The King Wedding Vacation: Day 6 (Salt Lake & Home)

So, now our adventure has come to an end. Our final day vacationing before we start heading home. At this point, Karen's crew and DeLorne, Trina & Kids have already left. They left before dinner yesterday. The only people who remain is Anton, Mom, and myself ... along with Aunty Dianne & Uncle Lionel. Michelle flew out early, early, that morning.

After packing our stuff and checking out. We make our way to Salt Lake City. We wanted to go hang out with Cayson & Amanda before we left. They had invited us to come walk their version of Edmonton's river valley. My god was it gorgeous.

Before we got to do that ... we wanted to watch the Wedding Video from Cayson & Amanda in Vegas. To get the paperwork started when they got told they had 90 days to get married back at the start of the year. Now that was comical. I could see how some of the Mormon's could have gotten offended by it. They were kinda tipsy and having a good old time ... almost making a mockery of it. But, Amanda's family just know ... they aren't mocking it. They are just having a good time. Asking random strangers to come watch the wedding and Amanda walking down the aisle with their limo driver.

Amanda and I will get that posted so everyone else can see it. It's pretty epic. USA! USA! Haha.

We started at the top where we got to see the State Building amongst the valley. It was quite breathtaking. Next on the list is posting the rest of the photos onto facebook so you can all see.

Not much to say about it as it was just a gorgeous walk. We drove by the state building and made our way to downtown SLC. Cayson wanted to show us the Temple.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints more-or-less founded Salt Lake City. This is where they made their roots and the core of the Mormon faith. When you're walking around the temple grounds ... all I could remember is those Sunday morning commercials where they're raising money. Well, let me tell you ... this is where their money went. Holy crap.

The temple grounds were lavish and gorgeous. Waterfalls and extravagant flower beds as far as the eye can see ... or to the edge of the temple grounds ...

Cayson gave us a bit of a history lesson regarding this temple. It was the first one to be started and the third to be finished. The only people allowed in the actual temple proper are people with a written recommendation from another bishop. Just being a Mormon does not allow you entrance into this particular temple. Take a look at the pictures. The place is massive.

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves but take a gander. It's a pretty sight!

Afterwards, we started the drive home around 2pm. I drove until shortly before the border ... at 11pm. Anton was getting car sick. So we swapped, I was good to go for a while still. But I started getting car sick ... because. anton. can't. stop. jerking. the. wheel. Didn't bode well when I was trying to sleep. We made it through the border without any fuss. DeLorne's exhaust in the back of the truck that we had picked up the night before after having dinner with everyone.

We tried to play a prank on DeLorne. It didn't go well. The joke was that Canada Customs wanted him to call with a bill of sale. The number we were giving him? A RickRoll Phone number. However, Anton sent the text message indicating to him that Customs had confiscated his exhaust. DeLorne wasn't a happy camper. That's for sure.

Eventually we got home at around 7ish and I made my way into Edmonton. Getting to my apartment at about 8. Promptly crashing and enjoying a wonderful sleep on my bed.

The vacation was a great time. I want to go back. It's a gorgeous area and much more to explore. I want to go check out the Olympic Village next time. But, now I need to get back to work ... make me some money so I can go do this again.

I will say this. The US has their highway system down. 75 mph for cars and 65 mph for trucks? Goddamn that was a smooth ride!

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King Wedding Vacation: Day 5 (Day After)

So, the wedding happened. It was a great time and lots of liquor was consumed. The quote of the day that I heard from everyone: 'How are you not hung over?'. While this is probably not true ... I just tell everyone that my liver died many years ago. But, I really don't get hung over anymore ... but then again, I don't really get drunk. I'm a bigger guy, takes quite a bit to get me drunk. A good buzz is usually what I go for.

 

Let this serve as a warning to you iPhone/iDevice users. SET UP YOUR GODDAMN ICLOUD.

 

Quite a few people lost their iPhone's that night and each of them remember dismissing the iCloud setup that it asks you to do when you first turn on the iPhone. Only one person's iPhone remains missing ... but none of them had the ability to use the beautiful feature called 'Find my Device'.

 

It's a hard lesson to learn when you got to go buy a new phone. They aren't cheap. That's for sure.

 

Anyways, the family and I went back to the Park City Downtown Adventure place-thingy. Our goal this time around was to hit up the Alpine Coaster. A roller coaster that goes down the side of the Foothills-on-the-mountain? Sounds like fun, right?

 

Cayson & Amanda were supposed to join us but they were unable to do so. It's no surprise, the day after the wedding and people are leaving. They were too busy saying their goodbyes to everyone. It is fair, eventhough it's your wedding ... you don't get any time to yourself. You're just catering to your guests.

 

Back to the roller coaster -- Before we went on that ... we decided that we (my family) wanted to play mini golf. Now, that was a mistake. My brother's and I are incredibly competitive. That being said, when one of us isn't being competitive ... we all become shitheads. Granted, we mostly behaved ourselves as Trina's kids were with us. The course was alright. The metal gremlins or whatever they were called were pretty cool but there wasn't anything special about the course.

 

About the time we finished the game, Aunty Karen and her gang had come to join us. They were sitting in the restaraunt with Cayson, Amanda, and the other drunk Lethbridge/Edmonton crew. They had left as they had much more things to accomplish today.

 

Now it is time for the Alpine Coaster.

 

That ride was worth the $22. It was so much fun. This coaster is just a simple rail coaster with a driver-style seatbelt and a lever on each side. That is the breaks. That's right kids, you controlled the breaks on this thing. Now, it doesn't do any crazy loop-de-loops or anything. But it sends you flying left to right and down the track. I took Mr. B with me and holy crap did we have fun. The girl who seated us said 'Speed is safest'. Now, I'm not sure the truth to that statement ... but it sure as hell was the funnest option. Got a great picture of B and I on the coaster. Him screaming his face off and me concentrating and leaning into the turns. Only hit the brakes once ... out of instinct ... because I thought we were about to fly off the rails. Silly dumb dumb, right?

 

We all went down ... we all laughed ... we all had fun. It's these moments that make you glad you have such a great family to share it all with.

 

So, afterwards we went back to the hotel. Karen and her crew went to go pack up their rooms ... and check on the drunks that remained behind and didn't get to experience the coaster. (Haha, Miranda).

 

That night was spent out with Uncle Lionel, Aunty Dianne, Michelle, Amanda and the remainder of Amanda's friends. Tried finding a nice place downtown Park City to go have dinner at. After a few attempts, we settled in at a mexican restaraunt. It was actually pretty damn tasty. I ended up sitting with Amanda's friends and got to chat with them a bit. Mostly, it was just Amanda and I chatting for a bit then listening as her friends chatted as well. Not much I can say to a group of girls that I had just met ... sober. Now, the guys ... the two guys that were there ... we chatted about my super-comfortable sandals that make me feel like I'm stepping on those clouds from Mario Bros ... betcha they aren't smiling now! Ha!

 

It was nice to finally meet some of the people that I've heard Amanda talk about ... however, it appears she's spoken to them about me more than I've heard about them. I guess Jill was happy to finally have met me.

 

She's cute ... I'll take it as a win. Apparently, she was the one asking my mom if she could be her aunt ... something about being impressed that she brought 250 jello shooters down with her for the stagette or something like that...

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The King Wedding Vacation: Day 4 pt 2 (Wedding!)

The wedding was a complete success. However, there was some moments of absolute stress involved. My cousins had better be damn glad that there eldest cousin loves the hell out of them all. But I'll get to that.

The wedding ceremony itself was pretty amazing. We started getting rained on but there's always got to be a few twists to a wedding, right? The outdoor arrangement was simple but elegant.

But this is where my duties started coming into play. I had been texting Amanda (bride) since I didn't have Cayson's (groom) number. Trying to get some questions answered. Obviously, they were busy and my messages went unanswered. So I just used the receiving line to get my questions answered.

The curve ball that my cousin's threw me? Sarah had a slide show ready to go on a USB drive. I guess they thought that they could plug it into the projector and everything would be tickity-boo. *BUZZ* Wrong! Haha.

The first problem that was discovered is that the projector needed a VGA connector to plug into so it can display something ... simple stuff. Sarah had a MacBook Air ... but no DisplayPort adapter. Had to go find a regular window's laptop that would have the VGA connector I required. Luckily, the Groom had the laptop I needed.

Hook it all up and plug in the USB drive. Sarah made the movie using iMovie. It's a good program to use. I enjoyed it on my laptop. However, she didn't convert it into a video file. It was just the iMovie project file ... At this point, it has been about 25 minutes ... I had already given Sarah's laptop to my Aunty Dianne (her mother) and I was in a need of it ... but she was no where to be found. Another MacBook was found and attempted to be used ... wrong version of iMovie so it wouldn't open the project file for whatever reason.

By this time, it was 10 minutes to the start of the program and Dianne had been found. She brought me the laptop and was starting to panic a little bit as the program was supposed to start. Told her to delay the wedding party and I'll just blame the Groom. (Yes, I'm evil. But no one will give the groom hell on his wedding day!)

My seat at the wedding was more like tech central. Projector and Cayson's laptop behind me. Sarah's laptop & my iPad (with my MC notes) infront of me. After converting the project file to QuickTime, we were ready to go once I had installed QuickTime on Cayson's laptop. (And updated his A/V since it was out of date).

The MC'ing went without a hitch. Everyone laughed at my jokes and it wasn't even the pity laugh. Got told a few times that I should join the Toastmasters in Edmonton.

The speech-of-the-evening award went to Jill. She did a parody rap of the Fresh Prince of Bel-air opening song detailing Cayson & Amanda's courtship and her little words of love. Second place went to Aunty Dianne's speech ... which may have caused my eyes to leak. Damn them.

The rest of the evening went down in true Canadian tradition. We got absolutely smashed. There was skinny dipping going on after 2am. That only happened because security was too busy following me and my crew around because we were keeping the party going. I was even out on the dance floor. Everyone was joking because I usually had 2 or 3 girls dancing with me or walking around with me while we keep the booze flowing. Pity they were all taken but, you know what, it was still a helluva lot of fun.

Between Cayson and I wandering to everyone elses room and drinking with them ... we only shut the party down because we started getting the 'We will kick you out and call the cops if you don't quiet down' phone calls.

Either way you look at it. It was a great night and a absolute blast.

 

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The King Wedding Vacation: Day 4 pt 1 (Pre-Wedding)

08:45am

So, this is the big day. It's been relatively quiet in the hotel this morning. Think everyone is still sleeping from the drinking that went on last night. Anton and I still made it up at 7:30 for our swim in the pool. Now relaxing in the lobby typing up the beginning of the days post while enjoying some delicious coffee.

Speaking of Anton, oh boy do I need to get him drunk more often. That boy needs the practice. Nothing is more entertaining than mom constantly telling him to keep it down as he was drunk. Then again, Mom thought I was drunk too. I was buzzed. Regardless of what I may have proclaimed on Facebook the night before!

Going back to last night, now that is how us Stepanko's have a good time. The hotel was just alive with all of us wandering around with our booze in hand. The bottom wall of our hotel room is just lined with bottles. We shows Cayson how us Canadian's do it. It even wasn't the official party ... this was just the warm up. Although, had I known that Corona is Cayson's drink of choice .... I would have bought more than just a 24 pack in Idaho Falls. Rumor has it that Bryce & Luke found a liquor store here in Park City that doesn't to the Mormon beliefs.

This is going to require further investigation...

So, almost time for the wedding. The Stepanko clan spent the day at the festival square riding zip lines and enjoying the weather after doing some running around. Poor Maddie couldn't go on the big zip line as she was too light. But, Uncle DK to the rescue! Took her on the Eagle Zip Line and she could not stop laughing and screaming. (I couldn't go on the big zip line myself ... 310 lbs of awesomeness is over their 275 max).

Otherwise another dip in the pool and it's time to go play the role of MC and keep the masses entertained.

I should really track down Cayson or Amanda to find out the names of the wedding party and the people giving speeches ... you know, do my job. ;)

Until later!

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King Wedding Vacation Day 3: Shopping

So, today was alot less eventful. We went down to the outlet mall that is in Park City. Holy crap did we luck out.

Labour Day weekend sale ... almost every store running atleast a 50% off sale. Made some serious scores.

Came down here with the intention of buying some new dress shoes. Wow, did we luck out. High-end Shoe store running a Buy One ... Get Two Free. Yes, you read that right. DeLorne, Anton and I all got our dress shoes. Total bill? $110, my receipt says I saved $260. Ha! Score!

But now I've been typing everything up for the last few hours ... since I didn't get much time to do it yesterday. Haha.

Been drinking some delicious Corona that I picked up in Idaho. 24 pack for $25 at Wal-Mart? God damn I miss the US's non-taxed-to-living-hell Beer prices.

Except, I'm a classy mother fucker ... I'm drinking my beer out of a 1 liter water bottle and telling the staff it's Apple Juice. They don't really care ... not sure if they would even care if it was a bottle. But this is more efficient. I can put 2 beers in the bottle ... don't have to go back so much. Ha!

Got to see Brittany for the first time since she went for her 7 month traveling studies to Holland and area. Great to see and hear about how much she loved her experience. I am still totally jealous and hate her for being able to do that. (Kidding, much love Brit)

Now it's time to drag my drunk ass to the pool. Go for a swim before it closes.

Peace yo.

 

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King Wedding Vacation: Day 2 (Road Trip & Football)

So, the road trip continues! I had my turn to drive. The only problem, I had already been up for 24 hours at this point and had a very uncomfortable 5 hour snooze in the back of dad's truck. I didn't survive very well.

Lasted at most, like 4-5 hours driving out of the 7-9 I was hoping. Aunty Karen is a champ. Holy crap, she did the entire trip driving without any problem.

Anyways, we arrived in Idaho Falls, Idaho for breakfast. The first major stop for all of us other than filling up and grabbing salty snacks & water bottles. We were a little repressed. Haha. It was like Dad's birthday all over again. Our poor special guest star, I think she was a little shocked to see my side of the family and how we can act. She's used to seeing my mom and cousin's family. Not me and my fellow retarded brothers.

Spent a little too much time in Idaho Falls ... Mom wanted to show us the falls that Dad had taken her too when they had come through the last time. After plenty of arguing and driving around in circles, we finally found it. You know, it was worth the wait. Pretty neat to see man-made water falls from a dam. Check the facebook pictures to see them.

So, back to driving ... this time it is mostly uneventful until we get to Utah. Aunty Karen decides that we should take the scenic route that was suggested by Cayson. Mom had a route printed out from Google Maps that we were no longer following apparently ... then Anton made a brilliant decision. Why not program the GPS that's in the truck with the destination and follow it?? Brilliant I say! He had his brilliant moment for the year.

So, now we're in Park City ... Just enough time for Anton and I to clean up from a total of 16.5 hours driving to get ready to be taken to the University of Utah ... for our first College Football game & Tail Gate Party. I had been waiting for this.

Now, when I say that this was off the chain -- To fully appreciate this, you need to imagine an area the size of Northlands. Parking lot and all. Now fill it to be a sea of people, all wearing red shirts. Drinking & Partying. They take their football seriously -- This is something I knew, however I did not realize the extent of it. Holy crap was it an awesome party. It was a sea of red. Look at my pictures, there were some trailers completely done up. One guy had a very little trailer with a satellite. All this trailer had? A 80+ inch TV to just watch the game while drinking their face off.

The football game was awesome. We hanged out in the student-zone and it was a riot. Cayson (groom) was using this as his bachelor party. So he was already drunk before even Anton, Scott (The boyfriend of one of Amanda's friend) and I even showed up. The ribs were delicious and the beer was weak. (Utah doesn't allow beer higher than like 4%) However, the sea of red was amazing! Including the other trailers. They're allowed to set up after noon a day before the game and have to be gone before noon the day after the game. Apparently, they start drinking at 8am and don't stop until 6pm and game time.

Watching the game was an experience. That stadium was the size of Commonwealth. They also had attendance of over 38,000 people. When you see the pictures, entire sections are white & red. They put it on the tickets. They tell people what color shirt they should wear. Their traditions are crazy too. Third downs? Flags go up and everyone starts jumping holding up their hand with three fingers (Like how the Germans did it in Inglorious Bastards with the index and thumb making a circle).

Ultimately, they won ... it was the University of Utah vs Utah State ... so the Edmonton vs Calgary game of the NHL. I was a little worried as I was wearing a blue shirt ... we were supposed to be cheering for the University of Utah Utes ... but Utah State's color? Blue. Shit. Luckily I was left alone. It was an intense game, they ended up winning by 4 points. (30-26) It was back and forth ... it was funny to watch Cayson be belligerent about the team he's so passionate about.

After a long hike and being picked up by Uncle Lionel ... we made our way back to the Hotel where I had intended to watch the episode of American Dad ... but apparently within 5 minutes of lieing down on the bed ... I was using a chainsaw to cut down the rainforest and out cold.

40 straight hours since my last proper sleep. I was tired.

 

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King Wedding Vacation: Day 1 (Road Tripping)

So, its that time again. The Stepanko Family is going back to the states ... for another vacation ... for another wedding ... for another Miller girl who is marrying a guy that she met while we were all down in Vegas in 2011 for the eldest Miller girl's wedding.

Three vehicle convoy ... running straight from Calmar to Salt Lake City (Park City), Utah. Got Anton, Mom and I in the lead vehicle ... followed by Trina, DeLorne and their family with Aunty Karen, Kelsey, Bradley, Kera and special guest star Miranda.

The trip started in true Stepanko fashion ... just as we're leaving the home stead ... mom and Aunty Karen already start honking their horns at each other just from turning around on the street. This was after everyone was giving Aunty Karen hassle for being late ... then her vehicle's occupants trying to give me trouble because I ran off to the Burger Bar for a Double Mozza since everyone else had already eaten. (Didn't quite work out for Miranda ... she admitted to not having a come back to me simply saying 'Wut Up?!"

Now I get the joy of my darling mother swirving the lanes while complaining about how Aunty Karen keeps passing her and me telling mother why people drive in the slow lane and move to the fast lane when passing ... and the ensuing arguement on how she thinks its useless. Then the typical complaining that goes on. I learned to drive from her? Love you mom ...

Now, question to you fine folks? When you're on a road trip ... do you start the trip with only a three quarter tank? Silly Trina. :)

Good thing I brought my iPad loaded with movies ... taking shifts driving between the three of us ... mom taking first shift, Anton taking over after the border and I'll be finishing it off.

Now to listen to them complain about how my feet smell after being in sandals. Haha!

 

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