Dave surprised me with a trip to Las Vegas!! Actually, his boss surprised both of us with flights, a hotel stay, and gift cards! 3 days full of spa visits, shopping, gourmet eating, and roller coasters- we felt like we were in the lap of luxury... 
2 of my favorite travel buddies- we've traveled across the seas, but this is our first time to Idaho together. And the Duncan farm* potato-growers did not disappoint.
My lifetime travel partner, together through the peaks and valleys.
I've been thinking about all the many things I am grateful for this year, and my thoughts continually turn to you, my best family and friends. This past year has been a tough one for me and Dave, and I don't know what I would have done without you. Some days it was hard to find hope and I'm not sure I would have ever found it without the love you've shown to me. I've been amazed at how small and simple things can make such a difference in my day, my attitude, my life. From a kind hand written note, a big hug, or a simple blog comment to a night spent talking, forgiveness on my bad days, or a night at the temple, I have been touched by the thoughtfulness of my family and friends. And although Dave and I have traveled down rocky roads together, he has been the strong one, giving me encouragement, laughter, hope, and true understanding. Each of you has been an instrument in the Lord's hands, for He has answered my prayers through the love of others. The Plan of Salvation and the knowledge of Eternal Families has never meant more to me than it does now. So I'd like to thank each of you (you know who you are) for being there for me and letting me know you love me. I feel so grateful to Heavenly Father for surrounding me with such amazing people. So at this time of Thanksgiving, although I feel so blessed in many areas of my life, I'd like to give a shout out to the people who make me feel life is good, joyful, and worth living.
There's just something about the 4th and 24th of July that make them 2 of my very favorite holidays. I love being outside, the warm weather, the smell of the BBQ in the backyard, and the brightly colored fireworks that light up the sky at night. It's so nice to spend the day with family and friends without the stress that often accompanies other major holidays. Plus, I've always considered myself an exceptionally patriotic person and I love singing as many patriotic songs as I can think of. Here's a look at some of the holiday highlights:
3 cheers for the red, white, and blue...
s'more smores please!
I love being able to celebrate Alana's birthday and the Pioneers on the same day! Talk about a winning combo!
Absence makes the heart grow fonder... that's what we discovered after visiting Lauren and Bridger at their new home in Pasadena. We had probably our best weekend of 2009 hanging out with our friends whom we've missed so much!! We made up for lost time by going to Zuma Beach, taking in the smells and tastes of South Pasadena's Farmer's Market, touring the Getty Villa Museum, shopping along 3rd Street Promenade, feasting on Yogurtland, and indulging in hour-long foot massages. How sweet it is to laugh, talk, and relax with such great friends.
All our activities deserve a blog-post of their own, but I'll try to restrain myself. There is something about a good vacation that rejuvenates the soul. Maybe it's the cool ocean breeze. Maybe it's partaking of delicious food with no guilt involved. Maybe it's catching up on sleep and spending time together. Whatever it is, it was just what the doctor ordered! Thanks to the Jensen's for an all-out amazing weekend!7 Things Tag
7 Things I Can Do...
1. make my eyes vibrate
2. Bake and eat chocolate cake like a champ.
3. shop at Target for hours
4. organize, organize, organize
5. Recite in song the countries of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the presidents of the US, and the counties of Utah.
6. Quote most of the lines from Vacation, Uncle Buck, and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
7. Make a burn victim's dressing look like a million bucks! (if you look good, you feel good)
7 Things I Can't Do...
1. see with 20/20 vision unaided
2. drive a stick shift
3. watch ESPN Sports Center
4. ski
5. Pass up on holiday colored m&m's
6. floss in between my glued-in retainer
7. Make royal icing
7 Things I always say...
1. oh jo jo
2. the thing is...
3. love you
4. ("that's" or "you're") crazy!
5. dave? where are you? / where's dave?
6. how would you rate your pain on a scale from 0 to 10?
7. I don't feel good
7 Things I Always Eat...
1. Little Caesar's Pizza and crazy bread
2. Homemade cookies
3. anything made by my mom
4. peanut butter
5. Stacy's Pita Chips
6. chocolate, in pretty much any form
7. Cereal (especially Honey Bunches of Oats or Honey Nut Cheerios)
Now it's your turn! I'm tagging Alana, Lauren, Sarah S., Peg, and any one else that wants to participate!
Congratulations to Alana and Deboro! Alana is one of my very best friends, and I am so excited for her to marry the man of her dreams. Deboro is an awesome guy and I just couldn't be happier for them. They got engaged last week and have set the date for September 22. I know they're wedding day will be beautiful and only a glimpse of their beautiful life ahead!
On their way to California, A&D remarked, "What do you Svay we stop in Las Vegas?" Yeah!
