German Christmas Market

This year there was a Christmas Market set up on Center Street, and since it was only 3 blocks from our house and German themed, we wanted to check it out! We joined a group of friends and strolled through the little shop stands. I honestly don't know why they labeled it German themed, because it definitely wasn't (or at least I didn't see anything German-ish). There were the typical hand made crafts like jewelry, clothing, and paintings. German themed or not, we had a great time! The lights were gorgeous, the air was crisp, some reindeer were there, a giant christmas tree, and there was Christmas carols playing in the background.



 

When we showed up at a friends house later that week we had to take a photo of the four of us in our plaid pajama pants.



 

 

Life, Lately

We're happy.

So, so happy.

Life lately... has been wonderful. We're just here in Utah, doin' the married thing. And what a blessing it's been! We've been going on lots of adventures and we have our biggest adventures planned for the end of the month. In a few day's we'll drive to California to spend a few days at the beach with my side of the family, then we'll be heading up to Idaho to spend a few days with McKay's side of the family. I AM SO EXCITED. We are definitely ready for a vacation.

Since I like pictures more than talking, here are some shots of our latest adventures together :)

We hiked Squaw Peak

My family came in town and we watched Andy and Vanessa run the Dirty Dash

We went on lots of dates!

And climbed up Bridal Veil Falls

I cannot emphasize how much I LOVE TO CLIMB!

This hike was especially fun, I wanted to go back the next day and do it again! I would do it everyday if I could. I LOVED IT

 

My family came in town again

 

And we tried to take a normal family picture

And then finally got one

Also, Jess is part of the family.

We went camping for Pioneer Day

How appropriate

And lastly, we have way too much food

Look at all those tomatoes.... Which I made 2 1/2 quarts of Pico de Gallo with!

Mmmm Jalapenos! 

Basically, this summer has been super fun! We've managed to make some friends in our ward (Yay! We're not so awkward after all!), and we also see family a lot it seems. With only two weeks left, we're cramming what's left of our summer in.

Life, Lately

We're happy.

So, so happy.

Life lately... has been wonderful. We're just here in Utah, doin' the married thing. And what a blessing it's been! We've been going on lots of adventures and we have our biggest adventures planned for the end of the month. In a few day's we'll drive to California to spend a few days at the beach with my side of the family, then we'll be heading up to Idaho to spend a few days with McKay's side of the family. I AM SO EXCITED. We are definitely ready for a vacation.

Since I like pictures more than talking, here are some shots of our latest adventures together :)

We hiked Squaw Peak

My family came in town and we watched Andy and Vanessa run the Dirty Dash

We went on lots of dates!

And climbed up Bridal Veil Falls

I cannot emphasize how much I LOVE TO CLIMB!

This hike was especially fun, I wanted to go back the next day and do it again! I would do it everyday if I could. I LOVED IT

 

My family came in town again

 

And we tried to take a normal family picture

And then finally got one

Also, Jess is part of the family.

We went camping for Pioneer Day

How appropriate

And lastly, we have way too much food

Look at all those tomatoes.... Which I made 2 1/2 quarts of Pico de Gallo with!

Mmmm Jalapenos! 

Basically, this summer has been super fun! We've managed to make some friends in our ward (Yay! We're not so awkward after all!), and we also see family a lot it seems. With only two weeks left, we're cramming what's left of our summer in.

We Should Get Jerseys, 'Cause We Make A Good Team

McKay and I are going strong on 6 months now! And can I just say, it has been the best 6 months of my life. I absolutely adore my husband, and can't get enough of him! With everyone telling me "Oh, it wears off", or "we used to be like that", I was expecting (I admit this with some shame) that McKay and I would eventually fall into a routine or something. You know, that we'd discover those habits that you're not expecting in a house-mate and have to work through them. I was prepared to work through all the "hard things" that everyone warns newlyweds about. Well, I'd like to know exactly what are those "hard things"?? Because we haven't come across a single one! Maybe some of those allegedly "hard things" came and we didn't even notice because we work so well together.

Despite our lovey-dovey ooey-gooey relationship, there has been ONE serious argument we've had. We like to call it "The Great Garden Dispute of 2013!". It's got a nice ring to it, hasn't it? You wouldn't believe the gravity of the situation. We could not agree on whether to have pumpkins or strawberries in our garden. Whew. What a heavy topic to talk about. If you couldn't tell by now, this paragraph is complete sarcasm. We laughed our whole way through this "argument", and we are still laughing about it now!

Bringing things back around, this whole being married thing is kinda the best decision I've ever made. McKay and I are 100% perfect for one another. Everyday we are laughing, smiling, and providing the best companionship anyone could possibly need. My wonderful husband reminds me everyday that he loves me, and he does so much for me, too. These last six months have been wonderful! We have been so blessed with the amount of time we get to spend with one another, and have discovered some new things we enjoy doing together.

For instance, gardening! We love being outside, especially together. Plus, the garden is looking great! Already we've harvested 2 tasty tomatoes, and LOTS of green beans.

We've also spent a lot of time with family. Which makes me so happy! We've driven up to Idaho to spend time with McKay's side, and been to some mini-reunions. Just last month, we traveled to Sacramento, California and were so grateful to spend time with my extended family. My dear Grandmother passed away, and I can't explain how much it meant to me that we were able to go out and be with my family for the funeral. Nearly all of my Grandparent's kids and grand kids were there, we were just 2 short. The funeral wasn't planned to be a family reunion, but it ended up that way, and we had a great time. Later this summer we have a few trips planned to see some more family!

Cousin Line-up!

So, what have we been up to?

Have I mentioned our newest addition? She's just temporary, but having something to take care of is probably a good thing. Meet Shelby, the turtle! We are turtle sitting for a friend while she and her husband are away this summer. So far we've learned that she loves to eat watermelon, grapes, and the plants outside. I was cleaning out the car one day and when I got up to check on her, I found her in the garden happily digesting two of our little pepper plant sprouts. I didn't know whether to laugh or be sad! When I showed McKay later, he just laughed and laughed. We've got several other pepper plants anyways. Roaming the yard and hiding under things is basically her favorite. It's a good thing I put a bright pink piece of paper on her back when we let her roam outside, because we would probably misplace her with all of the hiding spots she's found!

I laugh every time I look at this picture.

On June 15th, our good friends Sara and Spencer, were married in the Salt Lake City Temple! The wedding was beautiful. Really, I don't think anything can top the wedding they had, it was perfect! I swear I have never seen either of the two lovebirds so happy. McKay and I are so happy to (finally) have married friends! haha. We've discovered that we're not to great at the whole making new friends thing, we just have too much fun with each other! Anyways, Sara and Spencer PALMER, are basically the best looking couple ever, so I think everyone should take a look, because they are just so awesome:

Photo Cred goes to Carli Hobson (https://www.facebook.com/carlihobsonphotography)

 I am constantly pulling out my phone to catch a quick picture or two. I feel as if pictures are one of the best ways to keep memories. Plus, pictures make journals way more interesting. If I were to sum up the rest of the things that happened these past months with pictures, it would look something like this:

Date Nights:

 Family Time:

Camping:

And basically just having a great time:

McKay means the world to me. Just thinking about him gives me butterflies! These past 6 months have been the best 6 months of my life (I know I already said that, but seriously, I LOVE MY LIFE!), and I know that it's only going to get better because of him. We've been scrimping and saving our money, and having an absolute blast while doing so. One day we're going to look back at our tiny (no really, 300 square foot), run-down, brick apartment, and remember all of the wonderful memories we've made, and will make, while here. I am so grateful to the Lord for the man I get to spend the rest of eternity with. Our journey together has just begun, and I can't believe all the blessings we've received already. I know this is so cliche, but everyday I spend with McKay becomes the new best day of my life (I maybe just quoted a song). I look forward to what the Lord has in store for us!