Clemson Pride!

I am sure that everyone knows that I went to Clemson for graduate school and really enjoyed my time there; it was a great campus, with tons of personality and a huge school spirit...which brings me to the topic of this post. Okay, I will admit that I am a typical Clemson fan...hooting it up and celebrating in their victories and swearing never to watch them again in their defeats.  It just goes with the territory of loving college football in the south.  And, throughout the years, Clemson has had its fair share of disappointments- those come so close, but lose by a field goal type of situations.  Well, this year is no different...Clemson has had an up and down year, winning some games handedly, but also losing some heartbreakers.  I was surprised when they beat Miami two weeks ago in OT to knock off the # 10 ranked team, increasing their record to 4-3.  After that, Clemson was the leader in the Atlantic Division of the ACC...after an easy win over Coastal Carolina the next week, I looked up at work on Thursday and was surprised to see them play Florida State on Saturday, 11/7.

Now, I must preface this post by saying that I love my in-laws like nobody's business, but they are true Florida State fans through and through....not even a daughter-in-law that got two graduate degrees from Clemson is enough for them to root for Clemson during this rivalry game.  So, I always lay low on game day and hope for the best.  This past Saturday was no exception.  I was hoping that Clemson could pull off the victory...and they did!

Clemson won the game 40 to 24...and are now in the charge of their own destiny for the ACC championship game.  They also moved into the Top 25 AP poll as # 24.  Just two more wins (against NC State and Virginia) and we are in line for a rematch with Georgia Tech for the ACC title.

Call me crazy and maybe I am just happy because they seem to be on an upswing, but I am excited for the future of Clemson football!

Scarecrow Festival at the Homestead

We also took a quick trip through Midway and stopped by the Homestead for some fudge (yummy).  While we were there, they were having the scarecrow festival, so we stayed, looked around and took a ton of pictures!  All of the local businesses sponsored themed scarecrows...and some of them were pretty creative and original.  Of course, Flat Stanley had to get his picture taken with the scarecrows he liked best!

After we had eaten our weights in fudge (they really make the best fudge in the world) and even taken some for the road, we walked the bazillion steps up to the top of the crater.  This is one of my favorite spots at the Homestead, as the views are amazing...

Another great stop on our whirlwind trip of the Wasatch Front.

Deer Creek and Jordanelle Reservoirs

After Bridal Veil Falls, we decided to drive through Provo Canyon and up to Midway.  Along the way, we stopped at both Deer Creek and Jordanelle Resevoirs.  It was so tranquil and peaceful out on the waterbodies; only the occasional boat and tons of wildlife to see.  I could have brought a book and a blanket and sat by Deer Creek Reservoir all day long.

I could have stayed there forever and been totally happy.  On the way out we saw a huge hawk, which was really special to Paige, as they symbolize her daughter for her.  This one was absolutely beautiful and stood absolutely still so we could pull over and get pictures of it.

Jeff and I will be going back to Deer Creek Reservoir again really soon.  We also stopped by Jordanelle Reservoir, which I have always thought of as a very pretty water body...and this day was no exception.  The skies were azure blue without a cloud and the water was glassy and crystal blue.

This next picture cracks me up, as it was taken at Jordanelle....everyone got out of the car and started taking pictures and when I looked back, all four doors on the Altima were open; it looked like we were doing a Chinese Fire Drill...hilarious!

It was a really nice way to spend a Sunday...beautiful scenery with good freinds...what could be better?

Bridal Veil Falls

Last Sunday while Ricky and Paige were visiting, we decided to take a trip up to Bridal Veil Falls so that they could see the waterfall.  It was a gorgeous day to be outside and we had a great time.  The falls were pretty quiet, being that it was a Sunday, but we got some incredible pictures...

Of course, Flat Stanley got to come along for the ride...and get his picture taken...

The wind was blowing so hard that Flat Stanley got carried away and caught in a tree!

Finally, here is a cute picture of Ricky and Paige...

Thanks for coming with us guys!

Halloween at the Scary Aerie

On Halloween night, we all dressed up and headed up to Snowbird for their annual Scary Aerie dinner.  It is a four course meal at the top of the Cliff Lodge, complete with decorations and a festive atmosphere.  Jeff and I had gone with his parents our first Halloween in Utah, so we were excited to go again with Ricky and Paige this time. 

First on the agenda...finding the right costumes.  I was determined to do a couple themed costume, and after doing some research and shopping around, found the perfect outfits for me and Jeff...a brick layer and brick house (complete with a cat behind the front door...snicker, snicker)!

Paige and Ricky also did the couple thing and dressed as a naughty cop and a breathalyzer test...it was

H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S!

We got up there a little early, so we drove up to Alta and took some gorgeous pictures of the snow and scenery...it was dusk (and a full moon), so it was really beautiful.

We then headed into the lodge for dinner, which was yummy and delicious.  I even tried some new things like beef tongue tacos and braised octopus.  Both were surprisingly good.  They also had a buffalo tenderloin steak, which both Paige and Jeff had and really enjoyed; the meat was so tender.  Ricky went with the crazy chicken, which had this yummy soy glaze on it.  Here are some pictures of the food, just for you Mom 2.

And finally, dessert, which was called 'The Black Sin'....oh, and did it ever live up to its name.  It was sinful and so rich.

During our dinner, Ricky even won the costume contest and was given a 2009-2010 season ski pass to Snowbird.  Too bad Ricky lives in Georgia because he had to give it to me and Jeff.  Wahoo, looks like we get to try skiing this year!  Anyway, we did get a picture of Ricky with his prize.

All of the servers were dressed up in some amazing costumes as well.  Here are a couple of pictures that we got of them and Flat Stanley...

We finished the night with pictures of our waitress...she was so much fun!

It was a great night and we are thinking about making it a yearly tradition.  Thanks for the memories, Paige and Ricky...it was a night that we won't soon forget!

Sightseeing in Salt Lake City

For the couple of days that Paige and Ricky were visiting Utah, they wanted to see and do as much as possible, so we hit the ground running as soon as they landed.  On Saturday, we headed into Salt Lake City to show them around.  We started with lunch at Squatters Pub, followed by tours of the state Capital building.  The inside of the capital is absolutely amazing...if you ever get a chance to just meander around and check it out, it is totally worth it.  Here are some pictures of the beautiful restoration.

Outside, the building is just as memorable...

And the views from the capital are breathtaking.  When the skies are clear you can actually see the entire valley from the steps...truly astounding.

After the capital, we toured Temple Square and finally ended up at the Salt Lake City Library for the City Creek Trio concert.  One of the members of the trio is my friend from CPM class, Craig.  He is a cello player and I have been wanting to see him in action for a while now.  Luckily, I got my chance on Saturday.  The trio consisted of a pianist, a violinist and a cellist.  It was absolutely amazing.  I was so proud of Craig and was honored to watch him play.  I, unfortunately didn't get any pictures of him during the performance; I was literally mesmerized by the music the entire time.  We did happen to get pictures of Flat Stanley and the stage.

 

After the performance ended, we headed home to get ready for the Halloween party and dinner at the Aerie in Snowbird.  Overall, it was a wonderful day in the city, spent with some great friends.