Girlcation to Utah (to become an annual me-trip somewhere like Kelley's mancation...?)

So one day Kelley suggested I take a little vacation and go see my college girlfriends. I jumped on the idea, and booked a ticket. I'm pretty sure as time went on and I left the state Kelley definitely had some second thoughts. I have never left the girls, and this was the first time away from Sydney at all. I was nervous but honestly, looked forward to the break. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being a stay-at-home mom & wife with all my heart, but everybody can use a change of scenery. So, off I went...

Kerri and I were roommates starting freshman year at BYU, and somehow she put up with me for the next four years. Boy, am I grateful for that because she is one of the best people I know! We graduated 10 years ago... holy smokes!

This picture is from the trip. College was pre-digital photo days and I've never scanned any.

She introduced me to a breakfast place called Bruges Waffles, and it was delish! Funny: Kerri cut up peaches and we took them to put on top of our waffles. I'm all about saving a buck or THREE... just for a topping.

We did some shopping - I tried to take advantage of the more modest fashions in Utah. Plus I figured it was a weekend for me so I could splurge a bit since I rarely buy anything for myself! Then we headed to Amy's house to hang out and watch the Olympics Opening Ceremonies. Good times! Kerri really got into it with a themed cake - yum! Amy's kiddo, Jack, called them the Olympkicks - cute! Each of the following evenings we tuned in and watched the highlights - those athletes are absolutely amazing.

Day two of the adventure found us at Cafe Rio. LOVE. Amy and her little cutie, Sophie, are so fun to be with also!

Two great things today: the temple and In-N-Out. Should those be ranked together in the same sentence? Hm. Unfortunately the Salt Lake Temple was closed during my trip so we hit up the Jordan River Temple. All temples are so beautiful. It was neat to do a session with Kerri!

We also headed down to Provo - a quick stop at Bridal Veil Falls. So beautiful with fantastic (but hot) weather! I remember as roommates we'd go there once in a while. Then we had to go to BYU campus so I could get new Cougar gear for the family! Finally dinner at Brick Oven and BYU Creamery ice cream to go (Graham Canyon, Strawberry Sundae Crunch, and Roasted Almond Fudge) - so yummy!

Sunday morning we had a nice brunch with another college girlfriend, Annie. It was great to catch up! Church was uplifting, and I was able to partake because I didn't have two girls and a calling to distract me. I even took notes - oh my! Sunday evening we had dinner at Amy's house and just hung out.

It was such a fun weekend - thanks Kerri & Amy for letting me interrupt your lives! So, you noticed another little friend in my pictures? Seoul let me take Jasper the Giraffe so I wouldn't miss them too much. So I thought it would be fun to document him at each of our fun locations.

I survived missing my family but lots of phone calls, and the neat thing called FaceTime on our iPhones. What great blessings we have! When I got home the girls took a little while to having me around... Seoul actually told me to go away again :) I think it was good for all of us to have a change. Kelley was exhausted and took a nap as soon we got home from the airport - haha! He did so great and I'm so grateful that he was supportive of this trip.

[July 2012]

Life is sooo good...

We are so blessed and we have such fun times, whether it's staying at home together or going out and about.

[Hey, be excited! I've posted all my July pictures!]

Seoul decided her yo-yo is her pet doggy. She would take it for walks around the living room. It entertained her for quite a while. [She calls it an oh-yo]

   

Those playgrounds really promote deep thinking.

We took advantage of the free Slurpees at 7-Eleven - first Slurpees ever and they were a hit! This could become a tradition because it is Sydney's 18-month birthday.

Blueberries. Seoul's favorite snack is frozen blueberries. She was such a champ at picking and didn't even want to stop for lunch. I don't believe she ate a single berry while picking either. Sydney, on the other hand, didn't save many and ate TONS... green ones included so there are some funny pictures.

   

These girls are such great little helpers! Picking apples at my mom's house. They also love to pick them off the ground and eat them.

   

Seoul loves to hold Sydney's hands and lead her around. They love wearing dresses and skirts during the summer. Sydney loves barrettes and ponytails, and brings me something in the morning to put in her hair. Seoul loves braids lately - she went through a phase of 3 braids because she is 3. She even dictates the size (small, medium, big) and where she wants them started on her head.

How can someone love a single person so much, especially these two little people? Their sisterly bond  is so intense, and we just pray it gets stronger as time goes on.

Sydney is really growing into her looks these days. So darn cute!

This is a common pose these days, and it makes me laugh every time. I kind of think she would love a gymnastics class soon.

Chalk at Grandma's house. She has a great, smooth driveway for all kinds of creativity!

Seoul went through a few days where she liked sleeping on the floor. She would get upset if we tried to move her back to bed.

Kids growing up on electronics.

We try and spend as much time at the park with daddy since he provides different entertainment than mommy does. Plus it's such wonderful family time outside enjoying the weather.

Sydney loves to do everything her big sister does.

Just try and look at this picture without smiling. I dare you.

[July 2012]

Pioneer Day

Our church celebrates Pioneer Day, and this year our ward had a super fun celebration! Animals, visiting, food, games... can't beat that. I'm glad we could go as a family and enjoy an evening together with some of our friends.

Pioneers are amazing people. I have all the respect for them, and fully admit that I would not last one single day in their life. Besides the grueling work and walking they did, the few minutes I spent in the pioneer dress were just a few minutes too many!

Animals are always a hit!

The girls really are daddy's girls!

Pie eating contest!

One activity was dessert bingo. Seoul had her sights set on this cake from the first minute and was SO excited that she could pick it when we won. (Everyone won something, and I admit with longing there were some really yummy looking homemade goodies.) As a followup, she ate just about 5 bites of the entire cake before deciding she didn't like it.

I can't believe I have such a beautiful daughter - how lucky am I?!

Do we look authentic? I love this picture!

Seoul and Sydney are looking at these pictures after I posted them. Seoul's memory of this activity: Remember I had TWO popsicles there??

[July 2012]