The Mexican Riviera!

Well, we have finally made it back to reality after going on the Scouters Set Sail cruise. We joined 46 other scouters on the Carnival Pride en route to Peurto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas Mexico. Included in those were Trav's parents and grandparents. We had a blast!!!

January 24th: We got up at 3:30 AM and drove the 12 hours to Long Beach California with Trav's parents and Dale and Lillian Winkler.

January 25th: We boarded the Carnival Pride and set sail....

Our Boat

Waiting to Get on the Ship

At the Muster Station

The Family in Long Beach just before Departure

Some of the Group

Trav Eating Octopus

January 26th and 27th: Our first two days were spent at sea. We spent the days miniature golfing, eating, soaking in the sun, sitting in the jacuzzi, eating, touring the boat, playing bingo, watching shows, and more eating.


On the 27th, Trav recieved his Woodbadge beads. Woodbadge is an adult scout training. Upon completing the course and your Woodbadge ticket (goals made during the course that need to be completed), then you receive a new neckerchief, woggle, and these beads. Trav's Dad beaded him, and gave him his (Trav's Dad's) original beads that he was beaded with in 1996. He also gave him his original woggle. It was pretty special and a huge accomplishment for Trav.



Here's the two pictures that we got with our whole group. It was a wild and crazy trip with a bunch of scouters...


January 28th: We arrived at our first port--Peurto Vallarta. We went on an ATV ride and then went on 10 zip lines that were about 1000 ft or more in the air through the River Canopy. We then rented a boat and rode to some pretty awesome rocks and saw an amazing sunset. Trav didn't especially like this part of the trip. He spent most of the 2 hour boat ride a little green before he ended up feeding the fish off the back of the boat.

Trav and Bree on the ATV

Stopping for a Drink on our ATV ride

Zip Lining

On the boat (at the beginning, before Trav got sick)
A Cool Sunset Pic

January 29th: Today we ported in Mazatlan. Here we went on a Jungle Cruise, toured a coconut plantation, and played on the beach with the star fish.

The Coconut Plantation

A Star Fish

The tour guide had taken in this pelican at one point and cleaned oil off of him. "Bonito" had never forgotten him, and joined us for our trip on the jungle cruise. He was even so kind to pose for pictures.

January 30th: Cabo San Lucas was our last stop. We signed up for a snorkeling excursion. We boarded a catamaran and ended up getting a whale watching show in the deal.

Here's an awesome video of the whales...

And the Dolphins...




We rode past the famous Lover's Beach...

Snorkeled in Chilleno Bay, where Bree managed to obtain a 1/4 inch deep slice in her knee from the rocks (which we super-glued together instead of getting stitches, the picture is after we super glued it)...


And partied and danced as the catamaran made its way back to the dock....


Trav showin' off his moves...

January 31st: Another day at sea. Where we did much of the same stuff we did before.

February 1st: Trav's 27th Birthday!! And our day to drive the 12 hours home. Unfortunately Trav had to spend his birthday in the truck on the road. We listened to the Super Bowl on the radio. Good game, but I bet it was better to watch! Happy birthday babe--sorry it wasn't all that fun. I love you!

Overall, it was a blast. We had a fabulous time and didn't want to leave the warm weather.

Happy New Year!

We had a blast this week. Travis signed with Parker Realty and begins his new job on Monday January 5th. He feels really flattered as this company hasn't ever hired a fresh-out-of-school agent! In fact, when Trav first called they told him that they weren't hiring. He just happened to get the owner's number off of a sign and decided to call again. The owner agreed to meet with him after some persistance. After the interview they were so impressed with him that they offered him a job! He's really excited. This company has an amazing reputation for being the best at what they do as well as for their integrity. We are so excited for this new career opportunity!

New Years Eve was a blast. We went snowboarding up at Beaver Mountain. The day was absolutely beautiful and the snow was perfect for our first day out this season. We are both paying for having so much fun! We can both barely move today! Stupid sore muscles!

We then met up with Trav's family for their New Year's Eve party. We ate lots of fabulous food, played games (well, I think I actually fell asleep...), and rang in the New Year!

Christmas 2008

We were very blessed this Christmas season. Our families were very generous. Thanks everyone for all of your thoughtful gifts. We love you all! Here's a pic of our "winnings" this year...

This Christmas we spent the 24th in Salt Lake with my family. We went to see the Tale of Despereaux, went to eat at the Little America Cafe, and then walked around temple square. It is so beautiful! We then went back to Coalville and participated in the Vernon family Christmas Eve traditions. Every year, my Mom builds her nativity throughout the month of December adding a piece each day. Joseph goes in on the 22nd, Mary on the 23rd, and baby Jesus is placed in the stable on the 24th as we read the Christmas story out of the Bible. It helps remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. We then awoke Christmas morning and Santa Claus had not forgotten us. We must have been good this year! We then got ready for the day and drove to Grandma Vernon's for Swedish pancakes. Trav and I then proceeded to Bountiful to visit both of our grandparents there and then made the trek back to Logan for Christmas dinner with his family. It was a lot of travelling, but it was worth it!

Here's a random pic that we took after taking family pictures with Trav's family on the 23rd...

New Career!

Well, Trav did it....He passed his Real Estate Exam! He is so excited to begin this new career and new adventure. He is currently interviewing with all the Broker's in town and will begin in January. Congrats Trav! You made it and you deserve it! All the hard work paid off! Love ya!

It's Christmas Time!

Well, things are going well up in our neck of the woods. We've gotten settled, and we're loving Wellsville. Our ward is fabulous! Trav has already received a calling as the 2nd Counselor in the Young Men's Presidency. He also received a calling in the Trapper Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America to be the High Adventure Training Chairman. He's really excited about all of these opportunities. I'm still lurking in the shadows, enjoying Relief Society for a change.

Trav has also made some big choices since we last posted. . . he quit his foreclosure job and is currently attending Real Estate School. He has been given a mentorship opportunity in commercial real estate with his Grandpa Hirschi here in town. We're excited for the future career this opportunity holds! He takes his real estate test on the 16th. He's a little nervous, but we all know he'll do great!

We had a lot of fun putting up our Christmas tree and lights this year. We spent most of Thanksgiving Day putting up the decorations, except when we were enjoying Trav's mom's absolutely amazing food! Here's what our final product turned out to be...

We also had the Vernon Family Christmas Party on the 29th of November. We went bowling before greeting Santa. It was a blast!

Rory rolled up his pants...and then began having an amazing game...

So Dad decided to try it too!

Bree's Cousins

Brady and Megan.

Home Sweet Home!

Well, here are the pics of our beautiful new home in Wellsville! It is a 3 bedroom 2 bath home with an unfinished basement on 1/3 of an acre. It is finally put together (except for the entire basement is full of boxes...oh, well). We Love It! Here's my personal virutal tour...for your enjoyment!

The Front View

The Back View

The Kitchen

The Family Room

The Office

The Guest Bedroom

The Master Bedroom

So, it turned out really nice! We've still got a lot of work to do including unpacking everything in the basement, finishing the basement, and landscaping, but who knows how long all those projects will take to complete. Oh, and I dyed my hair brown, so here's a pic for all those who haven't seen me recently. I also need your opinion on the hair: do you like it brown, or should I go back blonde?