Memorial Day Weekend

I love paid holidays! Memorial Day was my first paid holiday since New Year's Day, which was SO long ago! Sadly, I started the weekend with a migraine on Friday evening. My evening was spent trying to sleep and ridding myself of the horrific pain. I woke up early Saturday feeling drained but ready for a fun day. I went up to Jeremy Ranch (by Park City) with Sandra & Steph to hang out with their roommate Jenicee. She was house-sitting and invited us to hang out with her for the day.

The house was absolutely beautiful and the view from the back deck (as shown in the pictures) was breathtaking. I spent several hours laying out on the deck, reading "Life of Pi" and preparing the Relief Society lesson I had to teach. We went out to eat & went shopping at the outlets that afternoon, then watched the Jazz game (which they won). It was a very relaxing day...just what I needed. Sunday truly was a day of rest, and Monday started VERY early. Sandra, Amy & I went grocery shopping at 1:30am for food for breakfast. We had a small breakfast party at my house at 9 that morning (a little too early after such a late night, although it was my idea). After breakfast a few of us went swimming and played at the pool. Sandra, Ali & I went to see Pirates later that afternoon. I really liked it! If you haven't seen it, I would recommend watching #2 if you haven't seen it in a while. I've only seen it once and I forgot a lot from that movie. Anyway, that night we watched the Jazz lose to the Spurs and I ended my 3-day weekend on that note!

Only in Utah...

Last night, a group of us (Ali, Amy, Brittany, Sandra, Steph, Steph's best friend, Michael & I) went up to the U to see Les Miserables. As we were waiting for Steph to get there, Michael casually pointed out Elder Ballard and his wife as they walked into the theatre. A few minutes later, as we were making our way through the theatre, Michael pointed out Elder Nelson, who was also accompanied by his wife. And shortly after that, Elder Oaks & his wife strolled through the lobby. Only in Utah! It was fun to think that 3 apostles were there, just enjoying an evening at the theater.

I absolutely LOVED Les Miserables. I had never seen it, and just became familiar with the music over the past few weeks. I was captivated by the story, moved by the music, and touched by the message. The impressions the story left on my heart and mind are strong; I can't stop thinking about it!

IKEA!!!!

2 years ago I got an email from Ikea informing me that a new store would be opening in Draper, Utah. And guess what? Today is the day! I have driven by the location every day for the last year, watching the grounds change from nothing to a big, blue & yellow concrete box of AWESOMENESS!!! As I drove by today, I saw a huge crowd of fellow Ikea-lovers, waiting in line to be the first to enter. I can't wait for my first trip! It is absolutely necessary as my roommate Emma moved out last week, taking with her most of our dishes & the entertainment center. I am so excited to go to Ikea to replenish our kitchen and furnish our house with everything Ikea.

Sandra's Birthday Week

This week we celebrated Sandra's birthday every single day! On Monday we went to "Battle of the Bands" because Sandra loves to rock. It wasn't my decision to go, but I did it because I love her. Tuesday we decorated her car and filled it with balloons. We also left her a pint of her favorite Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream "Cherry Garcia" and a box of Mike & Ike's.

Wednesday I made her cupcakes and gave them to her in the cute cupcake tree shown in the picture. Sandra loves kitchen stuff & enjoys entertaining and having parties, so I figured this would be a fun addition to her collection. Chris, Steph, Amy (my roommate) & I all went to visit Sandra at work (LDS Hospital in SLC) and surprised her with the cupcakes & a fun visit. Thursday we watched "The Office" and just hung out. Friday we went to the drive-in to see "Shrek the 3rd" (see previous post).

Saturday, which was her birthday, was so much fun! We decided to have a girls night in downtown Salt Lake. We all got dressed up in fun sassy outfits and went to dinner at Orbit Cafe (our original plan was to go to a cute little restaurant in the Avenues called "Em's" but it was closed for a private party). After dinner we went to Memory Grove for a walk, then came home & hung out for a while. Today, Sunday, we finished off the birthday week with a barbecue with a big group of friends. Dinner was great; watching the Jazz lose to the Spurs...not so great. Despite the loss, it's been so fun spending time with Sandra every day and celebrating her life! Happy Birthday Nanners!

Oh my cuteness!

I think this is one of the cutest pictures I have ever taken! I know it sounds a bit conceited for me to say that, but how can you not agree?!

Shrek the 3rd

Last night I went to a drive in to see Shrek the 3rd. I have never been to a drive in, so it was a new experience for me. A big group of us went to celebrate Sandra's birthday. I have to admit that going to the drive in is like going to the state fair: there are some very interesting people who show up! Anyway, I sat in the car with Amy and enjoyed the movie from the comfort of the front seat. It was the best alternative to sitting on the pavement with no one to cuddle with. I'd definitely go again! P.S.--This movie isn't anything to rave about.

Race For The Cure

On Saturday May 12th, I participated in the "Race for the Cure" in Salt Lake City. My friend Stephanie Doyle, who is wearing the pink t-shirt in all of the pictures, was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 27. She endured chemotherapy and has been cancer-free for 4 years. The group of us who participated did so under the team name "Doyle Rules!", to support Steph. The race was held in downtown Salt Lake at the Gateway Center. Steph & I were running buddies and we completed the 5K race in a little over 35 minutes! I have been preparing for it for a few months and it was worth it!

I was elated as we crossed the finish line! I still have a hard time expressing how I feel, knowing I set a goal, worked hard to accomplish it, and actually did it! It is one of my greatest accomplishments (to this point in my life).

What a fun group (minus Michael who had to leave as soon as he finished the race)! This event brought us all closer as friends. I can't wait to do it again!