Rocky Point 2011.

I'm super grateful for these good friends of mine, and I hope this happens again soon!

Montana.

First let me just say, I am sooo glad that my parents are serving a mission in the states (Missoula, MT to be exact) instead of far across the world. Here are some general reasons why:

1. I can call them ALL DAY LONG. (sometimes I really do)

2. Montana is soo their style.

3. I don't have to worry about them getting sick and showing up 40 lbs thinner on our doorstep with less than 24 hours notice. (this happened)

4. I don't have to worry about them QUITE as much. (i still worry)

5. Mesa airport flys straight to them!

We got to go out and visit them last weekend, and had a blast! Here are some highlights from the trip.

Hiking.

Deer spotting.

Seriously delicious cherries.

Huckleberries. ("purple gold", they like to be called.)

Rock skipping at Glacier's Mcdonald Lake.

(yes, i was kind of posing..i think that was kevin or shanes rock that skipped.)

Logans pass, Glacier Park.

Learning all about Montana's wildlife at the Elk Foundation.

Apache Lake Hike.

Fly Fishing at Rock Creek, Missoula.

The list could go on!

Thanks mom and dad for letting us take over your apartment, making us delicious home cooked meals, and touring us around Montana! I can't wait to come back out!

Birthday Miracles.

Birthday Miracle #1: overcast clouds, temperatures in the 90's (till like 12ish..Thats a miracle!)

#2: My family knowing me THIS well!

(cat birthday cards?!) guess which is from Kevin, and which is from my parents.

#3: Banana Bread french toast.

#4: Free food at ALL of Joes restaurants.

#5: HOPEFULLY not gaining 2 lbs from all the delicious food!

Disclaimer:(when your dieting, good food is the best birthday present a girl can ask for!)

Fathers day.

Yesterday I thought of why my dad is the best.

1. He left me a message about how beautiful his hike was in Montana, and how we needed to come out there so badly to see it.

2. I got this picture in an email from above mentioned hike. I think it explains itself.

3. He used to change the flowers in my car, along with leaving me my favorite power/candy bar.

4. He loves talking weather.

5. He spoiled me with breakfast every morning growing up, that now that is my all time favorite meal.

6. I would get grounded in Highschool and he would come home with treats to dull my pain.

(Ben&Jerrys Phish Food)

So, there it is Dad! You are the best, and my favorite dad of all time!

Thank you for everything you do and have done for me over the years!

I love you!

New York. Summer 2009.

We recently developed film from a year ago when we were in NYC!

Here are a few favorites.

I've been staring at this donut for like a whole minute.

Lacy maybe you can bring me back one?

(The Donut Plant, Blackberry glazed and filled)

Chicago.

It's been a LONG time since I've posted a blog! My only excuse was not having anything to blog about. Last semester was pretty boring.

Here is a short recap: I hated ASU, but loved subbing with the symphonies and teaching. Steve had an easy semester at MCC and worked serving tickets. There it is!

After school got out we took a trip out to Chicago to visit my very pregnant sister. (she was already supposed to have had her baby)....but.... lucky for me she didn't have her till our last day in Chicago...so I got to go out again a couple weeks later!

I LOVE their house, area, weather, and THEM! Here are some highlights from the trip.

The new Baby, Marah Claire Payne.

She was so cute, I asked to take her home with me.

Sunset Park

I guess the perk to high taxes (so i hear) is their parks and libraries are AH-mazing.

The temple, and library

Delicious Bakery's




They live right next to Lake Michigan!
(I think Keilah really bonded with Steve throughout the whole trip really..)

This incident happened at Al's Beef in downtown Chicago.

These are Italian beef sandwiches sopping wet from being fully dipped in some sort of broth. The result was soggy, but surprisingly delicious.

(I swear the food is going in not coming out of my mouth, though hard to tell)

This and that walking the downtown.

A Chicago Dog. I believe they were deep fried.

(hard to see behind the fries)

This is what a white castle burger looks like. I had never had one, but was very curious to try.

I think they look as good as they taste. which isn't really that good.

M. J's house.

I just liked this pic, cause i thought it was funny seeing keilah propping up the computer playing games.

This is their house. Isn't it amazing? We loved it.

This is what the girls looked like on our way to the airport!

I miss them already!

Thanks April and Shaun for putting up with me for 2 weeks! I loved spending so much time with you and your kids, can't wait for the next trip!