4th of July

Alright, so 4th of July was a while back.. I'm a little behind. 

BUT! It was awesome so it deserves to be shared. 

Instead of spending our 4th of July in Coronado like we have for the past 9 years.. We spent it at home. Weird. 

Much thanks to the Pedersens for having a sweet party and giving us something to do! 

A beautiful view of the sky from the Pedersen's yard

 Sad as it is, these are basically the only 2 pictures I got from the night. And one isn't even mine...

Since fireworks aren't allowed in our area, we hopped in Josh's car and drove all around town trying to find some. We found lots and eventually just parked on the side of the street and watched quite a few shows from the hood of his car. 

But, that wasn't even my favorite part. The next morning, our 4th of July holiday continued and the family headed down to the Ranch. I couldn't go but I came a day later and spent a whole 25 hours there! I think it was worth it and here are some pictures to prove it... 

This is what we did all day! SO worth it!

All the big girls got to go on a long razor ride with my parents

We stopped at Fish Creek Lake and of course it was a photo moment. It was beautiful there! 

Then, of course the Grover parade is a must.

Our family's own personal float! Try and tell me that isn't cool.

These two cuties enjoying the candy way more than the parade

Pie eating contest. Naturally.

For the first time being home for the 4th in 9 years.. I'd call it a success. 

The Library

When people ask me what I'm doing these days my usual reply is reading. Followed by the usual reply of: Are you serious!? 

I have stayed home quite a few precious weekend nights to read in my career.. (Gasp) Yeah, I'm that serious. 

I have always been a reader. I was one of those kids that had their mom get mad at them because they were up too late reading, or would be in the middle of 3 different books at a time. 

So a few days ago, I dragged Emerson to the Orem Library with me.

It was magical!

I honestly forgot how much I LOVE the library. 

(Nerd moment.. Sorry not sorry)

(When we first got there I had to ask if my library card even worked because it was soo old. Embarrassing!)

Rows upon rows of beautiful books filled with hundreds of thousands of different stories.. I'm salivating just thinking about it. 

Given the choice between Facebook, Instagram, my beloved sudoku games and books.. Books win by a landslide. 

There is nothing so refreshing as sitting down and escaping to a magical place inside a book. Ooo, I love it :)

Back to my adventure at the library..

I didn't want to go overboard and get into 4 different books without the hope of finishing one, so my greedy hands fixed themselves on one book and away we went. 

But I promise Orem Library, I will be back!! 

"Reading takes us away from home, but more important, it finds homes for us everywhere."

- Hazel Rochman

A Refresher

This past week I spent in Laguna Beach, California with my family so that is the reason for my absence of blogging. 

Wait, who am I kidding! I probably wouldn't have blogged anyway. HA!

Anyway...

I really did spend my week at the beach and it was so so needed and so so enjoyed! 

I truly believe that I am a California girl at heart and have been unfortunately relocated my whole life. Not that I don't love Utah because I do! But man, I LOVE California.

How could you not love that!?

But, really. It was an amazing week! I was surrounded by my incredible family, good food, and plenty of beach lounging. 

I think the rut I have been in for the last few weeks has been somewhat resolved. Thank heavens!!!!

Something about the salt water and sand seemed to have done me good. 

Here are a few pics from the week:

The ferris wheel at Balboa Island is always a must. 

Cute boy Beck

So is a corn dog!! 

Best one I think I've ever had.

The beautiful view from the Pier

I was surrounded by little kids all week but I wouldn't have had it any other way!  We got to take these cuties on the trolley to the candy store. Highlight of the week right there. 

Little angel Kamae

We spent a lot of time at this place 

On Thursday, it was my grandma and grandpa's 50th wedding anniversary and also the 2nd year anniversary of my grandpa's passing away. So it was a very special day for our family. 

We took 50 balloons and tied little notes to my grandma and grandpa and launched them into the sky! And yeah, I cried. I'm a baby. 

All in all, it was a great week and exactly what I needed. 

Yay for family!

The Rut

Lately, I have felt like I am stuck in a rut. 

Motivation? Pfff, yeaaaah. Right. 

I don't know what it is! Normally, I like to consider myself a pretty motivated person.

As of late, I am lazy and feel pretty worthless. 

Maybe it's because I don't have a whole lot to do.. I mean, deadbeat job (maybe 10 hours a week.... maybe), busy boyfriend, busy friends, and a whole lot of free time. 

Even with my hours beyond hours of free time I still find myself sitting on the couch watching tv all day. It's quite pathetic actually. 

SO, I am on a mission to find my motivation. To do anything, really. 

So, if anyone finds it, kindly send it my way. 

Happy Dad's Day!

Happy Father's Day to the best man I know! 

I'm so lucky to have a best friend and a dad all in one!

What a handsome devil. 

I love you, dad!!

A Mission

Well, I guess now is as good of a time as ever to post about this..

I haven't necessarily been dreading it but this has been an emotionally challenging and draining experience for me to say the least. But all in a good way! 

Josh got his mission call on Wednesday! 

He and his friends planned to go on their Senior Trip to the Grand Cayman, leaving on Wednesday (the day he got his call).

So, he picked it up early and had us all over for breakfast.

Let's just say.. I didn't sleep that night and I couldn't eat very much that morning I was so nervous! And I can't imagine how he felt.. Ha. 

By this point I was biting my lip to the point of bleeding because I didn't want to cry.. Haha.

I'm just happy my mom was there next to me and she did cry! 

She also thought to take pictures which I didn't do, so thanks mom!

Los Angeles, California Spanish speaking mission leaving July 25!

I couldn't have been happier about his call. It was such an amazing experience because I had conformation that this was where he was supposed to be for 2 years. 

Josh and his cute friends.

I'm not going to lie, at first I was frustrated with Josh because he opened his call and then left right after! For a week! With no cell service!

Sure, go ahead. Just drop this bomb on me and bail. Like, what the heck!?

But, I am actually glad it happened this way. It gave me time to think about the importance of this and it let me get my emotions in check. Or just cry. And cry.. He gets back in 4 days, so thank heavens I still have more time to pull it together. 

I really am so thankful for Josh and his willingness to serve. He is such a great example to me and I'm so grateful for the time I've had to spend with him. The people of LA are so lucky to have him!

More about missions here.

A Birthday Post (The Finale)

Goodness, last part of my birthday I swear!

For dinner, Josh was so incredibly sweet and took me to the Roof up in Salt Lake.

Not your cheapest meal ever but there wasn't anything I could do. Trust me, I tried. 

Always have to have a pre-whatever picture.

I loved getting dressed up to go! And I can't resist a man in a tie. Mmm.

This was our stunning view while we ate!

We ate dessert first up there because, well, it was my birthday and we can! That creme brulee will knock your socks off! Don't worry, we did eventually eat dinner. Only to finish it off with dessert again :)

After, to burn off the calories from the 8 different desserts I had.. We walked around Temple Square. That place never ceases to amaze me! 

So, 3 posts later.. My birthday is summed up! I'd say it ranks pretty high on my birthday list. 

Thank you to Josh for making it so amazing and to everyone else as well :)