The fun part of what's really going on

I am so grateful to come from such a big and fun family. Family can't turn you away even if they want to. When I was researching the costs and locations of the 737 training there were a few different cities it was offered in. The cheapest program was offered in either Miami or Las Vegas. Needless to say I immediately thought of my cousin Kacey in Las Vegas. I sent her an email asking if it would be ok if I stayed with them for 12 days (which turned into 16 days.) Oh and by the way do you mind if my simulator partner comes too. She got right back to me and said that wouldn't be a problem. What a HUGE blessing it was to be able to stay with Kacey and Jon.

Kacey was the best wife I never had! She made the most incredible food. It was so inspiring. I really want to be better at cooking. I get discouraged just trying to figure out what to cook. This is not a problem for Kacey. She came up with the greatest ideas and recipes every night. There was one night where she was planning on making something but then Jon Wayne had to leave earlier than she thought so she just whipped something else up. If that was me, I would have been stumped and opted for cold cereal for dinner. Her kids are the best eaters too. I was constantly surprised at what they would ask to eat. I love that she likes to have treats too.

I tend to feel anxious while I'm in training. It is really hard to relax. I can't imagine going back to a hotel trying to distract myself and making myself do something other than studying. Staying at Kacey's made me feel like I was kind of on a vacation too. It was so fun to stay up chatting and watching shows. Her family was the perfect distraction from all the training. Did I mention that Scarlet and Rhode are the cutest kids ever? I seriously wanted to kiss Rhode's face every time I saw him.

Kacey is very popular. Seriously! I don't even think 5 people in my ward know who I am. They had a least 5 people stop by in the first two days I was there. It was fun to meet some of her friends. From sewing club to planning and hosting a baby shower her house was hopping. I love that her parents were in town for a few days. David and Peggy are some of my favorite people. I love them so much. I also was able to hang out with my cousin Kylie and her roommates who came down from BYU for a weekend.

I stayed in their guest bedroom which is also where their computers and television are located. They didn't even seem irritated one time that I was commandeering a room that they clearly use all the time. I wanted to kick myself out!

Jon Wayne and I were able to go running too. It was fun because he keeps a good pace. It wasn't fun because I was sick the whole time I was in Vegas so every light we came to I started coughing violently.

As if providing me food, shelter, and entertainment wasn't enough, Brandon came down for my one day off so they housed him too. He surprised me (it was a day or so after Valentines) by taking me to a running store and getting me new shoes. He also brought with him some running shorts and socks. Kacey made another delicious dinner. Brandon and I were going to go out to eat and go watch a movie. Instead, Chef Kacey made dinner and we rented a movie to watch with Kacey and Jon Wayne and brought some ice cream treats.

Kacey also figured out me life for me. We all know I need help with that. Southwest has a base in Las Vegas. She told me that I should get hired by them and move to Vegas. She would help out with my kids and Brandon could work with Jon Wayne. I think that sounds amazing except for that fact that I don't think they will live in Vegas for too much longer.

Thank you so much Kacey, Jon Wayne, Scarlet, and Rhode! I love you guys and I'm thankful that you are family and friends!