Most favorite time of the year

It is here...and I am already mourning next week when it will be over and I will have to wait a whole other year for my most favorite time. Where has the time gone? How is it already the end of 2010? I can't stand it.

I am so excited for this coming week where Aaron and I will pack up the dogs and head to AZ for xmas with the Steenbliks. It brings me pure JOY. My days will be filled with playing with my nepwhews, UNO, Punka's crepes, peppermint ice cream, dinners that will stuff my face and belly, hikes up camelback mountain and just the joy that you feel when you are HOME. I am dying with anticipation.

Of course I can't forget the REASON FOR THE SEASON. More than ever I feel so grateful for He that was born for us and has forever shaped and altered my life for the better. As I reflect on the blessings of my life that are directly related to Jesus Christ I am humbled and overwhelmed.

Alright so here it goes....the week of the year....BRING IT. Only 3 days of work this week then we are out of here and on to celebrate. Couldn't happen fast enough...except I will be so sad when it is over.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and of course a bright New Year. Enjoy your loved ones and soak it all up!!!

Thanksgiving goodness

Thanksgiving was a great week. Started out with Disneyland with Aaron's mom, sister and her kiddos along with Nate, Rach, and Luke. It was PACKED...honestly as packed as I think I will ever see it. We went the day before thanksgiving. Thankfully I was able to go on a ride...Haunted Mansion which was all Nightmare Before Christmas decked out and I loved it. New favorite ride at Disneyland for sure.

Thanksgiving day Aar went down to the OC to run the 10K Turkey Trot with his siblings while I enjoyed a nice relaxing sleep. We then met up with his family for dinner. The night ended with some Harry Potter which I loved as always. We continued to have a great weekend with the family and we were super thankful for them coming out to California so we could stay put.

So many things to be thankful for this time of year and as we start my most favorite month of the year I find myself to be extra grateful and appreciative.

• Our families are THE best and I am so thankful for the families we come from.
• My parents are some of the greatest examples in my life and I love to notice the things I do that are like them. I am thankful for the examples they have been to me in my life of love and service.
  
• My Aar Bear what can I say...I love him. I love that 7 years ago I made the decision to marry him for eternity. One of the best decisions I have ever made and has made my life exactly how it needs to be.
• Bella and Bear our kiddos are the loves of our life. We just adore them and love when we walk in the door and they run up to us so excited and happy to see us. Best cuddle partners ever.
• Gatorade and sparkling water have been saving my behind lately. I have been sick with a nasty infection we all got over thanksgiving and I have been downing so much of this stuff lately I am sure I will turn into yellow bubbles.
• LuLuLemon, what would my wardrobe be without it?

While these are just a few there are a ton more, however I will just leave it at that.

Hope you are all enjoying the holiday season!!!

GPA STEENBLIK

The most awesome threesome ever enjoying some pumpkin picking with our Gpa. I have to say this is one my most favorite pictures from my childhood.

Of course showing his UTE pride with his Utah hat on.

X mas last year with Gpa.

I love this picture, Gpa kept tickling Liam's feet during the photo. It was so cute to see him so interactive and playing around with Liam. For sure something I will miss when I have kiddos.

I will be forever grateful to the man he is and was as he helped to shape my father into the man he is today. I am so thankful for his example of service and kindness. He was known for going to grocery stores to get their day old food, which was often not even expired and would drive around and deliver to those in need. This delivering of food and goods has been something he has done ever since I can remember and still was going on even in the last few months leading up to his stroke. Gpa Steenblik was the only grandpa I had ever known as Gpa Howe died just a few months before I was born. I am sad to not have him in my life here on earth and while I know it was the right thing for him to join my gma and others in heaven it doesn't take away the fact that it sucks to not have him HERE. My gpa died today, Veteran's day.

YW President

Am I really old enough to be a Young Women's president?

I guess it doesn't matter much cause I am officially as of today.

I am super excited and totally humbled to have this opportunity. The girls I work with are so awesome and I really can't think of a better calling to have. I am taken back that people have the faith and confidence in me to serve this role. Of course with the help of some amazing leaders I know our YW will be great.

And we're back

In true Murray Steenblik fashion Aaron and I did Oahu right. We were able to see all the island has to offer. We loved every minute of it. We both have never been big on going to Hawaii, I had never been and I have to admit I always wanted what I thought was more adventurous. I have always thought if I am going to pay money I want to see a new culture and get a totally different experience. With that being said I LOVE OAHU and I want to go again...NOW. I loved how easy everything was. We rented a jeep and went around the whole dang island many times. It was clean, good food, and accessibility. It would be correct to say that Oahu changed my mind, sometimes it is nice to be a bit more comfortable while traveling.

We flew in on Saturday and spent the day at the hotel settling in.

Sunday we started bright and early (let me just say our plan was to do nothing that day) and headed to Haunama Bay to snorkel. It was fabulous. We saw tons of amazing fish, a 6 foot moray eel (not my highlight but Aaron was stoked), and of course a nice Hawiian sea turtle. We then hiked Diamond Head and soaked in a great view of the big city.




t


Monday we went straight to the North Shore and how happy I am that we did. We snorkled at Shark's Cove which was incredible. I thought Sunday was the coolest until I snorkeled Monday. Again huge fish in this amazing cove that honestly looked like a movie set underwater. The ocean was FLAT, like a bay and we couldn't have hit it right on the money that morning. After snorkeling we got some treat's at Ted's Bakery, which we frequented many more times. Then to Waimea Bay we went. Again some snorkeling with a ginormous sea turtle which we just hovered over for about 15 minutes watching it eat on the bottom of the ocean and then it decided to show of a bit and swim around us. We went to go out to these spinning dolphin but when we had swam out they had left. They were putting on an amazing show. We spent the night in the North Shore until just after Sunset which we enjoyed at none other than Sunset Beach.






Tuesday was another filled day again, which I am sure does not surprise you. We hiked Maunawilli Falls which was excellent, hot, sweaty and fun. We then went continued our journey in the area to Lanikai beach. We rented stand up paddle boards and played in the sun for the good part of the day. We paddle boarded out to an island which was pretty rad. The ocean was so clear and beautiful. Most of these pics are on waterproof cam so will upload at a later date.




Wednesday we actually did chill a bit in the am at the hotel and went to the beach at our hotel for a little while. Then it was time to head up to the Laie to the Polynesian Cultural Center. This was super rad. We went 2 hours before our Luau which was the perfect amount of time. After the Luau we had the most excellent surprise. We took the tram to the temple which has been completely renovated and was going to start its open house on Friday. We went up the steps and a man offered to give us a private tour right then and there. Truly amazing. The temple was beautiful, absolutely gorgeous. It was such a treat to get a one on one tour with the man who oversees every temple construction and remodel, he shared all the little details with us. After that he drove us back to the polynesian cultural center so we would not miss the show. We watched a great show and enjoyed the evening. We decided to take the round around the top of the island past the north shore as swell reached 15 feet that day (remember monday the swell was 0 feet). We sat on the beach in the dark with the moonlight and watched huge waves crashing.




Thursday we headed to Pearl Harbor which was pretty interesting. Did you know that the USS Arizona still leaks oil (tears of the victims as they refer to it), they say it could take up to 200 years after the attack to completely drain. It was really cool and they told us that those who did not die the day of the attack on the ship have their ashes taken into the boat when they die to be with their friends. Love the loyalty. After Pearl Harbor we went back to the hotel and relaxed a bit and went to a movie.



Friday we hit up the North Shore again as it really is I think one of our most favorite places on this earth. We checked out Sharks Cove yet it was still too big of swell to snorkel. So we went back to Waimea Bay which still had waves but calm enough to still play around, which we did. We then drove to the other side of the North Shore near Laie and went to this awesome secluded beach park that was kind of tucked in the woods. It was crazy cool. We then picked up some treats from Ted's and watched sunset at Sunset Beach.








Saturday was our last day and we decided to vedge out at the pool. It was a brilliant way to end our trip. We hit the island hard for 7 days so it was good to end with some relaxation. We went to another movie and headed into Honolulu for some excellent food and SideStreet Inn and got back on the plan to our life back in LA.

Not mentioned in here are the fabulous meals we had. We really did eat good food, which of course should not be much of a surprise as we are foodies. We went to some of the most yummiest places we had ever eaten thanks to Food Network Suggestions and those from friends. Ted's, Helena's, Motsumoto's, Side Street Inn, Grass Skirt Grill were all excellent!!!

I am so thankful that we were able to go on this vacation. We really did need it. We figured that 2 years is the point where it is time for a long break. Of course weekend trips help but a good week away from work and responsibilities does the body good...pretty sure is better for me than milk. I have to give a special thanks to the Murray's for giving us a week of their timeshare (Marriott Ko Olina, it was great with the most excellent lagoons and pools) and to Jeff and Rachel Nelson and Jer for taking such good care of our kiddos so we could get away.

I feel like a new person.

Countdowns

In 5 days we go to the ARCADE FIRE concert (a Kristen favorite band) at the Shrine
In 13 days we go to the LCD Soundsystem concert (an Aaron favorite band) at the HOLLYWOOD BOWL
In 14 days we go to Oahu
In 44 days we will have been married 7 years
In 49 days we see the Utes play San Diego

Excited much about all of this? You betcha. Not that it takes much with me, I get excited just about anything...Case and point (these are just the things I was excited about from today) I was pretty stoked tonight when I downed one my most favorite treats ever a Beard Papa cream puff, I got pumped earlier today when I cleaned out a purse and found many many many quarters (awesome for parking), loved it when I lit my first fall candle of the season, grinned ear to ear when I head my Liam and Georgie on the phone today, laughed with joy when I got the fish report from Aaron and the rest of the Steenblik crew who fished the Green, and am dying to wake up in the am to see my bugga boo Aar Bear even though he has only been gone for 36 hours.

new love

This last week I have been completely taken over by CROSSFIT. As most know I have been a Bikram yoga junkie for 7 1/2 years and I never thought something else would take its place. However, I am hooked. This last week I took my first class Monday night and by Saturday I had already taken 4 classes along with Bikram classes too. I am thinking I will shoot for 3 crossfit a week and 2 Bikram a week. I thought I would share with you what all this madness is about. I will post the workouts I did this week, the workouts change every day, called WOD (workout of the day). They are brutal and YES I went to vomit in my first class from pure body exhaustion. I am sore everyday and feel as if my arms are dead arms constantly. It is incredible though. It is all timed, so you are always trying to go faster. Of course form is most important but you are constantly pushing yourself to go faster and harder. I LOVE IT, it totally fits with my intense personality.

These are the WOD I did this week. Check them out. I can't wait for next week to just be worn out again. I remember when Aaron started this and it was all he could talk about, I did not get it. Now it is all I talk about, I get so pumped, big smile on my face and can't stop thinking about the next time I will go.

WOD

5 Rounds of Cindy

500 meter run

5 Rounds of Cindy

500 meter row

5 Rounds of Cindy

100 Sit-ups

*Cindy = 5 Pull-Ups, 10 Push-Ups, 15 Squats

WOD

For time:

500 meter row

21 Pull-ups

21 Handstand Push-ups

18 Pull-ups

18 Handstand Push-ups

15 Pull-ups

15 Handstand Push-ups

12 Pull-ups

12 Handstand Push-ups

9 Pull-ups

9 Handstand Push-ups

6 Pull-ups

6 Handstand Push-ups

3 Pull-ups

3 Handstand Push-ups

500 meter row

WOD

Three rounds for time of:

60 seconds tuck-sit

30 Deadlifts (155/105 lbs) No I don't do that much weight

60 Sit-ups

30 Back Extensions

40 X 4 WOD

40 Push-ups (release hands)

40 Box jumps (20″)

40 SDLHP (75/55 lbs) Sumo Dead Lift High Pulls

40 Pull-ups

4 Rounds for time

Wherever you live check out the nearest cross fit gym. Or if you don't have a gym near by just check out www.crossfit.com for WOD you can do at your local park or home even. You don't need much to be able to do yourself, just a few weights and such and you can make your own home gym. I promise you will LOVE it. If in LA check out www.kmwtrainingcenters.com for the gym we go to, it is mainly a KravMaga gym but crossfit is becoming huge there too.

Weekend of Perfection

We are so thankful to our friends the Beck's for another fabulous weekend away in beautiful Idaho at their cabin, VINHAGEN. Last year when we went we couldn't stop talking about how it was so great for our souls...rejuventating. Well this year was no different. The awesome thing about this year was that not only were we there with our friends but my family was there as well (minus mom and dad that is). I don't think it could have been more perfect if we had tried.

We enjoyed amazing home cooked meals, chats, nights by the fire, wood burning hot tub under the stars, canoe rides in the pond, fishing, relaxation, laughs, and the amazingly fresh open air. It was just incredible and I once again find myself trying to explain in the best way possible... not much can be said other than that it was perfection in it's purest form.








***Thanks to the Hunt's for taking such good care of our kiddos here back in LA so we could get the R&R we were in need of.

Hoping to get some more pics from those who went, so there may be a round 2 of pics of this trip.

Lately in LA

Here's another LATELY IN LA post.

The Annenberg Space for Photography next to our place is an all time favorite of ours. They are hosting the Pictures of the Year exhibit again and it was truly amazing. This is just one of the pics I loved. This lil kiddo is just loving life, soaking it all in, and enjoying the rain. Love how the simple things can make some so happy. It was an incredibly moving exhibit and I encourage everyone anywhere near us to make the trip. We have already been 2 times=lots and lots of tears.

I am really loving living in LA. One of the great things about LA is that there is always something fun to do. When Toy Story 3 came out we went and saw it at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood. Truly a MUST DO. Before the show started this man was playing Disney songs on the Organ.

Neptune's Net fried shrip and halibut basket is to die for. I crave it often, it's about a 45 minute drive up the coast to Ventura County but well worth it for the food and the scenery is nothing to complain about either.

Loving Peonies these days. I get a bunch of them at Trader Joe's (another favorite). They brighten my house and my mood right away, they seem to last a long time too.

This guy while I love him like crazy has been making me a bit crazy. We had him allergy tested as he has been miserable for almost a year now and we found out he is allergic to 31 of the 75 things they tested. So we have started his immunotherapy shots and keeping our fingers crossed that it will work. Oh and he swollowed a peach pit last night which has made me nervous all night and day waiting to make sure he passes it.

A couple weeks ago I started to sew and quilt. I gotta say I am loving it. My mom has been teaching me and I am addicted. It does not help that the best store ever is down town near where I see a lot of my clients, so I sometimes sneak in and buy stuff during the day and dream away of all the things I want to make. Here's my first quilt I made, no not for anyone specific if that's what you are starting to think, just cause I want to start getting a good collection going for one day.

I am sure you are not surprised I have another pic of food. I know I LOVE food what can I say. This puppy is from a cart in downtown LA in the fabric district. Bacon wrapped hot dog with sauted onions and peppers with fresh avacado and pico on top. Brilliant.

The Perfect Heart

Heard this this past weekend and loved it to death. Wanted to share with all of you out there. You may have read before but enjoy again.

One day a young man was standing in the middle of the town proclaiming that he had the most beautiful heart in the whole valley. A large crowd gathered and they all admired his heart for it was perfect. There was not a mark or a flaw in it.

Yes, they all agreed it truly was the most beautiful heart they had ever seen. The young man was very proud and boasted more loudly about his beautiful heart.

Suddenly, an old man appeared at the front of the crowd and said “Why, your heart is not nearly as beautiful as mine.”

The crowd and the young man looked at the old man’s heart. It was beating strongly, but full of scars, it had places where pieces had been removed and other pieces put in, but they didn’t fit quite right and there were several jagged edges. In fact, in some places there were deep gouges where whole pieces were missing.

The people stared – how can he say his heart is more beautiful, they thought? The young man looked at the old man’s heart and saw its state and laughed. “You must be joking,” he said. “Compare your heart with mine, mine is perfect and yours is a mess of scars and tears.”

“Yes,” said the old man, “Yours is perfect looking but I would never trade with you. You see, every scar represents a person to whom I have given my love – I tear out a piece of my heart and give it to them, and often they give me a piece of their heart which fits into the empty place in my heart, but because the pieces aren’t exact, I have some rough edges, which I cherish, because they remind me of the love we shared.

Sometimes I have given pieces of my heart away, and the other person hasn’t returned a piece of his heart to me. These are the empty gouges – giving love is taking a chance.

Although these gouges are painful, they stay open, reminding me of the love I have for these people too, and I hope someday they may return and fill the space I have waiting. So now do you see what true beauty is?”

The young man stood silently with tears running down his cheeks. He walked up to the old man, reached into his perfect young and beautiful heart, and ripped a piece out. He offered it to the old man with trembling hands. The old man took his offering, placed it in his heart and then took a piece from his old scarred heart and placed it in the wound in the young man’s heart. It fit, but not perfectly, as there were some jagged edges.

The young man looked at his heart, not perfect anymore but more beautiful than ever, since love from the old man’s heart flowed into his. They embraced and walked away side by side.

Trials and Tribulations

A couple weeks ago the cutest lil girl that I work with right now asked me if she could sing me a song. I of course said "yes." She started to sing a song that she made up and she was singing about her "momma." Momma in this situation being her maternal grandmother as her mother is living on skid row. She started to sing about how her momma took her under her wing, gave her shelter and takes care of herself and two brothers so she does not have to live in foster care. To be honest it was really sweet but also really sad to listen to what she was singing about, her reality is just one that should not be. She sang about how her momma has helped her through her trials and tribulations. Really a 7 year old singing about "trials and tribulations" cute to think of her using these words, not cute that she already knows this saying. So of course this made me think...and think...and think...and think.

I don't know about you but sometimes I find myself thinking "poor me" type thoughts, which is absolutely ridiculous considering the life I have lived and I have to say it is embarrassing to admit that I have those moments where I think "why me," or "come on now really?" As I stumble, fall and occasionally rise through this life I continue to learn major life lessons. One of those lessons, or I guess observations, I have been noticing lately is that everyone has their moments, both good and bad. I reflect often on the course my life has taken, the challenges and the successes, and realize that I am never alone. While I love the life I live sometimes it gets the best of me and I hate admitting that. However, when I think about it, it's really lame that I hate admitting it, because I know you too have probably had a day, week, month, or moment where you felt like life was just beating you up a bit too. I always try to keep a positive attitude and am constantly practicing having more faith, patience and trust in the Lord. As I know without a doubt he is one of the most reliable people who helps me through my own trials and tribulations. Afterall he has never left me feeling lonely when I have prayed for comfort and has never lead me the wrong way when I needed direction. That's not to say that there was lots of work on my end, nonetheless he has never not stood by my side.

This last week I taught the Young Women a lesson on Counseling with the Lord. I was talking to them about how so often we hear people say "just pray about it and it will be OK," or "you just need to turn your life over to the Lord." So easy to say, not so easy to do. I am really trying right now to believe in the timing that my Heavenly Father has for me and trust that he knows what is best for me. Even though I feel confident I know best, the truth is I don't. As I pray to my Heavenly Father for the things that I am in need of i.e. patience, comfort, guidance, strength, etc. I am also trying to have more faith in him. As the YW and I were talking about how we are to counsel with the Lord they all talked about how their answers don't come as they sometimes think they will, how you don't get answers by not taking opportunities to receive the help you need, and how at the end of the day God knows best. It was so great to talk to them about prayer as I feel people often treat it like it is the easiest thing to do, yes the act of praying may be easy but the waiting, patience and trust is the hard part and is that part that really makes our prayers what they need to be. They each had such great words of wisdom i.e. talk to God like he is your parent on Earth (maybe even more so since some of them are going through the teenage stage of not talking to their parents), pour out your heart, he wants to know everything about us our good things during the day and the hard things.

So here's to trials and tribulations and trusting in the Lord.

P.S. The week after this cute girl sang me her song about her Momma she and I sat in my car (just imagine this for a moment, on a crazy street in South Central LA, cops on each corner, gang affiliates walking up and down the street) and I taught her the lyrics and meaning to Lean on Me. We then proceeded to sing Lean on Me in my car to the Glee soundtrack. It was as cute and as special as it could have been. Me and my lil 7 year old Belizean client belting it out and swaying side to side singing Lean on Me to each other. One of my most favorite moments yet.

What do your shoes say about you?

Here is a pile of the shoes that get the most wear in my world. Shoes have always been my most favorite part of an outfit. Ever since I can remember I always loved picking out new shoes and shoes were always a way I expressed myself. I remember when I was younger I used to get so excited about getting shoes. When Doc Martens were popular, don't lie they were and you know it, I tried to get the most unique pairs. My most favorite pair were the ones I got in London, short boot, red patent leather! I LOVED them. I have this crazy thing with sneakers...I love sneakers and always can think of a reason to get more. Afterall pure white pumas were my wedding shoes. I think shoes are such a perfect way to express yourself. The shoes above are the ones that right now have me smitten. The funny thing is is that the shoes above I have always been in love with.

RAINBOWS: I started wearing Rainbows in high school and since then they have always been my most favorite flip flops. I dread having to get a new pair, in fact am currently breaking in a new pair, after the ones I had before that finally got busted and the strap broke off, with the help of Bear (the only shoes he has ever ruined). I love reminiscing of all the places my rainbows visit. My last pair had been to AZ, CA, UT, WY, St. Lucia, Galapagos, had gotten red paint splattered on them from when I painted our front door in Sugarhouse, been on lots of walks with our dogs, the beach, the snow, you name it they had been there. Oh the places you'll go my new Rainbows...can't wait.

CONVERSE-Jack Purcell's: Have these shoes ever been unpopular? I doubt it. They are the perfect class sneaker. I just love them like crazy. I have owned numerous pairs of Converse throughout the years, white, black, blue, high top low top, and now my new favorite ones, the vintage Jack Purcell's. I currently have 3 pairs in my closet...obsessed much?

Gladiatorish Sandals: Alright I have to admit these ones have been a new comer for me. I have always been a bit intimidated by them. Am I hip enough to wear them? What do I wear with them? I finally did it and bought a pait a couple of months ago. I think they are perfect, not to overstated with lots of bells and whistles, but still have the look.

BOAT SHOES-Sperry Top Sider's: I have been a fan of boat shoes for awhile now and have for sure gotten lots of use out of the classic brown. However, this past year they did metallic ones and I could NOT pass them up. I love them and always look for a reason to wear them. However, I am a bit protective of them so I get nervous wearing them out where they might get scuffs and dirty. A bit of a predicament since I love them and want to wear them all the time. So count yourself lucky if you see me in them.

TOMS-I saved my most favorite for last. For the last 3 years these have been the GO TO shoe. The best, my best friend of shoes if you will. Since my last pair of Rainbows had been ruined, these guys made the move at the right time and stole my heart. The ones above are my very first pair and well they are getting ready to retire. There are holes in the toes, sides and heels. I just can't part with them though. Even though I have other pairs these ones are the most dear to my heart.

I think my shoes get the point across that I am a pretty casual laid back girl. I like a little bit of sparkle, but never want to sacrifice comfort or the option to be able to jump and run. I like to have fun, get dirty every now and then. Hey I even like to help people out and care about others (TOMS). I have always had the a tom boy side to me so flat and comfy will most always win over the high heels or girly look.

What are your shoes saying???

Summer is off to a good start

My most favorite view at the Montage in Laguna Beach

The last two weeks we have been already starting to get into the summer mode. Over Memorial Day weekend we stayed down in the OC for 3 nights with Rach and Nate and Amanda and Mason. We were so happy to have our family and friends put up with us and our 2 dogs. We enjoyed lots of time at the beach, movies, eating yummy food of course, and just hanging out. It was a mini staycation for us and it was brilliant! Easy, cheap and fun.

Luke is giving GRIZZLIES these days, best hugs ever!

Jeremy, Aaron and Mason doing their HALOTHON

Mand and I at the Montage, and she is 5 months preggers still looking as good as ever.

This last weekend we were hosting our dinner group up here in LA. It turned out to be a great day at the park. We did an Argentine theme and I made dozens of empanadas, 4 dozen to be exact. I then made a chocolate cake with dulce de leche buttercream, I wanted to bathe in the frosting it was so yummy. After playing in the park and chatting up with our bunch we headed off to the Dodgers game with the Waite crew.

The dinner group crew enjoying a night at the park

Mase, Mand, me and Aar enjoying an all American summer evening LA style.

I am so happy summer is here. Even though I don't get off work, no long summer break like when in school, there is just something about knowing that summer is here that makes me happy. I really can't believe it is JUNE...where does the time go? I feel like I will be planning for the holidays in no time.

Dream's Weekend

The view at the ring ceremony.

I just got back from a great weekend in SLC. It was fast and quick and over way sooner than I wanted, but nonetheless fabulous. I went to SLC to celebrate and be part of Aimee's wedding. The weekend started with a visit to Hires, what visit to SLC is complete without that? I made a stop off at my hair lady in SLC whom I love so much and love her pampering. I did lots of building, playing, reading with my lil buds Liam and George.

This lil Georgie would just walk right over to me and climb on top of me. He goes around hugging Liam all the time and blowing kisses. Pretty much the sweetest lil dude ever.

Liam and I had a great time playing around. The best is when he just out of nowhere said
"I just love having you here." Too cute.

The ceremony was at the SLC Temple Friday morning and although there was a crazy accident on the freeway that got in the way of people being on time, they held the ceremony so not one person missed the special occasion. It was the most beautiful day with clouds hovering with sun peaking through. After the ceremony we were off to Midway for the ring ceremony and the wedding dinner at Aimee's dads home. We spent the afternoon and evening celebrating and had just a blast. I loved being able to hang out with so many friends I don't see nearly enough. Saturday was the reception at the Wetzel's home (grooms family) and it just could not have been more perfect. Taylor and Aimee just happen to be the cutest couple ever and it was so amazing to see them so happy together.



I also got to spend lots of time with Ash and meet lil Taylor Beck. It was so funny to be getting ready at the Peterson's home as it was a flashback to when Ash and I were getting ready there for her own wedding. It was wild to be talking with Ash and Clay about their upcoming adventure back East. Aaron and I are so excited for them and can't wait to get out there to visit them. Even though we already live away from them I was emotional about them moving. Crazy to think Aaron and I were in a similar spot 2 years ago.

Little Taylor Elisabeth Beck, I could just hold her all day long.

Overall the weekend was a blast. I missed having my best friend Aar with me, as he was out of town for work. I loved celebrating an eternal marriage and reflecting on the importance and sacredness of such a union. Attending a temple wedding is one of my most favorite things to do. Being that I was one of the first in my group of friends to get married I have had the opportunity to witness many of my dear friends join in the greatest blessing.