On Safari

Mom left on her Safari and she finally got a picture of an elephant! Kelli and I decided that we didn't care if she had to go to a zoo to get a picture of an elephant because Tate and Brykn haven't quit talking about them! It sure looks like the safari is a blast!
From Mom: Well, it's day 5 and I am off on safari. I slept better last night, but I can hardly move this morning. My feet, legs, and hips hurt so bad. Lots of hugs.
From Mom: First day of safari was great, but tell Brykn those elephants are too big to rope! I am at the Farmhouse now & what a beautiful place. Doing good, except my legs and feet are in bad shape from climbing Kili. Happy Birtyday, Mom, love ya.
From Tiffany: I bet! Brykn luvs the elephant pic. I am glad the Farmhouse is nice. If you can, get on your blog. So many people are following your journey. Wish I was there. Luv you!
From Kristina: Hopefully you packed some good meds! Or, could you even take asprin into another country? Sounds like you planned a way fun trip! Stay safe, Love Kristina.

She Did It

She did it!!!! She got to 13,000 feet and said it was the hardest thing she's ever done. We were able to talk to her on the phone for just a few minutes and it was soooo good to hear her voice--even though she sounded absolutely exhausted. She told me shared a hut with a cute, younger couple from Austria. When she got to the hut on the third night (after she'd made it to her goal height on Kili), the couple CHEERED as loud as they could. As she told me about it, she started to cry--but, I know they were tears of pride and accomplishment. She also told me that on the way down, she got light-headed and nauseated. The porters and her guide, Bryson, asked her if she wanted them to call emergency personnel. She told them "There's no way in hell I'm going to let you call emergency people for me!" I can just hear her voice saying that! Anyway, she made it up in three days and down--35 miles-- in one day. Way to go Mom--we all knew you could do it; and, while we may not have been there by your side, we were all there in spirit!
1/30/09
From Kristina: I am so glad you made it there safe and sound!! Sounds like you are already having a blast! Stay away from the monkeys, they're mean! You are amazing!!
From Kristina: And, no worries, this half-assed Mormon is back here praying for ya! Love Ya! Kristina.
From Karen Boothe: Leslie Dicou wants to know the names of the porters.
From Mom: Hey everyone! I did IT!!! I am tired, but good. What an awesome experience, but I don't want to do it again anytime soon. Love to all. XOXO.
From Andi: You are so awesome. I'm so proud of you. What a cool bucket list.
From Sana: That tired gives more to your spirit. Go get every adventure.
From Mom: Well, I am back off the longest, most difficult walk I have every done. All I can say is be careful what you put on your "Bucket List!" Going up there was a time that I thought of giving up. Then the song "Stronger Woman" by Jewel played on my MP3 player. I had to finish. All I can say is it is a long way from an ICU bed at UVRMC and U of U! I hope I've made everyone proud & let everyone go beyond what you think!!! Love Lauri, Mom & Grandma XOXO
From Toni: Congrats Aunt Lar way to go we are proud as hell of you! :)
From Kristina: I knew you could do it! What an amazing woman you are! I am really proud of you and jealous cause its something I could probably never do! Way to go! Love Kris
From Sana: Proud you should be at what you set out to do and look what you have become. My heart is waving with thumbs up :) WAY TO GO!
From Tiffany: Way to go! I knew you could do it! Please send any pictures when you can. Great job, Mom! Love you!
From Sana: Proud you should be at what you set out to do and look what you have become. My heart is waving with my thumbs up :) Way to go!
From Steve: Hey Laurie. I knew you would make it. I am proud of you. Be careful. See you soon. Luv, Steve
From Andi: I'm glad that part of your bucket list is done (climibing Kili). Now, onto better things. I think you could rope an elephant, especially for Brykn. Please take care of yourself, my friend. I am so proud of you and I miss you tons.
From Mom/Jacquie: I knew you could do it. You have the stubborn Hopes blood. Love you, Mom. (Via Jacquie)