tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53317089548584373342024-02-19T08:19:32.952-08:00Overseas AdventureMichelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-70190284219922267962011-12-30T19:46:00.001-08:002012-01-03T04:13:34.992-08:00"Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow!"<br />
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Monday morning, 5 December, I was invited to a visiting teaching Christmas lunch at Dixie's home. Dixie will forever remain one of my most favourite people. I just love her. She and Janine organised a really beautiful lunch. The food and table looked incredible. I just regret not taking a photo of this beautiful christmas table with the crisp, white, snowy yard seen through the window and a fire blazing. Wow! The Christmas season in the northern hemisphere is really something, especially combined with wonderful friends like this.. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle & Chuck Danford. <br />
See Chuck's work: <a href="http://www.charlesdanford.com/">http://www.charlesdanford.com/</a></td></tr>
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Wednesday morning was my final Watercolour Art Class with Chuck Danford at Ken Caryl Ranch house. (very sad!) I cannot express how much I have really loved this pursuit this year! I have learned so much from Chuck and love his talent and patience as he has encouraged us. His critiques are always positive but honest! I have learned to really take on board what he suggests. Hopefully I have learned enough of the basic technques to continue on my own until I find another art group, and Chuck will kindly continue to critique my work via email. I have been asked a few times why don't I try oils, or acrylics? I will one day, but for now I really want to master watercolours which has a life of it's own. Perhaps one day I will be able to exhibit and have the same faith and confidence in myself that Chuck does. Meanwhile, I have been able to give away a few paintings which has given me enormous pleasure. I am actually amazed that someone likes my work enough to put it on their wall!! I would encourage anyone remotely interested, to take one of his classes, you will really enjoy it!!<br />
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(The next 6 week course begins on the 1st Feb 2012 9.00-12.00noon.)</div>
<a href="https://direct2rec.ken-carylranch.org/econnect/Activities/ActivitiesAdvSearch.asp">https://direct2rec.ken-carylranch.org/econnect/Activities/ActivitiesAdvSearch.asp</a><br />
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Following this last art class, I was able to meet up with some dear friends from church for lunch at Chilli's. Many thanks to DeAnne for organising this! I was sitting in the centre position somewhere, just listening to the chatter going on all around me watching these dear women who have truely touched my life here in Denver and who I call friends. I am overwhelmed by their love and friendship and will sincerely miss their association. This was a wonderful visit together, which was over too soon..</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R: -, Dixie, Michelle,Donna, Kami, Babzanne, Jennifer, Linda, <br />
Crista, Michelle Ballard, Rosemary & Cheryl</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A huge serving of salad which I <br />
had to 'box' up! (Very delicious!)</td></tr>
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That evening, I was able to help DeAnne set up a blog for her son who is serving in Russia! <em> </em>What a wonderful thing technology is, that we are able to share our life experiences and thoughts with loved ones on the other side of the world, or anyone interested to read!! Good luck with it all DeAnne!<br />
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This week, I have been finishing paintings for a Christmas gifts, posting to Elder J Bennallack in France, last minute Christmas shopping and of course sorting & packing. I have also been busy for a couple of weeks now cleaning! Washing windows, wiping out cupboards, skirting boards and walls and so on.. This is helping me to 'feel' like we are leaving, even though my mind doesn't want to deal with it!! Our main concern has been to find shipping company to take our excess belongings, a bulk of which belongs to Tom! Finally, Rick found a company that shipped for .45c a pound. We ended up preparing 280 pounds, 4 large boxes!! This did include items from a fun shopping excursion with Cheryl at Hobby Lobby! (Why haven't we done that before??) On Thursday, our boxes left, and so did a lot of anxiety!! We can travel alot easier now..<br />
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Thursday afternoon was the last session of cubscouts. As a breakup activity before the holidays, the Wolves and the Webelo dens combined. First they made card messages and then we went to the home of a member in our ward who has been seriously ill and sang carols to them. Two large cars of noisy, excited boys which we hoped would behave at the door!! However noisy they were on the approach, they were brilliant at the door. I must insert here, that at this point it's getting dark and Christmas house lights are on. The ground has layers of ice and snow is still pretty thick, so it's also very cold. It's a scene you might see on a TV movie, and I loved it. What a great way to finish off my American experience of being a Cubscout Den Leader!! And many thanks to my Den partner, Heather. It's been so good working with you, and I'll miss you and your family!<br />
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I haven't mentioned this much, but most Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, my good friend and neighbour, Cheryl Reardon takes me with her to the 24Fit gym. We even started going at 6.30am! Are we crazy, yes! But it was so good at the same time. Many thanks Cheryl, I have loved going with you and treasure our friendship. I will miss this greatly.. Friday morning was sadly our last work out together. So, from now on, when I next get myself disciplined to exercise regularly, I will think often of Cheryl and her many stories!! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheryl & Me, friends, neighbours and workout buddies!! (Don't we look fit!!)</td></tr>
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Leaving accomodation of any sort in spick 'n span condition, despite careful preparations still is a tad stressful. On Friday, Dixie and Janine came to my rescue and helped me with the last of the windows and final clean of the basement etc. It only took a couple of hours and was greatly appreciated. We were able to leave the house spic and span with everything in order by Saturday afternoon.. well, that is, nearly able to! We had arranged to stay with the Mercer's on Saturday night so we could be finished with the house, but just before Jeff came to pick us up, the front door swung open a little too fast (again) and the door knob popped a hole in the newly repaired wall! It was just one of those things! So Rick set about repairing it again!! <br />
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Saturday night, there was a dance on at Columbine which gave Sarah a chance for final goodbyes. She enjoyed that. Meanwhile, the Mercer family took Rick & I into downtown Denver to see the Christmas lights, and surprised us with a carriage ride tour!! How wonderful and how kind!! <br />
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It was so Christmassy with lights up all over the various streets and buildings throughout the CBD. There was still snow on the ground from the week before, so pretty cold, but we were rugged up. We so enjoyed that! Many thanks Donna & Jeff!<br />
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Afterwards we escaped the crowded city restaurants and found 'Beaujo's Pizza. Delicious!! A great evening. <br />
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Once back home at the Mercer's, Jeff kindly took Rick back to the house so he could finish the wall, and me to SuperTarget so I could stock up on make-up supplies that are so much cheaper than in Australia!! <br />
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The next morning at church was extremely bitter-sweet. How we have greatly loved this ward. Everything about it. We have been shown so much love and friendship by so many people and we are thankful and grateful for the many rich experiences we have had... Thank you Clement Park Ward. Thank you. As I write this, I am getting misty again thinking of all the wonderful people who have touched our lives. But what treasured memories, I am sure we will meet again one day...<br />
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It was so nice to spend this time with the Mercer Family. We sure do love and apprieciate them! Well, after a teary visit from Sarah's friend Chelsee, the final juggling of luggage to get the weight correct, and after Donna fed us with delicious Taco's, the time for departure arrived. The hour journey to the airport was over far too soon, then we were checking luggage in. With Jeff's help we were able to get one extra bag on, all the way to Auckland. Out of the vast windows of DIA, I could see the fields of white snow. It's a last glimpse. The security area is a formiddable place!! It can be an exciting challenge to pass through if you are on your way to an adventure, but a hindrance if you are departing for the last time. Final goodbyes are tough, even though we are looking forward to seeing our own family, we have grown to love the Mercer's like our own. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bennallack's and the Mercer's, it's hard to say goodbye..</td></tr>
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What treasured friends who have shared such a lot with us. They are hoping to come and spend Christmas with us in Adelaide in two years when Tom is home, so hopefully we will see them again soon.. <br />
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Goodbye Denver! Goodbye.. A piece of our hearts will always be here.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A last look at Denver before heading above the Rockies</td></tr>
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<strong><em>Wow! What a year....</em></strong></div>Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-79423800893442369732011-12-30T19:45:00.001-08:002012-01-02T16:44:51.692-08:00Arctic Blasts from the North<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMvKK5o6RgPsxbBg8nJcatH3qaLIJvXL1iQtum6F3kN8uGzNRN9_ffFoKB2BmW5rr-USLEUSVjT8oR17PtBIbxzffj6fpmECWPB3zNv2BT4gY_rMTAxmVuxPTv1VQHW6fcJRmRZySZOw/s1600/135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGMvKK5o6RgPsxbBg8nJcatH3qaLIJvXL1iQtum6F3kN8uGzNRN9_ffFoKB2BmW5rr-USLEUSVjT8oR17PtBIbxzffj6fpmECWPB3zNv2BT4gY_rMTAxmVuxPTv1VQHW6fcJRmRZySZOw/s320/135.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle & Bette Rae visiting at 'The Olive Garden'.</td></tr>
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On Tuesday, I met up with my good friend from Art class, Bette Rae. She has not joined our classes this semester and I have missed her company. I haven't seen her since before summer but we have been keeping in touch via email. There are people that really touch your life, and Bette is one of those! She is a sweet, and very talented artist with a huge, caring heart. I really love our friendship. We met up at 'The Olive Garden' and spent a leisurely couple of hours visiting. We will continue to keep in touch for sure!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dropping Rick off at work, <br />
this is an experience you don't get in Adelaide!</td></tr>
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It did indeed snow the following Thursday, much to our delight I must confess!! We really were hoping to see snow again before returning to Australia. Well, we got our wish with about 6" of snow on Thursday which was a grey, dreary day all day. It was a day to stay inside and avoid driving anywhere if possible. I of course, needed to take Sarah to school, driving slowly on roads covered in ice and thick slush. Not my best stressfree activity!! <br />
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Friday, the sun came out which is my favourite. I love to see the blue expanse of sky contrasting the blanket of white, clean sparkling snow. Everything looks so beautiful. The trees, the streams, the fields, everything is transformed! I especially like it as the ice melts off the roads!! I just cannot describe the cold and give it justice! I want to, because I know when we leave here and are once again in the South Australian summer, it might be hard to remember what it was like here! The cold is crisp and clear. Sharply penetrating all layers of inappropriate clothing within a few seconds. The cold permeates deep into your lungs and your breath can be clearly seen in large clouds of mist. It's actually amazing to see how much air actually goes into our lungs with each breath!! The cold is invigorating if experienced for short intervals and fun if you are rugged up in 'snow clothes'. For us, it's such a novelty still, I really, really like it when it snows. I think because in Colorado you just get enough then it seems to melt off, and probably mostly because we come from a place where you just never see it at all!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quick pic, then a fast dash to the<br />
car to get out of the cold!!</td></tr>
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Friday at Columbine HS was 'Pep Rally Day'. The Cheerleaders all wore their uniforms to school for 'Game Day' and there was a huge assembly for the school community to honour the Varsity Football Team who had made the final playoff game against Lakewood High to be played Saturday afternoon. This rally raised excitement, loyalty and demonstrated the deep founded school spirit that makes up Columbine. What a wonderful experience for Sarah to be a part of. However, she arrived home very teary, as leaving Columbine in one week impacted greatly on her. She is completely settled in her school environment now, and the school year is still only half way through, and she knows what is coming next on the calendar. It has been so great to experience High School in America, but heart wrenching to leave it too.. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bleak mornings, driving very carefully..</td></tr>
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Saturday, 3 December, a very busy day, brought another blast from the Arctic, coming down through Canada, Montana and Wyoming to the north of us. It came with feather like flurries on freezing gusts of air that put layers of soft 'powder' snow everywhere on top of the unmelted snow from 2 days before. It was constant and persistant throughout the day making driving hazardous and the day very bleak. <br />
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It was also the day of the funeral for dear Sister Baer, our Temple matron who died the previous Sunday evening in a head-on auto accident. This was such sad news for all who knew her. I barely did really, but she was the constant familiar, welcoming face each time I went to the Temple, especially when I didn't know anyone else. What a sweet lady, she touched the lives of so many people and her loss is greatly felt. What a miserable, freezing day to put her to rest.. My heart and thoughts are with her family at this time.<br />
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The morning for us began with a Ward Christmas breakfast which Rick was able to help out at. We all just love our ward so much, but this is also the day for the last Cheerleading competition, the JV State Invitational which clashed, as mentioned, with the final game for the High School Varsity Football team. This conflict brought a huge conflict to our team as some of the girls had brothers or boyfriends playing in the game which was scheduled the same time as the competition final.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how homes are decorated for the seasons. <br />
Heather has a beautiful 'Christmassy' home,<br />
especially with the snow outside, and the lights<br />
and fireplace inside....</td></tr>
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Sarah and I were around at Heather's place before 7am to assist with the braiding of the girls hair. I don't think I really did much to assist, except to help a little with little Makenzie. Heather's fingers flew, as she braided the whole team's hair!! Over 20 girls! What a champion! We then thankfully, caught a ride with her as we drove to Arvarda West High School for the competition which was about a 45-50 minute journey on the ice packed roads.<br />
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The competition was very large, with many teams. The Poms were also competiting, their dance routines very spectacular. Our girls performed very well, with just one spill in a tumble. No drops and timing was very good. However as the morning wore on, we as 'bleacher judges' could tell that there were quite a few teams with a higher standard of team stunts and precision. Cheerleading is an intense culture here, an integral part of High School life for those involved. <br />
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Before the final teams were announced, Sarah's coach, Stephanie and the team made a special presentation to Sarah as a goodbye. I know this has been a moment Sarah did not want to face, but this competition marked the last Cheerleading event for Sarah. She has loved this experience and will remember it all her life. She was presented with a lovely team photo autographed by all the girls. This was really lovely and will be a treasured momentum for many years..</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a great experience to be a cheerleader in America!!</td></tr>
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By the end of the preliminary sessions, our girls did not make the final round which was not too disappointing because they were then free to attend the Varsity Football Final which was being held at Invesco Field (recently renamed SportsAuthority Field), the main football arena in Denver! Sarah shot off with some of the girls from the team and the rest of us headed home to get out of the cold and perhaps watch the game on TV. Yes, the High School games are shown on TV, (Root Sports channel) especially the final!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Varsity Football Final: Columbine vs Lakewood</td></tr>
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I just have to explain a little about Football, not the technicalities of the game itself, (which I still fail to fully understand) but the conditions. The game schedule is such that all football is over by the end of the first semester (December). It generally doesn't snow until after Halloween, when most of the preliminary games are finished and the final rounds start to be played. It is a winter sport, which means if it snows, the games are still going on! The fields are ploughed of snow leaving large banks on either side of the field. The game itself goes for 3 hours, so as a spectator on the sidelines, or for the Cheerleaders (or anyone present), it's a test of endurance in the cold! It's probably a very good idea to follow the game so periods of intense excitement can warm you up!! The Friday night games are so very cold, watching when the temperature is on or below zero for the duration. And such was the case for the final. Sarah was able to borrow a few extra layers of clothes, but it was a freezing experience, but born with as Columbine gained strength and went on to win the game becoming the Colorado State Champions for the 2011 football season. The whole community, not just the current students, seemed to be very involved. It was commented on in Facebook and analysed in the Sports show on the radio and reported on the TV news! A truely epic event for Columbine Rebels, so CONGRATULATIONS Columbine HS!!<br />
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Sunday, we awoke to more snow which had fallen overnight. This was the most snow we had seen in one time. The temperature is extremely cold, and thick patches of ice lay on roads and walkways. Rick has been so good at diligently shovelling the paths to avoid those ice layers building. It's a cold, cold task. The snow eased off to flurries on Sunday, and after church we went to Juna Warriner's home for lunch. We enjoyed a great time visiting with her and her family as she made us enchilada's and gave Sarah & I a lesson on how the Mexican's make them. It really is simple and we'll have to definitely give that a go!<br />
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We are really enjoying hearing from our boys in the mission field! Elder Jonathon Bennallack has dubbed himself Elder B1 and Elder Tom Bennallack is Elder B2, to avoid the confusion as they talk about each other. They are both serving valiantly, and we love Sunday evenings and Mondays as we get to hear from them both. What a wonderful experience this is for all of us. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early evening, looking up our street from the front door. (You can Cheryl's car!)<br />
It's so still and very beautiful..</td></tr>
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We are now down to our final week here in Denver. Rick finishes work on Wednesday, to assist in the final preparations to depart. I have been doing alot of cleaning, but I keep blocking the thought of final goodbyes out, but know it's coming...Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-55409417057836922362011-11-29T05:41:00.001-08:002011-11-30T04:40:09.415-08:00THANKSGIVING<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/Thanksgiving-Brownscombe.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="File:Thanksgiving-Brownscombe.jpg" height="125" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/98/Thanksgiving-Brownscombe.jpg/800px-Thanksgiving-Brownscombe.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting by<br />
Jennie A. Brownscombe (1850-1936)</td></tr>
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THANKSGIVING: <em>In the United States, the modern Thanksgiving holiday tradition traces its origins to a 1621 celebration at Plymouth in present-day </em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts" title="Massachusetts"><span style="color: #0645ad;"><em>Massachusetts</em></span></a><em>. The 1621 Plymouth feast and thanksgiving was prompted by a good harvest. While initially, the Plymouth colony did not have enough food to feed half of the 102 colonists, the </em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wampanoag_people" title="Wampanoag people"><span style="color: #0645ad;"><em>Wampanoag</em></span></a><em> Native Americans helped the </em><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilgrim_(Plymouth_Colony)" title="Pilgrim (Plymouth Colony)"><span style="color: #0645ad;"><em>Pilgrims</em></span></a><em> by providing seeds and teaching them to fish. The practice of holding an annual harvest festival like this did not become a regular affair in New England until the late 1660s. (Online Wikipedia)</em></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rick raking, raking & still raking leaves!!</td></tr>
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Thanksgiving is a really important part of the American calendar. It's a time when family and friends get together and celebrate their blessings. 'Turkey' is significant, because wild turkeys where found in abundance and were used in that first feast.. <br />
And, due to budget cuts in the Jefferson County, teachers lost two days work giving a whole week for celebrating Thanksgiving.<br />
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We took advantage of this and drove down to Colorado Springs to explore Pikes Peak. This is a 'fourteener', a mountain over fourteen feet. However, we didn't exert ourselves enough to hike, but took advantage of the train which chugged slowly at a 25 degree angle for an hour and half to the top! Throughout the journey, an amusing guide commented on sights and facts of the area. It was very pretty even though the leaves from the Aspen groves have long gone, then as we passed the timberline, there were layers of melting snow with the occasional mountain goat. Once at the summit, we had 50 minutes to enjoy the scenery before the return journey. At the top, on this beautiful clear day, you could see far into the distance to four states! (If your eyes were good!) It was this scenery that prompted the words of 'America the Beautiful ' that was written by Katharine Lee Bates:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A magnificent view with the vast<br />
Sangre de Christo Range in the far distance..</td></tr>
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<em>AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL</em><br />
<em> - Katherine Lee Bates (8 verses)</em><br />
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<em>O beautiful for spacious skies, <br />For amber waves of grain, <br />For purple mountain majesties <br />Above the fruited plain! <br />America! America! <br />God shed his grace on thee <br />And crown thy good with brotherhood <br />From sea to shining sea! </em><br />
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The temperature at the summit was 16F or -8C. The wind chill factor was about zero F or -17C, so we really didn't linger long at the look out points. Rather, we enjoyed hot chocolate inside the summit cafe!! The high altitude did affect us all though. We all experienced headache, dizzyness and a bit of nausea. I think the time at the summit was just enough. You don't really realise what very thin air does to you..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is absolutely freezing, the jacket was great, but the cold whipped straight through those jeans!! <br />
Rick was smart, he had thermals on!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah braving the cold to let me take a pic! <br />
The views are spectacular..</td></tr>
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This excursion took most of the afternoon, after which we found a motel to stay in and then a shopping centre. The sales are excellent at the moment and we had fun exploring a new mall! We then went to the movies. Tuesday happened to be the discount day, and movies were only $5.00 each!! Sarah & I watched 'Footloose' (very funny) while Rick saw 'Tower Heist'.<br />
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The following day we travelled about 40 minutes further south to Pueblo and Rick was able to meet up with Jeff B, a missionary companion from the time they spent together in the Canada Montreal Mission thirty years ago. They enjoyed success together and it was great seeing them reminisce about those times. Jeff took us out to see the Royal Gorge and it's famous suspension bridge. It's very impressive with over a 1000ft drop to the river below. We walked across it and then went down on a suspension train to the bottom. This rail car descended at a 45degree angle!! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The suspension bridge at the Royal Gorge, Colorado</td></tr>
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We went to dinner with Jeff's family at the Texas Steakhouse and got to meet everyone! He has 8 children, what a lovely family. We are going to meet up again with him & his wife Sue next week just before we leave. It's amazing they live relatively close by and we didn't know all this time we have been here!!</div>
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Thursday, the fourth Thursday of the month is officially Thanksgiving. The day started with the annual 'Gobble Wobble' 5km event at Clement Park. This was organised by our ward, but about 600 from the community came and enjoyed a great morning! A fun run, with brekky provided! A wonderful event and fundraiser.<br />
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We were kindly invited by the Wehrli family to join them at their friends Linda and Mark's home in Denver for Thanksgiving dinner! It was a relaxing day with lots of food, especially turkey!! It reminded us a great deal of Christmas, with the abundance of good food, family and friends.. This is a special tradition of great importance, and I have heard several people say how it's their favourite holiday, even more than Christmas...<br />
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It was interesting to observe it and experience this different culture.<br />
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Thanksgiving celebrations carry on into the nearest weekend, but was also followed by 'Black Friday'. A national day of retail sales!! Stores opened after midnight and people queued up to grab the bargains. It is very much like the 'after Christmas' sales in Australia!! I saw on the news yesterday, that $52 billion was spent on Black Friday shopping, over half on clothing. For ourselves, we found a new mall! It was were one of Tom's friends works, the Colorado Mills, which actually had a lot of outlet stores! So we had fun mooching around there for the afternoon and came home with a few goodies.... :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Pueblo, Colorado</td></tr>
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And now, we have less than two weeks left of our American Overseas Adventure. I have begun cleaning windows, and sorting the accumulation of treasures! I have a lengthy to-do list and am slowly ticking items off. Our greatest challenge at the moment is finding a relatively inexpensive way of shipping our excess belongings back to Australia.. It's an expensive exercise..<br />
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The temperature has dropped, and it's expected to snow again this Thursday!! Yayyy! We were hoping it would one last time before we leave and get back to summer.. (which I am also excited about!) I am looking forward to seeing my family again, but am not looking forward to the goodbyes that have already begun. I will sincerely miss the good friends we have made here...<em><br /></em>Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-50532992686838530382011-11-28T18:09:00.001-08:002011-11-29T07:59:14.429-08:00Cheering and Serving.. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Cheerleader - whoo hoo!!</td></tr>
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The month is fast closing, and 'Fall' is definitely turning into winter. We have spent the time in steady routine revolving around school, home seminary and particularly cheerleading! Saturday, 12th November was spent at Douglas County High School in Castle Rock, south of Littleton for the 'Winter Classic' competition. This involved a broader age range and attracted teams from all over Colorado. The Divisions were larger, with the program covered a huge timetable. This is an intense culture! When Sarah told me some of her friends had been cheering for several years, I didn't really believe her, but now I understand. There were teams from the All-Star clubs which have girls from about 6years old, right up to senior High School. It was very impressive to watch them performing slick choreographed routines and clever stunt work, not to mention the somersaults and gymnastic components. Being a cheerleader is a very prestigious role!</div>
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Initially, we dropped Sarah off, given the length of the afternoon and Rick & I went off and explored some of the outlet stores! (Now that was fun!!) But after some time, we headed off to the High School gym and squeezed in to watch the afternoon performances. The various levels of skills performed was very impressive to watch, with the competition being very fierce. After a time, as an audience, we become expert back seat judges and can notice the missed timing, a fall or an incorrect lift. You really have to admire these girls for their dedication, and personal strength which is both physical and emotional. My eyes have been opened to this 'extra curricular activity' which is so much a part of the American culture. Sarah's team performed very well, but unfortunately had one lift that was incomplete and combined with a slightly lesser overall team skill, they came in fourth position. But very well done, this was a mighty effort against very different competition. </div>
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<em>Sarah practising her back handspring, she will soon have it competition ready..</em></div>
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We are excited to have Elder Tom Bennallack enter the mission field and begin work in his first area of Ballarat. He is having a challenging start to his mission but we are enjoying his enthusiasm and great desire to make a difference. He has been blessed with an outgoing, courageous spirit which is being put to maximum use in Ballarat. This is certainly a great period of personal growth for him..</div>
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I am reminded of a comment made by my boss a few years ago when our eldest son first left for his mission in Perth. He said something like, "it's a hard way to bring up your kid.." I have often reflected on that over the years and wonder if many people not of our faith think the same thing. We must seem a strange people sending our kids out to knock doors and be subjected to daily abuse for the sake of religion!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Tom Bennallack<br />
Australia Melbourne Mission</td></tr>
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Our young men and women are encouraged to give a period of service if they desire to, and are worthy to. Our young men serve for twenty-four months and young women for eighteen months. They submit a lengthy application and can be assigned to serve in any area of the world. In my experience however, there is not one thing you can compell, force or make a teenager do if he or she does not want to. And this especially applies to church and missionary service. A young person is not going to give up personal time and pursuits in exchange for a regimented daily schedule and personal discipline unless they have a strong, personal conviction that what they are participating in is of great and significant worth.</div>
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Our beliefs centre on the reality of a Living Christ, that He lives and that His gospel that He established in the meridian of time was eventually lost as an apostasy took place. This period is known as the Dark Ages where priesthood authority with prophets and apostles was taken from the earth. A restoration of these things took place through the prophet Joseph Smith who was also instrumental in translating by the power of God an ancient record of former inhabitants of the American continent and Christ's visit to them. This book was published as the Book of Mormon and is another Testament of Jesus Christ supporting the teachings found in the Bible. This is a wonderful and powerful book that changes lives and enables us to draw closer to the Saviour. Our young missionaries all have a personal and sure testimony of the truth of these things and especially the Book of Mormon, and God's plan for us. It's a wonderful thing to know that we existed before we came to this earth and that life does not end when we die. There is a plan for us that enables family relationships to continue. To better explain about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, visit <a href="http://www.mormon.org/">http://www.mormon.org/</a> </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Jonathon Bennallack<br />
France, Lyon Mission</td></tr>
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It's a difficult thing to do to part with your grown child, knowing that this part of their life is over, that you won't see them for two years! However, they embark in a great endeavour and as a mother, I am blessed with a comforting assurance, like a constant warm blanket around my shoulders, that they will be kept safe and all will be well with them... (If you would like to see how they are going, check out the links on the side of this page!) </div>
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And so, I am in great awe of our young people who make this sacrifice in their busy lives to share this wonderful message of happiness. It's not easy, not everyone wants to know, or shares the same curiosity about life, who we are, where we came from and where we are going. I am so humbled to have three such valiant sons and just wanted to share that this is something that they very much wanted to do at this time, because they feel it's important and because they know for themselves...</div>Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-20578042485136200592011-11-07T11:44:00.001-08:002011-11-11T22:10:20.916-08:00Snow, Leaves & Cheerleading!!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjy-AbQVSDfiSIjhuS3sl2uC2PMUnq5ucm6h8JuNgCioZ7834Qjeel8K7YBDgfk_0uSNPaVtkHRi7YLFEOBFYfH2SgELA1qnZb9roC-bRDbr7gSQF61W94p5Sfr7o1FPLeFyLCBVMRPJ4/s1600/606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjy-AbQVSDfiSIjhuS3sl2uC2PMUnq5ucm6h8JuNgCioZ7834Qjeel8K7YBDgfk_0uSNPaVtkHRi7YLFEOBFYfH2SgELA1qnZb9roC-bRDbr7gSQF61W94p5Sfr7o1FPLeFyLCBVMRPJ4/s320/606.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second Snow of the season as <br />
Sarah goes off to school..</td></tr>
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This week Elder Tom Bennallack celebrated his 19th birthday in the MTC. We heard from him the following day on his P-Day with another wonderful email. He had a wonderful day, and one to remember being in the MTC. He departs for Melbourne this coming Monday. We love hearing from our missionaries twice a week now, Jon on Monday and Tom on Wednesday. Happy Birthday Elder T. Bennallack!<br />
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For us, our days are passing with the usual industrious activity. However, whether it's ALL productive is a moot point! The temperature has really fallen. We have had two snowfalls now and that seems to have marked the oncoming of winter for certain. <br />
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The second snow fall happened exactly one week after the first. (Just to remind us that Tom left the week before!!) The next day after a gym session, I decided to walk to Rick's school to pick up the car. The trouble with central heating and car heaters is that you get an odd sense of how cold it actually is outside, especially when the morning is so gorgeous. The sun was not long up, the skies were a beautiful 'cobalt' blue and whiteness covered everything like a blanket. Sparkling snow, brilliant white in the morning sun. After checking the thermometer hanging outside the kitchen window, I thought twice about my excursion, but then decided to still venture out into the cold morning. I had two layers on my legs, a ski jacket on, gloves and a beanie. The temperature read -20F, which is -9C !! After only five minutes of walking, my cheeks were aching badly, however the rest of me was starting to warm up nicely. I then had to rub my face as I'm walking along. After fifteen minutes, I couldn't feel my cheeks at all and it was as far to continue, as it was to turn back. I was glad to get to the school, just in time to catch Rick on 'before school' yard duty, in the snow!! Unfortunately, I had no camera as evidence.. The snow and cold is beautiful to look at, and you imagine how cold it might be, but to experience it first hand is incredible. Words cannot describe how cold this cold is!! (I'm definitely getting pics after the next snow!)<br />
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Amazingly, this same day, the temperature slowly crept up to 50F which is about 10C, and all morning sounds of the snow dripping and falling from the tree branches could be heard. By mid afternoon, it was mostly gone!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AaoNd4uzWeepib6HJeGzn7jDkHVCFj4sgiLpJS8lmtfkOH2R8q01P_xa2xeVzbisDiXc6fLFgu2owmlLWmpVYwPmswsb7DnYMgGxRoJyMzP23QHb9kpUwfjPmOJCgkiVB0XkjD4Rfyx8/s1600/636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AaoNd4uzWeepib6HJeGzn7jDkHVCFj4sgiLpJS8lmtfkOH2R8q01P_xa2xeVzbisDiXc6fLFgu2owmlLWmpVYwPmswsb7DnYMgGxRoJyMzP23QHb9kpUwfjPmOJCgkiVB0XkjD4Rfyx8/s320/636.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back yard as seen from the green belt after the snow.</td></tr>
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Since then, Rick & I have raked the front yard of leaves to keep our place tidy. What a job, there was huge piles!! We still have to tackle the back yard, and this might be a job for the coming weekend. Well, this<em> is</em> part of the experience, 'Fall', with it's mountains of leaves. (I actually really like it!!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwc-zTs_o3jaM44rpc1pn-zCgSCzkcoX31rXMydVHK3HiBDu29IhWaXJ85SwXT8qOQNoB4yYfaWVhR5UOQ44Sc-t36fqZI1UQYp2FhFfNEzjHJiPC3wlnv5Iebs9fLHBuO6rODm4ioYnY/s1600/638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjwc-zTs_o3jaM44rpc1pn-zCgSCzkcoX31rXMydVHK3HiBDu29IhWaXJ85SwXT8qOQNoB4yYfaWVhR5UOQ44Sc-t36fqZI1UQYp2FhFfNEzjHJiPC3wlnv5Iebs9fLHBuO6rODm4ioYnY/s200/638.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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The other main thing to occupy us is Cheerleading. We are in the middle of the competition season. As mentioned, the first one was held at Eaglecrest, followed by a break for Halloween weekend, then during this week on Tuesday, the Jeffco County Spirit League Competition was held at Ralston High in Aurora. The next is tomorrow at Douglas County with different opponents. <br />
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I have to pause and spend a bit of time here, since this is a big part of our lives at the moment. In this particular competition, there were three divisions; JV Cheer, Varsity Cheer and Co-Ed Cheer. In Sarah's division, there were eight other schools they competed against. The actual routine is rehearsed, refined, and rehearsed again lasting a total of two and half minutes. Weeks of early morning sessions and Tuesday night Tumbling have paid off, because..... Sarah's JV Cheer Team from Columbine High came in FIRST place!! Followed by the Varsity Team who also took First!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's a winner tonight!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Columbine JV Cheer Team - the winning squad!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9svyFMD6GZ3HwAMicMF1xVMr-zpkD6EavP2U-8dDz8q6KA5os5M3HOja-x3f4JYpz8Hdh6RrX4fuVpBxMuL3bTsS9nKFm1vfyJD-ysacJPgdwQ0oVR2iIiA0CbU7jTaa3Vy-jEWT15oKB/s1600/038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9svyFMD6GZ3HwAMicMF1xVMr-zpkD6EavP2U-8dDz8q6KA5os5M3HOja-x3f4JYpz8Hdh6RrX4fuVpBxMuL3bTsS9nKFm1vfyJD-ysacJPgdwQ0oVR2iIiA0CbU7jTaa3Vy-jEWT15oKB/s320/038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The JV Cheer Team and the Varsity Team with Ms Doolan (AP) & Mr DeAngeles (Principal)</td></tr>
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This was such an exciting moment! Such a buzz... I was jumping up and down with the rest of the 'Mom's' in the bleachers! I have to confess, I am now a genuine 'CHEER MOM!' Oh, Wow! I think I might have to get one of those T-Shirts too! Wow! Bring it On!! What an amazing effort girls and well done Sarah! You did it! An American Cheerleader!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwD86eJLFI0EGZYCFZSqp7ihCmtm0F1FkPNRtgImX_KR27Y_whUB9EFQ4WfTn9wKm_kNywohcXO2nljmdXDQw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<em>A winning performance! Sarah is a 'baser' who lifts and catches a 'flyer'. </em></div>
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<em>She is positioned mostly centre back. (Apologise for the poor quality video!)</em></div>
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As a change of subject, I have so enjoyed my Wednesday morning watercolour classes and continue to learn much from Chuck. Here are some of my latest efforts..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3BsvvBeHGAR6mbLgsKvITH8DVzhR42k2ow-ZmeyckQu1e3IFsx76wrlRpBhDr0wf8LXo0lkAv6I0Xl3ZxTjuG1abaq6WenAVUdC5Wc78nqlGH_6iHFPN-VZz0qNorz5OsIfEdZvczUAh/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3BsvvBeHGAR6mbLgsKvITH8DVzhR42k2ow-ZmeyckQu1e3IFsx76wrlRpBhDr0wf8LXo0lkAv6I0Xl3ZxTjuG1abaq6WenAVUdC5Wc78nqlGH_6iHFPN-VZz0qNorz5OsIfEdZvczUAh/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still life<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nVwHpzIix6OkycfjtnMu7PS85Vwhfxqb6R-uqp3EMY6YKBtsxaZeKGg5UtpthBZ_MATMbiq10GHB2Xa3ULVJ-tYfLenXcON-FoWtVJgeKSa6ylpNPdtGGT1dMKxlyHlglRfPvx-F0zJu/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nVwHpzIix6OkycfjtnMu7PS85Vwhfxqb6R-uqp3EMY6YKBtsxaZeKGg5UtpthBZ_MATMbiq10GHB2Xa3ULVJ-tYfLenXcON-FoWtVJgeKSa6ylpNPdtGGT1dMKxlyHlglRfPvx-F0zJu/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountains & Reflections</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoSWcML6NPC9G2p8csrNRw284fRL_we0LVFkP8N-kvr0TKWYuq9bAi9KXrRnjx2JaeHrTENG5TxHCVOYugXJ6zBbvQnBV5A9zhbvawCiwSlt2I2INtTU3XTSfRFcJGBWnIbFlaoMXfPZO/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYoSWcML6NPC9G2p8csrNRw284fRL_we0LVFkP8N-kvr0TKWYuq9bAi9KXrRnjx2JaeHrTENG5TxHCVOYugXJ6zBbvQnBV5A9zhbvawCiwSlt2I2INtTU3XTSfRFcJGBWnIbFlaoMXfPZO/s320/004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock Study</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GRv-ZXToB5iDuV8leC0d7P93hY1AtaHog5VEBhWrTs4A10xuhoA83uoLugZ2KX98RsSFTrAQIXgH-NHs3zZNsJLSr1DdtTMM7mgPVCXqs-my6QAGlC0SUw4cwaXxpVQo685r6pfWFxCQ/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GRv-ZXToB5iDuV8leC0d7P93hY1AtaHog5VEBhWrTs4A10xuhoA83uoLugZ2KX98RsSFTrAQIXgH-NHs3zZNsJLSr1DdtTMM7mgPVCXqs-my6QAGlC0SUw4cwaXxpVQo685r6pfWFxCQ/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lighthouse in Maine, Eastcoast of USA</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsclckrF9iuIsVxqyo9HUNkFIzFZdBwd9b9zhpeIb5Lp4V-e8YKI1Ux5gX_cj7U_s8VoRVwW4mBWs-tRgULZ8YfHkfWXUdRE8DoLzAdYKd9pWi87LsZBY-1qYHnm7NOFNNz1FZWJQg-p6H/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsclckrF9iuIsVxqyo9HUNkFIzFZdBwd9b9zhpeIb5Lp4V-e8YKI1Ux5gX_cj7U_s8VoRVwW4mBWs-tRgULZ8YfHkfWXUdRE8DoLzAdYKd9pWi87LsZBY-1qYHnm7NOFNNz1FZWJQg-p6H/s320/054.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfall on 'Yupo' paper</td></tr>
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Finally, this week, Kelland received his mission call to the Brazil, San Diego Mission! It was a very exciting moment that he shared with us. He departs on the 28 March 2012. Tom will be so excited!Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-82968624795748399662011-11-07T11:26:00.000-08:002011-11-07T11:42:52.063-08:00Halloween in America!!<br />
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<strong>31 October 2011</strong><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack-O-lanterns at 'Trunk or Treat'</td></tr>
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<em class="date-loc"></em><em>"Straddling the line between fall and winter, plenty and paucity, life and death, Halloween is a time of celebration and superstition. It is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and martyrs; the holiday, All Saints’ Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, community-based event characterized by child-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating. In a number of countries around the world, as the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, people continue to usher in the winter season with gatherings, costumes and sweet treats." (Halloween: History.com)</em></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My girl, Karlie</td></tr>
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First of all, this day is my eldest daughter Karlie's birthday!! Happy Birthday Karlie. We are so far apart at the moment, but we are thinking of you all the time, especially today.!<br />
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When Karlie was born, it was still spring in Adelaide, but this particular year (1987), it was very hot. Karlie was actually due about the 7 November, but the days leading up to her birth were uncomfortable. She decided to help me out and came a week early being born on the 31st October, the temperature was 38C (100.4 F). Halloween is not generally celebrated in Australia, (the seasons are opposite!) but over the years it is gradually becoming more and more accepted. Karlie took advantage of this when she turned sixteen, with a great party with the Halloween theme. A lot of decorating, and a lot of fun. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpqz5oJ5PuhUq-nXBqFk-gxTOuo1g75SdPzCNEN7Hy0BzpfgqtsEBiNdohqFZTaJdwopla6uZND44zhiMi3RBw6VoRwGCVYPcdJLjJaDXL9wCeD2wvC9-5eFtYHG6UMwe-3jTlhsauj-I/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpqz5oJ5PuhUq-nXBqFk-gxTOuo1g75SdPzCNEN7Hy0BzpfgqtsEBiNdohqFZTaJdwopla6uZND44zhiMi3RBw6VoRwGCVYPcdJLjJaDXL9wCeD2wvC9-5eFtYHG6UMwe-3jTlhsauj-I/s200/013.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Harvest display at Wal-Mart</td></tr>
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And now, we have experienced for ourselves an American Halloween. We have discovered it to be a very serious event here. Weeks leading up to Halloween, the stores are full of displays and decorations to celebrate this 'Harvest' season and Halloween. There are pumpkins for sale at last!!! All year I have missed pumpkin with only the 'Butternut squash' being available. (Not the best for roasting..) Now, pumpkins, big, very round and orange are everywhere. Not only the 'carving' pumpkins but ornamental ones too!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Gpqo4IvE5rxVFTsh3ibP77_I9xXtcedK0Enyory6zVwnQk8uB74PjqiqdO0e2EH9If2cpwJiVpew9bYDzLoFkTq-NM33_kpJZDxTuiEFtzeYTfPF9538z25IjXdZRkqaYeQLq6S0P9dp/s1600/634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Gpqo4IvE5rxVFTsh3ibP77_I9xXtcedK0Enyory6zVwnQk8uB74PjqiqdO0e2EH9If2cpwJiVpew9bYDzLoFkTq-NM33_kpJZDxTuiEFtzeYTfPF9538z25IjXdZRkqaYeQLq6S0P9dp/s320/634.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A front yard display in our street!</td></tr>
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I have noted how people decorate their homes for the seasons. Inside, spring, autumn decore is added, and likewise for the front porches. Halloween is no exception with goulish displays, complete with pumpkins!! <br />
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I asked my friend Heather one day what they do with the pumpkins, besides carving them. And she said they just throw them away!! I was astonished. NO!! It seems the poor pumpkin is only fit for pumpkin pie or as a decoration, carved out with a candle!! I in turn, have been met with surprise as I have described all the ways you can EAT a pumpkin!!! (I apologise for rambling on about my FAVOURITE vegetable!! especially roasted!!)<br />
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However, we were excited to see Halloween unfold and to experience it!<br />
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It began on Friday night at the chapel with a ward dinner, a 'jack-o-lantern' competition and 'trunk or treat'. We arrived just a little late after dropping Sarah off to cheer at the football game, but loved the activity. Many people were dressed in costume and dinner was all you can eat chilli or burrito's with desserts. The winner of the 'jack'-o-lantern' was announced and then came the main event, the 'trunk or treat'. Not at all sure exactly what this was, we followed the crowd out into the car park, where trunks (the car boot) were opened and many were displayed with spiders webs, jack-o-lanterns, torches, witches etc. Children (of all sizes) went from trunk to trunk in the darkness, with their pumpkin buckets or other container and collected treats! It was a lot of fun to watch! And what a happy, fun family event.. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNJuqQSDHLi7SO3uCPZpePBmul6HJ6NZCjHtChgElL5KuGgJmmDPbC76hN19AHFmInVyyHsCSB8HavtOfcBpZBrwq7Up-9aHsau4qYpVS6RdMRYJqXbiser0KUX4KozfxC0ATINwkf0nO/s1600/551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNJuqQSDHLi7SO3uCPZpePBmul6HJ6NZCjHtChgElL5KuGgJmmDPbC76hN19AHFmInVyyHsCSB8HavtOfcBpZBrwq7Up-9aHsau4qYpVS6RdMRYJqXbiser0KUX4KozfxC0ATINwkf0nO/s320/551.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTt8IZQFo7XHTBsd1s-EizV2WGHUlxOrmDFxDxg6HEH9mphyTPweoZZQzFzVhu0-b4_aV7XhRIuLiptNoQSxs4oXrmC-Qun0-s6SxTywc0XKYG1JNEGVLVfEFIrMdW_wltGOG8FywbVTA/s1600/553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTt8IZQFo7XHTBsd1s-EizV2WGHUlxOrmDFxDxg6HEH9mphyTPweoZZQzFzVhu0-b4_aV7XhRIuLiptNoQSxs4oXrmC-Qun0-s6SxTywc0XKYG1JNEGVLVfEFIrMdW_wltGOG8FywbVTA/s320/553.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsw9Vl-fmjaQCEzV18pblja9FBjSC6q9PxaIWYDzCpSZSqzLZ_oKnjDG8uh4Zvsm-OrsJ_DDYLVm9SjQxDH-PHkGcmqcyQxI55XSTgxzg0wJCMTh_KJABIfMkctG0ryzhyltJoJO1OA7x/s1600/554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsw9Vl-fmjaQCEzV18pblja9FBjSC6q9PxaIWYDzCpSZSqzLZ_oKnjDG8uh4Zvsm-OrsJ_DDYLVm9SjQxDH-PHkGcmqcyQxI55XSTgxzg0wJCMTh_KJABIfMkctG0ryzhyltJoJO1OA7x/s320/554.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Trunk or Treat' excitement! Watch out!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a5b7nJ7g0d-EDoQcvQsI6HpQmnN3f0S6Xrt6-kHYOh7qmYHrYXnXwU6nsysLP3XzsI8IhED-SzL_-q7IiWMSy4jcnikE7PW1Y2mTiME0feQsv33x4bqH6tLtRCZ88gYjaPwNAZpycdc4/s1600/589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9a5b7nJ7g0d-EDoQcvQsI6HpQmnN3f0S6Xrt6-kHYOh7qmYHrYXnXwU6nsysLP3XzsI8IhED-SzL_-q7IiWMSy4jcnikE7PW1Y2mTiME0feQsv33x4bqH6tLtRCZ88gYjaPwNAZpycdc4/s320/589.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah as 'Ariel'</td></tr>
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Sarah meanwhile, on Saturday afternoon, was involved in the Columbine annual 'Trick or Treat Street' at the High School. Here corridors of the school are transformed into a maze of fantasy worlds of mostly Disney and Storybook characters. Each group is given a section to transform. Sarah's JV Cheer team chose the theme from the movie 'UP', so when the kids walked through, it was a world of sky and balloons and floating houses. The girls themselves dressed up in a Disney character and handed out candy to the 'trick or treaters' that came. This is in fact a popular event each year, and the line of waiting costumed children and parents went out of the school grounds and way down the street. A lot of fun again! Sarah went as Ariel and looked great!! </div>
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On Saturday night she disappeared to a Halloween Party of course!! Again, it was a lot of fun for her.<br />
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On Monday night, we did prepare ourselves for the neighbourhood trick or treaters. We were warned that if our porch light was on, to expect between 50-70 children between 6.00 and 8.00pm. When we ran out of lollies, just to turn the light off. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGZZf8fHgrNoUhtAIODj8wduZCKyRvQrSBSaRstwGIX723hcUFoQdUK5RVxqJ4Q0zuetIm0IEkTHWzkfbITgigdMt-qCHgk3EHtaB4hCAV6IRPAHwzb83DeHjRqFnc0nD6ioN5MaoSuDT/s1600/595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGZZf8fHgrNoUhtAIODj8wduZCKyRvQrSBSaRstwGIX723hcUFoQdUK5RVxqJ4Q0zuetIm0IEkTHWzkfbITgigdMt-qCHgk3EHtaB4hCAV6IRPAHwzb83DeHjRqFnc0nD6ioN5MaoSuDT/s320/595.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our neighbours and friends!<br />
(Photographed with enthusiastic permission!)</td></tr>
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Sure enough, the witching hour came and children of all ages rang our door bell with a watchful adult not far away in most cases, dressed dramatically for the night. Buckets were laden with loot! I know this is a 'pagan' tradition, but what a lot of fun for children, something to really look forward to every year, especially when the whole neighbourhood participates.<br />
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And that was Halloween! A celebration that also signals the Harvest Season, as the end of autumn comes, and preparation for the cold winter months ahead begins.Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-58636345957952227202011-10-28T09:44:00.000-07:002011-10-28T10:21:52.020-07:00A Farewell in a Snow Storm<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcxrF8XuuXaHhqFxJmxOxBFQn6Pjrv7J0kv5A83uIm3sYtMh4FwXFfGYPuYBGU-mxnZ2kLjyTB6yVYotiQSi3pOuVyc8CLtWx_e_zv-oRJ_uFGcq_3hwfooIfxY45KnmoAY31MzjO8ujX/s1600/DSCN6395%255B1%255D%255B1%255D+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcxrF8XuuXaHhqFxJmxOxBFQn6Pjrv7J0kv5A83uIm3sYtMh4FwXFfGYPuYBGU-mxnZ2kLjyTB6yVYotiQSi3pOuVyc8CLtWx_e_zv-oRJ_uFGcq_3hwfooIfxY45KnmoAY31MzjO8ujX/s320/DSCN6395%255B1%255D%255B1%255D+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder J Bennallack near his apartment in Saint-Etienne, France</td></tr>
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Before I commence the tale of the past few days, I need to include this photo of my second son Elder Jonathon Bennallack. It shows him in his new area in the city of Saint-Etienne, rugged up against the cold! This past week he has been able to travel by train to Lyon and to Geneva, Switzerland for exchanges and meetings. He is certainly getting to see a great deal of France and is enjoying the challenges of a new area. Also, finally he received our package containing a new pair of shoes. These took two months to get to him, but fortunately, at the same time, he also received a birthday package which surprised him. He is 21 this weekend. <em><strong>Happy 21st Birthday Jonathon!! </strong></em><br />
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Following our busy Cheerleading day with Sarah, Sunday was upon us which was the last Sunday for Tom here in Denver. In the evening, we held an 'Open House' at our friends the Hansen's. Kelland and Tom have become quite inseparable over theses past few months, and we usually see Kelland on a daily basis! Many of the people from our ward came to wish Tom the best as he departs on his mission. We have really grown to love these good friends of ours, and I am not looking forward to saying our final goodbyes in about 7 weeks.. We took many photos, but here a just a few:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyQnKjJ_uuSrB8llb6oO9BEsxEdC7MxYW6A7tFdX9caD6Rj3Dp6HCURdaRGLhePyjFR05Qg6IvzCci5UCVgHPYwj5wB98IUMfKBiY-AoOAup51PcrNRFyvNa__UC6Sk83Wr8DoGDsodlR/s1600/143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyQnKjJ_uuSrB8llb6oO9BEsxEdC7MxYW6A7tFdX9caD6Rj3Dp6HCURdaRGLhePyjFR05Qg6IvzCci5UCVgHPYwj5wB98IUMfKBiY-AoOAup51PcrNRFyvNa__UC6Sk83Wr8DoGDsodlR/s320/143.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suzie O'Connor, Cindy Johnson, Sarah & Kelsie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9Piyy5k5lC28_NjC00praj8hWOtjMn2vOiEWngIXfHLFGl2LY4ewV92WgbSh6y8iNLCHlpKHNKuyv8_Mfd__PJOCYWtq-dEXd8rxIAE2AoFNdSiOzO_MZ4sG-bmXGec8c6bnJ_Kz-O6r/s1600/136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9Piyy5k5lC28_NjC00praj8hWOtjMn2vOiEWngIXfHLFGl2LY4ewV92WgbSh6y8iNLCHlpKHNKuyv8_Mfd__PJOCYWtq-dEXd8rxIAE2AoFNdSiOzO_MZ4sG-bmXGec8c6bnJ_Kz-O6r/s320/136.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bro. John Cutler & Tom</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-MVBuDqfaFU_mkbmzIvyneAmdYZeagCkYmnAHpFsGRZBw-zeH0T6fhw8ZSiGIUvj5bYzLFCBejD4jpIhyFAVo9v8inXmcAXh8Y1YXAE8FZF3XsfGV0vS8q5mZwAGLeJeWNO76wG1wvnH/s1600/148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-MVBuDqfaFU_mkbmzIvyneAmdYZeagCkYmnAHpFsGRZBw-zeH0T6fhw8ZSiGIUvj5bYzLFCBejD4jpIhyFAVo9v8inXmcAXh8Y1YXAE8FZF3XsfGV0vS8q5mZwAGLeJeWNO76wG1wvnH/s320/148.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ballard's: Michelle & Matt with Rachel & Brayden</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJElQ6lGh2FxJmJKbVThUI1X-dyPM8htGnje_CuaOT-zZR8yhPM48sPABd2zMG43eQJgw1TBZcC3lb0lKHm63FRU32p_Jk9fxyCtDH8mFPQ2QB1DCQ4VeetWgctNKy3j16vCcKM1-3eJQ/s1600/167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJElQ6lGh2FxJmJKbVThUI1X-dyPM8htGnje_CuaOT-zZR8yhPM48sPABd2zMG43eQJgw1TBZcC3lb0lKHm63FRU32p_Jk9fxyCtDH8mFPQ2QB1DCQ4VeetWgctNKy3j16vCcKM1-3eJQ/s320/167.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Prueitt family: Jesse, Karen & Roger</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyr87DXCtZI0dmIv0btwoI2F5kvYh8k40yc29bFbIZu5sEEedAxjLwOZ_IJTjiBiN6D272d_MVxcn3qeJowO-LQwT3vBlvICgs5wIiz3AuQnmWZUSNJDxfgYlo70p0kDgMxgGz4Rjs-n2/s1600/153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyr87DXCtZI0dmIv0btwoI2F5kvYh8k40yc29bFbIZu5sEEedAxjLwOZ_IJTjiBiN6D272d_MVxcn3qeJowO-LQwT3vBlvICgs5wIiz3AuQnmWZUSNJDxfgYlo70p0kDgMxgGz4Rjs-n2/s320/153.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kelland, Tom & Conlan!! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLZQpDN4rc1GOsiEASS2T6rbMIS-tdCJZNc1re2WAzbgj3D8URzyYgb9wKL05mehBjQy8r3M3t9XceLYoCh0fIKp_NAFaLBNf_t83-gJTDUTRnCweXFEvnN9FKbtFulD98bsKrgaPjboc/s1600/156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLZQpDN4rc1GOsiEASS2T6rbMIS-tdCJZNc1re2WAzbgj3D8URzyYgb9wKL05mehBjQy8r3M3t9XceLYoCh0fIKp_NAFaLBNf_t83-gJTDUTRnCweXFEvnN9FKbtFulD98bsKrgaPjboc/s320/156.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Harvey's: Rick, Crista, Nathan, Erica & Kaitlyn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngfrhhkLxTM7M0697dAHPCJs_wPImCzGdNS7KMeflTj_xVL06ZqwL2tPvkbScmgWjNCr43d9kUsx-thAbmi5uzqG_atekrNagkHMuR3SM2uhnptXO-bo6nWdvwUh8I8MoRE7xUOu3hV8n/s1600/157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngfrhhkLxTM7M0697dAHPCJs_wPImCzGdNS7KMeflTj_xVL06ZqwL2tPvkbScmgWjNCr43d9kUsx-thAbmi5uzqG_atekrNagkHMuR3SM2uhnptXO-bo6nWdvwUh8I8MoRE7xUOu3hV8n/s320/157.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joanna & Mike Moody with Tom (holding Keely)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mercer family with Tom</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DeAnne & Bishop Smith</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle with Linda Hansen who kindly opened her home for us!</td></tr>
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We have been so blessed to have the love and support of these people, and many others not pictured,from the Clement Park Ward, Denver Columbine Stake. <br />
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The following two days were spent trying to finalise last errands and fit the contents on the dining table into the suitcases! A challenging task, as there were many extra items not on the 'list' but which were deemed necessary to take back to Australia. I estimated at least 8 kilos of American condiments and luxuries!! (I think we might be facing a similar challenge in a few weeks!)</div>
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Wednesday was departure day, but with it came two cold fronts, one from the north in Wyoming and the other from the south that met somewhere over the mountains and Denver producing about 6-10 inches of snow! We awoke when it was still dark to a thick layer of snow. Gone are the golden leaves, instead the branches looked like they had been covered in thick blobs of heavy, white royal icing!! Snow really transforms everything. It really is very pretty. However on Wednesday, the whole day remained grey and dull and very cold. We were able to get to DIA (Denver Int Airport) in good time and before long we had to part ways with our third missionary son! The feelings this brings are difficult to describe and tears flowed. Tears because we will miss him dreadfully, but also tears because we are so proud of him and this huge commitment, which in turn brings joy and peace. A complete oxymoron, but it has to be experienced to be completely understood. We love you deeply Elder Tom Bennallack and wish you God's Speed and all the very best for this next phase in your life.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bye Tom.. we will miss you, work hard and we'll be seeing you!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97fInV7lIh6xBqgpL98KgA2JJuFeRfQoaGlgASHoWf9VIW9M9emRZ-1qT6eBQzQhFNs_JBU3_4dAVeeflTJqcFoEEp8Bzehnrkwr1eWp4ifBHeQYZ1o0r4sX-2EVvzzjlPTLevpTWTe7G/s1600/223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh97fInV7lIh6xBqgpL98KgA2JJuFeRfQoaGlgASHoWf9VIW9M9emRZ-1qT6eBQzQhFNs_JBU3_4dAVeeflTJqcFoEEp8Bzehnrkwr1eWp4ifBHeQYZ1o0r4sX-2EVvzzjlPTLevpTWTe7G/s200/223.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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These past couple of days have felt rather quiet and empty. Sarah feels Tom's absence acutely, but we are doing our best to keep busy. And with having two days off school this week, Sarah is 'snowed' under!! (excuse the pun!)<br />
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Speaking of snow, I have a few pics to illlustrate the transformation. Yesterday, the storm completely cleared to bring blue, clear skies but also a chilling cold. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4jofQi2kAxsazbSSj5wvrTRunV5PdDNqGDZwBPV3L3cyQRgU-DHT-zV4AL1CseYwm3_5jBkbZAO0ZctgwfAMCojPKZzsWjD_MLxAQUt1Ja6IXJcrCPgpFfzBwIHcFxebhzZY7y1enfsh/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp4jofQi2kAxsazbSSj5wvrTRunV5PdDNqGDZwBPV3L3cyQRgU-DHT-zV4AL1CseYwm3_5jBkbZAO0ZctgwfAMCojPKZzsWjD_MLxAQUt1Ja6IXJcrCPgpFfzBwIHcFxebhzZY7y1enfsh/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We awoke to -8C, -20F and it was only about 6C late afternoon as Sarah was cheering at the Freshman football game at Columbine. Consequently, some coughs have returned.. (The football field was cleared of snow for the game, but it was a bitter 3 hours.. The girls are really layered up here!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-dWxCXaqACZ93gTQUAjED7xlkk27YDuA0i0pf6ppnlqhgKgPBsUyXSEFS7jCcOgrfY55CeVQ_DuNXV9EJ2ugee_544jDifDzMw-85KfCQhHvWz0Exw5Qbt0Wr3mAAxBK82YLih0iX9zo/s1600/192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-dWxCXaqACZ93gTQUAjED7xlkk27YDuA0i0pf6ppnlqhgKgPBsUyXSEFS7jCcOgrfY55CeVQ_DuNXV9EJ2ugee_544jDifDzMw-85KfCQhHvWz0Exw5Qbt0Wr3mAAxBK82YLih0iX9zo/s320/192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcssHwAcSDV8m-DSAOQmcYFlGUTqZ1SSzd8X2-uc_ebrt_gvjuj0AaklZHTmlZNLE2Wxm4vxUXlRdv8JueUUdyLrn9YleP_BJCSBtuqeMDzWMcjwAUZMvLWyp9CS4oBfCi5Iw7jrX2YjOa/s1600/193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcssHwAcSDV8m-DSAOQmcYFlGUTqZ1SSzd8X2-uc_ebrt_gvjuj0AaklZHTmlZNLE2Wxm4vxUXlRdv8JueUUdyLrn9YleP_BJCSBtuqeMDzWMcjwAUZMvLWyp9CS4oBfCi5Iw7jrX2YjOa/s320/193.JPG" width="320" /></a> The pic on the left is the view from our front door. The colours of the leaves are just wonderful. It has been a really beautiful 'Fall' in Litteton, Denver Colorado. The pic on the right is where we live. The 'red' tree is right outside Tom's room. It's amazing to look out his window through these leaves.<br />
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This is what Wednesday looked like for most of the day! And by Thursday, there were no pretty red leaves left! I guess that makes raking just one big job instead of a constant one! The snow that fell was very wet and heavy, making branches really bow down under the weight, and snapping the roses. We lost a couple of branches from a tree near our back door, and indeed this was a problem throughout the city causing some power outages. We also heard later in the news, that over 50 flights had been cancelled due to the snow..</div>
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Tom, meanwhile was met at the Salt Lake Airport by his cousin Ben who helped him exchange shoes at 'Mr Mac' and delivered him to the MTC. Many thanks Ben, who also sent a couple of pics!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Thomas Bennallack with his cousin Ben Crosley.<br />
Looking good boys! We can see it's not snowing in Utah!!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg2cOU8e1v6n_Neq4LXthGv8L5IzhK_dr7aPqqkLRLe46mrvzSILwBxXiYMXzHbsgp5Are51cI43RuTMtAeYUgjvMMeJdIvOgeU5Ncsmuc_o6rIV41_YhKZIoOmZjhpq01blmi2J0d2KP/s1600/316638_307435069282226_100000472065625_1308804_730656362_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgg2cOU8e1v6n_Neq4LXthGv8L5IzhK_dr7aPqqkLRLe46mrvzSILwBxXiYMXzHbsgp5Are51cI43RuTMtAeYUgjvMMeJdIvOgeU5Ncsmuc_o6rIV41_YhKZIoOmZjhpq01blmi2J0d2KP/s320/316638_307435069282226_100000472065625_1308804_730656362_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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It has been quite a week. And so begins the next chapter..</div>Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-53072130406863488102011-10-27T20:09:00.000-07:002011-10-27T20:21:18.291-07:00Our American Cheerleader!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and our Cheerleader!</td></tr>
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The past fortnight has passed very quickly. Each day has presented it's own various tasks to complete and slowly, but steadily they have all been accomplished. <br />
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Our time has mostly been spent following the regular routine of school and work. However the task of preparing a missionary has remained in the forefront. Tom and I have spent alot of time together. We have shopped, cooked, completed errands, had lunch out and have attended the Temple. These will remain with me cherished memories of quality time with this third son of mine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rewarding ourselves with some mexican lunch after finding the last item - a good coat!!<br />
(I will never think of mexican food the same again. This is incredibly amazing!)</td></tr>
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The pile on the dining table that was the result of the 'missionary list' grew, became stable and slowly declined as articles were made ready for the promotion to the suitcase! I have hemmed and labelled everything in sight until we have been satisfied that all is in readiness. This has been a great time of anticipation for Tom and a little hesitation for the rest of us as we realise that 'these are days never to be forgotten', and that change is imminent, however good that might be..<br />
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We were able to go out to dinner with the Mercer family to celebrate Paige's seventh birthday and as a last 'hurrah' for Tom! We went to Casa Bonita, a mexican restaurant which is set up to imitate a mexican village. There was entertainment as well as good food and company. A lovely evening we will remember! Thank you Mercer family and Happy Birthday Paige!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Casa Bonita - a true Denver experience!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mercer family: Brooke, Kelsie, Jeff, Donna<br />
Dillon, Caden & Paige (the birthday girl!)</td></tr>
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Now to divert, I want to focus attention on my youngest child. My Sarah who is busy as busy can be with school, home seminary and most especially as a Junior Varsity Cheerleader. Who would have thought one of my daughters would be an American Cheerleader! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah in the back row. The JV Cheer team commands the third quarter of the Varsity games!</td></tr>
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Sarah is a 'baser' which means she lifts the 'flyers'. This task caused her initial concern in case they dropped the girl flying, but the girls work well as a team and have built up their personal strength admirably. I was at tumbling one evening observing, and watched as Sarah performed a regular handstand, then another girl steadied her ankle as she commenced doing some pushups!! Whoah! This is serious fitness and strength. Cheerleading is a glamorous looking sport but it is actually very gruelling, requiring great commitment and physical strength.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah as a 'baser' at an afternoon Soccer game at Columbine HS.</td></tr>
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September, October and November is a busy time in the calendar of a High School Cheerleader. Not only are there early morning practices and a weekly tumbling session, there are football, soccer and volleyball games to cheer at. This involves all of the JV games and some of the Varisity games. This also means the wearing of the cheerleading uniform to school in support of 'game days'. There are a few uniform options, casual warm ups to three different performance outfits. There is the coordinating of how the combination of the uniform is worn, including hair. This is usually decided by coach, for example, bangs(fringe) in a 'poof' and high ponytail with pink ribbon. Wearing the cheer uniform also means glitter, and lots of it! First gloss is applied to the cheeks and eye area, followed by the application of glitter! Lots of sparkle and bling! </div>
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(The game lasts 3 hours and is televised on Root Sports!)</td></tr>
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<em>Columbine Rebels </em><em> (Sarah is right in the middle of the group..)</em></div>
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This month also brought the first of a series of six competitions. The first happened at Eaglecrest High School last Saturday for the 'Kickoff Classic' followed by cheering at the JV Football game back at Columbine HS. A busy day, but a memorable one. If any one has seen at all the 'Bring it On' Movies, it is so like it!! I was so impressed at the skill level of these junior cheerleaders. In Sarah's division there were eight other teams. At the end of the competition, Columbine JV Cheer Team came in a commendable fourth position, with using only limited skill levels due to team absences. Well done girls, this was really exciting to watch and they will only improve as the weeks go on.<br />
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<em>The competition routine. Sarah starts off crouching on the far left.</em></div>
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<em> (Note the 3 'spotters' at the back in case of falls)</em></div>
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I have to insert here, that Sarah, who is now obviously taller than me, can now do a back handspring flip confidently! I am more than impressed with this dedication to learn these physical feats, having never participated in gymnastics or the like before. In the coming weeks, she will also be included in the tumbling during competition.. (I feel nervous thinking about that!) Good work Sarah!!Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-66807289452459067712011-10-12T21:20:00.000-07:002011-10-28T10:31:14.979-07:00Autumn Aspens, General Conference & Counting Down! <br />
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For the first day of October, Rick & I escaped into the mountains. Estes Park initially, and then drove through Rocky Mountain National Park. It was the perfect weekend to do this drive, as the mountainsides were awash with the yellow from Aspen trees. I'm sure there were others trees too, but the Aspens are so prominant, and when the sun catches their leaves, they become flourescent! So many shades of yellow! </div>
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We drove to Bear Lake which was at a 'dead end' and were fortunate to be able to park and walk. There were so many other people also sightseeing, that the traffic was very busy, and attendants were turning cars away from the parking 'lot' until free spaces became available! We really enjoyed the amble around the lake..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rick at Bear Lake, Rocky Mtn National Park, Colorado</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Aspens mingled with Pines, very beautiful!</td></tr>
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We headed towards Granby following Trail Ridge Road, which took about 2 hours. It truely was a spectacular drive through the mountains, climbing up past the timberline and then back down into the Aspen forests again. We eventually passed Grand Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake and then to Granby which took us to the main stretch home. All in all, we drove for about six hours! Just Rick & I, no one else to ask 'are we there yet?' Aahh! Pleasure! What a great day! <br />
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This weekend is also General Conference for our church, which is broadcast bi-annually from Salt Lake City. <a href="http://www.lds.org/">http://www.lds.org/</a> </div>
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Last April, we had the great priviledge of attending every session. This conference, we watched it at the chapel and from home on BYU-TV! (Well, I caught the Relief Society session on the internet in my kitchen 'in real time') For the Sunday morning session, we watched it at the chapel as Tom's boss from his work came (good work Tom!). We watched the Sunday afternoon session at the Werhli's home after lunch which consisted of BBQ ELK! Delicious! It's the first, and probably the last time, we would watch conference eating hot chocolate brownie from the oven topped with icecream!! But despite, this different experience, what a fantastic conference! I love General Conference, the talks are all excellent, and especially for me I'm sure!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear Lake, Colorado</td></tr>
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This past week Tom & I have been shopping in earnest, and I am satisfied he has everything he needs. My dining table is loaded with missionary items he needs for the next two years. I am sure he has too much, and will be making use of the scales for sure!<br />
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Tom is very excited to be serving soon and has especially enjoyed skyping with Michael in Brisbane. Our days have been busy, between work schedules, cheerleading training and games and mission 'stuff'! The weeks are going quickly and so is 'Fall'. Already there has been snow in the mountains since our epic drive, and one ski field has opened after receiving a deep snow fall. Officially, they open after Halloween in November. Speaking of Halloween, the shops are full of magnificent displays for Halloween. The seasons and holidays are a big part of the culture here, and we look forward to seeing Halloween 'happen' at the end of the month..<br />
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This past weekend, I had the opportunity of attending 'Time Out For Women' here in Denver, sponsored by Deseret Book. It was an evening and a full day of inspriational talks and music! We did experience a power cut for about half an hour on Saturday afternoon which made things interesting!<br />
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But what a great event, with great company! Thanks DeAnne, Denise, Lori and Karen for taking me! I'm all beamed up now!! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Bennallack - dinner appointment, Toulon, France</td></tr>
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This week Elder Jonathon Bennallack has been transferred! He enjoyed a baptism last week of Sophie, and this week, he leaves sunny, touristy Toulon and is now in Saint-Etienne which is about 4.5 hours north. Saint-Etienne is in the mid-east of France, about 60km from Lyon. In his email Jon said he has gone from short sleeves to long sleeves, jacket and coat! There is also no gas in their flat for hot water at present, so interesting times for him. He sounds very fluent in French and is loving his mission. We love his emails and look forward to them every Monday! We received an email from a lady in Toulon who had him and his companion over for dinner Sunday evening before his transfer, she kindly sent some photos!</div>
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As of today, Tom leaves in fourteen days... We are counting down in earnest now.</div>
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</div>Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-67569139851673182852011-09-26T20:03:00.000-07:002012-01-03T04:32:37.502-08:00Officially 'Fall' in Denver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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During this past week, as the days clicked over, it happened that 'Fall' occurred. Officially that is, because it's been happening all month!! As previously alluded to, a cool change came, and the cool temps stayed!! Cool, fresh, nippy mornings and warm glorious days. I am reminded entirely of Easter. This is the season to go camping, and pull out the woollies, only to strip them off as the day progresses. I love Spring, I enjoy the Summer, but those who know me well, know that I especially love the Autumn and then Winter rain, when you can get all cosy inside with soup and cheese scones. It may be due to the fact that I am a winter baby, but not here!! Here in Denver, I am upside-down!! It feels like Easter, but it's not!! (And there are pots of chrysanthemums in the shops, and it's not nearing Mother's Day!) </div>
No matter! I am enjoying watching the leaves slowly turn colour from their vibrant and earthy greens to be brushed with gold, yellow and orange, tinged with brown. In my mind, I am a great watercolourist painting breathtaking images of beauty to adorn walls as a longlasting reminder of this change of season. ... ... oops! Sorry, I got caught up in a little daydreaming there!!<br />
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This coming weekend, Rick and I and anyone else enthusiastic enough to join us, are heading for the mountains to appreciate the trees!! Our neighbourhoods are becoming very pretty, but there has already been some snow in the mountains and we are told 'Fall' can be very short. We could miss it all if we don't go and have a look! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom's fabulous Pavlova!</td></tr>
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Also in this past week, Tom and I spent some 'quality' time together! On Tuesday for instance, we made pavlova's for the Relief Society Activity and then chilled watching the cooking channel on TV!! (because, we can!!) We watched this great Red Potato & Tomato Salad being made, which Tom quickly looked up on the net, and we made it for dinner. <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/red-potato-and-tomato-salad-recipe/index.html">http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/red-potato-and-tomato-salad-recipe/index.html</a> <br />
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Mmm! Quite sensational! He made it again on Thursday with Chicken Parmisiana when we had missionaries over for dinner. Very nice work Tom! Oh, and the Pav's were a hit too!! I'm quite satisfied you won't starve as a missionary!!</div>
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On Wednesday, Tom & I went over to the Park Meadows Shopping Mall. It is pretty classy and a very nice place to shop. We spent a few<em> hours</em> looking at clothes that might suit a missionary and found some great 'pieces' with a price to accompany them. In the end we did exceptionally well at Macy's, taking advantage of the sales. I think we have all the main items on the list now. Just the bits and pieces to go. We also need to have his suitcase repaired. The handle area was damaged in the flight over here, and it needs to last the next two years of transfers!!<br />
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Thursday found me back at Watercolour classes. I have repainted this study and am satisfied now. We are studying rocks and light sources. It's practice, practice. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Study: Aspens, rocks and light source</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Study: 'the Flat Irons' near Boulder, Colorado. (In particular, the sky wash)</td></tr>
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Thursday is also Cubscout Day. The boys are currently working on their 'Outdoor' badge so we headed out on a field trip to a local neighbourhood. Here we studied the native flowers, which I really enjoyed, and noted that Blue Herons favours this area and can be seen most days. (But not the time of day we went!!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_oSW3o1FXIKjTi9zH9RbrxY66kKedAFehiWz4uz1ibHI5KSOEyaRdR-r2kbD1gdbPOt-eJ8xgcCDXVVjZ1x5J2Evo6ZodLzMcye_QGXPrKyrwQ5uGRBqMuLnSlLIlrtWoteEWTgLygY/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_oSW3o1FXIKjTi9zH9RbrxY66kKedAFehiWz4uz1ibHI5KSOEyaRdR-r2kbD1gdbPOt-eJ8xgcCDXVVjZ1x5J2Evo6ZodLzMcye_QGXPrKyrwQ5uGRBqMuLnSlLIlrtWoteEWTgLygY/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm the Cubscout Den Leader for the Webelo Cubs!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKMUFoxQlzZKJyKkvN_XB0GZctZdluCZD9FbxIwwFEVkuczhmPa1EKqGo-UHgGmpAm9MtcVhwwpz7FHM1kcipTjVVesA4EoEN_4cTzr7LoD3e-1buFpKr3cfVFwcC6kSVqTdq795pUisH/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKMUFoxQlzZKJyKkvN_XB0GZctZdluCZD9FbxIwwFEVkuczhmPa1EKqGo-UHgGmpAm9MtcVhwwpz7FHM1kcipTjVVesA4EoEN_4cTzr7LoD3e-1buFpKr3cfVFwcC6kSVqTdq795pUisH/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heather teaching the boys</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgykgawU40sQy7cKmyp4rX5AB60PjsFpzhSisJEiwJSvRE5hR4VveczdZIBGyyod6HKqpLUwSVEn1io06PXLoWG8Mf2gHsE1n2j8V1PpyU-Nu7tEvP4xvG9o_FnprYwj42jNmEaIfobOf/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpgykgawU40sQy7cKmyp4rX5AB60PjsFpzhSisJEiwJSvRE5hR4VveczdZIBGyyod6HKqpLUwSVEn1io06PXLoWG8Mf2gHsE1n2j8V1PpyU-Nu7tEvP4xvG9o_FnprYwj42jNmEaIfobOf/s320/011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wildflowers and grasses native to Colorado</td></tr>
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Friday, I escaped with my good friend Donna, to the movies!! I have to say, it's just fantastic to do this in the middle of the day, especially with great company. You really feel like you're playing 'hooky'. (ahh, that means being truant!) We saw 'The Help' which I thoroughly recommend. A very thought provoking movie of racial segregation in the sixties.<br />
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During all of this, there is the gym three mornings a week, as well as cheerleading practice three mornings, cheer games in the afternoon, home seminary and homework. Tom also managed to pick up some extra shifts (so it wasn't ALL cooking and shopping!). So, we keep ourselves busy and the days are passing quickly. It was so good to chat with Karlie this week, fortunately we had a good line and talked for about an hour and half.<br />
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Saturday evening, both Tom & Sarah went to Homecoming Dances at different High Schools. Tom and Kelland went with 'dates' to Dakota Ridge High, and Sarah went to Bear Creek High. It really is a big deal, and the kids looked lovely all dressed up! They both had great fun, and are very lucky!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEW69ZN4_mvtuNXtw3xPR9VOgLQ0pNDXxgQlHbN6v37-I_C1tdCf02-7LqMzZUnnDSvUQINCbo1rKaXW4vRr_En83-nYLxpxhtpH2rALW8612Pd4D6uUSwGRLIpq5i0lfFOqKztyGjNk4/s1600/020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNEW69ZN4_mvtuNXtw3xPR9VOgLQ0pNDXxgQlHbN6v37-I_C1tdCf02-7LqMzZUnnDSvUQINCbo1rKaXW4vRr_En83-nYLxpxhtpH2rALW8612Pd4D6uUSwGRLIpq5i0lfFOqKztyGjNk4/s320/020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom and Kelland sporting bow ties 'for fun!' Yes, I'm sure the girls will be surprised!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaL_n-tcurFcdsrZg584sEC3WpKESsWyb_ZmJaueWT70TLOKfrMyGZvNkasPqJMrtwtWlQ4291QYkUe_6a1UVhYmbTioorFvY3g1IwMWljzKYYTRaK0qwN7acTtbwCWe8q4_MlAPzbglT/s1600/023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaL_n-tcurFcdsrZg584sEC3WpKESsWyb_ZmJaueWT70TLOKfrMyGZvNkasPqJMrtwtWlQ4291QYkUe_6a1UVhYmbTioorFvY3g1IwMWljzKYYTRaK0qwN7acTtbwCWe8q4_MlAPzbglT/s320/023.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom and Kelland all ready to meet their 'dates'. Tom knows his, but Kelland's is 'blind!'</td></tr>
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Finally, just a quick anecdote from my Primary Class. I have been substituting the 9yr old class at church for the past 6 weeks, and this past Sunday was my last time with them. They are a great class, nine, nine year olds. Which means some weeks they are very attentive and some not. My challenge has been to capture their attention for the 45 minutes or so of class time!! I've loved it. So, I decided to give them something to remind them of this time. A small clip-on Koala we picked up from the souvineer shop before we left Adelaide. We had just enough and they loved them! I told them about Koalas, how they live in the Gum trees, clinging to the branches and to their mother's backs. I hoped it would remind them to 'cling' to their Heavenly Father and the Gospel. Later in singing time, Maya asked me <em>"what flavour are the gum trees? Are they sweet?"</em> I had forgotten to explain that Gum trees were in fact 'eucalyptus' trees, (not bubble gum trees), and that's where they get that funny smelling stuff that clears your blocked nose!!! <br />
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Aahh!! This is a big world, with so much to experience!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDTX_u8iE8G5H_UHYXMVmSLfr-VqxeL8k_CT7mQevqcM96cHvkaetrtwA0VJ3uu_JWntzujmGlAJt-P-ZbO6HamGrs5p17R-f5U5uQws2FYM57kWL1UPOKmFWnA5PvGaBNlksKe8Ak3HQ/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" kca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPDTX_u8iE8G5H_UHYXMVmSLfr-VqxeL8k_CT7mQevqcM96cHvkaetrtwA0VJ3uu_JWntzujmGlAJt-P-ZbO6HamGrs5p17R-f5U5uQws2FYM57kWL1UPOKmFWnA5PvGaBNlksKe8Ak3HQ/s320/007.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just to illustrate our different worlds, this sign is at the local playground right next to the swings and slides!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-68265457807021691332011-09-19T18:50:00.000-07:002011-09-26T18:43:33.650-07:00'HOMECOMING' Week'Homecoming' is a very big event in the calendar of High School in America, and this week it's happening at Columbine. It celebrates the beginning of the new year by welcoming back students with events and themes happening every day of the week, culminating in the central event which is the Varsity Football game and ending with the Homecoming Dance on Saturday night. The school halls are decorated as well as the gym. One of the activities was 'business day', where the kids dressed up professionally. Sarah went looking like a Personal Assistant or Business Manager, jacket, straight skirt and heels!! She came home with shoes in hand though!! A bit of fun!<br />
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Sarah also had practices in the mornings and had a game to attend every night of the week that her team was cheering at, either soccer, vollyball or football. The main event, the Varsity Football game was at Jeffco Stadium on Thursday night. Now this is just what you might see on TV or the movies. School rivalry, the cheerleaders and the brass band with students and families filling the stands!! Tom & Sarah loved it! The JV Cheer team got to cheer in the third quarter! whoo hoo!!<br />
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I think though, the highlight of the week must have to be the Homecoming Dance on Saturday night. This meant finding another dress to wear, make-up and photos.. Tom managed to get himself 'invited' and both looking very fine, went off to dinners in separate parties and then to the dance. (Sarah took a camera, hence, more pics!) They both said it was a really good night! Another tick off the American Experience must-have list!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEN8Svw9p5HwSLJJa_sGTp0s5_Kd94SjmLzYe_lClp4ybUJid536_v_XiDljLdyM_VA-DMCnrjQbhmFA0ayMsKlYhGewxN2f8xnuSmWXEcV1yRev2dv4DT0LgW1GWQJhjvHzjfyrwnQQ-/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEN8Svw9p5HwSLJJa_sGTp0s5_Kd94SjmLzYe_lClp4ybUJid536_v_XiDljLdyM_VA-DMCnrjQbhmFA0ayMsKlYhGewxN2f8xnuSmWXEcV1yRev2dv4DT0LgW1GWQJhjvHzjfyrwnQQ-/s320/068.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom on his way out to the Homecoming dinner - looking very sharp!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz31TY1b7OgOwDvkyP_OBEjaiAth7ngnsUUKmrmpQT8YZwsH2I4withBnq9T71Xfms_aUVb59U-9H21KQWURywx0NextDGiPUp3THDUwAdV4Hph9SNUMAvcQkssEulw4TOAjnSRmKRxmn1/s1600/308742_10150325110839618_520694617_7569969_545707736_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz31TY1b7OgOwDvkyP_OBEjaiAth7ngnsUUKmrmpQT8YZwsH2I4withBnq9T71Xfms_aUVb59U-9H21KQWURywx0NextDGiPUp3THDUwAdV4Hph9SNUMAvcQkssEulw4TOAjnSRmKRxmn1/s320/308742_10150325110839618_520694617_7569969_545707736_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellen, Lizzie, Sarah and Kelsie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Sp5ktFe-eKkysM6rl4VAWe-R0bXpyjrWMXTMSLHSq9uLcMEOcOWbtwkBhVf8CBNftQH8ib53dRMn_BCKqI5_rgF2ulpLREp7k2v1TeuqWpb_fbiKYXuergYbwtmpP8jIvRqHKNBKAN_L/s1600/316193_10150325111234618_520694617_7569976_350418920_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Sp5ktFe-eKkysM6rl4VAWe-R0bXpyjrWMXTMSLHSq9uLcMEOcOWbtwkBhVf8CBNftQH8ib53dRMn_BCKqI5_rgF2ulpLREp7k2v1TeuqWpb_fbiKYXuergYbwtmpP8jIvRqHKNBKAN_L/s320/316193_10150325111234618_520694617_7569976_350418920_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah and her 'party'..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EAO-FHOoFSqEm6vJuf3mbQd0X2BVgIdBVgj1zYCd2Qp2Jh3Qto5hIMf6zey2CTefv53nPy2P46dGInwWpuxj5lbVS8gG-VnfeWZOGX_C3F7rSMWk-6ceaZbGCX3LPLACWc63aiIxHCae/s1600/300401_10150325112119618_520694617_7569991_588706354_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2EAO-FHOoFSqEm6vJuf3mbQd0X2BVgIdBVgj1zYCd2Qp2Jh3Qto5hIMf6zey2CTefv53nPy2P46dGInwWpuxj5lbVS8gG-VnfeWZOGX_C3F7rSMWk-6ceaZbGCX3LPLACWc63aiIxHCae/s320/300401_10150325112119618_520694617_7569991_588706354_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.. and around the 'fire pit'..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEiRxpiN6RjRbOtrk_J2Rw7nmhK3ULLnFF5xFMwo5gORYFQc5Qbb1n-LOV0HrDRrRyuQz3nxqM30fUcRZyjP6W6jx9fG1vypeuwZpVvTUeqKzlyMXdWjgODQboTwkN2UE96fmaGex2ZdI/s1600/294329_10150325113319618_520694617_7570008_1569742566_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEiRxpiN6RjRbOtrk_J2Rw7nmhK3ULLnFF5xFMwo5gORYFQc5Qbb1n-LOV0HrDRrRyuQz3nxqM30fUcRZyjP6W6jx9fG1vypeuwZpVvTUeqKzlyMXdWjgODQboTwkN2UE96fmaGex2ZdI/s320/294329_10150325113319618_520694617_7570008_1569742566_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and dinner before the dance. <br />
Here they are toasting their friend Brad, who is no longer with them..</td></tr>
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It's nice to watch the kids have these very American experiences. They are indeed very fortunate to be doing so. For me however, the highlight of this week was going to Watercolour classes with Chuck at Ken Caryl Ranch House. Classes actually started up again last week, but we were in Utah, and I have to say, I was really excited! You know, that real sense of anticipation and excitement? Crazy I know, but I love these classes. I was able to show Chuck some of my work since last April and he was very pleased. He was also able to critique some of them which was really great.! I was showing him after class had finished and a few others gathered around (there are at least 10 new faces!), and one lady said, "If you can paint, why are you coming to class?" (which I thought was a bit rude), but I replied"'I am still nowhere near as good as Chuck!" and Chuck said "that's the thing with Watercolours, you never stop learning!" Thank you Chuck, I just want to keep on learning until I am confident in my own ability with the many many different techniques. Sometimes, when I do something really pleasing, I think, ok - can I do that again? Watching Chuck demonstrate, I know I still have a lot to learn, but one day I would like to be as good as he is..<br />
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Last Saturday was also our granddaughter Chloe's birthday. We made sure we posted a present to her in good time, and loved Karlie's email telling us all about how they found it on the front step and Chloe's great excitement! We sent her a dress-up gown from the new Repunzel Disney movie 'Tangled'. We rang her for her birthday and she said "Gramma, I'm FOUR now!" We love her excitement! When we asked her about her present she said "I just love it!!" (And we love you Cloe!) She is so grown up now! This week she had her very first day at Pre-entry Kindy. A big step! In October, she will be going to kindy full time. A new phase in life for Karlie and Nathan. It's just three months now until we see them all again, and I am so looking forward to that!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiJ8UCBAaCTVI7XcKEutphFq-slp3oxN0hEeZ5DluXox2s_LiPOnm7kFoVugDvivJkMrHSTN5XslrhwWxQyklISP3j5lUs9pPAEMqt2mOka_FOZ4EhBEtPuO1z4fI8Cror-3g15olu8HD/s1600/138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiJ8UCBAaCTVI7XcKEutphFq-slp3oxN0hEeZ5DluXox2s_LiPOnm7kFoVugDvivJkMrHSTN5XslrhwWxQyklISP3j5lUs9pPAEMqt2mOka_FOZ4EhBEtPuO1z4fI8Cror-3g15olu8HD/s320/138.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are our girls, Chloe and Zayla. This photo was taken as I was leaving Adelaide in February to return to Denver now 7 months ago. They have grown alot since then. I can't wait to see them again!! Happy Birthday Chloe, big four year-old!</td></tr>
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Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-11933500418724671652011-09-19T11:08:00.000-07:002011-09-19T19:03:06.811-07:00Labor Day & Another Utah Visit!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmb8tFbJkRH9gnkKwnR7p-27I5yOw1edr9Lj0V6e1a4PysiGypDDOP6lbOjxhF5fY1C0QZBYVidS080qtFxMcrdeA3oXeObEuPYE0gnBQ9oLuYWnTFhdKl4PVFP0dYrxOHhYB7I94H1rl/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmb8tFbJkRH9gnkKwnR7p-27I5yOw1edr9Lj0V6e1a4PysiGypDDOP6lbOjxhF5fY1C0QZBYVidS080qtFxMcrdeA3oXeObEuPYE0gnBQ9oLuYWnTFhdKl4PVFP0dYrxOHhYB7I94H1rl/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Although here in the US the official end of summer is not until the 21st September, the Labor Day long weekend generally seems to mark the official end of the vacation period and the season. True to form, the weather seemed to change seasons overnight literally. After weeks of 'high' temperatures in the 90's F (over 36 C), a cool change blew in and the temperature dropped about 20 degrees to mild conditions with that little nip in the air, and has stayed down. Autumn is pushing it's way in! We have felt that summer was very short indeed, as there was still snow falling in the mountains in May, with lots of spring rain. By the start of the holidays though the warmth was truely here. After our back to back winters, I loved the summer warmth. The 'heatwave' that was described on the weather channel was very different from what we would experience in Adelaide. The sun has a bite to it for sure, but it's cooler in the shade and it cools down overnight. We slept with windows open and sometimes left the 'air' on if upstairs got very stuffy. But now it's over it seems!! (There is a push for school to start after Labor Day so the kids don't have to cope with the heat going to school!) <br />
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On Labor Day weekend, 2-5 September, we were planning on camping overnight with the Mercer's at a property they know of in the mountains. However, there was trouble locating the fire permit for the property and so we had a BBQ by a nearby lake instead. The lake itself was very beautiful as the sun started to set, while Jeff organised the fire and Rick oversaw the BBQ. Then storm clouds blew over and it rained on us!! Undaunted and determined to enjoy the evening, we sheltered under a big tree covering the food with plastic cloths, and slowly the rain shower passed over and we dried off in front of a fire. It was a lovely evening, roasting marshmellows and making 'smores', shared with our good friends the Mercer's. We will greatly miss them when we leave..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgRuslcYo2i-8JP_EpCduCvY3s503865pcN_sU2x4IMMqJXiiQIOsRvKcz_G8W2obDP5hmQxuqH86l0Ru71hQzhWNyBb0EpNCpjZvst8RDep0kr2uboFJPHBUm8hqAXz1D4dYEsJlWAeH/s1600/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgRuslcYo2i-8JP_EpCduCvY3s503865pcN_sU2x4IMMqJXiiQIOsRvKcz_G8W2obDP5hmQxuqH86l0Ru71hQzhWNyBb0EpNCpjZvst8RDep0kr2uboFJPHBUm8hqAXz1D4dYEsJlWAeH/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The kids roasting 'weinies' on the fire!<br />
L-R: Dillon, new aquaintance, Caden & Paige Mercer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donna & Dillon Mercer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful sunset at the lake after the rain cleared</td></tr>
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Monday was Labor Day. A public holiday. The thing about public holiday's that we have observed, is that many shops are still open! The malls, supermarkets.. An oddity, but also convenient! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqGlYKHT_7EVQMDzWcXhrzTLFLw8osfj7Z2zY4n8O4p2EQbu0w-I8ArPhjIMOB3NP4n2e8Csa2h1VIQdOVcpAQzgqKnzBHQa63aY2xll5j1qpKIoFvMZjIayUh607PkcQpWVskFa4DfOA/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqGlYKHT_7EVQMDzWcXhrzTLFLw8osfj7Z2zY4n8O4p2EQbu0w-I8ArPhjIMOB3NP4n2e8Csa2h1VIQdOVcpAQzgqKnzBHQa63aY2xll5j1qpKIoFvMZjIayUh607PkcQpWVskFa4DfOA/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trivia: The supermarket is open on Labor Day...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.. my attention was captured by the large sizes of the items!! Huge!</td></tr>
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We spent a relaxing day at home, I think we have exhausted our travel bugs for the moment, but did meet up with several families at Clement Park for a picnic potluck dinner. And so, this was a very rejuvinating weekend, which needed to be because on Wednesday, after school, we left for Utah again!<br />
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Why? Well, the Denver Temple is currently closed for major renovations, and is not due to reopen until early October. As part of Tom's mission preparation, he needs to go through the Temple. At this time, his cousin Mitchell and Uncle Jamie are also arriving in Salt Lake so 'Elder Herrick' can also prepare to enter the MTC in Provo. Mitchell has been called to serve in the Auckland Tongan speaking Mission and so is here for a couple of months to learn Tongan! <br />
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We enjoyed a wonderful day on Thursday, 8 September, as we first met up with cousins Ben and Mitchell and Uncle Jamie at 'Missionary Mall' where we had some fun missionary shopping which continued into 'Mr Mac' both shops specialising in all the needs of missionaries!! Suits, shirts, socks, shoes, coats, bags and so on. A one stop shopping experience! Mitchell was able to get most of what he needed, and Tom now has the bulk of what he needs too! We also picked up another pair of 'sturdy' shoes to send to Jonathon in France, as he has worn his out already.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaL7kcuzB90eLmXPEq4kudf22vS1u4v5eAau4ujDLC47VzHLUjILytJQAGeBojetaRUpRaG3kzXGTmZC-XhQmB3UALm5ARfgO1URDi1NYOjqXAli4l0bC-8t7UdmL2enQF2xXKveI83oU2/s1600/DSC06336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaL7kcuzB90eLmXPEq4kudf22vS1u4v5eAau4ujDLC47VzHLUjILytJQAGeBojetaRUpRaG3kzXGTmZC-XhQmB3UALm5ARfgO1URDi1NYOjqXAli4l0bC-8t7UdmL2enQF2xXKveI83oU2/s320/DSC06336.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben in the back, all of us enjoying these two young missionaries shopping!!<br />
These shoes are recommended to withstand lots and lots of walking!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard work shopping! Lunch at University Mall, Provo, before heading to Salt Lake.</td></tr>
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In the afternoon, Tom went through the Salt Lake Temple with Rick & I, Jamie, Mitchell and Ben. What a choice experience topped with one of the Apostles, Elder Oaks sitting behind them... (We all shook his hand later!) In the Temple we learn more about what is needed to return to live with our Heavenly Father, it is a beautiful, sacred place of learning and peace. We believe in the eternal family unit and it's here, that families can be 'sealed' together for eternity. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom outside the Salt Lake Temple</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a great occasion, shared with family..</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our missionary!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlByW4nPdslnEaJUWssg4cZKkO9lVlhHVMr-ZyfB_K0BljRQP5967z5b-Rgt-a4v5vemJTkLmsxhoIPQD0ERyKJvPekmmT8duqniX4WoKLWfS59PRQzNVEsohMxWHPlQuTULa5PhJd-cj/s1600/DSC06355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlByW4nPdslnEaJUWssg4cZKkO9lVlhHVMr-ZyfB_K0BljRQP5967z5b-Rgt-a4v5vemJTkLmsxhoIPQD0ERyKJvPekmmT8duqniX4WoKLWfS59PRQzNVEsohMxWHPlQuTULa5PhJd-cj/s320/DSC06355.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building</td></tr>
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There is a lot of information to learn and over the next two days we were able to also attend the Jordan River Temple, Mt Oquirrh Temple and the Mt Timpanogas Temple. They are all very beautiful befitting the House of the Lord. It was wonderful to spend this time with Tom before he leaves us for two years.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGk4pDwlp4Q_OfSxkmKXK_ihHGz3cfadR4zOOjNi_JCSba27qJ9qVXPc7ZF9fozjn-1tt1bq71dOKxQUvHll_eCQd6O8KSHXIrjYgUnb4EAeXiq0VdXxfRuXjOHb9CIPpJmlwGozi5Blp/s1600/DSC06365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGk4pDwlp4Q_OfSxkmKXK_ihHGz3cfadR4zOOjNi_JCSba27qJ9qVXPc7ZF9fozjn-1tt1bq71dOKxQUvHll_eCQd6O8KSHXIrjYgUnb4EAeXiq0VdXxfRuXjOHb9CIPpJmlwGozi5Blp/s320/DSC06365.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside the River Jordan Temple, Utah</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTyPjQAI4gdHEAFPCO6ALsJvnv7nJt6J8K5nlqiJCZGqJ676jyvElB4dQFqGhsox2ub62xqjHChCM1N8XwEUbnXBShZEk8if5PPdU9mvLvgdOcW4XpawHpuk2JhU7bMU7BEi1o-KCAbEm/s1600/DSC06380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrTyPjQAI4gdHEAFPCO6ALsJvnv7nJt6J8K5nlqiJCZGqJ676jyvElB4dQFqGhsox2ub62xqjHChCM1N8XwEUbnXBShZEk8if5PPdU9mvLvgdOcW4XpawHpuk2JhU7bMU7BEi1o-KCAbEm/s320/DSC06380.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Oquirrh Mountain Temple, Utah.<br />
(Only seven minutes away from the Jordan River Temple!!)</td></tr>
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On Saturday morning, we met up with another cousin, Phil Bennallack and his wife Kaylee. We attended the Temple and had lunch all together. They have just recently moved to live in Provo after living in Sydney. It was really great to catch up with them too!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv3N4hfUM3f2lYGMOyayDzGFME2kybirhUevptjvIxbmXml-hFqAJ9B0FxcEAvyj5yO0goPGJ5V5jc6Az99He6u2Hqxy3fTdA9xlgYfL45XgMy9-Ll-H6mGAZHjhMii7BcqjSfCmD9Kc7/s1600/DSC06392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv3N4hfUM3f2lYGMOyayDzGFME2kybirhUevptjvIxbmXml-hFqAJ9B0FxcEAvyj5yO0goPGJ5V5jc6Az99He6u2Hqxy3fTdA9xlgYfL45XgMy9-Ll-H6mGAZHjhMii7BcqjSfCmD9Kc7/s320/DSC06392.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mt. Timpanogas Temple, Utah <br />
L-R: Tom, Phil, Elder Herrick, Jamie<br />
Front: Kaylee & Michelle</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4rnriAWpyk83x3nzodOLLzjUjhsLMr3aPD7YZqrCLMAZbK2MJ13yuTYjSuBMIolVnL488w8vwq4IFwrJ9Ge30JGpeOhFZ6o8P7WcgSJR01R9YDvxNcObWAs-aIBD67hFuXlx7TgZaH74/s1600/DSC06393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4rnriAWpyk83x3nzodOLLzjUjhsLMr3aPD7YZqrCLMAZbK2MJ13yuTYjSuBMIolVnL488w8vwq4IFwrJ9Ge30JGpeOhFZ6o8P7WcgSJR01R9YDvxNcObWAs-aIBD67hFuXlx7TgZaH74/s320/DSC06393.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elder Herrick & his Dad, Jamie. <br />
The start of a wonderful two years!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMZvZojFas1KN9nyEcpX1gSGWCAG8zPShlqoyjwmJKdoISaVsRsKx_q2mhZ8ptQLKq4tUDiXH4gRSL-wKzcxS2wL6QQ54fKUPOuCaXkC2z3PzHa11e0nEB26KhjHOO_YyEm3-4WKBJV_Y/s1600/DSC06396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMZvZojFas1KN9nyEcpX1gSGWCAG8zPShlqoyjwmJKdoISaVsRsKx_q2mhZ8ptQLKq4tUDiXH4gRSL-wKzcxS2wL6QQ54fKUPOuCaXkC2z3PzHa11e0nEB26KhjHOO_YyEm3-4WKBJV_Y/s320/DSC06396.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaylee & Phil Bennallack</td></tr>
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Sarah meanwhile, stayed behind in Denver so she wouldn't get behind in her schoolwork or miss out on cheering training. She is determined to keep her grades up, and one missed assignment seems to impact greatly. If grades fall below a 'C', the girls are benched!! She stayed with the Mercer's and had fun with Kelsie. Also, on the Saturday was their first cheerleading competition at Elitch Gardens. They ended up coming third in their division, so a good start to the season!<br />
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We stayed with Ross & Pam Welch again. They are very generous to us. Their boys are all away at college or working at the moment and so kindly gave up some rooms for us. It was great to see them again. We were all so busy however, that it wasn't until Saturday afternoon, while the cousins spent time together, that we got to spend time with them, then went out to dinner where their son Robbie works at the California Pizza. A great night, with wonderful company. We left to return to Denver Sunday morning at about 8am. Many, many thanks Ross & Pam for your kindness and friendship!Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-18062292626865329902011-09-19T11:02:00.000-07:002011-09-19T19:04:04.585-07:00A New School Year BeginsWell, Summer Vacation is over! And we find ourselves back to routine. The first week after coming back from New York gave us just a couple of days rest before Rick started work again as the new school year began. He took one day to go and set up his room and get organised, then by Wednesday he was back officially, starting with meetings and professional development. It's a different perspective not being on the leadership side of things!! Just set up your classroom, and turn up!!<br />
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For the rest of us, Sarah was back at tumbling for cheerleading. She is coming along, and it won't be long before she masters that back flip! I was also busy registering her for school online, since that happened while we were away. We ended up making a time to see her counsellor, Mr Lantini to work out her schedule. It turned out, because of cheerleading at 6.00-7.30am, this actually counts as the first period lesson! She then has a 'free' for second and so doesn't start actual classes until 9.15am! So this will give her some time in the morning to 'study' and make sure all work is 'done'. On Thursdays, there is a staff meeting first thing, so the school schedule starts an hour later, which means Sarah doesn't have to be at school until 10am!! She still gets to catch the yellow school bus home!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCEVsoC2z0QcbhX35mNk_AmPCe9avTae-25YWlB081dQ5sJs_bLk5iBX5-pImUhn6r1SPgufoxXhfn_QjzO-uul82VepvT2yDWjMeZsbpIX1yvSl63ushrZBiakbBDjNHqY3j8fkPwxTm/s1600/319166_10150294779974618_520694617_7343867_4630086_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCEVsoC2z0QcbhX35mNk_AmPCe9avTae-25YWlB081dQ5sJs_bLk5iBX5-pImUhn6r1SPgufoxXhfn_QjzO-uul82VepvT2yDWjMeZsbpIX1yvSl63ushrZBiakbBDjNHqY3j8fkPwxTm/s320/319166_10150294779974618_520694617_7343867_4630086_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah is a Cheerleader!!</td></tr>
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On Saturday, 20 August was a photo session on the football oval for the JV Cheer team. This is the first time the whole team has worn their performing uniform, ie what they would wear for events and for competitions. They have a couple of different uniforms as well as various 'warm ups'. This is part of the big expense of cheerleading - the uniform!! However, they were all excited and all looked very glamorous for the early hour on Saturday morning!! These photos will appear on programs and promotional materials.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCEVsoC2z0QcbhX35mNk_AmPCe9avTae-25YWlB081dQ5sJs_bLk5iBX5-pImUhn6r1SPgufoxXhfn_QjzO-uul82VepvT2yDWjMeZsbpIX1yvSl63ushrZBiakbBDjNHqY3j8fkPwxTm/s1600/319166_10150294779974618_520694617_7343867_4630086_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"> </span> </a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ63-5wVzuMDddM3SRpCQLbtMT17JC4WKrP2I2sZ5doZjE-W6V8l_LBkqxgw0rTVIRqkOfBKPN7jIpqCcwrz9fCMCDIhtLY201vSATd0XkNfHU1ckYrwrUnLUtlT3XhmHtZ3_CwvNhB_7c/s1600/DSC06298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ63-5wVzuMDddM3SRpCQLbtMT17JC4WKrP2I2sZ5doZjE-W6V8l_LBkqxgw0rTVIRqkOfBKPN7jIpqCcwrz9fCMCDIhtLY201vSATd0XkNfHU1ckYrwrUnLUtlT3XhmHtZ3_CwvNhB_7c/s320/DSC06298.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Junior Varsity Cheer Team 2011-2012</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An official photo on the Football Field, Columbine HS</td></tr>
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<strong>Tom</strong> meanwhile, had taken himself off with Kelland camping in the mountains. They drove a couple of hours into the mountains, then hiked for ages until they came to a well known spot by Kelland. They were completely isolated and out of phone range, in the wilds and carried all the food they needed, and shelter on their backs. (there is more to be added about this story!)<br />
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The semester began officially on 22 August 2011, with all the anticipation a new year brings. For myself, I am still getting very confused at this terminology. When referring to 'last year' in my mind, I think of Adelaide, not left yet, but it's actually last semester! By the end of the first week, a routine of sorts had been re-established to look something like this:<br />
5.00am Sarah's alarm sounds on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 5.30am, mine goes off. 5.45am we drive out to school in the dark! Back home, I can't go back to bed so use the quiet for reading or sometimes painting! By 7.15ish Rick is ready to go to school, a five minute drive, and by 8.00am Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I meet up with Cheryl from two doors down to go to the gym!! Tuesday and Thursday mornings are a bit more leisurely with Sarah starting at 9.00 and 10.00am. I try and walk on these days. Sarah has tumbling on Tuesday evenings and I have Cub Scouts on Thursday's.<br />
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Meanwhile Tom lost most of his hours due to the summer break and so takes what he can get. He usually spends about two hours a day studying, then goes to the gym and then hangs out with me!! We are slowly ticking off the missionary to-do list in preparation for him reporting on the 26 October. For myself, besides the usual 'housy' things, I have been spending my time blogging occasionally, painting and more painting and researching Family History, with the occasional 'lunch' thrown in, all of which I really enjoy and make the hours vanish very quickly! I look forward to Watercolour classes starting up in a couple of weeks - in fact I'm pretty excited about it!! My life will be vastly different next year when we resume our jobs and general busyness!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbxcMlp2JzW7m9eFjtBk0fomKfGrGB7V1Nnq5YojBKl7n_atqCPNswH6G8AXBevlx5JMTF82UmuG755AArKsn_IyNHZKDPMFuVCviZPIC1MopHCG9UvwEKMjg6ymgVtSfD9Dlv4kwTRkn/s1600/DSC04148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbxcMlp2JzW7m9eFjtBk0fomKfGrGB7V1Nnq5YojBKl7n_atqCPNswH6G8AXBevlx5JMTF82UmuG755AArKsn_IyNHZKDPMFuVCviZPIC1MopHCG9UvwEKMjg6ymgVtSfD9Dlv4kwTRkn/s320/DSC04148.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exercise: Shape painting using a 2" brush only</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjS9gSD_fbKKZsrTTtZKLmHvT6iQ4WD1AfsYpsNni5vLcEEb9KpBkkLLHIrnUXJpznnjemJPB4Idy7nCQlXEt6DmgGQsxm3FH6LjtTC-3G_dFvskkS1h1TAtsQXpOdVI_ZddG2upRzYKA/s1600/291739_2320379098071_1507360770_32512475_2559205_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjS9gSD_fbKKZsrTTtZKLmHvT6iQ4WD1AfsYpsNni5vLcEEb9KpBkkLLHIrnUXJpznnjemJPB4Idy7nCQlXEt6DmgGQsxm3FH6LjtTC-3G_dFvskkS1h1TAtsQXpOdVI_ZddG2upRzYKA/s320/291739_2320379098071_1507360770_32512475_2559205_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exercise: Misty Mountains. Wet on Wet using 2" brush & liner</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUD129JA1kqChlm-xG653h7DSo2IVZUQ3ZP8OsJOgzuPcLhxeZ7Zwq8ArSfUeY9X7F5b9ioobBlHJW2VDDiuDk26Z1NSL-MBZx-4HOcIzkOfXyLS6UDsBAHnvQJlZX-T-QfgT8m-Iyg8c/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUD129JA1kqChlm-xG653h7DSo2IVZUQ3ZP8OsJOgzuPcLhxeZ7Zwq8ArSfUeY9X7F5b9ioobBlHJW2VDDiuDk26Z1NSL-MBZx-4HOcIzkOfXyLS6UDsBAHnvQJlZX-T-QfgT8m-Iyg8c/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exercise: Distant Mountains. Wet on Wet again. (I'm happy with this one.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A first attempt at waterfalls. Adding colour on white to highlight moving water. (tricky!)</td></tr>
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The only thing to mar the start of the school year, was a young man in some of Sarah's classes, and a very good friend of Kelsey's called Brad, who took his own life. This was an extremely sad and upsetting thing to happen. I relived the death of my brother and grieved too for this family that I did not know, and the girls went through a terrible week until the funeral, which did bring a sense of closure but not forgetfulness. A great loss and renewed determination to look out for, and to look after friends.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9NUqpn3K9gaXqcFarlnC9YH6-J6_jmPydqG263GAgV3FH3stsg1QveEjwOFZO33tUr633iKCeWyVFkvbmpI6JVilJjjruE57P8rF8DDEFDOdttRGlIyrFe6qNjtJ9Z5tSA4L3hTp7Pv1/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9NUqpn3K9gaXqcFarlnC9YH6-J6_jmPydqG263GAgV3FH3stsg1QveEjwOFZO33tUr633iKCeWyVFkvbmpI6JVilJjjruE57P8rF8DDEFDOdttRGlIyrFe6qNjtJ9Z5tSA4L3hTp7Pv1/s320/005.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the Buell Theatre, Downtown Denver</td></tr>
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To finish the month of August off, we were able to see the musical performance of 'Les Miserable' at the Buell Theatre downtown. Our good friend Jeff Mercer was able to get a large group from our ward tickets at a group concession price. We have seen Les Miserable before at the Festival Theatre with outstanding performances, especially by Debbie Byrne, and also the school production where Karlie played young Cosette. This was also outstanding but with a few variations. The standard of performance and special effects was very impressive, although I would have to say that this is would have to be the most raunchiest version I've seen!<br />
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I just love the music from Les Miserable, my favourite would have to be 'I dreamed a dream' sung by Fontaine, but I left the theatre singing 'Can you hear the people shout!' So stirring! Fantastic! <br />
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Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-78127315613783073682011-09-15T19:05:00.000-07:002011-11-03T13:15:26.040-07:00New York - The Big Apple (City Tour continues!)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New York City traffic, congested, loud and noisy!!</td></tr>
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Saturday, 13 August 2011<br />
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This morning, we were pleased with ourselves at how efficiently we got into the city, namely Times Square, for a good start on what looked like a huge day of sightseeing. However, once there, to my dismay, I discovered I had left our bus tickets back at the apartment on the bed... oops! A very deflating moment as duplicates could not be made, only necessitating a return to retrieve them. I was prepared to do that to redeem myself, but Rick insisted. What a good man!<br />
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Meanwhile, Tom, Sarah & I killed time by indulging in a Macca's breakfast then set off to see if we could do an NBC Studio Tour while we waited for Rick. We were not able to at that time, so booked a time for late afternoon. Instead we went to see the Harry Potter Exhibition. It really is amazing to see all the props and costumes that were used in all the films. Interesting to see how small Harry's first costumes were in the original movie. This exhibition would be quite meaningless to anyone who hasn't seen the movies, but to those enthusiasts who have, it was very impressive! (Thank you again, City Pass!) Rick joined us as we were about half way through it, so he didn't take as long as we thought.<br />
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<a href="http://www.discoverytsx.com/exhibitions/harry-potter" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="harry potter the exhibit" height="143" src="http://www.discoverytsx.com/userfiles/image/Potter---Home.gif" width="200" /></a><img alt="harry potter exhibition" height="96" src="http://www.discoverytsx.com/userfiles/image/Harry%20Potter/Logos/hp-385px.png" width="200" /></div>
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We were initially going to do the Uptown Tour which passes by Central Park, Harlem and the Temple, but due to the now later time, we boarded the Downtown bus to get to the Statue of Liberty Ferry. To get there was a repeat for three of us, but great for Tom! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bus Tour Downtown passing through SoHo. This tour guide had an amazing memory for facts and trivia!</td></tr>
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Once there, there was a very very long line! Over an hour long! So, Rick & I waited with our tickets while Tom & Sarah went of to have a look at Ground Zero which wasn't very far away.. The thing about lines, is that you get to become quite well aquainted with someone either in front or behind you. We have met some very nice and interesting people this way, and we all come from such diverse places but with the common goal of seeing the sights!! After quite some time, we had made good progress and could see the end in sight, the kids returned and also Rick with a huge box of New York Pizza! Lunch! The pizzas are so big! Huge! The slices are not cut in squares as I would expect a 'party' size to be in Australia, but wedges or pies as the New Yorkers call them.! A bit sloppy to eat, but amazingly delicious, especially out of the box!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The New York 'Pie'</td></tr>
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By and by we were 'herded' into the loading bay. Yes, just like sheep!! But then we were away. Rick & Tom went out on top, and Sarah & I found ourselves an inside bench to sit on, to rest our weary, standing-in-line legs. However, we were on the opposite site of the vessel to the Statue of Liberty so didn't see it until we were really close. We had a great view of the harbour and the Staten Island ferry though! The Tour boat stopped at the Statue of Liberty, and we could have disembarked and had a good walk around it, but all decided we didn't want to line up again to re-board. So stayed put at the front and enjoyed the great views. (If I was more savvy, I would be using nautical terms here!!) The Statue of Liberty is such a famous landmark, it really is quite something to see first hand! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was too busy watching the Staten Is Ferry,<br />
that I didn't see the Statue of Liberty until we were there! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georgeous Sarah!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lady Liberty</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evidence, I was here!!</td></tr>
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Next, we anchored at Ellis Island, but we opted again to just view it from the vessel. To think this is where so many early Americans first spent their time in this new free land. It must have been a time of great anxiety and insecurity for them..</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we all are, docked at Ellis Island...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... enjoying the day!!</td></tr>
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Once back on Manhatten Island, we walked up to see what we could of Ground Zero. Tom & Sarah were not able to access the Memorial Museum, but with the City Pass, Voila!! Ground Zero itself, that is, the footprints where the Twim Towers once stood is still fenced off and covered from view from the public, awaiting the dedication of the area this coming 11th September. But you can see very clearly the new tower that is being built on the same parcel of space, now just taller than all surrounding buildings. About seventy floors are completed so far. It's a clever octogon shape to represent both towers that fell. The Memorial Museum is a very poignant reminder with movie clips, testimonials, photos and memoribilia of that fateful day. It was very sobering to consider the great trauma and loss experienced by so many, without warning that morning ten years ago. The new area will be a beautiful place for families, friends and the people of New York, as well as visitors, to mourn and remember those that lost their lives that day.. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming into dock at Lower Manhatten. <br />
The new Trade Centre dominates as it slowly rises above all other buildings.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR11LW0zpJyBJO-8z40892P9h2IQrZQDPSIRkeSAPH0igNUI8YJVlYPU-d467OeYRS7JEQRSSA7YHxM4NYszpu_z0di6e16j_RIR6MVvm51i6RmV_BJWw1D6ZBMo6M_Om75deruczNpX5C/s1600/436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR11LW0zpJyBJO-8z40892P9h2IQrZQDPSIRkeSAPH0igNUI8YJVlYPU-d467OeYRS7JEQRSSA7YHxM4NYszpu_z0di6e16j_RIR6MVvm51i6RmV_BJWw1D6ZBMo6M_Om75deruczNpX5C/s320/436.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ground Zero. <br />
As much as you can see it until the dedication on September the 11th, the 10th year anniversary.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYANSJGhjYoycKAIiDmmyRIODp7XblV-ByFzyT2kGhHXH92aPcAnR5Pz3wMXYTkOv_hsLjq6QDbVSiw1iBuUOJxHZ_dl0IeaAIhug26J0BwMpkUYM4jOSS6ID5vxypiR0tvZQhn1HBQpoC/s1600/437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYANSJGhjYoycKAIiDmmyRIODp7XblV-ByFzyT2kGhHXH92aPcAnR5Pz3wMXYTkOv_hsLjq6QDbVSiw1iBuUOJxHZ_dl0IeaAIhug26J0BwMpkUYM4jOSS6ID5vxypiR0tvZQhn1HBQpoC/s320/437.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wall plaque outside the Memorial Museum dedicated to the Fire Dept of New York.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4WUqxvFFhEVSh9OKdSENwEND11nDUz-OrH0K8Jy_Gw2WXPB2BcCfB8boJCcHntWVIkBQY0cMTaJVndqLO2lzism8GxmvnEM7L2lOYer4vs6f2rhORIJEPppCC4yRwIpghxyowqrvDBSz/s1600/440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4WUqxvFFhEVSh9OKdSENwEND11nDUz-OrH0K8Jy_Gw2WXPB2BcCfB8boJCcHntWVIkBQY0cMTaJVndqLO2lzism8GxmvnEM7L2lOYer4vs6f2rhORIJEPppCC4yRwIpghxyowqrvDBSz/s320/440.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Flag of Honour.<br />
The names of the nearly 3,000 people who perished make up the stripes of the flag.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0QT07aldUFLdNUTPIGLmvKiVsIq3GdVbk641MyonQohbq3pNl3-PDaZhbFzOI_ZtQ_G425GHHk7Z98qsi6NT9K_KdhiXM4ZG7s3fX0_bSu3oS0-hqAkaygii5iJaF66J-YFlTQtiJyEW/s1600/439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0QT07aldUFLdNUTPIGLmvKiVsIq3GdVbk641MyonQohbq3pNl3-PDaZhbFzOI_ZtQ_G425GHHk7Z98qsi6NT9K_KdhiXM4ZG7s3fX0_bSu3oS0-hqAkaygii5iJaF66J-YFlTQtiJyEW/s320/439.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trivia! This shows a steam vent from the subway, in a flue due to the construction site.</td></tr>
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Back on the bus, it was another hour to finish the tour, before we were back at Times Square. By this time, it's getting well on in the afternoon. We decided to take the subway to Central Park. I really wanted to experience it, and didn't want to leave NY without seeing it! As we came out of the subway station, we came across someone promoting bike rides. Well again, thanks to the City Pass, we could do this (but with a different company!) So, a few streets away, we found the Bike Hire place and were able to spend the next hour riding around some of Central Park. What a beautiful place. It always looks appealing on TV and the movies, but it really is!!! And also very busy with lots of people walking, riding, skating. We stopped and watched a group dancing on skates to Reggae music. Fantastic! It was very impressive to watch. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cdTAE4tqw9sOVcWI27YzO5ziZ_ayWPqhidc7DjUgoTB1iFJlFF8FDcpBOlfdOO6xFobE2sG8DvbUr-GF8n3OcUYAJfk66S_PvnOUL6giBYrPmlFMjAnUfDxaQul3tu9syq6WWhekv6KD/s1600/441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_cdTAE4tqw9sOVcWI27YzO5ziZ_ayWPqhidc7DjUgoTB1iFJlFF8FDcpBOlfdOO6xFobE2sG8DvbUr-GF8n3OcUYAJfk66S_PvnOUL6giBYrPmlFMjAnUfDxaQul3tu9syq6WWhekv6KD/s320/441.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding in Central Park, NYC!! Whoo Hoo!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQhamM18o-N0KP5AcIDtGiBgAXU3wjqctHQQv51vVsPtgKnjgRhfnUwiP7X0j98w0P9sa6ZBF2p8gK91yKBvT6mPctLORMn5JhiwOGnRQcaVSFF9sHLd_otECcQ_kepVaJvAvP_44Ecys/s1600/443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQhamM18o-N0KP5AcIDtGiBgAXU3wjqctHQQv51vVsPtgKnjgRhfnUwiP7X0j98w0P9sa6ZBF2p8gK91yKBvT6mPctLORMn5JhiwOGnRQcaVSFF9sHLd_otECcQ_kepVaJvAvP_44Ecys/s320/443.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom, Rick & Sarah in front of me.<br />
This is an immensely enjoyable ride!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopping for a breather, and to get our bearings..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPb_6LTbQuSRSVDu2vX7Q2Qq_zuVCdbu9BXw-mT0gdK12nUoPQ3Kb3B6FJFxxQ2dI3jfyKjsmhjbl8MLXQwh4wNmUZCwZJaPGNZ_V3nvJuNsTUxNaE6nbTVznKjU3iLSaytkU1by2HCwwX/s1600/446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPb_6LTbQuSRSVDu2vX7Q2Qq_zuVCdbu9BXw-mT0gdK12nUoPQ3Kb3B6FJFxxQ2dI3jfyKjsmhjbl8MLXQwh4wNmUZCwZJaPGNZ_V3nvJuNsTUxNaE6nbTVznKjU3iLSaytkU1by2HCwwX/s320/446.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These park photos were a bit flukey as I was trying to keep<br />
my balance on the bike and hold the camera. I'm amazed I <br />
even made it into this picture!!</td></tr>
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There is something very exhiliarating being on a bike for pure pleasure. Not because you need to get somewhere, or for exercise, but just for pleasure. This was great! We rode around and then guessed when we needed to double back to return the bikes, and realised we had gone further than we thought and got a bit lost as we wound ourselves out of the maze of trail we had made! We were a few minutes late, but that was ok.. Great Fun!<br />
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We decided we needed some real food, so went to Applebees. Delicious and extremely satisfying, but we did need to rush a bit so we could make the NBC Studio Tour on time, which we did... Just!! <br />
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Now this was very interesting! We were able to see the sets where 'Tonight Live' was taped, also the 'Dr Oz' set, and where the news, weather and sports are broadcast. The set areas are smaller than I imagined, and I guess that's the magic of film & TV. The tour went for about one and half hours concluding with a couple of people from the group to have a go at reading the news and presenting the weather. It seems apt that Tom got to present the weather! That was funny to watch as he lost sight of the telepromtor and improvised instead! It was actually taped, but we didn't get a copy. We were told though, that it was broadcast into the Studio Cafetaria for the entertainment of the diners!! That was a fun tour!<br />
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From here, we were in perfect time to board the Night Tour. This was a similar tour to the Downtown tour, but with variations, and in particular went over the Brooklyn Bridge to the Brooklyn business area and past 'Project' housing areas of lower Manhatten. Again, it took about 2 hours, but well worth seeing the city lights at night, especially going over the Brooklyn Bridge and seeing NYC from Brooklyn. Our tour guides have all been so knowledgable about the city, with lots of trivia facts. Very worthwhile.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisj3o6nPeu8Rp1gabHGVC9POB4iuro172D1JOalE2MfTtEviSWLGIsfEso7y26JO2OdxYgFMUOqoEPma2uHlvXb00tLBBoVaNU_ZUhpMoXOjOyryXkTfvnmKKtxLflcZ1MlcWUeCNVopD/s1600/464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgisj3o6nPeu8Rp1gabHGVC9POB4iuro172D1JOalE2MfTtEviSWLGIsfEso7y26JO2OdxYgFMUOqoEPma2uHlvXb00tLBBoVaNU_ZUhpMoXOjOyryXkTfvnmKKtxLflcZ1MlcWUeCNVopD/s320/464.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, looking back over Manhatten</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriFTnQ-Oi88nF1rMLrCkSp61v0McWGGVRMAZMot8jxkqKhHIA3XiAOLEA_5F3HEVo911odR9klR2shQqiT8Wzgw1uKUJ6gXRYG4N_EhIC-749AxJB0YEiV7KinQYWBgjLcvUWGNEc__1n/s1600/487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriFTnQ-Oi88nF1rMLrCkSp61v0McWGGVRMAZMot8jxkqKhHIA3XiAOLEA_5F3HEVo911odR9klR2shQqiT8Wzgw1uKUJ6gXRYG4N_EhIC-749AxJB0YEiV7KinQYWBgjLcvUWGNEc__1n/s320/487.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu0osKCRF6QUPzq2lUZ0pxBsOuAWS01aChVXm40C-w46G4ezl3-P_RMl8xxbkfhKb0_M5kTuoiFnDlJ1mo6MfagbIDuKzHttFCcbtcFOZyG26Rx3gZ-Lo9VGbnJ7aH2vxJAS45GA9sekw/s1600/480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu0osKCRF6QUPzq2lUZ0pxBsOuAWS01aChVXm40C-w46G4ezl3-P_RMl8xxbkfhKb0_M5kTuoiFnDlJ1mo6MfagbIDuKzHttFCcbtcFOZyG26Rx3gZ-Lo9VGbnJ7aH2vxJAS45GA9sekw/s320/480.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom ...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKAjPRe7ZoFEJLzPayn7wUkVBpzNQiHOdpS_V5woeM4eG72eXyLeSZeVEnVxHslLGNK3qzUuqx7oJ1WpMtQOvRr5tBdFLeRn1MKFWP1tS0XYFu0eX8g-FZ2exNDGI2wQyS8E8s3H2oevv/s1600/488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKAjPRe7ZoFEJLzPayn7wUkVBpzNQiHOdpS_V5woeM4eG72eXyLeSZeVEnVxHslLGNK3qzUuqx7oJ1WpMtQOvRr5tBdFLeRn1MKFWP1tS0XYFu0eX8g-FZ2exNDGI2wQyS8E8s3H2oevv/s320/488.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> ... and Sarah, with Manhatten behind. <br />
(My poor photography could only get either the city or us, not both..)</td></tr>
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Well, our New York experience was coming to a close, but not before we bought some 'I love NY' t-shirts and had a hand-bag vendor try and sell to us. The price was too high, and so we spent some time trying to locate some more that we had seen from the bus. These products are not all above board, and they sell them on the street on large sheets that can be easily gathered up if law enforcement is seen! Our understanding is that they are not stolen, just 'knock-off's' of the brand name, and therefore not licenced to sell. What people do to make money, it was interesting to see. The same activity was in Chinatown..<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOoRtBRufxrzfTcBfj6F_hz1wiy_Uy8vrD056A0cD1fNnsxaNBNyekyv4cdRfT0-kB1RuHtMfbqbHc92Vh7fF8spC_MBhm6J4_zRt50jUboPvzmsQWT2RmvcGNW8yqeZZbu_nPDW4MPdl/s1600/490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOoRtBRufxrzfTcBfj6F_hz1wiy_Uy8vrD056A0cD1fNnsxaNBNyekyv4cdRfT0-kB1RuHtMfbqbHc92Vh7fF8spC_MBhm6J4_zRt50jUboPvzmsQWT2RmvcGNW8yqeZZbu_nPDW4MPdl/s320/490.JPG" width="320" /></a>We finally ran out of steam and headed for the subway 'home'. I really like New York, and recommend it as a destination. It's huge, it's busy, it's very crowded and full of life. It really is the city that never sleeps, and is so easy to negotiate and get around. We found the people generally friendly and helpful. I'm not sure if I could live right in the city, but you certainly do not need a car here. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFqNjRVznxnCOfwawf271GR55tZGXMpD6rXDAzWDQtRFqOaWbwaYoU-fjDbD7GIUI9jI6d9eIsHWKpLuh6agrJsgElGJx9moj4E4vzoVKRduW2Krrf6e1aGb43snLN8ZKl_yBxT-Nbja7/s1600/491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFqNjRVznxnCOfwawf271GR55tZGXMpD6rXDAzWDQtRFqOaWbwaYoU-fjDbD7GIUI9jI6d9eIsHWKpLuh6agrJsgElGJx9moj4E4vzoVKRduW2Krrf6e1aGb43snLN8ZKl_yBxT-Nbja7/s320/491.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travelling back very late on the Subway, but we never felt unsafe!</td></tr>
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Our flight was for 7.00am in the morning and the shuttle was coming at the crazy time of 3.30am to pick us up! What was that I mentioned about the city that never sleeps?!! It tried hard to rain while we were on the Night Tour, and as a precaution, we were issued with plastic ponchos. The rain held off, but once back to the apartment, down it came!! We were indeed very fortunate with the weather, not excessively hot, and not wet! We leisurely packed up, I watched a movie and slept maybe for a couple of hours and then it was time to go. Consequently, we got to the airport before the airline check ins were opened! There were a few people sleeping in seats, and I attempted unsuccessfully to join them!! Eventually, the airport became 'awake' and we found sustinance and were able to board the flight to Denver. Now, I think we all slept most of the way!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAR2lfUlBDTccNa1yYdN6Qx59EBE2Fpk7777wLMpMi5eC4gmJridVySB3qqmNM3yLPjqjhIAv9MjTgT5anQMyJ-8BguukSH8wXCfHc92ZR0Orp5Omj0yhxsXq6-z-cCG9fuDXseVXiE7Z/s1600/492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdAR2lfUlBDTccNa1yYdN6Qx59EBE2Fpk7777wLMpMi5eC4gmJridVySB3qqmNM3yLPjqjhIAv9MjTgT5anQMyJ-8BguukSH8wXCfHc92ZR0Orp5Omj0yhxsXq6-z-cCG9fuDXseVXiE7Z/s320/492.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very wet, early morning at Newark Airport</td></tr>
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Arriving in Denver is so different to New York. Here, the Airport, as mentioned previously is in wide open spaces. Gone are the crowds and the noise. It's a peaceful, pretty place with the mountains as a backdrop, very soothing for weary sleep devrived travellers..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One final point of trivia! <br />
This is the train at the Denver International Airport. We are at the very back of it giving us a great view of the tunnel. The train runs between the Gates and the Baggage areas of the Airport. It's nice to be home..</td></tr>
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</div>Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-23772211963705306012011-09-13T13:20:00.000-07:002011-11-04T13:38:15.810-07:00New York - The Big Apple (New York City Tour)Friday, 12 August 2011<br />
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Up as early as we could, and in Time Square by about 9am.. That's not bad! Ok, now the clock is ticking. On the way into the city, Tom received a phone message that his bag had been located! This was a huge relief to him and so he set off to retrieve it from the 'Lost and Found' in Brooklyn. Tom is so very good with directions and so off he went by himself..<br />
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Meanwhile, we decided to go ahead and join the Downtown hop-on hop-off Bus Tour. This really is the way to go, especially when we don't know New York! Each bus has a tour guide, who knows everything there is to know about the city! The tour was really informative and super relaxing! It took us through the Fashion district, SoHo and NoHo, the area where celebrities live, past Little Italy and Chinatown, passed the business district and Ground Zero, the ferry stop and back up to Time Square. You see apartment complexes and all sorts of detail you would miss entirely if you drove yourself for a look! The round trip took about 2 hours, and turned out to be perfect timing as Tom made it back to Time Square, bag in hand, just before us!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown 'hop-on, hop-off' bus tour.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice of you to join us on the bus, Tom!</td></tr>
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From here, we had some lunch then hopped back on the bus to get to the Empire State Building. It's an awesome sight from ground level, soaring high into the sky. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Empire State Building from the pavement, the top not visible from the ground..</td></tr>
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Once inside, we soon realised that alot of other people had the same idea, and suddenly we are back to waiting in lines again! We cleared security and then there was about a half hour wait going from area to area. On the way, we stopped off and went on the 'Skyride'. This was a virtual skyride tour of New York and surrounds. It was included in our City Pass but otherwise cost $42.00 which I think was way overpriced. It gave us a bit of motion sickness! Anyway, back to the lines, up one elevator, then change to another to get to the top! Once there however, it was well worth the wait. The views are very grand in all directions. We had a hand held radio 'thingy', which was a narrated guide to the sights which was really helpful to pinpoint landmarks. This is a huge city!! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking north toward upper Manhatten. You can just see some of Central Park, middle left of the photo..</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the viewing deck of the Empire State Building - I can't help think of 'Sleepless in Seattle!'</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Downtown Business district of Lower Manhatten, with the Hudson River on the right. The tallest building now, with the crane on the top, is the new World Trade Center under construction filling the space where the Twin Towers once stood. About 70 of 102 floors are finished</td></tr>
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After seeing the Empire State building, we hopped back on the next bus and continued a short distance before hopping off again to shop at the famous Macy's store. Here we split up, the men buying suits, and us girls to the make-up, beauty department!! Sarah had a full eyebrow treatment, and I had a facial and make-up done! This was sooo very nice! What a treat! When we were finished, we met the boys in the mens department, and Tom had settled on two suits, of which he bought one! So the missionary shopping has begun! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macy's in Midtown. </td></tr>
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After this fun interlude, we saw a comedy show with local comedians eating dinner as we watched. This went for an hour and half, with some being very funny and others having to work hard to get a laugh from the audience. Good though! It was very much a New York experience.<br />
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From here, we went to Madame Toussand's Wax Museum (thanks to the City Pass!) This is very impressive and we enjoyed recognising the many celebrities, rich and famous in wax. We had fun posing with some of them, in particular the President of the United States! This finished with a 4-D movie of Happy Feet! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a casual afternoon with the First Family!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thomas R. Bennallack for President?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh! Edward! </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Diana always had a soft spot with me! (she was pretty tall..)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom, joining the baseball team..</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deckhand Sarah with Jonny Depp</td></tr>
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As we headed for the subway station, there went screaming past us about 15+ police cars with their sirens blaring. I don't really think anything was going on, but it looked intimidating. Then as we headed down into the subway, standing in full battle gear including big guns (real guns!), were four policemen who looked like soldiers dressed in black, much like our swat team. Again, very intimidating, but apparently they were only 'on patrol'. Unfortunately, my camera had died by this point so I couldn't take a pic, I'm such a tourist but we had never seen anything like it. One of them talked with us, as we were staring at them! And then on they moved 'to patrol!' Well, we ARE in New York!! We missed our train, then later realised we could have caught the one that came along, so it was quite late by the time we got back to the apartment.. One thing is for sure, in New York, you do a lot of walking!!Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-25783677673127086522011-09-13T12:06:00.000-07:002011-09-15T18:30:46.196-07:00New York - The Big Apple (Time Square, Chinatown & Broadway)Thursday, 11 August 2011<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our basement apartment, upper Manhatten</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">138th Street, Harlem, NYC!</td></tr>
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Wow! Waking up in the 'Big Apple' !! Here we are in a basement apartment of a typical terraced house in Harlem,Upper Manhatten. However, in the night, Tom realised he has left his 'manbag' a lovely leather shoulder bag on the shuttle bus. Both Rick & Tom were busy making calls to try and track it down. It's a terrible feeling when you lose something valuable to you. Hopefully it will turn up in 'lost and found'.<br />
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Terrence had given us instructions on how to find the subway and local shopping etc, so we ventured out to find our way to Times Square. This is where we would pick up our City Pass and Hop-on Hop-off Bus tickets. We have 48 hours from the time we activate them to do as much as we can in the city!! We figured the bus tour would be the easiest way to see it! We had to ask some gentlemen on the way the direction of the subway station, and they were really helpful. It was really close, perhaps a five minute walk to 135th Street! At this point, Sarah in particular was feeling very 'white', especially with her very blonde hair! It was fine though, we found people very friendly!<br />
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The subway is a phenomenon! It is a really easy and quick way to get in and out of the city. It was pretty hot though underground. In TV shows and movies, I had always wondered what the steam was that shot out of the roads, well, now I realise, it's the heat coming out of the subway system.<br />
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We easily found Time Square, stop 42!! It's incredible how many people there are. The city was so crowded! We found Madame Toussand's where the office for the City Pass and Bus Tours were and realised, we do need an early start. By this time it's about 10am, so we decided to start that tomorrow and for today, to spend some time just looking around and enjoying what we could see without any time pressure. So, we spent the rest of the morning walking around Time Square absorbing the sight and sounds of the city. New York City is really loud! I guess all noise is echoed off the buildings, but there are so many sirens screaming and horns honking!! Time Square itself is a real hub of activity. There is shopping, restaurants, theatres, museums and of course, Broadway is just adjacent. We all are aware of course of the yellow taxis, but to actually see them, wow! There are mostly yellow cabs on the road. I would not like to attempt to drive here! I think you would need to be very aggressive as a driver! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah & Tom in Time Square, New York!</td></tr>
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After lunch at Macca's on Time Square (I have never seen a more packed Macca's), we lined up for some Broadway tickets. Rick was there earlier than needed, and just as well as we were near the front of the line which soon grew to an amazing length!! There are many shows discounted, but we were lucky enough to get tickets all together for Daniel Radcliff's comedy show "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" for 7.00pm.<br />
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From here, we jumped back on the subway and went Downtown to find Chinatown. We had heard this was a must to see, especially the street vendors. We spent most of the afternoon here and had fun watching Tom in particular barganing with street vendors over price! It's interesting to see the undercover knock-off products for sale - handbags, jewellery and perfume especially! Sarah bought herself a silver chain necklace for half the price and Tom wangled some deals on a couple of belts, purfume for Sarah and aftershave! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rick & Tom figuring out the best ticket buy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah happy to be here, wow! the NY subway!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Chinatown, Tom negotiating the price on some suit belts..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIX21Xi7X6JG_yQHXVBEynt7-uQiR3DsMF3veG3Vlrk5Z0Ysok1KuCCw3AMTe30DAWP9h0aEoLoUU8XPSVYkO-q90Rt8jtLbLCLftq79pzgnbN5w4utiakomt8E2ICCuD4Ly1Iy_eFwqs/s1600/306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIX21Xi7X6JG_yQHXVBEynt7-uQiR3DsMF3veG3Vlrk5Z0Ysok1KuCCw3AMTe30DAWP9h0aEoLoUU8XPSVYkO-q90Rt8jtLbLCLftq79pzgnbN5w4utiakomt8E2ICCuD4Ly1Iy_eFwqs/s320/306.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah, happy to pose for me in Chinatown, outside a smelly fish market actually!! (Sporting her new necklace!)</td></tr>
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Finally, late afternoon we stopped at this Noodle Restaurant and had this delicious meal, then headed back to Broadway to see our show!!<br />
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What an experience to see a show on Broadway, New York! It was truely wonderful. The show was funny, cleverly chorographed and very well done! Daniel Radcliff (Harry Potter) was superb, despite dropping his lovely English accent for a very authentic American one!! We were so glad we got to see this.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkkZcQO4eLDTLrcjH_-0MjkWIXAD1Q-ow1pX4o8wAY2caf32zGJO3YPJov9Mgra4pdTZDi_RhvjEDmHgTFX52cBk_Y3WWvn3QKMdMBkstMG42pyeHciCUHDhS-SBh_K8vCe6d3pomsbah/s1600/P9111350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkkZcQO4eLDTLrcjH_-0MjkWIXAD1Q-ow1pX4o8wAY2caf32zGJO3YPJov9Mgra4pdTZDi_RhvjEDmHgTFX52cBk_Y3WWvn3QKMdMBkstMG42pyeHciCUHDhS-SBh_K8vCe6d3pomsbah/s320/P9111350.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Broadway Show in New York - that's the ticket!!</td></tr>
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Home late on the subway, stopping for street gelati on the way. What a full, long day. Once we got back to 135th street, the walk back to the apartment took us past St Mark's Church, which in the middle of the night, was pretty busy. Our aim at this point is to have an early start in the morning, to get going on the Bus Tour..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At night, the city fills up with an even greater crowd!</td></tr>
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Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-1300462809365007422011-09-13T10:33:00.000-07:002011-09-13T10:50:35.105-07:00New York - The Big Apple! (Jersey Shore)Wednesday, 10 August 2011<br />
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After a huge breakfast, we left Liberty House in Palmyra and started out for the journey back to New York via Jersey Shore! It's a fairly easy drive thanks to the freeway system, and very pretty. I am so impressed with upstate New York, it's just beautiful!<br />
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We arrived at Jersey Shore late in the afternoon, but still needed to negotiate our way to our lodgings in Manhatten, so could only stay at the beach for about an hour. We were able to walk the famous boardwalk aptly named being all wooden. It was incredibly long with lots of shops and sideshows.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah & Tom on the Jersey Shore Boardwalk</td></tr>
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The actual beach front was interesting, it was fenced off completely with entrance booths. It cost $5.00 to swim on the beach, monitored with a band attached to your person somewhere! After spending some time in a particular shop, and seeing the sights on the boardwalk, Tom went for a quick dip skipping the $5! While he was swimming, an announcement clearly declared there was 'no more swimming for this day' and to please vacate the water! We couldn't believe it, not only did it cost to go on the beach, it also closed at 5pm!! Crazy place! It was time for us to go anyway..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daily Beach Fees: $5.00, under 12 ALWAYS Free!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach pay station & fence. This is a novelty to us!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok, I like Oreos, but fried??</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shore Store, famous due to the TV Show..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3n7sNde5YFQtu3HR-i0vROw6WnRfda3SzZVXQt8IuvHqfcJBKnW9klHA4R1bi8xkJD8j9NxDQpZvJSQP9GwJ4lp-zhhYL1r6W9MdxckJ8GgPm25kGEvh_vnRSGG6AVS5aCLd_xwUpNJB/s1600/288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3n7sNde5YFQtu3HR-i0vROw6WnRfda3SzZVXQt8IuvHqfcJBKnW9klHA4R1bi8xkJD8j9NxDQpZvJSQP9GwJ4lp-zhhYL1r6W9MdxckJ8GgPm25kGEvh_vnRSGG6AVS5aCLd_xwUpNJB/s320/288.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ok. Tom tells me Fried Pickles are actually quite nice dipped into some Ranch Sauce..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7AifUKSa17MCNjY0HuuoKK1edF9xv6dzPoNtL950T1QfV1txJ_g3ZKWtMahVpAm0hAA7x3kjCPnHYixui8Bx6V8pENN-OePUDyGJiTvgEdpq3aaKCU3NqgoGNPnPBZ__zQTK2ICyUwOi/s1600/290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7AifUKSa17MCNjY0HuuoKK1edF9xv6dzPoNtL950T1QfV1txJ_g3ZKWtMahVpAm0hAA7x3kjCPnHYixui8Bx6V8pENN-OePUDyGJiTvgEdpq3aaKCU3NqgoGNPnPBZ__zQTK2ICyUwOi/s320/290.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to capture this pickle bin! The Americans love their pickles! They are garnishes on dishes, in burgers, sandwhiches.. etc etc!! I have never seen them so freely enjoyed!!</td></tr>
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It took over an hour to drive to the Newark Airport, New Jersey to return the car. By this time, it was dusk and the evening lights of New York City were visible, the excitement is building, but it's also daunting, as we still have to negotiate the unknown city! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-30Ps57fhkxNhaIjSy8wT2EX23irAwIb0Oczs_ENhudkeonjCwSlV2NNf4THVy2mmBV3BjsjjmcNcM0mT6_99wjNxJ9ByWrUiJCtphGEZz1bhH3881f93nVbvRLk0HFh0CO3IHEMt07YA/s1600/292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-30Ps57fhkxNhaIjSy8wT2EX23irAwIb0Oczs_ENhudkeonjCwSlV2NNf4THVy2mmBV3BjsjjmcNcM0mT6_99wjNxJ9ByWrUiJCtphGEZz1bhH3881f93nVbvRLk0HFh0CO3IHEMt07YA/s320/292.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearing out and returning our lovely Chevy!!</td></tr>
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We caught a Shuttle back to Newark Airport, so we could get another over to Manhatten and then find the subway to take us up to 138th Street. We learned we would have to take two trains. The long day of travel already, and the cost of public transport, we were easily convinced the way to go in a strange city was to take a shuttle bus. Done! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HGj7CrAA9sLo7QpyJ-abJ2e7uzJFJdWTr1Yiqh4iVl0I_XH7H1aggnQHWBhKpiP7nFDFyKp8sRP63FIkkeJzA0b6doNbUntlPltqhLcfpnGTNFQpej_fLe_gnfNz2Jjxf1vTo73MCsaz/s1600/294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5HGj7CrAA9sLo7QpyJ-abJ2e7uzJFJdWTr1Yiqh4iVl0I_XH7H1aggnQHWBhKpiP7nFDFyKp8sRP63FIkkeJzA0b6doNbUntlPltqhLcfpnGTNFQpej_fLe_gnfNz2Jjxf1vTo73MCsaz/s320/294.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the 'Air Bus' to find a shuttle van at Newark Airport.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWj3kPmZTYrnQdhyd13MMigKOAXNzWcO0vnQgBAfbXU11m0YZzoO471xCcdhExQL2eBASxrOdFFTfLSa_vY-_MaEbvlL0mvV0TY_7fa1GwDX35g-nvB5ChhKfyNEVTamXo2IZLMtBV7zto/s1600/295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWj3kPmZTYrnQdhyd13MMigKOAXNzWcO0vnQgBAfbXU11m0YZzoO471xCcdhExQL2eBASxrOdFFTfLSa_vY-_MaEbvlL0mvV0TY_7fa1GwDX35g-nvB5ChhKfyNEVTamXo2IZLMtBV7zto/s320/295.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A first glimps of New York City as dusk falls at Newark Airport</td></tr>
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We only had to wait about half an hour for a shuttle to be available to take us up to 138th Street, and really having no idea how far away that actually was. As it turned out, it was a fair way up Manhatten Island, nearly at the Bronx! So finally, we arrived well after 10pm, very glad we paid for a ride!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLfKXG31wRVPaHw2q2SBaEn0VrlDfLjLO7K2iGHYhLDy-3fXQodXaYJjSXB3lVlK9vSFC2z_iSrw0DVA7LBYc4bhJMKTyX9ZC8-GXBTAe1vLKsM_0duaQJkkU0ynJqH-M1mkLuElFxsPt/s1600/298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" rba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKLfKXG31wRVPaHw2q2SBaEn0VrlDfLjLO7K2iGHYhLDy-3fXQodXaYJjSXB3lVlK9vSFC2z_iSrw0DVA7LBYc4bhJMKTyX9ZC8-GXBTAe1vLKsM_0duaQJkkU0ynJqH-M1mkLuElFxsPt/s320/298.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On board a shuttle van, this tunnel under the sea connects New Jersey and Manhatten..</td></tr>
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Terrence, the owner of the basement apartment met us and gave us the low down of the area. It's in a very 'black' area which at first I felt a bit indimidated. But Terrence himself is an ex-cop and assured us how 'safe' the area was. As the next few days unfolded, he was absolutely right, it was a great place to stay and very easy to get to as we learned how the subway worked.<br />
Well, we are finally here - "New York City, where dreams are made of!!!"Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-74452407241136262172011-09-12T15:17:00.000-07:002011-09-13T10:21:33.500-07:00New York - Palmyra<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6-sPdz-a_vAizhWXOu_KXRgwBC-p0KMpBruStWbzQgaL4owE8uvim79_qhaf9OCjtGBUrhSeBAas1KTkmR-57ZZfGHhQMg2rfIWgXeDmosesyQUaAOpdDHfvKV8lT5AX-9jfst4nIA8P/s1600/217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf6-sPdz-a_vAizhWXOu_KXRgwBC-p0KMpBruStWbzQgaL4owE8uvim79_qhaf9OCjtGBUrhSeBAas1KTkmR-57ZZfGHhQMg2rfIWgXeDmosesyQUaAOpdDHfvKV8lT5AX-9jfst4nIA8P/s320/217.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
Tuesday, 9 August 2011<br />
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The morning was overcast and drizzly. But undaunted, off we went to explore the township of Palmyra, New York. This town is of significant historical interest to those who belong to our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was in this town in the early 1800's that the Smith family settled, carving out a meager existence on a large plot of farmland just outside the township. It was here that the restoration of the gospel occured. Where young Joseph Smith prayed in a grove of trees for an answer as to what church to join, as there was so much contention in the area on the subject of religion. He was answered, by an unmistakable vision of the Father and his Son, that the the true church in it's fullness, no longer existed on the earth. It was near this place that he recieved the gold plates from Moroni, an ancient record of the people who previously inhabited the Americas. It is also a record of Christ's visit to these people on the American continent after his resurrection. This record was eventually translated to become the Book of Mormon and was first published in this town. Once the Book of Mormon was published, in due course, the Priesthood was restored, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was organised in this dispensation in 1830. I love the history of our church. I love the things that happened here. The sacrifice and hardships those early saints went through so the gospel could once more be established in its fullness on the earth. I love the truths I hear. I know these things happened and they are indeed true. The Book of Mormon is a wonderful source of personal strenght and happiness in my life.<br />
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<img border="0" height="133" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG4a9LYeqmVYDcEyfNWaUzgFK9I8WLuq-aaZXvBfgazITMqpvR4pqQGzMFkNsQsYy4_4Wxku7Bqt_n-Ibs_ehVrm_e-Q4jThLr7ZVbWVfoeWN2iZZR9f1njF7bBk2QN3vrFapNMkxLaeGb/s200/157.JPG" width="200" /><br />
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I divert! Our tour began first at the Grandin Printing Office. Here we heard how the transcript was typeset, then the process through to binding in lambskin. A lengthy process for a large order for the day, of 500 copies. The original cost for each book was $1.75 but later reduced to $1.25. This was still an expensive book, equivalent to a couple of days wages.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original Print Office was just one strata. Quite a small shop.<br />
It now is twice the size to encompass the Visitor Center.</td></tr>
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Next, we found Martin Harris' farm. He was a wealthy friend of Joseph Smith Snr; and it was his resources that enabled the Book of Mormon to be published. At one point, Martin also acted as a scribe in the translation of the plates.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Martin Harris Farm. Very tidy and neat, also very fine for 1830 in a frontier town..</td></tr>
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We found Alvin Smith's gravesite. Joseph was deeply grieved when his older brother Alvin died suddenly at 25yrs. At the time, Alvin was engaged to be married.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Palmyra cemetery. <br />
Alvin's grave is on the far left, the only visible headstone, <br />
but in a very pretty resting place..</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6hzyRd_XMV1s3AqzGIZW9Ofat_miXtzxOXH5-eHC47qioT4wVAStZHTxvAxxT3oG5_0x85ZzHQxkaIKIGf8JtIZNkqr6JxaoToENFAR7FrrFcxATtijTFdDV2tj7vQkXumjIMq337HSQ/s1600/161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6hzyRd_XMV1s3AqzGIZW9Ofat_miXtzxOXH5-eHC47qioT4wVAStZHTxvAxxT3oG5_0x85ZzHQxkaIKIGf8JtIZNkqr6JxaoToENFAR7FrrFcxATtijTFdDV2tj7vQkXumjIMq337HSQ/s320/161.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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We visited the Hill Cumorah. This is the site where the Gold Plates had been deposited and then entrusted to Joseph by the angel Moroni to care and translate the record.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hill Cumorah Visitors Centre, with the Christus clearly visible from the highway, especially at night..</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom & Me in front of the statue of Moroni on the crest of Hill Comorah</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom & Sarah on the Hill Comorah</td></tr>
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We passed the Palmyra Temple on the way to the Smith Farm. As is standard, the Temple is in a beautiful position. It is the same plan as the Adelaide Temple, but this one has stain glass windows depicting the First Vision. <br />
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We found the Smith farm. It's a large holding encompassing the original log cabin they lived in, the house Alvin started to build which they also lived in, the farm dwellings and the Sacred Grove. I think this was my favourite of all the places we saw over the summer. We were able to wander around the Sacred Grove on our own for as long as we wanted. Just a wonderful experience. It really is a sacred place. It felt like I was in the Temple..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was only one other family and us on this tour. We were lucky, two weeks before the area was swamped with people visiting for the Hill Cumorah Pageant..</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main room in the log cabin. There is a room upstairs for sleeping and another coming off this room used by the parents and as a parlour.<br />
An additional room was added on when the last child was born.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today, the Temple is visible from the Smith Farm. A very beautiful spot.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Smith Family Home, that Alvin commenced for his parents comfort.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sacred Grove, a most reverent, special place..</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..a place of meditation, prayer. The place where Joseph first prayed.. My favourite place. </td></tr>
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Finally, we drove out to Fayette, New York to the Peter Whitmer farm. Here, there is a massive chapel and Visitors Center in the midde of nowhere, surrounded by large cornfields, and this little log cabin. The log cabin is where the church was officially organised with six members on April 6th, 1830. This again, was a great experience. While here, we met a family also travelling who were from Utah. It just so happens they are moving to New Zealand at the end of the year! We spent a great time talking with them and as it got too dark and mozzies were being pesky, we exchanged contact details. Hopefully we will hear from them again! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chapel and visitors center at the Whitmer Farm.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The log cabin where the church was first organised in 1830.</td></tr>
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This was a wonderful day. The spirit of this area is very strong, and it's so beautiful! When I think of all that the Prophet Joseph Smith went through, he was very blessed to have had to spent some of these trials in mortality in such a beautiful part of the world.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Palmyra Temple, so beautiful lit up at night..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bed and Breakfast, a FULL three course breakfast!!!</td></tr>
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That evening, we stayed on the main street of Palmyra in Liberty House. An original building in Palmyra. In town there was a fair, so the others had a look at it, while I stayed behind and had a quiet read. Solitude. You can really appreciate quiet moments! Apparently, the fair was a 'typical' country fair, just as you imagine it to be. They had a great time!Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-18653201236318466672011-09-12T12:05:00.000-07:002011-09-12T13:46:32.338-07:00New York - Niagara Falls<br />
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Sunday, 7 August 2011<br />
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This is a much anticipated part of our Overseas Adventure. The opportunity to see the 'Big Apple'. We enjoyed our Sunday meetings as usual, and after lunch and after making sure we had everything, we made our way to the airport mid afternoon. Denver International Airport (DIA), is about an hours drive from home on the freeway. It's like an oasis away from the city in the middle of vast open land. Our flight to Newark, NY took about the same time as flying to Perth or New Zealand from Adelaide. Night had fallen and our first glimpse was of the city lights of New Jersey. This is the most north and east any of us, besides Rick, have ever been! We found our way to the Air Train, which is the same as a monorail, which took us to the shutte bus. This took us to the car rental place. We were given a choice which SUV we wanted and ended up with a lovely Chrysler. A real pleasure to drive! By this time, it's about 11pm, and we still hadn't eaten, but soon found sustinance in the form of Burger King and Dunkin' Donuts!! I know, very bad at 11pm, but this is the tourist life and you have to make the best of it!! <br />
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Monday, 8 August 2011<br />
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With the help of our trusty GPS, we then drove about 7 hours through the night towards Niagara Falls. Our car was so large, the kids dropped the back seat completely flat and slept the whole way lying down! This is a luxury after our small crowded car driving to California! I wrote to Jonathon on Rick's Iphone, so that was handy, although I did experience motion sickness as a result!! After a nap of sorts, I took over the driving as the sky began to lighten and dawn attempted to break through. It was an overcast morning, but nevertheless, the lush woodlands of upstate New York are just beautiful. The trees are very different again, with green grass and thick stands of woods. What a lovely place! The great thing about travelling in America are the highways. Double or triple lanes going in both directions. Big, wide roads that make merging and overtaking very trouble free. Set the cruise control and enjoy the drive! I drove the last couple of hours until we reached the town of Niagara passing over the very wide Niagara River with its glass smooth surface. What a sight, this magificent body of water, lazily making it's way towards the falls. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An overcast, early morning view of Niagara Falls from the US side..<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">At this point it's actually very early. Perhaps about 7am, but we decide to see if we can see the falls anyway. We drove to the State Park on the New York, US border and walked around. You hear the water before you see it, and then, there it is!! An absolutely, huge volume of water cascading with such force over a cliff edge. </span></td></tr>
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There are actually two main falls, which I didn't realise. It is such a sight. We stood and watched for some time and then decided we needed to see it from the opposite bank which is actually Cananda!! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Border Control to enter Canada. There is also the walkway if you want to walk across!</td></tr>
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Now this is something, going through border control in a car! We passed scrutiny, which is even better! Even at a reasonably early hour, there are alot of people already. We eventually parked in the only available area close by, for $20 for the day. Wow!! From this perspective, the falls are absolutely astonishing. You feel the power of the water. They are truely beautiful and a description does not do justice enough. Thank goodness for photography, even my poor attempts!! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMGblobySEI5JqK8Z8OOT2tub5eoBlESoZA9pdBZ5ftJD-MGmGD-Gd4aiXF_KKLeALj5SSpPc9hZjzohHav288u91qtZIY-CA5NnsLEl4OAMfHdMbVP4OO83MfOveGY-vFKVTC6r5U8Sd/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMGblobySEI5JqK8Z8OOT2tub5eoBlESoZA9pdBZ5ftJD-MGmGD-Gd4aiXF_KKLeALj5SSpPc9hZjzohHav288u91qtZIY-CA5NnsLEl4OAMfHdMbVP4OO83MfOveGY-vFKVTC6r5U8Sd/s320/048.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Niagara River suddenly drops into a cavity..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtRbdCnZ3148pU0ArbVPSveryFBo_qXTs_Wl8wYdCQdelcZP6tIlAT4j2TuVHW_tM5hj1accjGYRU_z4gH4-fltnPYigfr3XSLMSMYg7zc24ZkqTerGd4H7PzSxsBQj8IyRVmPv2gM5nm/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmtRbdCnZ3148pU0ArbVPSveryFBo_qXTs_Wl8wYdCQdelcZP6tIlAT4j2TuVHW_tM5hj1accjGYRU_z4gH4-fltnPYigfr3XSLMSMYg7zc24ZkqTerGd4H7PzSxsBQj8IyRVmPv2gM5nm/s320/051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's very amazing we are seeing this!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqQfBo4Qf7lSyYT10kvAlI3cnF6-mc-C8qDFYWkzKslZXGifj8E7DsTh-wyHLAZs0hCMxtdU11V0f3wdlu6Btz9EreIYnWXf4K9eWJm5uqt0vOETCyAPYiplNxbEHrhOif0kjxso_Pdb2/s1600/052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqQfBo4Qf7lSyYT10kvAlI3cnF6-mc-C8qDFYWkzKslZXGifj8E7DsTh-wyHLAZs0hCMxtdU11V0f3wdlu6Btz9EreIYnWXf4K9eWJm5uqt0vOETCyAPYiplNxbEHrhOif0kjxso_Pdb2/s320/052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bennallack's between the two falls!! (In Canada!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwSlwheHNLtMm_0sEd5EmfzOxX0Sq5qcpmV-b2MMHkQpuwSjT6-BALgUtQ4qS-kyVKH1JQ8JCYJ3XKHRm_DLORU4E1qeSxuuJIXaGZ_LlobDnk9jYcCNpiX50DsMj5pcXToUTnoMLAEGT/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwSlwheHNLtMm_0sEd5EmfzOxX0Sq5qcpmV-b2MMHkQpuwSjT6-BALgUtQ4qS-kyVKH1JQ8JCYJ3XKHRm_DLORU4E1qeSxuuJIXaGZ_LlobDnk9jYcCNpiX50DsMj5pcXToUTnoMLAEGT/s320/058.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spectacular sight!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlsTKd0F2lo12VPDpjNlAPY75AI006omR2ZijodQ_TziE3tdycz0qAI2k5fs0BTWrrjf_KUsyM42NKcz8VEIM488T7GBIDVvBsIn7POsLvkQaw-hJQ0Or2GO_WODh5hwoCS2fPdGnwQ9q/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlsTKd0F2lo12VPDpjNlAPY75AI006omR2ZijodQ_TziE3tdycz0qAI2k5fs0BTWrrjf_KUsyM42NKcz8VEIM488T7GBIDVvBsIn7POsLvkQaw-hJQ0Or2GO_WODh5hwoCS2fPdGnwQ9q/s320/053.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'Maid of Mist' on a cruise</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieev2rNt6JxsFmD_LgnQc8wxltM6T-8uBNeyc6fEozR9v_hUbM8i_3secf5WlVxLoJ41h7EzvS0yWTTBnFViw8-s8LjfhbM7CS_FiiBQ_IoP7BiyK7EhL_yz9Bw2GZ4zdyS5N2aUIZEAl/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjieev2rNt6JxsFmD_LgnQc8wxltM6T-8uBNeyc6fEozR9v_hUbM8i_3secf5WlVxLoJ41h7EzvS0yWTTBnFViw8-s8LjfhbM7CS_FiiBQ_IoP7BiyK7EhL_yz9Bw2GZ4zdyS5N2aUIZEAl/s320/056.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This would make a great painting! <br />
We stood just on the left earlier in the day on the US side..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1BLIFabjMgR7kpwlZ1Be9J9WvpiD715ijESFTlj3Iy5rQBae1Aaqg47wcaGpxc23vLlAWj1HFduZK5FSaZvVtXSgTeo1tzUCzRd0kT2aclFnX_q1H9r45hxb3D6YuhhEklz2aOjYuPZI/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1BLIFabjMgR7kpwlZ1Be9J9WvpiD715ijESFTlj3Iy5rQBae1Aaqg47wcaGpxc23vLlAWj1HFduZK5FSaZvVtXSgTeo1tzUCzRd0kT2aclFnX_q1H9r45hxb3D6YuhhEklz2aOjYuPZI/s320/057.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 'Horse-shoe Fall'</td></tr>
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After some time, we boarded the 'Maid of the Mist' to experience the falls close up! This was fun! We all donned blue plastic ponchos, and as the boat came closer and closer, hoods went on and we wrapped ourselves tighter in our plastic! It felt like we were in a severe winter rainstorm. The water splashing us and the wind whipping our faces. It was immensely exhilirating!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XWS1gGJbrlonHxNq24u3IVelPOzCQDPYNUajmFqusedNS-I3COXOVsC9853iFR-A5myu4xjrM5bgMlaXhMHU0ZlbGmZUbxftbNZIBuc5TElTpnl0KOz7a38ZMFDHTt3bizsy9ZEl7b7t/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1XWS1gGJbrlonHxNq24u3IVelPOzCQDPYNUajmFqusedNS-I3COXOVsC9853iFR-A5myu4xjrM5bgMlaXhMHU0ZlbGmZUbxftbNZIBuc5TElTpnl0KOz7a38ZMFDHTt3bizsy9ZEl7b7t/s320/062.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donning the poncho!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36vSmn0AY2jteJewqyqBeTtRiUUgeNyl7uhS9CnOhK182w3eM_ZgodNUd70pf5xzdQXDcuI_ZDaFuRAxdSAMa02KdZEK05TmfRr3VOXHcdlRnxAbrbnI1MG4H-8dhcx7Zo9gqMHuGmsCf/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36vSmn0AY2jteJewqyqBeTtRiUUgeNyl7uhS9CnOhK182w3eM_ZgodNUd70pf5xzdQXDcuI_ZDaFuRAxdSAMa02KdZEK05TmfRr3VOXHcdlRnxAbrbnI1MG4H-8dhcx7Zo9gqMHuGmsCf/s320/067.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rick & I looking georgeous!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qlGirMUnM1Fyu3-FGvqZ1K3G0MyfIFux9AUsK3XzT5eEJK2YsSSaNUz5-Ni4vZGwhhrYgF8RgO3LXglETPe9x9Mfv9JECqD_2pCshRNgk6UM9GRd4HZtEppDVHXDlX2tXoGemlGSQQhr/s1600/069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qlGirMUnM1Fyu3-FGvqZ1K3G0MyfIFux9AUsK3XzT5eEJK2YsSSaNUz5-Ni4vZGwhhrYgF8RgO3LXglETPe9x9Mfv9JECqD_2pCshRNgk6UM9GRd4HZtEppDVHXDlX2tXoGemlGSQQhr/s320/069.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up close, you can really feel the intensity of the falls..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdcM9Kh4TjuirwSuYZVOqvXQ8ffxsa1Z0tcM7R-MtIRVPZXevfVFl1Ug3ajeLocb4BWfln9x1vCnJLj5txGL5tJX2h-ZPFguAD5W4Dgg-zQROZFyeZOvZiEHwbvxEnm8hPKP8TUMQURSr/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdcM9Kh4TjuirwSuYZVOqvXQ8ffxsa1Z0tcM7R-MtIRVPZXevfVFl1Ug3ajeLocb4BWfln9x1vCnJLj5txGL5tJX2h-ZPFguAD5W4Dgg-zQROZFyeZOvZiEHwbvxEnm8hPKP8TUMQURSr/s320/071.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All wet, but worth it!</td></tr>
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All of this has taken the entire morning! After the boat ride, we venture into the town, which is set up to cater completely for tourists! The souvenir shops, the eateries and sideshows. We found a small Indian restaurant and being particularly partial to Indian food, we enjoyed an amazing lunch. Yum!! This is when we realise we are no longer in America!! Haha! We spent some time looking at different shops and made a few purchases, in particular some Canandian t-shirts, evidence we were here!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_gYEAkB_Gob7BoqzdKky6eb-b7mpzY-22skD6uygwDUSZCw-knh8UpvjiJHgyiSRiuZtDUbe1D3ubaFopHRljm00wcVmXNYH9fFbUgK3tjgEC9DgU5yZ5tLHba2vLFsTIRD4rn3x8zah/s1600/088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_gYEAkB_Gob7BoqzdKky6eb-b7mpzY-22skD6uygwDUSZCw-knh8UpvjiJHgyiSRiuZtDUbe1D3ubaFopHRljm00wcVmXNYH9fFbUgK3tjgEC9DgU5yZ5tLHba2vLFsTIRD4rn3x8zah/s320/088.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the exchange, we got some Canadian money! (We are such tourists!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAPlNOoj46F-tqoGWmQDAyLlzv-b2c5Vr_W0m5EvkiXJcxoGm9sCKcb7TqdRBhH40dw0fV8QEEBlUKMa0zb3hafsuyp_tp1eb1g2z01AAcFUs1cgcnDvXtoC86vTDrCAODLIXoIM3H-d8/s1600/093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAPlNOoj46F-tqoGWmQDAyLlzv-b2c5Vr_W0m5EvkiXJcxoGm9sCKcb7TqdRBhH40dw0fV8QEEBlUKMa0zb3hafsuyp_tp1eb1g2z01AAcFUs1cgcnDvXtoC86vTDrCAODLIXoIM3H-d8/s320/093.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Curry Queen - such a good lunch!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah has met her moose!</td></tr>
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We spent another half hour meandering back to the car, enjoying the spectacular sight of the Falls again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbxkpppzf6Ay75b5DGOt9LhyphenhyphenEicUy1JWyyPHP9NwUhOuKzKvvC1XCFugCjHjkk3e-YDgeIP3Fe0v5aJsEDzkWbJmEY86mkf8tqtbwIHHbR6ue8n6wnPW4T-CiNYUVnRex_7eAAZw7-U3a/s1600/133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbxkpppzf6Ay75b5DGOt9LhyphenhyphenEicUy1JWyyPHP9NwUhOuKzKvvC1XCFugCjHjkk3e-YDgeIP3Fe0v5aJsEDzkWbJmEY86mkf8tqtbwIHHbR6ue8n6wnPW4T-CiNYUVnRex_7eAAZw7-U3a/s320/133.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An artist at work. Now this would be the perfect life!</td></tr>
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Our lack of sleep was catching up with Rick & I, so we all decided to continue our journey. Fortunately, border control allowed us to re-enter the United States, and from Niagara we drove about 2 hours to Palmyra. I was a bit oblivious to this leg, as I crashed in the rear of the car! After finding some accomodation, we were glad to rest for a bit. For dinner, we ended up going to a local supermarket thinking we could make use of the microwave etc at the motel. Instead, there was a restaurant inside the supermarket, and several delicious meal combinations from a deli counter. So we indulged. It's so nice not to eat fast food all the time! We are constantly fascinated by new food experiences. I have discovered this vegetable called Jicama (hee-kah-muh). It looks a bit like a pale large potato, but is actually juicy and slightly sweet. You peel it and eat it raw, with dips, in salads or stir fry. I first experienced it in San Diego with mexican food, and now again in a local sweet salad. I'm a fan!! (I wonder if you can get it in Australia?)<br />
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We drove over to Palymyra to see the Temple lights at night, and then pretty much returned for an early night. A real bed is heaven when you haven't used one for many hours!!Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-1985712044114443062011-09-12T10:48:00.000-07:002011-09-12T12:47:15.351-07:00Lake Powell<br />
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On the weekend after the excitement of receiving a mission call, Tom headed off to Lake Powell in southern Utah with a family from our ward. The famous Lake Powell is a place that I have heard so much about, and unfortunately will probably not be able to visit during our time here. We are running out of 'vacation' time, and the drive to Lake Powell is about 8 hours journey! It has been described to me as being much like the Grand Canyon, in that it is set in the Canyon lands of southern Utah, not far from the Arizona border, and filled with deep, clear water.<br />
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To quote from an internet site, "Lake Powell is located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is one of the world's great places for houseboating! The 186-mile long lake offers sandy beaches, cool blue water, and exceptional red-rock scenery. It is excellent for boating, skiing, kayaking and fishing, or explore any of its many canyons or sand dunes. With a shoreline longer than the whole western coast of the continental United States, Lake Powell offers adventure for everyone."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wake-bording at beautiful Lake Powell</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxNOgeFWihHwRAfs0kr5TTkbKWt43pcOsuCq-aARWZfmwC6ifLwzIUXMK3j9CA3iGVbwkH-QdhISQfhQS3FS8Nclu0w8nE4JZNAd0o64f9f00VRwLYTx2eNmlgEnqch1fPMCOe_bLJP1l/s1600/252181_10150256919032496_641652495_7671874_959185_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxNOgeFWihHwRAfs0kr5TTkbKWt43pcOsuCq-aARWZfmwC6ifLwzIUXMK3j9CA3iGVbwkH-QdhISQfhQS3FS8Nclu0w8nE4JZNAd0o64f9f00VRwLYTx2eNmlgEnqch1fPMCOe_bLJP1l/s320/252181_10150256919032496_641652495_7671874_959185_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
And so this is what you do if you go to Powell. Get yourself a houseboat along with a speed boat for water sports and you are set for the duration! It sounds the perfect holiday, relaxing on the houseboat, sleeping in cabins or out under the stars on the deck. Spending the day perfecting water skills, swimming, eating and then do it all over again!<br />
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Since we have to be content with being armchair tourists this week, we have enjoyed Tom's account of the beautiful scenery and clear waters "that are as warm as a bath" along with his spectacular action photo's! I am so glad you had this opportunity to experience this amazing place Tom!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some cliff jumping!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some fishing..</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit of entertainment by the fire!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And more wake-boarding..</td></tr>
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Meanwhile, the rest of us spent a quiet week relaxing after our California trip! A much needed rest was very welcome. I spent my time dabbling in some painting and researching some Family History, both of which are becoming very addictive!<br />
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Rick was able to call the Missionary Department, as straight away we saw an issue with Tom's departure date. To explain, Tom was to report on the 7th December and we are leaving the US to return to Australia on the 11th December. Rick has a J-1 Visa, which is a working, independant visa. The rest of us have a J-2 Visa, as dependants of Rick. We are able to leave the country without Rick (as I did in February), but we can't stay here without him. So, this makes it difficult for Tom to be in the Provo Missionary Training Center (MTC) without Rick in the country in that time frame. The simple solution from the helpful Missionary Dept, was for Tom to report 6 weeks earlier as per the transfer system. So, now he reports on the 26th October 2011, and will have his birthday in the MTC. I can see a very busy time just ahead of us! Exciting, but daunting..Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-9345911390775165222011-08-01T16:41:00.000-07:002011-09-12T13:00:58.989-07:00California Roadtrip - Homeward Bound & A Mission Call!Alone again!! Hmm.. but first, the need to negotiate the last of the city freeway and find the way in the east direction to Las Vegas. Los Angeles is vast. Very vast. Very busy and not the place for us to linger. As we became immerged in the mountains, the skies cleared and we could see the ranges stretching far into the distance. I discovered there are about 30 million people who live in Los Angeles. It's hard to comprehend such a number! Our journey reversed itself. We passed the turn off to Lake Mead, followed the meandering road through the mountains, entered the cactus covered desert area, all the while listening to country music on the radio. I lay the seat back flat and drifted off only to wake as the car slowed down and we were entering Las Vegas. <br />
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Rick had found a Post Office so we could post to our granddaughter Zayla who is turning TWO! We have been carrying her present with us for two weeks now! I sure miss her sweet little cuddles, and love how she is talking now, her beautiful little voice. I just want to hug her so tight, Chloe too. My girls..<br />
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Las Vegas is hot! The blast of hot air hits you in a very familiar way. However, we didn't linger except to grab a late lunch at 'In and Out'. This was a new experience. It's actually a hamburger place with only four items on the menu. The burgers and fries are made fresh on the spot, and I was so surprised at how crowded it was!! We had to wait for our order to be processed, and ate in the car as we where once more on our way. Once again, I was impressed with the clean, modern city that Las Vegas is, and, you can see the mountains! There is no smog!! But if I was to live here, I would have to have really good air conditioning in my home and car, and have a swimming pool!! Despite the heat, I think it's a beautiful city.<br />
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This is where our return journey differs from our original route. From Las Vegas we headed towards St George, which is just over the Utah border in the south west boundary. It's about 2 hours from Vegas, and was such a nice drive. I was quite refreshed after my lengthy nap and there was just the two of us, the radio playing whatever it could pick up, mostly country. We watched as the desert lands gave way to more hilly country and then we came to the small town of Mesquite nestled in mountain outcrops. Would you believe it? There was a chapel! There seriously didn't look like there was enough population to sustain it! When you see chapels like this, you know you are in, or close to Utah!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2zTgsO5asVhj9p-UNs9HTfhdWNQaQBLUgPpW8wzKz2EJU55zaYOIZ-Q5Kt3whUQYKirm45TgJzqQVHlSKQo2xbluTQKRdPbNBWhzvfWHGYcyHKnKMVrmQSzyj3Kn_o777V0d8MHVlD5o/s1600/DSC05792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe2zTgsO5asVhj9p-UNs9HTfhdWNQaQBLUgPpW8wzKz2EJU55zaYOIZ-Q5Kt3whUQYKirm45TgJzqQVHlSKQo2xbluTQKRdPbNBWhzvfWHGYcyHKnKMVrmQSzyj3Kn_o777V0d8MHVlD5o/s320/DSC05792.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We suddenly it seemed (probably because I had my nose in a book), that we were entering a canyon cut into the mountain. The road seemed to disappear, like one of those crazy rides we left behind in California. What an amazing road. The mountains cut deeply, and rose almost vertically around us as we wound through them, then they opened up to lovely country, a mix of desert and oasis, with mountain ranges near and far into the distance. Then again, we stumbled upon a town which had to be St George. Sure enough, just as Sherry said, the Temple came into full view standing out very white against the wall of red rock behind it! <br />
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We found our way to Sherry and Richard Jensen's home in St George and had a lovely time visiting with them along with Sherry's brother and wife. Jerry persuaded us to stay overnight to break up our journey. They are so genuinely kind to us. They took us out to the Visitor's Center before it closed and to see the Temple. This is a really beautiful Temple (as they all are). But this Temple has so much history being the first one built since the Nauvoo Temple, the first since the saints entered the Salt Lake Valley. It took about six years to build. How faithful those first saints were when asked by Brigham Young to settle in this hot, distant location. But also how obedient, and then they had the priveledge to build a temple. It really looks magnificent at night all lit up against the night sky!<br />
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Thursday, 29 July 2011<br />
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We made an early getaway, leaving by six in the morning and enjoyed a beautiful sunrise as we left St George,which is far more extensive than we first saw. We passed valley after beautiful valley! I was so impressed as I imagined the south west of Utah to be more like the area between Grand Junction and Price, Utah. A bit deserty and barren. But these towns and farmlands were very peaceful and beautiful, with the intermitten mountains keeping us company. We passed through historic towns settled by pioneers long ago, many of which possessed several chapels! We are definitely in Utah!! <br />
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We continued on the I-15 until we met the junction for the I-70 and a sign that pointed Salt Lake that way, and Denver this way!!! The final stretch for home! (It's a long 5 hour stretch!) What came next really surprised me. We were back in mountain country again! Pine covered slopes that covered many miles and which eventually opened up into rocky outcrop country that resembled a shallow Grand Canyon! Before long, I swapped with Rick to have a strectch of driving. He slept on and off and missed the amazing scenery. Unfortunately, when we stopped, I discovered that my camera had finally given up the ghost. The lense refuses to stay put and keeps retracting, so I was unable to capture any of these amazing rock formations. I enjoyed this drive through this canyon area immensely! It was just amazing! <br />
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Sadly, these beautiful scenes had to slowly disperse and I was now driving with a sleeping husband into open dry plains again. This is the stretch of area, that I imagined the rest of Utah to look like. That's ok, we were getting closer to home with each mile. As Rick awoke, we were just talking about Tom, when he rang! Bishop had just called him and his call had arrived!! This is really exciting stuff! The call is at Bishop's home, so Tom couldn't pull a Jonny and open it before we could get there! We organised to all meet at Bishop's at 5.30pm.. Suspense!!!<br />
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We stopped only briefly at Grand Junction where Rick took over the driving. We actually made excellent time with clear roads. This road is now very familiar to us, we have passed through several times now. The mountains look lovely in summer too, covered with green pines and green grass with the Colorado River flowing fast and free. We saw quite a few people white water rafting. It was interesting to note that at first they were paddling towards us, then after we passed the Continental Divide, they were paddling downstream in the same direction as us. The rafts really pointed out the direction the Divide caused, one way towards the Pacific Ocean and the other way towards the Atlantic.. <br />
<br />
Once we got through the tunnels we called Tom, only about an hour away now, and soon after we caught sight of Denver city stretching out before us.. We arrived home about 3.15pm after an epic journey of about 3000 miles and approximately 4700 km. We saw so much, it was really incredible. But after all is said and done, there is 'no place like home!'<br />
<br />
THE CALL:<br />
<br />
We gathered around 5.30pm at the Bishop's home after first phoning Karlie and getting Michael on skype. It was Saturday morning in Australia, and Chloe has a ballet lesson! (She told me how she spilt her breakfast on her leotard!) Once at Bishop's we had to wait for him to return home and then had trouble getting Michael back on skype. Meanwhile Rick had Karlie & Nathan back on the phone, but it was a bit of a circus while we waited, very noisy and hard to hear them. I was conscience that they needed to go for Chloe's ballet lesson. Finally we were all ready and Tom was opening his call to...... the Australia Melbourne Mission!!!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_Zl-e7tSJHpCpbYgRzkAW3qRZIBVs1hTOTv-iNefe69S9uVNB7zcGh7qW4DsXEskgVulcKCRzyWoKd3aPsOLHpf6okPVKg1V79I3d2gKCN1qpKZWW63xv_zWVZ_rkwctc_QIixGP_iGo/s1600/313716_2345784080035_1113000699_2927441_5019689_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_Zl-e7tSJHpCpbYgRzkAW3qRZIBVs1hTOTv-iNefe69S9uVNB7zcGh7qW4DsXEskgVulcKCRzyWoKd3aPsOLHpf6okPVKg1V79I3d2gKCN1qpKZWW63xv_zWVZ_rkwctc_QIixGP_iGo/s320/313716_2345784080035_1113000699_2927441_5019689_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom reading his call out. Karlie & Nathan are on the phone in Adelaide, and Michael is on skype from Brisbane</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I immediately felt soo good and relief! Tom was ecstatic, so stoked. Wow, to be called from America back to serve in Australia. It's just so wonderful.. Interestingly enough, when Tom first submitted his papers, he had a dream he would serve in Australia. Then, lots of different countries were bandied about. So many possibilities. In our own ward, recently two were sent to Russia and one to Panama. Then the night before his call came, he had a really vivid dream he was going to Carbo, Greece. Melbourne happens to be the third largest Greek city.. This has been such a spiritual experience for us. I feel overwhelmed, our third son has been called to serve, how blessed we are. It was disappointing however, that Tom spent alot of time in his phone calls to Australia defending how he felt about serving in Melbourne which is only about 8 hours from our home However, he is so excited and has conducted himself magnificently. This will be the perfect mission for him. I am so proud of this son of mine. Congratulations Tom!! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTd6ZFBGqYPI6L9Dt8JFbpHiiRSu9JnLYvpPNVBOCFxboP-0eXpWo3J7NE667sK3WQDKUj35P2cL0W_gr5-_jDhEMWBJ8-I3QLHf50yVRv49DHsJb8s2vsvFoTOdpDNAvfMIAts02aF5NZ/s1600/313176_2345784960057_1113000699_2927443_6631192_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTd6ZFBGqYPI6L9Dt8JFbpHiiRSu9JnLYvpPNVBOCFxboP-0eXpWo3J7NE667sK3WQDKUj35P2cL0W_gr5-_jDhEMWBJ8-I3QLHf50yVRv49DHsJb8s2vsvFoTOdpDNAvfMIAts02aF5NZ/s320/313176_2345784960057_1113000699_2927443_6631192_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowd gathered to share this moment with Tom.<br />
Back L-R: Rick, Conlan, Kelland & Bishop Alan Smith<br />
Middle L-R: Kelsey, Cade, Donna & Paige Mercer, Me & Sarah<br />
Front: Tom & Taylor (Skippy).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-980063966726130342011-08-01T14:36:00.000-07:002011-08-26T15:08:24.580-07:00California Roadtrip - Hollywood and Universal Studios<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80mr2Xj-w3yDyV9plYVmA3UdhfFhI5f30Fysp9TieoBSzI1Yl2lai0p6CUrT7OfVsVOzp_Gor4UAkYEGjX-wLLcp2YEgIgjnTC0axbCyUR4vyxmsHzYY3Ddy2Oea7Q90H6bCn5LJTllw_/s1600/DSC05593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80mr2Xj-w3yDyV9plYVmA3UdhfFhI5f30Fysp9TieoBSzI1Yl2lai0p6CUrT7OfVsVOzp_Gor4UAkYEGjX-wLLcp2YEgIgjnTC0axbCyUR4vyxmsHzYY3Ddy2Oea7Q90H6bCn5LJTllw_/s320/DSC05593.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>We were packed up and ready to get going by about 8.00am. Our aim was to get an early start after our last experience on the I-5, and we were anticipating work traffic. However, we were pleasantly surprised with the freeway actually being 'free' flowing. It's not our favourite place to be, you sure do have to have your wits about you so you take the right turn off and are in the right lane!<br />
<br />
It was over a couple of GPS hours to Beverly Hills with a 'bathroom' stop thrown in, but we soon found ourselves in the inner city environs, and quite agog at the run down appearance of the city, combined with the smog, it didn't give a good first impression. Dirty. That's my first thought. However, travelling further out along Beverly Blvd, the homes and shops started to look smarter and cleaner and then bigger! The street appeal improved dramatically and then woo-hoo! We passed Hollywood Blvd! Wow! Hollywood, Tinsleton!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbwqAUN_hkokgekt2AbW5JF5obW0c1yh7iSnA1UmMjP8l5kZ-PvHK5Lo3WKfRHKyvs939A39JhfbjVd9HSds9PjBI3E3ScVZB9D7zlGfLKUPOpsFXEskLubLiglRIGo4fPiqhZSXMiz1R/s1600/DSC05752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbwqAUN_hkokgekt2AbW5JF5obW0c1yh7iSnA1UmMjP8l5kZ-PvHK5Lo3WKfRHKyvs939A39JhfbjVd9HSds9PjBI3E3ScVZB9D7zlGfLKUPOpsFXEskLubLiglRIGo4fPiqhZSXMiz1R/s320/DSC05752.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hollywood Boulevard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Universal Studios is really close and easy to park. One of the first things we did was eat. We seem to favour Subway, cheaper and healthier and familiar. I really enjoyed coming to Universal, having a pose on the famous red carpet and enjoying all the props and sets.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_wRbc8h4lCNjJQgZVbpBRcz2dvMBajXbC6XKc2WiangmBhpmYRqn2fPgXzwBoaG0KTST_Rp5SjfYJMMibDQL_-6jjAgCFn9Z4voN8hCT8jSNyp0L3XNtjwgPIkbtvSKc6gVjAKRnF6IU/s1600/DSC05608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_wRbc8h4lCNjJQgZVbpBRcz2dvMBajXbC6XKc2WiangmBhpmYRqn2fPgXzwBoaG0KTST_Rp5SjfYJMMibDQL_-6jjAgCFn9Z4voN8hCT8jSNyp0L3XNtjwgPIkbtvSKc6gVjAKRnF6IU/s320/DSC05608.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Red Carpet for the Rich & Famous??</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_eepY_ztwkU0xQ_Cbjl7DVHOdbt1-wY5onxLFEFV9iv-ESywqAYZyQqyqLqYDJXqeBBud-FdD1dhcDTlGlejvfj5DG0_rGjDfWcpqgolzgdhUFb3QWOVX_X8TlA5csYuqSpXZRqrYecF/s1600/DSC05609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_eepY_ztwkU0xQ_Cbjl7DVHOdbt1-wY5onxLFEFV9iv-ESywqAYZyQqyqLqYDJXqeBBud-FdD1dhcDTlGlejvfj5DG0_rGjDfWcpqgolzgdhUFb3QWOVX_X8TlA5csYuqSpXZRqrYecF/s320/DSC05609.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
It wasn't long though before the crowds really built up and the wait for rides was getting excessively long.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABszqQUI9S7irNfDlAsZxg0B0BuHHI3nos1HxJkckfJoMsQ2S7eg0OXAmH3y6JZUpjYwa_XdR0NQi8sVwxG0wBVy3cNwDdf-vOaxihNDArH5fg5ByYDbEQ0hT4HfpjcoxeTsV_eB2eqTa/s1600/DSC05619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABszqQUI9S7irNfDlAsZxg0B0BuHHI3nos1HxJkckfJoMsQ2S7eg0OXAmH3y6JZUpjYwa_XdR0NQi8sVwxG0wBVy3cNwDdf-vOaxihNDArH5fg5ByYDbEQ0hT4HfpjcoxeTsV_eB2eqTa/s320/DSC05619.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big mist machines to keep the crowd cool..</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gAwiVBvNQdimI13pNwRbFWSuURto2pu3hIX8N7b0KA7z47pL9ay_sjBD9gdAx46ycDzZomrbUawi5LAo3-vDd6hzbbo-yM2I2y25i5NHnKpfqsG8tlzHhXjE5JxvxNWGRCT50AZniXYO/s1600/DSC05633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gAwiVBvNQdimI13pNwRbFWSuURto2pu3hIX8N7b0KA7z47pL9ay_sjBD9gdAx46ycDzZomrbUawi5LAo3-vDd6hzbbo-yM2I2y25i5NHnKpfqsG8tlzHhXjE5JxvxNWGRCT50AZniXYO/s320/DSC05633.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marilyn Munroe and her girls giving us a performance..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We decided to go on the Studio Tour and ended up progressing in the line for just over an hour! Fortunately, the overhead mist machines helped..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikL2stZXJhOULVkdRUrvvZ4bb6q2wrJU2Izg-WjV7osGoY44yKVsZE0Kd9ibUtRtt6IAwBRLPLWWz5kKpHmShFE4AhTTDv_nzzDSWN6Z66k4pwQAyQ_TK2gDyGOgGdrm7Yv8NW-14dFajl/s1600/DSC05672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikL2stZXJhOULVkdRUrvvZ4bb6q2wrJU2Izg-WjV7osGoY44yKVsZE0Kd9ibUtRtt6IAwBRLPLWWz5kKpHmShFE4AhTTDv_nzzDSWN6Z66k4pwQAyQ_TK2gDyGOgGdrm7Yv8NW-14dFajl/s320/DSC05672.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tour train in and out and round about the different sets..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It sure was good to finally sit down on the tour bus or 'tram' as it was called. Well, the wait was well worth it! It was a lot of fun to see all the different famous sets that are used for TV shows and movies. And then re-used for different TV productions and movies. Fascinating and really fun. So glad we got to do that! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDKdCecmyCUtY5ETQ1Mh92ynHeyK76BsYp9pjYfSMSUKONHJcpCSY7YLqw_-ZWEedfWx8Lh1siRoiAqWALKDhP9_H_xoQVI4k5R1wPNw1tV50d8Tst_Oex3VCYy2hueIc42xQKdWNHq5X/s1600/DSC05634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDKdCecmyCUtY5ETQ1Mh92ynHeyK76BsYp9pjYfSMSUKONHJcpCSY7YLqw_-ZWEedfWx8Lh1siRoiAqWALKDhP9_H_xoQVI4k5R1wPNw1tV50d8Tst_Oex3VCYy2hueIc42xQKdWNHq5X/s320/DSC05634.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are two 'New Yorkers' hanging out the windows calling out to the passing crowd. To Rick the guy calls out: "Did you know you have three brawds following you? They only want your wallet you know!!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTDGVklKz6JKWGrYy1gM9yyt-qnvxqgDg0DZYGl5mjlvUNdlUTgIcb2QQS5m8DA-JIUZnnHPxgqFkMt2jCnLxS8fYK9FXvJe4TQ7nHCyofNqlJCY1vgrvRyo1BN3QpzCofw5QGu2ePX7g/s1600/DSC05614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTDGVklKz6JKWGrYy1gM9yyt-qnvxqgDg0DZYGl5mjlvUNdlUTgIcb2QQS5m8DA-JIUZnnHPxgqFkMt2jCnLxS8fYK9FXvJe4TQ7nHCyofNqlJCY1vgrvRyo1BN3QpzCofw5QGu2ePX7g/s320/DSC05614.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the London section, a Palace Guard Tom found amusing!<br />
</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOzN962lEPYptDf4DFeef1y3eu8K-RGDiayVmp1Jajhur1vW8qOCAUBFSJhyd8H-mTlCLtFP1MIDJ-hTKFrEgQSABZW9b_ygRQ25jI6KvYCtmMuUQ1niq4tH4ZwVfVnNDXy9ZaBqeMYBr/s1600/DSC05618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBOzN962lEPYptDf4DFeef1y3eu8K-RGDiayVmp1Jajhur1vW8qOCAUBFSJhyd8H-mTlCLtFP1MIDJ-hTKFrEgQSABZW9b_ygRQ25jI6KvYCtmMuUQ1niq4tH4ZwVfVnNDXy9ZaBqeMYBr/s320/DSC05618.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As did Chani & Sarah...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtscQfc0API73fYXO8GRJBHRRGB4i5UborZtcbOZqvohEc0gwH7kltHNwZpoFx0j4v8obv27tqlHRld8f0jt7Hw33DBhG1ly4k4H71yPmZPOZf8QByLVuZI0D6Ts0LNj5CNo4pYhyphenhyphen5bjEj/s1600/DSC05617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtscQfc0API73fYXO8GRJBHRRGB4i5UborZtcbOZqvohEc0gwH7kltHNwZpoFx0j4v8obv27tqlHRld8f0jt7Hw33DBhG1ly4k4H71yPmZPOZf8QByLVuZI0D6Ts0LNj5CNo4pYhyphenhyphen5bjEj/s320/DSC05617.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..but he had the last laugh!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We spent the day exploring the different areas of the park, the kids went on rides and we saw a couple of excellent shows, the first was Terminator with actors and 4-D effects, and the other was Water World, a performance that was full of special effects, fire, water, explosives and stunts. Very spectacular. The crowds were unbelievable, so crushing. I had to admit, at this point being over theme parks. It has just become to busy and crowded to really enjoy it all.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNlKlfkdpI-qgmifGaw8HytIjQbNK9ubYyZLeA_JsYXNoV4lAxemCUe91TBtCdoX9H0dsaXWxVscQPqYI4HTAsU1DNBztOTSLs9SEEjEq4BIjwPEj8LfcD-dbn91TXe9fEnIyTHby8an2/s1600/DSC05690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNlKlfkdpI-qgmifGaw8HytIjQbNK9ubYyZLeA_JsYXNoV4lAxemCUe91TBtCdoX9H0dsaXWxVscQPqYI4HTAsU1DNBztOTSLs9SEEjEq4BIjwPEj8LfcD-dbn91TXe9fEnIyTHby8an2/s320/DSC05690.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crowd waiting for entry into the 'WaterWorld' show</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNvUZAh-zjMb0xGdEk6sTlzuITAyv0p46Wqm9v557icV4iaERBDkASmcMZEuYreN-JLWxK41hU6o-jQab3bG0qRPk0qoMQOvDOerJP9J_uKnZIJgpCPLqy2td_husJe4PuVqvz_X956MB/s1600/DSC05692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimNvUZAh-zjMb0xGdEk6sTlzuITAyv0p46Wqm9v557icV4iaERBDkASmcMZEuYreN-JLWxK41hU6o-jQab3bG0qRPk0qoMQOvDOerJP9J_uKnZIJgpCPLqy2td_husJe4PuVqvz_X956MB/s320/DSC05692.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...which was outstanding with lots of stunts and action!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Tom was having a great time recruiting who he could to go on rides with him, but Sarah & I slowed it down a bit after dinner and wandered casually around sussing out the various sights. For me, it was the characters, sets and amusements, for Sarah, it was the good looking Mexican or Latino young men on the stands!! She is a bit of character! We both also had a bit of a headache, I think there has been a bit much sun exposure over the past few days. We had one final ride on the 'Simpson's', which was a bumpy, fast virtual experience that made you feel you were flying, going on a roller coaster and so forth. I'm not good with the feeling of free falling, but with this one, whenever I felt uncomfortable, I just shut my eyes and cheated!! It was very cool, and everyone liked it, but I am so glad we don't have to line up anymore!! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVvBjhgFRDNV17FbpEU5KXWIpaCLY78XLJBgOAOpNnLYFoBIS2euLwhp8NVowcxZbNCsegobZRSvLryYTVgIbJn9L62uClYwWwwQG2jFwt61fklcVvOcle4HkVWgRjx9E2hZZNGvLolCX/s1600/DSC05693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVvBjhgFRDNV17FbpEU5KXWIpaCLY78XLJBgOAOpNnLYFoBIS2euLwhp8NVowcxZbNCsegobZRSvLryYTVgIbJn9L62uClYwWwwQG2jFwt61fklcVvOcle4HkVWgRjx9E2hZZNGvLolCX/s320/DSC05693.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah in an encounter with 'Jaws'. Lucky it's dead by this point in the story, and that it's just a prop!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_v3nfWWr8bu8hrOMdR99Ca9QQpt6VgzgcOonvPY2MBfTHpRikARQtHrYxnNSXj9iHuGWRcXY66XPvVXllzzvGl9vpmY0nt4pUQTpKKAorM2o4o8dPRzSt_lwszCIX8A4qlDrWA9Xgvek/s1600/DSC05640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_v3nfWWr8bu8hrOMdR99Ca9QQpt6VgzgcOonvPY2MBfTHpRikARQtHrYxnNSXj9iHuGWRcXY66XPvVXllzzvGl9vpmY0nt4pUQTpKKAorM2o4o8dPRzSt_lwszCIX8A4qlDrWA9Xgvek/s320/DSC05640.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You just have to have a pic with Shrek!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>By the time we left, we happened to get caught in traffic that was leaving an adjacent show and it took fifty minutes to get to our hotel fifteen minutes away. It was about 10pm by the time we checked into our hotel on Beverly Blvd, so again, we didn't have time to go to the movies. Chani was desparate to see the new Harry Potter movie. Sorry Chani! Well, that was the end of another full on, packed day. Also our last full day in California. Tomorrow, Chani flies back to Australia. We have really enjoyed having her travel with us, and will miss her carefree fun when she leaves.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvu2NNDuPgJB_zT6_QChC3Ixp8w4M0vbHBQjp8eUAI0XATlqQ27dQ_cqEqNSudXi08bIyND3mTxc7RVg0oGCbDCmoFwlOj4pQ9aUe6-J0eWMVqzuPf3EWQ2cvQmbJ0Dq4xFIAR4TP7Xl_/s1600/DSC05696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvu2NNDuPgJB_zT6_QChC3Ixp8w4M0vbHBQjp8eUAI0XATlqQ27dQ_cqEqNSudXi08bIyND3mTxc7RVg0oGCbDCmoFwlOj4pQ9aUe6-J0eWMVqzuPf3EWQ2cvQmbJ0Dq4xFIAR4TP7Xl_/s320/DSC05696.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Universal Studios and LA at dusk</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We were able to get going reasonably early on Thursday morning so we could spend some time at the supermarket for Chani, and explore Hollywood Blvd. I'm glad we got to walk it before the shops opened, and before too many people were about. We had fun following the 'stars' on the pavement looking for our favourite personalities. We had fun finding the ones we knew, and after a snack at the local McDonald's we spent some time in the front of the famous Chinese restaurant looking at all the famous hand and footprints! Some of them are really old. I so enjoyed our short visit to Hollywood Blvd with all its fame and glory and palm trees. Otherwise, to the locals, as the day begun properly, it's just an ordinary city street - business as usual! By the time we left, there was quite a crowd looking at the famous hand prints, it would've been less enjoyable..<br />
<br />
Next, we wanted a good photo in front of the famous Hollywood sign. We made our way there courtesy of our GPS and after winding our way up narrow streets, we came to the official look out point and managed to get some fun photos with the big sign over our sholders and above us. When we turned around and faced the city, the smog pretty much obscured what could have been a wonderful view. It was like trying to see past a cloud. Visibility seemed to be about 2kms at the most, with the city skyline being very faint.<br />
<br />
It was finally time for us to make our way to LAX, the international airport. This gave us another opportunity to see some of Los Angeles. Most of all, the smog has made a strong impression on me, along with the shabby streets in some of the areas, opposed to the obvious opulance of Beverly Hills.<br />
<br />
Pulling up at LAX, we found it to be just as easy to drop the kids off instead of parking. We said our fond farewell to Chani, what a pleasure it's been to have her travel with us. We will miss her, but not as much as Sarah. How wonderful it was that she could come on this visit. We also put Tom and Sarah on a flight back to Denver. Their flight left several hours after Chani's, but they were ok to wait. Tom was rushing back initially, so he could leave with the Tripps to Lake Powell and not hold them up. The trip has been delayed until Saturday, but that's ok, and Sarah, because she really isn't the best traveller and an $88.00 ticket seemed a small price to pay to have trouble free travel for the last 1000 miles home.<br />
<br />
Once we left the kids, we decided we really didn't like the freeways, the smog and the crowds, so headed out of Los Angeles. We still haven't heard about Tom's call, but know it's coming, so really wanted to be back in Denver so Tom could open it with us there. As we headed out, I became aware that the city was surrounded by mountains! What a pity you couldn't see them.<br />
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Ok, homeward journey, here we go...Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-77399099848840105992011-08-01T11:13:00.000-07:002011-08-26T13:52:08.146-07:00California Roadtrip - Escondido and San Diego<div style="text-align: center;">SAN DIEGO</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaKpqHKg0fv69dmgQRxIe4oeXou7Voiy8IXtDxNPmfbKueQ7ZrJik7mSV8XYcaAiAebEfB850UpbqQ5o20EE67gQKbjuLZ3OWBGx8itSHYQuzzTMkT9Zf5UWx3lVUUHMNhpwJKQT5mqCp/s1600/DSC05282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaKpqHKg0fv69dmgQRxIe4oeXou7Voiy8IXtDxNPmfbKueQ7ZrJik7mSV8XYcaAiAebEfB850UpbqQ5o20EE67gQKbjuLZ3OWBGx8itSHYQuzzTMkT9Zf5UWx3lVUUHMNhpwJKQT5mqCp/s320/DSC05282.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower gardens at the San Diego Temple</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGM-yI2BGosyi5St5oy9betggRb2eAhM8AAgcl6d3pkgn78gRYSQArqsTvsa15NQZ2j7hZWzZe3duQMhwPoQTUrHVh0509SgSiOrwdSoSGg2Kht7gL74sq2wfMze4ZyOsjQC1h-6Wbd5_1/s1600/DSC05280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGM-yI2BGosyi5St5oy9betggRb2eAhM8AAgcl6d3pkgn78gRYSQArqsTvsa15NQZ2j7hZWzZe3duQMhwPoQTUrHVh0509SgSiOrwdSoSGg2Kht7gL74sq2wfMze4ZyOsjQC1h-6Wbd5_1/s320/DSC05280.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and a beautiful Pohutikawa tree, (NZ Christmas tree) that reminds me of Christmas in NZ!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Our next accomodation was in Escondido, in San Diego County. This was actually a 'Vacation Rental By Owner' (VRPO). I was referred to this by Kenna, and we were able to find accomodation in New York from this website, so used it to find something in California. This self-contained apartment was a great price with the use of a pool and tennis court. It was especially good to do some washing as it was now a week since we had left Denver. Getting to Escondido took longer than we expected however, with the I-5 freeway moving at a snails pace for ages. All six lanes, one direction, moving at 20mph!! Not much fun, except we were often afforded grand views of the ocean and beaches with the many palm trees. No doubt we are in California!! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBdsHgg_OvSRx2nQyp9S_C1JxyFtFdvcRR_BHBWNtPmxqHFRNo9NNYny6O3q7lqo7z7ywkkjVcr21N4QAHPvGPshoMe77eDHr9ua9zo4aL5mpTtmq6uQD31Co8Xr-EkoowXkDMq5iJ2dA/s1600/DSC05171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBdsHgg_OvSRx2nQyp9S_C1JxyFtFdvcRR_BHBWNtPmxqHFRNo9NNYny6O3q7lqo7z7ywkkjVcr21N4QAHPvGPshoMe77eDHr9ua9zo4aL5mpTtmq6uQD31Co8Xr-EkoowXkDMq5iJ2dA/s320/DSC05171.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 lanes across, going sooo slow!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We finally arrived in mid afternoon, and Brooke, our host was so welcoming. As it turned out, they were also LDS!! Brooke took us to a small mexican place for some food. I have always loved Mexican food, but my experience of it has been limited to supermarket Taco kits, burritos and what has been on the menu at 'Cha-Chi's' in Adelaide. Here we entered a different world. The cafe was very humble in appearance and the hand written menu board made us truely feel like foreigners! We didn't understand a thing on it! Thankfully Brooke knew what to order, and so we sampled four different soft corn tacos (Street Tacos $1 each) without any cheese or sour cream, but with spices, raw onion and sauces using beef, pulled pork and chicken. It was so very delicious topped off with lemonade, real lemonade made with limes and lemons!! So yum!! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkR_wMb6PSe5FYfnwf2NSJ8qxk-BOIMgvFwyPtKOPKz2VmCOC24Dd4HMSGU8ltFjxkevSCxmtLKA30o9FAJKhaduwc70Fod1i-LgnOL36QhybFyg_ADiSj7wpYFnFPKdl5uS0lq0IFGjw2/s1600/DSC05178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkR_wMb6PSe5FYfnwf2NSJ8qxk-BOIMgvFwyPtKOPKz2VmCOC24Dd4HMSGU8ltFjxkevSCxmtLKA30o9FAJKhaduwc70Fod1i-LgnOL36QhybFyg_ADiSj7wpYFnFPKdl5uS0lq0IFGjw2/s320/DSC05178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Authentic mexican food! Street tacos for $1each</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We then hurried to get ready and headed to the San Diego Temple, about a half hours drive away, to catch the last baptistry session before the Temple closed for 2 weeks maintenance. Wow! Wow! What an amazingly beautiful Temple. It looks like a big white castle! This was what Sarah wanted to do in America. For a long time now, she has admired the pictures of this Temple and wanted to see it in person. San Diego is also where the famous Zoo and SeaWorld are, so we were able to fit it all in. What a great experience, as we all participated in the session, with Tom this time, completing some male family names. Afterwards, we spent quite some time in the grounds taking photos. The tricky thing is, when the Temple is sooo large, is to try and fit everything into the picture. But we managed to get some lovely shots between us! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAshS1SnflGDy9caGHD3aSFotOveYS38xh66i68GTK3Ff6HUMSLdyrAE9CmqTL7L7MRnrsqneUO7rKtq7AKxjYA0uzF281vr4k01Ovs6Nnv05sHKqmf49Vef9QHjiWt_2aNTXFBYsTbXV/s1600/DSC05262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAshS1SnflGDy9caGHD3aSFotOveYS38xh66i68GTK3Ff6HUMSLdyrAE9CmqTL7L7MRnrsqneUO7rKtq7AKxjYA0uzF281vr4k01Ovs6Nnv05sHKqmf49Vef9QHjiWt_2aNTXFBYsTbXV/s320/DSC05262.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQEWThow6xqX9WL_uq_hSS1bRMaiQXzz_mGZLLu_9POY1lWAcxc_9qvLx2Luz1uMvKkTN95T8QiqFUFjN2me13eCV7BnvCxngHBqDt56l3s0wqc1fOe86lk87jdWIe2qMY0gvdFt_hqmf/s1600/DSC05210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsQEWThow6xqX9WL_uq_hSS1bRMaiQXzz_mGZLLu_9POY1lWAcxc_9qvLx2Luz1uMvKkTN95T8QiqFUFjN2me13eCV7BnvCxngHBqDt56l3s0wqc1fOe86lk87jdWIe2qMY0gvdFt_hqmf/s320/DSC05210.JPG" width="213" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0ramvubPO7dvTYrwKI6w6oJZzILOmpGusAa8814A4LiSSVqcceV1vZlfC7qxY6AJcIo3zFHNDWs2COTRwGZwlB5wlG9f7pF8aSBNDmCzc6Uc78YBy4NHxHKiR5Go3vQfHueVO_syrtLa/s1600/DSC05277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0ramvubPO7dvTYrwKI6w6oJZzILOmpGusAa8814A4LiSSVqcceV1vZlfC7qxY6AJcIo3zFHNDWs2COTRwGZwlB5wlG9f7pF8aSBNDmCzc6Uc78YBy4NHxHKiR5Go3vQfHueVO_syrtLa/s320/DSC05277.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUd7Ia1_bR3cmE5eWRNElL7H50p7XYS5GDkaCW1wkVxxv2C4qBwRyhfZzZrpm11zBhRRMx6f5Lf5DISndtDMqD18KrcC19MNTa3YyIY61Z7RFp1EHz9qZcE7Vg284zR8yAWQ5h6gdHphAV/s1600/DSC05266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUd7Ia1_bR3cmE5eWRNElL7H50p7XYS5GDkaCW1wkVxxv2C4qBwRyhfZzZrpm11zBhRRMx6f5Lf5DISndtDMqD18KrcC19MNTa3YyIY61Z7RFp1EHz9qZcE7Vg284zR8yAWQ5h6gdHphAV/s320/DSC05266.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>On the way home, we stopped off at the beach again, then once back, the kids enjoyed the pool while Rick watched some TV & I continued a book I was reading! (That I picked up for a quarter in Boulder!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmPlyfDKZMeA9GOFud1GyHQ-BNIodCK50Zsboo6m10-mnYngf7NTMrzVD4Wm40SNDIYKOlKt1nwYprlRq_n8iufcHgv1pE3Mpj8acYvPQm2xpiDXe95PRnlh5k_djRjoHyBf_pI_hWb5Y/s1600/281867_10150256989777496_641652495_7672566_814107_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmPlyfDKZMeA9GOFud1GyHQ-BNIodCK50Zsboo6m10-mnYngf7NTMrzVD4Wm40SNDIYKOlKt1nwYprlRq_n8iufcHgv1pE3Mpj8acYvPQm2xpiDXe95PRnlh5k_djRjoHyBf_pI_hWb5Y/s320/281867_10150256989777496_641652495_7672566_814107_n%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a decision!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfFdM6RlX6XeQQxUsuIZuEJ0Hnj2R1BxWybaQe5tUhmuy0rryOyqQOocc9kpzbcXN_FxC_t1Er6swoohDC5e62GDg5lOlUpYO4KAe8brZt3IHuvvKcB_F4pdGdnJl3I5RmG4yhMCmzCc3/s1600/DSC05286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfFdM6RlX6XeQQxUsuIZuEJ0Hnj2R1BxWybaQe5tUhmuy0rryOyqQOocc9kpzbcXN_FxC_t1Er6swoohDC5e62GDg5lOlUpYO4KAe8brZt3IHuvvKcB_F4pdGdnJl3I5RmG4yhMCmzCc3/s320/DSC05286.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think the beach as a whole won!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLKlUf71hDX75-wys-xIqbsV_hEK8yiHGMFXi9SzWCw6WLLL6M7uaRRw1rUjfCMj5IcjvOzOgDUeb2nj1RhxntjeyhCLRLDEl7DJ9G24Nxt21yPYpS4W7lmnQ7jtKx3XOKHiUz25L3pV3/s1600/DSC05285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLKlUf71hDX75-wys-xIqbsV_hEK8yiHGMFXi9SzWCw6WLLL6M7uaRRw1rUjfCMj5IcjvOzOgDUeb2nj1RhxntjeyhCLRLDEl7DJ9G24Nxt21yPYpS4W7lmnQ7jtKx3XOKHiUz25L3pV3/s320/DSC05285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Sunday, 24 July 2011<br />
<br />
The local chapel was about 5 minutes down the road, and tired as we were, we made it at 9.00am. It's so nice to visit different places. People are friendly wherever you go. The unique thing about this ward, was that it was split and combined with another only a few weeks ago, so there are many who still don't know each other. Our Australian accents did get us a bit of attention, but its a small world when you meet people who know people from Adelaide! Crazy!<br />
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We headed back 'home' for a snooze, and then were called to join Brooke & Gary for dinner with their family. Brooke had made Mexican with the purchases from the Cantina the day before. I will never eat Mexican the same way again. What she included, was so delicious and it was very nice to be included in their family Sunday. Gary had a couple of nephews and their families staying also, so it was a big group. Thanks Brooke & Gary!! <br />
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Monday, 25 July 2011<br />
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After much deliberation, we decided to go to SeaWorld in San Diego first. On the way, Tom suddenly gives a whoop-whoop! He had just received a text message from our Bishop to say (his mission papers were submitted just prior to going to EFY) his mission call had been assigned and was being posted from Salt Lake the following day!!! How exciting to think it has been decided!! We will now just wait and see what day it shows up at Bishop's. We may have to forgoe our plans for home and return quickly instead! Tom's mission call dominated our thoughts for most of the day!<br />
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The famous SeaWorld has many great animal attractions and shows. Soon after we arrived ,we were able catch a show featuring 'Shamu' the ... whale. What a spectacular sight when Shamu first jumps high into the air. He is beautifully black and white. Such clean lines and so clever!!<br />
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Once again, we looked out for different shows and were greatly entertained by the clever seals, otters, and dogs that performed obedience tricks and stunts. The dolphin show also featured whales and acrobatic performances. It was clever chorography, but I felt a bit disapointed the dolphins weren't featured a bit more. We spent a lovely day at Seaworld and covered it all! It's a great place, however, I still think SeaWorld, Queensland tops it, just a tich more impressive.<br />
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We didn't stay for the evening fireworks, we felt we had seen enough and our stomach's were demanding attention. So we headed back to Escondido, and searched for a 'Sizzler' which was Tom's pick. However, the Sizzler no longer existed according to our GPS. We just couldn't find it, so instead found a Greek Cafe and enjoyed some 'real' food as opposed to fast food take away. Nice. One thing we have noticed in California are the many Eucalyptus Gum Trees that grow here, causing a deep sense of nostalgia with us. Once back, the kids swam again, so a nice finish to the day. At this point, we are all feeling weary, but a good sleep does make all the difference.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Californian Gum Tree!</td></tr>
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Tuesday, 26 July 2011<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The meandering Zoo pathways are green and lush, beautiful!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This morning we clean up and packed up, to stay in La Jolla near the beach. But first, we headed for the world famous San Diego Zoo. I have heard alot about this zoo, and I was not disappointed. It really is a beautiful zoo, set in the hills of San Diego it has so many meandering pathways with inviting enclosures. We spent the entire day wandering around it. Just lovely! There were a couple of great highlights we enjoyed, the first one being the Gorillas as they posed and performed for us. They really do have distinct personalities. We especially loved watching a mother interact with her baby. They were really playful together, so cute! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXVy95r22_kzcNUX6O_ZfAYA-besSkjFGUvLAwm1mcKBCJAEYGULl5mztUunfR8wxP_6-sCvRvo51WFi55zvf4za5IbGW-2nt6YGNBRBqWzXvQGH6eIjSL9VyaquPFFiZZpmOxqqpdguh/s1600/DSC05495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXVy95r22_kzcNUX6O_ZfAYA-besSkjFGUvLAwm1mcKBCJAEYGULl5mztUunfR8wxP_6-sCvRvo51WFi55zvf4za5IbGW-2nt6YGNBRBqWzXvQGH6eIjSL9VyaquPFFiZZpmOxqqpdguh/s320/DSC05495.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These playful Gorillas kept us entertained for ages!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A baby Hippopotamus being protected by mum.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpeP9vHUWXC2Fn7aCaM8L8a6gxtqHjlyB-IPuX6xAhi6zLvwXRs3S1INIlqJnwZICqZE6j6Heb4vgThnDzpUf3-b-_7F6ykTdZx8p8pVRmOwY8BHC7RuDLQ1nkBc2G-0LYCgYd_aJ4dPR/s1600/DSC05515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhpeP9vHUWXC2Fn7aCaM8L8a6gxtqHjlyB-IPuX6xAhi6zLvwXRs3S1INIlqJnwZICqZE6j6Heb4vgThnDzpUf3-b-_7F6ykTdZx8p8pVRmOwY8BHC7RuDLQ1nkBc2G-0LYCgYd_aJ4dPR/s320/DSC05515.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> But the glass enclosure gave us a great view!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The other, we all agreed was the Polar Bears. Apparently this is a fairly new exhibit, but there were two Polar Bears play fighting for ages, one dominating the other until finally, the submissive one had had enough. The great thing about this enclosure is the underwater viewing, so you can see the bears swimming and playing underwater. <br />
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This was in fact a great feature throughout the zoo, being able to see under the water as well as above. We found the kangaroos, two small Reds, in a relatively small dirt and rock enclosure, and felt sorry for them. Likewise, when we found a Kookaburra in a fairly small cage with not a gum tree in sight. The Koala's however, had plenty of gum leaves in a lovely setting and of course, attracted lots of viewers. They were young and do look very cute! We really enjoyed this day, with the only mishap being when my camera was knocked out of Tom's hand, landing on the lense. It's playing up, sometimes working and sometimes not. Disappointing, hopefully I can still get some more mileage out of it..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxC2_cI_oB7X1c-6iEfDm038bRGTXjCaQqenTd_1LZNKjNqzaicYc5jTglnNRA8bhwBNaaYEBqb-Rm7tk6K-C8QtJjDofInyY9aM1UZjKw2XuydZxYlRhYkhy_tSRW1-lKHjzVMPxuB42/s1600/DSC05555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvxC2_cI_oB7X1c-6iEfDm038bRGTXjCaQqenTd_1LZNKjNqzaicYc5jTglnNRA8bhwBNaaYEBqb-Rm7tk6K-C8QtJjDofInyY9aM1UZjKw2XuydZxYlRhYkhy_tSRW1-lKHjzVMPxuB42/s320/DSC05555.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chani & Sarah 'riding the bear!'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGm1lzHVMP9U7KzwZEKwJ3H1OdpX88cCM9-kNFc97i7216YlECbLz4MbQt37dfq-Arkhdcc7qAO4V_WGrg8goxoLc50Jr28x0cprJVKNzQel7DCO1EV3Rt8BeaTDEfqPHwWSag7EZPRbV/s1600/DSC05578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGm1lzHVMP9U7KzwZEKwJ3H1OdpX88cCM9-kNFc97i7216YlECbLz4MbQt37dfq-Arkhdcc7qAO4V_WGrg8goxoLc50Jr28x0cprJVKNzQel7DCO1EV3Rt8BeaTDEfqPHwWSag7EZPRbV/s320/DSC05578.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Safari' Rick!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VWO7rSf11QhXmh_Acwu-2jO306YtnxSjdWbxLKtkCbZff5r13KTE4gCvaDBIQHAsXUQIJw6wOla66aggYsj_K3nNDzOaAzC7xLNkCpt5G0p2hh7Rt8fuuQ2gEVPQEM-0zulE20q69y45/s1600/DSC05556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VWO7rSf11QhXmh_Acwu-2jO306YtnxSjdWbxLKtkCbZff5r13KTE4gCvaDBIQHAsXUQIJw6wOla66aggYsj_K3nNDzOaAzC7xLNkCpt5G0p2hh7Rt8fuuQ2gEVPQEM-0zulE20q69y45/s320/DSC05556.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An ice-cream pie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJMfhqAHQZg3Daa7fPRP3hXjlVhGBlv8lHCZ61cUVlFnGA8v7XZYNSgccR9Iq8gC6FeIcW3m34JlDtHNjkMFxUk5IGiZ1whOv_w04EnqxQtFXSGSa8rpF6BHHzWWchNOnYn5bblqWHeq5/s1600/DSC05562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJMfhqAHQZg3Daa7fPRP3hXjlVhGBlv8lHCZ61cUVlFnGA8v7XZYNSgccR9Iq8gC6FeIcW3m34JlDtHNjkMFxUk5IGiZ1whOv_w04EnqxQtFXSGSa8rpF6BHHzWWchNOnYn5bblqWHeq5/s320/DSC05562.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelle, pretty relaxed this side of the fence!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_KZEUe7YBEApvXFpn49OKbTqWkAEmh4hA_WU0wdo8ebpRybGza0Dz-OU6_HeKS7VkJvmuzzoSrKsuQ1IvbxIjlv01-1QXN2HMtd3Vv0gtrrw20Z2_N2Iufj7OJEC2bE506Kk9MlHKU9K/s1600/DSC05574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_KZEUe7YBEApvXFpn49OKbTqWkAEmh4hA_WU0wdo8ebpRybGza0Dz-OU6_HeKS7VkJvmuzzoSrKsuQ1IvbxIjlv01-1QXN2HMtd3Vv0gtrrw20Z2_N2Iufj7OJEC2bE506Kk9MlHKU9K/s320/DSC05574.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just resting those weary feet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> We stayed overnight in La Jolla not far from the beach front in a local inn. Unfortunately, we were so tired, we didn't take advantage of the beach as we thought. And the following morning called for an early start as we spend our last full day in Southern California heading north to Hollywood and Universal Studios. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlJpYW-i73Be2NmrImljtfZYSfSjFi3USKenL6Ee-4RvzSB-msIVYZizZYbIoIzk7igAIc_tfhuVycS-tvp9G7DB2rdMW6ghe8ncy1mQQ7NLD1mylF2ejIIGa_1yzbJ5k89jcrfM8KkPk/s1600/DSC05588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlJpYW-i73Be2NmrImljtfZYSfSjFi3USKenL6Ee-4RvzSB-msIVYZizZYbIoIzk7igAIc_tfhuVycS-tvp9G7DB2rdMW6ghe8ncy1mQQ7NLD1mylF2ejIIGa_1yzbJ5k89jcrfM8KkPk/s320/DSC05588.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of La Jolla Beach, San Diego</td></tr>
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PS. As yet, we still have not had any more news regarding Tom's call.. but do expect it to arrive by the end of the week,<br />
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Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-53251650612959103402011-08-01T07:45:00.000-07:002011-08-17T09:17:18.833-07:00California Roadtrip - Anaheim & DisneylandIt took us about four hours to drive to Anaheim, California. We drove through the hot desert and had to indulge in an icecream when we stopped for petrol. The high temperature continued to hover over the deserts of Nevada and into the Mojave Reservation areas of rural California. Thank goodness for air conditioning in a crowded car. It was still fun though, with country music and then the playlist off Chani's ipod. There was some fun grooving going on in the car!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzRx2p-GVXROZg_hSKhZCtxUFUUu8mEgPrGXPtnVnHgOkAWqYftK-a6JkyDosQf77G5DTtlSJZ011Qu6Nwf5w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">The desert sped by.. especially being entertained like this!!</div><br />
We once again climbed into the mountains, this time the San Bernardino Mountains, then descended into the great valley area of Southern California. The thing I noticed first was the smog that settled like a hazy cloud overhead, along with the many palm trees and wide, wide roads. The traffic was reasonable though and it wasn't too long before we were seeing signs of Disneyland on the sides of buses and street advertising! Can you believe it? Disneyland! This is a childhood dream for a Gramma! Stepping out of the car, immediately the air is cooler, that is to say beautifully warm, slightly humid and a complete contrast to the desert dry heat of Las Vegas. Perfect!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The streets of Anaheim, complete with Palm trees and a Disney bus!!</td></tr>
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We stayed at the Candy Cane Inn, which is in the shadow of the Disney Resort. I didn't actually realise how close, until we walked home at the end of that first day (previously using the shuttle bus). It took us about 7 minutes to walk!!<br />
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However, I diverse! After settling into the Candy Cane Inn, we decided to find the beach. Newport to be exact, it took us about 25 minutes, but what a sight! I cannot describe how sweet the Pacific Ocean looked after all these months of not seeing the sea. The smell of the sea was incredibly good! Parking was tricky, but we managed a good spot and then spent the next hour or so, until the sun disappeared and it got too cold, enjoying and savouring the beach. We enjoy the splendor of the mountains, but didn't realise how much we missed the beach. Rick & Sarah went in search of something to eat, (fish 'n chips would have been so good at this point) and came back with a wood oven pizza that went down just as well! The one thing I had forgotten about was how the sand gets everywhere, still it's a small price to pay for the pure pleasure the beach brings, especially after days of driving. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very happy beach girls!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such pleasure just sitting on the beach, watching it all happen! The boys are in the surf there somewhere!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now this feels great!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palm trees, so typical of California</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>While we were in Newport, we had to drive past and look at the Temple, even though we were all very sandy. But we are very glad we did, it's so very beautiful. We all decided it was our favourite so far. And being evening, it was all lit up, the gardens especially are luscious. Very impressive! (My photography doesn't do it justice!) <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls walking around the fountains and water features.</td></tr>
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Wednesday, 20th July 2011<br />
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DISNEYLAND!! 'The Happiest Place on Earth!' How exciting to walk through the gates and into the main street of Disneyland. Everything about it is pure childhood fantasy taking you into another time and place. What a great place for families. The whole time we were there, I kept thinking "Chloe & Zayla would love this, I want to bring them here!" <br />
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Tom took charge and directed us to take advantage of the 'Fast Pass' system, where you use your entry ticket to obtain ride tickets for a later time in the day. During the specified time, you can bypass the long queue and get in very quickly. So, that first day at Disneyland, we zigzaged our way across the park taking in the sights, but also enjoying the many rides. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Street, Disneyland!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self portrait: All aboard, entering 'A Small World!'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgzGVPMq3UulcTIntsSysXceKr0OlT9zTjCXuy6_hyphenhyphenU6ygwopK1m8G8A0QOVOGAfUDW9brQ4i0aDF5NN0dEeDuSlPf7mnmh_HnFFYIoz5_s6DErUT_DjtCWhZ20iZRt5yPAY_JSulbR0V/s1600/282017_10150256993387496_641652495_7672668_4471043_n%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgzGVPMq3UulcTIntsSysXceKr0OlT9zTjCXuy6_hyphenhyphenU6ygwopK1m8G8A0QOVOGAfUDW9brQ4i0aDF5NN0dEeDuSlPf7mnmh_HnFFYIoz5_s6DErUT_DjtCWhZ20iZRt5yPAY_JSulbR0V/s320/282017_10150256993387496_641652495_7672668_4471043_n%255B1%255D.jpg" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom in th centre of Main Street. In front Walt & Mickey!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0zRMdHC579F-oDkMwbA7Bnk69fSXQaMWTrHOPSMV7CfdPYyss8RhGOGnlpsqI9uOzBAPMiE64Bc-FmdH7z9sA1C72suEm2PwBnEpwjd8_t0siBJt9GVEU4YuA2K98XMcUgg2qc2btCTQ/s1600/DSC04854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO0zRMdHC579F-oDkMwbA7Bnk69fSXQaMWTrHOPSMV7CfdPYyss8RhGOGnlpsqI9uOzBAPMiE64Bc-FmdH7z9sA1C72suEm2PwBnEpwjd8_t0siBJt9GVEU4YuA2K98XMcUgg2qc2btCTQ/s320/DSC04854.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rick & I on board the River Cruise - Frontierland</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvWcXz8U5BZeE5iWmFsQRpWUBbhcOZR7nKUENCON5fZT7hhG5PDPF3s6G2SKgn1fr0bVy0XsSMMEyZ8YUkN863jtPVkwhoKSkRg-4y3MhRD-RHz-c-cw4sqReN5qUwesGpnqmaxB-CecF/s1600/DSC04877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvWcXz8U5BZeE5iWmFsQRpWUBbhcOZR7nKUENCON5fZT7hhG5PDPF3s6G2SKgn1fr0bVy0XsSMMEyZ8YUkN863jtPVkwhoKSkRg-4y3MhRD-RHz-c-cw4sqReN5qUwesGpnqmaxB-CecF/s320/DSC04877.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chani in front of the Disney & Mickey statue (and of course the castle!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">By evening, we had covered alot of ground, but still hadn't seen or done everything. In the evening, we were able to watch a sound and light show on the 'Rivers of America' in Frontierland. What a spectacular show featuring Mickey Mouse as the magician. His dream was portrayed featuring most of the Disney Characters including all the villans. He takes control of his dream, banishes them and all the happy characters return. It involved fireworks, and colourful water displays with animations projected against the screen of water. Very impressive. The crowd however, was crushing! So many people! Our vantage point was poor, so decided to come back and see it another night. From here, we hurried back to Main Street, as fast as a packed crowd could allow, to see the amazing fireworks over the Castle. This is my favourite thing. I fell in love with the Disney Castle as a little girl, and to be here at night seeing it all lit up with Fireworks cascading all around it, set to Disney music was amazing. I just loved it! My discription of Disneyland could be summed up in one word: "Magical". <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyBWU_KxKvJWre6hKQFgCA156ZTTtsRnfCeiwAlckj14mIQAxY5CVkMTxgXogTzSIAeaKWa9V-t07sqHVWzTcN4edGgzdIia54wc91kWycEOQ9vTg5GZrwYr5G1_NIpIeZ-JCGbyivkEi/s1600/DSC05122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyBWU_KxKvJWre6hKQFgCA156ZTTtsRnfCeiwAlckj14mIQAxY5CVkMTxgXogTzSIAeaKWa9V-t07sqHVWzTcN4edGgzdIia54wc91kWycEOQ9vTg5GZrwYr5G1_NIpIeZ-JCGbyivkEi/s320/DSC05122.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Thursday morning was our early pass to Disneyland, where we could go before the main gates officially opened and beat the crowds. Rick, Tom & Chani took advantage of this, but Sarah & I chose the more leisurely start to the day! By the time we caught up with the others they had been on numerous rides and felt they had 'seen' Disneyland, and headed over the the Disney Adventure Park adjacent. This is mostly big rides in another very clever and picturesque setting. Rick & I, left on our own, liesurely made our way around Disneyland filling in the gaps from the day before. By about 1pm we also made our way to the Adventure Park too and stayed the rest of the day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwhsArqH9fPfHiSrhi830Cpuq-MiTU5BoZwhlfytrRIb3Zg7vCowZzJZnpz-WPwonCFDgaeJmHPyHMWyt4NBF6bDaL0WjI92_IR00IzRkyLDWnMB9AkmrhQOGMBkf5fnaLCzVA_7Z7Za6/s1600/DSC04926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwhsArqH9fPfHiSrhi830Cpuq-MiTU5BoZwhlfytrRIb3Zg7vCowZzJZnpz-WPwonCFDgaeJmHPyHMWyt4NBF6bDaL0WjI92_IR00IzRkyLDWnMB9AkmrhQOGMBkf5fnaLCzVA_7Z7Za6/s320/DSC04926.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bQSd-buMUIwMD4vyMv2hTjOUMDgKBcLuwoWFW1nfE7oHo2L7n-YpefXBfkKoaWc0-3M2k8WuJqYRrQJBwO-LFJgV487BlIgppkZpDF2STYrRjp2-qmsaL1w8-yS7hYKZLVaqzWRKkrPI/s1600/DSC04933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-bQSd-buMUIwMD4vyMv2hTjOUMDgKBcLuwoWFW1nfE7oHo2L7n-YpefXBfkKoaWc0-3M2k8WuJqYRrQJBwO-LFJgV487BlIgppkZpDF2STYrRjp2-qmsaL1w8-yS7hYKZLVaqzWRKkrPI/s320/DSC04933.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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The only downside for me was the Screaming Rollercoaster. The others all loved it, and after hearing my good friend Lisa-Jayne braved it three times, I allowed myself to be pressured, but it would have to be the most distressing few minutes of my life, so in future, I'll be happy to watch the others really enjoy it!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCvx3MF_r3EzVrGrUOMyfhHW5_g4vqhH8-61ztK1koFXCk_DUYcnsk1EDmIPpWGZ_UKDGPZyMvo_p0OCEUwUn4iOIf2Or3T9nXr08fJ7PU15iLFQFsKEP-Lh31KJ6fRE3Y1XGr5Jh8d0Q/s1600/DSC04969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCvx3MF_r3EzVrGrUOMyfhHW5_g4vqhH8-61ztK1koFXCk_DUYcnsk1EDmIPpWGZ_UKDGPZyMvo_p0OCEUwUn4iOIf2Or3T9nXr08fJ7PU15iLFQFsKEP-Lh31KJ6fRE3Y1XGr5Jh8d0Q/s320/DSC04969.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>In the evening there was the amazing 'World of Color' presentation of The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Undersea Adventure. Here a story was told using amazing fountains and walls of water as a screen that images were projected onto. The colours, music and water displays were sensational, certainly rivaling what we saw at the Bellagio. Very spectacular and a must see. Again the crowd was intense, but we managed to wangle through and found a great position with no one in front of us. I did take photos, but they don't do it justice, this has to be experienced!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiMRS-ZMYpNQQQoj5LqgLK_OaOqn-POq9m0ewS0gkGJnlp0zgUcIvb00YXzU5ZPlxLY0_lsAZnA8S3AVKsbpmbAeZ6YEwAI75pisWwZAEWo9LrMQIf_8UnmccA9MM_-zfwL0A6owSt7u0/s1600/DSC04976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieiMRS-ZMYpNQQQoj5LqgLK_OaOqn-POq9m0ewS0gkGJnlp0zgUcIvb00YXzU5ZPlxLY0_lsAZnA8S3AVKsbpmbAeZ6YEwAI75pisWwZAEWo9LrMQIf_8UnmccA9MM_-zfwL0A6owSt7u0/s320/DSC04976.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
On Friday, after a very leisurely breakfast by the pool by Chani & myself (the Candy Cane supply a daily 'all you can eat' continental breakfast - Just love berry bagels with strawberry cream cheese!), we spent another final day at the Disney Resorts. The crowds this day were even greater if possible, but we managed to see some shows that we missed. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I think one of the highlights was the 'Hill Billies' shown in Frontierland. It was shown in a showhall from the 1800's, so old school. This group of four banjo, violin players performed a comical routine. We had met up for this and Tom had a table right at the front. Sarah caught the eye of the lead performer (2nd from the right) as she sat with arms folded and didn't initially clap. He singled her out with funny comments and expressions until she finally gave them a clap!! We were all pretty tired at this point, and Sarah just wasn't into their music, but it was so funny how she actually stole the show by being passive in centre front! <br />
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Chani, Rick & I caught the 4.00pm Mickey's Parade. It was fantastic! I think everyone loves the Disney Characters, and the Parade brought them all to life. We had a great spot. We ended up staying for the next parade at 6.30pm watching it again with Tom & Sarah, ate dinner and then headed back to the hotel for a needed rest. We returned in time to catch the end of the fireworks and watch the late water show again at 10.00pm, and managed to see it better this time. The crowds are unbelievable. If we ever managed to come to California again, we would not come in the summer!! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBv27Op2UvB_osODPupuiEDME-9emywg6Mv4vg3vjR_CJn3GEjNR6cdjaTbq_KuE8goB7BnuhByAZhsq3dKDDvyPBdz-sdTPxtsclVOZOuduHet7wkNCCXuobkBUzeQlWbIYKWxE4GL5F/s1600/DSC05162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBv27Op2UvB_osODPupuiEDME-9emywg6Mv4vg3vjR_CJn3GEjNR6cdjaTbq_KuE8goB7BnuhByAZhsq3dKDDvyPBdz-sdTPxtsclVOZOuduHet7wkNCCXuobkBUzeQlWbIYKWxE4GL5F/s320/DSC05162.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally, we ate dinner at the end of the day... 11.30pm!</td></tr>
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Well after three full days here, we are completely exhausted, but intensely satisfied! What a grand place, it is all so very well done with quality, clever props. All the 'lands' are amazing and we had such fun exploring them thoroughly!<br />
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Tomorrow we move again, this time to central Southern California to a place called Escondido.<br />
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Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5331708954858437334.post-43991109122065475792011-07-31T20:10:00.000-07:002011-08-17T08:57:30.529-07:00California Roadtrip - Las Vegas!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxCLxPhyphenhyphenJTQaAQrg408Br1xvsUe9gDXQd10wODqh0APk_VlsNu6tm3xX3rKDlqm8uNoWSXeAyUuAK_dq83-ii3ktcc2WP-7gFVISQDe8cEzIQfckn-fSheAC9amirXqvRGW_S7nFG5exc/s1600/DSC04594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxCLxPhyphenhyphenJTQaAQrg408Br1xvsUe9gDXQd10wODqh0APk_VlsNu6tm3xX3rKDlqm8uNoWSXeAyUuAK_dq83-ii3ktcc2WP-7gFVISQDe8cEzIQfckn-fSheAC9amirXqvRGW_S7nFG5exc/s320/DSC04594.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soon after leaving the Grand Canyon, in Tusayan, we spotted two elk on the side of the road.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> It took us just under five hours to drive to Las Vegas, passing mainly through desert country with the unique rocky outcrops. The ground was covered sparsely with scrub vegetation, but I noticed as we approached the mountains that surround Las Vegas, there was lots of cactus, giving the surrounds a sense real cowboy country!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLj6cS4MkJqeXSYWQHqTOdHL0ouh2PR_B_V8yPxYdkdbptzfLyPTIOVZwTW0tv5CFLCBNrNqSvplXDjQzSAb9VxkyhNJe_6hNP951BbS0ISwzIn4dbBgFmhmJBQnKtG0USU9-QLvgqBTde/s1600/DSC04606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLj6cS4MkJqeXSYWQHqTOdHL0ouh2PR_B_V8yPxYdkdbptzfLyPTIOVZwTW0tv5CFLCBNrNqSvplXDjQzSAb9VxkyhNJe_6hNP951BbS0ISwzIn4dbBgFmhmJBQnKtG0USU9-QLvgqBTde/s320/DSC04606.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The deserts of New Mexico</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsICoNzpLcrlyhTmrv6AJEmT8LaTiKXcuFyVDhNTm9XmJgSlNCCsxsUrytdAL4uEPniCmeVJxfYd0Ylupwepi3wwWCx9XScq1Vn4-oQIX_XbPPIlJHetMR7kTBPyeDPMdIsOPJhSlCWCH/s1600/DSC04613.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsICoNzpLcrlyhTmrv6AJEmT8LaTiKXcuFyVDhNTm9XmJgSlNCCsxsUrytdAL4uEPniCmeVJxfYd0Ylupwepi3wwWCx9XScq1Vn4-oQIX_XbPPIlJHetMR7kTBPyeDPMdIsOPJhSlCWCH/s320/DSC04613.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cactus now appearing, as well as another distant mountain range..</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The mountains were surprising, they seemed to rise suddenly. They were covered generously again with pines and I was quick enough to snap the beautiful Lake Mead as we passed by (although a poor shot!) We also had a great glimpse of the Hoover Dam and thought we would come back and take a tour of it, but other things took priority! The famous Hoover Dam is only about 30 miles outside of Las Vegas. As we passed the State Line from Arizona to Nevada we were soon greeted by a couple of huge casinos!! In the middle of seemingly nowhere! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYW2dvGkW036vHY2x3MmZMr5CjnNMTH4K0tHikotzvxyZ42wXiNCdMIR2g3VpRK1D_QojcC0w2-_a2LzlOZMJobtb6iFfc-WolZ84AFAKub2QaIsvJTGiEm6aZlnRe1npB0ZFhEpHCi1D/s1600/DSC04616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYW2dvGkW036vHY2x3MmZMr5CjnNMTH4K0tHikotzvxyZ42wXiNCdMIR2g3VpRK1D_QojcC0w2-_a2LzlOZMJobtb6iFfc-WolZ84AFAKub2QaIsvJTGiEm6aZlnRe1npB0ZFhEpHCi1D/s320/DSC04616.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mountains, getting close to the Nevada State line</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEM-8f9zS_DBV7dofeZ_86Advoc0K6uvAX6G9QGadnHUkuSR87zpmJuhp4rFeflZ_ijed7wKroVNmEJO24-8-8wPq0xku-VJKGvts2VT772r-A7Xtr0GEHcZTEE4FpZGD6dwaNgbeeKO2/s1600/DSC04617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEM-8f9zS_DBV7dofeZ_86Advoc0K6uvAX6G9QGadnHUkuSR87zpmJuhp4rFeflZ_ijed7wKroVNmEJO24-8-8wPq0xku-VJKGvts2VT772r-A7Xtr0GEHcZTEE4FpZGD6dwaNgbeeKO2/s320/DSC04617.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eybYWmvsZBDDGyFi3r1T4lEyITN6ANF1jNhyphenhyphensRo9M5RLskDLLYsXY5SZnCIIx4JQTevtU6o9ufdIOimeb5nTX74TNvXNLVntFXcZS-45D4J0qqmurvHBd00nAoQjYyf8kG-Jz2skQ10f/s1600/DSC04620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2eybYWmvsZBDDGyFi3r1T4lEyITN6ANF1jNhyphenhyphensRo9M5RLskDLLYsXY5SZnCIIx4JQTevtU6o9ufdIOimeb5nTX74TNvXNLVntFXcZS-45D4J0qqmurvHBd00nAoQjYyf8kG-Jz2skQ10f/s320/DSC04620.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By passing Lake Mead and the famous Hoover Dam<br />
(that gets it's water supply mainly from the Colorado Mtns)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Las Vegas was a big surprise. In my mind, I'm not sure exactly what I expected, but the city is in a large valley surrounded by mountains that are large but not imposing and are bare. Completely bare of any kind of foliage. The city itself is very modern and clean with wide streets, many of which are lined with towering palm trees. It's like a huge oasis in the middle of the desert! We found it extremely easy to find our way around. We arrived Saturday evening, to extreme, dry heat that reminded us all immediately of Adelaide!! It felt so much like home! <br />
<br />
We stayed the first night at La Quinta which was exactly over the road from the International Airport. Adjacent, on the other side of the Airport lay the famous Las Vegas Strip. After settling in, we went looking for the 'Town Center' which was a large block of shopping, a bit like a mall, but includes a big square of several streets. We made a wrong turn and actually found ourselves driving down the Strip. By this time, it was dusk and the lights were all on. What a sight! So bright! Even the McDonald's sign had sparkles in it!! (I had someone tell me, that Vegas puts out more energy than the whole of California with it's 30 million people.) We were amazed and entranced at the same time! The girls took photos from the car and even stood through the skylight to take pics!! That was fun!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQWxbgVY9OjEGNTvr4cnz_o8oyA2hnOE_UyVipGtYTVPKKBWKcz7oFtw-a64GtEAmHLsOErK3z2wq_XhrrXx-PpdANTpWmN4xLYHF3WitfAtH1yripnraZ2Jo9qGSJ_ckg86rLs53I4iO/s1600/100_1436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQWxbgVY9OjEGNTvr4cnz_o8oyA2hnOE_UyVipGtYTVPKKBWKcz7oFtw-a64GtEAmHLsOErK3z2wq_XhrrXx-PpdANTpWmN4xLYHF3WitfAtH1yripnraZ2Jo9qGSJ_ckg86rLs53I4iO/s320/100_1436.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First glimpse of the Strip at night</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiGvbKH0b6adqqgvStW0pEIClCXipNSKZcDEHsTPNKKFlfJoe0qdjE5lv0c86YN6zHVSoCKFc1ZwC_mpKlv2cibVo9U681xH5qzS-9Pu-IWNNuVSNZ9teSpcFneNh_oX872Z1GXY5IqSP/s1600/100_1502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiGvbKH0b6adqqgvStW0pEIClCXipNSKZcDEHsTPNKKFlfJoe0qdjE5lv0c86YN6zHVSoCKFc1ZwC_mpKlv2cibVo9U681xH5qzS-9Pu-IWNNuVSNZ9teSpcFneNh_oX872Z1GXY5IqSP/s320/100_1502.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chani making fun of the pokies in the Seven Eleven</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Well, we did find the Town Center and again was very impressed. It is so lovely to shop at, the atmosphere reminded me of Lygon St in Melbourne or The Parade in Norwood, very lively and fun! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhm-jC2Wstlgb1BoTizfgC01U5S60xgmKf044geKk-K-fLA5OXC6uZGkVTACd9TjFjHpqi40Oi_zNDCWB4CM7BD1Ln0ll36anwLvGD5_3b55-nlZbNlTxd5nbvuUGZoZbmeqhVjvhlNqfK/s1600/DSC04624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhm-jC2Wstlgb1BoTizfgC01U5S60xgmKf044geKk-K-fLA5OXC6uZGkVTACd9TjFjHpqi40Oi_zNDCWB4CM7BD1Ln0ll36anwLvGD5_3b55-nlZbNlTxd5nbvuUGZoZbmeqhVjvhlNqfK/s320/DSC04624.JPG" t$="true" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sarah...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3c6hazU2n8zgPVqvGXg2hPYOHlFxf-KVyYCwNNwtoITyOb6EpPZTsRsNSFICt1pTPGy1jbGXZcHBzp6JZXVFNpl93BqlE_SaI-UeNI5GJ3a9DI-RWTODRlUy13qevGnVkHtAT5FeSF6Gf/s1600/DSC04625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3c6hazU2n8zgPVqvGXg2hPYOHlFxf-KVyYCwNNwtoITyOb6EpPZTsRsNSFICt1pTPGy1jbGXZcHBzp6JZXVFNpl93BqlE_SaI-UeNI5GJ3a9DI-RWTODRlUy13qevGnVkHtAT5FeSF6Gf/s320/DSC04625.JPG" t$="true" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and Chani at the Town Center, Las Vegas</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXw_uh8F3C-wzk3ujyGejWyDCLQymCHGCPhaDsD1H-WG_2zEUSV5BSImKSkYaAjfLuhQBCSotCpP4IsCW2Z2g2NnDHwdHsoTyq3luMCrEka_j-juwcq3NsA0deIAdiJsTqaoKAWxiaGAg3/s1600/DSC04640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXw_uh8F3C-wzk3ujyGejWyDCLQymCHGCPhaDsD1H-WG_2zEUSV5BSImKSkYaAjfLuhQBCSotCpP4IsCW2Z2g2NnDHwdHsoTyq3luMCrEka_j-juwcq3NsA0deIAdiJsTqaoKAWxiaGAg3/s320/DSC04640.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Oooo So juicy!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>However, after the events of the day, keeping in mind the first half of it was treking some of the Grand Canyon, we were pretty tired so headed back to the motel and enjoyed a respite from travelling.. On the way, we found a supermarket and bought some supplies for Sunday. Would you believe it? There was a large space set up near the checkouts with several pokie machines! Only in Las Vegas! <br />
Once back at the motel, the girls had a swim in the pool and watched planes land in the night sky while they cooled off. Nice!<br />
<br />
Tom meanwhile, was out on a date!! Yes, this is part of the reason our time at the Grand Canyon was limited to half a day. He had already arranged to meet up with 'Chloe' who happens to be Devin Strobelt's cousin!! Yes, that's my Tom. Grass doesn't ever grow under his feet!! With Chloe as a tour guide, he explored a bit more of Las Vegas than the rest of us had energy for!!<br />
<br />
Sunday, 17 July 2011<br />
<br />
There is such wisdom in 'the seventh day, thou shalt rest from thy labours'. Thank goodness for Sunday, wereby we can slow the pace down and just rest and regain some energy. We have travelled a fair distance up to this point and it's so nice to stop and relax. We all slept in, took leisurely showers and found an afternoon meeting to attend. The Sunset Ward took in the boundaries of the motel!! So, that was cool, it was nice and close. We enjoyed the meetings and love that it doesn't matter where you go in the world, the familiar hymns and meetings makes you feel so at home. The people were friendly and Tom & Sarah quickly made some contacts!! <br />
<br />
After dinner, we drove out to find the Temple. It is set at the edge of the city with a large mountain as a backdrop! It has several huge spires and is itself huge and very beautiful. The evening was still very hot, but the lush grounds invite you to linger and enjoy the Temple. We took lots of photos and stayed until dusk. What a wonderful spirit there is on Temple grounds. So peaceful.. We are glad we took the time to see it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3G3-Wzjb636MVqyVIBbyn96uPFdkFoMa_uM4OA99JMNU5fsmKhBRbMLMRpwsScPvp24RK9WkV8A00Lmm53OygWr58zXsgGt_cZW-pLd-fv3trfTS7Bg-oOQ5rpnLlGsHvUW_68NhpmCen/s1600/DSC04683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3G3-Wzjb636MVqyVIBbyn96uPFdkFoMa_uM4OA99JMNU5fsmKhBRbMLMRpwsScPvp24RK9WkV8A00Lmm53OygWr58zXsgGt_cZW-pLd-fv3trfTS7Bg-oOQ5rpnLlGsHvUW_68NhpmCen/s320/DSC04683.JPG" t$="true" width="213" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrgPGlaqfa3jI8jgFeI3nncGDDeE5JnHEDz__gI7JBpUHQk76wbJoww0xJkjW058IvvMqA5z8pgOVyQ6XuX_b7edNU7iYBfR42Puc6Fi5nKehSq93mws-Mb0GPqs5XxrQWD2oNOq8TXay/s1600/DSC04685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrgPGlaqfa3jI8jgFeI3nncGDDeE5JnHEDz__gI7JBpUHQk76wbJoww0xJkjW058IvvMqA5z8pgOVyQ6XuX_b7edNU7iYBfR42Puc6Fi5nKehSq93mws-Mb0GPqs5XxrQWD2oNOq8TXay/s320/DSC04685.JPG" t$="true" width="213" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTCULk7GJtp0T0r3_K-RgLNpDLadKznCApIL1JQsd6JQ8Xz0TJa7XGYbWJDxMzmnLSpAATp34EFZu6hgqEmWO-Ocp-Z4ccYDL80S5y7Sy_CUbeD2nfg5veH1rOxkqs4_BthyXtQguvlgB/s1600/DSC04672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTCULk7GJtp0T0r3_K-RgLNpDLadKznCApIL1JQsd6JQ8Xz0TJa7XGYbWJDxMzmnLSpAATp34EFZu6hgqEmWO-Ocp-Z4ccYDL80S5y7Sy_CUbeD2nfg5veH1rOxkqs4_BthyXtQguvlgB/s320/DSC04672.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mountain is a great backdrop</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91Y-MHCQdpC_ZuOih-y_06rSaXI1gFDhxC5QRTOnrr9FOJHAS7v8ISSwWe2nE0XGS8UH53CtfseU14gJsloQQYbj33edtCFQU3k8M0FXIdFx0NBwz_XZELeXj6w05jxLc9qR04X7j1O-A/s1600/DSC04666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91Y-MHCQdpC_ZuOih-y_06rSaXI1gFDhxC5QRTOnrr9FOJHAS7v8ISSwWe2nE0XGS8UH53CtfseU14gJsloQQYbj33edtCFQU3k8M0FXIdFx0NBwz_XZELeXj6w05jxLc9qR04X7j1O-A/s320/DSC04666.JPG" t$="true" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Temple is huge, and it's spires can be seen from across the city.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Well, due to the contacts made that day at church, Tom, Sarah & Chani went off for the evening and returned late but happy. More friends for FaceBook!!<br />
<br />
Monday 18th July 2011<br />
<br />
In the morning, we took advantage of a later checkout then ventured out into the heat and took Tom to the Town Center to have a look. It's such a nice place to shop, but I still like it best at night. We eventually dropped Tom off on Las Vegas Blvd where he met up with some new friends, and we dropped the girls at another ronde-vou where they met up with girls from the night before. They all spent the afternoon swimming! So there you have it, a strange city and we still play taxi to our children's social lives!! By this point we were able to check into the Excalibur Hotel which is at one end of the strip. It is a bit dated but looks just like a fairy castle from the outside. We booked into Tower1 and were on the top floor (just like Rapunzel!) It was fun to stay right on the Strip, and convenient most of all, however the hotels are all casinos, and stale smoke permeates throughout the hotel. Still, Rick & I enjoyed a long walk exploring what was around us, then finally found some dinner as the kids made it back. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZN7G_fZv1JX9ig2wFFPlqXhyphenhyphen19Q4JHs305Scjiw987BcWqxPikzV101VEvW20G1MKU-sEqmtIc9xaAXfEwoLL4U-KANhOclyksp8gNthsh458ryfYDvPsC1Gq8l0QLYuOSEzYD9An2HDW/s1600/DSC04722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZN7G_fZv1JX9ig2wFFPlqXhyphenhyphen19Q4JHs305Scjiw987BcWqxPikzV101VEvW20G1MKU-sEqmtIc9xaAXfEwoLL4U-KANhOclyksp8gNthsh458ryfYDvPsC1Gq8l0QLYuOSEzYD9An2HDW/s320/DSC04722.JPG" t$="true" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Excalibur: The Fairy Castle we stayed in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gCu2JfMnx_oOJKPIOCyjrtymgnjoy0S4V8vnT8Ww5c7ZbwHbayKzOKSRwkQ0gNlVEoCv14eXj4hM_BOT88kpB9uMenYfWzk78__R3zG1BfD5n-tIraDywcp02jQ-55rfKGfTr7ifY2dj/s1600/DSC04720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gCu2JfMnx_oOJKPIOCyjrtymgnjoy0S4V8vnT8Ww5c7ZbwHbayKzOKSRwkQ0gNlVEoCv14eXj4hM_BOT88kpB9uMenYfWzk78__R3zG1BfD5n-tIraDywcp02jQ-55rfKGfTr7ifY2dj/s320/DSC04720.JPG" t$="true" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haha! Las Vegas or New York!</td></tr>
</tbody></table> We spent the night walking down the strip and back. It's really lengthy and I have to say, alot classier than I imagined. There are some great shows to see such as Celine Dion at Caesar's Palace, Donny & Marie at Flamingos, The Lion King, Cirque deSolei, David Copperfield, Australia's Human Nature and more. Shopping on the Strip is also upper class with all the big brand names present. There is obviously a lot of money in Vegas! The downside was the people handing out 'girlie' cards, particularly targeting the males in the passing crowds. It didn't take long to notice they were mostly small Mexican people including women. But the end of the night I just felt like slapping one of these women and saying something like, "have you no self respect? Do you know what you're doing?" I'm afraid it was starting to bring out the ire in me!! Besides that, I still think the highlight of Las Vegas Blvd aka The Strip are the lighted fountains in front of the Bellagio.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyXQFK3-6PefaNL5txP_JNkFAPg9kLCqKYE3q5C1ydHVuNLlFk9uMOXDnf1nhxypJddnOLLIMRO7FCUvWIr2RoS3YQXdOEaObEN_hClPNZLLfA9sr1UwNktyfvYVJhAkORr5os6QrqHZe/s1600/DSC04725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyXQFK3-6PefaNL5txP_JNkFAPg9kLCqKYE3q5C1ydHVuNLlFk9uMOXDnf1nhxypJddnOLLIMRO7FCUvWIr2RoS3YQXdOEaObEN_hClPNZLLfA9sr1UwNktyfvYVJhAkORr5os6QrqHZe/s320/DSC04725.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our window showing the airport so close to the Strip.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK211qO7Wg9cNCT929SIxxvHulqxHZ-5zZpoO9OyvlVnwwSq1cYyq4F2dHcmPKWCvwLa82SNwNlT-8DycoZm29R7XMUbQgogV0r3up2KJSJRbsAI3YkZhzlpqIbvVV9E_Wb_Rv44U7_BXM/s1600/DSC04731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK211qO7Wg9cNCT929SIxxvHulqxHZ-5zZpoO9OyvlVnwwSq1cYyq4F2dHcmPKWCvwLa82SNwNlT-8DycoZm29R7XMUbQgogV0r3up2KJSJRbsAI3YkZhzlpqIbvVV9E_Wb_Rv44U7_BXM/s320/DSC04731.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Castle..</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWnXJ1s7SgO63t_TkcOVtLsf7kzXWTgAon15DvEpNL7sfTnfkSXPQGy3Fy5fNdjnH6hNrfGe37qTgZJKMsubgXml9obQB7SQ6h6xMVXPrIgaGC8PS6WUtpIEnCrqqEF8Lt56U0kScovPT/s1600/100_1751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXWnXJ1s7SgO63t_TkcOVtLsf7kzXWTgAon15DvEpNL7sfTnfkSXPQGy3Fy5fNdjnH6hNrfGe37qTgZJKMsubgXml9obQB7SQ6h6xMVXPrIgaGC8PS6WUtpIEnCrqqEF8Lt56U0kScovPT/s320/100_1751.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVo8eDrCLBk3qkxsvuqjNqM8yUKiWgcQVGBphhn4_-tknE-Zmgn0jYZrj1mXLBsMsYi-hWaCx1v1rYR2iW2NQOQ6ALpGLlE2ZnCkgVZuNMv3HnNGhZDDGPlgLZwAU6HrMcIOCTbk9wYQo/s1600/100_1761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVo8eDrCLBk3qkxsvuqjNqM8yUKiWgcQVGBphhn4_-tknE-Zmgn0jYZrj1mXLBsMsYi-hWaCx1v1rYR2iW2NQOQ6ALpGLlE2ZnCkgVZuNMv3HnNGhZDDGPlgLZwAU6HrMcIOCTbk9wYQo/s320/100_1761.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecuiBTQcpxfX3_zS1PqRHwP_KbSt-5nV4FcuGZXRFrMyH2Rc7ZQzRjDoJgY-D2n2AQRiRZ9dBNlQb48B1f4jM0ezrgNlo4vNEHcSX6nWKPMbAbO32fAmq-BT4CEFgvoXmtn4Cu26xLtm4/s1600/100_1833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiecuiBTQcpxfX3_zS1PqRHwP_KbSt-5nV4FcuGZXRFrMyH2Rc7ZQzRjDoJgY-D2n2AQRiRZ9dBNlQb48B1f4jM0ezrgNlo4vNEHcSX6nWKPMbAbO32fAmq-BT4CEFgvoXmtn4Cu26xLtm4/s320/100_1833.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caesar's Palace</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHI-DOhp_xiEAvn9munBJgGuzy5AVkZMYhtlqtZkazQTM7A9D5Tx-1qFDU3YrrxP2TJPsQ3WMSHsOiE2usi06aMQl3FXAneVxVuUKQOxIvStHknVKal4Bco5ejfUV7XvqDKKAdAFhSPO15/s1600/100_1835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHI-DOhp_xiEAvn9munBJgGuzy5AVkZMYhtlqtZkazQTM7A9D5Tx-1qFDU3YrrxP2TJPsQ3WMSHsOiE2usi06aMQl3FXAneVxVuUKQOxIvStHknVKal4Bco5ejfUV7XvqDKKAdAFhSPO15/s320/100_1835.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caesar's Palac again.. it's huge, just goes on and on.. Very classy inside.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1UwirAv4IQrAUN2NmqIp_oUT4e58YXUU54iZO7QWJxq1zZalXx2pNmPQ5t0ETGTfT6QxC34YAK2MXBjl-4C11OxMf-sdNj_rn8TITFvtHFHBpfSFjr-hO3BaKk-41n_lvZjId3m7yP1t/s1600/100_1760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1UwirAv4IQrAUN2NmqIp_oUT4e58YXUU54iZO7QWJxq1zZalXx2pNmPQ5t0ETGTfT6QxC34YAK2MXBjl-4C11OxMf-sdNj_rn8TITFvtHFHBpfSFjr-hO3BaKk-41n_lvZjId3m7yP1t/s320/100_1760.JPG" t$="true" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Statue of Liberty made out of jelly beans!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtepTa4trZX4Y5rdvrQfEkl4vosV_mfGyoUeGxjo3ts4jdA-KYYRNSTipaiOL6z0wYHo-8y2LIIei1hOigG9gzYDhnbHqWiVyJHizDqtVw-ekO8PFcxqoB3VW3OWjvMA83zzA8-UeZs-zq/s1600/DSC04766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtepTa4trZX4Y5rdvrQfEkl4vosV_mfGyoUeGxjo3ts4jdA-KYYRNSTipaiOL6z0wYHo-8y2LIIei1hOigG9gzYDhnbHqWiVyJHizDqtVw-ekO8PFcxqoB3VW3OWjvMA83zzA8-UeZs-zq/s320/DSC04766.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Would love to have seen this show! Donny & Marie at the Flamingo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGR7pqwT9L-VdXy_WxGmIitiBhFE4G7GMTPx7UZrBi0ER5W9iAxAZdFGhb3qvn3odqPsyfJZ7cQdq1MYOkvGtG7q-jqGMgeSuC7L7JZyFuhu5LUZuVdKJoHOAju72vXXRu90EHWvjis6dW/s1600/DSC04736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGR7pqwT9L-VdXy_WxGmIitiBhFE4G7GMTPx7UZrBi0ER5W9iAxAZdFGhb3qvn3odqPsyfJZ7cQdq1MYOkvGtG7q-jqGMgeSuC7L7JZyFuhu5LUZuVdKJoHOAju72vXXRu90EHWvjis6dW/s320/DSC04736.JPG" t$="true" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eiffel Tower opposite the Bellagio</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtllcx1fcxLSPbZ_qs4MDOABq57EcuA-cAPvW568MI5XDwlN6-JtS2bVONpnl3xvjuMjJOGQAUVOpTwAISvMmOi_4KCK8dL_HdUUL448iaFwAhySJY-AguzLNbX06uR3N0U_v5kcQPa-HC/s1600/DSC04740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtllcx1fcxLSPbZ_qs4MDOABq57EcuA-cAPvW568MI5XDwlN6-JtS2bVONpnl3xvjuMjJOGQAUVOpTwAISvMmOi_4KCK8dL_HdUUL448iaFwAhySJY-AguzLNbX06uR3N0U_v5kcQPa-HC/s320/DSC04740.JPG" t$="true" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fountains at the Bellagio just starting..</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The fountains go off every fifteen minutes and are different each time, all set to music. Rick & I watched three sets. They were just magnificent. I managed to record two, so watch and enjoy!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxeYe2hy29E4bflwjNTMhxvUOky1u1HAGPf21u4-tip7H_1lbPW3ep-hb1XtcAP6ens2Zjzn_jKWXpAoQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Being an American.." (I only got part of this, missed the biggies)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwRB6-Vb9cV-RkCJJpsGj5iK_0MGkpacJ69dIn3xmN6_no7VaR1VIiWoe2Li7bkkr7yS33o5ZpbTm7niNS4rA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Viva Las Vegas!"</div>We consequently all spent a late night. A very hot one, amongst a sea of people. This was when we were very glad we had accomodation so close. I think we all had very sore feet!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlww9VTJ4QGn_aZup9_Hhtfp9wpLfakhm11rAYYwEl1II27jeNpxDh1KmnHkaxPt4d417tpIzBJ1JL-Hn4GZgdhBA6H-OLA8IL_SJKxgDfGskrIgqOJ68izNgxPAljmOO8ZTMhz2SOtax/s1600/DSC04770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlww9VTJ4QGn_aZup9_Hhtfp9wpLfakhm11rAYYwEl1II27jeNpxDh1KmnHkaxPt4d417tpIzBJ1JL-Hn4GZgdhBA6H-OLA8IL_SJKxgDfGskrIgqOJ68izNgxPAljmOO8ZTMhz2SOtax/s320/DSC04770.JPG" t$="true" width="213" /></a></div><br />
The next morning we headed out of Las Vegas onto the next leg of our journeyings. I was glad to have seen Vegas, but it's a very hot place, hot days and hot nights with no cool change for the entire summer!! When we left at about 10am it was 109F. Next, California, here we come!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Michelle Bennallackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04471194509402197611noreply@blogger.com0