Another monumental birthday celebration....

This time it was a big suprise...could she pull it off? Well, let's be honest, the night before I wasn't so sure! But, yes, she did! Melissa got many of Shane's friends & associates together to celebrate his turning 60. Wow...he's such a kid at heart, you would never know! :} Doug fortunately got some free tickets to the Utah Basketball Game that afternoon, so he got him out of the house. His kids followed up with thier own birthday activities after that, so Mel (and the 2 Stephanie's) put together a great feast of food & drinks, and the party began!

Anxiously awaiting the return of Shane

It was fun to see some of my old Fidelity friends too...Jeff, Eric & Kami

And it gave us another chance to be with Paul & Colleen

SURPRISE!!!!

It was fun to have Stephanie back in town to share the fun!

Shane's buddies rocked the party while jammin' to thier instruments

Oh, and getting time with school friend, Natalie, and meeting her partner, Angie, was awesome too!

These guys were good..they definately kept us all entertained!

Glad Doug & I could share the fun!

Austin arrived with a wonderful invention...the Shotski. I was so impressed! :}

Yea, it was fun! :}

Oh, that's sweet!

As you all know, I can't get enough of times with good friends! Here are old friends from school: Myself, Natalie Avery, Paul Muniz, Stephanie Stewart & Stephanie Chappel. Which...it was also Stephanie Stewart's 40th the day before, which we also got to celebrate. Once again I forgot to charge the battery, darn me! I should know better to always be prepared with the camera. But, Happy Birthday to her too!!

Oh, fun times for sure...gotta luv it!

Happy 40th Tracy!

OK, so I'm a month behind again; but, the year has started out with more monumental birthdays that we got to enjoy celebrating. First was our good friend, Tracy. Though she celebrated the "40 Celebration" with us in New York...it was officially her time to hit the new landmark. I've done a little piece on Tracy in my get-to-know them blogs (which I need to do again! :}); but, if you don't know Tracy, you're missin' out! There is someone who can always make you smile & laugh on any given moment. She really out to be a comedian on the side! I got to spend the whole weekend celebrating with her since it started with Bonko & then the night out with the friends the following night. Happy Birthday Tracy....welcome to your 40's...whoo hoo!! :}

Bonko night at Jules' house

This happened to be the same day as the Utes Parade...so I was still feelin' the fever! :}

We got our dance groove on the following night at Oscar's, which is what we do best together. Can I just say the Jazzerbuds, and friends, always rule the dance floor! :}
It was fun to meet Rika, Tyrone's new wife...they just moved back from Japan. I think Miwa was even more excited that she could have someone to speak Japanese with! You would have thought they were long lost friends once meeting!

Tracy giving us one of her infamous poses (see why we love her!)

It was nice to have a night out with that cute hubby of mine! And I'm so proud of him for getting out on the dance floor more these days too! :}

Are We Too Old For A Slumber Party?

Heck no we're not!! Why is it just a kids thing? I mean, everyone likes to hang out with thier friends & laugh & play all night, right?! My dear friends & I like to do this atleast once a year. We use the excuse of getting together when Laci's husband, Nick, goes out of town. So, this past weekend it was time again. I sure love these girls & really enjoy our time together. Plus I really really needed this night to de-stress! So, it was perfect timing! As always, it was another successful night FULL of laughs!

Moni's sister, Marie. I miss seeing her at Bonko so it's good to get the chance to be with her again!

Our hostesses, Connie & Laci

While playing this silly game, one part included having to make up "Hand Jives". As you go around the table someone has to repeat it & add one. Always gets you laughing for sure! (notice in this picture Laci is laughing so hard she's falling out of her chair...see her foot :})


See what I mean?!

I seem to always catch Laci doing the running man! :}

So glad that my sister, Sherrie, joined us this time. She's always one to keep everyone entertained! :}

Yep, there was even some hair braiding, just like the younger years. No pillow fights though, sorry! :}

We all had to check out the Wii Fit too...

Well this all just fits right in to my goal of LIVING WELL, LAUGHING OFTEN & LOVING MUCH...so, works out well for me! (With much help from my girlfriends! :}).

Giving tribute to a friend...

Today I write in sadness as we say goodbye to a dear friend, fellow Jazzercise student, Kimberly Marvin. "Cute Kim" was always how we'd describe her..."You know, cute Kim!" Kim was tragically taken away from us this past Friday. I know I can speak for the entire Jazzercise Family when I say she will be dearly missed! She was truly a sweet caring person who would light up the room every time she was there. I know people say that often when someone passes; but, it was so true with her! She was just a constant ray of sunshine, even when times where tough. She was such a beautiful girl who had this incredible smile & true sincerity in her heart every time she'd talk to you. She had so much to live for & my heart breaks for her two children who are now left without a mother.

There is a memorial fund in her name, donations can be made at any Wells Fargo bank branch. I know it's a hard time for many right now; but, I do know that her two kids are going to need all the help they can get right now. I hope people can find it in thier hearts to do what they can, if they can.

When she found us at the annual parade & had to run up for hugs

Goodbye Kim...may you rest in peace. Thanks for giving us a piece of your sunshine, one I know I will always carry in my heart! We will miss you!!!

The Utes Parade

So last week our city came together to celebrate the Utes & their incredible season. They had a parade followed by a ceremony at Washington Square where we heard a few of them speak. There were so many people there...it was awesome! It was just incredilbe energy in the air & a fun way to show our team our support & thanks for a great season!

Even Marilyn Monroe is a Utes Fan! :}

Let the parade begin!

Besides the team themselves, it also included a number of big fans. We always see these guys at the games & tailgate parties

I'm going to assume this may have been family or friends; but, it was fun to see him run over & get hugged by a big group!

Here comes those darn cute cheerleaders!

Especially this one! :} (no, I'm not biased at all!)

What a thrill it's been for Anj to be a part of this whole experience this year!

The marching band, who also represented us in the Inaugurial Parade on Tuesday

Bradon Godfrey (he's a favorite just for getting his pic with our Bradon earlier in the season :})

I thought it was cool that a lot of them were slowing down to give high fives/knuckles, signing autographs, etc...especially with the little kids. Good for them!

The men of the hour, well...the season: Kyle Whittingham, who was given the honor of Coach of the Year, and Brian Johnson, our fearless quarterback

Louie Sakoda, who saved us many times!

"King Louie...You Rock!"

The mass of people heading back to Washington Square

You know I couldn't resist this shot..if only he knew why I thought this was so funny! :}

Have we told you we love our Utes?!! :}