"Hey Cookie, Not You Dog Biscuit!"

Why does vacation have to go by so quickly?! I spent the last week in Washington state, with my dear family! Good times had by all. I flew into Seattle, where the entire crew greeted me at the airport. The next day we played in Seattle, and by play, I mean shopped the Nordstrom Half Yearly sale! I accidentally made a couple of purchases :)

Next we drove to k-town, and took Haley with us! Lauren and I got to play mom for a few days. It was so nice to NOT be working. I went swimming several times, brushed up my wake boarding skills, went to dinner with the fam, and just enjoyed spending time with my siblings and parents. I decided I definitely want to own a boat when I have a family someday. I seriously LOVE being on the water.

Lastly, we headed up to Hayden Lake, Idaho for a Blodgett family reunion. This included 27 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. It was fun to visit with aunts, uncles, and cousins that I hadn't seen in quite some time. All family members were in attendance minus the two on missions, and one cousin who just started a new job. We missed you Devin! I am reminded of how important family is to me. It was nice to get away from work, the social scene, and remember what life really is all about; family! I miss grandpa blodgett. I am grateful for grandma and grandpa and the legacy they've left for their children and grandchildren. It was fun to reminisce childhood memories with my cousins and grandparents. Grandpa Blodgett was a party animal. He was always passing out candy, and playing with his grandchildren. One adjective that accurately describes the Blodgett family, is competitive. All in good fun, of course! Consequently, we engaged in the typical blodgett reunion activities: bowling, Olympic races, and the infamous talent show. The nights ended with some competitive rounds of mafia. A big thanks goes out to my cousin Janelle, who organized the reunion, and made it such a good memory for all of us!

"Runaway"

I am sitting on my bed right now choosing to blog, rather than pack. I leave tomorrow to give the fam a visit in Washington. To say I am excited is a bit of an understatement. I haven't been home since Christmas, so it will be good to spend some time with the Mickelsen bunch. I will also be going to a family reunion while I am home. All of my cousins, aunts and uncles will be attending except the missionaries, and one cousin whose wife just had a baby. When the Blodgett crew gets together, it can get a little crazy. My grandpa Blodgett was the type that was always the life of the party. Since his passing, we as a family make sure his wild/fun-loving traditions carry on. I don't know what your family reunions are like, but inevitably we always have a talent show. I was talking to my mom and sister the other day to see what we came up with for a talent. Past family talents have included, leading the BYU fight song, singing So Long, Farewell from the Sound of Music, with Brian flitting and floating just like Louisa. As you can see, we are an extremely talented family. I am told we will be performing a number by the Traveling Wilburys. This doesn't surprise me at all. Those of you who know my family, understand our deep love and obsession with Tom Petty. The Traveling Wilburys were a group consisting of some of the greatest musicians of all time: George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Rob Orbison, and Jeff Lynne. All I can say, is that i am grateful for siblings that can actually play the guitar, and piano...so we at least have some real talent. I am confident the vocals will be a flop. My mom gave me the option of being a back-up dancer. Thanks, mom. Should be a good time.

Proud to be an American

Happy 4th of July! Yes, I recognize this post is coming a little late. The 4th has always been a FAVORITE holiday of mine. I love the music, fireworks, and sense of Pride and gratitude I feel for living in such a wonderful country. This year I headed to Harper's Ferry with some friends. I am such a happy camper, when the stay is only one night! We set up our campsite, sat around the fire, cooked some tin foil dinners, ate yummy banana boats, played a round of t or d (truth or dare), sang patriotic songs, and roasted marshmallows. Good times had by all.

The Girls
Sarah doing a dramatic interpretation of Yankee Doodle.
Adi, Me, and Cindee perform, "Proud to Be an American" please note the Red, White, Blue outfits.
So Patriotic!

Nothing beats celebrating Independence Day at the Nation's Capitol. This year, I was fortunate to attend Lisa's work party again. Perfect seats, hassle free, and food. Sounds pretty perfect to me.

The Most Dramatic Ending EVER

Some of you may know of my obsession with the bachelorette. And some may know my I like ANY excuse to throw a party. You mix my two obsessions together, and you get something like this:

Four lovely hostesses

Our guests dressed for the night


A song written by one of our very own bachelors:

To the tune: Pride (In the name of Love) by U2

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Two men come in the name of love

Two men come with gifts

Two men meet with Daddy Pappas

Only one man will live

Chorus 1:

In the Name of Love

What more in the name of Love

In the Name of Love

What more in the name of Love

Jessie ‘s a punk, just a little boy

Jason ‘s a man with a kid

Jessie gives “nugs” to show his love

Jason shares it with a kiss

Chorus 2:

A girl in love

What more than a girl in love

She’s totally confused

So what else is new J

DeAnna once had a broken heart

Brad, the %#!, dumped her big

Now she talks about him every show

Can’t she please let him go!!!

Chorus 3:

In the name of Love

Confuse them in the name of love

Break their hearts

Do it in the name of love

(In speak-sing with the drum beat in the background)

Early evening, July 7^th …

A CRY rings out, in the DC sky.

On one knee, Jason takes the knife

THE GIRLS ALL SCREAM AND SIGH!!! (drum roll)

Chorus 4:

In the name of Love

Jessie and DeAnna in love

In the name of love

She lives and she’s in love

Oh, Oh, Oh, Oh…

The push-up competition (and the winner is Kevin, with 200 push-ups!!)

A mantle display of our bachelors

Our bachelors, of course

Our reactions: shock, disgust, bitterness, surprise, what have you.

The bachelorettes

Greek food including baklavash, made by our very own Adi. And don't worry...DeAnna made sure to bring by some golf balls for everyone. Thanks to everyone who indulged in our cheesiness!

Weekend in NYC!

Last weekend I ventured to NYC on the Chinatown bus to witness the wedding party of a lifetime. Seriously. I am still amazed at how nice everything was. It was definitely the fanciest wedding reception I ever attended.

Thursday night I met up with my girls and ate at one of my favorite places in the UWS, Isabella's. This weekend happened to be Kristan's last weekend in the city! Friday morning I woke up and headed to 72nd. I love strolling around this area of NYC. I found myself in Sephora, purchasing a couple necessary items, of course! I then had myself the gray's papaya special :) I took a walk around Lincoln Center and then met up with the wedding party at the temple. It was a perfect day for a wedding in NYC. It was wonderful to see some of my closest family friends at the Temple. Matt and Noelle looked breathtaking!!



Later that night we headed to the reception...a party of a lifetime! We danced, and ate, and ate some more. Let's just say I thought the appetizers were dinner. The dessert presentation was one of my favorite moments of the night. Yes, there was really fireworks, water fountains, ice sculptures, and a chocolate fountain.


Saturday night we went to Curtains, starring David Hyde Pierce. He was AMAZING in it...seriously, so funny! I randomly met up with one of my FAVORITE roommates at BYU later that night. I didn't even know she was living in NYC. So good to see you, Jess! One of the best parts of the evening may have been Jake riding the mechanical bull. I never knew it was in him!

Overall, a wonderful weekend with family, and friends! I love the Lybbert family! I love Mel and Kristan. I love NYC.