This Girl

The other night (like last week) Kenz and I were talking and I said, "I can't believe you will be 27 soon!" She looked at me smiling and said, "I'm 27 now!" Then we busted up laughing at ourselves.

In my mind, Kenz is that spunky 20-year-old I met in English 315. In so many ways she is that girl I met 8-ish years ago, but now she is also so much more. She is my sweetheart, my confidant and greatest support. She effortlessly juggles the never-ending and ever-changing tasks of our little family and is a good mother and example to the Binx. She is without guile and I cherish her kind and generous heart, her smile, cleverness, charm, patience, sense of adventure, zest for life, and love for God and others.

So happy 28th to this girl who brightens every day and is the love of my life. 

I honestly don't know how I got her or how she just becomes more beautiful as time goes by.

Leading Up To The Big Move

Life after Denver, leading up to our big move was cray-cray! We sure packed a lot into that last week including... 

Lunch with Stephanie and Ally at Zuppas 

Two trips to the Apple Store where we had an incredible customer service experience #scoreoneforapple

Adi had breakfast with grandpa--he didn't realize she was still in her PJs when they went out...

Adi spent some time with Brad and Jennifer, and while she was there, I celebrated my mom's September birthday...

And went out to Mi Ranchito for dinner...

Feliz. Cumpleaños.

When Jennifer brought Adi back to Provo, we made one last trip to Smokehouse BBQ (aka "Paul's") for some much-needed pulled pork and Macaroni...

And got last-minute pedis together for my mom's birthday...

(Adi was a bit ticklish) 

I spent my last night with my friend Jenn at Kneaders devouring my favorite sweets... I could really go for a mint brownie right now.

February 2013 Highlights

February 2013 was full of fun... 

I went back to blonde!

We road tripod from Provo to Vegas and from Vegas to Anaheim...

For a birthday celebration of this little's 3rd birthday (and my dad's birthday) at Disneyland... 

at Sea World... 

and at the beach. 

Tazbaa

In early 2005, through unlikely circumstances, I met one of my best friends, Tazbaa (aka: Bahii or Bah). 

Over the next couple of years we had fun here and there, and then in 2008, within a week of each other, married our best friends. I felt so lucky to be invited to be one of Bahii's bridesmaids and to grow closer to Bahii and Matt. I also felt lucky and grateful that Ryan was able to grow closer to them too! (How often do you find really, really good couple friends!?)

May 17, 2008 | Bahii and Matt's Wedding Day

Since then, we have had fun opportunities to grow closer, even when separated by hundreds of miles. 

Today, I'm cursing those hundreds of miles, because today, Bah deserves a... 

Very Happy, Happy Birthday! 

She is gorgeous, smart, funny, sweet, spiritual, and all around incredible. She is a wonderful friend!

Older, Fatter, and Wrinklier

Birthdays are not my favorite anymore. I'm getting older, fatter, wrinklier, and I'm not where I necessarily envisioned myself being at this point in my life. That said, I can't complain because life has been good. Speaking of good, this past birthday was good. Low key, that's how I like it.

I took the day off work and spent it with this little munchkin...

Who was Santa and made me sit on her lap and tell her what I wanted for Christmas, even though I didn't quite fit.

She was the cutest telling me the night before my birthday that my happy birthday presents were downstairs. I think she was as excited, if not more, for me to open my presents as I was.

We watched some Christmas shows.

Finished putting up some lights and decorations.

And then took the Frontrunner into Salt Lake for dinner and lights at Temple Square.

We may have stayed up a little past our bedtime, but it was worth it. 

And I realized that feeling tired wasn't just me getting old.

You know 21 never looked so good...

In July, my mom joined the ranks of Facebook as: 

Today she celebrates her birthday and I wanted to give a shout out to her... 

(and her doppleganger.) 

Love you momma!

[Belated] Surprise!

In July, Ryan, his siblings, and I decided that we wanted to decide my mother-in-law with a surprise birthday dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Salt Lake.

So we did! It was so much fun getting together, especially because Adi love, love, loves her cousins!

Aren't these two just the cutest!?

Almost Twin Birthdays

Almost... because they're roughly 24 years apart in age.

Almost... because their birthdays are six months (and three days) apart.

Almost... because their names are the same (minus two letters).

Who on earth am I talking about you ask? 

Adriel holding Baby Adrielle February 16, 2010 

These Two. 

Happy Birthday to my bestie, Adriel. She's gorgeous,

smart, funny, and oh wait, a recent MBA! 

Want more proof? See for yourself. 

Hopped Up on Sugar for a Good Reason

A week ago Sunday, was Grandpa Great's 85th birthday, so as a tribute to him, my amazing mother-in-law helped put together a fantastic surprise party! 

It was so fun to get together with family and see pictures from Grandpa's life! 

Naturally, there were delicious sweets and both Adi and I were hopped up on sugar! You know your little girl is growing up when she can not only see things on a table, but grab them. (: And naturally, Adi wanted to share with her favorite person: Grandpa Great!

We love you grandpa and are so grateful for you and your amazing example. 

Pictures courtesy of Ryan's aunt Julie

My Little Girl...

Turned two yesterday!

I simply cannot believe it. In fact, as I watched her yesterday, I swear she was maturing before my eyes. I kid you not.

The morning was full of exciting festivities... 

A stash of presents from mom and dad (encouraged by Santa Clause, I'm sure.)

A darling glitter Pascal courtesy of Grandma Jennifer (: 

Tangled figurines... Playing with the mini pascal and the big pascal. 

A Horsey! 

Breakfast fit for a birthday princess!

After breakfast and a bubble bath, Adi napped while Ryan prepared our lessons and got ready for church. 

Adi wore her new birthday dress and Adi even got to sit by her friend Hunter during Sacrament Meeting.  


After Sacrament Meeting, Adi headed home with my parents (we had to teach and she has a little cold), but we waited anxiously to head over to the party. 


When we got there...

There were even more presents waiting for that little girl!

In fact, my mom said that they'd been saying "you have wait until momma get's home" and as soon as Adi saw me walk in the door she ran up to me with arms open and said, "Presents?!"

Before presents through we had a taste of birthday carrot cake... 

Apparently it was good. (:

Really good. 

After cake, we opened presents (videos to come)... princess attire, pillow pet, puzzle and more!

My family made Adi's birthday very special and even made a yummy mango chutney pork roast for her special birthday dinner. 

She is one lucky little girl. 

Happy Birthday little girl! We love you and can't believe you're already two!