sundance

I love Utah.

Utah for me symbolizes independence.

Even though Idaho was technically the first place I landed after leaving home for school, there is a feeling about Utah that reminds me of my most formidable experiences with becoming independent.

Utah also reminds me of love.

I fell in love many times in Utah...none more important than the LAST!

Just driving around there reminds me of the fun butterflies-in-your-stomach kind of giddiness of those college dating years.

Utah is also home to the birth of many lifelong friendships.

Going to UVSC with Jayner and Jill.

Bumming scooter rides with Sherri and Jenna.

Getting advice from Shelly, or visiting married friends like Mere.

Lots of great memories.

Last weekend I got to go back for a short visit.

It was a visit filled with lots of new emotions.

Sadness, gratitude, laughter, heartache, togetherness, and fun.

On my last day there, I took a drive with my good friend Heidi.

We visited one of my FAVORITE places on this earth....Sundance in the FALL!

We dined at the Foundry Grill and then drove through the painted mountains.

It was a majestic way to end an emotion-filled weekend.

(please don't laugh at my George Washington wig. I had a bad date with the waving iron.)

Idaho - On the water

In McCall, we enjoyed some great days on the water. Even though, really, the water was freezing and pretty choppy, it didn't stop some die-hards from hopping in.

(Just in case you're wondering...NO, I was not one of the die-hards. Surprised?)

The little cousins had a blast hanging out together and holding up the flag when asked. A few of these girls were braver than myself and rode the tube or the kneeboard.

It was fun watching the reactions of the tube riders. I always enjoy watching people get bounced around until I'm the one doing the bouncing.

This crash was particularly entertaining. Then the one right after this, Colton got ejected right over the back side of the tube.

You can't tell from the picture, but we were all laughing so hard because the wind caught skinny little Makenzie's life jacket and was blowing her over.

Boom Time

We had several brave beginners try their luck skiing off the boom before braving the deep water start.

Here's Mike wake boarding.

I swear boys never miss an opportunity for a little foul play.

hope

I will never forget the day one of my college besties, Jayne (who we middle-named Lucy after because she's that great of a person), sent me an e-mail pleading for us to pray for her cousin Stephanie Nielson, otherwise known as Nie Nie. The e-mail stated that Stephanie and her husband had been in a plane crash and their likelyhood of survival was unknown. Please pray for them she plead.

I remember hearing that news and instantly feeling so heartbroken for their family and their children, as most of the world did too.

Last month I had the pleasure of listening to Stephanie and Christian tell their amazing story of survival, struggle, testimony in their Savior, and ultimately the virtue of HOPE.

It was uplifting.

Earlier this week, I heard news that my cousin Laura's husband had been in a plane crash in Utah. His outcome was not one of survival. He leaves behind two beautiful boys and a wife who undoubtedly loved him more that anything! The last time my husband and I were together with Laura and Jared, we commented on their love and respect for one another.

Our family is aching for Laura and her boys. I cannot imagine an earthly trial more challenging than losing a child or spouse. I was moved to tears on Wednesday in the middle of my treadmill run at the gym with the thought of Laura and how she will move on.

But then I thought about Nie Nie and her message of HOPE. And I thought about my cousin who I KNOW has a deep love of our Savior and a belief in the Plan of Salvation. I know she is going to make it through this because she has faith and HOPE.

One of my favorite apostles of our church said this of Hope:

"Hope . . . is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstances. It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn. It encourages and inspires us to place our trust in the loving care of an eternal Heavenly Father."

~Dieter Uchtdorf

I know she will be reunited with Jared again one day.

I believe that with all my heart.

Laura, we love you!

new baby

I don't usually post my work over here on this blog,

but I just loved this session so much that I couldn't resist.

See the same thing over HERE.