The Hills are Alive...

Peanut Butter Cups for my Valentine

2012-02-12T15:56:00.003-09:00

I made these peanut butter cups for Dan as a Valentine's day surprise. Unfortunately he found them in the freezer at 7AM on Friday... surprise! They are very rich and very delicious, and better yet they were pretty easy to make. Here's my recipe:

Peanut Butter Cups

1/2 Cup Adams Natural Peanut Butter (I used crunchy mmm!)

2 Tablespoons Salted Butter

1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar

11oz Bag Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

110z Bag Milk Chocolate Chips

1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil

Place the peanut butter and butter in a microwaveable bowl, and heat in the microwave for about one minute or until the butter is almost all the way melted. To avoid burning the peanut butter stir the mixture after about 3o seconds. Stir in the confectioners sugar.

Melt the chocolates and coconut oil in a double boiler or in the microwave stirring periodically to avoid burning.

Drop a teaspoon of the melted chocolate into a paper lined miniature muffin cup. Top with a teaspoon of peanut butter mixture. Then top with another teaspoon of melted chocolate. Refrigerate until set (or in the freezer if you're impatient like me). Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Makes about 36 peanut butter cups.

Updates

2012-01-28T14:10:00.003-09:00

What a busy week:

-It snowed! It's promptly melting but we had at least one beautiful winter wonderland day

-Elder L. Tom Perry came to speak at devotional which Dan and I attended

-Dan fractured some toes playing soccer. Now he gets to rock the socks and sandals trend during recovery.

-I had a sexual harassment seminar at work. Being one of three girls in a room of 50+ males was never so awkward in my life.

-Planned and executed a Relief Society activity all by myself. Never again.

-Ate tons of cookies, white chocolate popcorn, frozen custard, reeses hearts, root beer floats, and hot chocolate. Woh typing that just made it more real. I need help.

-Got at a few 3+ mile runs in plus cycling to help my achey knees.

-Made chinese food dinner at 10pm (when we both were finally home together) and caught up on the Colbert Report which I cannot get enough of these days.

I think I'll just stick with those highlights for now. Have a good rest of the weekend!

Nail Art & Martha

2012-01-17T15:10:00.004-09:00

Today was one of those days where I was tired of the to do list and so at the end I just took a seat and waited for Dan to come home for dinner. Martha Stewart Living has been waiting for me to read her and the leopard nail art my mom got me for Christmas was just begging to be tried out. It was my first go at the sticker nailpolish and I didn't do the best job, but I'm sure I didn't do the worst job either. The women in my family have a history of gifting leopard print goods. I think this was a good one. Maybe I should go put on my socks, pj's, bathrobe, headband, and shoes to match. Too much?

Cold day, Warm Bread

2012-01-12T13:23:00.002-09:00

Sometimes all it takes on a cold day is something warm and fresh baked right from my over. Today that was banana bread. After my morning outing for running I told Dan I'm not going back outside again today. Brrr! A cold winter is so much better when there is beautiful snow to enjoy. Back in Alaska they are getting pounded with snow. Here we got some flurries on Tuesday but nothing to cover the grass with mind you. How do you survive the cold winter? I prefer the baked goods, warm blankets, and fleece pants route. Now if only I could wear said fleece pants to work. Then I'd really be in business!

Happy 2012!

2012-01-05T13:48:00.003-09:00

Obviously this post is 5 days late, good thing no procrastination was not on my list of resolutions this year. To be honest I would like to go back to Christmas vacation land and re-live that time over again, but since I can't I will just have to take on 2012. So far it's been lots of working, time with Dan, homemade thai food, movies on our projector, reading Three Cups of Tea, and fighting a cold thing that just won't go away. Here are some resolutions:

-Read more. To quantify this so I have a specific goal I want to read 10 books this year. And the more the merrier so hopefully I can go above and beyond!

-Run more. Specifically I want to do my first half marathon this year. I've been looking at different races, but still haven't decided on "the one" because I want Dan to be there for support and he's got a crazy summer ahead. So TBA!

-Create more. Work more on my own personal designs, art, photography etc. Work each day and be creative. This may include a new blog in my future. And more work ethic. So stay tuned.

-Posture. Sit up straight. The End.

Happy New Year!

Hittin' the Road

2011-12-23T09:23:00.005-09:00

We are off to Park City for Christmas! I have A Christmas Carol on audiobook for the drive. Read by Sir Patrick Stewart. SIR Patrick Stewart aka Professor X aka Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Score! I can't wait to see our family, enjoy some free time, and suck in all the holiday goodness possible. Merry Christmas!

Santa Baby

2011-12-22T16:35:00.002-09:00

I took some Christmas photos for a friend today. Remember Santa's little helper? Well we got him in full Santa garb today and it was too cute not to post a few pictures.

Can't wait to Santa suit my future kids!

Better late than never

2011-12-22T14:58:00.002-09:00

Working on getting our Christmas cards finished today. It was fun reviewing the different things we have done this year. Here is my favorite snippet I designed for the card.

Guys, that's a lot of miles.

Hot Chocolate Stirrer

2011-12-16T16:41:00.000-09:00

I made these for church Christmas Party and I think I'm in love. Something to couple with my recent hot chocolate obsession. Everyday is a hot chocolate day for me! They were really easy to make, just insert the candy cane into the marshmallow, dip in melted chocolate, and roll in crushed candy canes. Check! Less easy: driving carefully with a 5 gallon container of hot chocolate in my car for said party. Also on the driving front it's been so cold recently I have been driving my trash to the dumpster behind our house. I guess you could call that lazy but at the time I was thinking it was brilliant!

2011-12-13T14:03:00.001-09:00

I'm hanging out with Santa's little helper today!

wishlist

2011-12-12T13:44:00.002-09:00

More like dream list. Online window shopping at this time of year is just too much fun!

1/2/3/4/5/6/7

A Jam Venture

2011-12-10T14:35:00.002-09:00

I received about 20 persimmons in my bountiful basket this week and I only have one recipe for them (persimmon cookies- sooo good!). The cookie recipe only takes about two persimmons though and these babies are getting pretty ripe. Today I am going to venture to make jam with them. Wish me luck!

Tree Bokeh

2011-12-06T19:12:00.000-09:00

Oh Christmas Tree

2011-12-04T19:32:00.001-09:00

Here is our beautiful Christmas tree! I'm kind of obsessed with it. I like to do everything I can at home from the couch where I can gaze at its lovely lights.

Tree Shopping

2011-12-03T15:37:00.003-09:00

Today we got bundled up, made some chocolate mint cocoa and headed to Idaho Falls to pick out a Christmas tree. We found a winner and bundled it up in Dan's car blanket for the ride home. I already love the fresh smell it's giving our home. Tonight we are going to decorate it and I can't wait!

2011-11-15T14:46:00.001-09:00

With another new snowfall and most of the leaves off the trees it is time to say goodbye to fall. I will miss the crisp no-jacket fall air and the beautiful color of all the leaves. We had so many fun fall outings this year! I can't wait to share. We were able to get everything done on the fall to do list .

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T19:16:00.001-08:00

Can you guess what we are?! Well I think it's pretty obvious Dan is a lumberjack and I was going for tree but really only pulled off some sort of ivy plant. Hope everyone had a fun and Happy Halloween!

We're Ready for Halloween

2011-10-30T19:20:00.003-08:00

House decorated, pumpkin carved, roasted pumpkin seeds consumed, Hocus Pocus watched! Now I just need some trick-or-treaters tomorrow to save me from myself with the Halloween candy.

PS We got a little projector to make our movie/tv show watching so much better- it kinda rocks!

Fall Checklist

2011-10-23T16:06:00.002-08:00

-decorate for Halloween
-take lots of fall colors photos
-have a fire with smores
-carve a pumpkin
-make a fall flavored tart in my tart pan from grandma
-hot chocolate with cinnamon
-watch an old Halloween movie
-go on a spooky date
-make Halloween costumes
-pumpkin plinko!

Let's hope we get to check all these off!

Conference Weekend

2011-10-12T14:58:00.003-08:00

Two weeks ago it was General Conference and I went to Utah to attend for my first time. Dan was away at a Geology conference for school so I headed down to Utah with his cousin and her husband. I love getting to hear from our prophet and other church leaders. I loved getting to hang out with my sister Summer! She lives right down town by the conference center so it was just a quick walk down the street.

Saturday morning I watched the first session at Brecca's house and got to see wonderful friends and fill my belly with wonderful crepes!

Then I ventured downtown SLC for the afternoon session.

The quick walk downtown is less quick in crowds of people, heels, and a pencil skirt.

I love love love the old houses in downtown SLC. I could look at them alllll day.

Then I got sister date time with Sum Sum including Cafe Rio, The Help, and coveting every item in Anthropoligie.

Sunday was more conference and meeting up with family and friends. It's strange how many Alaskan's you can find walking around temple square. All in all weekend success!

Family Photos and New Carpet

2011-10-12T13:16:00.003-08:00

Another day in bed sick sick sick. I'm drinking ginger ale... should have got ginger beer. I'm getting through my piled up photos though. First job was family photos so I could get them to my family. I love them sooooo much and looking at all these photos only makes me love them more.

In other news: getting new carpet basically means you have to move. We just put this stuff in our apartment! I feel gipped, but so happy to get new carpet tomorrow!

Surprise Package

2011-10-11T16:04:00.002-08:00

From Lynn in NYC. Such a great surprise especially for a day where I have been lying home in bed sick. We have a history of indulging in sweets together. When I got my SERIOUS chocolate hunger on in Italy she was always the one ready to hit those cobble stone streets for the long walk to our favorite chocolate shop. Isn't getting mail the best?! Real mail I mean. I LOVE it!

SNOW

2011-10-06T16:24:00.003-08:00

Today it snowed. The first day of snow is kind of a big deal when you are married to an ~~avid skier~~ Dan Hill. I hadn't even gotten in the spirit of fall yet. It didn't seem right since the past two weekends I have been cooked in the sunshine and thinking about how that was hotter-than-my-usual summer weather. On Tuesday I wore boots and a scarf and complained to Dan about being hot HA! Today it's chilly! Windy and snowy and chilly! Dan assures me it will melt and I will still get my fall fun. So we just enjoyed the snow flakes on our way to the temple, then came out and had to use the ~~snow brush~~ Dan's hand to clean off the car. It's a baking night tonight. I need to keep warm!

Annnnnd we're back!

2011-09-23T18:46:00.002-08:00

Hello to my neglected blog. Let's be friends again ok?! Deal blog.

I guess moving made us busy or something...weird. This post is coming from Idaho, where all my posts will be coming from for a while. I say that to clarify things as I will most likely post tons and tons of photos from summer in Alaska. That's the goal at least!

Here's the important summaries:

-We had a successful Alcan road trip with the usual amazing stop over in Washington to see Mel and Adam

-Moved back into our place in Idaho. Discovered the summer renters were evil and had three evil cats that ruined our carpet. Although the carpet was cleaned my super sniffer just can't let this one go. We are getting new carpet soon- hurray!!!

-I got a job! First week back mind you. We= very happy and very blessed! I'm doing graphic design for Pepsi in Idaho Falls and so far I really like it. Pepsi globes are starting to float around in my dreams from staring at them all day.

-We have been married for 4 years! Yesterday was our anniversary. Yay for us we are in love!

-We are going to Yellowstone to go camping and exploring this weekend and I can't wait!

More photos to pile up in my camera/computer. I need to get on top of things! If only boxes would empty themselves.

Labor Day

2011-09-02T15:30:00.002-08:00

We will be celebrating Labor Day by being done with our jobs for the summer. I don't know if having no job is really exciting, but being back with Dan is! He gets home Sunday wooooo! So our labor day weekend will be packing and saying goodbye (goodbyes for now). Which I hate. So here is some stuff I have been loving this week to counter act those sad feelings that keep creep creepin'.

-Florence + the Machine new single here

-Hunger Games sneak peak here

-Jack & White- Double Trouble- best free iTunes song evaaaa here

-The fact that some foreign man called our office and thought we were a dating agency and my friend/coworker went on and on about how we don't meet our "clients" in person but that she can arrange him a hotel and tours... haha

-Every single fall piece form Her Tern here if only I had a pay check to spare

Alaska State Fair

2011-09-02T07:32:00.008-08:00

The fair always signifys the end of the summer and the start of something new. Some years it was school, last year it was moving, and this year again it's the end of the summer and right before we leave Alaska again. This year I got to go with Melissa, my favorite fair going companion! We battled crowds and chowed down on some delicious food! We also got hair feathers and I tried to stalk down the star of Prarie Home Companion. Seriously, have you guys heard him?! I love the show. Best part about NPR, hands down. AND guess what? It was sunny! Hallelujah for a break from the rain.

My two food favorites: chicken cilantro tamales and fresh garlic parmesan potato chips mmmmMMMMmmmm! And of course cotton candy.

The fair had a pirate theme this year. We don't care about being "those people"

AND people watching award of the day goes to: Man in Furs

Where in the world is Dan Hill?

2011-08-29T15:49:00.006-08:00

Forget Carmen San Diego.

It must be a guy time to turn on the date stamp on the camera, but it will be nice later I guess for him to know when and where these were. These are just some of my favorites.

Saturday Market

2011-08-27T21:14:00.002-08:00

It wouldn't be summer without a trip to the Saturday Market including a reindeer hotdog, fresh fruit, and sampling everything else in between. Laura and I had a grand old time.

this week

2011-08-25T16:27:00.003-08:00

-I went to Seward with Melissa for a day cruise

-we had lots of fun! ate lots of food! and laughed way too much!

-Worked without all my sick and sniffly co-workers

-Dan's eyes balls got scratched with brush in the woods of POW and he had to go to an optometrist (he's ok thank goodness)

-I got a mandolin, so I can be a cutting machine

-Temple with mom-dad-jon

-Found out Zooey Deschanel blogs here YAY!

-only 12 days until we leave for Idaho

-panic mode or/and procrastinate mode

the count down

2011-08-25T13:40:00.003-08:00

I will miss these mountains

Bonus week

2011-08-18T13:37:00.009-08:00

Dan was supposed to leave for work again on Sunday, but instead he is working in Anchorage for another week aka a bonus week- yay! So next Sunday he will be flying back to POW and after those 2 weeks we are driving back to Idaho. Where did all the time go? We have had an awesome three weeks playing in Alaska together.

I have a backlog of so sooo many pictures on my camera by my computer memory is full and we are getting a new computer and I have the task of moving all my stuff onto an external hard drive, and well I am a procrastinator. So this update, as many are is brought to you by my cell phone photos. Thank you Instagram.

We dog sat for Jazzy aka Jazzy Jazzercise (this dog likes to move around!) so we got to pretend we have our own home for a week. It was great!

We have made TONS of homemade jam. Including picking the raspberries. I am in love. A jar only lasts about a week... ut oh.

Dan let Erynne cut his beard for her birthday. What a gift right?! haha I of course have many more photos of this to come as we can never have a dull beard cutting.

Sunset walks by the coastal trail

Temple trips. Temple cleaning. Post temple botanical gardens walk *with donuts* cause that's how we roll

Hikes in the rain and snow. This one was a crazy day!

Celebrating Jorge's birthday (my dad). Here's to his 60th next year in Scotland!

Discovering the best brownie recipe ever! Well it's a cookie cookie brownie. Here's the deal. 13 x 9 in pan. Bottom layer cookie dough, middle layer oreos, top layer brownie batter. Bake for 30 minutes and BAM! Addicting deliciousness delivered right to your kitchen. We made these at 1am for Erynne when she got back on a flight from Utah. Birthdays do start at 1am.

Amazing glacier hike to Portage Glacier through Portage Pass.

The list goes on but I don't have time for it all right now. Soon though! (oh unemployment I am not looking forward to you).

Dan flys away next Sunday so hopefully we will get some more adventuring in before then!

TTFN

Martha

2011-08-03T14:24:00.003-08:00

Martha and I go way back. She's always been there for me with delicious recipes, beautiful flower arrangements, my favorite magazine in the world, her dry sense of humor, her tv clips with Conan O'Brien, and many other "good things". And guess what today is?! It's her birthday! SO happy birthday to Martha YAY!

Home

2011-07-31T09:37:00.000-08:00

Dan comes HOME today!

you know

2011-07-26T00:28:00.002-08:00

you know you are having husband withdrawals when... dessert and shopping therapy become the best of your day! It's been a rough few weeks not being about to talk to Dan much, ugh. The week before last I got froyo 3 times in one week, it was almost shameful, but not quite because it's just soooo delicious! PS Anchorage just got a Yogurt Land at the airport. Yes. We have one froyo place and it's at the dang airport. Hmmm... good thing I work by the airport and Melissa and I have perfected the art of getting in and out with froyo and no parking garage fees- score! She also discovered our mall now has a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory kiosk. haha yep a kiosk. We are behind on the times up here, but that's ok because now we are getting to enjoy the sweetness thereof. and guess what?! 6 DAYS TILL DAN IS HOME (for a break)!!! I'm excited.

Walking the Docks

2011-07-24T11:13:00.004-08:00

We love to walk docks. I just love the boat harbors and chatting with Dan about all the cool boats, and how we want to learn to sail then travel the world in our sailboat. *sigh* one day.

4th of July Parade

2011-07-24T10:32:00.007-08:00

It rained so much of the 4th of July they couldn't do fireworks, but no amount of rain could stop these people from doing their parade! AKA you can't rain on their parade! We watched the crazy floats from the shelter of the Red Anchor, Dan's work crew's hang out spot which has delicioud breakfast FYI if you ever go to Ketchikan. Sorry for the super classy liquor store in the background of all the photos- oh gosh.

This is Dan and his highlighter jacket- oh and his boss Chris.

My personal favorites would be the fish pirate hookers, the tatoo float with sasquatch (we saw sasquatch in town later that day, aparently it's a thing and he's kind of a big deal), and the high school seniors with the most spirit I've ever seen.

Ketchikan

2011-07-17T13:48:00.002-08:00

Here are some Ketchikan snap shots from our little trip (technically my little trip as Dan has been there for quite some time). On the 4th we planned to do a walk through town to check things out but I couldn't bring my camera because it was too windy and wet. We were competely soaked! After an hour or so the rain died down though and we just got to enjoy beautiful Alaska and each other's company. Isn't Dan's beard impressive?! Yeah I thought so too! Anyways besides Dan Hill I love all the little houses here and all the cool totem poles and most especially loved Creek Street with all the buildings on pilings. We ventured back the next day with my real camera as well so I will have to post those as well. I may need to change the name of my blog to The Hills are Dead if I don't start posting more... oops!

haha this is too funny right?! In case you can't guess what that says since I so inconveniently covered the title with my thumb when I took the picture, its a peter parka haha

A Rainy & Perfect Weekend

2011-07-06T20:37:00.002-08:00

Last night I got home from my three days off with Dan in Ketchikan. We got soaking wet in rain that was like pouring buckets of water: typical Ketchikan... and I loved every minute of it! And in a surprise change Dan is being sent to a camp about 60 miles north of Fairbanks (hello huge weather change) and was on my flight from Ketchikan back to Anchorage :) So we got about 4 more hours together. 1 more month to go. Whew! I can't wait!

Nifty Fiftys

2011-06-28T16:20:00.002-08:00

Because every great day ends with a milk shake.

Downtown, Port Townsend

2011-06-28T16:15:00.002-08:00

The buildings and street art are my favorite. I love walking around places just to explore and check out all the shops and what not.

*should have bought this!

Port Townsend

2011-06-28T16:02:00.002-08:00

Going back in time a bit I wanted to post our pictures from our Port Townsend visit in Washington. I've learned being land locked is one of my least favorite things and being by the water is one of my favorites. This trip was a breath of fresh air! Port Townsend was our first vacation as a couple. We went to a family reunion of Dan's there when we were engaged. It will always hold a special little place in my heart ♥

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-20T00:13:00.004-08:00

I have the best father in the world! I hope he and all the other father's out there had a wonderful day! I got to make my dad breakfast, go to church with him, watch some golf (he's BFF with Rory McIlroy FYI ;) and share a birthday/father's day cake. It was so wonderful and I always have fun with him. I'm big on holidays, each and every one of them and father's day is no exception. How could anyone not love this guy?!

Explore

2011-06-14T22:05:00.000-08:00

Redmond, WA

Can't wait for my explorer to come back!

No Dessert- A HUGE Challenge

2011-06-12T19:59:00.004-08:00

I like to think of myself as a healthy eater. I sure do love food and making good food (cue our "fat kids" nick name). Two weeks ago I thought about how much dessert and sweets I eat and how it's everyday and probably not the best for me. The healthiest dessert I've had in a while was vegan cupcakes (cue drool at above photo) at work. One of my coworkers is a vegan. I don't even think vegan cupcakes are healthy. Im making this up as I go... awkward! Anyways I decided to not have dessert/candy until my birthday... Or until my work birthday (FRIDAY!) Seriously I'll be most likely be posting about breakfast cake then haha. Wow I digress again. I didn't want to do no sugar because I thought that was too huge of a step and I just want to be healthier not hate my life (a girl should be able to have a bowl of cereal or a yogurt!) So two weeks later and less than one to go I have learned a lot. Here's some key points:

1) You don't need to eat dessert every time it's placed in front of you. (By you I mean me). There are way too many opportunities and way too many excuses. Just because a vendor at work drops by a huge carrot cake doesn't mean it needs to be first thing on your work to-do list (I was so proud of resisting this one)

2) I'm a snack eater. I already knew this but I realized my snack eating didn't need to be a handful of chocolate chips or a million red vines from the costco size container in the break room at work

3) The less you have the less you crave. I honestly had days where I didn't even think about it

4) Dessert is an addiction I know I can beat

5) Everything in moderation. I LOVE me some sweets and will not be cutting them out of my life for good, especially since I love baking! But moderation and sharing the wealth is a better strategy :)

Lastly I want to share this gem of a website Cancer Project. As you you now know from here I will be at a higher risk for cancer the rest of my life and I learned about this site from a nutrition class and will definitely be trying out some recipes soon! Down with cancer and long live delish food!

For more great thoughts on nutrition check out the Shine Project this past week. I thought my little challenge went along nicely with her challenge.

Run for Women

2011-06-12T18:18:00.009-08:00

Saturday I did the Run for Women with my mom. We did the 5 mile walk together and it's starting to become quite the tradition. (Does 3 years count as tradition?) I love going to support her and to celebrate how she beat cancer! She is so strong and I am so happy she is still here in my life. I love my mom! (Look even in fuzzy cell phone pics you can see how much we look alike!) I also think Breast Cancer awareness and the work towards a cure is so soooo important, especially since I am at a higher risk. AND it's just fun! There are so many people and crazy outfits (ie huge pink balloons stuffed in huge pink bras!) belly dancers, japanese drummers, bagpipe players, the works. We were also blessed with sunshine and a post walk mini snow cone. Score!

Good News!!!

2011-06-05T12:53:00.002-08:00

I get to go to Ketchikan for the 4th of July and see Dan! YAYY!!!! I can't wait to go see him! I am so thankful to be able to cut three months without seeing each other down to two months. It's less than 3 days, but that time will be so precious and I just can't wait! I think 4th of July just might become my favorite holiday! Woohoo! I also foresee some chaco and xtra tuff clad days in my future. I just love South East AK, rain or shine its so great. Plus it has Dan.

Memorial Day

2011-05-31T23:48:00.005-08:00

The Hills have a tradition of going to the cemetery on Memorial Day and I think it's a good tradition we will carry out with our own family in the future. I went with them to visit Dan's grandfather's grave this Memorial Day. I really feel grateful for our service men and women and for both of our grandfathers who served in the military. I think this tradition makes it easier to remember that the day isn't just a day off to have a barbeque or go camping... that being said before we went we had a barbeque and it was great. It was nice to capture the spirit of the day and honor our loved ones surrounded by loved ones. The nieces and nephew were in especially cute form am I right?! I think so.

Seattle Temple

2011-05-29T17:41:00.006-08:00

On our stop through in Washington we visited the grounds of the Seattle temple after church and it was just so beautiful, even on a gray day. This temple is special to me because it's where my family was sealed together as an eternal family when I was a baby. We used to go on trips to Seattle all the time when I was a little and we would always visit the temple grounds and I used to get so excited when I would see the Angel Moroni there and excitedly tell my parents I could see it as we made our way there. What a great example my parents showed as well to make temple trips a priority even when Alaska didn't have a temple. Anyways I was happy we got to visit, maybe next time we will get attend. Also, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom and so pretty!

April Showers Bring May Flowers

2011-05-27T22:45:00.003-08:00

Photos taken at the Seattle Washington Temple grounds. I took some time to be "that girl" with the camera taking a billion flower photos... and I liked it.

Fun Fact

2011-05-25T00:18:00.004-08:00

Fun fact: Prince of Wales Island is the 4th largest island in the United States, cool right?!

Mr. Dan is in the big times over there on POW ;) Today I missed his satellite call- boooo. The whole cell phone coverage thing ended a bit ago, but on Saturday he will be in Ketchikan and I can talk to him all I want- YAY!

That smile gets me every time! I finally uploaded all my Washington photos from our fabulous time there in April on our way back to Alaska, so those will be hitting this blog of mine sometime soon. Today and tomorrow are my days off woop woop! I'm gonna do some hiking and some day cruising in Whittier. Hope the sunshine stays a' shining. Dan should be exploring El Capitan cave on POW. I guess it's kinda a big deal. It's a huge cave (largest in Alaska) and they found a bunch of cool fossils there and other cool geological stuff which I am sure Dan will share the deets on later. Happy MY weekend to all!

Behold... The GIANT Doughnut!

2011-05-19T17:29:00.003-08:00

I gifted this to Laura & Travis! I've decided to wait to partake of my own until Dan is back. Then his return will be that much sweeter!

Golden Doughnuts

2011-05-18T23:20:00.003-08:00

Golden Doughnuts was one of the addictions we just couldn't wait to get back to! Their old fashioned chocolate glazed chocolate doughnuts are THE best! I used to make Dan take me here when I'd had a bad day and didn't get home from school till about 11pm. They never disappoint! We had to fulfill the addiction before Dan left. Can you tell we were happy?!

I hear they make giant doughnuts the size of birthday cakes. Yeah I have special plans for that tomorrow so stay tuned for me and a giant doughnut- exciting right?! bahah. Fat. Kid.

Roots Cases

2011-05-17T11:23:00.004-08:00

I've been dying to get a cell phone cover from Roots Cases but haven't had the spare money to shell out on it. But now I have a chance to win one for free and you can help me! Visit them on facebook and "like" and/or comment on my photo in their cell phone photo contest! You may remember the photo from here. So go VOTE! Please?!

Spring X 2

2011-05-15T22:01:00.006-08:00

This year we had two springs. One in Rexburg and one in Anchorage. The leaves are finally out on the trees here! One day it's brown and the next everything is green! Before we left Idaho I snapped some spring pussy willow photos and had a nice walk in the sunshine. Wind was minimal (a rarity for Rexy) and the sun was so nice after being hailed on the day before while packing. Weather is so funny sometimes. I think I am almost always mentioning the weather in my blog posts. Guess that's what happens when you grow up dropping everything for the more rare super nice days and cherishing them with fervor! I will have to go snap some shots of our newly budded trees here. I'm all for going green.

Update

2011-05-11T20:06:00.000-08:00

These last two weeks have been rather crazy for Dan and I. First we were adjusting to being back in Alaska again and working long days. Dan was also looking for another Geology job for the summer. Then BAM he was offered a job that was the answer to our prayers, only catch was he had to leave in less than a week from the phone call AND be gone for 3 months. Yes people, three months! And it's only been 10 days of that three months. Oh my goodness. I suppose Heavenly Father just wants me to keep learning patience. I used to think 2 days was going to kill me. Then 2 weeks. Then 1 month. Now 3 months. But in reality this is a huge blessing and hopefully we will both learn a lot this summer! Dan is doing rare earth element exploration for Avalon Development Corporation and was based for a week out of Ketchikan, AK and will now be spending the next 2.5 months exploring Prince of Wales Island with his geo crew, with a few stops back in Ketchikan for supplies. Prince of Wales will hereafter be referred to as POW because it's easier to say/type AND apparently that's its official South East Alaska name. aka it's what all the cool kids call it.

Ketchikan, AK

And here it is in perspective for my peeps who don't know where in the world I'm even talking about!

So here is to a busy summer! We had lots of fun together and with family before Dan departed and we have been very blessed so far with Dan having cell phone reception so we can talk. South East AK is so sooo pretty so Dan is on photo duty and I can't wait to see everything and share pics when he is back! So August just can't come soon enough.

Laura's Wedding Photos: Part 2

2011-05-06T18:00:00.004-08:00

This week I finished editing Laura's wedding photos so I thought I would share a few more of my favorites. Enjoy!

Three Countries, One Family...

2011-05-02T23:55:00.002-08:00

Mel & Adam are adopting and I am so excited for them and this awesome journey! They are currently plowing through tons of paper work and all the decisions and info and saving that goes into adoption. It's quite the process, but will be so worth it when they get their baby from Ethiopia! Mel asked me to design the header for their blog which will chronicle the journey. What a journey. Can I type journey any more in this paragraph? Guess my vocabulary is limited at this time in the evening. Anyways I just wanted to share my excitement for them and for my future best aunt ever award to this child... I hear people give those out.

In Honor of the Royal Wedding

2011-04-29T14:27:00.004-08:00

The Kentucky Derby has nothing on the Royal Wedding as far as amazing hats! How in the world is Victoria Beckham's hat not falling off her head?! I loved checking out all the guests photos online and felt it totally necessary to post my favorite! Also... it's been pretty fun saying "in honor of the royal wedding" in front of every sentance at work for the past few days. We think we're hilarious.

AND I'll just add my opinion to the list of everyone else in the world who thought Kate looked beautiful! Her dress is so elegant; I loved it.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-23T16:23:00.002-08:00

Happy Easter to everyone! Last week Melissa and I did some crafting to make some Easter decor. We used paint chip samples to make little easter eggs and then strung them on some twine to make a fun Easter banner!

I hope everyone has a great Easter! Thomas S. Monson's His Sacred Name: An Easter Declaration is a must watch for the holiday. So check it out. ♥

Road Trip A-Go-Go

2011-04-19T23:31:00.005-08:00

Sometimes it's too difficult (read: sometimes I'm too lazy or too slow) to get out my nice camera on a road trip. So I get cell phone snap shots instead. Here's a bit of our journey; a breath of fresh air from packing and finals.

PS we finished The Hunger Games series on our road trip and I wish I had a book club to discuss at length. So who's read them? Thoughts?

48 hours

2011-04-17T20:55:00.003-08:00

Yukon Territory, Canada

48 hours from Seattle to Anchorage. We are crazy people! Well I was more like crazy/sleepy accomplice as Dan powered through on our drive. I attribute this to three things 1) it's way easier for me to sleep in the car than him 2) I don't like to drive 3) Dan's professional driver skills. Oh and I just thought of a fourth: extended daylight hours the further north you get! My favorite moment of the trip would have to be our late night gas fill up in Haines Junction. Dan got back in the car after paying for our gas and looked over at me with excitement (and bloodshot eyes) and said "Only 600 miles to Anchorage!" Maybe you had to be there but it was hilarious. "That's only 12 hours!" Ummm... are you planning on doing that tonight?! Well we took some naps but Dan powered through and I tried my hardest to stay awake and now we are home. We have been sleeping a lot to catch up on missed sleep. I will post some of our driving photos tomorrow :)

Hello Goodbye

2011-04-11T21:16:00.002-08:00

Hello from Washington! Actually we have been here since Saturday and are leaving tomorrow, so hello from Washington and goodbye Washington. We have been loving hanging out with Mel & Adam and enjoying the beauty of Washington with it's water and trees and all the blooming flowers. It's been especially nice recuperation after a crazy week of Dan's finals and me packing and cleaning like a mad woman. Tomorrow it's on to Canada. Oh Canada. It also means a continuation of Hunger Games! Books on tape for road trips are just the best!

Laura's Wedding: Garden Shoot

2011-04-04T14:32:00.003-08:00

I recently photographed my good friend Laura's wedding, and it was a blast! My favorite shots are from the shoot we did after the ceremony in a sunken garden by their reception hall. It was 85 degrees and warm and my favorite part of the shoot was went an ice cream truck drove by and the bride and groom stopped it to get some ice cream! What a great day.

Spring Break: 2

2011-03-31T17:09:00.003-08:00

If I had to sum up the second little part of my time in Salt Lake it would be: Glee! It consisted of:

-Noodles & Co. + Glee marathon with Summer: I'm now officially obsessed FYI. AND I got 5 CD'S of Glee music from Taylor for my road trip home. It was 4 hours of my own Glee sing along

-Glee marathon continued but with Taylor as well, late night bad facebook posting decisions and total hilarity

-2am Taco Bell run where Summer & Taylor told me their beef is only 40% beef and that I HAD to try it. Logic?! I don't think I've had a bite of Taco Bell since high school. They ordered me a soft taco but when we got to the payment window we were informed they are out of beef! Really taco bell?

Taco Bell worker: Sorry but we are out of beef.

Summer: What?! They are out of 40% beef?

Taylor: (to Taco Bell worker in a jovial manner) Oh ok. Well tomorrow you guys should probably order some more beef!

Taco Bell worker *straight face* *unamused*

They ordered me a cinnamon twist instead. I think it's a fair trade since everything else scares me!

-Kneaders lunch with Brecca & April!...& London & Camden

This girl knows her frosting! Mom taught her well :)

-Winco trip for bulk candy with Brecca. Our candy buying days together go way back to freshman year at BYU, it's like tradition!

Plus candy is a road trip necessity!

-Baking cupcakes for Chris' birthday

-Froyo at Spoon Me... because we hadn't had enough sweets yet

Such a fun trip and I'm so happy and grateful for all the time with friends and family I had. ♥

Happy Birthday Summer!

2011-03-29T15:59:00.003-08:00

Today is little sister Summer's Birthday! Happy Birthday Summy I love you!!! Summer is fun, smart, and hilarious! Here's one of my favorite adventures together, an unexpectedly snowy/muddy hike up Mt. Baldy... from like 2 years ago. Sister ♥

Happy Birthday! Come home soon! (aka this summer...Summer!)

Brightened my day

2011-03-28T13:14:00.002-08:00

Mel and Adam sent me these BEAUTIFUL flowers this week as a get well soon gift to brighten my very dampered spirits. Guess what? They worked! They make me hope for spring too! But... it snowed again today so I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high.

PS Besides being so fun to hang out with and some of the best advice givers ever... these two are always doing sweet and thoughtful stuff like this. Example 2: Ginger Beer

We got so obsessed with ginger beer over Christmas break (seriously one of the most refreshing and delicious beverages out there). A few weeks later they had sent us two cases in the mail! Woooo! Can't wait to hang out in Washington in 2 weeks :)

26!

2011-03-27T18:01:00.002-08:00

Dan Hill is 26! This year I actually honored his request for no party and we had a nice quiet evening at home with dinner and dessert made by yours truly. I made the Double Musky French Pepper Steak and it was sooo good! If you can't bring us to Alaska bring the Alaskan food to us. And we did, and it was delish! I've also started making their jalapeno cheddar rolls which never fail to put me in a bread coma. mmmmm. Anyways how amazing is birthday boy's smile?!

I got Dan this Patagucci pullover and made a giant german chocolate cake. I think he looks happy! Here's to another great year with the most amazing person I know! (too mushy?) sorry guys.

Spring Break

2011-03-24T16:29:00.008-08:00

My Spring Break is over and I am back to real life. Real life right now is snow and a fierce cold/flu thing for me. On the bright side I am back with my Dan Hill. YAY! Traveling is always fun but even more fun with your best friend. Next time :)

I road tripped my way to SLC for fun with Summer!

This included Cafe Rio (it's like tradition now), shopping, froyo with Simon, and Burlesque with Taylor and Summer which included tap dance duos from them during the movie which did not disappoint!

Next I hit the air to fly to Austin, TX for my friend Laura's Wedding! First time traveling alone in a while, kinda strange. People watching is way more fun when you can share it with others. Good thing I have my cell phone for stealth photos of the really good ones!... Hope that doesn't make me a bad person...

My weekend in Texas was great! I got to catch up with a great friend, talk about Alaska, meet new friends (Texans are so friendly!), take Laura's wedding photos, eat ice cream in a garden in the warm sun (85 degrees yes please!), had my first Chick-fil-a sandwich, and overall celebrate Laura and Travis on their special day!

Just being a huge dork with my awesome ice cream

Rehearsal dinner, wedding day, reception

What a great wedding! I am working on editing the tons and tons of photos I took, so lots of wedding pictures to come. The next day it was back to the airport and back to SLC with my SumSum. Not after running around Dallas airport for my 3 gate changes though. Guess American Airlines decided I needed some exercise.

Spring Break posting to be continued. It's time for me to drink 50 bottles of water and consume a bottle of vitamin C pills. Sniff sniff.

more 365 photo progress

2011-03-16T19:33:00.002-08:00

Tonight we are celebrating Dan's birthday- yayyy!! I couldn't be more happy he was born :)

Icicles

2011-03-15T16:46:00.004-08:00

It's hard to deal with Spring Fever when this is what it looks like when you open the door!

Lucky us it has been raining most of the week (with maybe a couple hours of sunshine yesterday) so the icicles are gone, and I think *knock on wood* they won't be back. It's important to know Dan has been diligent in knocking them down daily with child-like glee. That means 1) he is just so awesome 2) they were growing this big daily- woh!

Bring on Spring!

technology

2011-03-14T20:19:00.005-08:00

Technology is so great. I love that we can be far from loved ones but still keep in touch, see, and connect with each other through technology. Last night we got to video chat with family and it was so sooo nice! Really entertaining was our nieces and nephew at the Marvin's. We chatted with Felicity for a bit and she had some great things to tell!

Felicity: I have a pretend family. BUT my husband and kids go somewhere else to eat dinner AND we eat different things.

Dan: What do you eat?

Felicity: I have pizza, and the kids have reindeer cereal.

Dan: Reindeer cereal?

Felicity: Then they poured the milk on the cereal and it was yucky and it tasted moosey!

Dan: How many kids do you have?

Felicity: We have 10 kids, 5 girls and 5 boys. The girls said I think I want different names, but the boys they like their names.

Dan: What about your husband?

Felicity: My husband eats eggs. But sometimes he doesn't like eggs so he eats egg toast. Sometimes I get tired of making all the food by myself!

So, pretty good right?! You know you are Alaskan when... you invent reindeer cereal as a food and it tastes "moosey"! Another notable Felicity quote:

Johanna: I made crepes!

Felicity: And I did NOT like it!

Love Danarra's face here!

Dan was cracking them up and eventually they were playing peekaboo in their dresses and on a serious giggle overload :)

Simplify

2011-03-12T14:25:00.002-09:00

Just wanted to share the cool giveaway I won over at The Yellow House from Vinyl Your Design!

I love it! This sign will go perfectly in the little studio I want to set up in my place next fall after our moves. She has more of these cute little plaques in her etsy shop. Isn't simplify such a great reminder to have around?! I thought so. I'm gonna need to be staring at this as we gear up for a crazy summer.

daily photo project update

2011-03-10T12:06:00.003-09:00

Well I haven't really been posting my daily photo project (on my phone) photos anywhere but Instagram so my plan is to start sharing them more often. Here is an installment from a little bit ago. More to come soon :)

Iceland!

2011-03-08T10:51:00.003-09:00

Inspired by Iceland Video from Inspired By Iceland on Vimeo.

Just incase anyone is still wondering why we want to go to Iceland so much- this video is like case and point. Plus it's just awesome! K I'm gonna go watch it again! ♥

Girl Scout Cookies

2011-03-05T12:10:00.003-09:00

Well this made my day!

I foresee us eating all three boxes tonight after stake conference...

Foodie Friday: Ice Cream Sandwiches

2011-03-04T14:29:00.003-09:00

My huge sweet tooth is not really a big secret. It's not even a little secret. It's at full disclosure status. So wanna join me? We made these awesome ice cream sandwiches and here's my recipe:

Cookies:

2 1/4 cups chocolate chips

2 tablespoons butter

2 eggs

2/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 teaspoon mint extract

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheet and set it aside for later. Heat 1 1/4 cup chocolate chips and butter in microwave until melted. Add eggs, sugar, flour, vanilla, mint, and baking powder. Beat with wooden spoon until combined. Stir in remaining cup of chocolate chips. Drop dough in rounded tablespoons and prepped cookie sheet. Leave about 2 inches room between each cookie cause they spread out a lot.

Ice Cream

I used the slow churned thin mint ice cream. I originally bought it to be healthy (*healthier than buying regular ice cream). But then I went and paired it with cookies, so that was a fail. I added mint to the cookies so it would pair well with the ice cream, yum yum! Side note: super awkward going to the store by your self in sweats to only buy a carton of ice cream and some chocolate syrup. Instant cashier judgement... awkward... I swear I'm not desperate and lonely.

I digress. So wait till the cookies are cool then squish a big old scoop of ice cream between the cookies. And you're done: enjoy!

(Dan did!)

Hillary's Maternity Shoot

2011-03-03T14:52:00.003-09:00

A couple weeks ago I took maternity photos for my friend Hillary, and I've just now got around to editing them and getting them up online. Her belly is the perfect shape and her husband is always raving how amazing it is! I agree.

More pics on my facebook page. What a fun shoot. End of story :)

R Mountain

2011-03-02T14:25:00.003-09:00

What to do on a bluebird Saturday in Rexburg? For starters hike R Mountain (it has an R on it, imagine that!). Geology Dan filled us in on all the cool geological features (it's a volcano) and we got some good exercise and pretty views. Oh and our friend Aaron came along for the journey. Enjoy photo overload!

Dan & Aaron

There was some awesome hoar frost up there! So beautiful!

Dan & I

My boots were too tight and cutting off circulation to my toes... and it was freezing. After awhile I had to admit I couldn't even feel them. Dan saved the day. True love right here people. This is him warming my frozen toes in his armpits so he wouldn't have to call me stumps the rest of my life (he would too).

Geo-Dan

window shopping

2011-02-28T19:32:00.003-09:00

today i went window shopping... on my computer. isn't it nice to dream?! here are mine:

from here

let's hope one day I win the lotto :)

that foodie feeling

2011-02-22T15:30:00.005-09:00

Do you ever get that foodie feeling? Those big food cravings where you want that one delicious thing you know will perfectly fill that craving?! THEN have you ever had that feeling... and then had to face the sad reality that the very thing you are craving is in a completely different state? (or worse---> a different country! Italy gets me every time) Oh man, I face this all the time! The Cafe Rio craving that happens when I don't have a trip to Utah in sight, the Matsumoto's shaved ice when I'm not in Hawaii, and don't even get me started on the Alaska list! (too late I've already started) Sis' Cafe Italian Panini- hardly a night goes by I don't dream of that sandwhich ;), Hula Hands, Jack Sprats, Double Musky, Moose's Tooth... really the list could go on and on. Well lately I have been trying to make my own versions to tide me over till summer time. We have made our own version of shimp fiesta from Moose's Tooth a couple times now.

Pretty close to the real deal. For now I will just have to keep trying. I have the Double Musky cookbook and have attempted a few things so more glorious experiments to be posted soon :) Ahhh it feels good to write this fat kid post. It's probably gonna become a thing.

President's Day

2011-02-21T14:48:00.002-09:00

So far I'm not loving it. Anyone doing anything fun to celebrate their day off?! John Hill and his girlfriend Elise came up for the extending weekend so we had fun playing around Rexburg in the new snow we received (I'm still missing last weeks pseudo-spring). Dan went skiing at Targhee *and* fun fact: met a group of old men skiers who call themselves the Targeezers! HA! Love it. I on the other hand have a cold and am spending a little time in bed doing taxes. Taxes on a federal holiday. boooooo. Not to be a debbie downer or anything... YAY AMERICA!

instagram progress

2011-02-17T15:08:00.002-09:00

I haven't been posting my photo a day progress on instagram lately so I thought I would post some here in one big ol' chunk. I'm totally addicted and have been loving taking more photos, even if most of them are with my phone. I actually have brought out the big guns (aka real camera?) for some other projects. So stay tuned ;) Also please forgive for my ever changing blog design as I'm working on some html stuff and this is a wonderful training outlet.

IT'S SUNNY!!!

2011-02-15T15:12:00.003-09:00

Today is a bright and sunny day! Today I wanted to wear a t-shirt and rock my sunnies all day long! Today I was so happy and soaked up as much sun as possible. Today I left my car on the driveway instead of in the garage and it was all super hot inside when I went back out! Today I pulled my Tom's out so they could see the light of day! Today I am happy... and a little bit warm!

This ^^^

Is so much better than this ^^^

and this ^^^ makes me happy :)

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-14T06:17:00.000-09:00

New Fav Blog & Giveaway

2011-02-12T10:55:00.003-09:00

I have a confession about my new blog obsession---> The Day Book. I love it! Great posts, cute clothes, and awesome give aways. What more could a girl want?! Maybe these shoes?!

(avoid temptation to drool on computer screen!)

These beauties are from Blowfish Shoes who are so kindly giving a pair away! So if you love these as much as me, or want a new awesome blog to follow you should go visit The Day Book like asap :) You can thank me later!

Valentines Cake Bites

2011-02-10T20:40:00.003-09:00

My friend Hillary and I made mini Valentines cake bites for our Valentines and they were so fun to make! A lot of work... almost too much work, but super fun in the end! We really got into it after spending forever dipping each one and waiting through the drying period to start the decorating. I was so excited to try making little conversation hearts and I think they turned out great! I think Dan thinks so too considering his share of the spoils is almost gone. Let's be honest he's had help from me on that one. Here is the link to a simple cake pop recipe from Bakerella anyone wants to make some of their own :) We used yellow cake and vanilla frosting. Yummy! Spreading love one tiny cake shaped treat at a time.

Glee 2x11 - Thriller / Heads Will Roll

2011-02-08T13:44:00.001-09:00

Is it just me that can't get enough of this?! I'm not even a "Gleek" and I'm obsessed. Guess I need to hop on the band wagon because I love every episode of the show I've ever watched, and let's be honest the post Superbowl episode was amazing! AND this song is on semi-permanent repeat on my ipod/computer for now.

Bath Time

2011-02-03T12:27:00.006-09:00

Adults can have bath time too. I've been asking Dan if it's possible for me to consider taking baths a hobby. It is a wonderful hobby (if one can indeed call it a hobby). Mel gave me an amazing assortment of bubble bath balls from Lush and I'm in love with them! She introduced me to Lush when we were in Banff on our way from Alaska down to the lower 48 and now I can't get enough of it! If only all hobbies were this relaxing. ahhhh.

BEP + SUPERBOWL

2011-02-02T12:17:00.004-09:00

The Black Eyed Peas are performing at half time!!! It's like a dream come true, BEP & Football!

Doughnuts

2011-02-02T06:48:00.006-09:00

It's really cold outside! (-21 today) So one of the best ways to warm up is to make some warm yummy food, or in this case sweets. It's been awhile since I first made doughnuts so I thought I would try them out. Got this recipe here, but didn't do the jam part. They were delicious! And as you can see I added a little valentines flare to them so we got to have little heart doughnut holes. These didn't last long, and... oh yeah... they were our dinner on Sunday.

Tuesdays

2011-01-26T06:46:00.003-09:00

I love Tuesdays! I get to meet up with Dan on campus every Tuesday for the BYU-I devotional. I am an impostor! Juuuuust kidding of course I am allowed to come. I love getting to see Dan in the day and I love getting to hear the wonderful uplifting messages from the speakers. It's just what I need. They also dedicated the new BYU-I center in December (picture below is from the dedication we went to) and its huge, it's like going to a mini conference center. Elder Ronald A. Rasband spoke yesterday and it was all about developing talents and using our God given gifts. Talks like this are why it's perfect I go to the devotional! I really needed it and I've got some goals people. Tuesdays are just great!

2011-01-21T07:00:00.003-09:00

My love went to Montana this weekend for some ski time with our friend Bryan. I wish I could have gone, look how beautiful it was!

And this guy thinks he doesn't get to go ski enough. tsk tsk! But in all seriousness I am happy he got to go do some backcountry skiing- his second love in life, next to me of course ;)

Lou's Back

2011-01-19T10:55:00.005-09:00

Lou Ferrigno is our workout buddy/motivator! AND he's back for 2011 trying to cut down our dessert consumption. Good luck Lou, you are gonna need it to beat Dan and I's sweet tooth! Tonight I'm trying out water aerobics with my preggo friend Cassidy, we'll see if I like it :)

Instagram- Week 1

2011-01-17T11:10:00.004-09:00

For those of you sans iphone here are some recent instagrams. For those of you with iphones follow along with me!

365- Instagram

2011-01-15T19:22:00.005-09:00

I just can't seem to get myself to do any 365 photo project, so I'm gonna start with baby steps and start doing an "Instagram a day" with my phone to at least get some of my hibernating creative juices flowing. Wish me luck!

Washington Christmas

2011-01-08T12:31:00.005-09:00

I didn't take any pictures on Christmas- what is wrong with me!? Honestly though, I usually am so on top of the photo scene. I must have been tired. Anyways it was wonderful, relaxing, festive, and with delicious food from chef Mel and generous gifts from loved ones. This was my first Christmas away from Alaska, different but good. I still miss Alaska tons though. Well anyways Washington was wonderful and cathartic for me with its huge trees, mountains, and large bodies of water. We took a drive along the Olympic Peninsula and it was beautiful.

Mt. Timp

2011-01-08T11:55:00.005-09:00

In Utah we got to do a temple session at the Salt Lake Temple, skiing at Snow Bird, movies at Summer's place, Planet Earth, & went to Rachel's endowment session at the Mt. Timpanogos temple where we got to see some of Dan's extended family.

Will, Josh, Ruth, Jimmy, & Diane

Right after this we hit the road to head to Washington. A little later departure than desirable but totally worth it, and Mel & Adam were kind enough to stay up late for our arrival! They rock. So we drove out of Utah, back through Idaho (and into some really stinky fog- blek!), then on to Oregon (with non-stinky fog), and finally to Washington!

Summer's Graduation

2011-01-06T12:29:00.012-09:00

Another important reason for our visit in Salt Lake... Summer's Graduation! My little sis is an official esthetician now. I know it's the perfect profession for her because she's smart, she put so much effort and work in, and she's the only person I know who takes stealthy cell phone pictures of a man's skin melanoma in line at Subway to analyze for class/ personal enjoyment. I was so happy to go to her graduation and be there as her cheerleader as she walked the stage!

Walking the stage

Taylor, Summer, & Kaitlyn

Dan, Summer, & I

Summer & Si

After her graduation we went to dinner at Benihana (Dan and Si's first time) and it was so good and we all ate way too much. Congrats again Summer!

Temple Square Lights

2011-01-05T18:45:00.005-09:00

After Sun Valley we drove to Salt Lake to meet up with Summer. We got there early so Dan could meet up with John Hill to go skiing, but there was too much snow and the canyon was closed, so it was a day of some shopping topped off with Cafe Rio, yum! No trip to Salt Lake in the winter is complete without going to see the lights at temple square. Summer lives super close so we walked from her place to go see the lights and catch some holiday spirit.

Taylor, Summer, Si, & Dan

Sun Valley

2011-01-05T12:16:00.004-09:00

After Dan finished his semester and I finished my job, we hit the road for our Christmas vacation. First stop, Sun Valley, Idaho where my parents were so awesome as to hook us up with a 3 day stay at the Elk Horn Resort with their time share. (Thanks mom & dad!)

When we arrived it was pouring snow and there were tons of huge trees and cute shops. Basically I was in heaven! It snowed almost non-stop our whole time there and it was beautiful. At night we went on long walks through the snow and it really felt like being home. We loved it.

Our second day there we went to ski at the Sun Valley Resort. Note all the beautiful trees. I have a serious complex about Rexburg and its lack of trees. Guess I'm a big old tree hugger cause I love trees.

Getting back on my snowboard here was a challenge but we got in some great runs. By the end of the day my poor old surgery knees were not very happy with me though and one wouldn't stop popping. We opted to take a bus from the lodge we ended at the the other side of the resort where we parked. Yes, this place was huge- very not used to that, but it was very cool.

We had a great time here with the trees, snow, Christmas lights, long walks, nice people, cool shops, good restaurants, reading by the fire, chocolate egg nog, and seeing Greg Kinnear in the grocery store. I hope we will see more of Sun Valley in our future.