Easter

Holidays are fun when you get married because you get to share and start your own traditions. Growing up my mom would fill our baskets with goodies and hide them. They weren't your typical hiding places either. It took us HOURS to find them. I didn't really give Alden a choice of what tradition we were going to do this year. We were hiding baskets! Poor Alden doesn't have the years of experience like I do. I found my basket the VERY first place I looked. He probably would have looked all day for his if I wouldn't have given him a big fat clue too. (Do you want to know my secret?... Tie the basket to a hanger and pick a big heavy coat to hang around it. Then just hang the coat back in the closet!)

We spent Easter with Alden's family. It was a nice day full of strawberry rhubarb pie and blueberry tarts. My mom bought my sister and I Easter dresses while I was home (thanks mom) so naturally we had to get an Easter picture in our pastels.

We went to Church and pondered on the real reason for the season. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have of a loving Savior who knows me personally and died for me. What a beautiful time of year to celebrate the resurrection of Christ and the rebirth all around.

What are some of your fun Easter traditions?

ps. Alden and I became hooked on Hello Panda cookies when we lived in Hawaii so when I saw them at Target I had to get them for his basket. If you come across some BUY THEM RIGHT AWAY and then EAT THEM RIGHT AWAY. And buy an extra box too.... because you might not want to share.

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.