Misadventures in the Constitution State: May 2009

When he shall die
Take him and cut him out in little stars
And he will make the face of heav'n so fine
That all the world will be in love with night
And pay no worship to the garish sun.
~William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

Shirley Haacke (Grandma)
Grandma was one of the most loving people you would ever meet. She always remembered all our special days, even when we lived far away. She always went out of her way to let us know that we were loved and she thought about us all the time. We will always miss her, but still have all the happy and fun memories we made together,

Bradley Austin Schoenwald (Brother from my other mother)
From the moment I met him Brad claimed a piece of my heart. Those big brown eyes, that smile, those muscles, and his larger than life personality made a lasting impression on anyone that was lucky enough to have known him. I was fortunate enough to live next door to him and grow up along side of him. Summer nights sleeping on the trampoline and looking up at the stars, Buzz games, soccer games, night games, mountain biking, playing with Jake, and playing babysitter and of course making rice crispy treats were some of our favorite things to do as kids. Then in the blink of an eye we were grown and Brad had transformed into such a handsome young man. He had a cell phone full of girls to prove it. I loved going through the list with him and getting the dirt A-Z on all the unworthy females. On my visits to Utah we would always meet and catch up. Whether it was hanging at his house after shoulder surgery, reminiscing, or grabbing some cafe rio and playing guitar hero it was always a major highlight of my trip. I love Brad so much and not a day goes by where I don't miss or think about him. We used to spend hours staring up at the stars and now he has become one of my stars. Our memories have become my treasure. My life is forever changed. Love you B.

Alison McKnight
Amazing mother, woman, and friend. She was the perfect example of standing up and dusting yourself off when knocked down. I will forever admire her courage to stand strong and face life no matter what it gives you. Her ironing skills and organized closets are unattainable for normal mankind. Her dedication to spin class and transforming and reclaiming her life are such admirable qualities. Last but not least she gave me my Jesse and I will forever be grateful for such a blessing in my life.

Col and I had a tripped planned to Cancun with our dear friends Brent and Marissa. Thanks to the swine flu we ended up changing our plans last second to Belize. What a blessing in disguise!!! Belize was out of this world!!! We stayed on Ambergris Caye (pronounced KEY) about 1 1/2 hours off the coast of Belize city. Though it was a rough little journey to get there it was so worth it!! There are almost NO CARS on the island and everyone drives golf carts instead. It was such an incredible escape from the stresses of daily life that we throw on ourselves as Americans. We couldn't stop entertaining the idea of just picking up and moving there and living the simple life. We even checked out a dental office and a design company. WHOA I KNOW! Everyone was so friendly and would just stop and have a conversation with you. It far surpassed expectations and is a million times better than Cancun. Absolutely an UNBELIZEABLE experience!!!

When we flew into the Belize International airport we were a bit shocked to see that it was literally one small little building. We were definitely the only large
airplane there. We even had to turn around on the tiny little runway.

Our friends were traveling 5 hours behind us. So without any sleep the night before and traveling 6 hours to Belize we sat and waited another 6 hours for our friends.

Reading up on Belize, enjoying the warm humid climate, and meeting interesting people kept us entertained for the 6 hour wait.

After a 1 1/2 hour water taxi ride to Ambergris Caye (San Pedro) we arrived at our ADORABLE Abode "Caye Casa". Once there they informed us they over booked. So we got upgraded to the 2 bed, 2 bath suite. Don't you hate it when that happens? LOL

With our own private sailboat captain we found ourselves having amazing adventures. Here is our first one. We were heading out to sea to swim with sharks and sting rays. It was comforting to know that the man in charge of our lives was rolling a joint as we set sail.

Marissa and I catching our first island rays. Getting our tans on!!

As soon as we anchored the boat the sharks immediately began to circle the boat. It took Marissa and I a good 15-20 minutes of anxiety and screaming and swearing that we were not getting in the water before we took the plunge!

A close up of our new companions for the next couple hours. The snorkeling was amazing. We saw sea turtles, Sting rays, HUGE groupers, beautiful fish, and of course the sharks. When we were getting ready to get back in the boat Captain Boxter chummed the water and sharks, groupers and other fish were ALL UP in our buisness. I couldn't stop screaming even underwater. The only thing that stopped the panic was the thought that I looked like an injured seal and the sharks would then REALLY WANT TO EAT ME!

Game night of Rumikub after a great day of sun and adventure.

This is the gorgeous view from our balcony. You are beginning to understand why we didn't want to leave and why we want to move there!

We rented bikes for the day and rode up to the northern part of the island. Yes mine was hot pink. And yes we all had baskets and bells!! My bell was broken so it would just ring when it wanted to ring. The road got pretty bumpy and the jungle a little less attractive and a little intimidating as we road north. It is less developed up there and at night there are JAGUARS! I was pretty sure in some of the standing swampy water next to the "road" there were crocodiles too.

DOE-A-DEAR-A-FEMALE-DEAR. BIKE RIDING WAS SO MARIA VONTRAP OF US!!

Fantastic Photo-op as we arrive via bike to Capricorn for lunch and smoothies.

Indulging in some fantastic food and the gorgeous scenery at the Capricorn.

Mr. GQ taking a quick dip in the tiny little pool.

Belize is known for its Manatees. Unfortunately this is the only one we saw.

A little romance in paradise.

Howler Monkeys at Lamanai (Mayan Ruins). Watch out for falling POOP.

The mask temple at Lamanai.

On top of the world or the "High Temple" at Lamanai. It was 230 meters tall and quite a direct uphill or stair climb to get there. They say getting to the top is physical. Coming down is psychological. Very true! The view was stunning at the top. As far as the eye could see it was water or jungle canopy.