West Yellowstone

There's nothing like a fun trip with friends to get your mind off of stuff. I went to West Yellowstone with Kjersti and Janelle for the weekend. We left Friday shortly after school and got home Sunday afternoon. It was a lot of fun. They are great girls!Friday night we stopped in Pocatello, Idaho to visit the family of one of Kjersti's friends. After visiting with them at their home we went to dinner at a local favorite, Butter Burr's.

Kjersti couldn't get a hang of the real name and managed to call the restaurant several different things.... Butter Booze, Butter Boobs, and our favorite, Butter Buns.

We stayed overnight in Idaho Falls with one of Kjersti's friends and then we were on our way to West Yellowstone. If you've ever wondered what I'm like on a road trip this is a pretty good description.

Not quite sure, but I think Kjersti is plotting...

Janelle managed to get sick Friday night. At first we thought it was allergies, "stupid Idaho!" but when it lingered and got worse we diagnosed her with a cold.

We all made a new friend in West.

Mmmmmmm... Salt Water Taffy!

We saw "Footloose" at the Playmill Saturday night. Kjersti looks rather enthusiatic, I think Janelle is having second thoughts...

We didn't go into Yellowstone National Park, but this is proof that we were close!

So, the garbage cans are designed to keep the animals out. Apparently they are also designed to keep Janelle out as well.

Yummy shakes!

Charissa, Kiari ( I probably spelled that wrong), Kjersti, and Maggie

It was a fun trip. The weather was perfect, the activities enjoyable, and the company great!

Deep Thoughts...

Have you ever wondered if there's something more to life than what you have? Do you ever just have the desire to simply be happy with what you've got, where you are, and who you are?

I've been contemplating these questions over the past 24 hours. I'm not quite sure where my head is at the moment. I've got a good life. I've got a great roommate, a very nice home, a supportive family, wonderful friends who keep me very busy, a job, an income, all the things I need and want, so why am I not completely content? There's something missing. What that is I do not know. I'm lonely and yet I'm constantly surrounded by great people who love me. I'm lost and yet I have all the things in life I need. Where do I go from here? What would make me happy and content with my life? Will I never be content? Is this a realization that life is a never-ending learning process? If this is supposed to be a great spiritual realization why does it not feel like it's of the Spirit? I want to feel complete. I want to feel like I have a purpose. I want to feel like I am working towards some amazing goal. What's missing? Where do I go from here?

Birthday Celebration at Valley

Today was James' birthday. To celebrate the office staff brought in a birthday cake and sang to him (and they were nice enough to include me in the celebration).

Babcock being shy. Since when?!?!

We both took a chunk out of the middle of the cake to insure that we got to eat our own names.

Dad's Retirement Party

The teachers and principal at my dad's school held a gathering Friday afternoon to celebrate Dad's retirement. Because my dad LOVES a party he invited pretty much everyone he's ever met. :) It was fun to watch him catch up with friends, co-workers (present and past), and even a few former students.My mom has told the administration at her school that she does not want to have a party, so Gail gave my mom her lei Friday.

Former student...

Good friends...

More friends...

WOW! I actually caught a real smile on camera!

2 former students...

Friends and family...

More friends

Where's Sarah?

In her awesomely fantastic new hammock!!! My wonderful roommate, Kandus, got me this hammock for my birthday and it was delivered today. We put it together all on our own! So, if you can't find me during the summer check the back patio, I'll be in this hammock with a comfy pillow and a good book!

Happy Birthday to Me! Happy Mothers' Day to Mom!

Today was my 26th birthday. I am now officially closer to 30 than 20 and I seem to be the only one who LOVES that fact. I feel more "grown-up" because of that... Because it was also Mothers' Day (I won't complain anymore, I've done enough of that this week) Kandus and I decided to make dinner at our house and have both our families over. We fed 11 people and made a huge mess (I love to cook and bake but I make a terrible mess) but the food was so so so good! After dinner we sat around and visited and some of us played the Wii again. Then we opened Mothers' Day and birthday presents. Mason, Taylor, and I got my mom new knives and a knife sharpener. For my birthday my parents gave me $$$ and a really cute bag for my laptop. It's been a fun weekend.

Kendall, Jordan, and I
I don't usually like cake, but the Elder family has a tradition of making a Chocolate Tweed Cake for everyone's birthday and I L-O-V-E love that cake! So, I made myself a birthday cake.

Mom, Mason, Emma, and Dad

Kendall and Jordan, Kandus' brothers. Aren't they charming?

My cute new computer bag!

The cats loved the fact that it was my birthday because they got a new toy, the box...

They're just so blasted cute!

It was a great day. I am looking forward to being 26! Thanks to all my friends and families who made this weekend and today so great.

My 26th Birthday Party

My awesomely fantastic roommate, Kandus, hosted a party for me tonight. She prepared yummy food and invited my amazing friends. We chit-chatted and then played Guitar Hero for a little while. It was a lot of fun! I am so grateful for wonderful friends and family!!!!

This is only the second time I'be ever played Guitar Hero. The first time I played I managed to whack myself in the mouth with the guitar, so I was a little hesitant tonight. I was absolutely terrible and had to make sure I payed complete attention to only the game otherwise I messed up. Here I am playing with Brian.

This is me letting Callie kick my trash.

Heather and Callie

Callie and Brian

Taylor and Mason

Kjersti making herself right at home. :)

Cute Jocee was rather excited when I pulled one of my Tickle Me Elmos from under my bed.

Jeanna, Leesha, and Kandus