I miss my car

I realized today, while driving the Protege, that I really miss the Miata. I'm so grateful to have a bigger and newer car so we can actually fit groceries, luggage, and ourselves - it's just not as much fun. I find myself thinking, while making a fast U-turn, trying to accelerate quickly, or squeeze into a small parking space, "the Miata could do that."

Thank goodness the Miata is just around the corner in Ross' dorm in Helaman if I ever want to take it for a spin. Right, Ross?

Halloween

...I can't wait! I'm going to be honest, it's the holiday I get most excited about, probably as much as most people get for Christmas. I can't call it my official "favorite" holiday lest Sam ridicule me. (Not really, but it's a serious matter. He was born at Christmas, so he's a bit biased.) Corn mazes, pumpkins, candy corn, vibrant fall leaves, decorations, parties, dressing up, and yes, even some of the scary stuff. It's just awesome! Hooray for the Halloween season!

Backwards is Forwards

I love how autumn feels like a beginning; the start of school and the turning of a new leaf, just as the leaves get ready to fall. I'm no longer in school, but 17 years of conditioning has taught me to think of fall in this way: new classes, new people, and more importantly, new goals. It seems like, for at least the first few weeks of the school year, everyone is so focused. Not even just students - everyone! Schedules are kept, homes are in order, and priorities in their proper place. It's sort of like how at Christmastime everyone seems to be more charitable and compassionate - things they should be all year round, but which come naturally that time of year. I think that's why I love fall. It's a beautiful time of year as summer fades and the world prepares for the cold season, but most of all I love it because I feel motivated - and empowered - to be my very best. Thanks, fall. You're beautiful in more ways than one.

Ethan loves Star Wars

Watch Ethan jump at the Star Wars intro! Despite what it looks like, he loves this game.



Jennifer and Ethan moved back to Georgia today with Sterling soon to follow. We are now the only ones left living west of the Mississippi on either side of the family. How I wish we could be calling the South our home again too. Soon enough. Soon enough

Sweet Southern Comfort

We're finally back from our much-needed 2 week vacation! We flew out to Georgia and were quickly overwhelmed by the humidity. I really don't remember it ever being so bad. The night we got in was Amy Galli and Ryan Turner's Reception and I was so glad I could make it! They looked so happy.

Stephanie, Amy, and I.

We ate Zaxby's! I get it twice a year and I'm always excited.

Sam relaxed and caught up with old friend Meep.

Then we got to the beach! Check out that view!

And that one!...

...and that one! Notice the nice hot tub, which was frequented only by us.

The boys got right to puzzling.

And Sam bonded with new friend Ethan.

Here was Ethan's play pool,

but he seemed to prefer lounging safely away from the sand and salt water.

Oh, and I found a hermit crab.
And my sweetie looked dang good on the beach.

Sam bonded with his nephew even more and taught him about shapes.

We ate some really good seafood,

and saw a guy order the restaurant's burger challenge: the Jetty Giant.

I love Destin Harbor.

The boys feeding the fish.

Ethan with his momma,

and his auntie.

We went to this water park - Big Kahuna's,

and got up early to watch the sunset on the last day.

No dolphins out for their morning promenade, though. A beach trip first.

When we got back to Georgia, we had anniversary cake.

Happy 2 years to us!

Then we packed up our new car - the Mazda Protege - and drove back to Utah. I was too busy driving or sleeping during those two 13-15 hour days to take pictures, but they looked a lot like this:

(Photos courtesy of my last trips to and from Utah in 2007 and 2008.)

It was a wonderful trip, but boy does it feel good to be home! I'm refreshed, more freckled, and ready for all that fall has in store.

The Best Day of My Life

Two years ago today I married the love of my life. We were just two crazy BYU freshman from Georgia who had to travel 2,000 miles from home to fall in love. Then one mission/two years of college, (and a very quick engagement) later, we were sealed together forever.

I remember it being very overcast and windy that day because we were experiencing the outer bands of a Hurricane over the Atlantic coast, but even that couldn't spoil my happiness. I remember picking up my gorgeous peach and coral flowers on the way to the Atlanta Temple, and how I felt seeing Sam just before the ceremony, thinking how amazing that this was really happening.

I remember my fabulous dress that made me feel like a real bride the second I first tried it on. I had looked at a few others, but had a gut feeling that this dress I had been eyeing for years was the one for me. (I found my groom the same way.) I loved feeling so beautiful for him.

I remember our beautiful late-summer reception lit up with all the lanterns that I had picked, and dancing with my new husband.

After mingling, more dancing, (and not eating nearly enough of the great food), we left amid gold sparklers for our Honeymoon and a relaxing cruise in the Bahamas.

Most importantly, I remember my wedding day that I had spent my life dreaming about came and went in such a blur like everyone says it does, because it's really not about the details, (nor does it matter that not everything goes perfectly,) it's about starting of a fabulous new life with your best friend. It's been a great two years and I can't wait for many more.

Happy Anniversary, Samuel!

We're still here in Georgia and have a few more days before leaving for our road trip to Utah with our new car. I'm so grateful we've had this time to relax here and at the beach. I'll give you the summary when we get back!

Almost There!

On a much more positive note than my last post - less than a week until we leave for Georgia and our 2 week vacation!! I am so ready!