Leaving

I'm officially moved back to Provo. And leaving home was much more difficult than I had anticipated. Really, I should have expected it. Since I came to college, anytime I have spent more than 24 hours at home, I have had a hard time leaving. 

The problem is this: my parents are just too amazing. (My whole family, too, actually.) This summer has brought that fact home to me in a stronger way than ever. 

The truth is, I'm a worrier. I didn't used to think I was, but I definitely am. I worry that every time I leave them something bad will happen. And I worry that if it does that I haven't been a good enough daughter or they don't know how much I love and appreciate them.

They truly are the best people that I know. They are loving and kind. They are willing to sacrifice, and to do so without complaint. They trust their children and allow us to make mistakes, because they know how much we can learn from them. And when we do, they are always there to help us pick up the pieces, with helping hands, open arms, and loving hearts. 

A few weeks back I had a conversation with my mom that I don't think I will ever forget. We were discussing service and sacrifice. I was complaining that sometimes it feels like those we serve are taking advantage and are ungrateful. She listened to my complaints and said simply, "Sometimes they are. But the thing is, if you say no once, then you'll never do that service again. It is too easy to think only of yourself and become selfish." Someday I hope I can be as wise as she is. And that I can, like her, instinctively know when something is wrong with someone I love and come up with the perfect fix to a bad day, like going to get pedicures or going to a movie. It's a lot easier to hide my bad days from her when I'm at school. Even so, she always seems to turn up just when I need her most.

My dad has most Fridays off of work now, so he happened to be home when I left for Provo yesterday. I had everything packed when he came home from the temple, but before I ran out the door, I asked him to give me my traditional back-to-school father's blessing. Most of the time when I am given a blessing my mom is also there and I ask her to write down some of the things said so I can reread them when I need it. I had contemplated waiting and going home this weekend for my blessing, but in the end I'm so glad I did it this way. It was a very special thing to spend those few precious minutes with only my dad and no one to interrupt the tight, long, and loving hug we shared after. I'm a hugger, just in general, but my dad gives some of the best hugs because I know he will never be the one to pull back first. More than anything, I know he just wants me to be safe and happy, and he will do anything in his power to make sure that happens, whether it be talking to me on the phone as I walk home late at night or bringing me tons of water bottles to help prevent kidney stones.

The older I get the more I understand how precious and remarkable is the love my parents have, both for their children and for each other. When I was little, I thought the idea of kids worrying their parents might get a divorce was something that only happened in the movies. All I had ever seen was the incredible love my parents had for each other. To this day, I love to see my parents flirt and tease each other. There is nothing that makes me feel more peaceful and safe than watching my parents interact with each other. They are the definitive proof that love grows stronger with time.

I'm lucky. I get to see my family quite regularly. Between their season tickets to football and basketball, family group, birthdays, and other random weekends, I never go too long without seeing at least one of my family members. And home is just a short drive away.

And as I sit here at the kitchen counter in my new apartment, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Emily Anne

My cute Emily Anne left me a couple weeks ago and is now an official Physical Therapy student at USC. That smarty pants.

Before she left, we got to spend some quality time together. At the beginning of August we went to "Wicked!" at Capitol Theater together. Before the show we went to dinner at a delicious Thai place in Salt Lake. The show was really, really good. Even though I had seen it in New York four years ago, I think I understood it much more this time. Unsurprisingly, I got a little emotional a few times as the impact of the music and lyrics really hit me.

It has only been a couple weeks and I already miss Emily like crazy. Emily is very steady. No matter what happens in her life, she reacts in a strong, stable way. She has been through a lot in the couple of years I've known her alone and has continually impressed me through it all. She is dedicated, loyal, thoughtful, and kind. Plus, she has the world's greatest laugh. Seriously.

I'm so proud of her and the courage she has shown in picking up her life and moving to an unknown place. She's going to be a kick-a physical therapist too. She is so smart and has a natural gift when it comes to dealing with athletes and sports related injuries. She is the best and I can't wait to see all of the amazing things she does in her life!

Beautiful Place

One of Derrick's friends from school had a friend from high school getting married in Salt Lake this week, so she came out for the wedding and spent some time with us. Kate was super nice and was a ton of fun to hang out with. She had never been to Utah before and was totally blown away with how beautiful the mountains here are. 

Derrick took her on a ride up Mueller Park Canyon Sunday night and she loved it. Monday morning Derrick had to work, so Mary and I took Kate to the Ogden Temple Open House first thing. The temple looks completely different, but it turned out incredibly beautiful. Kate especially loved the Celestial room. She was totally blown away.

After we got back, we decided that for Kate to really experience Utah, she needed to go hiking. So Mary and I took her up Adam's Canyon. It is a fun hike and full of lots of rocks, trees, water, and pretty views. Kate was so enthusiastic about all of it. 

Mary had to go to work, so Kate and I went to Dairy Queen to make sure Kate got to try fry sauce. Don't worry, she loved it. I think Derrick now has a buddy to mix up some ketchup and mayo with out in Minnesota. The rest of Kate's time was pretty much taken up with wedding stuff. I did get to take her down to the Salt Lake Temple and drove her around the outside of Temple Square before her friend's sister took her on an actual tour during the wedding. 

Being around Kate really reminded me how lucky I am. Utah really is incredibly beautiful. To me, there is nothing more beautiful than mountains. And, growing up in Utah, I take for granted the fact that there is such a rich Mormon heritage. Such an incredible feeling of family, community, and love around here. 

I also couldn't help but take a few pictures of Derrick playing with Max and Connor yesterday. If only you could hear the giggles associated with these pictures.

It's a pretty amazing life.

24th of July and Some Work

The 24th is similar to the 4th for us. Sometimes people who aren't from Utah ask what you do on the 24th. The answer is: the same things you do on the 4th. The night before I went to fireworks at Mueller Park with Danielle and Lucy. They always put on a great show. 

The next afternoon I went to see "Maleficent" with my parents. They had gift cards to the movie theater, so we got some popcorn and drinks too, which basically never happened at our house growing up. We really liked the movie a lot, actually.

Derrick was a little tired, so he attempted to take a nap on the couch.

Dad and Mom at the movie (before it started, don't worry)

That night my parents and I went to Nate and Mandi's house with Spencer and Amy and their kids too. We ate some yummy food, then we snuck out the stuff for a water fight we had brought with us. Once Daxton was in his swimming suit (after he had taken off all of his clothes because they got wet), everyone had a great time getting each other wet!

Spencer ran home and got his kids pajamas and my parents went home. Meanwhile, the kids put on a circus for us for about 30 minutes. There was nothing but screaming, singing, dancing, running, and performing going on. 

Trying to get a picture with Lyla

Abby did my hair!

I was imitating Lyla's mad face

When Spencer got there, we changed the kids, then got out the snaps and sparklers. Most of the kids loved it. Connor didn't like the sparklers too much, though.

Then Nate and Amy did a great firework show for us. Connor lasted about 5 seconds on the blanket before he came and sat on his Dad's lap. The rest of the kids loved the show, though.

It was a great night!

I worked for Centerville City again this year. This time I got to teach Merit Badge, as well. The best part? About once a week we watched at least part of "Remember the Titans," which happens to be my favorite movie. I could quote the whole thing for sure, now.

In all my years working there, we never had to call rain days until this year, and we called two! The second one, it was raining soooooo hard! Everyone came up to the pavilion, but we were still all getting wet, so we called it a day. Danielle and I spent about ten minutes in the rain putting things away and were completely soaked! 

The day after the rain day, we all went back at night to watch the movies the kids had made on the movie day for Kids Kamp. Abby and Lyla came with me to set up and play at the park. But before we left, they were playing in my room and they put my necklaces on their heads like headresses. Love those cute girls!

This picture is totally awful, but it is the only one we have of most of the group!

The next day we went through everything that was in storage. We found A LOT of crafts that had mine and Annie's handwriting on them. It was a weird flashback thing for me. Lots of memories associated with that job. I was glad I got to do it one more time.

Mine is on the left, Annie's on the right

I have been thinking a lot about how hard it is to grow up. But working with all of the teenagers, I have become more and more grateful that that stage of my life is over. As much as I loved my high school experience, life really does get better. 

Fun at Grandma and Grandpa's!

A few weeks ago, Spencer, Amy, and their kids came over and played with us for a few hours. My mom had already been making homemade donuts, which the kids loved, obviously. We thought they were pretty good too!

Lyla

Max

I told Connor to smile and this is what I got!

Abby

For Father's day, my mom got my dad a slip 'n slide for the grandkids to use and it has been a big hit! I took a ton of pictures as the kids were doing it. Lyla was fearless, as always. And Max would only go backward very, very slowly. Abby warmed up to it. But Connor wouldn't go anywhere near it. 

Spencer finally made Connor go down it, and he was so mad! It was hilarious though!

As we were putting the slip n' side away, my parents pulled out the water guns the kids had been dying to try and everyone got thoroughly wet as we had an enormous water fight. It was everyone against Spencer (and Max, eventually) and the kids loved getting their dad with squirt guns!

It was so fun to spend time with those kiddos and their parents. Family is just the best!