Happy Birthday Scott

Scott is not one to celebrate birthdays. If it was up to Scott, he would like us all to forget. No such luck! He's married to a woman who loves to celebrate the day of your birth. I love birthdays, this is a special day that you became YOU! How great is that!

Scott chose McGrath's for his birthday dinner. At dinner was Scott, me, our kids, and my parents. The kids love McGrath's because they have the birthday person wear a fish hat. Here's Scott!

Happy Birthday Scott!

Scott is trying to get Emmett to touch a live lobster.

Emmett finally agreed to touch the lobster!

Mexico

Scott and I just got back from a much needed get-away. My favorite place to vacation is Mexico, so we were able to book a last minute 5 day get-away to Cancun. We arrived at our hotel and had a beautiful ocean view. I love to hear to the sound of the waves crashing on the beach, it is so relaxing.

Our first day we decided to take a day trip to Cozumel, we haven't ever been there. So we took a 40 minute ferry ride across the ocean over to Cozumel. After arriving, we got on a little fishing/glass bottom boat and rode out to the reefs. We snorkeled on 3 different reefs. The ocean was so clear and warm. As we snorkeled we saw a barracuda, a sea turtle, and some beautiful amazing fish. Here is a picture of Scott and I under water with the fish.

Our second day, we thought we would take it easy. Just lay around, eat, and then we took a trip over to Isla Muerjles. We rode the city bus through downtown Cancun over to another ferry to take us across the ocean to the island. The weather was a little windy and a rainstorm was brewing, so all the water sports had been cancelled for the day. We decided to rent a  golf cart for the day and go around the island on our own. We watched people zip line across the sea, walked to the top of a light house and looked over the sea, watched an iguana, found our vacation home "Casa de Morgan", laid on the most beautiful beach until it started to rain, and had the best fish-n-chips. What a great day (aside from the rain).

After snorkeling, Scott felt like he had water trapped in his good ear. That made it hard for him to hear and he had lots of pressure. So after our day in Isla Muerjes, Scott was feeling crummy. He went back to the room to rest and I hit the beach for some reading and relaxation. I am so proud of myself, I read 1 1/2 books on this vacation. I never read, I never had time to read or haven't really found anything to keep my interest.  I  read on the plane, laying out at the pool, sitting out on the window seal of our hotel room. I laughed and I cried, I forgot how much I do enjoy reading (the right book when I have time).

We have been to Cancun three times now and I can tell you I am not tired of it and we haven't seen everything there is to see yet. The main thing we wanted to do on this trip was visit the ruin Tulum. So we took an excursion group down to Tulum. This is the only ruin that was built on a cliff's edge over looking the beautiful Caribbean Ocean. Below the ruin is the most gorgeous white sand beach. We love visiting the ruins and learning about the history.

Cancun was heavenly! Poor Scott ended up having a massive ear infection and lost hearing in the only ear he can hear out of. His airplane ride home was miserable.

We owe a huge thank you to grandma and grandpa for watching the kids. They love to spend time with them. We have a great time, can't wait to go again. I love the warmth, the sunshine, and the beach!

4 Years in a Row Baby!!!!!

Well winners for Presidents Club were announced today and Scott did it again!!!! He rocks in sales! This is Scott's 4th year in a row to win President's Club!

So where are we going this time you ask?! Year 1 - We went to the Bahamas. Year 2 - We went to Mexico! Year 3 - The company went back to the Bahamas, we took our own trip and went to Europe for 10 days. Year 4 - The company has changed their rewards due to the economy; now instead of an all expense paid trip for you and your spouse with the company, they give you cash!!! Cash is GOOD!

I am so proud of Scott. He works so hard to provide for our family. We are truly blessed with his job and the effort that he puts into maintain success at his job. Way to go Scott! I love you.

Sanity Break

Over conference weekend, Scott and I were able to take a weekend getaway to Seattle. Mama needed a break and my parents took the kids for the weekend. I have the best parents and my kids have the best grandparents who are always willing to spend time with them. Thanks mom and dad.

Since this was a short notice trip (less than a 2-week out airfare), we decided to drive to Seattle. It is an 8 hour drive, not too bad. I made a list of things Scott and I needed to talk about. The car without kids is the best time to have our discussions, cause there isn't anywhere anyone can go, we have to talk. :o)

We left Thursday after Scott got off work and drove to Hermiston, Oregon and spent the night. Then drove into Seattle on Friday. The weather was so nice. We actually saw blue sky's and sunshine. The kids had a fluke snow storm while at grandmas.

While in Seattle, we toured around the city, went to Pikes Market, the Boeing Plant, the Seattle Temple, Microsoft, IKEA, and had dinner with some friends who we lived by in Hollister (and I worked with at Novell). It was so nice to get away and just relax. I had forgotten what it felt like to sleep the whole night and not have to get up before 7am. HEAVENLY!!!!!

We met up with the Amber and Kirk Davis for dinner while in town. Our hotel was down the street from the Microsoft campus where Amber works, so we took a quick little tour of the Microsoft store and museum. Here is Scott aspiring to work for Microsoft!

We took a tour of the Boeing Plant, what an amazing site. It was so facinating to see how airplanes are built. We weren't allowed to take in cameras or our cell phones, so I downloaded pics from the Boing site. The pictures show quite a bit, but not the incredible size of the facility. Truly jaw dropping.

Age only gets better...

41 years ago a son, brother, husband, and father was born. A child that would turn out to be the best husband and father.

Happy Birthday Scott!!!!

WE LOVE YOU!

Can't believe it's been 14 years

Some days it feels like 14 l-o-n-g years that we've been married and some days I can't believe how fast time has flown and that we NOW have 4 kids. We've had our hardships and our joys. I wouldn't trade them for anything. I love you Scott and thanks for a great life and 4 beautiful children.

Day 10: Saying good-bye to Europe

So today we say good-bye to Paris, all of Europe, and our new found friends. Today we head home to Boise. Our flight out of Paris is at 10:50am, but because everyone is so paranoid with International Travel, our wake up call was at 6am, our transporter picked us up at the hotel at 7am, and we were to the airport at 7:30am. By the time we got checked in and through 2 sets of security, we were to our gate at 8:30am. Only to find out that our flight was delayed until 11:30am, so we still had 3 hours to wait. Oh the joy!!!














We boarded our flight out of Paris bound for Cincinnati, Ohio. A 9 hour flight. So after a snack and a drink, I pulled the eye covers over my eyes and slept. Knowing this was going to be my last peaceful sleep before arriving home and becoming a mom again. Because of our delay in leaving Paris, we arrived late in Cincinnati, which cut our layover time in half. Now we had to hurry through customs, baggage, security and to our gate. We weren't sure where our gate was located in Cincinnati, all we knew was that we were late. So we came up the escalator, the heavens opened again, and gave us a miracle; our gate was at the top of the escalator and the attendants were holding the plane for us (once again). So we boarded. Onto Salt Lake for an hour layover, but we stay with the same plane, then onto Boise. We arrived in Boise at 9pm, or 3am Paris time.

The kids were awake and in the car to greet us. I am not sure they greeted us cause all I heard was, "What did you bring us?". So when we got to the house, we unpacked all the souvenirs and went through them with the kids. They loved it! That was it, we hugged, we put our PJ's on and climbed into bed.

Day 9: Day 2 in Paris

Today we had the whole day to explore Paris. We started the morning off with a day tour around the city and then a stop at the Eiffel Tower. What a different city Paris is during the day than at night. It is almost like they are two different cities.

We had a different tour guide for our city tour today. She was a native Paris woman who guided us. We saw similar sites as last night, but it was when Scott and I left the tour that we were able to see a lot more of Paris. Our tour guide gave us some valuable information when touring any of the sites, especially the Eiffel Tower. She told us that the gypsies will walk up to you and ask if you speak English, you are to say, "No, no" and they will walk away. If you say yes, then they will distract you enough to steel your possessions. It was the craziest thing. As we were walking (as a group) to the Eiffel Tower, sure enough, we had gypsies walking towards us, but they didn't ever stop. They would brush against you and whisper in your ear while passing, "Speak English?". We would say "no no" and continue to walk. You didn't make eye contact with them either, that was a dead give away that they would stop and harass you. I felt so bad for this one girl, who spoke English to this gypsy guy, she tried to walk away and he would corner her at every direction to get her money. She finally raised her voice and yelled "I don't have any money" and started to cry. I walked by her and told her that she needs to say "no no" and not look at them. She caught up with her friends, and I don't think she'll be looking or talking to them for the rest of her vacation.

On to the Eiffel Tower, as a part of our package, we were able to go the second floor of the Tower. I was reading that you were able to go to the top as well. I am not a big fan of heights, but I figured since we are here, what a chance of a lifetime, so we decided to go to the top. We told our tour guide that we wouldn't be getting back on the bus, that we were going to go on our own for the remainder of the day. So as soon as we got to the second level, we purchased tickets for the top floor and got into line. Ken, one of the guys in our group, went to the top last night and said that he waited in line for 2 hours to get to the top. So once we got our tickets, we figured we should hurry and get into line. We made it through the line and to the top of the tower in 30 minutes. It was awesome. I have included a video from the top of the tower.


After the Eiffel Tower, we decided to walk over to the Arc de Triomphe. The Arc de Triomphe is a monument that stands in the centre of the Place Charles de Gaulle. The triumphal arch honors those who fought for France, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. On the inside and the top of the arc there are all of the names of generals and wars fought. Underneath is the tomb of the unknown soldier from World War I.

The street that surrounds the Arc, has 12 different streets arriving into one round about. It is the most kaotic thing I have ever seen, our tour guide said the only thing you need to do is look to the right. She said nothing else matters. As we watched the traffic flow around the round about, there were no accidents, a lot of horns, but everyone who looked to the right flowed smooth. I would have terrible road rage if I was driving around that round about. As we crossed under the street to the Arc de Triomphe, we decided to climb to the top. So in a very steep spiral concrete stair case, Scott and I climbed 284 steps to the top. Here is how Scott felt when he got to the top.













After the Arc, we took the Metro train over to Notre Dame Cathedral and walked through the church. I have to say they have amazing Cathedrals. We walked over to the Louvre. The Louvre Museum, is a historic monument, and a national museum of France. Nearly 35,000 objects from the 6th millennium BC to the 19th century AD are exhibited over an area of 652,300 square feet. It shows Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa.
















It was getting to late in the day so we decided to head back to the hotel. We ran into some others from the group. One set wwas going to dinner and invited us along. They were going to a spendy French restaurant. Scott didn't want to do that. Another group was going to Moulin Rouge at $200 a ticket, Scott definitely wasn't going to do that. So we decided to go with a few others to an Italian restaurant.

Our last night in Paris and our last night on our European vacation. Words can't convey how much Scott and I have enjoyed this vacation. We have seen and visited places that we never dreamed we would. We have met some wonderful people along the way. I have missed the kids terribly and am ready to see them.

au revoir et salut (good-bye and take care)

Day 8: Paris, France

Woke up early this morning, have a long day of travel on the bus. We are getting use to the bus travel now. Everyone changes up their seats, talks more, and jokes around. Ken has managed to supply everyone with the booze to ease the pain of sitting on the bus. There were a few that stayed liquored up for most of each bus ride. We found out on this last leg of our bus travels, that Mario (our bus driver) is only allowed to drive 2.5 hours at a time, then has to take a mandatory 45 min break. Are you kidding me? That means our already long 9 hour travel day is going to be that much longer. I guess Mario's company governs the bus and knows how long he drives, how fast he drives, and how long he takes a break. Everyone was talking about their own travels and how long they drive before taking a break. We push 4-6 hours before taking a break and our kids have been doing that since their life began. I guess our talking about it rubbed off on Mario, because he pushed on for 3 hours before taking his first break and then another before the 2nd. Go Mario! The trip moved along that much faster.

We arrived in Paris around 5pm and had a little time before our "City of Lights" dinner and city tour, so Scott and I walked around near the hotel. What a perfect way to end a fabulous tour of Europe - Paris!

Tonight we had a perfect introduction to Paris! After a full-course French dinner that took a full 2 hours to enjoy, Elzo showed us Paris at night (City of Lights). We ate at a little quaint restaurant just across the street from the Notre Dame Cathedral. Next to the restaurant was a souvenir shop that just opened and had the best deals on merchandise. So during the before dinner drinks, we snuck over to the shop (we thought it would be okay, since we didn't drink). We scored on shirts, hats, Eiffel tower souvenirs, and what not! I know our first night, we haven't even done the city and we were already done with our souvenir shopping for the kids!

After dinner, we loaded on the coach and drove through the city. What a magnificent city of lights. Words can't even begin to express how beautiful the city is at night. We made our way over to the Eiffel Tower which is lit up at night. The rain had started to come down, by the time we pulled up to the tower, but we didn't care. The Tower has flickering lights that come on at 9pm, 10pm and 11pm. We were there for the 10pm flickering lights that stay on for a total of 5 minutes. Scott was able to get some fabulous pictures.

What a fantastic night we had tonight. I am looking forward to more of Paris tomorrow.

Day 7: Lucerne, Switzerland

Second Day in Lucerne:
Today we are taking a cable car up one of the Swiss Mountains. As our bus pulled up to the bottom of the mountain, the workers notified us that they just closed the mountain. It was unsafe for anyone to go up, due to the rain, snow, and ice combination on the cable. Luckily we had another option, a different mountain. The mountain we are going to now, you go up on a train instead of a cable car. Our group loaded onto a private rail car. As we trudged up the mountainside, the snow became thicker and heavier. As we reached the top of the mountain the winds were blowing and the snow was falling so hard. We were planning on staying at the top of the mountain for an hour; to play in the snow, have a snack, or sit in the hotel cafe for a bit. The weather was a lot worse than Elzo thought it would be, we found that the hotel was closed, so when he stepped off the train, he quickly said in his Dutch accent, "Okay we are going to take the next train back down, so you have 15 minutes." That was fine with us, we live in the snow, it's way over rated!!!

We got back around lunch time. Scott and I went straight to the room and took a nap, while I think everyone else went shopping. A bunch of us from the group met later in the lobby to go to dinner at this Italian restaurant. The food was so good. After dinner, we did a little more shopping. Scott found a Rolex watch for $103,000 franks (which equates to $206,000 US dollars). Every country and city we have gone to, I have tasted the best croissants. One of the streets we were walking down had a huge croissant outside of the bakery, couldn't resist taking my picture.

Tonight is our last night in Switzerland, so Ken one of the guys on our tour, he is our city guide in every town we arrive in. Ken goes out and finds the hot spots, the good restaurants, and the cheap booze, then he tells the group what we are doing that night. So tonight, we are going to the disco!!! Switzerland has been the only country where smoking is allowed anywhere and everywhere. So the disco we went to tonight was filled with smoke. Our group (the dumb Americans), were the only ones out on the dance floor dancing. We didn't care. The DJ played Michael Jackson, and quite a bit of 70's and 80's. We had a lot of fun! We didn't care how late we stayed out tonight because tomorrow we are going to be on the bus a long time. Apparently it is quite a drive from Switzerland to Paris France. That's okay, I get to sleep (catch up on the lack of sleep for the past 15 months). I am excited to go to Paris tomorrow.

Day 6: Heidleberg to Lucerne, Switzerland

From Cindi:

This morning we woke up to a rainy day. The sun was trying to peek through the clouds. We had our breakfast at the hotel and then loaded onto the coach, off to Switzerland today.

Two hours into our drive we arrived at the Black Forest in Germany. We were up in the mountains, surrounded by beautiful trees. So the rain we had earlier today has now changed to snow. We were able to get off the bus at the Black Forest to take pictures and do a little shopping. The Black Forest is known for it's wood craftsmanship, especially cuckoo clocks. Apparently in this town most of the people are farmers and since they can't farm in the winter months, they carve wood into clocks and other gadgets. There were some beautiful clocks.

Back on the bus and head for Switzerland. Our next stop around noon was at Rhine Falls, Switzerland. It was snowing at Rhine Falls when we first got off the bus, but then the sun came out. The falls were beautiful.

After the falls, we were back on the bus to Lucerne, Switzerland. We will stay two nights in Lucerne. When we arrived, Elzo took us into town right away to get us familiar with the area.

We saw a cool Lion carved in the side of a stone mountain. We then walked across a bridge on the way to our hotel. There was a stone tower next to the bridge, the lower half of the tower was in the water. Apparently, the tower used to be a prison and they would put prisoners in the bottom of the tower who were "bad". We finished our walk and ended at the hotel. Checked in and had dinner as a group tonight at the hotel. Did a little shopping and then turned in for the evening.