Live Life To The Fullest

I know, I know... I'm sure you are shocked that I finally updated my blog.  It takes a lot of time to go through hundreds of pictures and to upload 51 of them :^).   I love this quote from Sister Julie Beck, "To walk with the Lord, we have to know what is essential, what is necessary, and what is nice-to-do.  There is a lot to do, but I find that it is amazing how much I get to do on my nice-to-do list.  The Lord blesses us with those mercies, but only if the other priorities are in order."

I am definitely blessed with how many nice-to-do things I get to participate in.  Indeed you may say I live life to the fullest! Enjoy the update through all the pictures.

Update 1 of 7: 4th of July

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays.  I love this country, I love the beautiful summer days, and I love having fun.  The 4th fell on a Sunday this year so we went to Civic Center Park to enjoy a free concert in the park put on by the Colorado Symphony and then watched the firework show. 

I had Monday off, so I spent about 90% of it outside.  I loved it! Started the day with a bike ride in Cherry Creek State Park, then went kayaking, then went to a friends house for a BBQ, and finished the day with a little croquet.  Good times!

This is a good life! 

Deanna broke her mallet, so she was forced to play a little "shorthanded"

Update 2 of 7: Happy 30th!

Yep, it was the big 3-0 this year.  We went to a Laredo Branch reunion since the Branch Presidency was just released.  I guess after 7 years it was about time they got a break from us singles! After that we went to Chili's to enjoy some birthday yummy- but oh so bad for you - dessert!



Happy Birthday Jared! Man we're old!

Update 3 of 7: Utah when Jenny and kiddos (minus Emmy) were there 

It is always fun to get together with my sisters and was a bonus that I got to see most of Jenny's kids. I'm sad I missed you Emmy!  I headed to Utah for a quick weekend since Jenny was in town.  We played outside a lot and had a great time! (Note: These pictures are in no particular order since some pictures were mine and others were Jenny or Jessica's.)

I feel special that I got to celebrate my birthday with cute Jayson!

Couldn't pass up the opportunity to take a Mother and Daughters picture! 

 I lost this battle!

 Photo War!

I am one lucky daughter, sister, and aunt, because I'm thinking I have the best Mom, Siblings, and nieces/nephews in the world!

Update 4 of 7: Washington DC

This was a very, very quick work trip.  I flew in Tuesday, attended an all day meeting on Wednesday, and flew back Thursday morning.  Business travel is never really enjoyable, but I was excited for this trip since my friend, who I knew in Kuwait, drove 3 hours to come see me! We got to spend Tuesday walking the Mall, touring the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, watched an IMAX film, "Born to be Wild", and had dinner at a delicious Italian restaurant.  We chatted until about 10pm when she really needed to get on the road again!  It was great to see you Mara!

This one is for you Alyssa!

This is the Hope Diamond... that thing is massive!

Update 5 of 7: Mom in Denver and Relay for Life

The timing of my DC trip was such that Mom was waiting for me at the airport when I landed.  It was great to hang with Mom for a few days.  Unfortunately I still had to work, but we did get to spend a lot of time together which was great.  I was not so good at taking pictures while she was in town, so I missed the amazing Eliza Fireside she gave, sorry.  We did a lot while she was here: relay, shopping, hanging with Annie, fireside, toured a model home, hung with Jared and Katie, watched the Bachlorette, etc, etc, etc.  Thanks for visiting Momisita! It is always nice to have you around!   

The initial lap at Relay 4 Life

Mom, Katie, and the boys enjoying a beautiful Colorado sunset while walking at Relay

The theme for Relay this year was the 50's, hence the hula hoops and the cut outs. 



The crew that made it all night long!

I was so impressed that Mom made it through the night.  She even walked 10 miles! We went home and got a two hour nap.  Kind of fun to say out of 48 hours you've been up for 46 of them!

Thanks for coming to Denver Mom! I hope you will come back despite what you had to go home to.  I still can't believe the house got broken into and the fire that could have been much, much worse. 

 Update 6 of 7: Birthday Bash and Farewell Party at Cherry Creek State Park

It was my 30th birthday, so I had to do something big! I threw a party at Cherry Creek State Park where I rented kayaks, canoes, and a paddle board.  We also had snacks galore, ordered pizza, made s'mores, and had Kayce entertain us by playing her guitar.  This party doubled as a going away party for Kayce since she was heading to BYU the next weekend.  With 40 people there I would say that was a success!

 Update 7 of 7: Catch all

Occasionally a group of us get together and do brunch.  It is always an enjoyable time to hang out with such great gals!



Yesterday I attended a big YSA event at the Arvada Apex Center.  There was rock climbing, basketball, volleyball, and ice skating followed by an outdoor dance.  This was my type of activity! I got to ice skate so that made me happy! I even stayed longer then 20 minutes at the dance which is pretty unheard of.  It was a fun night. 

I got to speak in church today.  I invited a good friend of mine, a previous coworker, to come.  That was her first time in a Mormon church! I'm glad she came. 

So, there you have it.  I am no longer running (since my knee is still struggling to let me run past 30 minutes), but I haven't had a problem filling my time with other things.  I do a lot, I pack my days pretty full, being sure to get all the "essentials" in of course!  Outside of work, my time is mostly spent socializing.  I am so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people... both family and friends.  I love being with you and I gain such strength from you.  Love you!