Frozen Utah Lake

I love the fact that I can just walk out my back door and jump in the lake -- well I guess walk on a frozen lake. I will have to wait for the summer to go swimming. But seriously, I feel so blessed to live in such a beautiful place. You just can't beat the quality of life here in Utah. 

I had been wanting to go out on the ice, so while my younger siblings were staying at my place I had them run down to the frozen lake with me. We didn't go out very far, but far enough to get some fun pictures. 

Road to Sochi

Go team USA! While James' family was in town for Christmas we went up to Park City to watch the Ski Jump. It is pretty dang amazing how fast and high those athletes go. It was also neat to watch the jump in person. I was surprised at how different of an experience it was seeing them in person versus watching it on the television. 

Craig and Jos also got us these sweet Team USA gloves. They are awesome -- especially when you are cheering at an Olympic event.

There was a band that was performing after the event called Holy Water Buffalo from Heber, Utah. They were pretty good and they also had pretty impressive hair. 

Also while I was walking around the event, I couldn't stop noticing everyone's amazing snow boots and realized that I am missing a very essential part of my wardrobe -- especially for someone who lives in Utah. How have I gone so many years without purchasing a pair of snow boots? Every winter my poor toes freeze. Does anyone have snow boots that they recommend? 

And for some outtakes --

Silly brothers.

I think I might be lecturing James in this picture. :)

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!

Alex is having a girl!

This weekend James and I were able to get together with my family and throw a gender reveal party for Chip and Alex! This is going to be the first baby on myside and James side of the family :) We are both so excited to be an aunt and an uncle! Everyone got to take a vote on whether they thought the baby would be a girl or a boy, we played a couple games, and finished the night with a fun bonfire in the backyard.

To see more pictures and watch an awesome video, check out Alex's Post.

'Tis the Season

James and I have gone to see the SLC Temple lights 3 times now! We first went with James' family during Thanksgiving, and then with my Young Women's group, and then with my sisters when Chip and Alex were in town :) 

I am now a professional reindeer handler! I booked a couple reindeer for Provo's Lights On Ceremony. The kids were so cute. They were asking me if they lived in the north pole and if they could fly :) 

Getting ready to go to the Skullcandy Holiday Party in front of our enormous Christmas Tree! 

Driving home to Vegas for Christmas!! I got to take off a whole week of work. It was so nice to sleep in every day and hang out with my family.

James is growing out his beard until the new year :) 

James and I spoiled each other for Christmas :) He got tons of hats, socks and clothes. I surprised him with a #12 Rogers Packers Jersey and new shoes. He got me a new suit case, a kicker for my car, clothes, and perfume. 

Its been such a good Christmas Holiday. James and I have both been really busy with work and church and everything else... It has been really nice to take some time with family and friends and think of all the things we have been blessed with. 

80's Photo Booth

I made some props for my Uncle's Surprise Birthday Party this past weekend. His birthday was 80's themed, so I made some over sized buttons for the family to wear, cassette props, and of course a purple boom box. I found the images online, enlarged them and mounted them onto craft foam.

 Below are some ridiculously awesome pictures from the party :)

Happy Birthday Greg!

Colorado River

Over the weekend my family went on a kayaking trip to the Colorado River in Bullhead City, Arizona. My family is getting so big! We fill up an entire 15 passenger van shuttle! 

It has been such a great weekend.

La Jolla

My brother Leo is leaving on his mission to New York, New York on the 22nd, so my family planned a quick little family vacation to San Diego. It has been such a good trip. We have been waking up early every day to go running {I love running in California, it is so beautiful and the weather is amazing.}, going to the beach every day, and spending time with my dad's family. I love it. Being here brings me back to my childhood when I used to live here.

[The Beach House]

[La Jolla]

Last time we will be all together! [for a long time] Love my family!

Taylorsville Day

My Grandparents live in Taylorsville, so every year the family gets together to watch the firework show on Taylorsville Day! The event keeps getting bigger and bigger every year!

The parking is crazy, so we park at my grandparents house, and then walk over to the park.

Highlights of the week:

For the first time, ever I was able to style my hair using no heat! I am trying be more healthy with my hair. I will do a tutorial to show you exactly what I did, once I get some free time!

Found this beauty at Target. Watches make me happy.

Best Birthday Ever!

I turned the big 26 last week! James was so much fun and had a surprise birthday bonfire up in the canyon. He was so sneaky and invited a bunch of friends and family. I am such a lucky girl. He seriously made this such a fun birthday week for me! His birthday is in September, so I have a while to think about what I want to do for him :)

My birthday pants, thanks Mom!

The party was so much fun, James even brought glow sticks for everyone! I love just sitting around the fire, telling stories and eating Smores! 

Thanks Missi and Cheri for the yummy cake and cupcakes. Red Velvet, my favorite!!

Even at work, my boss surprised me with a fun birthday activity! The event staff went to Provo Beach Resort and played on the ropes course and played croquet. And then finished the day at The Chocolate for desert. 

This is my Birthday Cookie!

Recently I have been having car problems, so James has been looking around for a new car. He text me at work yesterday saying that my new car was waiting for me when I got home! I about died.

I am so happy to have a car again! (I have been driving James truck to work while he is stuck at home.) I feel like I have been so blessed this week. Thanks everyone for making me feel so loved!