Dec 28, 2009

Christmas 2009!


OK so with blogging I realize there are certain things that you can never fully explain or capture and Christmas is one of those.
Nothing is better than hanging out with friends and family for days on end, all in the comfort of your P.J's. There are only things that can add to the better-ness like Arnie's gravy, chocolate eclairs, or puppies that won't come back in the house.



We spent the first part of Christmas Eve in Deer Valley with Derek's family.
Vander seems to be silently contemplating the meaning of Christmas



Pheonix and Brandon in their new ever-so-manly jackets


If anyone ever wonders how "crazy grandpa" got his name you need wonder no more. Here he is up to his usual antics.


After dinner it was time for p.j time!


Grandma and Grandpa Neaman, Tutu, and Crazy Grandpa with all their grandchildren/great grandchildren


Next Derek and I went down to my mom's house for another Christmas dinner!
I did a horrible job at documenting the event but the picture of Madi and my mom's white German Shepard Blue should adequately sum up the festivities.



Christmas morning!



Deja getting her cute new collar, which she didn't seem to appreciate all that much.



River with is first BB gun from Uncle Derek. The one and only Red Ryder


My new motorcycle jacket!!! LOVE IT!



River got a new rat from Santa!


Here is the end of Christmas 2009 which could not have been documented so superbly if it weren't for a new camera from Santa!

Now for whatever reasons present opening always wipes a person out, even if it was only a measly new collar nap time is always in order after presents.


Dec 7, 2009

Thanksgiving

Tokyo, Japan


This year our Thanksgiving was pretty non-conventional. We spent it in Tokyo, Japan and more importantly at the Disney Land Resort. I think that I had a bite of Turkey on Thanksgiving but I was using chopsticks and it was covered in soy sauce

We stayed in a Disney suite that had a style all Mickey!



There where two living rooms and this cute set up was in our end of town


Snuggle fest!


We spent several days roaming the streets and came across some pretty cool buildings, shopping, and fashion.


Derek's big thing he had to do this trip was get a local food known as "Ramen". Not the kind of ramen we get in the states... however even Sophia seemed to like it


In Japan they drive on the opposite side of the street and we did not take that into consideration as we were trekking about town. Bikers, walkers, and joggers were swerving out of our way and at the same time giving us odd looks as they passed. It dawned on me that we also need to be walking on the opposite side of the sidewalk.





Now in order for us to get to all of the shopping you saw from above we took the subway. Which was pretty efficient and not to difficult to figure out.


Derek making sure we are on the right track.
The women are not wearing those masks to ward off Derek's traveling stench. People all over Japan wear those masks to prevent the spreading and contracting of illnesses.
Does it actually work I have no idea.


Sophia took this shot as they were giving Derek further instruction. Nicely done and very artistic Sophia!




The Subways in Tokyo are some of the cleanest I have ever seen! Look at that floor- it shines!



So we couldn't be staying at the Disney Resort and not go to Disneyland





It was all decked out for Christmas. I also found it interesting that they play the exact same Christmas songs as we do in the states. For some reason that surprised me but I guess they are universal tunes.




You haven't seen lines until you experience Disneyland Tokyo. I am talking 30 minute lines just to get a tub of Curry popcorn... which I regrettably couldn't stand to wait for but I bet it was tasty.



We also wanted to go to the zoo because the guide book claimed it had Panda's and none of us had ever seen a panda before. So on our way there we would stop and check our directions with people on the street and we would say the word "Pandas" to convey where we were heading. It was through this tactic that people also started to mime a finger slitting a throats... in essence to say they were dead.
But we still were able to see a species called the Red Panda.


At the zoo they had clearly labeled trash bins as well. Which we found confusing. Sophia had to throw away her gum and turned to me and said, "Is gum an incombustible or combustible?" We settled on incombustible but to tell you the truth I am still not sure!



The sea otters were the life of the zoo. They would swim through these plastic tubes twirling and twisting. I wanted to take one home.


We also went to the fish market but by the time we got there most shops had closed up. Which I am more than fine with. It kept the smell to a minimum and we were able to see how people artistically painted their shop doors.





What is Japan without a Zen Garden? Above is a 300 year old pine tree. Those long poles in the picture are holding up the branches.


It was a terrific trip and many many many thanks to Sandie for letting us tag along! We enjoyed being with you guys every second. Thank you Thank you Thank you!

Oct 31, 2009

Happy Birthday Nu SKin!




This year Derek and I became Blue Diamonds with the company so pre-convention the company took us on an all expense paid trip to Sin City! They put us up in a suite at the Bellagio complete with a view of the fountains and continued to wine and dine us for three days.
At the airport we must have seemed really excited about going on this trip because the person checking us in thought we were going on our honeymoon!


We spent a day at Pirates Cove where Derek-as always- WOWED the crowds with his diving skills. Next we where off to see the Beatles Circ du Solei show LOVE, which I LOVE!


We also went on a helicopter ride over Las Vegas and into the Grand Canyon. It was a really beautiful and scenic trip however helicopters do make me nervous. By the time we were headed back I was starting to feel at ease with the situation when we looked over at our helicopter pilot and saw that he was texting! Sheesh!




Some of the scenic shots we took along the 2 hour ride, which is a long time to be in a helicopter by the way.




It was a full three days packed with limo rides, fine dinning, and shopping. AHHH the life of a Blue Diamond. Thanks babe for all your hard work at making this all happen! Love You!


Next we were off the L.A to celebrate Nu Skin's 25th Birthday at the Nokia Theatre


To start off the event we attended the Nourish the Children Gala. This is always a high light at convention. It entails a great dinner, company, and a live auction. All proceeds are for the foundation and this years top bid was to ring the closing bell at the New York Stalk Exchange which went for $71,000!



All events for convention where held in the Nokia Theatre (this is where American Idol is held) and here is the view from our box seats where we were able to see all the celebrities who attended the event such as...



Arnold Swarzenegger



Gladis Knight


Natasha Bedingfield



along with our famous family members who appeared on stage




The last night of the event the block was closed off for a live band performance and as always you make many new friends! Peace out!