addy, and Matt. We wish you could've been there!

We were lucky enough to experience the "record breaking" heat that has been going on in the south, and let me tell you, it's pretty horrible. While we were in Cleveland, we read a sign that was posted in front of a Catholic church-- "In Hell, this is cold." They really got me with that. I definitely never want to go to Hell. That scare tactic really works.

Anyway, despite the heat, we had tons of fun times and made many good memories... most of which involved water :)

Wooooohooooooo! 
This is one of my very favorite pictures from our whole trip.
This picture is kind of an optical illusion. Do you see it? 
This is me and Haley watching in wonder as my dad did his infamous "one leg kick." No matter how old I get, that swimming technique will always be the most unique. AKA the weirdest thing ever.
After a while, the wonder wore off and we decided to play some basketball. Does he ever come up for air? :)
Bennett loved squirting my dad with the hose. I wish I had a better picture. He could be fully entertained all day long with this activity.
Happy first birthday to Zoey Jane! 
She is one fashionable little girl.


Yummy cake
 Me and Griffin before the birthday festivities
 Four of the originals. Logan we missed you!
I really miss Griffin.
 On one of the days we were there, we went to the Tulsa Aquarium. It was lots of fun.
Looking at the stingrays.
Grandpa and Zoey.
 Griffin feeding his daughter to an alligator. You should've seen the looks people gave us. :)
Me and my main man, Bennett outside the aquarium.
Of course, there was lots of boating. 
This would be a picture of me wake boarding. That's right. 
The Boating Queen
 On one of the last days, most of us went shooting on the Seller's Ranch in Drummond Oklahoma. It was fun and a great success. Everyone hit the target at least a few times. If you've seen me shoot before, you know that that's a big deal :)
Here's Mom showing off her skills. At this point I was in the car getting something and all I could hear was lots of laughing and screaming... 
Here we are showing our bad side. 
On our last night in Oklahoma, we went to Joseph's to eat with Ashland's family. It was delicious and so much fun. After we ate everyone gathered outside and hung out for a bit.
Haley, allison, and Bennett walking back from a really pretty winery that was across the street from Joseph's.
Griffin and Ashland
Attitude! Work it Ash!
This is cute
Ashland, I love this picture of you and your dad. 
Grandpa and Bennett

My favorite part of this night was the ride home from Joseph's. I rode with Griffin and Ashland and we got into the music... if you know what I mean :) I still have not seen Ashland's full blown hip hop skills, but she showed me at least some of her moves. She's already got all the Hazard's beat.


Zoey was one tired baby, but we still got her to smile.
Girls day! We all got feather extensions in our hair just because we wanted to. I was stressing because I already have some, and didn't want to be a feather freak. So I put my feather in a place where it would only be seen every once in a while... in the three weeks that I've had it, I think it's been seen two times. Maybe I was a little too discrete. Everyone else's turned out really cute though :)

We also did a lot of other things. We went and saw Griffin's office in Tulsa, and I was very impressed. We also went golfing and played tennis, of course. Even though we spent most of our time out and about, we also spent a lot of time just sitting around the house and talking. In my opinion, these are some of the best memories.
Overall, it was a super fun week, and I was sad to see it end. I'm already excited for next year!


Until next time, 
So long