This week + weekend was so much fun.  We didn’t have any pressing plans, other than my scheduled Relief Society activity and a Saturday birthday brunch, and it turned out to be completely full…and FUN!

Monday we spent “Family Night” at PF Chang’s for dinner.  It was pouring rain, and hot Chinese food was just what we both were craving.

Tuesday afternoon I went to my post-op appointment and got my gross bandages taken off.  My scar looks really good, I was pleasantly surprised!  Zach was a little concerned when he saw my black scab, but I was assured it was completely normal.  My general surgeon, Dr. Reading, was amazing.  I told her if I get any more lumps or bumps that I am coming back to visit!  Lipomas are hereditary, and it turns out my Dad and my Brother both have one.  Thanks Dad, I inherited your lactose intolerance and fatty lumps!  The best part about my visit was that I am finally good to go running at nights again!  I am no fitness buff, and I don’t pretend to be…I promise, but I have really missed running.  It clears my mind, relieves so much stress, and even helps me sleep better at night [probably because I am so physically exhausted after that I almost fall asleep in the shower, let alone my bed.]

Earlier Tuesday – during work – I saw that my friend was selling her tickets for the opening night showing of Wicked [on Wednesday].  My Mom has been wanting to go for years, ever since I raved about it when Zach and I saw it in London over five years ago.  What makes me sick to my stomach is that we bought our tickets for 25 British Pounds [about $40 US Dollars] and we sat on the front row.  It was also the ORIGINAL CAST….with Kristin Chenoweth.  I still can’t believe tickets were that cheap for that cast, it honestly blows my mind.  But I knew my mom wouldn’t care about the cast, or even that we weren’t on the front row.  So I hurried and bought the tickets as soon as humanly possible.  I called my Mom and told her about our plans.  She cried on the phone she was so excited.

Wednesday finally came and we went out to eat before the show.  She was squealing pretty much the whole night.

Needless to say, she loved it.  It was just as good as I remembered, but even more fun to share it with someone that had never seen it before.  Oh, and in case you are wondering…she cried during half of the production.  It was the highlight of my week, and probably the highlight of my Mom’s year.  I hope the excitement lasts the whole year too, because it was her Christmas and Birthday gift.  Thank you Martha for making this possible!

Thursday was our annual Progressive Dinner for Relief Society.  Obviously I didn’t do any cooking, that is not one of my strengths, but I was overjoyed to help with the decorations!

Friday, Zach asked if I would meet him for lunch in Salt Lake at the Park Cafe.  He decided we should go more often, perhaps make it a tradition.  He named the day French Toast Friday – his own made-up holiday.  He was very excited about it.

Later that night, I met Zach’s mom at City Creek.  We were on a mission: to find gifts for the girls in our family.  We were successful!  After our shopping, Zach and I took Mark and Jeanene to Cucina Toscana for their first time.  If you have been before [or have never been, too] you must try their asparagus ravioli.  Pretty much melts in your mouth.

After dinner we went and saw the new Batman movie at the Gateway theater, along with every other person in the country.  We loved it!  Definitely worth the wait, in our opinion.

Saturday I met all the girls in Zach’s family [and baby Will] for afternoon tea at the Grand America to celebrate Lori, Gina, and Rachael’s birthdays.  Jeanene gave them all her gift – floppy hats, perfect for a tea party!  Isn’t she the cutest mother-in-law ever?

Such a dapper little gentlemen.  We deemed him William for the afternoon.  He was loving flirting with all the ladies in their fancy caps.

Saturday night we drove up to Ogden for our only 50 Days item for the week.  We had sushi at Tona and then met my brother afterwards for our activity.  We decided to do a late session at the Flowrider.  It was:  #24 – Go to the Flowrider in Ogden.  Not only was I excited to try the wave again, but excited to get in the water in general.  Zach and I had tried a generated wave once before in Idaho, and this time around I had much better luck.  I only had one major spill – in which my swimsuit top came completely unraveled and my right breast [yes, I said breast…nipple and all] came completely out.  Zach claimed nobody saw my nip slip, but I was sure it was quite obvious.  Blake and Zach, on the other hand, were fantastic. They both have incredible balance.  It was Blake’s first time trying out the wave and he had a great time!

Lesson learned – wear a rash guard over your swimmy even if you are wearing a one piece.   No female breast is safe from exposure in this place.

Sunday after church we drove up to Farmington to go to our niece Josie’s harp recital.  It was at Zach’s brother Tony’s house.  Josie did a fantastic job, she is so talented.  All of her practicing has paid off!

After the recital, Mark even tried his hand at the harp strings.  Also, observe his ‘harp face’.  Very classy, Mr. Henderson.

Sunday night we got to go visit Zach’s sister Gina and see her new home that she and her family moved in to.  It’s so beautiful and we are so happy for them and their four girls.

We also welcomed Sunday night’s thunderstorm with open arms.  A perfect end to a fantastic week!