White Sands

James and I were able to visit White Sands while we were in New Mexico. I seriously love this place. It is so beautiful and unique. As you enter the National Park, the cars in front of you start driving really slow because the white sand looks like snow. Subconsciously you want to drive slow and be careful and you have to remind yourself that it is sand, haha!

The thing to do is bring some snow sleds and slide down the slopes. The last time I visited White Sands was June 2009, and that is exactly what we did. You can see pictures here. So fun!

New Mexican Birthday

I spent my 27th birthday in New Mexico with James' family. Ate yummy Mexican food, had sparklers on my cake and received a lot of very nice birthday wishes. It was a perfect birthday.

Ever since my 23rd birthday I have been bad at remembering my age. I don't know if it is because time starts speeding up as you get older, or if birthdays are different when you are an adult, but I always think I am a year younger than I really am. (Or maybe I am just in denial.)

Just last night I asked James if I was 27 because I couldn't remember, haha.

I actually missed my 25th year - I don't even know what it feels like to be 25 :) For an entire year I thought I was 24 years old. Whenever anyone asked me how old I was, I would tell them that I was 24 and I honestly believed I was!  So on my 26th birthday, I went from being 24 to 26. haha

Girls Camp

I have loved my calling in the Young Women Program. I have the best group of girls -- they definitely keep me young. Girls Camp this year was so much fun. The theme was Stand in Holy Places and our campsite decorations was inspired by Dr. Seuss. There were a lot of good memories this year. Here are some of my favorite parts of camp:

• Skills Course
• Zip Line
• Going on an awesome hike
• Having the best skit
• Painting nails
• Swimming in a pond
• No heat on my hair for 3 days
• No work

Summer To-Do List

During one of my lunch breaks, I was inspired to jot down a summer to-do list. I try to get lunch by myself at least once a week. There is something great about being able to spend some time by yourself and reflect on things. I also love making summer goals -- to embrace the warmer weather and encourage me to live every day in the moment. Sometimes I get so caught up in everything going on in my life, I feel like I didn't enjoy everything as much as I should. I have also noticed that my life keeps getting busier, which means the years feel like they are moving faster. Summer lists help me slow down and love life more.

These are a few things on my list, and I am proud to say that I already started working towards a few things on the list. (I signed up for tennis lessons in July, and I have been really good about running after work.)

• Go running 5 times a week
• Attend the new fitness classes at the Provo Recreation Center
• Take tennis lessons
• Get a tan
• Start working towards my own business
• Go camping
• Organize my living space
• Take one educational class
• Take more pictures
• Make a family video

It is a short list, but the perfect size for me to actually accomplish these goals. Now I just need to get my tan on. :)