Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Date for Cruise

Hi! I am attempting to assemble the information for dates for the cruise. Here is what I have.
Andy has spring break from Mar 13-27. Becca has spring break from Mar 18-22nd. It appears that BYU does not have a spring break that I can see from the calendar. Stefany has something about cycles and I don't know how that works, but it effects her ability to attend.

Mom and I can go most anytime. I am not sure on events for Rachel and Sarah that may effect this.

I know that, in the past, students have been able to work around school for trips especially if the trip wraps around a weekend.

Perhaps we could use this posting as a beginning to zero in on some dates where all might attend.

DAD

Monday, November 24, 2008

Snoops is back

alright i'm back, and i've had something on my mind for about a week now and i thought i'd blog about it. i work out at the 24 hours of fitness , and in the evenings i walk by this aerobics class that confuses me???? now i'm with everyone else, walking by an aerobics class can be quit an ab workout especially if you get a good glimpse of the uncoordinated people in the back ( picture mom and dad... especially mom). this class however is one of the strangest things i've ever seen, they are jump roping. now i know that doesn't sound that weird but here is the twist... they are using imaginary jump ropes... what? these are adults in a small room with mirrors all around them pretending to jump rope. obviously i have a few thoughts about this, is the economy that bad that the price of jump ropes has sky rocketed? can i workout with imaginary peices of machinery? "hey sarah why are you sitting down moving your legs and arms like that?" becca says "oh i'm just working out with my rowing machine... its imaginary!" now doesn't that seem a little crazy? maybe rachel could invite her childhood imaginary friend snoops to be her spotter for her imaginary weights? everytime i see them i want to run in the class, start singing "cinderella dressed in yella" and then pretend to jump over all their ropes! and if i fell i could be like, hey i can't believe i just tripped over your imaginary rope. guess what?? last night ashton and i played basketball. of course the ball and the hoop were imaginary, but i totally kicked his booty. i had like 8 interceptions... i love imaginary sports!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

How Fun Are you??

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (does pretending to play the flute in elementary school count?)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (i'm going to assume that sea could mean the lake cabin)
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty ( i counted just seeing it, we tried)
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you are not ill (also known in education as a "mental health day")
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb ( who remembers bubba and snuggles... the hainsworth's lambs?)
26. Gone skinny dipping ( my favorite thing i learned at girls camp, besides tye dyeing my sports bra)
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors (does montana count???)
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language (sign language)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sang Karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful in person

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported by ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. visited the Great Wall of China
57. Taken a martial arts class
58. Started a business the sugar mamas and the friendship bracelet company with andy
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies
62. gone Whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma (tried)
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy (heart to heart bear)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guard in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Swam in the ocean
86. Visited the White House (but I haven't been inside)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (it was a fish...but I wasn't the one who caught it...does that still count?)
88. Had Chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

sarah jean hendrickson

So if this is the "Fun Meter" then i am just not that fun.I only got 40/99.... wait i'd probably be pretty happy with that grade in school!!! now i noticed that a lot of these would require one to travel to Europe... gee i wonder who in the family will have the most??? maybe the person that goes to Europe every other day. so this is really easy, just copy and paste and bold or unbold the things you've done or not done!!!
peace out peeps!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

some cruise info!!

yo peeps! since i dont really do a lot at my job besides surf the internet, i've been researching this trip of ours and this is what i've found. ok so if we made a choice that we wanted to go on a cruise in the caribbean a way to affordabley would be to go on a 5 day cruise but not stop in as many cities. I have found a few cruises that start in florida and stop in key west, and cozumel. now that doesnt seem like a lot of stops, but they would be in the $200 range. I still think it would be fun, and worth it!!! this is why... i did some more research to find that jet blue has great deals on flights that depart from both salt lake and new york, and they are around the $200 range as well. which for me would make it worth it. i didn't want to pay $500 or $600 on a flight where i would only stop in 1 or 2 places. i however will pay $200 for a few stops and some fun with the fam!! How does everyone feel about that??

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Testing Testing 123

Hi! I am trying to figure out how to use this thing.....

Dad

Cruise

So now is the time to make comments because we really need some family feed back. So last night we looked at some cruises and realized that the ones out of Florida may be more fun, they however cost a pretty penny for a 5 day. Not to mention the airfare, with all that it would cost about $1000 per person. Now i dont know about the rest of you but we would have to give up christmas and birthdays for about 10 years for that to even out. So we are trying to come up with alternatives... but we need everyones help. Keep your eyes and ears open for ideas. We have seen a few all inclusive hotels in mexico. Another option is, and i have to say i love this, its actually very reasonable to rent a house in Hawaii. The benefit to that is it costs around $200/night which means we could each be in charge of paying for a night.We can also look into houses in other cities. These are just a few ideas... so lets hear your input and start lookin!!!

Monday, November 17, 2008

I Can Now Cross This Off My List

I, Rachel, can now cross off my list getting to see Steve Nash, my current favorite NBA player, play basketball. That's right. He didn't have the flu this time as he battled the Jazz. It should be said that the woman by me asked who I was rooting for. I said, "The Jazz and Steve Nash because I love him." Here are my observations watching the game:
1. Nash is shorter and more muscular than he appears. He looks tiny next to Shaq (but so does Boozer, really).
2. Nash is pretty much high-fiving or congratulating his teammates all of the time.
3. He frequently licks his hands, which I find both interesting and, yes, attractive.
4. He is constantly moving and sometimes jumping on the sidelines (Mary's favorite part).
5. When Nash gets into foul trouble (he got #5 in the 3rd), he doesn't go into the key, which is a problem for the Suns.

All in all a great game, but I am worried about Phoenix. Shaq is old and seems a little out of place. I think they need to get some young guys to keep competing. The Jazz looked fabulous. And the Knicks would make the playoffs if they started today. I have hope for them this season!!!

Sunday, November 16, 2008

*A Fanksgiving Miracle*

November 15, 2008 we started a new tradition. One that will go down in the history books as the greatest day ever created. A day where you can find one family united in a circle holding hands (yes, Ashton and Dad) dancing and copying eachother's dance moves. There may have been some eating in there as well. The best ham ever was consumed, the most joyous mfp's were inhaled and the greatest pies were slammed into our wide opened traps. We have created a very powerful day. We hope others (that means Andy and Stefay) can join in the festivities next year and many years to come. Happy Fanksgiving Everyone!



Thursday, November 13, 2008

Test Blog from Dad

I trying to learn how to do a blog, so this is a test

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Visiting Andy and Stefay











I think Andy and Stefany need a little shout out in New York with some pictures. I also think that I need a shout out as this is the first time that I have ever blogged anything. (Parentals, it's time for you to count blogging as one your abilities, as well.) Anyways, enjoy these pictures from the visit. Please note David Blain dangling in the background behind Stef and me, and Mary and me in front of the Ghostbusters library where we had just eated the most fabulous cupcakes(from Crumbs, so everyone can keep track).

Aloha

Aloha, (right now you are saying Aloha back to me, because that's how they do it in Hawaii) Alright a very sad day has come.... we've returned from Hawaii :( (sad, but tan face). Now i have noticed that no one has really felt the need to post pics from their new apartments/condos ( rachel, Andy, and Stefany) so i will be forced to give you a total and complete blog about the most amazing place on earth from "The Sarah Point of View"

First off I should really start be explaining that the evil spirits came together the day before our heavenly trip to take both Ashton and I down. I have not thrown up due to the flu in a decade, I just don't throw up. In fact I said that to Becca that evening...."I'll be fine, I don't throw up". Both Ashton and I were running to the toilet all through the night and the early morning... but no need to fear we bucked up and made it to our flight. On another note I would just like to say that those people who are bulimic really are crazy. The fact that one would make themselves do that is ridiculous, especially if they had eaten popcorn the night before... as I did... not awesome! Anyway the flight was 6 of the worst hours of my life... but when i saw the water and felt the sun, I didn't care one bit if my breath smelled bad and I was still blowing popcorn shells out of my nose.... I was in paradise!!!

The first day consisted of Becca and myself trying to find beaches, that was exciting and also very simple considering its an island. Now i would just like to address the swimsuit issue facing the world today. If i were running for president I would create a law banning bikinis being produced over the size 10. For some reason no one else seems to feel this is an issue. Some.... I mean many seem to think no matter your size or weight, feel free to show us what only your husband should see. I was amazed, Becca and I ( who are hot already) in our little Tankinis felt particularly thin the duration of this trip... so i guess thanks ladies for bringing stretch marks back to cool again!

The ocean waves are an amazing thing, they look calming and beautiful from the sand but in the water my friends its another story. Becca and I spent much of an afternoon at Sunset Beach! In fact some of my very favorite moments in life occured watching Becca get thrown onto the sand with her legs spread eagle. It reminded me of that part in Mary Poppins at the begining when the other nannies are waiting in line and then all that wind comes and sends that one lady in the air and her legs were spread. Well that was Becca accept in water. Thank goodness the ocean is one giant toilet because had it not been i would have had to find a change of pants very quickly. Ah yes we spent a lot of that time being tossed to and fro in the Pacific Ocean. We found that if you stood in the shallow area that a seeming small waves would send you rocketing onto the sand. . In case any of you have forgotten a few things about sand let me refresh your memory 1. Sand is not soft, and when your entire body, including face is being dragged along it you have a sudden appriciation for beached whales and the struggles they go through. 2. Sand no matter what you do or how you try to prevent it, will in fact make home in every crevis of your body/ swim suit. Each time i would stand up from being thrashed onto the beach i would try to remove it from all areas of my body... huh nice try why? you ask because of 3. Sand doesn't come off anything, wet or dry sand attaches itself and then all together now... NEVER COMES OFF!! legs, arms, hair, feet you name it and if sand touches it you've got a good few hours of exfoliating! One of my favorites is the perpectual sandy feet. Even if you go to the foot bath/ shower and wash the sand on your feet, it always seems to find its way back, which is why sand and I fell in love on this trip. I can honestly say that sand has in fact been the most commited relationship i've ever had, and even though we are apart i will love it always!

One day we had the chance to go to Hanauma Bay, which costs $5 per person just to get in, but is so so worth it. Thanks to Mark we had snorkel gear and didn't have to rent the equipment for $15 each. Becca and I ventured out and i was amazed at the fish we saw. You swim right over the coral and you see the most amazing colored fish. I honestly felt like i was a disney character and began singing under the sea. There really is another world going on in the water that we dont see, and its amazing. Ashton and Mark finally arrived after many many hours and we were lucky enough to see a sea turtle feeding on the coral. It was one of the coolest things i have ever seen. The fish and other sea creatures didn't mind us swiming right over them. Ashton of course would feel the need to pick up things off the ocean floor, such as little crabs and hold them, i found no need to hold things that could potentially clamp onto me! Becca and I got a lot of color that day, maybe a little too much and by the end of the day we really wanted to be out of the sun... I ever thought i'd say that! But I loved Hanauma Bay and would highly recomend!!

Really quickly lets discuss Cirque Du Soleil, which i will be calling.... "The ids who didn't have friends in High School". This was the craziest cracked out show i have ever seen. Becca, Mark and I are pretty sure it was brought to us by the crack smoking makers of the classic kids show Zoobalee Zoo. Now dont get me wrong i thoroughly enjoyed myself. But Seriously if you can hang upside down on a pole only holding on by your toes... then you need to find a new hobby. Their talents were amazingly freaky at one point one man ( in spandex i might add) was balancing another man (also in spandex) upside down on his head... now who thinks that up??? and then how do you practice that???? Even though its a freak filled show if it comes to town i'd go, but i probably wouldn't waste a night that could be filled with sand and water!

I have some food to talk about food, I was able to experience two of the greatest items of food that have ever happened to me. 1. Shaved ice, funny story, see even before i went to Hawaii many people had told me about the amazing shaved ice stands. Now, was thinking about the kind that are at Hoopfest, they're good but really its just overpriced snow with some sugar water over it, but since everyone raved about it I though i'd give it a try. So, becca and I went in search of the famouse shaved ice, we knew it was in the city of Haleiwa, which for the record is my favorite city on Oahu. Its on the North Shore and it has the most amazing feel to it, its exactly how you would picture a small Hawaiian town. Anyway we saw this place we had heard of and also saw a place next to it that had a line out the door. We chose to go to the one with no line, i hate waiting for food. This place was called Aeoke's... oh my gosh... oh my gosh they were amazing. We were both in Heaven. The special thing about these were they put vanilla ice cream in the bottom... brilliant. Seriously if i had one of those everyday for the rest of my life, i'd be a very very happy girl. We later found out the one with the line is supposedly the favorite of the island, its calleed Mosemoto's, they drizzle condensed milk on the top. Ashton loved it, but Becca, Mark and I all agreed that the first place was better. Now the 2nd greatest food on earth... Kua Aina, sounds weird right... wrong its a burger place with pretty much any combination burger you could imagine. They were the best burgers any of us have ever had, i had a pineapple burger and you could not beat that fresh pineapple. There are sadly on 3 in the world, Honolulu, Haliewa and Hong Kong, so if anyone is in China... i'd hit that up if i were you. We ended up eating there 3 nights in a row and in fact we all voted to eat it for our last meal in Hawaii!!! Good bye food i'll miss you but my thighs wont!

Sorry its so long

The Polenesian Cultural Center was amazing. Seeing and learnig about the different cultures was awesome. We were able to go the Luau and eat big, fish and chicken. We all stuffed ourselves with amazing food. Walking around a few of the workers asked if we were from Utah, which is so funny because i can always tell when people are mormon but i never actually thought people could tell that we were. I think Becca's Shade shirt gave it away. We met some BYU Hawaii students and they actually invited us to a school dance that evening. I would have loved to attend and find a hot Hawaiin man that would have convinced me to stay, but it turns out it cost $2 to and we were way too cheap to pay to dance... i dance for free almost everyday. Then we saw the night show, this was so amazing, there were fire dancers and singing it was fabulous. I thought it was so cool that the church does this. We also got to see the Temple, which was so beautiful, and we found out that they are shutting it down for 1 1/2 years for major reconstruction so i'm glad I was able to see it.

A few other places i love.... The Swapp Meet, there i was able to purchase a turquoise coral necklase that i had been wanting for years. Ashton purchased a 4lb back of sea salt and then put it in my bad that i carred around all day... i'll be sending him the bill for the scoleosis that i now have, thanks. Wiameya Bay was so fun, the first day it was calmer then Sunset Beach so we could play in the water a little easier. The next we went it had record high waves so I tried boogie boarding, big emphasis on try, because I got worked! Earlier that day they had seen a shark in that bay. Pearl Harbor was also amazing. Mom and Dad would have loved it. First we watched a 20 minute video, to learn a little more about what happened that day. Considering all i really knew about it was that Josh Hartnett died and Ben Affleck had to raise his child. I had no idea that the water was so shallow and some of the boat is actually still above water. Another cool thing was that some of the soldiers that were on that boat but didn't die have the option of having their ashes put back into the ship after they die. They have a wall with the name of all the men killed, I looked to see if there was a Hendrickson or a Denton, there wasn't but there was a Rodgers. It was a great history lesson!! It was cool how everyone was peaceful and quite there as to keep it holy and to respect it. It was a great experience

Well I think that's about it! Thanks for hanging in there and reading my novel ( by the way i'm writing a biography which will be released on a later date) about the greatest place on earth. I can't wait to go back, in fact we for sure need to have a family reunion there. I would do whatever it takes to return, for me its not a matter of if I return... but when. Returning home to the cold in Utah was not amazing, and waking up at 7 feeling like its 4 in the morning was also not awesome, but all i have to do is close my eyes and remember the pure joy the existed in Oahu. Aloha and Mahala

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Our Ladybug









Rachel and I were Tina Fey and Amy Poehler!! Most of the people didn't know who we were..... but the few that did know thought we were pretty rad!! And by the way all night long men told Rachel that she looks really good prego! They would say the same to me accept not about being prego, they would say i look really good as a lesbien where's waldo!