Honeymoon: Park City and San Francisco

This post is about a year overdue. We actually had a three-part honeymoon/reception at the beginning of our marriage. We had a reception in Pleasant Grove, UT and had our "official" honeymoon in Park City. It was my first time up in Park City, and it reminded me of a cross between Seattle and San Francisco. *Note: all explanations will be in regard to the picture below. For example, Garrett (who has been to Park City before), showed me where the famous graffiti artist, Banksy, left his mark.

The architecture is probably what reminds me of San Francisco. I love the colors on this building.

We found a fantastic little bookstore with about three cats strolling around freely. Apparently the owners (of the bookstore and the cats) just keep the doors open and the cats come and go as they please. I found a cat napping in the planter outside the store...

We decided to see Despicable Me 2 while we were there. Just as we pulled into the parking lot, the Heavens opened and DUMPED rain from the sky. This picture really doesn't do the torrent justice. Also, the movie was full of children. And Garrett and I were the only ones laughing. A lot. We probably looked strange as the only adults in a theatre full of kids enjoying a "children's" movie. But we still love that movie!

We had about a day in between Park City and our trip down to Sacramento for the Cali reception. It's an odd drive until you hit Donner's Pass. There was a lot of flatness, wind, and construction.

We took a day to visit San Francisco! It was my first official time actually strolling the streets. We saw all the typical things, and then some.

*Please note that both dogs are ridiculously attired by their owners.

I LOVE the pier. Garrett was good-natured and we spent most of our time wandering around by the vessels, sea lions, and ocean in general.

Yes, this staircase played music. Surprisingly, we were only entertained for about three minutes.

For lunch we stopped at a restaurant that I can't remember the name of. The food was good, but not fantastic. It was probably the menu items we ordered. The view outside the windows was pretty great though.

There is an arcade on the Pier that houses a lot of old arcade things. This is actually where a piece of Princess Diaries was shot. And everything is creepier in person than it was in the movie...

We took a tour into the Asian district. It was kind of funny; we were walking along the street, and suddenly we were the tallest people in sight. This picture is taken at normal eye level.

A brief glance at Little Italy...

And the top of Lombard Street! I think the coolest thing about this street is not that it winds around, but that the houses are so clean, colorful, and well taken care of. The flowers in each yard were beautiful.

Trying to figure out the best way to get to Sausalito and then home... naturally we only had a tourist's map.

Last year, February 2013, my grandparents celebrated their 50th anniversary in California. Garrett and I were just dating at that point, but I invited him along. The entire family had an outing to the bridge, rodeo beach, and Sausalito. I like to think that trip laid a more solid foundation for our courtship. Naturally, we couldn't miss the opportunity to visit again. There are unique houses along the front of the water, a great "downtown" area, and delicious food. It's also pretty cool to be so close to the ocean along the sidewalks.



We'll get the Seattle pictures up soon, and hopefully some pictures of our first trip together down to California.

Donut Falls

Garrett and I have been trying to take advantage of the unique geography and hikes that are in this area. We'll be moving to the East Coast in August, and "mountains" will soon be used to describe the rolling hills. I had work off last Wednesday, and we decided to hike Doughnut Falls in Sandy. We've both hiked this trail, but it's been several years. It was a perfect day for a hike. Still early enough in the season for mild weather, and we didn't pass a single person on the trail. There was still a good amount of snow and ice coverage up near the falls which prevented us from climbing up near the hole itself. However, the available trail deposited us right at the river, and made for a couple of good shots and views. The very last picture is a distant shot of the falls. The river falls down a series of rocks, and into a hole in the rocks. During the middle of the summer, you can climb up to the top of the rock and see the river rushing through the hold, or you can climb under the rocks, and see the water pouring down toward you through the hole.

A Glimpse into Tuesday Evening

Today I wanted sugar. Normally we don't eat a lot of sugar. And normally when we do eat sugar, I enjoy making it. Today I wanted sugar, but didn't want to make it.
Garrett was a good egg and cheerfully let me persuade him to do the dirty work. We began scrolling through his pinterest boards, and came across a recipe for Pineapple Brown Sugar Crumble that made Garrett drool.
He glanced at me for my opinion.
Ever the pragmatist, I asked if it would be too much effort.
He threw his hands in the air and exclaimed "Don't put all your eggs in one basket!"
I blinked at him.
"... That actually wasn't what I meant.... Don't count your eggs before they hatch!".
I began to laugh.
"Don't put all your chickens in an egg!" He grinned and smooched me.
I sure love my eternal manfriend. We decided upon nutella no-bake cookies. Always a sure bet.

Also, this evening our stake had a service activity where everyone cleaned the church building. Our ward was responsible for cleaning the chapel. We and a few other couple arrived on time and had cleaned almost everything by the time everyone else arrived. It was funny to watch the pews I'd dusted receive four more go-overs by well-meaning ward members.

The stake provided grilled hot dogs, brats, and hamburgers. (How do people have the misconception that a pink hamburger is safe to eat?!? It isn't, people! All the bacteria laden pieces of meat get ground together, mixed with pus and infected organs, and then get shaped into a patty! The integrity of the bacteria-free meat is severely compromised!!!) It was fun to sit in a more casual setting with our neighbors and chat for awhile. Normally we see our fellow ward members in a dazed stupor on Sunday mornings, or in a dazed stupor passing each other on the street during the weekdays. People are actually a lot of fun to interact with when both parties have a little vigor.

And that's about all that's happened tonight. Life is pretty darn good. And I'm gonna go eat me some no-bakes!

Applause for the effort!

I (Michelle) just realized today that it's been awhile since I've blogged on our blog. In my defense, I attribute this unfortunate fact to our small little laptop that is really at the end of its life. It has served me well through three years, three chemistry classes, statistics, my capstone, several job searches, and wedding planning. As of late however, it's really slowed down. It typically takes me 10 minutes to get the internet up and running successfully. It is maddening. And I usually give up by the time I've logged in. Don't even bring up the challenge of posting pictures!

BUT. We will be getting a new computer in the next few weeks! And then I will post and post and write and put up pictures.

In the meantime, I will smooch my eternal manfriend for his devotion and dedication to continuing our blog. He sure is great.

Under the Sea

After hearing a rave review from our nephew Jack Stone we couldn't resist visiting the Loveland Aquarium in Draper Utah. Motivated by Michelle's childhood dream of becoming a marine biologist and my love of nature in general, this was a must see before we moved to the East Coast.

The first area of the aquarium, themed to the wild waters of South America, was quite thrilling...rays, iguanas, and huge fresh water fish drifted through the pools and our hearts.

The iguana was quite a swimmer and must have been nearly five feet from the tip of its tail to the end of its nose.

This tank had an amazing overhead view...

And then there was a toucan...

Notice the large line of kids waiting for the grown man to cross the small bridge. It was pretty cool.

The penguins were hands down my favorite. Watching them dive in and out of the water and swim so gracefully was both amusing and awe inspiring. 

Though the exhibits were not quite as good as, say,  the Monteray Bay Aquarium, we were pleased with this land locked state's attempt to share the wonders of the sea...

Motherhood “the highest, holiest service … assumed by mankind.

"Are We Not All Mothers?" asked Sheri Dew a prominent, successful allbiet unmarried and childless LDS persona. In her talk she reminds us that all the women in our lives are Mother's whether or not they have the opportunity to bear children. In sharing just a few thoughts from her talk I hope to honor all the women in my life who have acted as mothers to me...my Mother, my sisters, aunts, grandmothers, female friends and my dear wife.

Sister Dew stated: "While we tend to equate motherhood solely with maternity, in the Lord’s language, the word mother has layers of meaning. Of all the words they could have chosen to define her role and her essence, both God the Father and Adam called Eve “the mother of all living” ³ —and they did so before she ever bore a child."

"Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it is certainly that. It is the essence of who we are as women. It defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits our Father gave us."

Elder Ballard added: "All women have within their divine nature both the inherent talent and the stewardship to mother...grandmothers, aunts, sisters, stepmothers, mothers-in-law, leaders, and other mentors who sometimes fill the gaps."

Though much could be said about what a Mother is and does I with simply say that I am honored to have so many amazing Mother's in my life. 

To my mother: Mom, thank you so much for tirelessly devoting yourself to me, my dear companion, and the many children and grandchildren (and those of others) who are yours to care for. It would be easy now that most of us are adults, living somewhat independently, to let those ties slip away, to lessen your involvement, or to shirk the duties of motherhood. But you have not. You have been ever faithful, always loving, and continuously interested in us and our well being. You continue to nurture us in so many ways. It was a great joy having you with us in our home. I treasure your company, your good nature, and your wise counsel. Thank you for having the courage to raise us with expectations, consequences, and gospel teachings when the world portrays parents as hands off, incompetent, etc. Thank you for being a parent and not just a house mate or someone who needs as much support as I do at times. You have always been what a Mother should be. When I interviewed at Telos they asked me what I thought it means to "Think like a Mom." My response..."well let me tell you...." I can't remember all that I said but that is the only question I remember being asked and am certain because of you it is the only answer that mattered. Thank you. I love you. Happy Mothers Day.

To the mother of my future children: I couldn't have picked a better, more competent, faithful, and loving women had I scoured the whole globe. Everyday I am with you I feel more close to you, more confident in you, and more content with my life. Despite all of the uncertainty of the future there are two constants in my life: The Gospel of Jesus Christ and YOU! I don't care where we end up so long as I am with you. You are a fantastic mother: teacher, lover, friend, support, one who holds me to a high standard, listener, creator, and so much more. I don't know what the future will bring regarding our own children but I do know I am excited to figure it out with you and only you. I love you with all my heart. Happy Mother's Day.