Our 1st Married Summer Vacation!!

After being in Springfield, we've seen everything so we decided its time to venture on to bigger and better things . . . nah just kidding, this trip has been planned for almost a year now, because I got an invitation to represent America, with a bunch of other girls from around the country, and play softball against some teams in Italy! So these next few posts may get a little boring or long, and you may actually learn some history if you slept through it like me in school, but if I don't write it down I'll surely forget! (I only seem to remember things from movies, so this will just have to do). Let the adventures begin -

June 5: Chicago 

We woke up bright and early to pack and drive the three hours north to Chicago! This was my first time every going to Chicago so we wanted to have a whole day to just site see and explore the city.   We checked into our hotel and then took the subway to downtown. I was a little nervous, but luckily Lyndon is pretty big and could protect me if there were any creepers on the way so that made it better. We walked around and went to Giordano's (this famous and awesome pizza place) for lunch! We ventured through Millennium Park and saw the bean, outdoor theater, beautiful gardens, and the fountain! 

The library was 9 stories (mom would've been in heaven)! And we rode to the top of Willis Tower (used to be Sears). This is the tallest building in North America! They recently built a ledge where you can stand out there in a glass box basically and pray that it the sumo men don't try to join you and it breaks! But it was awesome!!

Lyndon set up a dinner for us at Chicago's Chicken and Waffles, he knows the owner and they had a business meeting, while I just stuffed myself with delicious waffles and fried chicken (odd I know, but who cares it was good)! 

June 6: Flying Day

We flew from Chicago to Laguardia, NY and then were able to find a taxi to take us to JFK. We checked in and my parents got there about 5 minutes later! I love meeting up with them! Cody also received his mission call this day to - he's going to serve in San Jose, Costa Rica for the next two years!! This was talk of the day and we are so stoked for him! However, it is really weird that he is old enough to be leaving on a mission already, but we all have volunteered to pick him up! Then came the 8 hour over night flight to Venice, Italy! 

June 7: Venice

We arrived in Italy about 11am and took a water taxi to our hotel! Coolest ride ever! Where else do you take a water taxi to get to your hotel (did I mention there is no other way to travel around there but by boat)! 

This is the hospital entrance

Ice-cream boat

Since we are traveling with my dad there is no time to be wasted, we freshened up and headed out to explore the city connected by hundreds of islands! My job assignment was to come up with the list of things to see. So we started out by going to Piazza San Marco (St. Mark Square). Here we explored Saint Mark's Basilica (or church). The pictures won't give the grand idea of how spectacular everything is but I'll try to put in some details. So all the gold color is real gold ($), its all marble, there are hundreds of mosaics, and the four horses on top are from Constantinople from the Fourth Crusade.

the campanile (bell tower)

 views from above . . .

the clock, fed the pigeons, and listened to music and ate some gelato.

We found the grand canal and the famous Rialto Bridge, which was finished in 1181. 

We called it an early night as we were still trying to adjust to the time change and ate dinner at the hotel and went to bed!

June 8: Venice

Other items on my list of things to see were the Ca' Rezzonico (its 4 museums put together, one of them is the building behind the navy guys). It was actually "Navy Day" in Venice, and we actually spotted the president of Italy!

We went through the Doge's Palace (or Duke's). We learned that every Duke had to supply their own furniture, and you were Duke until you died. It is incredible! Their are exquisite marble fireplaces, and paintings that fill entire rooms! 

 This is the bridge of sigh's, it leads from the Duke's palace on the left to the prison on the right

 we peaked into an amazing opera house, had a pizza lunch and chocolate dessert

went on a gondola ride: 

listened to a concert with Vivaldi songs in the church where Vivalidi himself used to live and work. And I just think my parents are cute! 

We also learned that the building next to our hotel is our buddy Elton John's house (the yellow building). He wasn't there this time cause I think he heard my dad was coming, but next time we'll try to get a private concert!

May-Day

13 highlights that have been going on in our lives:

1. Happy Mother's Day! Woot woot! I have the best mom in the world! She is so helpful and is always thinking of others! We have to stick together because of all the boys in the family! But I love her so much and one day we'll live closer to her! We had some awesome times growing up and there are still plenty more to come! I actually set up a blog for her and its Robyn Parry so check it out if you want some updates on her life lately!

2. I've registered to take the GRE at the end of June. So most of my evenings are spent studying vocabulary and reviewing some high school math! Hopefully I'll do well enough on this test that I'll be able to apply for some other PA schools around the country and get in to a program! It's a little strange to study for such a standardized test compared to some of the tests I just had to take, but hey it keeps my mind going.

3. Sunday afternoons are the best! We payed a little visit to Abraham Lincoln's Tomb Memorial and some various War Memorials. Its impossible to miss the 117-foot-tall granite obelisk (word of the day) and the several bronze statues surrounding it. When we went through it we had a personal tour guide who told us more about all the carvings in the walls and the symbols of everything. The room where he is buried has a ceiling of solid gold! And several of his family members are buried here also. It was very impressive and awesome to see!

4. A few of the other wives that are out here and I all went to lunch one day to meet each other and get out of the apartment complex. One thing Springfield is famous for is called the "horse shoe!" I heard this and figured it's my kind of meal! Okay its amazing and huge! Its a slice of texas toast, stacked with whatever meat you like, I chose hamburger (and the patty was thick, mmmmm), and I also got chili, then its covered with fries and this amazing cheese sauce! Its like nacho cheese, but its white and soo much better! I took some home to Lyndon, but he says we have to go back! I'm not complaining!

5. The pool is open! :) That's all that needs to be said!

6. I went running and a snake slithered across the bike path! Scared me to death, but he was just minding his own business!

7. Lyndon has been helping me prepare for playing softball in Italy! We go out and go hitting and play catch a few times a week! He's been an awesome help! And becoming a great pitcher!

8. St. Louis is just an hour and a half away! We went to the Cardinals vs Phillies game! I've lived in both places so I thought that was neat! But Cardinals won! And man was that game nasty hot, but I found us some cushioned seats on the third base line!

9. Farmers Market and the Dana-Thomas House with the other wives!

12. I've started to watch the "Bachelorette" and its hilarious! My best friend Steph Holm's brother is actually one of the guys. It makes for fun conversations at the pool though!

11. I've 'attempted' cooking some meals including lasagna and some Mexican lasagna type thing! Lyndon said they were both good (hopefully he meant it), but food just tastes so much better when someone else makes it in my opinion!

12. Lyndon set a goal to get 4 installs in one day (after many days of getting 3), and last weekend he did 4 both days! So we celebrated by going to Outback Steakhouse! Yay, now the goal is 5 and its going to be some fancy meal!

13. We are living in the apartment where all the inventory is kept. But hey, its free rent so we aren't complaining!

Life has definitely changed, but we are enjoying it and looking forward to what else there is to offer around here in Springfield!

Summer Adventures Begin

Well this summer will definitely be one to remember. We began by seeing how much we really loved each other. We drove from Fresno, California to Springfield, Illinois! I know  you're thinking "gee I wish I could've driven with you guys across the country," but I'm sorry to say our car was too full to even fit one more backpack. It wasn't too bad of a drive. I will say that I've mastered the ability to sleep when not driving, and Lyndon is still working on that. It is amazing to see the different scenery just driving through the different states. Although, seeing the country when you are a few thousand feet in the air isn't too bad either, but Lyndon didn't like that idea to much. Overall, we are grateful for a working car, not Hawaii gas prices, pandora radio, safe arrival, and our love for each other has just "grown soo much".  hahaha right! I'm just glad we can keep conversations going for long enough to keep each other awake!

Las Vegas, St. George, and Denver

Good bye mountains! 

Yummy buffalo chicken pizza in Kansas City

Acura and the bugs that got too close

Connor turned the sweet "16" and can now officially drive! That is soo weird to me! He's too little, well he is bigger than me now, but I can still beat him up!

The first week we were out here the pool was still closed. Apparently its only summer time in Hawaii and St. George, but not in Illinois. Lyndon was trained and he began working that weekend. It was a little different just chilling by myself from about 2 until midnight every night. But I've been able to workout at the gym, read books that aren't text books, and relax and enjoy some TV! We went and saw the Avenger's and loved it!! It was so funny and I can totally see my family being every character in that movie! Awesome film! We went to church on Sunday and then wanted to tour around Springfield for a little bit. We found the Lincoln Memorial Garden (which is on a lake) and we walked around there for a bit. We met some snake friends (its mating season around these parts) and a cute family of geese!

Later in the week we decided to make a list of all the things we want to try and see in Springfield. Its not that big of a city, its smaller than St. George, but the highlights of being here are all the Abraham Lincoln sites. We took advantage of one of the free mornings and went to the Lincoln Home. The state owns about a whole block which they have restored to what the streets and houses looked like when Lincoln was living there. Most of the furniture is original, and the wallpaper and carpets have been redone to look like the original. And I am grateful for modern kitchen appliances, I don't know how those ladies cooked back then. I don't even like cooking and we have an oven and microwave!

These first few weeks haven't been bad at all. Lyndon is doing well at work and is learning all the tricks and getting the hang of it. We moved into a smokey apartment building, and a lot of time has been put into getting rid of the smell. Any suggestions on how to keep an apartment smelling fresh will be much appreciated! Its actually been nice being out here. We were able to bring some of our wedding gifts and actually have used them! We bought a new bedding set and we love it! Hawaii was nice, but its even better having air conditioning now! Life has definitely begun to change, but we are loving it so far!

Real Life - What??

The morning after graduation I left with the softball team for California. Don't feel too bad for Lyndon, it wasn't like I was leaving him! He left me . . . yes thats right. He left me and went to the Big Island with his family! He just got to relax and lounge about while getting a nice bronze tan, while I dealt with my team.

I'll talk about my time, and later mention about his trip. So we got there mid-afternoon on Sunday and had to somehow pack everyone's luggage and people into 4 vans. It was a miracle! But the next day we went to Knott's Berry Farm theme park! And it was sooo much fun! We went on every ride (including the soaking wet ones), played dress up, and had time for a quick checkers game.

We lost all four games in California, but then we got to head to UTAH! wooot wooot! Family time!! We lost to Dixie twice, and I had been through enough this year that I decided to stay and not go to Arizona with the team! I love my family for being so supportive and helping me deal with problems that have been going on for a few years with this team! 

So, I had one hour to decide if I wanted to hangout with my brothers, or go to Vegas to watch the Eagles band play at the MGM Grand. Since the only concerts I have been to have been piano, violin, or a symphony, I chose the later! My parents got me a ticket legally (may be the first time for my dad). I was the youngest person that I saw. But I knew about half of the songs and was able to rock out with the "oldies" around me. Joe Walsh even said, "if your parents made you listen to this song growing up, I feel bad for you!" 

I made sugar free oreo cupcakes with the brothers! yes sugar free oreos and sugar free frosting were also used! Everyone had to help if they wanted to eat one! 

Lyndon's Adventure's on the Big Island:

Aloha, well I am not much for words, however, I was handed a computer, now I am writing about the big island.  What an awesome time it was to stay at such a sweet spot.  A few days we were there, we were able to hit up the pools and slides soaking up some sun.  And of course, the food, how I love that my parents enjoy food as much as I do!  My mom is an awesome cook, and food is just a wonderful thing.

One day we were able to get up bright and early and tour the huge island on helicopter.  We saw some fresh lava, waterfalls, valleys, and various beaches and towns.  I had never been on a helicopter before and it was quite the treat.  Thank you my good father for making it quite the adventure.  We met up with Alex Ruegner and Tanner Sudberry and their clan, went out to eat and visited a few times, that was joyful.  

I went into the Rolex store and tried on all their watched and listened to all their information.  They were super nice, and actually convinced me to consider buying a rolex in the future.  We shall see considering I make fun of Sterling for all his Nixons and how much those set him back each time.

My father, Alex, and I were able to go to South Shore and the volcano national park.  I love seeing all the various earths creations.  Its quite a feat to see active steam plumes, smell the gasses, and walk through the lava tubes.  The Big Island is one of my favorites to see all that is has to offer.  The only set back is the immense amount of driving required to see some of the sites.  

-After I told him that I wasn't going to Arizona, he was able to buy a ticket and fly with his parents back to Fresno. He only had 30 minutes and it only cost him $200! He's so awesome!

So after being away for the last several years I realized that I have never been to a Court of Honor! You would think one who has four brothers would have seen her fair share, but nope, I never had been! Wyatt was awarded his first class (I think).

The two brothers being too cool for a picture!

Coming up with ways to make the time go by faster :)

Yay for Wyatt! 

And the Proud Mom got another pin to add to her collection!

I flew to Fresno on Thursday after doing 3 workouts with my mom! She is the most intense workout lady I know! We spent 2 hours in line to get me a new passport. Now I am officially a Hansen on every legal document you can have in this country! 

 Cody is playing Rugby for UVU and they have been doing awesome! I have never seen him or any of my brothers play a game actually! They all have games while I've been in Hawaii. But this year changed that! UVU made it to the sweet 16 tournament and they had games at Stanford University. They won on Saturday and Sunday! So they are now in the final four - which will be held in SLC! Congrats to Toad!

Last few weeks in Hawaii

The time has come . . . finals, finals, more finals, and graduation!!! This is amazing! But these last few weeks have been torturous! Who really has their last semester of college be extra difficult - ya my bad! Luckily Lyndon has been super helpful in packing up the house and he is quite the seller! He's been selling a lot of our things that we can't take with us back to the mainland while I've been writing papers and finishing up school. We did manage to take a break on Sunday and made some sugar free cinnamon rolls!

 My mom came on Tuesday the 10th to watch our last home softball game (which ended up not even being on our home field due to rain, imagine that). But it was awesome having her there! And the girls were so funny! They made awesome signs and I got some funny letters and lei's!  We celebrated by going to Ruby Tuesday's. And to keep to the tradition that this month is Lyndon's month, we said it was his birthday again and he got a little free treat!

Wednesday is when everything was due (IDS presentation, paper, journal) and I had a statistics final. So we took a little break and went and hung out with my mamma at turtle bay! And of course enjoyed some delicious smoothies!

Thursday is when my dad and Lyndon's family arrived. When there is family that means more food! We went out to my favorite restaurant - Breakers. and yes it was "Lyndon's Birthday," again. Then I worked on my online Microbiology test until about 1am, woke up at 5am and finished it at 12. I edited my biology research paper rushed to print it off, turned it in, and was officially done with school!! Gotta love staying busy! Lyndon was on a role cleaning and packing, but I had to get out of the house and went to Turtle Bay with my parents, he later went to the PCC with his family. My dad and I took a paddle board lesson, and we rode 12 foot waves!! It was nuts and I seriously have never swallowed that much salt water, but it was SOO awesome! Aren't they the cutest parents ever!?

We got ready and went to our graduate dinner with both families. The food was awesome! I will definitely miss the fantastic food from Hawaii. We are so blessed to have such helpful parents! They helped us pack up everything and deep clean our apartment! 

Don't ask me why they told us to be at the school at 7:15am or told our parents to be in their seats at 8:30 (the doors didn't open until 9!), for a 9:30 graduation! But it all went well! Neither of us tripped walking across the stage, they pronounced our names correctly (even though it's still weird to hear Hansen with my name), and Sister Dalton gave a wonderful speech! Her five points were: Remember who you are, work hard, train for adversity, dream big, and winner's do not always finish first. Some excellent thoughts for us to remember in our daily lives, and especially at this point in our lives! We are so lucky to have such supportive families, and to be at this point in our lives! A big thank you to everyone who has helped us get here! Much mahalos! 

Here are some after photos: