The MEGA post

I am the worst blogger! I have thought about doing blog posts....but then I never do! I really wanted to high light our trip to California.....but since that trip there have been three more trips to California!! So for the record keeping....I will now attempt to document what we have been doing for the past several months, starting with our trip to see Cameron! I feel a little sad that I am not a better blogger/journaler because I am worried I am going to forget funny things that happen to us. Like when we didn't get our bags tagged right in Fiji so then we missed our connecting flight from Hawaii to Seattle after our honeymoon and had to spend lots of $$ and time waiting in the airport trying to get home. We ended up flying to Portland and then took a tiny little plane to Seattle where my kind parents came to pick us us very late! These little stories make me laugh and I don't want to forget anything!

Northern California-Oct
Cameron has one of those fancy cool cameras and took lots of pictures. He even gave me a CD with pictures on it. But at the moment, I cannot find that "safe" place I put it. So the pictures will be minimal. First of all, Cameron was so generous to host us at his home in Cali! One suitcase has clothes in it, and the other had bedding-pillows, blankets, sheets, and an air mattress.

Our first day there was Thursday. Jeffrey dropped Cam off at work, so we could borrow the car for the day. We went to Standford campus and then sight seeing around Palo Alto. We loved the campus! It was so beautiful! Later that night we picked Cameron up from work and then went to have Korean BBQ. I have always wanted to try it and it was very good and very fun! Sadly that night my stomach started to hurt really bad and I couldn't eat my ice cream treat.

Friday we went into San Fran! It was an AMAZING day!! Cameron did such a good job navigating the streets, hills, and one ways! We hit some many spots!! We went to this amazing beach...only to find nudists there!! We hit all the hot spots! One memorable thing was this magic/human trick show. Jeffrey and Cameron were called up out of the audience to participate and this older women did the balance walk (see pic below).

Saturday we went to see the Wilson family and had so much fun with them at the Palo Alto farmers market! We each got a crepe and talked and really enjoyed each others company. I really admire my aunt, uncle, and cousins and I want to be more like them! Then we drove out to a goat farm and sampled difference cheeses. I really loved the cheese, but then I ate WAYYY too much and now when I think about goat cheese I feel a little sick. We found another amazing beach that afternoon. Then in the evening we went and saw a community theater play.

Sunday was church and then home! We can't wait to go back to visit Cameron! There were a few moments when i felt like the third wheel because Jeffrey and Cameron were having so much fun together! I am so lucky to have such a great husband and that my family welcomed him in 100%!





Now this is where things start to get a little fuzzy... I cannot remember the exact order that things happened in.

November brought Thanksgiving, which meant we went to visit Seattle! It was sooo nice to be there. I love Seattle! We flew in on Thanksgiving day and just felt so happy to be there. I sadly do not have any pictures on my camera from this! My mom did take some, so hopefully one day I can get them from her. My dad planned a really fun day in Seattle going to different restaurants trying yummy foods! We were stuffed by the end of it all! and next time I will know to bring water with me! We ended the day by going to see Hugo as a family.


December was extremely busy! To start December off, I was called to be the Young Women's president in my ward. Yes, I was a mere 24 years old. Yes, people mistake me for one of the Young Women ALL THE TIME. I get a lot of surprised looks and statements like "are you sure you are not a MIA MAID?" Do I look 14!? "Did your Mom or Dad sign your permission slip?" ...then shocked look when I say, no, I am married and I am the leader with these girls. Anyway, I love the young women! It is hard at times, but I try my best! I can't remember what month this was, but we had a YW movie night at our apartment. We watched A Walk to Remember.

***For those of your who are not familiar, "Young Women's" is part our church's youth program. We do not have any paid clergy, so members of the congregation are asked to lead. I am in charge of the girls ages 12-18. We have Sunday meetings, youth group on Tuesdays, summer camp, service projects, and lots more! Check it out here***



We went to California again to see Wicked with Jeffrey's family. The show was AMAZING!!! I loved every minute of it! We left Cali that night to get back so that Katilyn (soon to be sister in law) could work the next morning!! I also had to work, but was able to get it off last minute! I don't know how she went to work for 12 hours after only getting a few hours of sleep that night!

The next December activity was Christmas caroling. We went in a LIMO! We had a lot of fun singing and spending time together! It is fun that both our families have the tradition of going caroling!





Next came Katie and Adam's wedding! Jeffrey and I headed back up to Seattle for this exciting event! Katie is one of the classiest people I know and I am so happy for her and Adam! We had so much fun being at home and spending time with family and friends.

Their wedding dinner was held at a up scale bowling placed. We have fun eating treats, bowling, and watching a video of Katie and Adam.




Katie ended up getting her hair done at the same place I did for my wedding. She looked beautiful! Kali and I went to watch as she got her hair and makeup done and it was just so fun! We had a great time at the temple. It was such a beautiful day in Seattle! Their reception was a blast and we participated in a flash mob. Then we danced the night away!



Next came our first Christmas as a married couple and my first Christmas away from home. I worked Christmas Eve. Jeffrey brought me breakfast for lunch at my work and ate with me on my 30 minute break. Christmas morning was spent making breakfast, using our new video camera, and opening gifts. Our breakfast was kind of a bust...we'll try again next year. After the morning we went to church and then headed over to the Salls for stockings, presents, and Christmas dinner (french toast) Note to self: put makeup on for Christmas morning pics...





The day after Christmas we headed to California to go to Disneyland with the Salls family. Jonny slept over and we got up at 5 AM to start the drive. We had so much fun wearing matching shirts and sweatshirts with the whole Salls gang. We ended up getting season passes to Disneyland during that trip! We had to leave one day before the rest of the family because I had to work. We had the worst drive home! For some reason Jeffrey was really tired and couldn't make the 4 1/2 hour drive. So we had to keep pulling over on the side of the road and I couldn't sleep at all. We finally made it home and I crashed into bed. The morning came too soon as I had to head into work.



January brought my birthday and New Beginnings for Young Women's. I turned the big 2-5. Jeffrey surprised me with a new shirt and then an occasion to wear it- Tickets to see Ka. It was fun to get dressed up and the show was amazing. We had really good seats right on the aisle where the performers come past. After that we went to Buca-di-beppos. Sunday was my actual birthday. I brought cupcakes to celebrate with the Young Women. Then Jeffrey made dinner and we had cupcakes again.



New Beginnings turned out so amazing! The mutual theme this year is Arise and Shine Forth. We had lights everywhere. I wish I had taken more pictures of all the amazing decorations! We had a chocolate fountain after the program. The night before I got home from work and just did not feel good. I went to bed and tossed and turned all night feel liking I was going to throw up....and then I did. I kept throwing up. It just wouldn't stop. I tried to sleep it away since I was in charge of New Beginnings that night. It was one of the worst sicknesses I've had. I was so weak. I could hardly even stand. I couldn't think straight. I was supposed to be there at 4 to set up. Jeffrey saved the day and took care of most of my set up responsibilities. I was able to get through the night and my talk without vomiting. It was such a beautiful night and I am so glad to everyone who helped since I was so sick.



In February Jeffrey's brother Jared got married! We had a fun weekend celebration with the sealing and family dinner on Friday and the reception on Saturday. We are so happy for them and we are so glad to have Rachel in the family! She was beautiful!! He was handsome! A great weekend!



The end of February/beginning of March my parents came to visit. Saturday we hiked red rock and then went to watch BYU play in the basketball tournament. We had the cool box seats thanks to Jeffrey's work. It was a very fun and fancy way to watch basketball. Monday and Tuesday were spent at Disneyland and California Adventure! (Trip #4 to Cali) IT WAS A BLAST! The lines were so short and we got to go on all of our favorite rides! Tuesday was a little on the cold side so I am glad I brought a sweatshirt and a coat! We loved spending time together! Wednesday morning we drove my parents to the airport and then Jeffrey and I went back to Disneyland for a few more rides. By1pm we were back on the road headed for Vegas. Jeffrey had to tutor and I worked the next day. Jeffrey ended up not tutoring that night so we got to spend the evening together. The only bummer about this trip is that Cameron was supposed to meet up with us in California, but was unable to last minute because of work!




Finally, we saw the Hunger Games movie. We loved it. We loved the books, so really, it is no surprise we liked the movie too. Can't wait until its at the Redbox!!

I continue to work as a med/surg nurse at the hospital and Jeffrey in insurance. We are so busy but are loving life! We love our family and friends. Come visit us in Vegas!!