Day Two - Girl's Trip - NYC 2013

The large building towering in the sky, is a physical landmark seen from afar marking The National September 11 Memorial & Museum.  The memorial and museum commemorate the September 11 attacks of 2001, where nearly 3,000 people perished   The memorial is located at the World Trade Center site, on the former location of the Twin Towers, which were destroyed during the attacks. The Museum is still in process.

The reflecting pools lie where the twin towers once stood.  Each person that died during the attacks is inscribed in bronze around the perimeter of the pools.  The soothing sound of the water, calms our souls as we remember those who lost their lives that day.

The Survivor Tree, sustained extensive damage during the terror attacks on the World Trade Center.  Although when it was discovered  it's limbs were tattered, and roots were broken, it was replanted at the Memorial. To me, it represented the thoughts of American people; we may have been severely hurt from this attack, but we will heal and prevail.

It was an emotional place for us to visit.  In many ways we can relate to the heart break and devastation of these families.  We are happy to see their loved ones remembered.

Century 21 Department Store is located in the Financial District of lower Manhattan.  It is a little overwhelming with 8 stories of designer men, women, and children's clothing and accessories.  It offers designer clothing at about 65% off of regular retail stores. If you know my girl's, they are always looking for a deal, and found shopping there very enjoyable.

The Financial District was next on our personal tour.  Towers of financial buildings line the streets of what is known as the Financial District of Lower Manhattan.  Included in the many prestigious financial institutions you will find the New York Stock Exchange and Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

We lined up among the impressive crowd of tourist, to take our turn photographing the iconic bull. The charging bull sculpture symbolizes the aggressive financial optimism and prosperity.   After the stock market crashed in 1987, a local artist sculpted this beast.

Next, we chose to take the free Staten Island Ferry to view the Statue of Liberty. It provides transportation from Manhattan to Staten Island. From the deck of the ferry we were able to have a perfect view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.  Lady Liberty was looking stellar!  On our return, we were able to view the skyscrapers and bridges of Lower Manhattan.

We were able to go back to the hotel and put our feet up for a moment, before we got ready for one of the most anticipated events of the trip.......WICKED! Sarah and Lizzy have never seen this musical.  They were so excited!

We took the subway, uptown to Time Square, got a bite to eat, and went to the Gershwin Theatre for the grand finale of the day! It did not disappoint, it was fabulous!

Reflecting Ponds

Survior Tree

Financial District

Statue of Liberty

NYC

Our Ferry Ride

Time Square

Wicked

Day One - Girl's Trip - NYC 2013

Manhattan is one of the most populous cities in the United States.  Crowds, long-lines, traffic, subways, and walking are a part of life.   There is no escaping the hustle and bustle when you visit New York City.  Grab a yellow taxi, or hop on a subway, or just start walking, and your sure to begin to understand what makes Manhattan, Manhattan.

After settling in our hotel, located in the lower part of Manhattan near the Financial District, the girl's and I began exploring.  We dined at The Merchants River House, which ended up being one of our favorite restaurants.  It is a casual, family friendly restaurant facing the Hudson River & Statue of Liberty.  We enjoyed watching people stroll along the river shore, and watched as the sun set over the Hudson River.

Once our appetites were satisfied, we began investigating our surroundings.  Battery Park City was one of our first stops. Battery Park City is located to the northwest of Battery Park.  It extends up the Hudson shoreline, with a bike trail,  intermingled with green spaces.  There are beautiful places to stop and view the Statue of Liberty and Staten Island. It was particularly stunning at night with the illumination of the Island and Lady Liberty.

We walked the streets, stopping in a local market for a sugary treat, before retiring for the evening.  We have big plans, and want to be up for the task for the next 3 days in New York City.   

Dinner at Merchant's River House.

The Shore Line.

Messing around.

The Blessings of Missionaries

What a blessing it is to have 2 missionaries out in the mission field serving the Lord.  They both left July 3rd, and have been serving 3 months, but who's counting:).  You feel the spirit as they report the joy of bringing the gospel to others. Their letters emulate the spirit of missionary work, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  As you read them you delight as they describe the happiness they feel in serving the Lord and others.  Their testimonies have been strengthened as the study and share the gospel each day.

Letters are received from my missionaries every P-Day.  I have been fortunate to hear from Elder Brown every Monday, except transfer days.  Sister Brown, I don't get to hear from as much.  She is serving on the remote Island of Tanna, the Whitesands area in Vanuatu.

Whitesands is beautiful, but does not have electricity or any other modern convinces.  In order to email home, Kate has to travel 2 hours to a small cafe in town.  Therefore, I hear from her every 2 to 3 weeks.      I know that Heavenly Father watches over the Missionaries, and they and their families are abundantly blessed.  However, it tugs on my heart strings a little when emails are less frequent. When I feel a little sad about it, I think of the other moms whose missionaries are serving on even more remote Islands that have no electricity on the Island, therefore, no emails.  What strong mom's and missionaries these must be.

In D&C 84 verse 88 it states: "And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face.  I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."

I know that my missionaries have a special angel watching over them.  One who has a particular interest in them, one who loves them and wants what's best for them.  It warms my heart when I think of their dear Father having the ability to be there for them at times when I can't.  I hope they feel Him often.

Sometimes when I'm feeling sad, and missing them a lot, I'll make packages to send them.  Mike loves getting packages, and Kate's is sitting in the Mission Home on the Island of Port Vila waiting for her.

Homemade salsa and chocolate chip cookies for Mike.  Store bought peanut butter, and other staples for Kate.

Elder Brown - Anchorage Alaska Mission

First baptism.

Sister Brown, Vanuatu Port Vila Mission

Where she lives.

You can read more about my missionaries on their blogs: eldermikebrown.blogspot.com and sisterkatelynbrown.blogspot.com.

Day Care

Scheduling Day Care appointments has become the new norm for me.  I thought after Ben started Kindergarten I was done.....not so.  My cute little grandson and I get to hang out 3 days a week, 30 hours a week.  Since I have been lectured by my Physical Therapist about knee rehabilitation, I have been frequenting the Bountiful City Recreation Center. I'm not a fan of early morning or late night workouts, so I've resorted to using the Day Care on days I watch Mason. Sometimes he is a willing, and sometimes a not-so-willing patron there.

One day, I was riding the stationary bike with my head-set on listening to a television program, when I heard over the loud speaker, "Will Mrs. Brown please report to the Day Care."  It took me by surprise, since it's been awhile since I've had a child in Day Care.  I stopped for a moment and said, "That's me," as if anyone around me really cared.

I thought perhaps Mase needed a diaper change, and quickly exited to the Day Care.  Upon my arrival, I saw that Mason was crying and very upset.  I asked what had happened and the Day Care Provider said, "Well, he wanted a little girl's snack and the kids aren't allowed to share."  I began to laugh and replied, "Well, we usually give him everything he wants, is that a problem."  She burst into a chuckle as she informed me that she knew 30 years old's that had the same problem.

I waited a week before we tried again.  This time, snack in hand.

After Day Care we watch the elderly swim.

Stripe The Stadium

Stripe the Stadium was the theme for the first Utah football game of the season. Stripes of crimson red and bright white colored the stadium. Whether it's black out, white out, or stripe the stadium, the loyal Ute Fans show their devotion to their players by wearing the desired attire.

The excitement of the first football game was abundant, as some Ute Fans tail-gated, and scrambled to their seats to watch the kick-off.  Utah scored in the first 15 minutes, adding momentum to the players, and more enthusiasm to the crowd.

Late in the third quarter, the Utah offense was floundering while the crowd's energy lessened as the Utes trailed by nine points.  Wilson and Dres became key players to position the Utes' within field goal range.  Once the field goal was complete, an onside kick gave the Utes' the ball, after which they quickly scored a touchdown.

The game ended with the Utes' winning 30 - 26.

What a game!

First Day of School 2013

I know it's a cliche to say that time is flying by, but it really seems that way to me.  It seems like yesterday that I took first day of school pictures with Mike entering his senior year at Bountiful High.  Wow, how things change!  I'm down to two kids at home.

The kids are happy with school, happy with their teachers, so life is good.

Duck Dynasty has become the theme for Ben this year.  Duck Dynasty lunch box, Duck Dynasty note books, you name it, he has it.  When Mike first brought this TV show into our home, I must admit, I gave him a hard time.  He would be pretty proud, and me a little embarrassed to say, that I have fully embraced this show.  Who would have thought?  It's a wholesome, ok-to-watch as a family kind of show.  If you don't have a hunter in your family, or think hunting is of the devil, well then, maybe not.

Anyway, here we go, to another successful school year!

Lizzy:  9th grade at Muller Park Jr. High School

Ben:  5th grade, Mrs. McFee

The Bees' 2013

The Bees' ball club sponsors a family night at the ball park.  Included in the package are 4 tickets to the game, and 4 hotdogs.  What a great way to spend FHE!  Since we had an extra ticket, Baylee came with us.  I have to say the girls were more interested in treats, and people watching than the actual game.   Ben and I loved it!

We were really sad when the girls' talked us into leaving early only to find out later the Bee's won with a walk-off grand slam.  Holy cow!

The Getaway

To escape or distract ourselves from D Day (death day), we decided to take a quick trip to Park City.  All it took was to watch one child have a melt down earlier in the week to realize.....we need a distraction.

We had a few set backs, before we got on our way.  Some of the bikes had flat tires.  Thanks to Bountiful Bicycle Shop they fixed them while we waited at no charge.  We then realized that the only person who knows where the key to the bike trailer lock is, is Mr. Brown.  Since he wasn't available, Bountiful Bicycle Shop cut the lock off for us.  As we drove out of the drive way ready to go, the check engine light went on.  Off to Tire Pros we went.  Thankfully, they added 4 quarts of engine oil (could have been a real problem), free of charge, (I may be a frequent flyer there) to get us quickly on our way.

When we arrived in Park City we checked in and went on a bike ride. We rode the Park City Rail Trail.  It is a paved, easy trail parallel to the Highway.  This has been a trail that I have wanted to ride for quite some time.  It was my first time out on a bike since by knee surgery, so slow and easy it was.

The skies were darkening as black clouds moved in, looking like a severe rain storm was eminent. As we approached the famous white barn, the sky lit up with bolts of lighting.  It didn't take us long to realize that metal bikes and lighting was not a good combination.  We quickly rode back right before the torrential down pour of rain hit.

During our visit we, dined on fine Mexican food, enjoyed the Alpine Slide, shopped at the outlets, took Mase for his first carousel ride, and enjoyed the hotel amenities. We had a great time!

Saturday night I thought I might be coming home early.  Ben got really sick.  He was laying on the floor shaking, and couldn't leave the bathroom.  He asked me to sing Primary songs to him, to help him feel better.  How cute is that!  After hours of attending to his needs, we both finally fell asleep.  He felt a lot better in the morning.  Maybe it was something he ate.

Sunday late afternoon when we arrived back home reality hit.  Tears flowed as we felt the immense pain of our devastating loss.  Five years later, we still mourn the loss of our dear father and husband.  We miss you and love you Steve Brown!

Mountainside Marriott

The bike ride.

Mexican food.

Mason's first hotel stay. His mom put the unwelcomed turbine on his head.

Mason's first carousel ride.

He wanted to keep riding.  He loved it!  Nana would have let him, but mom said NO.

The Alpine Slide.

Happy Birthday Ben!

Birth week has become very popular at our house.  Instead of celebrating your birthday on the day you were born, we celebrate it all week.  Ben reminded me multiple times that it was birth week, as I would ask him to do chores.

This year, Ben had a friend birthday party. He has been looking forward to this party for some time.  Airborne was the destination for the celebration.  Airborne consists of several arenas of linked trampolines.  There is over 40,000 square feet of wall to wall trampolines, foam pits, ski jump, obstacle course, dodge ball, and pure fun.

The favorite among the partiers was Air Ninja.  It is a very difficult obstacle course.  Foam pits are underneath to break your fall, if you don't make it through this entire series.  The kids enjoyed trying the course, and watching an older teenager complete it.  They were so excited to see someone complete the course, and cheered him on as he did.  This course is patterned after Ninja Warrior TV series.  This program portrays the world's top fighters, wrestlers, and athletes competing in one of the most difficult physical contests ever devised. If you complete the course (only 1 out of 200 do) you have the title of Ninja. We didn't have any Ninjas in our group, but it was fun trying.

What a great group of boys'!

Ben requested on go to Scheels for his actual birthday.  We had never been to this sporting goods store before, and were quite excited. As we walked around it seemed a little like a theme park.  What retail store has a 65 foot Ferris; 16,000 gallon salt water fish tank; shooting games; and taxidermy animals at ever turn.  Who wouldn't love visiting this park, I mean store.

Ben's intention was to find the perfect birthday gift.  Unbeknowst to him, I already had Quinn pick out a new archery bow.  Ben asked what I was getting him for his birthday, and I told him his birthday party was his present.  He became a little agitated at the end when we left with no present in hand.  He was surprised and grateful at dinner with the family, when he was given his birthday present.

Lizzy decorated his room, Jordan and Sarah gave him a wonderful gift as well as some old treasurers from Jordan's past.  Pee Wee Herman was my personal favorite.  I think he'll start appearing at different events.

Happy 11th Ben!  We love you!

Birth Day with his dad.

Hayden, Alex, Jono, Mitch, Corbin, and TJ

The party room.

Trying to complete the Air Ninja course.  No one made it to the end.

Cheering on an older teenager that made it through the course.

Dodgeball, and jumping

Scheels

The Farris Wheel

Texas Road House with the fam, decorating Ben's room, the Pee Wee Herman.

Mason's First Birthday!

Mason Quinn Cottle, my one and only grandchild, turned one on August 6th.  I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by.  I'm sure his mamma wonders where her baby went.

Meagan spent hours preparing for his fish birthday party.  Now days, pinterest is a great source in helping mom's prepare for these monumental times.  Pinterest might provide ideas, but it is hard work for mom's.  The Cottle siblings, mason's cousins and grandparents, and the Brown siblings (excluding our missionaries) and Nana, were there to celebrate.

There wasn't a dull moment with dinner, fishing games, and a refreshing dip in the neighbor's pool.  We are so fortunate to have such great neighbors!

Happy birthday to my favorite little grand baby!

Mason's fish cake.

Not sure about digging in.

Getting the hang of it.

Party decorations.

Games and presents.

Nana's gift to Mase.

Cooling off.