pictures. pictures. pictures.

It was quite the fiasco trying to get our Christmas card and family pictures together this Christmas. After all the yelling and many different ideas we put together a time with my Auntie Linda to do a family shoot. She also put together our card which was beautiful.
We all put our fake smiles on and evded up having a blast taking pictures.

my favorite :)

Love this family to death and I am so happy they are mine for eternity.

Christmasss time.

December 24th: Cleaning, cooking, running erans. Annual Christmas Eve Party at the Brad Falke abode. Families in attendance: Walt Falke Family, Matt Falke Family, Stiles Family, King Family, Gauthier Family. We had a total blast playing games, doing the Nativity story, laughing, chatting and stuffing our peckers full of delicious homemade rolls, chips and dip/salsa, shrimp, fruit salad, pretzel jello salad, meats and cheeses, pasta, broccoli salad, spinach dip and countless mouth watering desserts. Then for me it was off to the Stryker home for their annual Christmas Eve Bash. Caught up with high school friends and ate even more food. YUM!

December 25th: We slept in, opened gifts one at a time and forgot to leave cookies and milk out for Santa. First official grown up Christmas morning. Loved it!

Added this babe to my purse...

We spend the afternoon/evening at Nanny and Pop's house. Ate lots more food.
Came home, skyped with Jonny and then watched a movie.
Lovely Christmas.

December 26th: Church was very insightful. Came home, took a nap and the was awoken by three hilarious and excited little boys. The Kurtz's, my cousin Chris, his wife Britt and three boys Mikey, Luke and Keaton came to visit from Novato. Chris is a cousin on Mom's side and although it is not good to pick favorites, Chris and Britt have that title in my book. Many memories with these two and their kids.
All the kiddos.
Goofs.

Memories with the Kurtz:

Chris and Britt came to our house as newlyweds. They were out back in our hot tub and my little perv self, I was probably about 8, sang "Do a little dance, Make a little Love, Get down tonight Oooo Oooo Get down tonight" out the slider door to them.

Around the same time, while C&B were still in the newlywed stage somehow they agreed to have me, Ky and Ab come visit them in Arizona. We went to the mall, played in their friends apartment complex pool, made mini scrap books and laughed at little Abby's farts.

Going on a family vacation to visit them in St.George. We played and played, went to Britt's mom's condo and swam and almost went on a hot air balloon ride... but the weather wasn't right for flying.

Three of the four years of EFY, Ashley and I stayed an extra week at their house in Draper. Countless memories from these summer visits. Some include hilarious dates with EFY boys for me and ash with C&B, getting caught in the kitchen kissing a boy... yes Chris&Britt I am still embarrassed, movie nights, birthday parties for me and baking bread.

Staying with the Kurtz's when Papa and I went on a daddy-daughter trip to see a BYU football game and have lots of play time!

Visits to their newest dwelling in Novato, CA. Walks, meeting the chickens before the boys' Easter surprise, more bread baking, and wonderful chats with Britt.

chi-chong, cho cho chong, bo-cho.

• 
  Having them come visit us and scootering with the boys and watching them grow up.

The Kurtz's are definitely a lovely sparkle in my life and I am so happy to be related to such wonderful people inside and out. Having them come to visit was a Christmas treat!

puppers.

Although pets are very much forbidden in my apartment complex, me and my roommates decided we needed a man of the house last semester. A black lab we named Tucker was our choice for playful company and he could not have come at a better time. I needed some love and a puppy was exactly the thing to give it to me.

Isn't the little booger cute!

Biggest smile on my face because of this little man.
Always there for kisses.

Playful little guy.

No, we couldn't keep him all semester but the two weeks I did have him were joyous. There is nothing better than the cutest little puppy face licking you when you wake up in the morning! He got to be all too much to handle so my good friend Justin lovingly adopted him, renamed him Aros and took him home to live in the Vail household.

General Conference.

For some reason I had it in my head that I had already documented this event but looking back I had somehow left it out, and it's too good to be left out.

General Conference Weekend.

Drove down to Salt Lake/Provo for the weekend and lived it up.

Friday night was spent at Studio for the annual Conference dance.

Saturday was a miracle. Enjoyed and lovely breakfast and the morning session at Karson and Betsy's house. I mostly just played with their adorable little peanut, Izzy. We changed and Ky and I hit the road for Salt Lake and the afternoon session. Ky and I were not as prompt as we had planned, traffic was a mess and parking was TERRIBLE. So I willingly gave up my chance to see the Prophet speak live and very sadly dropped off Ky at the front door. Little did I know that as I was driving down the street I would see an adorable little man, my angel, flagging me into a parking lot where there was one spot left just for my little car, score! If that wasn't a testimony builder, than I don't know what to believe!

I literally sprinted in four inch heels, embarrassing, to the Conference Center and made it just in time to take my seat next to Ky, Lauren Rollins and their friend Alex Burke.

Hearing the Prophet speak in person is something I would fail at miserably to describe on my little blog. It's wonderful and you will have to hear him for yourself sometime to know what I am talking about. I love the church and what a wonderful spirit the Gospel brings.

Me and KyKy in the Conference Center, lovely!

Me, Ky, Lauren and Alex!

After Conference Ky went with the girls to Park City while I went to see my London loves Laura and Christina. We chatted, got all caught up on each others lives, laughed over old jokes and the fact that Christina wears g's now and knows all the secrets, and went to see a movie with Christina's wonderful mother.

I went back to Provo for the night and stayed with Gina, Court and Steph.

Sunday I woke up early, picked up Katy Rea and Drove out to Park City to see Ky, Lauren and Alex. Lauren is a saint to say the least and I love her dearly. The had a scrumptious breakfast for us and we watched Conference. I had never been to Park City before and Lauren's family has thee most gorgeous home atop a beautiful mountain with a breath taking view.
I was in heaven... literally.
Ky and I with Park City to our backs.

My favorite Canadian, Katy Rea.

Katy and I then drove back to Rexburg just in time to miss a nasty storm.

I love Conference weekend and my last few of them have been spent in some amazing places.

giving thanks, thanksgiving.

three words. week long party

It has become a tread the last two years for me to bring home a slew of men to good ole' Turlock to dine, laugh and play with me and my family. Well last year Bradley was the only lucky one to come for a visit but this year there were many, many more.

I am fortunate enough to have a whole week off of school for Thanksgiving, no measly two days for me :) So Thursday after class was out I packed up my suitcase and got all ready to head for home Friday morning. I woke up early the next morning, picked up Chase and Bradley and drove a mear fourteen hours to start off a wonderful week at the Falke homestead.

We got in late Friday night and because we were still pretty tired from the drive, well I was, we just chilled Saturday. We ate lunch at Hilmar Cheese and Dad kindly took the boys golfing. He loves having all the extra testosterone around the house.

Sunday was church where I am sure many of the ward members were thinking "not again". I am sure they all think I have way too many prospects. And it didn't help my case out when Chase had me scratch his back in Sacrament meeting because you all know what that means... hahahaha! Normal Mormon girls only bring a guy home for the holidays when things are getting serious but I am obviously not a typical Mormon girl, thank goodness. I just have made sure that Daddy gets lots of practice in preparing for the day when I bring home the one that isn't just a friend. You are welcome papa!

Monday was lovely. After much persuading I was able to get the whole family [-Ky who hadn't arrived from Provo yet] to accompany me and the boys on a jaunt to San Francisco. The day started out beautiful. We walked along Pier 39, ate authentic clam chowder [extra Tabasco!], went to Giredelli Square and did just a bit of shopping.

From this picture you can see that Abby is quite tall... I think papa hates that.

I love love LOVE every person in this picture.

Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

Me, Chase on my back, Abby with Bradley on her back.

Cuteeeeee Mama.

I pray every night that I will age as beautifully as my Mother.
Then came the rain, and it poured and poured.
Mom and dad headed to the airport to grab the last member of the Brad Falke clan and the rest of us headed to Pleasanton for retail therapy that Dad would never appreciate. Once the package [Kylie] was retrieved we all met up to eat a lovely dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. Next time you are there get the enchiladas, the are to DIE for!
Tuesday was another day of relaxation and Dad took the boys golfing yet again. Then it was time to part, Chase and I took Bradley to the airport in the early afternoon. On our way home we got word that the next batch of boys had arrived!
Jonny and Justin had been down in southern California for our friend Landon's wedding and drove up to spend Thanksgiving with the fam bam. I was ecstatic!
As soon as we rolled into the drive way hugs were exchanged and smiles could not be wiped off of faces. That night around midnight, Jonny and I decided we would take Chase to the airport instead of the alternative plan of sleeping for two hours and leaving at two in the morning. We had a lovely drive where Jonny and Chase slept and I blasted my chick music and sang.

Wednesday Me, Ashley Gleason [my best friend] Jonny and Justin had a day in Santa Cruz. We looked [just looked because it was freezing] at the beach, took forever to decide where we were going to eat, went downtown and ended up eating at some nasty little Mexican restaurant and stopped in Urban Outfitters [my fav] and a candy store where I purchased some hopeful looking chocolate covered bacon. Bacon, good: chocolate, good... chocolate covered bacon, not amazing.
Long drive for a short trip but once we had left the lovely SC we drove to Hayward and picked up the Fins.
Background story: Justin [who likes to be called joey or jj] served his mission in Finland. His Mission Pres had the missionaries do things to get to know the people of Finland better so He and [I think] his companion coached a football team. Two of his team's members , Janne and Max not live in the Bay Area.
We picked up Max and Janne (pronounced ya-nay) and went back to the homestead.

Now finally to Thursday, Thanksgiving!
We obviously, as we always do, spend the glorious day full of way too much amazing food at Nanny and Pop's humble abode.
These are my favorite two men, besides my Papa, in the whole world.
Jonny Wade and Justin 'Joey' Vail.
[great names!]
After stuffing our selves with turkey, potatoes, stuffing and every other food item that would be considered thankful we walked down to the "ditch" to play. The girls played games with Bradley Falke Jr's kidos and all of the men started up a Turkey Bowl game. I don't remember who won but I am happy to say that the Fins enjoyed their first American Thanksgiving.
Ky and I played with Gala and Paisley.
Isn't she just drop dead gorg!
Paisley, who pronounces her name Plaisley and I put loads of lip gloss on.
She likes to kiss it off too. I love this doll face :)

Abby [Wubbas] and I chased Finn around the "ditch".

All of the Kidos after an amazing Thanksgiving.

Friday afternoon all the fun departed and the boys stopped in Reno for a disappointing BSU football game. Lost it because of their kicker... they were not too happy.

I on the other hand enjoyed a few more quiet [very quiet] days at home with the fam and then went my way Sunday, driving those fourteen long hours all by lonesome. Then it was back in the grind at school for another two weeks.

year anniversary.

a year ago today I boarded a plane to London
where I spent the most amazing five months of my life
seeing the most beautiful places,
eating the most delicious food,
meeting the most incredible people,
and shopping daily in the greatest city on earth.

today I woke up, took a shower
job searched and ate soup...
pathetic.

I miss everything about that day a year ago.
my life feels very uneventful right about now.
blogfest continues tomorrow. goodnight.

fam bam all in UTAH.

The weekend before Thanksgiving I drove down to Provo, Utah, where my beautiful older sister Kylie resides, to watch her dance her tail off at her Ballroom Nationals Competition. I was very happy to hear a few days before I left that Mom and Abby were going to fly up to watch as well. I was ecstatic to see them but the topper on the cake had to be while I was on my way phoning Mom, who had already landed, and hearing my papa's voice on the other end. Meaning that dad had surprised me and hopped the flight as well and I would finally get that big bear hug from my daddy that I had been needing all semester. Our family would finally be all together again for the first time since summer.

It was the best weekend I had all semester! I absolutely loved being with every member of the fam bam. We spent most of our time either in the Wilkinson Center watching Ky dance or eating at various delicious restaurants.

Ky took third in her Novice Latin competition and we were all so proud of her! I love going to Ky's competitions. One of Kylie's cheering sections.

Me, Mom, Brady Nash [friend from Powell this summer] and Ab.

Abs and I had fun watching, talking and laughing. While I was in Provo we got to see and visit with many friends. Our favorite past missionaries Collin and Bret came down from Salt Lake to see us and watch Ky. I got to go and visit with my London roommate Jake. It was wonderful to catch up with and see him. And my favorite part was getting to see this boy... Call-e-wog! Me and Mr. Call Hyer have been friends since diapers. I miss us living down the street from each other but I am happy that I get to see him when I visit the promise land of Provo, Utah. We talked about our recent happenings and joked and laughed over childhood memories as we always do. I love him very much.

Everything put together made for a wonderful trip!

bonfireee.

To savor the wonderfully mild fall weather we were having in November [usually Rexburg is covered in snow by then] a few friends and I went out to our summer spot, Monkey Rock, to have a final bonfire for the year.

Logan, Me, Court, Steph and Jaron. Logan, my little boy from the South.

Me and my ladiesssss Courtney and Stephanie.
I miss these girls so much already... until next spring!

The whole group.
Much smaller group than we normally have at Monkey Rock.
Too bad this time we couldn't jump into the river or go in the waterfall.
I miss summer!
And finally Jaron. He's a peach and a sweetheart. Love that boy.

Bonfires have retired for the winter

but will be back come spring and better than ever.

blind date.

I honestly don't even remember his name... I think it was Austin or something. My good friend Abby "Coops" Stanford set me up on a blind date which ended up being just hang out time for us two. We went bowling at Teton Lanes and then enjoyed a delicious treat at Jamba Juice.

I love this woman, she is amazing.

I thoroughly enjoyed my date with Coops

and it was good to have Clark [Abby's hub] and whatever his name was along for the fun.
Something about bowling shoes makes me always want to take them, but then I remember how ugly they are if you are not trying to knock over pins with ginormous balls all while under black lights with disco music playing.

So no, I didn't fall in love but that might have been because I bowled a 42. Whoops.

my "brother's" sister.

Brad's sister Erica came for a visit this semester! Since my school has a lovely honor code with a rule that no girls can sleep in boy's housing I had the privilege of having Erica stay with me. She is a doll and I am so sad I am not in Rexburg this winter to keep her company.

The first morning she was here Bradley came and woke us up around 9:00 a.m. and told us we had twenty minutes to get up, dressed and ready to go dirt biking. We met up with Jonny, grabbed the bikes and drove the forty-five minutes or so to Kelly Canyon.

Once we were there the boys hopped on their bikes, Erica and I got on the quad and we headed up the canyon. The day was beyond perfect and we couldn't have been in a more gorgeous place.

[Sadly this is the only picture that Erica and I took... and our hair is covering our faces. At least the background is gorgeous]

After a few hours of riding we stopped, the boys made a fire, and we roasted hot dogs and... pop tarts hahaha.

[I think this is the cutest picture I have ever taken.]

Me and Jonny...
Tripod. My two favorite boys.

Bradley the brother my parents never gave me.

The boys in their riding gear.

On the way back Erica drove half way and then I took over and almost flipped us off of a cliff. Luckily there was a tree right where we started to tip and we both shoved into the tree and pushed our two wheels that were in the air back to the ground.

Note to self: Never offer to drive down a straight drop ever again.

The rest of the time Erica was in Rexburg we ate lots of food, played with the boys and laughed more than I can remember. It was a very fun weekend!

halloweenie.

Halloween is my favorite holiday and I love when holidays are on weekends. This year [well last year...] October 31st happened to fall on a Sunday, which meant a whole weekend of Halloween:)

Friday night me and the girls hit the town in good ol' Rexburg. I was Cinderella.. well I was Cinderella if she cut her dress to her mid-thigh. I was going to post pictures... but I think I will actually leave those pictures in a file on my computer, as my costume probably wasn't something I could wear on campus at BYU-Idaho.

Yes, I know I have high standards for myself and it isn't becoming of me to "dress like a hooker" but hey, it's one day a year and besides... we looked HOT hahaha, but really.

Saturday I drove with the girls to Logan, UT for the annual Howl Halloween party at Utah State. It was nuts... to say the least. We all dressed up as bunnies and had the greatest time dancing the night away. After the dance we met up with the boys and hung out all night.

Only picture you get is from the morning after...

Me, Jonny, Steph [under her hood] Gina, Court, Allison, Lacey, Joey, Kens and Kenny.

All of my favorites!

In the words of Lindsay Lohan on Mean Girls,

"Halloween is the one night a year when girls can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it."

starting back in.

Happy New Year.

2011

please, please be a good year.

so far so good...

and now

back to october for this sad little blog.