Since I had the 24th off from work, we decided to go out and do something Monday night.  We came to an agreement to do #21 – Drive-in Movie.  We went out to dinner and then killed some time before it got dark getting treats.  We were only planning on getting a few items, but ended up on an excursion.

We got two boxes of Chips Ahoy cookies, two different types of mascara, three magazines, some Reese’s cups, seriously considered buying a flannel…

almost bought a fishing pole…

And at one point, I couldn’t get Zach out of the store because he was taking a free electronic eye exam.  Talk about ADD in it’s purest form.

We finally arrived at the Drive-in.  We made a comfy spot in the back of Zach’s car and read our magazines and munched on our treats until the movie started.  We decided to see the Amazing Spiderman.

The movie was great, and we didn’t leave the lot until around midnight.  But we decided to take full advantage of our day off the next day, so we went on a late drive around Bountiful and North Salt Lake.  We stopped on Eagleridge Drive and checked out the gorgeous view of the valley.

The next morning was really low key.  We slept in, did laundry, and then decided to go to lunch downtown.  Zach took me to a place called Pallet, on 400 W. near the Gateway.  This qualified as another summer list item #12 – Try a new restaurant.

At first glance, the branding and the design of the restaurant was a dream.  I was in love from the second I set foot in that place.

We ordered our drinks [that came in mason jars] and our entrees – we both ordered the same thing.  We got the turkey avocado and bacon sandwich, but I got mine in wrap form.

After lunch we ventured over to the Gateway to do some shopping before heading up to Ogden.

We ate dinner with the entire Henderson clan and watched the kiddies jump off the mountain, slide down the slide, and swim from one end of the pool to the other.

Observe Mark on the waterfall, hanging loose with the kiddies!  Such a fun grandpa.

After the pool-fest at the Hendersons we drove down to my parents’ house for an ice cream date.  We drove to Coldstone, ate our ice cream and chatted until they kicked us out, and then watched fireworks from the car.  This counted as #20 – Fireworks!  We weren’t sprawled out on a blanket, but we stayed cool and listened to some great tunes instead.  I like fireworks just as much that way.

Before returning home, my Dad told me we had to swing by their house for a “surprise”.  He led us both down to the basement and showed me his gift:  a full-scale skeleton model.  It’s plastic, not bone…I promise.  It has all the fingers and toes, and all of the parts are movable.  My Dad knows I love Halloween, and wanted me to have this as part of my decor.  Isn’t he thoughtful?

It was pretty hilarious driving home with it in the back seat.  It’s literally taller than both Zach and my Dad.

He [Captain Skully] will live in our spare bedroom with our Christmas Trees and other holiday decor.  I just hope whoever enters that room has a fair warning – he looks pretty scary just lying there…

Thursday after work, Zach left for another Boys’ Trip.  This time to the US Surf Open in California.  I love Zach’s friends, and I love even more that he still goes on trips with them and does other activities with them.  In his own words, “Kate…sometimes you just need to go to the US Surf Open with your friends.”

He left Thursday when he got done with work, and I didn’t even get to see him by the time I got home.  But when I walked upstairs into my bedroom, I found this on my bed…

Earlier that day at work, my MacBook Pro was having issues.  It turned into a huge complication and I couldn’t even get it to turn back on.  I finally decided to bite the bullet and go get a new one.  I have been saving for a new MacBook for over two years, anticipating the release of this new Retina Display.  I just couldn’t bring myself to buy a new one until my old one died on me, and it finally did.  So I rushed off to the Apple Store to get my new Mac.

I know it sounds ridiculous, but when you use a computer EVERY single day like I do, it is a pretty big part of your livelihood.  I totally teared up while purchasing it.

Yes, I am taking a photo of it in F21.  It was that big of a moment for me.  It rode next to me in the car on the way to dinner, too.

Later that night, my Mom’s side of the family went out to dinner to celebrate my Grandpa’s 80th Birthday at our family favorite – David’s Kitchen.

After dinner we all went back to my parents for cake and ice cream, while Grandpa opened his gifts.

Friday my Mom and Aunt picked me up from work to go to lunch at Paradise Bakery.  We chatted, ate our turkey and cranberry sandwiches, and then shared some chocolate chip cookies.  When they dropped me off, my mother suddenly had to use the restroom.  I took her into my office and showed her where our bathroom was.  About 5 minutes later, I heard her screaming my name at the top of her lungs.  The whole office could hear.  All the guys erupted in laughter.  Turns out she was out of toilet paper, which is better than I expected when I heard her shrieking.  The guys obviously could tell where I inherited my high-pitched voice.

Since Zach was gone, Friday night after work I decided to get a massage at my sister-in-law’s spa.  This activity was also on our summer list #48 – Massage at Beyond Spa.

Zach was really looking forward to this activity, but I went without him.  Don’t feel bad for him, though…because he was having the time of his life in Vegas that night.  I usually request the same girl every time I go to her spa – but this time, she recommended someone new.  I have never been a huge fan of massages – I usually feel sore and achy after, but enjoy them during the duration of the massage.  This time, this therapist did a very unique technique.  She stretched my arms, hands, legs, and even my neck in different positions.  Imagine doing Yoga and getting a massage at the same time – that basically sums it up.  It was my favorite massage…ever.  I can’t wait to go back.  The best part is that I wasn’t sore at all the next day!

After my massage my parents came over to keep me company.  We watched the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympics and my Mom helped me put together “treasure baskets” for the Family Reunion the next day.

Saturday I drove up to the Henderson Cabin for Jeanene’s Family Reunion.  We had Madsens from all over join us up at Causey.  My assignment was to come up with an activity for the kids.  I decided to do a Princess and Pirate Treasure Hunt with clues all around the cabin.  There were even more kids than I expected join in.

They had a great time and were even smart enough to skip two of the clues to get to the treasure faster.  They enjoyed the toys and treats – foam swords, ring pops, paper airplanes, princess puzzles, and other Dollar Store treasures.

While I was at the reunion, Zach and his friends were still enjoying Vegas…

Sunday was so relaxing.  I watched the Olympics after church until I went to my Parents’ for Sunday Dinner.

Meanwhile, Zach and the boys finally made it to Hunnington for the US Nike Surf Open and enjoyed the event.

My Grandma [my Dad’s mother] and my Grandpa [my Mom’s father] both joined us for dinner at my Parents’.  My Grandma even came sporting her colored denim.  She’s just trying to stay hip, is all.

We finished the night with some Olympic swimming races and watched the Women’s Gymnastics [my absolute favorite Olympic event].  It was a great week, and for now the only thing getting me through Monday is counting down the hours until Zach comes home!