Alaska Cruise- Seattle

It was decided that we would go on an Alaskan Cruise for the Briscoe family reunion this year. When it came time to pay for the cruise, the fees had already been paid. My brother had taken care of all the family members to go on the cruise.  This was a huge blessing to everyone and our other children. All of the siblings and their spouses, most of their children, and my dad were able to make it. Between JD and I, we hit the jackpot when it comes to family! 

Ashlynn had just returned from 

FSY. She couldn't wait to go to Alaska.

We boarded the cruise ship in Seattle. 

I found the saying to be true, 

"It is not hard to fall in love with Seattle."

The Public Market Center is so cute and fun.

Some find the bubble gum wall disgusting. 

It made me smile.  

In 1990 this tradition began when individuals

waited in line for tickets for different productions, and it stuck:). 

For dinner, we ended up at a fancy restaurant.

The company was as cute as could be and couldn't be beaten.

 

The food was okay and someday when I return to Seattle, I will

 choose to eat somewhere outdoors that is a little more exciting.

The morning of the cruise Britton and 

I was up early so we went exploring.

This was a favorite for me!

Britton played soccer on the Pier.

Britton has used the word Core Memory a few times since watching, Inside Out. 

I love it when my children use those kinds of words.

The morning was a core memory for me in  

the way that I will forever perceive and remember Seattle.

I enjoyed riding around on the scooters with Britton 

so much. I begged JD to take our luggage with the other kiddos and 

let me ride around with 

Ashlynn before going to catch the boat.

We had a fabulous time.

I fell in love with this area of Seattle.

Can you imagine being able to go to a 

FRESH fish market every day?

Ashlynn and I were impressed and neither 

one of us likes to eat fish.

We were having so much fun exploring that we lost track of time. 

JD called to tell us they were all on the ship. We got a little

 worried that we might miss it. 

As we headed to Port, we learned a valuable lesson. Pick a scooter that has multiple bars left. We overlooked that detail. When we couldn't find another one, we rode together until we did. 

Yes, that is against the rules. 

The one that we found was from a different company. This makes it look like you are a first-time rider so you can't go as fast. Ashlynn loved that she was flying, while I could barely get mine to move. 

It was a memorable adventure and we made it to the ship in plenty of time!

Celebrating 29 in Vegas

 I LOVED spending our 29th anniversary in Vegas.

I had been talking about how much I wanted to sit by the pool, 

listen to books on my AirPods, and read my magazines for weeks.

 

Vegas was the perfect place to do this. 

We stayed in a family resort that was away from the strip. 

It was crazy hot the week we went and I LOVED it. 

Swimming is preferable when it's at least 100 degrees. 

Then you can get in and out of the water without getting cold:).

Took the time to visit the Las Vegas Temple. 

The Celestial Room is beautiful.

One of the things I love about going to the temple is how each time I 

go, it helps me to better understand who I am as a Child of God. 

I am thankful for the Covenants we make in the temple and 

how they make it possible for families to be eternal. 

                                             

One night we went to the STRAT and it was sold out. 

I wasn't too heartbroken about it. 

I don't love heights.

The temperature stays consistent in Vegas. 

Early in the morning, HOT!!

Late at night, Hot!

It might get old if you live in Vegas. If you are someone 

who loves the heat and is just visiting, it's wonderful.

I read on Pinterest that this area was a must-see.

We went, we saw, and all I can say is ODD.

I Loved spending the week in 

Las Vegas. I would not want to live there.

I read somewhere that you don't need to tour the world, you can visit

 Las Vegas and see all the highlights in one location. 

One day I plan to go to Paris and see the Eiffel Tower. 

David LaChapelle said, 

"I like the Eiffel Tower in Las Vegas more than the actual one." 

For now, I do as well LOL.

Las Vegas truly is the city that NEVER sleeps.

The day we went to the Hoover Dam it was 114 degrees. 

JD does not share my love of the heat. 

He dehydrates easily and prefers to be cold.

He still agreed to go to the Dam and tour it to make me happy.

The signs were cracking me up. 

I wonder how many people each year need to be rescued

 because they forget to bring water with them? 

As you can see by all of the drinks 

JD took the signs seriously :).

This Dam is incredible and made me think of the blessing 

it is to have such brilliant minds capable of 

considering every detail to make it possible. 

The Hoover Dam was completed in 1936. For it to remain 

strong and effective over the years a lot of hard work and

 dedication has gone into maintaining it. 

This will sound cheesy, 

but many of the same fundamentals required for maintaining the Hoover Dam 

are true for marriage.

1- A strong and solid foundation can help a couple withstand the pressures that life brings

2- Anyone who has been to Hoover Dam can see that it has been engineered and designed in a way that makes it possible to provide stability and handle the pressures of the Colorado River. This is true of a happy marriage. As a couple works together to overcome challenges they become more resilient and stronger.

3- As we walked up to the bridge at the Dam some signs talked about the collaboration and teamwork that went into making the Hoover Dam a reality. Each team needed to show a willingness to listen to one another's areas of expertise.  Marriage works this way as well. 

JD and I are the happiest when we are willing to listen to one another and let the other use their strengths and areas of expertise to create the best outcome. 

This can be difficult for the two of us because we both think we are the experts:). 

This is where collaboration and teamwork are vital!

(and maybe putting aside our pride)

4- As we drove into the Hoover Dam area it immediately became clear that the maintenance and care of that place is essential. I read a quote once that I think about often. It said, "Treat your family as an investment, not a liability." This requires DAILY maintenance and care if you want it to last. 

5-  The Hoover Dam has had a profound and lasting impact on the region by providing water, power, and recreation. 

As I look over the last 29 years I feel blessed by the impact that marriage has had on my life. I am thankful for JD and the blessing he is in my life. We are blessed by the beautiful children, in-laws, grandchildren, and friends who have come into our lives throughout our marriage.  They have provided JD and me with happiness and blessed our lives profoundly and positively in EVERY way. 

HAPPY 29 TO US!