4 years

Jared and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary on the 18th, then his 31st Birthday on the 19th. Thanks to Naomi watching Ellie we got to go stay overnight in Park City. This is the first time we have ever been away from Ellie overnight. I missed her, but it was worth it.

Park City is great! It is so close but man do you feel like your on vacation.  It was a Wednesday night so Park City was nice and quiet and we felt like we had main street to ourselves. We ate an AMAZING dinner at Butchers, which was a two for one special (SCORE!). We ate every bite.....not kidding. I always believe if your going to splurge on dinner then you should enjoy every single piece of it! We walked off our dinner by strolling through a few galleries criticizing (I mean critiquing) the photography. Our hotel room was probably the same size if not bigger than our apartment and nice too. Full kitchen, dining room with granite counter tops, a fire place and a hot tub. I mean seriously! It was a great deal. We spent the next day shopping at the outlets and finished off the day with lunch in Salt Lake. It was a great little get away.

After 4 years, we are out of the honeymoon phase, past pregnancy and having a baby and have really settled into a routine. We both agreed that we have come to a place in our lives were we feel like, this is our life, this is how our lives are going to be together, and we couldn't be happier. Although life is incredible busy we are very content with were we are and what we are doing. Jared is working so hard and his schedule is so hectic, but that man has a work ethic like no other! I knew when I met him that he would find success in whatever he put his mind to and that rings true. He works full time and runs a business on the side. He amazes me.

Happy Anniversary my dear. Love having you by my side everyday, your my best friend. Thanks for everything you do. I love you.

September in Salians| Part 2

My mom and I drove down to Morro Bay for Meghan's baby shower. We left early so we could stop in at some antique stores. Morro Bay is known for having great antique stores and we can now see why. We definitely scored! I got my first vintage Pyrex and a cool old tin. My mom got a cute plant stand that is perfect for her african violets. We had a great day. I saw Meghan who now lives in Indiana. I met her in Utah and her parents still live in California. We became best friends and miss each other so much. It was so so great to her! 

We went to Mount Madonna for a picnic. Love that place, there are SO many memories there. We grew up camping there and it holds a special place in our hearts. I use to think that the redwood trees at Mount Madonna were so big, well that was before I ever visited Eureka! Humboldt County blows this forest out of the water. Captured the best pictures of my parents. Looks like I have the ability to take good family photos too. Watch out Jared!

So I came to a conclusion while out in California. I don't know how to say this.......I think I'm officially a Utahan. I missed Utah so much and, well California just wasn't doing it for me this time. Even the ocean wasn't impressing me. I missed the mountains! I wanted to get back to see the fall colors. I realized what an amazing place Utah and Salt Lake Valley are. We are literally so close to some of the greatest most spectacular scenery. California you will always be my first home, but I feel more at home in Utah now. I guess it's about time, 6 years later.

32 years of Marriage (I think)! Aren't they cute?!

September in Salinas| Part 1

So I made a trip home for a baby shower of a close friend of mine. I decided to stay two weeks to make paying for a plane ticket worth it. Along with the fact that Jared is gone from 6am to 8pm most nights. He has a busy semester to say the least! Ellie did GREAT on the flight out to Salinas. I only had a LITTLE anxiety :| We did a bunch of stuff. Of course we went to Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey. The Carmel Mission. Spent time with my brothers, who love Ellie to pieces! We had a blast, Ellie was so good the whole trip. I'm so happy she gets to see her grandparents so often.

 Did I mention my mom is a crazy caner! I mean this is only half of it. Believe it or not she quilts and cans and it's Mormon ;) She is pretty famous in our family for her dilled green beans. 

When life gives you tomatoes make salsa!  That's the saying right?

My mom and I made really good salsa. Here is the recipe we followed. We altered it by adding 5-6 serano chilis. 

Canned Salsa

Always have to go walk on the Wharf. It really never gets old.

Ellie waving at the boats.

The Carmel Mission