I haven't even left to Russia yet and I am already getting behind on the journey in 2012. Two days after Hawaii I found myself, co-pilot of a little white jeep type car packed full of bags and people. Mario sat pilot while Madi, Cees, Jake, and Cole squished in the back trying to look as comfy as possible. It reminded me of the first time I got pulled over in my little blue bug; barely sixteen, four people squished in the back with only two seat belts, going fifteen miles over. Luckily, the cop let me go after relating my car to a can of sardines.... Within fifteen minutes everyone in the car was hungry. Being typical boys, we set out on the hunt for a rancheritos a.k.a. classy mexi. We finally found something close to, maybe even a little more high class. It was located in a small corner of an upscale gas station with plenty of onlookers that seemed to find a good Friday night to be one that consist of hanging out at the local phillip's 66 with a couple of ciggies. Although, who doesn't want a ginormous flour tortilla filled to the brim with onions, peppers, never ending amount of cheese, carne asada (questionable), and topped with a life time supply of grease dripping from every side. Mmm yumm. Can't wait to drive another hour and a half in a space 6x4 with charming young males that devoured the whole creation within ten minutes. I crossed my fingers hoping their digestive systems were running slow.


Finally the surroundings began to look familiar. I was so excited to see Carly I couldn't wait  a moment longer. As soon as the car stopped we jumped out and ran inside. There she was. Cute little Carl. Then came Paula. One of the cutest mom's I know above my own of course. I never knew anyone could have such a big heart. She would give the socks of her feet if you needed them. I had heard stories about her famous milkshakes many a times and there was no let down. Definitely an inspiring woman.


Madi had one request the whole weekend: to go to Zion's park. I spent my whole life thinking that I had been there before, but surprise, it was a whole new world. I must have confused Bryce Park with it. The red rocks mixed with the trees were amazing. Blue skies were in every direction as we travelled up the long stretch to Angel's Landing. I couldn't help but notice the stream of people surrounding us, with their heavy hiking attire. Then there was us. T-shirts, leggings and a good collection of tom's. The hike was beautiful. It had all sorts of terrain with switch backs, rocky roads and parts you were so scared of falling you couldn't help but clutch onto the metal chains connected to the mountains. Mario and Jake sat terrified when they saw the drop offs on each side, but with a little persuasion they continued on with us. The view at the top was breath taking. We sat and talked while we enjoyed a little sack lunch made by Paula.


2 a.m. we walk in the door to Paula still cooking for tomorrow's feast. Carly begins to get a little nervous for her big moment. She works on her talk while Madi and I talk to, Courtney, her friend from highschool. She is hilarious. Couldn't love talking to a stranger more. We finally were asleep by four.


Carly, well sister Vanderhorst, is going to be an amazing missionary. She did awesome on her talk and let her shining personality come right out. It was bittersweet. Of course, me being the cryer that I am began to tear up. I can't wait to hear all about her adventures. Later we went to the park and played woofleball and volleyball. Carly's family is great. It was such fun afternoon.


Later that night the boys wanted to go off roading so we borrowed a ranger and headed out to sand hollow. I was a little nervous at first, going out into the middle of no where in the dark... doesn't seem like such a smart idea. It definitely was though. We made a huge bonfire while driving all around this red rock with sand. Call us rebels. We sat by the fire thinking it was a good time to begin some scary stories. By this time there were ten of us because Kyle, Spencer and another friend joined us. We sat and talked for a long while after watching the boys jump over the fire. Mario ended up frying his hair which was pretty sad, but kind of hilarious. It was completely singed and smelt just awful. As we were telling our stories, we saw this bright light in the distance. I immediately got the heeby jeebies, but tried to hide it. It kept getting closer and closer. We rushed to put out the fire in case it was a cop, however, I don't know what cop would come out to the middle of no where and climb up the hilll that we were on top of. As it got closer we realized it wasn't a cop and got even more nervous. As we debated maybe doing a quick run away, it made it up the hill. A middle aged man hopped out of the car with his dog. Creepy right? He said he was just seeing if he needed to put out the fire. How he found us or even saw us I have no idea. My thoughts were he is either seeing if we are doing/ have some drugs to share, or he wanted to murder us. Either way we were out of there.


The trip came to a sad ending while saying goodbye to Carl. I do get to see her once more right before she goes into the MTC. So weird. It will be such an amazing experience though.