A Trip Home

Last week I flew home to go to one of my best friends wedding. It was a special day and I was glad I went home to be apart of it.

The rest of the trip included a quick trip down to Salt Lake City for General Conference and visiting with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

It wouldn't be a trip to Idaho without an evening by the river roasting hotdogs and making homemade ice-cream in a tin can, no matter what time of year. I love being in the outdoors and now that I live in California I appreciate the peace and quite of Idaho so much more.

Then of course there was shopping, watching movies, crafting, and delicious food. I wasn't surprised to wake up to snow on my last day there. In Idaho you learn to expect unexpected weather. I am pretty sure it snowed in June once.

It was strange to go back to California. As we were flying in over the rolling green hills there was a little twinge in my heart and I realized that California is taking a piece of me. Especially when that's where my boy is. Love him.

Miss Vivian

I don't have any nieces or nephews, or children (obviously), so being able to witness the miracle of life through the entire nine months till this little darling made her debut was something special.

Thank you Dale and Elyse for asking me to take pictures of your precious girl. And Miss Vivian? You are a lucky lady to be born to such loving and natural parents.

Rainy Day Origami

It's been misting here in California today. I don't like to call it rain. Its too wimpy to be considered rain. But its refreshing none the less.

An excuse for breakfast in bed, bouldering at the gym, and trying something new. Like origami.

Wanna make your own crane?

To the Moon and Back

I decided for Valentines Day we would each make a hand crafted Valentine for each other. Just to spice things up and make Valentines Day a little more personal.

No wonder Alden was wide awake this morning anxious to give me mine (It only took him 3+ hours to make it). He outshined me by a long shot.

You learn a lot of things being married. Somehow when I got married I didn't fully understand what I was getting. I was getting THE BEST. Everyday Alden is more talented, loving, sweet and kind than the last.

This guy has already taken me to the moon and back.

Happy Valentines Day Darling.

Christmas with the Shaum's

For our annual Ugly Sweater party Alden scored this lovely sweater at D.I. which actually isn't ugly at all. It has since made appearances in my wardrobe and even graced the grocery store with its hip-ness.

My handsome bearded husband. Isn't he handsome?

East the beast. (Snuggie belongs to papa Shaum)

Brother in law Danny sporting a sweater and stach alongside their trusty pup Ruger.

Papa Shaum. So many things about this picture explain my dad. From the "SUP" on his shirt to the tag on his hat. Also, he may or may not be giving a speech here. Mamma Shaum sportin her new jammies.

Garett opening his shake weight. Dreams came true that morning. Dreams. Came. True.

Notice all the cutely wrapped gifts. Chelse wins that award with all of us taking notes for next year.

Christmas!

Alden and I and a couple of Santa hats.

Kiss, kiss.

Ryley and Chelse also win the creativity award. They MADE each others presents. Talk about awesome.

Chelse gave Ryley a sketch of him and of her to hang on their wall. Isn't she talented? Check out the awesome chandelier my brother made Chelse and the other sketch here.

Going home for Christmas was a much needed break for Alden and I. We jam-packed the week with as much as we could and before we knew it the week was over. We are already planning our next trip back since we can never seem to fit it all in. Thank you family for a great week full of laughter, adventure and fun.