I Love the Outdoors!!

So these last couple of days I've been reminded of how much I love the outdoors. I went to Bryce Canyon National Park yesterday. Today I went to the Grand Canyon!! It's just incredible to see the creations of our Heavenly Father. I feel so small and insignificant when looking down into a massive canyon. This world truly is a beautiful place and I'm just so grateful to be alive...to be able to enjoy such beautiful creation!!

Dance Parties!!

One of the simple things I love in life is music and random dance parties with my friends or family at home. Like today I was listening to Justin Beiber and my grandma came over. And my grandma and I were totally having a dance party. It was pretty much the best. I love my grandma!! And I love my family...random, but great!!

Small Things

I've really been loving life lately. It's been a bit weird being home after being in Australia for 18 months. But I've had some really good times since being home. Like last night I went to zumba!! And it was so fun even though I'm sure I looked quite ridiculous. I also went to a rodeo a few days ago in Salt Lake and I realized again how grateful I am for growing up in a small town. I love it!! I love being around animals and the outdoors and everything that comes with it!! (except maybe mosquitos at night...haha) I just feel like the Lord has really blessed me in so many ways. I know He won't let me down in the coming months as I head back to university. He's never let me down before and I know He won't now. I love my life!!

Home Again.

Well, I'm finally home and loving spending time with the family. I'll be staying in my small town for a couple of months before heading off to university. It's a bit of a culture shock being home and away from Australia. But I can honestly say that my mission to Australia was one of the best decisions I ever made. I've become so much closer to my Savior Jesus Christ and gained a greater appreciation for the Bible and the Book of Mormon. I truly feel blessed to have had the opportunity to teach people about Jesus Christ.

Countdown!!

So I only have like 3 1/2 weeks left until I leave!! I can't believe that time has gone by so fast!! But I am uber excited!! (yep, I just used the word uber...) My older sister's getting married next week so that will be fun fun. I can't believe that we're all getting this old!! Not that 21 is old...but I just can't believe I'm not 16 anymore. :) Then the next weekend is my 'farewell'. And then it's Thanksgiving and then I'll leave a few days later. I'll be glad to have Thanksgiving before I leave...I won't get to have another one for two years!! They don't have Thanksgiving in Australia...obviously. I wonder if I can try to convince them to celebrate it anyway.

New Hobbies (I Wouldn't Quite Call Them Skills)

I've been picking up some new hobbies since I've been home. I've been trying to get my creative juices flowing by scrapbooking. I've been practicing my cooking skills by trying new things. I made fajitas, bread pudding, etc. And tomorrow I'm making chicken cordon bleu with mashed potatos and green beans!! I've never been one for using spices, but I've been having loads of fun experimenting with them. My poor family!! I think the next 2 months are going to fly by. One of my best friends is leaving for his mission in a month. And my older sister is getting married in 6 weeks...so I'll have plenty to keep busy I think.

Cherished Moments

So it's crazy to me how so many things can change in such a short amount of time!! It boggles my mind sometimes!! But I do believe that it's important to cherish every single moment that you spend with people that you love. Because sometimes those moments come to an end...Life happens so quickly and so many unexpected things occur. So here are a few of my cherished moments from the past few months. (I've been hanging out quite a bit with my family since I've been home :)

A random bowling trip to Hurricane with Hollie, Clayton, and Addie.

My brother Clayton, my sister Addie, and I went and flew kites at the local elementary school.

Making cookies on Sunday with Jason and Addie.

The Young Women's float on the 24th of July with my mom and sister Addie.

My little brother Jason and I at the Air Force Museum in Ogden.









My little brother Clayton and I after hiking to Monteczuma's Cave.

Making s'mores and hanging out with the family at my grandpa's cabin!!