Nick & Jen: July 2010

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Zion's National Park

Over Fourth of July weekend we decided to meet up meet up at Zion's National Park in Utah with one of my old roommates from my BYU days, Rochelle. Since she and her husband, Jeremy, live in Boston now we aren't able to get together too often. So we jumped in the car, drove 7 hours to 'cooler' weather (it was in the 90's and perfect), and joined in the fun of the Durfey family reunion. We didn't arrive until later Friday evening, but we were sure to stay up playing werewolf until the early hours of the morning. Saturday we spent hiking (Rochelle and Jeremy put up with the gimps that Nick and I have become) and lounging in the river next to the camp ground. We all got nice sun tans, but more than anything we enjoyed the great weather. Sunday, we went to a great church meeting at the local ward for the 4th, before spending the rest of our holiday driving back to AZ. It was a great way to spend our weekend, and we are so glad we got to see Rochelle and her family!

At the trailhead for the hike

Nick doing some extra exploring

Nick and I at the overlook

Nick trying to hang on for his life!

Best of Friends!

The boys being boys: Jeremy and Nick

Friends Forever! Me and Rochelle

Monday, July 19, 2010

Our Chicago Adventures

The Fiet Family gathered from all corners of this good ole' USA for our only cousin's wedding on June 19th. Can you believe I only have one first cousin?! My cousin, Jay had been living in Chicago for the last ten years getting his PhD in philosophy when he met Christa. After being together for 8 years he graduated, and before moving to New Haven to accept a job teaching at Yale (very cool) they decided to tie the knot. We decided to make a family trip out of it, and were glad that everyone could make it except for Rachel, Becky, and the nephews.

We packed so much in to two days. It was unbelievable how much sightseeing my mother can pack into a trip! We used all forms of transportation--train, bus, taxi, and of course plenty of walking! And what trip would be complete without great eating (see the pictures below). We saw the John Hancock Tower from the top floor (3rd tallest building in the world), a Cubs baseball game at Wrigley Field, Navy Pier, lots of shopping, and nearly survived a 'gust-nado' while on a boat tour of the Chicago River! We walked away alive after having to emergency dock the boat, account for all the passengers injuries from flying chairs, didn't get to finish the tour, and only got a lousy poncho out of the experience. Seriously, our whole family could have perished!

The wedding reception was fabulous! The restaurant was so yummy. My mom provided the most entertainment as she was stealing all the animals that were used for the place settings at the tables so she could take them home to her grandsons. Of course our family was tearing up the dance floor in our usual fashion. We all had such a great night, as it ended with a hilarious cab ride back to the hotel with my dad telling the cab driver how to drive!!! Hah! Can't wait for the next Fiet family vacation, because this one was certainly over too quickly. Here is the proof that a great time was had by all.

Nick at Navy Pier

The family getting ready for the Boat Tour. Notice how dark the clouds are getting!

Kevin hanging over the boat as we head towards the dark clouds. At this point everyone is commenting on how we think we are headed the WRONG direction!

The storm then happened: This is at 4pm!! My Dad emailed me this picture when I got home. He found an article on the Internet the next day that had this picture showing how lightning struck the two tallest buildings at once. Don't forget we were all on a boat at the time this was all going on!!!

After the emergency dock, we had to wait out the storm. My dad and Nick decided to re-enact the fear that overcame all of us as they told us to take cover under the boat!