Graduation

Well, last night ended my time at BYUI...tears are starting to form. It was exciting, happy and sad all at the same time. My mom and Nana flew in from Mississippi and my cousins kids, Bryce and Livi, were able to come over from Wyoming where they are visiting their grandpa, my uncle Jeff. My bestest friend ever, Lynley, drove up from St. George to celebrate this exciting time with me. Her camera had a little run in with the concrete so I won't have all the fun pictures from it for awhile ... sad day! But here are a few that I do have! When I get more I will post them!

Me and my mom

Me and Livi

Gotta love airlines

Well I have been anxiously awaiting 6:30 to get here so I could leave to pick up my mom and Nana from the airport. Scratch that. My mom just called and their flight was canceled. They could have taken a later flight, but still would have missed the connecting flight in Atlanta and would have to spend the night at the airport. I've done it several times....not that fun. So, they were able to get on a flight tomorrow morning at 6....YAY! So, Lynley and I will head to the airport when I get out of class tomorrow....I am praying they don't cancel that flight too!

Wingers

Last night I went to dinner with a bunch of friends, since it would probably be the last time we could all get together in the next few days. We went to Wingers...yummy. I just love the sticky finger wrap there...so that is what I had. Actually that is what we all had! Good friends and good times...what more can you ask for?

This is Wendy, me and Natalie...they were two of my roommates my first semester here!

This is Holli, me and Em.


Ok so I know we all look tired in these pictures...it's the end of the semester. This is the day after the other night when I couldn't sleep - I only got 1 hour!

Ugh

It's 2:20am and I can't sleep. I have been in bed since 11 and I am wide awake...this stinks. I have my one and only final in the morning and I am going to be oh so rested for it...NOT! Ugh!!!!!! Maybe I should try counting sheep....I haven't tried that one yet.

Cave Falls and Mesa Falls

Yesterday Cat, Kelsie and I headed out to see the falls. I have been to Mesa many many times and LOVE it! I am going to take my mom, Nana and Lynley to see it next week while they are here. None of us had ever been to Cave Falls, but a friend of mine, Ryan, had told me about it last summer and I have been wanting to go ever since.

We started on our adventure around 3:30 heading towards Ashton, Idaho. We followed the signs for Cave Falls and all was going well and suddenly the nice, smooth paved road turns into a gravel road. We were a little leary about where the signs were leading us but we kept going. The scenery was beautiful as we were driving through Targhee National Forest. The sky was oh so blue and the trees and grass were a crispy green. Wild flowers were in bloom everywhere...the perfect afternoon to be driving through a forest with the windows down! We were enjoying the views and the cool breeze and we came upon a sign that said entering Yellowstone National Forest...I did not realize we were that far! Also at this point the gravel road has turned into a rocky road...there were very large rocks in the road. I was kinda nervous when trucks would pass because they were just speeding along and I prayed they wouldn't throw a rock up and hit my windshield. I already have cracks...the rocks would probably shatter it...I wonder what that highway patrolman would give me a warning for that??? hmmm...
I don't know if you can tell or not but there is a rainbow on the falls!

Anyways, after driving on and on for what seemed like forever, we finally saw a sign that said Cave Falls 3 miles...YAY we were almost there! We were now driving along a rushing river...way cool. Finally we made it! We decided to start at the overlook. So we started down this path...now at the trail head there was a big sign warning about bears...one of my fears is coming upon a bear in the woods. I would be its lunch for sure. We were walking along and saw a sign for another falls a mile up the trail and decided to go for it. However we were greeted by giant mosquitoes that decided to have an early dinner on us. So while slapping the bugs off each other we made our way back to the car to head to the path that would take us right up to the falls. We started on the trail and at first the mosquitoes were not too bad down there but I think the ones from up by the overlook flew down and found us. But we continued on. We came to the part where you had to climb over wet, muddy rocks to go into the cave right next to the falls. The three of us were successful at making it there without falling or getting muddy. Now I must say were are all pretty smart girls for wearing flip flops for rock climbing...I would not suggest it...but it made it easy to just walk into the river to clean our feet. Which by the way the water was icy cold. OH just to let you know I was the only one to get dirty...there was a family in the cave and their little dog came over to me and jumped up putting his muddy little paw prints all down the side of my khaki capris. Oh joy. Us by the cave

When we left we wanted to follow a sign that said Sheep Falls so we turned off and in the direction the sign pointed. Well we never found it but my car was doing a little off roading trying to find Sheep Falls. We went down many many roads, some of which I don't think have been driven down in a very very long time. But it was a great adventure none the less. And I must apologize to Kelsie for almost causing her to have a heart attack a few times as my adventurous side took over on this trip....I really should invest in a 4 wheel drive vehicle if I continue these kind of things.

Finally we were heading to Mesa Falls...woo hoo! We stopped at Bear Gulch to take some pictures. Cat was standing on a rock and yelled "Is that an animas?!?!" in a very loud voice. Sure enough it was an animal! Yes, the first of the day - if you don't count the mosquitoes and dog. Oh we did see a baby hawk...kinda cool. So it was the second of the day. He made an appearance again just peering over a rock so I could take his picture...thank you little guy - I think it was a rockchuck aka yellow bellied marmot.

We made it to the lower falls and enjoyed the view and lack of bugs for awhile. The we drove up to the upper falls where you can walk out and almost touch it. We hung out there awhile enjoying the peacefulness of nature. Cat commented on how this was a perfect way to spend our last Saturday in Rexburg. I had to concur. The first picture is the lower falls and the second two are the upper falls.

Oh So Addicting

I am anxiously awaiting the release of the 4th and final book in the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. I must give thanks to Amanda for getting me hooked on these books last summer as she, Erica and I drove to Boise. Last semester I finally took a deep sigh and gave in to reading the most popular books on this campus. I was a little hesitant at first, since 1. I am not the biggest fan of vampire books, I think reading Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice did it for me and 2. There was so much hype about them and I really didn't want to "follow the crowd" and read them. However, I do trust Amanda and her choice of books, movies and music (she pretty much rocks!)and with a little coaxing from her, borrowed the first book, Twilight. Well, I couldn't put it down and in a weeks time had the first three read! Why can't text books be so engaging that I can't put them down?!?!?

Well, now that I will have about two weeks before the 4th book comes out, I have made a goal to reread the first 3, and enjoy them now that I know what is going to happen.
So, right now I am in the process of purchasing them so I can read them on the bank of the Green River at my uncle's house in Wyoming...where I will be until the end of the month. I am also stoked for the book, Midnight Sun, to one day be released...it is Twilight rewritten from Edward's point of view. Stephenie Meyers has the first chapter posted on her website and it completely sucks you in. And I am sorta excited for the movie Twilight to be released on December 12th. Ok, enough on that...but for Amanda... I will let you know if I decide on Team Jacob or Team Edward...oh I am such a fence sitter!

1 Week and Counting

So today is Friday and exactly 1 week and 45 minutes from now I will be walking across a stage to receive my college degree holder. Now, I technically won't be finished with college until November when I am finished with student teaching, so I I am not really graduating. I am walking early so I don't have to come back from the warm (hot) Las Vegas weather to the cold, tundra of Rexburg for graduation in December. I am super stoked and yet sad all at the same time. So the countdown is on until next Friday. I am excited that my mom and Nana are flying in on Wednesday and my cousin's two kids, Bryce and Livi, may be coming to hang out for a few days....they are visiting my uncle (their grandpa) in Wyoming for a few weeks. Also my best friend, Lynley, is driving up from St. George! I am really excited to have some of my family here since I haven't seen them since Christmas and I won't be heading home until after Thanksgiving...sad I know.

Viva Las Vegas

Well, as I posted a few days ago, Cat, Kelsie and I decided on the spur of the moment to head to Vegas for the 4th of July weekend. We left at 4 in the morning on Friday... early I know. The trip was pretty smooth considering I was driving on less than 2 hours of sleep...oh to be young and crazy...we were pulled over in Malad, ID...why you may ask? Well apparently he noticed the crack in my windshield as I was going 80 and he was on the opposite side of the interstate. The crack is at the top of my windshild and does not inhibit my vision in anyway as I am driving. He has really good eyes. Luckily he gave me a verbal warning (and he was cute, which was a plus) and we were off again. A few bathroom breaks and a lunch/gas stop and we were in St. George, where we stopped to visit for a bit with Lynley. Yay- I was able to see my best friend two weekends in a row!!! We pulled into Las Vegas around 1:30ish and while waiting for Cat's sister to get home from the grocery store we found our apartment complex for student teaching.

Once we were settled in at Sarah and Eddie's house we went to dinner at the In N Out just down the street. I love a double double! Then we sat back and relaxed until it was dark so we could watch the fireworks!
Later that night we attempted to see the fireworks from the strip at this park down the street...but our timing was a bit off and we missed most of them...bummer. We did get to see a few but we mostly watched the ones that people were setting off in the park. Still it was a blast! On our way home we noticed a bush on fire behind the 24 hour fitness just down the road from Sarah and Eddies! We called 911 but some people put it our before the fire truck could arrive. It was still quite exciting!

On Saturday we slept in and when we finally got up and ready to go we headed out for lunch. We decided to go to Red Robin...a first for the three of us. And I can now agree with the commercial when it says "Red Robin...Yum!" My burger was yummy in my tummy and oh so filling! Our waiter did tell us to try the Cupcakery that was next door but we were all too full that we could barely walk...all I wanted was a nap! However Cat and I have decided to give it a whirl when we move down there. I called my friend Amy who is currently student teaching in Vegas and we were able to see her apartment so we have an idea of what it looks like. Very nice!


Later that afternoon, we headed down to the strip to check everything out. We started at the Belliago and made it as far as MGM. We had fun watching the lions at MGM and checking out the botanical garden at the the Belliago. We explored the M&M world and the Coca Cola World. We were there for 7 hours and barely touched the surface! To end our night we went back to the Belliago and watched the water fountain show...too cool!

So, Sunday we packed up and headed back to Rexburg. I really really didn't want to leave...but I will be back in 38 days! I loved it! That I must say has been one of the best road trips I have been on yet!!! 72 hours and 4 states

Water Update

After 2 weeks of no water or no hot water we are FINALLY able to shower in our own apartment! Yay!!! The sprinkler system broke and it was fixed then the hot water heater went out the day we got water back. Now a week later we finally have hot water. I am glad things are back to normal!

We are NUTS

Ok, so Cat, Kelsie and I were in Idaho Falls tonight. On the way home we were discussing tomorrows plans and we started talking about how we should have planned a road trip for the long weekend. I know Idaho Falls is supposed to have the greatest fireworks display west of the Mississippi and how could we think of missing that! Right? Wrong...we decided to go to Vegas... I know crazy but I am home packing and we are taking off in a couple of hours ... I am so excited! Thanks to Cat's sister Sarah we have a free place to stay! Always a plus. Also Cat and I will get to check out our apartment for next semester. So... Viva Las Vegas Baby.... I will write when we get back to let you know how the weekend went!

Summer Days

This is a picture of Kimmy and I at the splash park here in Rexburg last fall right before she left on her mission to Switzerland.

I just love lazy summer days...and that is what I have every Monday and Wednesday now that my senior practicum class is over. It is really nice having a 3 day weekend every week and this weekend will be a 4 day weekend thanks to the 4th of July! So today was pretty warm here in Rexburg and I was driving by Porter Park and the Splash Park was so inviting...well except for the (what seemed like) 9000 kids cooling off in the water. I have to say I was a bit jealous they were getting to play in the water and I was just driving by. Maybe tomorrow night my friends and I will have to go play after all the kiddies have gone home!

Since it was hot and driving around with the air conditioning on is not the most economical way to cool off, I headed home. I really wasn't driving around just to cool off... I had gone to the post office and was taking the long way home by the park :) When I got home I sat in front of the fan for a few moments...now it really isn't too bad in my apartment...it only get to about 81 during the middle of the day. Then I decided to go out and try and get some sun on my oh so white legs while reading an article for a class. That idea only lasted about 15-20 minutes while I read the article. So I headed back inside and poured a glass of lemonade. Then I remembered .... OTTER POPS! I had put some in the freezer last night and they should be nice and frozen by now! So I traded my glass of lemonade for not 1, not 2 but 3 otter pops...yes I know it is a lot ...but sometimes 3 are needed and today was one of those days.

I love otter pops... I used to eat them as a kid and rediscovered my love for them when I came to BYUI, thanks to Wendy! Since then I have always had some in my freezer...they are great year round, yes even when it is -20 out! Oh and no, the second picture is not of my freezer, but that would be nice!

I love the duck pond!

Em and I have been trying to walk every night at the duck pond here in Rexburg. We go through phases where we will walk for a week or so then something comes up and we take a week or so off...but we have recommitted ourselves to walking every evening. So far so good. I really enjoy walking at the duck pond for several reasons...

1. the ducks...they are cool and we try and bring some bread at least every other day to feed them as we are walking. There is one group of ducks...about 6 or 7 of them depending on the day... that we are partial to feeding. There is one duck in the group with funky feathers. He is not afraid and will eat out of my hand. When we come up to them he will walk right up to me and stand right in front of me until I feed him. His picture is below!

2. the duck pond is right next to the golf course and the Rexburg airport. I always see someone I know golfing and they make it look fun... I love miniature golf and have been toying with the thought of trying real golf...we will see. I love the airport because it is for small private planes and I have this burning desire to learn to fly a plane...it is on my bucket list. It fascinates me to watch the planes take off and land.

3. sunsets...the sunsets are amazing from the duck pond as well as almost anywhere in Rexburg.

My favorite duck

Em feeding ducks

Em on the golf course...with the airport in the background

Yay Water!

I love water! And after the past few days I have learned to appreciate it more than ever! One of the sprinkler pipes in my complex broke and for the past two days they have had the water turned off to my building....not fun let me tell you. The apartment manager was so kind to open two empty apartments in another building (two buildings away) so the 50 girls in my building could use toilet and shower. Have you ever tried to use the bathroom or take a shower when 49 other people want to do the same thing...not my idea of a good time. Neither was getting up two and a half hours early to take a hot shower...especially when I had to leave for summer school in Idaho Falls by 7am....

This afternoon, I was sitting on the couch and I heard this drip drip drip sound coming from the kitchen. I jumped from the couch and hurried in there to see if I was just hearing things or if the sound was for real....the faucet was dripping!!!! YAY! So far it has been on for about an hour, but there is still a huge hole outside my apartment and all their equipment is still there so I am hoping they are not just tricking me. I am keeping my fingers crossed so I don't have to go to a laundry mat to do laundry tonight.

Last night Andra and I decided to play a bit on the digging machine...it was just sitting there and machinery is kinda cool. So here are the pictures from our playing...they really aren't too exciting but it was fun!

Yellowstone

As I said in my previous post... Holli, Em and I went to Yellowstone on Saturday. It was my first time going, and I am ready to go back! It was so BEAUTIFUL! As we were driving around and while waiting on the herd of buffalo, I had time to think and to ponder about the great beauty I had surrounded myself in for the day. There were so many things amazing things to look at, other than the shedding buffalo (I am really not a fan of this animal - I think they are now below the llama on my list). So, I just wanted to share some of the pictures that I took on Saturday, so you can enjoy the beauty of Yellowstone and Teton national parks. Enjoy!

From the top of a mountain over looking the tree tops...yes that is snow between the trees!
One of the many rivers in Yellowstone
Firehole Falls
Lake Yellowstone
Jenny's Lake in Teton National Forrest
The Grand Tetons