1st appearance

I'd like to introduce my niece, Summer. She is about 3 months old and this is her first appearance on the blog, but not the last, I'm sure. She mostly likes to sleep, eat, and be held- she is the cutest little peanut ever. I couldn't get over how adorable her big smile is in this picture- she'll make you fall in love at first sight!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

At our family Halloween party, everyone got all dressed up in costume to celebrate the holiday. There were games, prizes, spooky music, and yummy food including a jello brain, a jiggly hand, and a scary graveyard cake. It was the highlight of my Halloween, and I love seeing everybody get into it, especially my parents. Check out the cool costumes!

Mello-Yellow

While some people are "going green," we decided to go yellow (in our kitchen, that is). I thought our house needed some color to spice it up a bit, so we started in the kitchen. At first it was a little bright, but we finally got the perfect shade of buttery-yellow. I've heard that the color yellow tends to increase your appetite and make you want to eat more, which can have good and bad effects in a kitchen. But I'm enjoying the sunny hue; I think kitchens should always be a bright happy place.

Taste for the Cure

On Saturday, Dave and I volunteered for the Taste for the Cure, which is a fundraiser for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer foundation. The night was incredible, with tastings, samplings, and demonstrations from restaurants around Salt Lake. We were lucky enough to enjoy food from The New Yorker, Metropolitan, Biaggi's, Les Madeline, Wild Oats, and Great Harvest. The event also included a silent auction and a Top Chef competition- never ending excitement! I didn't know fighting breast cancer could be so much fun!

frosting fanatic

Many of you may already know this about me, but I LOVE frosting. Every bite of cake, cupcake, sweetroll, etc. has to have gobs and gobs of frosting. Actually, I enjoy eating it just plain! Not only do I like to eat frosting, but I like to make it and decorate with it as well. Although sugar cookies aren't my favorite kind of cookie, I get excited to make them just so I can decorate them. I would do this for a full-time job if I could. Anyone hiring? Here is a sample of some of my Halloween cut-outs (the kitty is my favorite).

Go Utes!

Recently, we went with some of our family to a U football game. The afternoon couldn't be beat- popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, family, and a sea of red all cheering for the home team victory. I think it was Ethan's first of many, many football games to come. Days like these are why I enjoy the fall.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

I'd like to wish my dad a very happy birthday. My dad is one of a kind, and I love him for it. He's very talented in a variety of areas, including surgery, story-telling, flower arranging, wood carving, painting, gardening, and playing musical instruments. My dad could probably master any skill he wanted! He's always been there as a source of love and support and I hope he has a wonderful birthday today and a fabulous year ahead!

Jo-Jo

Joey (aka jo-jo) is our kittycat whom we just love to pieces. This is my favorite picture of him, because his personality just shines through. He is about 1 1/2 yrs old and our baby, for now. His favorite things are sleeping in the sun, playing hide-and-go-seek, Purina cat chow, water from the faucet, and cuddling. He's a single man, so look out ladies!

Living off the land

This is our first year planting and harvesting a garden and we've loved having fresh, home-grown vegetables in our own backyard! We could really live off the land, if all we ate was tomatoes, that is! Can you believe we collected all these in just one day?

Fun in the Sun

Pearl Harbor Memorial brought a tear to our eyes


Rainbow Falls in Hilo sure made a splash!

We wanted to renew our vows at the Temple in Laie, Oahu

The Dole Pineapple Plantation made us feel a little juicy!

Aloha to Lori and Cody

One of the best parts of our trip was visiting Lori & Cody in Hilo! It was one of the best reunions I've ever had. I loved the beaches, the relaxed atmosphere, the sunny days, and especially going to Kona, yeah. Being there made me want to move to Hawaii and live with them in their cute house- it's such an amazing place!

Aloha Hawaii

For our 1st anniversary, my sweetheart Dave surprised me with a trip to Hawaii! I was shocked and didn't believe him for about 3 days, but then I thought I should start packing just in case! It was one of my favorite trips ever and what a way to celebrate one of my favorite years ever!