LIBERTY LAND: THE START OF SOMETHING AMAZING

In an attempt to go see Boyz II Men at the state fair (which was sold out!!!) we ended up at Liberty Land. For those of you who do not live in Utah County or frequent I-15 in Lehi, let me fill you in. Liberty Land is a creepy carnival looking place directly on the side of the freeway. All you can see from the freeway is their version of Mount Rushmore, Washington Monument, and a carousel. Seeing these items while driving at 70mph causes a bit of confusion and curiosity. Curiosity and boredom got the best of Josh, Holly, Allison, Kyle, Jessica, and myself. We ventured to the unknown side-of-the-road-carnival.

I can't explain what we saw. Pictures can't do it justice. And the event can never be repeated. Go if you wish to see an awkward display of patriotism mixed in with old carnival equipment. The rides are run by 16 yr olds who don't care that you are waiting in line, they will open the ride when they feel like it.

But something truly amazing did come of LL and I will be calling it in many posts from here on out: Cheese Fest 2009-2010. Look forward to the information and details of this. It will blow your minds. Until then, enjoy these photos of what we all experienced one amazing Friday evening.

13th Hole @ LL's mini-golf paying homage to Abe

Showing our reverence for the US flag placed right next to the rock climbing wall

The carousel that had nothing to do with liberty/USA/pride

Scared that we might fall off due to maximum weight capacity on the Mount Rushmore roller coaster. Which, if you fall off you land on the freeway.

Where do you buy dirty, old, carnival toys anyway?

NO, I AM A TEACHER

I am getting sick of giving that response because people assume I am a student - a junior high school student to be exact. I Can't even begin to tell you how many times this happens. I don't live at home. I don't thrive off of drama. I can drive. I am 23. This is my second year teaching. I AM NOT A TEENAGER.

Whew, just had to get that off my chest. This unexplainable event happened again last night when I went to the Timp vs. Mountain View football game to support my former students. Showing up in my OJH t-shirt I was presumed to be a student and of course, like always, my response was, "NO, I AM A TEACHER!"

COUGARS ARE PRETTY NEAT

I love BYU. I love BYU football. I love when BYU football wins. Because of these, I love the last two weekends. The whole world knows about the amazing win over Oklahoma. We were the major underdogs ranked 20 playing the number 3 team in the nation. We rose to the challenge and fought a great fight. I watched the game at the Petersen's and Josh was there as well. Screaming, cheering, and crying were a common occurrence throughout the game. But the key to the evening's fun filled chaos was after the game. Right as it ended it was as though Heaven opened every door in Provo and fans came flooding out. Cheering, raising triumphant fists, everyone seemed to know what to do: head to the stadium. We all climbed in Josh's car with the fight song blaring loudly and made our way to the field. As we drove through Provo to get there, we were greeted by fans in the street coming up to the car to high five the car with the fight song playing proudly. Provo was alive. Provo was united. BYU football was unstoppable! This was the single greatest evening I have ever had and I have lived in Provo for 5 years.

The fun didn't just happen once. Yesterday the crew met back up at the Petersen's to witness the slaughtering of Tulane. We beat them and we beat them hard. I started feeling bad towards the end of the game (that seamed more like a scrimmage for the Cougs) because the poor team just kept getting further behind. But it was a great win at 54-3. We rose in the poles yet again and are currently ranked No. 7!

Later that evening Josh and I, with Heidi in tow, headed for the Provo airport where our dear Cougars would be returning home after the intense victory. As the plane came in and the door started to open I was trapped between tears and cheering. I was so excited but yet feeling the spirit of BYU at full blast. Bronco gave a speech to us. The team took a victory lap, greeting every fan. Take a gander at the photos from the last two glorious weekends and the fun had by all.

JUST CALL ME YENTA

Some might say I have a skill, some might say I don't. I claim that I'm just really in tune with my Jewish history and thats how I got Kyle and Allison together. I understand how matchmaking works and with this couple, boy did it work! After a few weeks of extremely awkward interactions between Kyle and Allison at my house they finally got together, then dated, then fell in tender love, then wedded. I don't know if I will ever get to have the experience again of knowing and loving both the bride and groom so much. What a fun way to watch a couple come together when you know them both.

I knew I was meant to work at OJH for many reasons but one of the most significant has been Allison. She has helped me so much and I like to think that I have helped her too (in more ways than just finding her a husband). Now that she has married Kyle I think we are forever linked. I can be aunt Ashley, Josh can be an uncle if he wishes, and we can all just be great friends "for like ever." It was a little special being a bridesmaid and Josh a groomsman.

Their wedding was great day. One of best parts was watching shy Kyle talk, dance, kiss, etc. in public. Most people don't think Kyle has much of a vocal side to him but I, however, know that he does. The wedding was gorgeous, the bride beautiful, and the groom so happy. Best wishes to the couple. And since I caught the bouquet I expect the favor to be returned.

GSL: TOURIST CENTRAL

Alisha flew in for Kyle and Allison's wedding and so we got to spend all day Saturday together. I begged her to tell me what she really wanted to do and not just, "I will do whatever you like dear." She finally said she would like to stand in the Great Salt Lake. I looked at her puzzled but agreed to chaperone the event. Josh came down to help do Grammy's yard so we took a break and started our journey to the lake. Neither Josh nor myself have been out there in 5-10 years so after a minor "lost" detour we finally arrived on the island. I forgot that its actually quite beautiful. Well no, I didn't forget because everywhere in Utah is beautiful but it was nice to be reminded. I made the car listen to "Fur Traders and Trappers" while enjoying the history and scenery around us. And by enjoy I mean forcing the passengers to hear the great song about early mountain men finding the GSL and thinking it was the Pacific Ocean. It was kind of hard to find a spot in the lake that didn't look disgusting to stand in. Once we located a place, took a picture, and got the heck out of that water, our feet became salt ridden and white. It was gross yet so great at the same time. All in all it was a great experience that I, as a Utah history teacher and lover, should do more often. Next on my quest at the GSL is to see Spiral Jetty.