Finally!

So, finally a new post. I suck at this. But oh well. Here's the update:

So, a month ago, Ben & I moved into a new apartment. THANK GOSH! We love this place. Even though it's not THAT much bigger, it's got more closet space, so things are actually put away! AND it had air conditioner - which ROCKS! Plus, I'm not longer the designated "dishwasher" - only the "dish putter in the dishwasher." I would put up pictures, but I haven't decorated due to a lack of understanding between me and the level. I think that has been resolved, so once I have some time and patience, I will put up our decor and take some pictures!

That same weekend was 4th of July, so we spent some time with friends and family! We watch fireworks with Tyler and Kiley, then went to the blessing of new baby Layla. For some reason, I don't have pictures of her - what's wrong with me? Oh well, I'll try to get some soon! But on the actual 4th, we bbq'ed and did some fireworks with Tyler & Kiley & Chad & Melanie & some =] Here are some pictures from some of that...

The weekend AFTER 4th of July was our trip home for Danny & Errin's wedding. It was just like every other quick weekend home - crazy and busy! Here are some pictures from the weekend:

On Friday, we went swimming with some of the kids.  It's been a while since we're actually gone swimming, so it was pretty fun!

Ben & Troy

Austin - he didn't like the water.

Chad catching Troy as he jumps!

Juli & Logan - with Marilyn helping Carter swim in the back

Jennette & Lexie

And here's a picture of Troy dancing (I think?) while we were helping set up for the reception...

As for the wedding day, things went pretty good.  It was a gorgeous day and everyone looked great. 

The ceremony was really nice and Danny & Errin were super happy.  Here are just a few photos (because I struggle at taking picture...geez):

The happy couple coming out of the temple

Chad & Melanie - the next couple to get married

Me & Troy!

 

I thought these picture of Ben & I were funny, so I made this thing one day when I was super bored.

  The epitome of our relationship.

Back to Utah - we have both been super busy with school and work and family, with little to no time to do anything else.  We went up to Logan for the 24th of July to meet up with Ben's entire family.  We played in the volleyball tournament and ended up being super sore the next day - haha.  We had some good food (including Grandma Faun's traditional homemade ice cream) and a fun just hanging out with everyone.  Here are some pictures of us doing fireworks at Ben's parents the next day.

Ben's semester ends next week, and mine ends the week after.  Can't wait for that break.  It will allow us to actually have some time to breathe. We'll get to see Trent & Camilla and visit family in California.  We have high expectations of fun and relaxation =]  Exactly what we need! =]]

Moving Day!

Tomorrow is moving day! It's goodbye to Wymount, hello air conditioner, dishwasher and washer/dryer! Can't wait to be moved and all settled and take on the fresh start of a new apartment, new neighbors and new ward. I'm just glad I get to have my sweet husband right by my side through all of this, and the support of our large family, whether they're living close or far!

Well, I should get back to packing. We still need to pack up the bedroom, extra bedroom, and a little more of the kitchen - wow, I guess that's most of the apartment..whoops! Peace out!

Oh happy day!

Today, one of my best friends got married.
Even though I couldn't be there, I'm still SO happy for her.
Check this girl out...

We first truly bonded over a pair of matching pajama shorts

She always makes a picture 10 times better

She would still be cute as a boy....kinda?

She makes my dad smile like this...

She's obsessed with babies, especially Troy.
My niece once asked me -
"Why does your friend keep kissing Troy?"
(in a concerned, disgusted tone)

She's got freakishly long arms - at least in pictures

For some reason, she has obsessive cleaning episodes
( which made her a great roommate =] )

Even without make-up, she's totally gorgeous

She always knows the best way to pose

She was there waiting for me after I got engaged at 6 o'clock in the morning

She helped me pick out my wedding dress...
and what NOT to pick out - yikes.
(PS - you can see her in the mirror taking the picture)

She came to my wedding in California
even though she had barely returned from London

She's always the life of the party, especially if it's her birthday!

She's such a good sport with the crazy things we do for her
like her bridal shower


And lastly, she made the most beautiful bride.
(Yes, I stole this from facebook, hope that's OK)

I love you girly, and I'm SO happy for you!

Trip HOME! =]

So, a few weeks ago, Ben & I took a little trip down to California. It really was such a great trip. We were able to spend time with those we love and just relax for the first time in a while. Great company, great food and great weather are three things I LOVE! Here are a few of the highlights from the week.

Day 1 was pretty busy. Ben & I got up early Saturday morning (like 5 am) to get to the airport. We arrived in California at about 7:20, where we met up with mom and Juli. We stopped by David & Tessa's apartment to say hi, then went home, said hi to everyone else and relaxed for a little. A little later that day, we went to the temple to see a friend of mine get sealed to his wife and daughter. It was really awesome to be a part of their special day. After the temple, we met some of the family at Vinces and had dinner. Here are some pictures from that night.

Mom & Pop

Tabby & Austin

Taylor & Carter

Juli, Me, Logan & Ben

Chad, Melanie & Carter (Carter really likes to pose)

Sisters!

Ben & Logan (Ben knows how to relate to the kids..)


Day 2 was Easter, so of course it was busy! Taylor & Tabatha blessed baby Tanner since everyone was home for the holiday. It was fun to have everyone together at church again. After church, slowly but surely everyone came over to Mom & Dad's house to hunt for Easter eggs outside and Easter baskets inside. (Ben was the lucky hider of the Easter baskets). I don't have a ton of pictures from Sunday, since everyone else in my family has a billion, but here are the few that I do have.

So my parents hat this huge blow-up ball thing that the kids go inside and get rolled around in. Ben went really fast, so Troy really liked it..

And then Ben wanted a turn..

Carter...always posing for the camera.

Can you tell Austin was crying? I was trying to distract him. He still said "cheese!"


Day 3 was pretty chill. I think we celebrated Chad & Tessa's birthdays, so everyone was over once again. It's always busy at home..haha. Once again, not too many pictures - whoops!

The boys outside playing with their new balls that Tabby & Taylor got them for Easter.


Day 4 was Tuesday, which was Chad & Melanie's last full day in California. Ben & I went with them to the beach, and they even went in the water, even though it was a pretty chilly afternoon. Afterwards, we met up with David & Tessa and went to BJ's for dinner. Fun fun!

Melanie, Chad & Ben in the water...crazy!

I think they like each other.

Tessa, Melanie & Chad at BJ's!

David, Ben & I!


So, I have no idea what went on the next day. I don't have any pictures from that day, and since it was a couple weeks ago, I can't even think of what we did. I can remember my parents taking Chad & Melanie to the airport, but I can't remember much other than that. Oh yeah, I think this was the day we went to get some yogurt with Danny & Errin & Juli. We saw some crazy lady riding a bike who wasn't very coordinated...tipsy?? Haha!


Day 6 was pretty chill again. I think we did a little shopping, a little relaxing, and of course a little eating. We went to La Tolteca to get some yummy Mexican food, one of my favorite stops at home!

Danny, Errin & Juli at dinner!

Ben & the parentals...I think sometimes they like him more than me. =]


Friday was our last day in California, so we spent it mostly at home, visiting with everyone who came over to see us off. Here are some pictures from that night!


Baby Khloe!

She's cute..

The boys trying to get together to take a picture..

Mostly smiling...I guess?

I guess for 4 crazy boys, this is a pretty good picture. Even Austin is saying cheese...pretty intensely, I might add.

Oh they love me!


So the week at home was really fun. I loved being surrounded by my family and being able to spend time with everyone, especially the kids. They are so fun to play with, and keep things entertaining. I'm excited to go back home in July to see everyone, even if it's just for a short weekend. I love my family!

Yesterday was the 1 year mark of the best day of my life.
I married this handsome guy...

for time & all eternity.

What a lucky girl I am =]
And what an amazing year we've had!