The 5th Date of Christmas

For the 5th Date of Christmas, Devin had to work late. Cooper and I hung out all night, and when Devin got home, we fell asleep to a Christmas episode of The Office. It's lame, but it's still a Christmas date! Plus, the Christmas episodes of The Office? Priceless. Those things are television-gold.

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we got the house put together for the most part much, much faster than i had anticipated. things have been running smoothly, and we've been doing our best to decorate when we have the time. devin started school today, so we are crazy busy. i woke up feeling absolutely awful, and stayed home from work. it's a good sign that i wish i was at work though, right? i'm feeling better, but i think after how busy we've been, my body just needs the rest!

i wanted to make sure i documented the pictures we've been taking as we go, including the virtually pointless pictures i took on my phone during our very first time walking through the house. it's just a one bedroom, one bathroom townhome - but it's the perfect size for the two of us... with room for a dog, of course.

< the living room, from the front door (huge windows!)

> livingroom/kitchen from the front door

< kitchen

> kitchen from bedroom

< bedroom

> bathroom (so much bigger than our old one - it's heavenly!)

>< the closet, connected to the bathroom.

< backyard area (minus the patio)

> kitchen/living room from the bedroom

< bedroom from the kitchen (the door on the left is the pantry)

> laundry room / pantry from the kitchen

< front door, garage door from the kitchen

> front porch... sorta (see what i mean by virtually pointless?)

>< and from across the street! i never took a shot head on, because there is a tree right in the middle of the front yard!

and photos from the packing process:

the packing took about a week. the unpacking? about two days.

disaster status.

this is blurry, but i was pretty shocked to see just how many vases and jars i had, once i started gathering them all together to be packed! hoarders, anybody?! (this is probably only 2/3 of them!)

it looked so big and empty and uninhabited! especially once we took everything off the walls.

and the unpacking process:

 

our new washer and dryer! total steal from ksl. 

for the sake of updating

i started a private blog, so i've been giving more attention to that lately, plus also, we've been more busy than ever! a few updates:

1. I have loved every minute of my new job. It's still extremely overwhelming, and I'm starting to feel like I'll never get the hang of it all, but I think it will just take a little more practice! The guys in the shop are hilarious and also really nice, and the customers are awesome. The shop definitely has a good reputation. Plus also? It's pretty funny to take the company car for a spin every once in awhile :)

2. Sean and Chloe are having a BOY!!! I am getting a new nephew! I married into 2 nieces and a nephew, and even though Addi was still a baby when I met Devin, it will be so different to have a niece/nephew born since I've been an Ashby! It's been fun to watch Chloe and Sean through the pregnancy, and the other night, Chloe brought over the DVD of the ultrasound and we got to watch! I had never seen a video of one before and I was totally amazed by it! You could see the tiny little heart beating inside baby ashby's chest, and you could see his brain! He is going to be so, so gorgeous! Sean has already nicknamed him "blue" because as Chloe has tracked the size of the baby with those fruit things, Sean got hooked on calling "it" (at the time) "baby blue" - now it definitely fits, being a boy and all! I am so excited for them to be parents. They will be so great! 

3. We are moving in ONE WEEK. Holy cow. Where did this last week go? Now all the sudden we have TONS to pack and move in the next week. It's going to be exhausting! I keep looking at the pictures I took on my phone from when we first walked through the house, and it gets me more and more excited. I can't wait! Devin has already set up the internet and i'm pretty sure even the utility bills. The only thing left to do is sign the lease officially and get those keys!!! (Did I mention there's a pool?!)

4. Kelli's birthday was on Wednesday! My big sister is 24! It's weird to think that my husband is older than my older (est) sister. I've just always seen her as so much older and more mature! We get to celebrate at dinner with Kelli, Sean and other friends tomorrow. I love my cheech SO much! I wish she didn't live so far away :(

5. Strawberry soda. I forgot how much I loved this stuff. When I was at UVU, I would buy a can of Welch's at one of the little cafes in the LA building almost every day, and then forgot it existed. When Devin was craving soda at the grocery store the other night, and we saw there was a sale... I couldn't help but get some! So good. So, so good.

6. Shortly after Devin started working for Momentum, the owner and his good friend, Jeff, commissioned him to build a team-building program for businesses. This week, the program launched! Not only am I so excited for the kinds of things this will mean for the gym, but I am SO proud of Devin! This is the kind of thing he is going to school for, so for him to be getting this experience right now, while he is just starting the Outdoor Rec. Management program is HUGE! I'm a proud wife :) read more about the program here.

7. It's wedding season. Which means that Devin just finished up editing the last photos he's taken, and it also means that our weekends are booked for receptions of dear friends. Tomorrow? A mission companion. And next Saturday (which is also move-in day!), our dear friends Brit and Joe! So happy for them!

8. My One Tree Hill marathon has finally reached season 2. I love this show so much. I just forgot for... several years... haha!

9. We are PUPPY SHOPPING! If anybody has any information on affordable mini australian shepherd puppies/breeders in Utah or Idaho, please let us know! We are willing to drive pretty much anywhere in the state to find the perfect puppy! We don't need any show dog AKC kind of stuff. Just a cute little guy to be a family dog. Now that we will be living somewhere puppy friendly, we won't last very long without a puppy! 

10. I would also like recommendations for a good new book to read! I'm fresh out! Not that I've had much time for reading lately or anything... ha!

my office vs. the office

the office i work at is a lot like The Office. and by that I mean it's only the same in two ways. maybe  three. we got water bottles on our first day, and tomorrow is employee appreciation day. i didn't even know that was a real thing. they're getting us breakfast, so i'm not complaining. and the maybe/third? my boss is steve. which is close to michael. (because steve plays michael). he's not nearly as inappropriate though. 

speaking of The Office, i just finished Mindy Kaling's book today. i'm positive i got a few degrees funnier just from reading it. i'm sad it's over, but i will read it again and again. it's a book i will forever go back to. she is so much funnier than i thought. she has one of the coolest senses of humor. one i get. and i like that. i hope she writes another book soon. next on my list is Bossypants, but I think I will wait and read the last hunger games book to break up the celebrity - comedy - autobiographies. I am equally looking forward to it though. 

today i finally went back to work. finally. i had been in bed for 5 days. that is a long time to lay in bed feeling miserable. so i quit laying in bed, but i still feel pretty miserable. the horrible thing is that the only thing left that hurts is my throat. it is painful to talk. and that is all i do at work all day. i spend 20-45 minutes on the phone with clients. so it was a rough day. i still managed to maintain my average of 10 new clients, but i am feeling it tonight! i even took a long break and did a ton of filing for other departments. tomorrow will be better. hopefully. 

tonight devin and i went to his parents house to drop off some things and pick up some mail. i say it a million times, but Addison is too cute for words. she is starting to pronounce things so well. she is getting so hilarious! she was being so funny and playing with my hair and kept making a mustache across my lip with my hair and saying "Mustache?!" too. cute. and Kaden? he was spelling words on the fridge with alphabet magnets. he is a genius! the next sheldon cooper, i tell you. in more ways than one. and kayla was doing hard fractions and spelling hard words. she is so smart too! i can't believe these kids! they are all leaps and bounds ahead of where i probably was at their age. amanda and jason raised some smart babies! i love them! 

then we had some hibachi san dinner and walked around the mall for a few minutes. looked at some watches. i am so worn out from work, and i don't even have a tiring job! it was just rough on my little throat. i'm sure i'm scaring clients, too. luckily, nobody said anything about how i sounded, but i'm sure they were thinking it. it seems like people applying for social security disability benefits are some of the nicest people ever. i expected them to be angry and impatient, but they're all awesome. it makes me love my job. 

anyway. i didn't really have anything to say. except that i love the office, and mindy kaling, and i'm back at work, and have an awesome job. the end. 

The Best Of: 2011

originally, i had made this big, long, categorized list of my favorite things in 2011. but now i decided I'd just share a few. all things 2011. and it's still a long list... sorry! they aren't in any specific order, either. 

As far as entertainment and the world go? 

PJ 20 came out. The Pearl Jam documentary celebrating the band's 20th anniversary. I have always been a fan of peal jam, but in 2011, I became fully converted to the awesome that is Eddie Vedder. He is a crazy man. But I am sure a fan. Now if only I can think of a clever pearl-jam related dog name for a future pup. 

MODERN FAMILY, NEW GIRL, THE VOICE, and THE BIG BAND THEORY all became instant favorites. Thank goodness for DVR and Netflix, otherwise we wouldn't be able to keep our obsession so consistent. I'm surprised with how many great shows have come out lately. And I may even admit to liking some of Devin's other favorites like Sons of Guns and Gold Diggers (or whatever it's called...)

9/11 10th ANNIVERSARY. I can't believe it's been 10 years since 9/11. I can't believe it's been 10 years, and we're still fighting this war. It was a huge milestone for this country, I think. As much hurt and tragedy as 9/11 was, I think it did a lot of good for the unity of us as citizens. I know that personally, my patriotism is on a whole new level after seeing the United States' reaction to the attack. I am so proud to be an American and am ever-grateful for the men and women that fight for us.

THE ROYAL WEDDING. Does this even need an explanation? Kate Middleton is so iconic. She is definitely royal material. And what girl doesn't gush over such an extravagant ceremony?! Remember that dress?

TEMPLE ANNOUNCEMENTS. Provo Tabernacle? What an awesome way to restore the building that has meant so much to the city of Provo! It is going to be beautiful. I can't believe how lucky I am to be surrounded by temples. To have an option of which one to attend. There is nowhere else in the world that has that privilege. And Paris? I have always dreamed of going to Paris. Devin told me we would go some day. After they announced the Paris Temple, I told him we couldn't go until after it was built! Can you imagine how beautiful it will be? I don't remember the other temples announced this year, but I love when the Prophet announces temples. It just means that there is a higher demand for members to be doing this work and grow close to the Lord. It is such good news.

As far as us Ashby's lives? So many personal events in 2011. It was a HUGE year for Devin and I! 

ENGAGEMENT. (February 25) It meant the beginning of the rest of our lives! I answered the most important question of my life that night! We made a major decision to be married, and it will always be the best thing I ever did! 

KELLI AND SEAN GOT MARRIED (May 13). So happy for my sister. Love my new brother! They are so great together, and I love getting to know Sean and spending time with them. So glad Kelli and I got to do the whole wedding thing together.

KATIE RECEIVES ENDOWMENT. (May 19) One of the best nights of my life. I will never forget my first time through the temple. I am so glad Devin took me to the temple. I loved that our families were there. It meant so much to me to have everyone there. My testimony has grown exponentially since that night, and I love returning as often as we can.

DEVIN TURNED 24 (May 23) I always promise that I will keep his birthday and our anniversary two completely separate events. This was the first of his birthdays we celebrated together, and it was such a fun night! Bought a wii, built a fort, ate yummy La Jolla Groves and had Gourmandise Tiramisu! 

WEDDING. (May 26) Duh! Best day of my life! 

BUCKHORN. (July 8th-ish) Our first camping trip together. It was a total success! I am sure 2012 will hold many more camping trips, now that we have all the gear we need. Buckhorn was the perfect weekend though. One of my favorites! 

GREY'S. (July 31st-ish) Both of our families have had the exact same camping trip for 20+ years. This year, we got to combine a little. A camping trip probably doesn't seem like a big enough event to other people, but the fact that Devin and I both did this our whole lives made it that much more important the first time we got to do it together! 

KATIE TURNED 20 (August 3) Devin made my birthday a week long celebration and completely spoiled me! It was the first of my birthdays that we will celebrate together, too!

WE BOUGHT A TRUCK. (September 5) This was a huge! Our first major purchase, and it taught us a lot. I have been really impressed with Devin's financial knowledge, and that we were able to buy our truck! It has been a sacrifice in some places, but worth every thing it took to get it! We bought it on a total whim, but I don't think we'll ever regret it. I just wish we would have bought it sooner, so we could have had more time to play with it! Never in my life did I ever think I would buy something brand new. 

KATIE'S MANY JOBS. I started the year at Bath and Body Works, and around March, got a second job at StoresOnline after Devin and I got engaged. Once I realized BBW just wasn't worth the many hours and drama, I quit, and in July, got laid off, along with the rest of the department at SO. After 2 awful months of unemployment (I say awful because I am surprised I'm not insane after having so much free time. It was rough to just sit at home and very discouraging!), I have found huge blessings in being a Nanny. 2012 will bring even more job adventures, but I think I learned a lot of great things from all the jobs I had in 2011. 

NURSERY. We were in the ward for a few months before we got a calling, and we had already anticipated on being put in nursery, since that seems to be the trend with newlyweds (i think it's a hint, haha!) What we didn't expect, is that we would absolutely love it! It is seriously the easiest 2 hours of church I have ever sat through, and I love every single one of those kids in our class! We never know what to expect, but it's always a blast. Even though we get sick way more often than usual, and spend most of the block pulling apart 2-year-old fights, I love every minute of it. I wish I knew the adults in the ward better, but I love these kids! 

APT ADVENTURES. We have had all kinds of crazy go on in the last 7 months of living in my grandparents basement. (Relive those experiences here, here and here) We love it here though. Great neighbors, awesome location, we love the ward, and it's so nice and affordable. We won't leave until we buy a house (although I did try to talk Devin into looking for cheap, pet-friendly apartments once. I just really want a puppy!) I love being with family and my grandparents are awesome. They are the best landlords! 

ANTIQUE MALL. This year, my sister-in-law Chloe introduced me to the coolest place ever! We spent a LOT of time at the antique mall earlier this year, and I haven't been back in awhile (that will change!), but I loved making that discovery this year! The antique mall started a lot of other antique shopping, finding some awesome places, which lead to almost all of the inspiration for my wedding, and also most of the accessories I used.

CONCERTS. We went to a lot of really great concerts in 2011. For our wedding, my Grandpa gave us tickets to Stadium of Fire! What an awesome wedding present. There, we both found a love for Brad Paisley we didn't know we had! That guy can play some serious guitar. I am speechless when it comes to his talent and he is an incredible entertainer! We spent a lot of nights at the Rooftop Concert Series in Provo, seeing bands like Paul Jacobson and The Madison Arm, Fictionist, Sayde Price, Joshua James, and others perform (I can't say enough good things about all those bands!) and we also spent some time at the Velour. We went to an acoustic show of Cory Mon's. Cory and Devin have been friends for years and years, and I was finally able to come to a show! (Cory usually performs in venues that tend to be 21+). I have a huge respect for that guy. He is so talented, and a very good man. Wes Kirkpatrick played that show, too, and he is a new artist added to my list this year! Wes reminds me a lot of one of my favorites, Andrew Belle, which makes me like his music all the more! We also saw Imagine Dragons at Velour, and that is a show I will never forget! I love that Devin doesn't just have a love for music, he is truly passionate about it. I love all the stuff he has introduced me to, and I love that it's a big part of our days. 

We also discovered a lot of great places to eat in 2011. We love eating... haha!

THE CHEESEBURGER FACTORY. On our Grey's trip, Devin and I tried a place in Alpine, WY called The Cheeseburger Factory. Probably the best burger I've ever had ever. Amazing. We will definitely be eating there every time we go up! 

RED BARON. On that same Grey's trip, we stopped for lunch on our way home (I think we were in Afton, WY) at a place Devin's family usually eats at. It was delicious! I loved including that tradition of his in our trip. 

BRAZA EXPRESS. We tried that new brazillian grill in Provo and it was pretty good! We reeked of the place when we left, but the food was different in a good way, and we like it! Maybe we'll just get take out next time.


COMMUNAL. We may have discovered communal last year, but it is by far the best dining experience you can get in Utah Valley. Amazing food and service. I have been exposed to a world of food I had no idea even existed!


LA JOLLA GROVES. Quickly became one of our favorite restaurants. We haven't eaten there much (we should change that..!?) But it's definitely high on the list for a quality restaurant in Orem/Provo.

I'm sure there were others, I just don't remember! That's pretty much all the 2011 favorites I can think of, but they were all great! It was an awesome year, and I'm sure 2012 will be great too! I'm excited to see what will happen this next year. It could mean big things for us! I can't wait.

more ramblings + photo dump friday

i decided i like to blog this way. so you'll probably see more of these kinds of posts.

i've reached a point where if i go more than 3 days without seeing a spider in the house, I know i'm overdue. I constantly scan the walls and ceiling, shake out my clothes and shoes, and promptly move the bug killer to somewhere more accessible. I also make sure Devin is within yelling distance at all times.

I think I have classically conditioned myself by watching several episodes of the office in bed before we fall asleep. now, every time i see or think about it, i get tired and start yawning incessantly. (altoid, anyone?)

I realize that when i blog, I am randomly selective about what i do and don't capitalize. but i don't really care.

my side of the closet could probably eat Devin's side very easily, yet I still complain daily that I have nothing to wear.

why does my netflix choose not to work the moment i discover breakfast at tiffany's on instant play? this event was weeks ago. and it's been sitting on my instant queue forever now, but i still haven't watched it...

Devin's favorite episode of the office is "Safety Training" (season 3: episode 19), which has resulted in both of us having the entire 21 minutes and 21 seconds memorized. We watch it at least every other week.

sometimes, Devin and I quote ourselves. Because we're just that funny. especially devin.

did you ever realize that straws are good for your teeth? the up & up brand straw box says something about how straws help prevent acidic content of soda and other elements that are harmful to your enamel by reducing the contact between your teeth and the liquid. makes sense, right? but awesome. plus, straws are more fun. and allow even more laziness. i can now drink while laying down.

you know how children are always the sweet, innocent ne'er - do - wrong - er's? then why are the always the creepiest part of scary movies?

Devin and I will think of one comment or scene of the office (that is totally insignificant and unrelated to the plot of the episode), and go nuts until we find out what episode it's from. (usually thanks to google and strangely worded search phrases...) most recently? when dwight talk about how he could have been growing mushrooms and puts his hand practically on the floor to show how high they'd be by now. (season 6, episode 9: double date). Found that one out by luck.

I think our wedding was the only wedding ever to not serve chocolate covered strawberries at the reception. I feel like I let everyone down. and now i'm craving some. good think my cousin is getting married tomorrow.

it's the middle of november. we sleep with our window open, and still complain about being too hot. all other times of the day at home? we're FREEZING.

a few weeks ago, i asked devin if he knew his family's plans for christmas this year. he said he didn't know, and didn't want to ask, because then he'd be put in charge. my mom called me earlier this week, and after our conversation, i asked her if she knew what our family's plans were for christmas. she put me in charge.

we went to staples yesterday. i haven't been in there for years. i immediately started scanning the store for Dwight Shrute. Too much office? never...

ALSO. i realize i didn't do a photo dump last friday. that's because i had the day off of work, which usually meddles a little with how and when i blog, because it's not my normal, daily routine. so maybe i'll just have to do photo dump friday on the fridays i work. we'll see. anyway...

and surprise, surprise, they're all of c-train and aria. i didn't take hardly any pictures. these are all from the same time...

carter woke up from his nap wearing BOTH of his spiderman suits (he has the original and black ones). and when he took the black one off, he asked aria if she wanted to wear it. which of course, she did. they crack me up.

 

there is one other picture. from earlier today. carter is off on a play date with is friend, xander, and aria went down for a nap. she's been doing this thing lately where she will just randomly burst into tears, and it's not just normal crying. it's terrifying. it sounds like she is hurt or someone scared her. but she just says she wants her mommy or misses her mommy, and i try to explain to her that mommy's at work. she knows this. she's also been doing this thing lately where sometimes she won't take a nap unless i hold her until she falls asleep.

today was a combination of both. and there is something so peacefully satisfying about carrying a limp, fast asleep two year old up to her room and laying her in bed. she's adorable.

week at a glance

 

aria in a witch hat. twice. 

 

devin masterfully making one of our pinterest recipes for sunday dinner w/ his fam. it was delicious!

 

devin's cheesy chicken pasta. SO good. mmm

things i did with the munchkins this week:

 

built a fort and watched Toy Story 3. (notice aria's sitting in her mini lawn chair)

pumpkin patch today:

we picked out some pumpkins and took them home to paint them. and couldn't help but stop for frosty's on the way home... :)

today certainly got off to a bad start. we woke up this morning to find that our bike rack and cargo rack had been stolen from the mazda. maybe you remember just months ago when we BOUGHT the cargo rack? and the bike rack was pretty new too... major bummer.

and then? devin blows a tire in his work truck. on the FREEWAY. he didn't get hurt, and everything is fine, but still.

also? aria may have had a small accident on my shirt. which was a pleasure. i was certain that would happen eventually. and at this point, i'm not surprised it was today!

tomorrow, i have the day off from nannying because the kids are on UEA break and will be staying with their grandma, but most likely, i will have them at my house tomorrow for a few hours to help her out a little. i think that will be a fun change for them. trying to think of what we can do! devin and i don't have a super kid-friendly house. that should probably change, what with our friends' kids, nieces and nephews and cases like this! oh well. it will be just fine! (i'm thinking we'll make cupcakes? or cookies?)

last night, i had a fun time hanging out with my sister in law Amanda for a few hours. we had dinner with the family, gave addi a bath (hilarious), made a wal-mart run for some ingredients and snacks, made s'mores and watched the Pretty Little Liars Halloween special. i'm so glad she likes the show too. it's so ridiculous and i hate admitting that i watch it (...i love it), so at least we can be embarrassed together! she also convinced me to make devin and i's stockings this year instead of buying some off pinterest. 

the ones i wanted were burlap with a lace trim. the lace wasn't floral though, it was reindeer! amanda said she's seen the lace before, and burlap is everywhere, so it will be way cheaper to just make them ourselves! i'm so excited about it. i don't know if the world (or myself) is ready for another katie sewing challenge though. but hopefully we'll go to a fabric store tomorrow and see what we can find.

Zoo take 2 + conference weekend

i have totally been neglecting my blog. but for a good purpose: online shopping.

i'm lucky to have a husband that understands how necessary it is to obtain new, and more apparel with every changing season (even if he's just pretending to understand).

so i've put the blogging aside to acquire some Autumn essentials. they're so awesome, that I may even do an outfit post. if i'm that brave. the ever-growling list includes things like several pairs of tights and boot socks (my favorite boot socks so far have been the lace ones and the cable-knit ones), the boots (already seen. i've already worn them plenty), some knit beanies, some more jewelry (mostly earrings), shirts adorned with lots of lace in creams, whites and browns, and my favorite: an awesome knit sweater that i can't WAIT for.

SO. i think i can be forgiven.

but all of this has lead to a little game of catch-up that we're about to play.

mostly just of the weekend.

and i may or may not cover things i already have. just to keep this all straight.

like Friday, for example. I totally skipped over Friday with that last post.

I took the babies to the zoo! Makayla had piano lessons, so she couldn't come. It was just Kaden and Addison. I decided that Devin and I will just have to take Makayla on a little date for ice cream to make up for it. She's so awesome. And quite honestly, the smartest 9 year old I've ever met!

My sister, Kayla came though, to help out. Plus, who says no to a free trip to the zoo? Nobody.

Kaden was so awesome! I am so glad that he was good and stayed by me and behaved, and Addison was adorable and hilarious as always. On the way up to the zoo, she kept saying "Devin? Devin?" I think she just expects to see both of us at the same time. She pronounces his name so well! It was the cutest.

We got to see everything Kaden wanted and even rode the Train (Kade LOVES trains!) and Mom and Grandma said he gushed about it the whole rest of the night after we got home, so I'd say it was a success!

Addi had a full-on conversation with this weird bunny looking creature. She was yelling at it, telling it what to do, hahaha.

the tiger was actually there this time! I wish I would have got a picture of it swimming in the water right by the glass, but there were too many people.

Addison copying Kaden, haha

all she wants is the camera.

choo choo!!!

 

insisting on sitting by herself on the train.

As for conference weekend: we had a great time! On Saturday, we watched the morning session while we cleaned the house and then headed up to Salt Lake during the 2nd sessions to shoot some bridals. We shot at Garden Park Ward. It's absolutely beautiful up there! The grounds are so pretty and there were so many great options for pictures. I love looking through all the photos after the shoot as we drive home, and this is going to be one of Devin's best, I think! He has a preview on his blog (one of my favorite shots from the day) and will be adding more really soon! So go here and then click BLOG.

On our way home from the shoot, we went to Ashley and Ikea for fun. This is when we bought our awesome chair that matched our living room exactly!

 

I didn't want to get a picture of the whole room, because it was a mess from my ornament making.

On Sunday, we slept in right up until 10:00 and watched the first session. I made tons of Christmas ornaments! Maybe I already said that I was making all of our ornaments for Christmas this year. It's going to be awesome. They all turned out cuter than I thought, and I won't even complain about the bad burns I got on my fingers and toes (it was an unfortunate spill of burning hot glue) from my glue gun. anyway. I've only made a few, and have plenty more to do. I'm considering making a tutorial if there's some interest... they're just so easy and SO cute!

also on Sunday? TONS of snacking. On all our great conference treats. We had so much good food but I only got pictures of our fresh homemade salsa that Devin and I made together (onion tears. so romantic.), and the oreo truffles I attempted! They are hideous, but they taste SO good. We have to refrain from eating too many at once! We also had really tasty pulled pork for dinner with zucchini and corn bread with honey butter. SO good! Spent the rest of the night watching The Office, because Season 7 is FINALLY on instant netflix!

For the 2nd session on Sunday, we headed up AF canyon to Silver Lake Flat! It was super busy, but it was worth it to be up there. The drive was beautiful! The leaves were the brightest red i've ever seen, and the yellow leaves on the aspens looked neon! SO pretty. I took pictures, but it didn't do it much justice. I think Devin mostly wanted to go so he could do some 4-wheel driving in the Frontier, haha.

 

tibble fork lake on the way up to the flat

silver lake. and my cute husband.

i told him he wasn't allowed to make any funny faces, but i pulled one anyway. bahaha.