CALIFORNIA HERE WE COME!!

When Hunter returned home from his mission, he was so excited to show us pictures of the many people that he had the privilege of teaching. In particular, he taught and baptized the Evans family. I was touched by their story and knew they had an impact on Hunter’s life. We talked about going on a road trip so I could meet them & many other people from his mission. This weekend we took the plunge to the sunny california!! We left early Friday morning in a rental car, that gets MUCH better gas mileage than his Jaguar. The drive wasn’t too bad & we saw beautiful scenery along the way. We filled up at an older gas station in nevada that I thought was so awesome! 

Eventually, we arrived in the beautiful northern california around 6pm. The foresthill bridge was our first destination, which is California’s highest bridge. I love bridges & this one was hecka awesome! 

Afterwards, we blasted classic cali-themed songs on the drive to the Fears house in Lincoln. I met Dave last year when he was in the DC area for a business trip. His daughters were so fun, rambunctious, and adorable. I played mega blocks with Chloe and Emma. We had pizza with them and Hunter enjoyed catching up with Dave. 

We stayed with Sister Blaser for the weekend and found a cute welcome sign for us when we walked in. She is an incredible woman who is so kind, loving, and funny! We were exhausted and couldn’t wait to get some rest.

It felt amazing to sleep in on Saturday morning and enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice from Sis. Blaser’s orchard. I was impressed by how much fruit she grows and picks, right from her backyard! 

We saw the Hume family and had a quick lunch with them. Then we went to the Sacramento temple for the Evans’ sealing. They were going to be sealed together as an eternal family. I was so excited to meet them!! I met all the children & quickly grew to love them instantly. We took some beautiful pictures of their family and I loved seeing how they interact with each other. They have such great love towards each other and you can tell they are best friends. I twirled the little girls and watched big smiles stretching across their face. 

Haley, Betty, and Akasha drove with us to their house for a BBQ. The girls and I walked their dog to the park and we all played in the playground. The youngest, Haley is such a cute girl!! We quickly bonded and became besties as I pushed her on the swings. We played hopscotch and basketball while the meat was cooking. Spontaneously, we rode their four-wheeler around their neighborhood. It was so much fun. The missionaries from their ward joined us for dinner & it was delicious!! 

After dinner, we met up with Gina and Lisa, that I met at conference last april. We went to Leatherby's for a late-night sundae dessert. Hunter & I split a Grandma Grace's Creamery Sundae. Their rocky road, toasted almond, and cookies n’ cream flavors were incredible. and that homemade caramel sauce!!!! AHHHHH so tasty.and creamy. 

I met so many people in the Van Maren ward that Hunter used to serve in that said the most wonderful things about him. Then we raced to the Evans’ ward to see them one last time. I just loved sitting next to little Haley during church, she’s just a doll. I have only just met the Evans family, but I already miss them so much!!! They are such a wonderful family that can now be together forever. We packed up and said goodbye to sis. Blaser. She’s so cute!! I am so thankful for her hospitality and kindness.

Then we headed to Rio Linda for lunch with the Dumm family. haha lots of jokes. They live in a rad little yellow house that reminds me of the movie Up. Jenilyn made a wonderful cheesy brocolli soup with homemade “butt” rolls. haha it was an awesome lunch! Their boys were so hilarious, just like their parents. Stephen is a hulla-hoop champ & Michael can transform to iliterally anything. Their humor compliments ours and we loved playing the game moods with them. 

For our last meal in california, we ate DELICIOUS homemade chimichangas at the Aldridge's house. I love mexicali meals & this was top-notch! Their girls became quite taken with me. It was probably because I can make them fly! haha they kicked by booday in Just Dance. Bro. Aldridge made awesome oreo shakes for dessert while we played the card game And It Came To Pass. I enjoyed hearing about how the parents met at BYU-I and about everything they loved about the ‘Berg. I love their crazy family!!

On our way out, we said our last goodbyes to the Fears, Gina, and other friends. Somehow we drove all night to UT without stopping. 9 hours isn't that bad, right? It was hard with such little sleep, but some coke and jack johnson helped. By the time we reached salt lake city and returned the car, we happily took a glorious 3 hour nap. 

This weekend was incredible & I only wish we had more time in CA!! Our weekend was very packed and we saw so many people, but it also flew by crazy fast! I’m so thankful to all the many families who shared meals and laughs with us. I can now understand how easily it was for Hunter to grow so closely to these wonderful people. They are so full of love, kindness, and happiness. I’m reminded of how magnificent the atonement and plan of salvation is for us to enjoy. Words cannot express how magnificent eternal families are. There’s such peace in knowing I’ll be with my family forever. I was so happy for the Evans family to enjoy and grow from this knowledge and reassurance. Our Heavenly Father loves his children so much!! I loved finally meeting and putting a face to the many people that Hunter talked about in emails and letters. Seeing the Evans’ children sealed to them was such a great experience to see the fruit of the mission labors, "For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee." (psalms 128:2). 

Thank you to all the people that showed us love this weekend! I loved every minute and am anxiously awaiting our next road trip. I’m dreading the cold and snowy grounds that idaho will welcome me back with....:( 
forever california dreaming....

conference weekend!

In our church we have what we call "General Conference" twice a year. It is a time we get to listen to many of our spiritual leaders and I'm so grateful for the opportunity. I love the reminders that help me keep in mind what is really important in life. These messages help me become a more dedicated friend, sister, daughter, student, and daughter of God.

Conference takes place at the conference center in Salt Lake City, UT. Thanks to modern technology, these messages are broadcasted worldwide and can even be streamed via the internet by clicking here. Growing up, I’ve always watched it at home with my family. My mother would catch up on ironing and we would always draw portraits of the speakers and take notes on the spoken words. 

However, this year I was lucky enough to be able to attend conference live at the conference center!! I’ve always wanted to & was beyond excited for it. My friend, Kyra, got us tickets and we were on our way to UT on Friday. 

Her sister, Crystal, picked us up in SLC on friday and we were headed to her apartment in Orem. We were really hungry by the time we started to unpack so Kyra drove us to Panda Express for a late dinner. She hadn’t driven since January and was a little apprehensive, but she was a great driver! That is, once she figured out how to turn on the lights....haha. We slept well & were really excited for conference the next day.

Saturday

We had tickets for the afternoon session, so we had plenty of time in the morning to get ready. Kyra’s friend, Jade, kindly drove us in the busy traffic to salt lake city. There was a HUGE line of people waiting to get in the conference center outside & somehow in the crowd I spotted a family from my home ward.  It was wonderful seeing them!! I love any small reminder of home, even if I’m thousands of miles away. Since we arrived later than expected, they gave up our nice floor seats:( However, I was still so excited to just to be there-even being on the highest tier. One of my highlights was that BYU-I combined choir provided the music for the afternoon conference session. It was awesome to know several of the students who were singing. 

Afterwards, I met up with several of Hunter’s friends from California that he got to know very well on his mission. They were all coming for the weekend to attend conference & I thought it was a perfect opportunity to meet them, since I would be in town too. We ate dinner at Red Iguana, which was incredible!! It was Gina & Amanda's birthday, so we got the awesome musicians singing for the lovely twins. 


We then went to a friends' house for a surprise birthday party for the girls. I spent a lot of time just talking with Lisa, Gina, Mandy, and Amanda. The way they talked about Hunter was so kind, they respected him so much and had the same kind of love that I have for my bro. I'm so glad I got to meet so many awesome from California! 

Sunday

Kyra & I were also able to attend the afternoon session of General Conference on Sunday. It was wonderful! We went to our friend Mckay’s house after and enjoyed a delicious meal with his family. I love General Conference & felt so fortunate that I was able to spend a wonderful weekend with Kyra! 

After we got back to Rexburg, my roommates welcomed me home with delicious red velvet cake. I love life!

Family....isn't it about time?

Saturday

For the past week, my right ankle has been injured.It somehow got hyperextended or sprained during one of our IDR practices. While I was stretching one day at practice, I noticed how badly swollen my ankle was. It’s HUGE compared to my left ankle. I went to the trainer & they were unsure of what it was-most likely a stress fracture. I didn’t want to make it any worse, so I cheered on my team and sat out this week’s track meet. 

After the meet, Majken and I rode down to UT together. I was going down to spend the weekend with my extended family. My cousin Bennion just came home from his mission to Brazil & I wanted to hear his homecoming talk. Majken was going to hear her friends’ mission farewell talk. One missionary leaving into the field and one returning from serving. 

When we arrived in Ogden, I met up with my second cousin, Chaleste. I dropped my things off at their house & we went to a Pampered Chef party with some of her coworkers. I didn’t know what to expect, I can’t say I’ve ever been to one before. It was enjoyable. I liked all the samples of food that showed off the pampered chef tools. Yummy brownie bites & spicy salsa. 

I really wanted to get a few things at Costco & her parents were so kind to take me. It had been too long since I had some of my favorite snack, Pirate’s Booty. I miss Costco dearly. Their fruit is always so delicious. 

After grocery shopping, we made a quick run to KFC for dinner. They forgot the missionaries were coming over for dinner & what a perfect “home cooked” meal than some fried chicken. We had a lovely dinner. The Bennions are such a humble, kind, and hospitable family. 

Chaleste, her fiance, and I drove to Honeyville after dinner. Up until that point, I didn’t know or realize how much fun she is to spend time with. It was about half an hour drive and we enjoyed every minute by having a dance party. I love people that can scream songs to the top of their lungs and just go crazy. The alpine hot springs was worth the drive & felt so relaxing. It felt so wonderful on my stress fracture, the heat was the perfect comfort. I love hot tubs.

Sunday

Chaleste & I went to my other relatives’ home ward to hear my cousin Bennion’s homecoming talk. I love hearing about mission experiences and see how much people change in those 2 years. It was a wonderful testimony of our restored gospel. Afterwards, I saw my Uncle Mark and Aunt Margaret (Bennion’s parents). It had been way too long since I saw their family-5 years to be exact. Bennion has changed so much & everyone looks so much older. My Uncle said I was so cute when he saw me. Precious. 

There was a delicious luncheon at their house after church, where I saw more family on my mom’s side. My Aunt Ines, uncle Dave, and their five boys drove all the way from Oregon. Oh how fast boys grow up! It was so wonderful seeing them & having the ability to catch up with so much of my family. It made me only miss my parents and brothers even more than I already was. 

I especially enjoyed spending time with my cousins Bowen and Maxwell, who are Bennion’s brothers. Bowen is extreamly talented at basketball and Maxwell reminded me of how energetic Grant is. 

I loved seeing so much of my extended family and catching up with my cousins. I only wish that my mom’s siblings lived closer to us on the East coast:( 

In the picture in the upper left corner-my Aunt Ines is the one in the purple shirt & my Aunt Margaret is white, second last from the right. In the picture in the upper right corner, Bowen is the cousin who is taller than me & Maxwell is the cutie in the yellow jersey.

one in 8 million.

Can you believe 8 million people live in New York? Just a tad bit crowded. The other day, my english teacher showed us this website and we watched this video. I love watching all of the different stories & becoming captivated by what vastly diverse personalities and characters one city can contain. Its always fascinating to look through a different perspective and getting a fresh taste on something.anything. Today, try on a different pair of shoes & see the world in a new way.

feliz cumpleaños madre.

Today is my mom's Birthday! She always makes everyone's such a celebration, I hope hers is too! My aunt wanted to do something special for the occasion & we figured out a flawless game plan and kidnapping strategy. Yesterday, she took the birthday queen out to get a manicure & pedicure-something she never does & a chipotle lunch celebration. I'm glad the nursery kiddos sang to her. I honestly don't know anyone who isn't in love with her. She's so kind, generous, and selfless. 
A few of the many things I love & appreciate about her:

-She is such a babe.effortless.


-I've only been away for three weeks & already have received 4 packages.2 more on their way.


-She plans the best family vacations


-She is such a babe.effortless.


-My friends adore my mom


-She makes beautiful baby blankets & burp cloths for numberless newborns


-She served her mission in Japan


-She made such a gorgeous Spanish police officer with my Dad for Halloween

-She's the reason I ran the Susan G. Komen race for the cure several times, in Washington D.C.

-I love all the many, sweet texts she sends me everyday, especially the "good morning, I love you" & the daily "good night, I love you, scriptures & prayers!"

-She makes delicious mint brownies & throughout my childhood we've been the speedy doorbell-ditch deliverers.

-She can start up a conversation with anyone & everyone

-She cooks such delicious salmon, it's my favorite dinner ever. I miss it.

-Even though she knows I'm a few inches taller, she still tries to look like the same height in pictures together & stands on her tippy toes.

-I love her fashion sense & obsession with Ralph Lauren.timeless.


-The morning after my friends sleepover, she makes us delicious crêpes with fresh fruit.

-I was so lucky to go with her & Grant to Japan and China on a class trip, after being in Japanese immersion for 6 years

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I mostly love my mom the most for who she is & for shaping the person I am today.

Happy Happy Birthday mommy, I love you!!

two oh wun wun

Happy New Year!

 Its crazy to think 2010 is already over! So many great things have happened & can't help but feel somehow attached to this year. Looking back, these have been some of my favorite things from this year-

Surviving "snowmageddon" & enjoying an extra week off from school without having to make it up. Best senior year ever.

Traveling to Virginia beach, Florida, South Carolina, Ohio, UT, and ID-where I toured my future campus

Embracing the Dark Knight in me, just have to work on the flying part

Helping with Clark's eagle project

Dancing my heart out at mo-prom

Graduating HS, WHOO!

Rexford's graduation from elementary school

Becoming a seminary graduate

Turning the big 18

 MGMT concert

Strengthening great, unforgettable friendships

Began my job at the National Archives

wisdom teeth extraction & fully appreciating laughing gas

I LOVED being involved with Youth Conference & going with daddio

 

Jack Johnson concert

hunter coming home

enjoying a fantastic christmas.

AND in a few days I'll be starting college!

2010 is going to be hard to top, but I'll try anyway.

Sipping delicious martinelli's sparkling apple cider was a fantastic celebration to the new year. Yummy belgium waffles for breakfast right after? Don't mind if I do:)

bring it on 2011!