hope you didn't miss me too bad...

After a four month break from school I had forgotten how emotionally/physically draining classes, parking, homework can really be. I feel like school is all I do...I sleep, eat, breathe the library. I haven't even touched the blog since the semester started so I know there are millions of fans that are wondering what I've been doing with my life. I'll let you in on a little secret: I've been partying like a rockstar. For our last weekend of freedom we took a little trip down to Bear Lake...It was freezing, and the water was choppy but we all had a blast being out in the last glimmerings of our summer sun. Discovery of the day: Ty can't skimboard...but we still love him. 24 hour trips to Jackson Hole, volunteering at "Fall on the River," drives up to PVP, 22nd birthday parties, spur of the moment haircuts, and random dinners have been solid entertainment as I trudge through the endless lifestyle some people call a college education. Here are a few snapshots of some of my daily events. I'll try and keep a better update of the happenings of life. More to come shortly...

Oh Happy Day!

I just thought I'd take a little time to discuss how grateful I am for life right now...sometimes I forget how many blessings I really have, especially when there are a few not-so-perfect things going on. Let's just take today for example...I went to work! Our economy is having some definite struggles and a lot of people are out of a job with no way to pay for things they need. I'm grateful for the job that I have and how much fun it is. I work with some phenomenal people that have shown me some good life skills. After a few hours of working, one of our esthetitcians, Melissa, gave me the most amazing facial! It was a beautiful way to relax and forget about everything for a minute. (If you're ready for some good relaxation and you want a facial, come make an appointment!) I took some time to hit up the gym and then drove out to Smithfield and helped my grandpa make dinner. My grandparents are without a doubt my favorite people in the world. They're the most generous, loving people you'll ever meet. Then dance time! Tonight was the first day back to dance since the concert over two months ago. It felt so good to be back, seeing all my dancers and being able to dance again! and...Ty gets home in 2 days! No more Skype, no more Philadelphia, just love. Sorry this is kind of rambling-ish but I think you'll kind of get the jist...no matter what, there's always more blessings in your life than you really know.

The Turn of the Century, or at least a quarter of it

Today is Ty's 25th birthday! Holy smokes he is getting so old! Living 2000 miles away from each other all summer has definitely proved to be too far away for us. It's hard being so far away from each other on regular days let alone on big events like birthdays, but that's life. I think I can handle another 13 days without him...hopefully. I love having Ty in my life! He is such an amazing person. At any given moment in our lives he's either making me laugh, asking me a question, or giving me awesome advice. He has the best sense of humor and can make even the hardest situation fill with laughter. He's such a goof and I love every second of it! If you ask him, he doesn't know how to be romantic. He 'sucks at that kind of stuff' but he's always thinking of me and does everything he can to make me happy no matter how sassy I get! Being the eldest in the relationship, he tends to be a bit more knowledgeable than I. No matter what's going on in my life I know I can turn to him and he'll have some great advice or at least a nice big shoulder...he's definitely my rock and I know life's not as much fun or meaningful without him. Happy Birthday, babe! Hurry home already...

at last...

So we officially got home from our trip to the East 16 days ago...and I've yet to post about what all went down. I'll try and give you a little run down if my memory will serve me now...

we loved...

lounged...

swam...and taught the pups how tosunbathed...cut watermelon...

popped a few backs...

cuddled...wrestled...

walked...

posed...

and posed...

with Dad...with Mom...and with Mom AND Dad...

escalated...

slept...

lunged...rested...ate...biked...

danced...

It was so much fun to have my whole family together again! We love and miss you guys!

Virginia is for Lovers

I just got back from an amazing family vacation! Me and the parentals took a little flight together to the east coast to see my sister and her husband. We had so much fun catching up and hanging out...more to come!

Let Freedom Ring

Independence day is one of my very favorite holidays. I love it! Each year it's spent in my own little town of Lewiston, lounging about all day with my family and enjoying the festivities. The day starts off with six cannon ball shots at 6:00 a.m. Thank you for the wake up call. I fall asleep for a few more hours and roll out of bed at about 9:25 to 60 family members standing in front of the house waiting for the parade to start. Who doesn't love candy for breakfast?
Everyone is so serious...I'm not sure what the best part of this picture is... my awesome outfit, sitting next to the APX salesman, Grandpa about to dive bomb for a single piece of candy, or Grandma yelling at floats to throw her some more.Nilda and little Scotty!Notice how everyone around me has moved...but I'm still in the same spotAfter the parade, we sorted our candy....Prepared a little lunch...And began the lounging...
Me and the GmadreWe had to take a few of the little tykes inside for a bit during naptime to watch A Goofy Movie, one of mine and Calvin's personal favorites.We decided to try something completely new this year...My cousin Amber took us on a little adventure to a nearby flume. Adventure is an understatment... I was in charge of getting everyone dressed for the event and I was running low on swimsuits...Amber wins best dressed
The flume crew...Cindy, Taryn, Michelle, Amber, me, Vic, Cherie, and HunterI was ready to roll
but Mom was a little scared
The ride back was little scarier though Shelly was ready for another run

I wasn't as daring coming back the second time...it was a long walk
We're fierce After flumin', it was time for some more great conversation circles to partake in... Kasey on the other hand was a little too tuckered out to converse.

A little later...the dance party began...don't judge us...more particularly, me




I hope everyone had an amazing 4th!!