Then (1985) & Now (2010)

These pictures are from my mission, 25 years ago (gulp). The gorgeous blonde was my mission companion for four months. Her name was Gitte Hansen and she was from Denmark. We served together in Loraine, OH and had a great time together. Every month we would beg for just one more month together. We must have been persuasive because we got four months. People would ask if we were sisters, which of course I thought was totally "awesome" (as we used to say alot back then). Not sure how Gitte felt about it.
Of course we both returned to our respective homes after our missions were through. Both of us married and became the mother of boys (Gitte has two) and settled down into domestic bliss.
We have kept in touch over the years through Christmas cards mostly. Gitte even called me on the phone once a few years back which was a very nice surprise. We would always talk about seeing each other one day but not necessarily with any expectation that we would.
So you can imagine my surprise and excitement when Gitte e-mailed me a few months ago about possibly come to see me ever so briefly. Seems she was planning a trip to Salt Lake City for General Conference and thought she might plan a little layover in Seattle. I was pretty "psyched" (also a word we used alot back then). Well it worked out perfectly, because she flew into Seattle around noon the Wednesday before we had our Spring Break. I picked up her and her mom (who is totally a cutie) at the airport. We were able to spend that day through to noon on Thursday together (she spent time with another friend here in Seattle from noon Thursday to noon Friday).
We had a great time (or should I say awesome) reminiscing about old times, old friends, old companions and also catching up with each other. It was amazing how little time it seemed had passed and yet it has been 25 years!! We seemed to just fit right back into that groove of where we left off. There was no awkwardness (well except for the fact that I am a lousy housekeeper and they were staying at my house.) These "now" pictures are from Sunset Park just a few blocks from our house. I also took them to see where the kids go to school and I work, the church building, and the UW campus.
She had a jam packed trip (literally, it was crazy) so it was super cool (another word we used alot back then) that we got as much time as we did together. I hope some day I can return the visit and go see her and her family in Denmark. I will have to add that to my "list".
Dennis says he thinks we both look better now than back then. All I know is that it was fun to see her again. I'm so glad I know her and that she is still a part of my life. She is warm, generous, caring, thoughtful...all those good things. It is a friendship that I will treasure forever!

California Spring Break 2010

We just got back last night (1:30am--after driving staight through) from a Spring Break Trip to California (we did take two days to drive down though). Here are some highlights in no particular order because putting them in order would take too long! (I just figured out today how to upload more than one photo at a time--how stupid is that?)

So, we went to the beach of course--twice. Even though it never really got above 70 and was a little bit chilly. If you are in California, you HAVE to go to the beach no matter what.

We visited "the cousins". These are actually kids of Dennis' cousins. Not sure what that makes the relationship. First cousins once-removed, 2nd cousins?? This was Dennis' Uncle George & Aunt Joan's where if you step across the doorstep you are guaranteed to gain at least 10 pounds! Seriously!
Of course we went to Disneyland. Will have to look for the first picture we took 7 years ago for a little then & now comparison.

We visited the wax museum. We actually did see one "live" celebrity on our trip. The comedian Chris Rock cut in front of everyone while we were in line for the roller coaster at Disney (when you are celebrity you don't have to stand in long lines). He was still outside the ride when we left and Tucker couldn't resist saying "Hey Chris Rock". We didn't go close though, he had a big body guard.

We also saw the walk of fame as well. Spencer really wanted to find Sandra Bullock's star (he's a big fan) but we never did see it.

Cooper played with the train at Dick & Doris' house (Dennis' aunt and husband). She has a big train set-up in her living room. He was thrilled!

Bumper cars at Knott's Berry Farm. They were pretty lame.

We rode almost all the coasters at Knott's. I thought it was pretty cool that I still was able to ride coasters without getting sick--until the next day that is. My back was killing me and still hurts. Oh well. This ride Tucker & Cooper believed Dennis when he said they wouldn't get wet. After about football field length drop straight down into water how could you believe that??

Nobody got lost.

Although there were bouts of pouting.

A windy day at the beach. The kite flew for a little while.

Visited the Long Beach Aquarium with Dick & Doris, which we did the last trip as well. It is an awesome aquarium. Makes ours here in Seattle look amatuerish. It was really nice to spend time with them.

It's good to be home though!