SANTONIO

Our trip to San Antonio was great! Thanks to everyone who made it possible - mostly anyone who watched children for me - Shauna, Merr, Nat, and Joni!!

The whole reason for the trip was the Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet (the reason he won the 4-wheeler). They have four contestants in each room and are given a topic to discuss, usually one pertinent to farming and the future. Each contestant has to give a 30 second opening statement and then they all discuss for 25 min and then each one gives a 60 second closing statement. He did great and represented the state of Utah well. He advanced to the sweet sixteen and had his best round but was beat out by a guy from Idaho who ended up winning the whole thing (a new Dodge truck). Great Job MATT!!

Prep work for the sweet 16 included a phone call. Imagine that!!

After a very intense day and a sleepless night (they didn't announce the final 4 until the next morning so we had all night to wonder where he ended up) we finally had a little time to enjoy our trip. The Riverwalk was AWESOME!! I think every town/city should have one:) This is us on one of the many bridges along the Riverwalk.

Here is handsome Kace showing his appreciation for some fresh air and a little space to roam after two rounds of discussion!



Just a small portion of the Riverwalk. We took an evening tour in one of the boats you see here in the pic. Our tour guy called it "Santonio" so I guess I can, but actually I think I prefer San Tone???? Great food is located all along the Walk and neither Matt or I went hungry the whole time. In fact I almost needed one of those seat belt extensions when I got back on the plane!

Aren't friends GREAT!! This was one reason I was excited to go. So here is a history lesson: Growing up we spent a lot, a lot of time with the Christensen Family. I worked for them at their Hydroponic (yes I have to say that, it sounds so official) Tomato Greenhouses. I worked side by side with most of them for about 4 years until I left for school. Anyway, Ryan and Melanie (Christensen) won the Utah Achievement Award for the Young Farmer and Ranchers so they were able to come on the trip and they brought along Steve and Deb (Ryan's parents) and Mel's parents. It has been almost 11 years since I lived at home but I still hold a special place for them in my heart. We had a BLAST!! After the first day of discussion meet we got back to our room and Matt said "I am worn out but not from the meet. You and Melanie are exhausting. How can you two possibly talk that much?" I thought he had lived with me long enough to know the real me!! Mel and I had 11 years of catching up to do in three days - that's nearly impossible people:)
So back to the pic. Here we all are in the lobby of our hotel: Ryan and Mel, Steve and Deb, Deverl and Raylene, and us. I still just laugh. I wish you all could meet Mel!!

The Morgan's (Mel's family) are really in to ping-pong. The morning they left we went to breakfast and then played a little around-the-world-ping-pong. Here I am playing Mel's dad. I think I actually beat him this game. I might have to check in to getting a table . . . but where would I put it??

Remember the Alamo??? I don't. I have to say I pictured it to be a lot different. I was amazed that is sits right in the middle of the city. It was good to receive a history lesson while we were there and learn about those that fought for our freedom.

Tower of the America's - built for the World's Fair in '63 (?? I think). I had a lot of fun here. They showed us a 4D movie just before we went to the top. My first 4D experience and I screamed like a sissy! The movie clip was about Texas and everything there is to experience there. Well . . . I experienced it. If you know me, you know my distaste for any sort of reptile. So they showed a pic of a snake and then blew air in your face at the same time it rattles and hisses. Yes I screamed like a girl on her first date trying to get a little closer to her new man!! Then they showed 'gator's and it happened again. I squirm just thinking about it. At least Matt enjoyed watching the action.

We found the local quilt shop to purchase my souvenir and now I am pumped to get some sewing done. It will take an act of congress to actually complete a project but it sure is fun trying:)

Hope you all are doing great!! Just a shout out to some of our Cancer pals that have hit major milestones in their treatments:

GREAT JOB CHLOE (1-year BMT) and MASON (cancer free for 1-year)!!