Big Trees State Park

Brad was supposed to go with the Young Men to Half Dome this weekend, but couldn't make it last minute because of work. So we improvised! We left REALLY early Saturday morning and drove up to Arnold, CA for some fishing and camping. It was absolutely beautiful! The fishing was pretty successful... I think our count was at 15 by the end of the day. We weren't there for too long but it was still nice to get away and enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds us. We plan on going back sometime later this summer... but this time with bug repellent ;)

Getting ready to fish! Can you tell he's excited?

The Stanislas river was so beautiful!




We took a break from fishing to have some lunch and explored the "big trees", and they sure aren't lying about that name...




We finished off the evening with, what else, more fishing! I even got in on the action this time, but that picture will not be making it onto the blog, so you'll have to take my word for it!
He got a bite!

He missed it!

What a cute "little" guy


(And here's a video for Brad's family, proving that he really did catch a fishy!

In need of some advice...

Being apart of all of the wedding festivities a few weeks ago got me reminiscing about my own wedding over two years ago. I thought about the beautiful weather, the friends and family who came far and wide to be there, I thought about the things I loved and the things I would have loved to change... (don't we all?)

And then I thought about how it's been almost 2 1/2 years and I have still yet to do any work on my wedding album. Nothing. Zero. Zip. I still haven't printed my open house pictures. How sad is that? And so, I decided that that is my summer project. Except...I don't even know where to start!!

Our photographer gave us DVD's of all of the pictures that she took. I love having digital copies of the photos... all 1,000 of them... but sorting through those will be a challenge in and of itself.

So I am asking for any advice, tips, points-in-the-right-direction, etc. that you can give me! Has anyone else attempted or completed their wedding album or am I the only one? Is it worth my time/effort or should I pay to have someone else do it?

I'm feeling slightly overwhelmed and am starting to remember why I put off this project in the first place...

Here's to good friends & weddings!

2 weekends ago I was able to fly down to San Diego to be apart of my dear friend Janelle's wedding. She was married on 5/9/09 in the San Diego temple and everything about the day was just perfect! She looked beautiful, the weather was perfect, and reception was wonderful! I loved being apart of all of the wedding festivities and being able to spend some time with her and her fiance in the days before the wedding. They are just about the cutest couple around and I'm so happy for them!

Everyone at girls lunch the day before the wedding

Janelle is one popular little lady because just about everyone came into town for her wedding. I was able to see my best friends from high school-Tonya & Kaylee- and my 6 roommates from college. (Janelle and I grew up in the same ward and also roomed together in college for a couple of years).

Me, Kaylee, and Tonya at the reception

College friends at the temple

Me, Janelle, and Tonya... all old marrieds now!





Lovely NW1 roomies!





I consider myself so lucky to have so many really great friends! Janelle, Tonya, Kaylee, and I were the "fearsome foursome" in high school and even though we all went our separate ways when it came time for college, we have managed to stay close. Every time we are together, everything goes right back to how it always was! And then, on top of that, I had 6 awesome roommates back in 2005-2006! I went into the apartment not knowing any of them except Janelle, and came out with lifelong friends. Not many people can say that!

It was so nice to visit with old friends and spend time with my family! Let the record show that despite all the fun I did miss Brad... he who opted to go fishing, instead of take part in the girls weekend. :)

Susie Momma came to visit!

Brad's mom came out to visit us two weekends ago, and we had a fun time showing her around the area. She came out from Utah, which is apparantly having a really long winter. It snowed there the day before she came out, so she was glad to get some sunshine. In fact, we were actually having a heat wave the weekend she was here, and the temps were in the high 90's. A little too hot for comfort, but definitely better than snow in my eyes!

On Friday, she and Brad went into the city and she got to see San Francisco in all its glory. Brad took her to his office, and then they explored Union Square, China Town, the Cable Cars, Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, etc. Here are a few pictures:

Outside Brad's office

Cable Cars

Having fun in the old arcade games

Quite possibly her favorite part of the visit- all of the beautiful flowers!

I met up with them after work, and we went to dinner in downtown Walnut Creek and got some frozen yogurt after. Yummy!!

Saturday we all went down to Santa Cruz and enjoyed the warm weather and the beach! (And some people watching, because, well... it is Santa Cruz...) The water was pretty cold, but we enjoyed laying out, relaxing, and enjoying the beautiful scenery!



After Santa Cruz, we hit up In n Out for dinner and then Susie worked her magic green thumb and helped us buy a flower box and flowers for our railing. We decided on some gerber daisies, and I am happy to report that 2 weeks later they are still doing great! Here they are planting the flowers:

After church on Sunday, we drove to the Oakland Temple. We 'ooh'd and awe'd' over the beautiful flowers and beautiful temple.

Notice how the flowers have been changed since this post, only 1 month ago! Those gardeners are working overtime!

Monday morning's flight came too quick. We were sad to see her go, and look forward to seeing all the Hardcastle's in July!!