HEY! Remember us?!

We're back! Over the last several months we've been far too busy to do anything blog worthy. But good news, our last semester is almost over. Nolan and I only have a few finals left and then we get to figure out what to do with our lives. Trust me, I'm not looking forward to making that decision.

Our anniversary this year fell in the middle of finals week again. Boo. Honestly though, Nolan and I were so busy and had so much other stuff on our mind that we didn't even really remember till my parents reminded us about their anniversary (which happens to be the day before ours). Because times were so hectic we didn't expect anything from each other and we didn't even feel bad about it. The morning of our anniversary I had my first final bright and early and when I finally got home from it I found some flowers, our picnic blanket, and a cooler full of food ready to go. Despite us being so busy and deciding not to do anything, Nolan snuck away during my final and packed us up an afternoon picnic. It was perfect. It just so happened to be the first sunny and relatively warm day we've had in Logan in months!

We love going to first dam and feeding the ducks and geese. I think they're getting spoiled and picky because this time they were not digging our chips. Usually they will eat out of the palm of your hand.
Not sure what I was laughing about but at least you can see how beautiful the day was! We were so lucky too, because now its pouring outside.

Nolan and I will be graduating on Saturday. Both our parents are coming to support and we're excited to get to spend time with them. As to what we are doing next, we have no idea. Wish us luck!

Christmas in February

I know it's really late to be posting about Christmas but what can I say, Nolan and I are professional procrastinators. Nolan and I were excited to finally spend a Christmas in Portland with his family. It was a much needed break and it worked out perfectly. We were there for a week and did a lot of exciting things, like go shopping downtown, games with the family, a visit to the Nike Headquarters Employee store, and visited VooDoo Doughnuts. Nolan and I saw an episode of Man vs. Food that featured VooDoo Doughnuts so of course we had to check it out since it was famous enough to be on TV!VooDoo doughnuts is famous for their original voodoo doughnut with raspberry filling and a pretzel stick. It was delicious. And of course only in Portland would you find a place like this. They also offered other "specialty doughnuts" which we have a funny story about that but probably not appropriate for my 'PG' rated blogger audience.

But of course Christmas itself was great. We had great food, great conversations, and made great memories (I feel like I should stitch that on a pillow). I officially participated in my first Christmas tree cutting experience. The Garrity's were shocked that I had been deprived my whole life from cutting down our own Christmas tree. I definitely think it was worth it. Real trees do look much better and it's a fun tradition.It was also a treat to have the twins there with us. They served as constant entertainment which made it that much more enjoyable.Rowan really loved the swiffer, as well as a giant cardboard box, and break dancing on the kitchen floor. I loved Keegan's comment about putting Rowan to good use and buy him a metal detector.
We were sad to go. Christmas break is never long enough but we were glad we were at least able to be there.
On another note we came home and spent some time with my mom who had been in the hospital. She seems to be making a good recovery, even though she would say she isn't. We are so happy that she's doing well and so thankful especially around this time of year for our family.This picture was technically meant to send to Sawyer on his mission, but I think it applies to everyone.
Oh and I just thought this picture was funny. This is us getting lost on one of our many adventures in Portland.

Happy Halloween

Nolan's tender side

The following was not staged in anyway. This is honestly how I found him asleep.

Cuddling with his teddy bear.

So sweet.

Nolan + Deseret Industries = Sweet Find

Sometimes my husband's infatuation with D.I. is frustrating, but sometimes he knows how to work his magic. Like when he found me a legit brand new Louis Vuitton for $15.00 and now another amazing find for only $3.00.

A Dutch national soccer jersey. He was so proud.

A Quarter of a Century

We made Nolan's 25th birthday this year so big that it had to be a two day celebration. The night before we went bowling, dinner and then the summer carnival. Which the carnival was a waste of time. No one ever told me that it was impossible to win those games. Those carnies are silver-tongue devils. Scam artists if you ask me.

But back to the point. Bowling was a lot fun. We were the only ones in the bowling alley which made us feel kinda special and I played an amazing first game by Amber standards. I got 4 strikes! but I balanced it out with 5 gutters.

He takes bowling seriously, always brings his bowling glove.

My jazz hands celebrating one of my many amazing strikes!
Look at that form. You'd think he's pro. But I actually beat him the first game.

On the second day of celebrations (on his actual birthday, the 24th) we met up with our friends Corey and Julie and went up to play at Bear Lake and the Minnetonka caves. The caves were surprisingly a lot of fun. Despite being 40 degrees inside and having a super awkward tour guide it was all worth it being in good company.


To describe how awkward our tour guide was. She told us that she was going to "treat" us to one of her specialties of singing in one of the biggest caves. Corey recognized it as an EFY song which was amazing he recognized it despite her singing it opera style. It felt quite awkward, especially with it echoing in the cave.
We were so glad that Corey and Julie came along with us and we had to give major props to Julie for toughing out those 444 stairs (each way) while being preggers. The rest of us struggled but she didn't even complain. We're so excited/happy for them.
We ended the day with a short trip to the lake to jump in and get wet. We also had to pick ourselves up some classic, Bear Lake famous, raspberry shakes. It wasn't even my birthday and I had a blast!

World Cup

If only the Dutch could have kicked all the Spaniards in the chest, maybe we would have won. Ha Ha. It was really fun getting into the World Cup this year and watching many of the matches. I was so proud that my home country, The Netherlands finally made it to the finals.

Oh well maybe in another four years....

Which on a somewhat related/girlie note, can I mention that the Dutch produce a lot of attractive individuals. There was not one scary looking player for the Netherlands in fact most were quite attractive. At least Holland has one thing going for them... beauty. Spain, definitely not. I guess that makes them even.