some weekend fun.

So this weekend the fam decided to take a little boating trip!

The weather was beautiful, the water was cool, and the company was hilarious as always.

Even big daddy took good old "Moby Dick" out for a spin!

The second day of boating was filled even more awesomeness...I apologize that I did not bring my camera that day. But, Monday was when the boys decided to whip out all of their tricks on the wakeboard...even some tantrums (apparently some sort of backflip) were attempted and ALMOST landed! Next time it will happen for sure!

Gotta love the fam...they are pretty great!

xo

lauren

day 21

A picture of something that makes you happy... Lake Powell...it is paradise. It makes me happy. xo lauren

yes.

One question can change your life in an instant.

I won't get ahead of myself though...let's start at the beginning.

My family went to Arizona for Christmas this year and we spent the first few days of the trip Christmas shopping. On the 22nd, just a few days before Christmas, we had been shopping all day. After spending a couple of hours at the mall my mom suggested I take a trip to the nail salon while my dad and two brothers went to get haircuts so that she could finish up some last Christmas shopping without our curious eyes snooping around. Where did the third brother go during all of this? No worries, he went to get a manicure with me!

A full set of freshly painted nails later and we were headed to yet another mall. By this time in the evening we had been shopping for a good five or six hours and were all pooped. The boys begged my parents to return to the hotel and they finally gave in. BUT, we had to stop at Costco first. Why couldn't we go the next day? Who knows...the parentals were being very secretive, but hey, it was Christmas time after all and according to my father, "you don't ask questions around Christmas"!

Finally my parents decided we could go back to the hotel and we were all relieved to be going back! As we were making our way up the stairs my mom gave a warning that we were not allowed to enter her room without permission while they sorted out the purchases of the day. So I got into my jammies and was kicking it with the brothers in the living room area when my mother came out carrying four gifts. Apparently these early christmas surprises were the reason for their secrecy all day. An early present? Yes, please! The presents were opened one by one going youngest to oldest and when I opened mine I was surprised to see it empty!

My parents bantered back and forth about who was supposed to put the present in the bag and my mother apologized for forgetting. My dad told us all to close our eyes because the present was not wrapped and he went to grab it from their room. I was trying to think of what little present could fit into the small bag when my dad told me to open my eyes...

One question can change your life in an instant.

"Lauren, will you marry me?"

My cute boyfriend (or should I say fiance) flew out to Arizona and surprised me! I had absolutely no idea it was coming and he is the best Christmas present I could ever ask for! And now...

WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!!!!

xo

lauren

hello there!

So, if you are wondering why I have been MIA lately...it's because, once again, I was out of town! I have been seriously spoiled this past month! This time there was a fam reunion and it was freaking awesome! I definitely needed a week to just sit and have to time to read and hang out with the whole fam.

Guess what, people? I have a job interview tonight...wish me luck ok? Keep your fingers crossed that it goes well! I need to start getting ready to go. I just wanted to pop in and let you know that, yes, I am still alive...no worries!

Love you all!

xo
lauren

jackson

So this last weekend I went to Jackson Hole! Are you jealous? It was bombdiggity! Here are a few reasons why...

We got to stay in Jackson FOR FREE (thanks to Chris's work)!

I loved walking around the shops (even though everything is ridiculously expensive), while Chris...

...liked the Pot Guts

They gave us a free day at the spa (would I like a free pedicure? Umm...ALWAYS!)

They have the best ice cream EVER (no joke...Moo's ice cream...you better visit that lovely place at least once in your life)

get in mah belllly!

Jackson Hole is one of those places that has a homey feel to it, don't you agree? And everyone we came in contact with was so welcoming and nice.

We love Jackson!

xo

lauren

i'm baaack!

Yes, folks, I did go out of town again...this time to LAKE POWELL!! (aka the bestest place ever!) The hot sun, warm water, and relaxing atmosphere was beawesome! Getting heat stroke was a pretty big bummer, but it did give me time to finish Three Weeks With My Brother by Nicholas Sparks. (I definitely recommend this book)

Here are some pictures, my peeps...

Tubing

the sunrise

we love powell!

Wish I was still there!

xo

lauren

happy fourth!

So to catch us all up on the past little while....

I went to the Bees game with the Chris, the fam, and the g-parents which was a total blast! It was absolutely beautiful outside!

For the weekend of the fourth, we all went down to cedar to spend some quality time with the cousins! We hung out, played cards, roasted mallows, went to the movies, did fireworks, and rode horses!

(...yes, I did get on a horse even after last years little mishap and there was no falling off this time around)

Luke and his muscles

Chris and Noah

At the parade

Handsome fellas

Aww...naptime with Noah

Pretty sure this vacation was much needed and I had an absolute blast hanging out with the family! Love every one of them! Such an awesome weekend!

I hope you all had a wonderful fourth of July holiday!

xo

lauren

a small slice of heaven

Hello! It's been a while, I know...I just got back from Cancun, Mexico!! Can I just tell you how awesome that place is? The sunshine, the beach, the food, the markets, the people...all of it is fantastic! It was so nice to get away for a while and have a relaxing vacation with Chris and his family!

(no that is not his real hair, that is a wig stuck to the hat)

I had such a great time and Cancun is absolutely beautiful! It's nice to be back in the 801 and to sleep in my bed, but I miss the sunshine, the beach, and the palm trees terribly!

I hope you all had a good week!

xo

lauren

ps. why am I up so early on my day off? because I'm still on Cancun time and can't sleep :(

a little taste of paradise

Recently over fall break, my family and I went on a little trip down to one of my all time favorite places...lake powell! My cousins Mark and Nicole Lyman also came with us and we all had such a great time! The weather was wonderful (a little colder than I would prefer, but still great), the water was awesome (also a little cold for my liking, but still fabulous), and the scenery was as beautiful as ever! Here are some pictures for you all to enjoy...

The beautiful rocks of powell

Wakeboarding

Tubing

Awesome biffs

Breathtaking sunsets

Great company, great food, great location, great time! Gotta love lake powell!

xo

lauren