Utah!!!

As the second part of my trip, I was able to spend about a week in Utah. I was able to spend time with Justin's family and some of my friends, who I haven't seen in ages. It was a great trip and probably the last I will take of the kind for a while...explanation to come.

Dinner with Carolyn (and baby), Karen, and Terri. A fun fun fun Omni reunion at a yummy hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant. So appropriate.



The next night, I picked up Heather on our way down to Kim's house. I can't explain how fun it was to see them and Erin and catch up on the past 10-20 years. The four of us grew up in Mass, in the same ward, since I was about 6 (minus a few years when my family moved to New York). I love these girls so much, and it took about .5 seconds for us to slide back into our 14-year-old selves. We finally pulled ourselves away around midnight, but I honestly could have stayed for hours. They're all doing so well, and it just makes me so happy.

Our amazing photo shoot. Still makes me giggle.













After Justin left, I stayed at Melissa's fabulous house. Ang spent the night as well, and the next day we headed up for a charming little lunch in Sundance. It was sooooo fun and so beautiful up there!!



Then, just as we were leaving, we ran into this little gem. I swear he's everywhere.



Meg just missed him by a few hours, but she caught Ang just in time for her weekend trip to NYC.



The best part of the two weeks may have been the trip to BYU campus, and better yet, the bookstore. Although I must say that the BYU apparel is lacking. Meg almost had an attorney freak-out on the poor staff.



Don't ask. (Please note my old school Cougar Blue though.)



And I came home to these beauties from my lovely husband.

The Rest of the Padres Game

So there were other people at the game besides Ali and Roberto.



I should also mention that the game went extra innings, with the Phillies finally pulling it off in the 12th. Couldn't ask for more than a celebrity sighting and acknowledgment, and extra innings....fantastic.

Two Wishes in One

So going into my LA trip, I said that I wanted to spot somebody famous. And going into my trip to San Diego, I wanted to find where Roberto and Ali now live. Well, the heavens aligned, and both were pseudo-fulfilled at the same time.

Blair and Jo hooked us up with some amazing tickets to the Padres, and as we walked into the stadium, we realized that Roberto and Ali were throwing out the opening pitch.

The camera phone came out, as well as my stalker instincts.



Wait for it...



Liz and I bamboozled the security guard and ran down to the first row.



They're getting closer.



If I ever come back in another life, I might be a really great member of the paparazzi.



The funny thing was that Liz and I were the only ones down there taking pictures. I doubt anyone else knew who they were, or if they did, didn't care.





This one's going out to Meg, Marta, Ashley, and Jensen.



And this one's going out to me: Ali's new BFF.

San Diego (Part 1)

After a wonderful mini vaca with Jamie, her mom Kayleen, and Marta in LA (pictures to come), Marta and I headed down to San Diego to stay with Blair and Jo. The greatest thing about it was that we were also able to spend some time with Cat and Liz.

Believe me. This picture doesn't capture the joy of the yummy lunch we enjoyed in La Jolla.



The cuties outside.



Take out Cat, insert myself.



Poor little Lizard. Embarrassed at Cat and Marta's theatrics.



There. Much better.

The Cutest Nephews

I know it's been way too long, but I'm determined to catch up on this blasted blog. It won't be comprehensive by any means, but it'll definitely be more than it is now.

In the end of August, Sam and Ashley were on their way from Texas to Chicago for Sam's school. He's in his first year at Kellogg...smart boy. Anyway, I was able to catch up with them for a bit and see Parker and Lincoln. Love love love them. Lincoln fell asleep next to me, after Sam advised me to rub his belly. He's like an old man, or a cat. Either way, he's adorable, as is Parker.

Canasta Game Faces

This is what we do.

Justin's Birthday

For Justin's birthday, I surprised him with a trip to Annapolis, MD. Actually, he knew we were heading up to his favorite place to get crabs, mussels, and shrimp, but he didn't know that I had packed his bags for an overnight stay in Annapolis.

The dinner was amazing, and after Justin decided that he wanted icecream, I made a wrong turn into the hotel parking lot. Justin was a little nervous when the valet came up to the car - Justin kept saying, "Just turn around!" and I'd say, "Just wait...I'll just talk to him." - but after I told the valet we were checking in (and Justin whispered "No, we're not."), he started to catch on. Smart guy.

We checked in, got icecream, walked around, and spent the next day exploring Annapolis as indoors as possible. It was a scorcher, so we eventually ended up at the local movie theater.

Later that evening, we met up with my Dad and Stafford for a Sox game at Camden. My and Stafford's favorite thing was when the crowds started chanting "Beat LA!" whenever we scored a run. LOVE Sox fans!!!



Anyway, the weekend was a smashing success, but that wasn't all.

Tuesday, Justin's real birthday, he told me he wanted to go to Ray's the Steaks for dinner. Thankfully he chose right because I had already invited some of our friends for a surprise dinner. Perfect. He's so easy to surprise. We had a great time with everyone...and the food was pretty good too.

Sorry for the blurry, indoor, iPhone pictures.

Bryan and Amber



Lindsay and Dan



Kara and Bryan



and....Marta.