Anniversary, BYU, and Oquirrh Mt. Temple

Ok, we have three big things to report about.

First, two weeks ago, Jodie and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary. It's kind of crazy how fast time goes by; it doesn't seem like its been a year already. Our anniversary was on a Sunday this year, so it was a little bit more low key, but still very fun though. Here's the flowers that I got Jodie.

For dinner, we had a little picnic with the same food that we had on our first date at the BOCA soccer game.

The picnic was fun, but we had to do it inside because we got rained out. However, it was pretty fitting though because our picnic got rained out on our first date too. It was a lot of fun though.

The next big thing was that I finally finished my undergraduate career at BYU. Although I walked in April, I still had to take two labs for med schools. So, as of June 17th, I finished everything! When I got home from taking my last final, I found a gift sitting for me on the couch.

So, this was Jodie's prize for me for finishing my BYU career.

After opening my gift, I checked my email and I got my official acceptance to University of Arizona's grad school. So, now everything is all set for me to take the graduate certificate of Public Health program this year while I wait for med school applications to go through. It was a very exciting night.

Then to celebrate that night, Shaun came over and we played a few rounds of Wii Tennis.

The last one is that we went the next day to a morning tour of the new Oquirrh Mt. Temple. It was very fun to go through the open house and the new temple. It was very nice and pretty inside. But here is a shot of the four of us who went; Aaron, Shaun, Jodie, and I.

Here's a shot that Jodie took of the temple as we were leaving. It's a very pretty temple with a very nice view.

Well, those are three big things that we've had to celebrate lately.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARK!!!!

The official birthday picture...


Mark had a great birthday this year. We really did have a lot of fun! I got to make him breakfast in the morning and a special birthday lunch. Since I work nights during the summer we have our big meal together for lunch. He chose to have roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. Although I don't even know what Yorkshire pudding is supposed to be like, Mark seemed to enjoy it! It was fun.

The rest of the day was full of surprises....

First, Mark's favorite is peach pie. So I asked his mom for some help and I attempted to make my first peach pie. It actually turned out pretty good! :) I took this picture before I put it in the oven, just in case it didn't come out and I needed evidence of my attempt. the pie was waiting for Mark on the stove when he got home from work with a little note from me.


Next, I told Mark I had to work so I asked our friend, Aaron, to take him golfing- so he didn't have to stay at home alone all night on his birthday. Here are some fun golf shots...


Meanwhile, Mark did not know that I had actually taken the day off of work and was at home preparing for a surprise party! :) Decorating and setting up...


I just realized we didn't get a picture with anyone, except Mar. Oops. Well, it didn't help that Mark had taken the camera with them golfing, so I didn't have a camera at home until he got there. :) We had a few of our friends come over for the festivities- Erik and Michelle, Kevin and Vanessa, Aaron, and Karma Sue. Thanks guys for celebrating with us! :)

When Mark got home and opened the door we shouted the usual "Surprise!! Happy Birthday!" It was classic- it took him back for a few seconds while he tried to register what was going on. He later told me his first thought was "There are people in my house!?!"

Mark opening presents...
I found this goofy hat at a party store and just thought it was fun! :)

One of Mark's favorites was the card from our neighbors- on a sticky note. He really enjoyed that...he said he always loved getting presents wrapped in newspaper or random things...which of course gave me some ideas- toilet paper, maybe?

This is a nice shot of the goofy hat and Mark as we are singing "Happy Birthday!"

Make a wish...


As we were finishing up eating and stuff I got a phone call. The girl who was covering for me at work had locked her car keys in the building. So we had to quickly run out the door to open the school up for her. Of course a custodian randomly showed up on our way there, so we didn't have to go to the school after all. However, we decided since we were already halfway to Payson, we would use the free movie tickets we had received from my principal for the movie theater down there. So Mark got to end his fun birthday with another little surprise- Star Trek.

Well, we had a fun day! Thanks to everyone who helped make Mark's day extra fun and special.

Happy Birthday, Mark!!!

Memorial Day in Washington

For Memorial Day weekend we went to Washington to visit my parents. It was so much fun! I had been really homesick for a while so it was a very nice break.

Mark had some fun taking pictures around the house...some for Chad and my dad's business website and some just for fun. Of course Mark always brings sunshine to Washington (he still has not seen it rain there) so the pictures turned out very pretty. A few...

First the Washington trees.

My parents lawn and landscaping.

Since the business specializes in sprinklers, Mark took some really nice sprinkler shots.

While Mark was taking some pictures, Shaun decided to attack me, pick me up, and run me through all the sprinklers...just like old times! :)

This looks like it could have come out of a magazine to me.

Pretty rainbow shot.

The yard.

Rhodies...

Mom and I spent a lot of time laying out in the sun. The weather was really nice all weekend. Of course, I am a total wimp so I was still a bit cold...but for a few hours everyday it was nice to enjoy the sun rays! :)

For Memorial Day, we went to Point-no-Point on the Peninsula Coast. Here is the lighthouse on the peak.

Cliff shot from the beach.

It was a super low tide- the lowest I had ever seen. But the sound of the waves totally soothed my soul- sounds very corny, but so true. There is nothing that makes me more comfortable and calm than the sound of waves on a beach! :)

Mark enjoying a walk on the beach.

Receiving some council from my daddy-o.

We came across a few Bald Eagles. It was interesting- they were perched on some tree branches and a ton of crows and other birds kept circling them. But the Eagles were huge and not even bothered by the other birds bugging them. You can see here that there is a crow next to the Eagle- and the Eagle totally dwarfs it. (you'll have to click on the picture and enlarge it to really see the two birds)

Washington Coast shot.

After we got back Mark and I took a nap on the lawn. Felt so good.

Dad washed his truck while we napped.

Then mom and dad cooked up the usual amazing dinner. Dad made his famous Chow Fun! I haven't had it since I got home from my mission about 5 years ago and it was just as amazing as ever!!! Thanks, daddy! :)

On Tuesday we went for a walk on a path near my parents house...


Stopping for a pose.
Well, that was the extended weekend for us. We had a great time in Washington! Thanks mom and dad for everything! It was fun to see you guys! :)