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Thursday, January 13, 2011

A whole year without...

I did it, I made it a whole year without blogging ANYTHING! I didn't think I could do it!....... Okay okay, so maybe it wasn't an intentional year long break from blogging, but none the less here you are (Are you happy now Talysa?). Honestly, I don't even know where to start. It's actually been over a year and a half since I last blogged anything and obviously a lot has happened since then.


In 2010 Jeff was constantly working (as usual) his full time job as well as going to school full time and in his spare seconds updating our kitchen, completely remodeling our bathroom and doing the never ending yard work. I spent most of 2010... Hmmm I'm not actually sure what I did... working, cleaning and cooking... just the general house wife/part time working responsibilities. We spent a week in May in Chicago (I'm just now realizing we took no pictures while we were there) with Brandis and Dave and their family. We had a lot of fun and Jeff was able to help Dave update their outdoor patio area as well as put up canned lighting in their basement.


In June we spent a wonderful week in Tremonton, Utah with our wards Young Women for the annual summer Girl's Camp. It was a lot of work, but even more fun. The week was spent playing games, doing crafts, floating the Bear River and enjoying spiritual devotionals provided by the leaders. We even got to try our hand in Archery (Jeff was a lot better than me). Jeff won over many young hearts when he played his guitar for the young women (I had to get a little territorial:) ). We ended the week on a high note with one of the best testimony meetings I have ever attended. It was a very rewarding experience and I feel grateful I had the opportunity to take part in it.

Jeff doing the Young Women's job off putting up the tents!

Playing trust games on the first day of camp. You can see half of my body as I run around the circle making sure they don't drop the cute little girl.

First evening, gathered around the camp fire.

Jeff and his red mustache after we played a fun game of paint tag.


I also had the opportunity to visit my family back east with my mom, my sister and my sister's beautiful baby Lily (thanks to my incredibly generous sister). We spent the first couple days in New Hampshire and my sister and I were shocked to find that it required a twenty minute drive to get to the nearest Walmart. Then we headed to Maine to spend some more quality time with the family and enjoy the energetic sounds at the blue grass festival in Ossipee! My Aunt Juanita and her kids took us up to Ferry Beach were we had a delightful time dipping baby Lily in the freezing water. It was a fun trip and it was great to spend time with my family, though I missed Jeff immensely. And once again I don't have any pictures on this computer of this trip.


In October we traveled to New Port Beach, California. My parents were lucky enough to accompany Jeff and I on our 12 hour night drive. I kept everyone in the car entertained as I spent most of the ride being sick. We spent two days at Universal Studios, three days at Disneyland (including Mickey's Halloween Party where Jeff and I got enough candy individually to satiate the needs of our own trick-or-treaters) and one evening at the Haunt in Knott's Berry Farm. We had a great time and enjoyed the time with our family.

Getting ready to go on the tour ride at Universal Studio's.

Looking out over Hollywood.

Jeff and his new best friend.

The giant cookie that was bigger than my niece. I'm such a nice Aunt to give her such a cookie much to her mom's dismay :). She was slightly overwhelmed with the size of it.

Jeff and I at the Knott's Berry Scary Farm (Very scary).

Back to Front; Jeff, Justin (Brother), Trent (Brother-in-law) and Amanda (Sister) getting ready for a screaming ride on Screaming California in California Adventure.

Jeff and Lily (Niece) in line for the Toy Story II ride.

Having fun on the little kid rides in Bug's Land.

Heading out of Disneyland.


Christmas was as always a fun affair. We spent the early morning with each other enjoying our own Christmas together and then we went to my brother's house and spent the rest of the morning with my family. Jeff's family came over later that afternoon and we were all excited and surprised to see Brandis, Dave and their family who came all the way from Chicago to spend Christmas with the family.

Me after opening my stocking.

Jeff after opening his stocking.

Our living room before Santa visited us.

Well that's it for the year 2010!