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10/21/2007

Golden Weekend

That's hospital doctor lingo for "no call: no pagers." Ryan got home and he was surprised with a half-packed suitcase going to:So we were off. Just 90 miles away to visit the Newport Aquarium.

Cincinnati was surprisingly a really beautiful city! We stayed at the Millenium hotel and saw this guy at check-in. He was surrounded by an entourage and I finally asked someone what the hoopla was about. Of course (shouldn't I have known?) he was an Ultimate Fighting Champ. (Are you impressed Cory and Cari?)

Ryan said he felt like he had gotten "call" night sleep though. Emma fell off the bed twice. We all shared 2 double beds, alternated sleeping arrangements like 10 times throughout the night, and yet still made it to the Aquarium right before it opened.

At the otter exhibit:

Ryan trying to close the jaws of a simulated shark:

We walked through several long tunnels giving us the impression of being in the tank. It really was amazing. Sometimes the floor was even glass.

The "Dive Team" workers were great with the onlookers. Ryan played (best out of 3) Rock-Paper-Scissors with one of them.


Right over our heads. We could stand still and yet were so entertained with the constantly moving scenery.

Petting the safe sharks:
and we could not believe the speed of these guys:

An above ground shot of the tank. This is just a portion if it.

We left at noon, drove to put the babies to sleep, I had a nap, we found a great park on the river and had a picnic and then went back and did the whole museum again. It was so perfect- I wish we had more "golden weekends", but perhaps with a bit better sleep.
(Oh, one more thing. I was so happy to have Ryan home for church! We had a great breakfast and everyone was ready on time and then we got to church and no one was there. OOPS! It was Stake Conference- 2 hours earlier. So, we had "church" at home. On "Good, Better, Best" . We used a single chocolate chip, a small candy bar, and a large candy bar to illustrate this. The day was salvaged.)

14 comments:

Diane said...

It looks like you had a great time in spite of the lack of great sleep. I am glad you took advantage of making a memory on one of the few weekends you get with Ryan. Too bad about getting ready for church but I am sure your lesson will be part of your weekend memory. By the way, Grandma made the chocolate cake and I frosted it after dinner--it was way yummy--to good to bring home any leftovers--I'd have another piece before bed :(

Melissa and Chad said...

Lay,
You are so good at planning suprises like that! I want to go next time! I am sure church is better now with your new calling anyway?? Love you!
Melissa

Gavin and Shawna said...

I might as well had church at home yesterday too...we had Stake Conference too...but Shane and I had our special meeting pacing the hallway with a tired bug!
What a cute idea to have it all planned! I am always afraid of doing that, fearing he'll come home really late or come home and say "sorry, I've got blah-blah-blah to do!" Next time you have a golden weekend...we should meet you half way somewhere =))))

Jocelyn said...

That was my all time favorite talk from conference! :) Aquariums are so fun...I wish I had the guts to load up the kids more. Cars are just not our friend. Nathan would be thrilled with the shark stuff!

Stephanie said...

That looks like so much fun!! :D

Lisa said...

Okay, I think that get away tops everything that I have ever done in Ohio. I have never surprised Matt like that before. I'm sure Ryan appreciated all of your preparation and effort!

p.s. Your last few comments made me laugh so hard. First, about me being on the city council and all... well..no, I am not, and every thing that we have done is free and open to all. It has been so nice living here with the great park district. They really do a lot for the surrounding communities. Their motto is Education, Recreation, and Preservation.

Jess said...

How fun!! My family would have loved that! I feel like I have to cherish the weekends that I have with my hubby, cause come residency...no more weekends so sad:( How much longer do you guys have till Ryan is done with Residency???

Heather said...

That looks so fun--it's been a long time since we went up there.

Cheryl said...

What a fun little getaway. You all needed it. I love the Newport Aquarium. It's been a while, so I'll have to plan a trip up there soon. It's perfect for kids.

I laughed at the famous guy. I wouldn't have given him a second glance. Who cares about that stuff anyway? Probably the people who like monster truck shows.

Also, I laughed at the stake conference part. Too funny, though you do get the same blessings for trying!

lacey said...

Hey Jess- I thought your question was worthy a post.

Jane said...

That was truly a golden weekend :)

Marla said...

Lacey! We were in Cinci this weekend! Just a me and Dave getaway and we thought of going to the Aquarium...that would've been hilarious to meet up there.

PS. I need blogging help!

Cory or Cari said...

Hey Ryan and Lacey! That is awesome that you saw the carpenter ( the UFC guy). I wonder if he calls himself that because he resembles Jesus. Anyways, Sounds like an awesome time. Cari and I really need to take the kids to an aquarium. We recently went to Bass Pro Shops because they have a huge aquarium. Pretty sad. We will be updating our blog soon!

Cory

Lisa said...

Lacey, I have to add one more thing. This is about Tanner. He is sooo cute. I just noticed that he too lost his top teeth. It reminds me so much of Alexis. You know when a child is 6, because their top teeth are missing. What a fun stage they are in now!