Real Life and Vacations

Holy Cow. Life is so amazingly fun it's unreal! I am so happy, sometimes it hurts. Chase looked at me a couple months go and said, "I am the happiest I can ever remember being in my whole life right now." What better words could I hope to hear from my husband? There are so many things that can change life dramatically, with or without warning or permission, that I just pray this overwhelming happiness lasts as long as we can handle it. I just can't get enough.

Of course, having endless fun does not mean we aren't working really hard to keep moving forward. I started a new job six weeks ago and I am loving it! I have quite a bit more responsibility than I did at my last job, more freedom, and I think I am adding real value to the company. I work for Tom Stuart Construction, technically. I spend the vast majority of my time working on the accounting for several partnerships and properties that are not part of the construction side. I really like what I am doing now, and I really like the direction that the position is heading.

In the last several weeks, Chase and I have been able to go on a few little vacations. For Memorial Day weekend we went to Jackson Hole with family. We drove up Friday night and stayed with my mom and siblings. We went on a killer ride bike ride the next morning along the Tetons. I love that Chase and I have a sport we love to do together (I also love that we have sports we don't do together-- golf, running--I think it is perfect). That afternoon we met Chase's family, did a little shopping, and went to a darling Italian place out side of town for dinner. We picked up Phase 10 and a frisbee on the way back to the hotel and made good use of both the whole trip. Then next day we did a long drive through Yellowstone. I had seen Old Faithful before, but I didn't remember it very well. I had never seen the hot pots, so that was new and really interesting to see. That part of the world is really beautiful. We saw all kinds of wildlife... including some serious people watching. I think my favorite part of the trip was when Chase asked me if it would be ok if we rented an SUV that we could all fit in for the Sunday drive. His parents had planned this trip and wanted us all to be together so having two separate cars would not be ideal for having the whole family together deal. He arranged for the car and everything. He's a sweet heart. The next day Hudson joined us while Lauren and Sean did a mountain bike ride! We went to breakfast and played at the park. He seriously has me wrapped around his fat little fingers. I didn't know being an aunt would be so emotional, and it keeps getting better! Anyway, we then went to Jenny Lake, rode the ferry across and did a lovely little hike to a waterfall. After dinner at Bubba's (yuuum), we drove home through the gorgeous terrain, back to real life.

So, let's talk about that concept really quick--real life. My perception of "real life" when people referred to it as I was growing up always had a negative connotation. But seriously, every day that goes by my real world becomes better and better. And I think that's the idea, right? Why would we live in such a way that we were moving towards a worse and worse reality? Strange concept. I think real life means getting older, one day at a time, getting more responsibility as well as opportunity, and having the chance to make it whatever you want. Real life is awesome.

Anyway, the very next weekend we took off to San Francisco! Lauren had planned the trip for Sean's birthday and invited his siblings and us (I can't wait until Ave and Zach can come with us on trips like that.... MY POINT MADE--Real world = real job = vacations). We flew out early Friday and got to our hotel in the middle of the city before lunch. Speaking of food, wow. San Fran for the win. We started off with Sushi, of course. We then walked to the Fisherman's Warf. There was so much to see! Street performers (some better than others), the ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, the bay, etc. We picked up some fish and chips to share (sharing is key, so that we never had to pass up the next opportunity for food) that were AMAZING. We walked around taking fun pictures and taking our sweet time. We walked up to Lombard street because that is a must, through China town and little Italy. That night we went to a yummy sports bar and grill to watch a Stanley cup final game. We are Chicago Blackhawks fans (the kind that watch the game and don't even remember who won). Later, and ever night on the trip, we went to bed early and exhausted. For breakfast the next morning, I ruined my ability to eat a normal donut and enjoy it via the Cronut--the love child of a croissant and a donut. Stop reading now, and go find one, preferably at the Posh Bagel in San Fran. It will be worth it. Then we rented bikes and went all over! We meandered through the city to the farmers market, stopped at Pier 39 for fresh crab cakes, road through fisherman's ward again, stopped at the swag center for a big triathlon in the bay, and headed straight for the bridge with plenty of photo opps along the way. Did I mention we all looked special in our rented helmets? Because we looked so so special. The view from the Golden Gate was spectacular. There was a little fog, but not enough to obstruct the view. We continued on to Sausalito for lunch--fish tacos! Where we saw a very patient man stacking rocks. Big rocks on little rocks. It was really cool, despite how it sounds. Then we road back across the bay on the ferry, passing Alcatraz, and saving our legs. That night we went to another yummy sports bar because when the NBA finals are on, that's what you do. That night we RAN through the streets to the Ghiradelli shop for sundays before we realized the stupid Apple maps are unreliable and the shop we were trying to get to was half a mile away and closed in two minutes. Needless to say, we were mortified. Then, Sunday. I woke up at 2:30 am throwing up and really wanting to take back whatever it was that I ate that made me sick (I literally ate roasted brussel sprouts for dinner!). On Sunday we walked to the warf to get breakfast (toast and sprite for the sicky) and Ghirardelli sundays (see what we did there?) but I did not partake given the straight of my insides. At this point I was the walking dead and we all headed back towards the hotel via the cable cars! The driver was hilarious, asking Mallory, "Where's your boyfriend? What happened?" He then assigned her to be apart of me and Chase, welcome to the family! Upon arrival at the hotel, I laid down for a three hour nap and everyone else went shopping. When I woke up I felt amazing and hungry. We went to dinner (you guessed it, sports bar) and then headed to the most darling dessert shop--very chic and contemporary, serving drinks and desserts. Apple crumble HELLO. Monday we rented bikes again. We anxiously went miles out of our way to get to Fillmore's, reportedly the best Cronut shop in San Fran, only to learn they are closed Mondays. We were all silent while we ate our baked goods from a cute bakery around the corner which, on any other day would have been delicious and exciting. We finally made it to the Palace of Fine Arts. This was a must on my list of to-dos. It is HUGE. And gorgeous. I learned that it, and many other elaborate structures, were built for the worlds fair years ago, but they were all built out of chicken wire and paper mache. Thus, the all deteriorated and are no longer around. But the palace was saved and rebuilt out of concrete. Really a gorgeous place right on the water. Then we road to Golden Gate park. The weirdest weather phenomenon happen--the second we got the the park the air dropped 20-25 degrees. It went from pleasant to frigid very quickly, and as soon as we left the park it was warm again. Weird. Then we went to Ashbury street for the best burger I have had in a long time. And the kid at the counter was hilarious. "How is the portable burger?" "Well, it kind of looks like a foot. The foot off that Adman Sandler movie? Black and wrinkly." "I will have the Avacado burger then!" He told us that he pays $850 a month to live on someones couch. He doesn't have his own room, he has a couch to sleep on and a bathroom to share. Talk about high price of living. On our ride back we stopped for calamari. If I am honest, it was not the best I had ever had. Then we turned our bikes in, took one last run around the shopping district, and headed for the train. The train to the airport is a fabulous feature I might add, very convenient. It was so good to spend quality time with friends. No agenda, just taking it slow and getting to know a gorgeous, vibrant city. We had an absolute blast.

365 Days Later

So, one year ago today I wrote a post about the demise of my running career. I promised that I only needed one year. One year and I would be back. I had a perfect plan that couldn't fail that would get me back into running shape all while healing my knee. I didn't stick to it as closely as I hoped I would. I think I am actually in about the same shape. I have done some running, but not enough. The developments pretty much include buying a road bike and taking running easy like the last few years. I am doing a 5k Dirty Dash and Ragnar in June, so that will be fun. In order to train for Ragnar I bough some Altera zero drop ultra fusion square toe box shoes that I really love. I have had the normal knee pain around 20-30 minutes of running, but just this week I did a run that included substantial downhill without pain - I'll take it! I am pretty much praying I can get through Ragnar without a problem, and after that I will reassess. I am disappointed in my lack of improvement in running, but I am excited about biking! I am doing a relay in June that I am also training for, so that should be a blast. I am hoping I won't have to replace running with biking, because I hope that biking will help my knees and my strength. *sigh*

Busy Season and Graduation

We arrived home from the cruise on Sunday night around 8 pm. The next morning I began an internship with Tanner LLC, a public accounting firm in Salt Lake, and Chase continued full time employment with Utah Broadband. And we both began our last semesters of school! Chase had a full schedule and I had one class. He was working 40 hours per week and I was too, until busy season started. In accounting, the months of February through April and August through October are "busy." These are the months leading up to tax filing deadlines. Thus, in February I worked 55-60 hours per week, in March I worked 60-65 hours per week, and until April 15 I worked 70 hours per week. Let's be honest, there are many accountants (and other professions) that work more hours than that. But it was hard. Being at work all day everyday wasn't the hard part. The hard part was getting home, getting straight in bed, then waking up and going straight back to work. Chase and I had time to chat a little before bed and in the mornings, and I called him everyday while I ate dinner, but it was tough. I don't know how some people spend half of every year doing that. I enjoyed my experience and I learned a lot. The people at Tanner are great, and I made some good friends. But after the April deadline, I took three days off and went to St. George with my family for Easter. I got to mountain bike with Zach for the first time ever and it was a blast! I am already addicted and I need a mountain bike! Maybe next year. Anyway, I came home, went to work on Monday and decided it wasn't something I wanted to do long term. I went to graduation that Friday without a job, which was hard for me to swallow. I am a bit embarrassed because I have planned on this for so long. But I am really excited about a job prospect coming up. We'll see how that turns out. 

Graduation! What a fun day. My dad wasn't able to come to the ceremony so he invited Chase and I to breakfast that morning before he had to leave town. Yummy Moore's! When Chase and I pulled into the parking lot at the Dee, we got out to put our caps and gowns on and just laughed at each other! We, and everyone, looked so goofy in the traditional get-up. We then walked inside, lined up, and waited with our respective colleges. It's a very long process, and rather boring, but it feels good to put a cap on our degrees. Our friend Abe spoke at commencement and did a great job, the symphony was beautiful (really), and we were able to spot each other from across the Dee. We moved out tassels, and that was that. We had to move quickly to the Browning Center for my college's ceremony. I lined up, walked in, and listened to some more speakers. And then, I was hooded by my two favorite professors. I was actually really excited about this part. It's just cool to be recognized for the degree earned. It was quick, and I really enjoyed it. After, we took pictures outside with our supporters. Parents, Lauren, Avery, and some of our grandparents were able to be there. Then, it was time for Chase's college ceremony. He graduated from the college of Arts and Humanities, and his ceremony was a party! A far cry from the traditional ceremony of the college of business and economics. They played music and performed and it was a lot of fun. Chase was darling walking across the stage as he winked and gave a thumbs up. He gave his favorite professor a bear hug, and just like that, he was done too. After more pictures outside, we went to my mom's house where she hosted lunch for those that came to be with us. Thank you for everything, parents, for never missing a chance to cheer us on. Thanks to Lauren and Sean, perfect examples of hard work, particularly in school. Thanks to grandparents for being supportive. And thanks to Zach and and Ave for working so hard, having a few years to go, and being happy for us. It was a good day. That evening, Sean got back into town and wanted to celebrate with us, so we spent time with the Fowlers, and the following night they took us to dinner to congratulate us. It's really cool to have your sister and brother in law be your best friends. I recommend it. 

And now, we are done. It's the first summer in a few years that we aren't taking classes. Chase is still enjoying his job and I am looking for a new one. It's weird not constantly having a to do list; study, read, homework, exam, repeat. Real life, or post college life, is sort of fun! Chase goes to work, I take care of everything else, and following on this job prospect (cross you fingers!) and we still have time to do fun things together. I am really excited to enjoy the status quo for a while. No moving, no new cars, no school (no tuition!), but yes, I will start a new job soon. It's a great time to be 23, graduated, married, and absolutely loving life. I couldn't be more grateful for where I am and where we are. When Chase and I got married, he had one semester of school done and I had two years done. And now, between the two of us we have three degrees, no student loans, a healthy savings account, and the world is our oyster. Toot, toot!

The Cruise

So, cruises. I had never been on one, so of course I wanted to try it out. Chase and I had talked about going because he had been with his family when he was younger and loved it. A few months before Christmas Mom announced it was booked! We didn't know where we were going immediately, and when we finally found out we were obviously excited - St. Thomas and St. Martin for New Years! It was perfect. After all of the crazy business from Christmas, we packed our bags and got on a red eye to Florida. I don't know if I have ever been so tired in my life. I don't know what it was but I was a zombie. That painful kind of tired. I am sure we all looked pathetic laying in a heap in the middle of the airport. When we finally got to board the ship, I was mostly surprised. It's like a small city. I was completely disoriented for three whole days. I never got sea sick, but the boat definitely rocked. We were on the Freedom of the Seas - Royal Caribbean. It's huge. The first day we basically had time to get settled, watch some football on the upper deck, and go to dinner. I was really looking forward to the food part of the trip. The dining rooms are massive and very fancy and the menus each night were unreal. Steak and lobster and escargot and everything else under the sun. By the end of the week I almost couldn't think about eating a big dinner again. Can we talk about the all you eat pizza? Seriously, all you can eat, 24 hours a day. Luckily the pieces were smallish, but I am pretty sure I ate multiple full sized large pizzas that week. Also, the french fries... battered and crispy to perfection. Yum! I had intentions of working out at the gym on board everyday and I think I did once. 

Each day we had a million things to do - flow rider (I really thought I would be good at this, but I am so so not), ice skating (yes on a cruise ship, with my mother, wearing helmets, so hilarious), mini golf (in 100 mile an hour winds on the front top deck of the ship), karaoke (with Lauren and Avery - Avery chose the worst possible song "Say My Name"... remember the part where Beyonce sings a million miles a minute? Well we looked like fools in front of a bunch of 13 year olds), basking in the sun, reading good books (Women and the Priesthood - excellent for anyone who wants to understand that relationship better), endless pina coladas, and the casino! Chase and I faced sure addiction had we been on that ship too much longer. But seriously, it's fun. We came out about even playing blackjack, craps, and roulette every night. We came home and bought a set of chips at target so we can play at home! 

The days on the islands were my favorite. Day two we stopped at a tiny island owned by Royal Caribbean and played in the sun, sand, and ocean. We also found some Brazilians to play soccer with on the beach! Definitely a top five moment of the cruise. We white folks held our own and had a bunch of fun. 

Day four we were on St. Thomas. We signed up for an excursion to snorkel and it was fun. We rode a boat to the opposite side of the island where we snorkeled and saw a few turtles and stingrays. I just loved swimming in the ocean. The salt was a little much (dry lips!) but I was just happy to be in the sun with the family. Unfortunately, we only had a bout 6 hours on the island and we were on the excursion most of that time. 

Day five we were on St. Martin. And I seriously would move there tomorrow if I could! What a gorgeous place. We decided against the excursion so we could stay together (Huddy couldn't do the excursions) and see more of the island. We found a man (who was a body builder and a very massive human) who took us around the whole island and recommended all the best places to see and eat. We had smoothies and seafood on the French side of the island and hiked to the top of an old fort on a hill. On our way back to the other side, we stopped at airport beach. How had I never heard of this place before? Chase had seen it on the travel channel or youtube or something. Apparently it is world famous. It's this wide but very short beach. There was probably only 30 feet of beach in some spots before you run into a two lane road and a fence. On the other side of the fence is an airport and landing strip. So you have people swimming in the ocean about 60 feet from where 747s are taking off and landing. CRAZY. The planes were coming in only a few minutes apart and every time you thought they were going to hit the fence, or your head, because they flew so low. And when a jet took off with its back to us we could feel the heat from the engines and it nearly blew us away from the fence! And the beach it's self was awesome too - the water was so so blue and deep too, so we could swim close to shore. This was the highlight of the trip for me. So beautiful and so fun. 

On the day that we got off the ship, we went to Orlando for the afternoon before going to the airport. Such a beautiful city! I pictured it more like Miami - very tight and concrete. But it is actually very open and the are cobble stone streets and a huge farmers' market and a beautiful park! I would definitely go back there. We ate lunch on the patio of a yummy restaurant (before learning that inside it was a drag show!) and headed back to the airport. Back to real life. Thanks for the memories and experiences mom! You are so generous and good to us kids. We all had a blast! 

August 27

I called chase and told him. I didn't cry, and neither did he. I was very matter of fact. I was sad, but didn't really feel anything yet. I mean, am I allowed to even feel sad? I was only aware of the pregnancy for 6 days before I started bleeding. In physical terms, I kind of just had a late period.

But emotionally, I had envisioned being a parent. I had envisioned Chase as a dad. I had spent the previous Saturday going all over town selecting the best car seat and stroller. We had told our immediate families that we were expecting. I had fallen in love with the name that we already agreed on. We were some how sure of the gender, and everyone in the family had said the same thing; that we were having a girl. But at the time, I didn't feel anything. It was a Wednesday. I went about my day. I even went to my soccer game that night. That's how sure I was that it was over, there was nothing I could do. My dad called me out of the blue and asked how I was doing, "How's my pregnant daughter?"
"Not pregnant."
Chase did the noble deed of sharing our sad news with his family so I wouldn't have to. One emotion I do remember feeling was regret; I wished so bad that I hadn't told anyone we were pregnant. Next time, I thought, we aren't telling anyone until we absolutely have to. I texted my sister Lauren and told her I was miscarrying. And I texted my mom. I texted Avery and Zach to tell them what had happened. And then I put on a happy face and played my soccer game. There were two brand new babies on the sidelines.

Afterwards, chase took me to dinner. We went to Olive Garden, the greasy old place we used to go to on dates in high school. We had a good time. I almost lost control once, and decided I didn't want to talk about it. I called my mom when I got home and bawled. I don't do that, I don't cry to my mom. Ask her, I just don't. But I completely lost control while Chase was in the next room, not knowing what to do. 

Then I called Lauren. She asked for details.
What exactly did the doctor say?
Well I haven't talked to the doctor.
What was your HCG?
It was 80. It should be at least ten times that.
She had spoken to a dear friend of hers, with my permission, who had gone through too many miscarriages in the last year. Her friend had said that bleeding was normal, and having low levels is normal. And suddenly, I thought maybe we were ok. 

Christmas 2013

Christmas decor doesn't go as far in a small space. Next year I will likely collect a couple more collectibles. We did finally decorate the Christmas tree. Chase says I am in charge of weaving the lights into the branches every year from now on. I must admit, I strung those lights like it was my job. My dad taught me well. And I told Chase he is the tree-toper-puter-upper. I think it's just a thing in my head- the dad (or future dad) puts the star up. Just because.

Christmas. What a fabulous time of year. Busy as all get out, but so worth it. I thrive on busy so the hustle and bustle of tis-the-season-prep doesn't bother me a bit. I enjoy it. The first Christmas party of the season took place at Jeff and Lisa's- Chase's uncle and aunt. They just completed an addition to their home and it perfectly fits all ten million people on the Thomas side of Chase's family. It was an ugly sweater party- so I appropriately wore a darling sweater I had purchased at H&M the week before (the darlingness doesn't photograph well- I swear I am not pregnant and I haven't gain 30 pounds). We played the game "Names." I enjoyed it, but I learned a new level of intensity can be generated when people that love each other want to destroy the other team. Santa came, as always, and I was not forced to sit on his lap. #idontknowhim

The next party was at my Grandpa Merrill, my mom's dad, and Joan's home. That side of the family has gone through some major overhauls in the last five years- some more fortunate than others. Five marriages, three divorces, five new babies, a few graduations, and everything else under the sun. This Bean family looks different than it did not too long ago. But one thing has not changed. Grandpa takes his roll as patriarch of this family seriously, and every Christmas he tells us a story and gives some advice. The man loves. He just loves endlessly. We almost lost him this year. A terrifying experience. I didn't have much time to be terrified for the need to hold my mother together. Grandpa has always had a bad back. He worked in a warehouse in his teens hauling 100 pound bags of sugar. The story for this year's Christmas tale started here. And instead of telling us all how that job nearly killed him 70 years later, he told us how his bad back prevented him from enlisting in the army initially. Later, he was able to conceal his bad back and go into the air force. The air force has been one of the most defining characteristics of the man's life. So of course, he is grateful that 70 years ago, he ruined his back hauling sugar. Gratitude. So, earlier this year Grandpa was in the hospital for months. First, he fell. He went in for an injection to help the pain. He got staff infection from the needle. He had an MRI that told us there was a hotdog size pocket of infection wrapped around his spine where there is hardware from a surgery a couple years ago. He lays in bed in unbearable pain for weeks. He begs for pain meds… that's something you don't see everyday from a man of his strength. He couldn't eat or move or practically blink. He was moved to a pain clinic. Then he was moved back to the hospital because no one could figure out a combination of antibiotics to clear the infection and pain meds to keep him from writhing. Finally, my mom called me late one night and said he was going in for surgery. He was so weak from lack of movement and nutrition that putting him, at age 86, all the way under might have meant he just might not resurface. My mom, Lauren, and I went down to the University Hospital to see him. Some darling men from his ward gave him a blessing. After that, we knew he would be ok. And he was. After a long recovery, Grandpa is now home. He swims, lifts weights, rides a bike, and rocks a cane and a gangster lean. He is determined to get better and get stronger. What a man, James Merrill Bean.

Christmas Eve. We skied with my dad, Jessica (dad's fiancé), Avery and Zach. For a few runs before meeting Mom for a few more and lunch. It's always a good time sitting in Needles lodge next to a giant fireplace with arguably the most beautiful view in the world. It's definitely one of my favorites. Snowbasin means a lot to me. So does my mom. I have a lot of her in me, and I wouldn't change it. That night we spent some time at Grandma and Grandpa Reynolds house with some of the family. We ate soup and cookies.

Christmas day. Chase and I woke up around 7:30 to open presents. We are the type to do most of our shopping together so the after Christmas returns are kept to a minimum. This year, I got a bunch of clothes. And then I opened a Steve Madden box. Seriously, Chase is so on point. Boots will ever be a bad choice. I definitely did not see that coming. I got him some things he asked for/needed. And A beautiful over coat from BR. Alas, he wanted a down coat instead. It's fine. I will likely buy the same BR coat again next year so he has to keep it.

Christmas breakfast, you know the casserole and pull apart rolls and oranges, took place at Fowler's this year. De-light-ful. A swear, I never get sick of talking about how much I adore traditions. Namely food traditions. And this year we had a nephew to enjoy! Last year we did too, but he was three months old. This year he was excited to explore his gifts! Grandma got him a pack-pack for our upcoming trip. Oh, I guess I should mention that my mom got all of us a CRUISE for Christmas. She outdid herself again. More on that later.

Then Chase and I took off to Ogden to see his family. More casserole and cinnamon rolls (HOMEMADE). Connie and Tony got me the most adorable coat. I seriously almost got teary. It's a BR coat (yep), and I feel like a princess in it. I am turning into my mom… I have like a drizzilion coats and I want more. My mom is a coat woman. We all exchanged gifts and ate and ate and sat and talked. Sounds about right for a Christmas brunch.

THEN Chase and I headed to Grandma Jan's. Grandma lives alone and loves her shag carpet. She recently fell and broke her collar bone so she is even more frail than she used to be. I gave her a hard time like I do every year about the tree that is framed above her fireplace. It's felt with her mother's jewelry pieced together to form a tree. I love it, but how are we supposed to wear Great Grandmother's family heirlooms if there are glued to a felt Christmas tree? Anyway, Grandma is a woman who has grown sweeter with age. She is just as sweet as can be. And just as we were leaving, Connie and Tony brought her some breakfast because no Grandmother of mine goes without Christmas casserole.

THEN we went back to Bountiful to visit with the Thomas side of the family. What a riotous group. Food and presents and singing and wild stories from cousin Bridger and ahhhing over Whitney's engagement ring (the newest soon-to-be cousin) and wondering if cousin Tasha will have a girl or boy (GIRL!) and Grandpa Thomas's grandfatherly pre-prayer pep talk.

THEN we drove back to Ogden to be with the Calton family for dinner. This family never deviates from the traditional Christmas dinner (thank you). I made Great Grandma's pie and dad fried the turkey. It's essentially Thanksgiving over again. We got to see our cousin Katie and her husband! They have lived in Korea for almost two years, and we missed them. I must say, the most memorable thing about my Grandpa Calton is his love affair with his late wife, Patricia. She has been gone for about 8 years, and I don't recall a Christmas or Thanksgiving when Grandpa has not professed his love for her. He calls her His Dear Sweet Wife every time. He advises everyone one of his posterity, "Be kind to one another, love each other, because one day, one of you will be alone." How true it is. What an example. One other thing that I love about Grandpa- whenever I talk to him on the phone, I say "bye Grandpa, love you." And he says, "And I love you Sweetheart." And the inflection in his voice is the same every time. I ought to record it or something. I love that sound.

And finally, we went back to Bountiful to Grandpa and Grandma Reynolds house. We exchanged gifts, had dessert, and watched a darling old Christmas move… the one about the performing sisters and the two army guys that end up saving the old hotel? So classy and sweet. We played Rummi Cube during the movie. That's one of those things that will always remind me of Grandpa Darrel.

And that was Christmas this year. Chase and I have been skiing the last few years on Christmas. It's another tradition we wanted to start. But I guess this year we thought we would drive all over kingdom come to be to every single family member on Christmas. And it worked, and it was fun. It really felt like Christmas. Something about being with tons of people all day that love the heck out of ya just feels like Christmas. Christ wants families to be together forever, and that includes Christmas. So, happy birthday. That night when Chase and I finally went home we read Luke 2. It's such a short account of what really happened. Just look at the novel I have written about one day of parties. And the single most important day in history, save maybe the resurrection, gets only a couple pages of scripture. But I think that's how it's supposed to be. Use your imagination, and feel Christmas, rather than reading the literal words. This year, I felt Christmas.

The Beginning of the Season

First, this week was Connie's birthday, happy birthday! What a fabulous woman she is. Tony made dinner (take out Costa Vida) and we all watched the Carry Underwood remake of The Sound of Music. 

The same week was the last week of finals and it was packed with fun (aweful) projects (busy work). I quit working at El Matador the week of Thanksgiving so that finals would be that much more manageable. And I am glad I did. By the time Friday night came, Chase and I were both ready for a fun weekend. Chase and I headed to Park City for the Tanner company Christmas party. It's always a very formal affair. The event took place at the beautiful Stein Erickson hotel. The drive up through perfectly lit trees and a slow falling snow was romantic. The party was darling; an opening social with exotic cheeses and nuts, dried fruits, hot cocoa, and a view that kills. The company is lovely too; everyone is so friendly. The food was filling to say the least. The entertainment was Peter Brianholt and his band. He ended the night with the whole group singing Silent Night. I love this season. 

Chase and I had planned on staying in Deer Valley that night, but we got a call from our neighbor; Chase's car alarm was going off! We had no way to fix it so we had to go home. The next night, we decorated the tree. I love the fancy, formal trees. I really do. However, I adore the Charlie Brown, memory lane, eclectic tree more. Looking at our tree is like a scrap book; totally mismatched and meaningful. I love the ornaments from our first Christmas. The gardening angel that my grandma Pat gave me. The pop can that chase painted. And the three ballerinas that my mom have me. I think she may have been trying to tell me something. Then we decided to go back up to Park City during a snow storm, but not before Chase gave a poor guy at a bus stop a ride to work. Such a sweetie. We went to dinner at Kneader's to warm up with some soup, headed to the outlets for some killer shopping, and went to the house for the night. In the morning, Chase's car decided to give us more fits; on the way home we thought the transmission was going out on the freeway. It turns out we had run out of gas! Apparently the electrical is having issues because the gage said we had 40 miles left! It turned out to be an adventure though. We were able to roll up an exit ramp, walk a block to a gas station and buy a gallon. And a hot chocolate of course. It was fun! 

Aaaaand the fun promptly ended when we got home; finals week. Chase manages to work and do REALLY well on his finals. I managed to study all day everyday and barely survive. Waiting for scores to come back is a sickening feeling. But being done with my very last full time semester ever feels euphorious (unless I do a PhD... In 20 years). 

On Tuesday of finals week we attended the Utah Broadband Christmas party. It was so so fun! We went to Hale Theater for the performance of The Christmas Carol- I highly recommend it! It's quite something. We then had dinner at the theater catered by Goodwood- delish! And just when we thought the night was over, the owner got up and announced a company tradition- Costco giftcards!! What?? We had 30 minutes to spend $300 or give it up. It was a blast! They closed the whole place down for us to run around like crazy. It was the funnest!! 

The next night, I was able to go to The Forgotten Carols with Lauren and my mom (ok, so finals week wasn't all pain). Some people hate it, some people love it. We had never been, and we loved it. It's definitely cheesy, but there is sub a sweet message. And wow, Kurt Bestor's son has an amazing voice! We enjoyed it. 

And the end of the week, we started a new tradition! Love traditions. Megan, Connie and I went to Salt Lake for a girls night! We checked in to the Marriott (right next door to Nordstrom!). Such a perfect location. First thing, we went to... Nordo's!! Duh. We shopped hard for a couple hours before having dinner at Sixth and Pine- cuddos to Connie for making a reservation or we would not have eaten at all... And for the little red envelopes. Hello! Afterwards we shopped some more before heading to the hotel for the night. NOT. We decided we neeeeeeded ice cream. Have you been to the Harmon's on State Street? Can there be a pretty grocery store? Yes, and Harmon's is it. We each got our own pint of ice cream (Ben and Jerry's whaaaaat) and a beverage and breakfast. Bagels and shmear. After realizing we totally over estimated how much dessert we needed, we laid around talking till 3 am. Waking up, we all felt hungover, whatever that feels like. Nonetheless, we shopped more! We ate more! And we gabbed like school girls the whole time. I must disclose; we went into baby gap and all about died. We need babies in this family! No pressure on either of us, but that will be a fun time whenever it comes! Finally, we got pedicures. How could Connie have planned that any better? My shopping feet needed it! Thank you, Connie and Tony and Megan, for a perfect weekend.