American Pride

We had a great 4th of July! I love this summertime holiday with all the BBQing and fireworks. This year I celebrated being American with Joe and his family.

We spent the day in Portland on the river. It was blazing hot and we thought we were going to melt. Now, I know I'm a California girl, and I like heat. But I hate humidity. Joe and I tried to stay in the shade so as to not pass out.

That's Mt. Hood through the lens. Doesn't that snow look refreshing? We had a great time walking along the marina. There were lots of fun shops, good ice cream, and of course, many fun boats to admire.

For dinner we spent time with his family at his Grandmother's condo that is right on the river. They have an amazing view!

I love the skyline in the background!

We had plenty of time to wait for the fireworks.

Isn't that an awesome balcony view? I don't think we could have had a better seat for the firework show!

After the show, we went back to his parents house for some more fireworks. I love the fireworks setting on my camera and what you can do with sparklers!

This is my favorite. Gotta love LOVE!

Joe decided that one sparkler just wasn't enough. So he set 10 off at once. Crazy boy!

Yes, someone is inside that blaze of sparks! Don't worry, no one was hurt!

We had a great holiday. I hope you did too. I am so grateful for this country.

We truly are blessed to be Americans.

Did you know . . .

. . . that today was 12:34:56 07/08/09?

I'm getting excited...

...to go to law school in a month and a half!!

He Makes Me Happy

So, I guess it's time I introduce you to my sweet boy. Joe and I met a year ago at a church activity through his old highschool friend Tyler. I had had a spanish class with Tyler at BYU.
Joe and I quickly became good friends. We got along great and always had a fun time. His sense of humor always made me laugh.

We've been casually dating since last October. Mostly we were just best friends. But things have gotten more serious these past months.

He makes me so happy. I am so grateful to be dating my best friend.

(Ok, that is a water bottle in his sweatshirt pocket. If it weren't for that, this pic would be perfect.)

Joseph, you are such a blessing in my life.

Gradumicated!

Adam and Kyle are OFFICIALLY DONE with highschool! I am so proud of them. Kyle will be heading to BYU Hawaii and Adam will attend BYU Idaho in the fall. Congratuations boys!

Another year...

...OLDER!!

I'm getting to the point in my life when I am starting to dread birthdays. I feel like I've physically aged as much as I want to. Can't I just be 25 forever?

But, when the idea of future aging lowers your spirits, how can you not smile when your sweet boyfriend sends you these at work?

And then, how can you not love growing up when he picks you up as soon as he leaves his office only to take you to Bentley's for an amazing dinner?

And how can you not love birthdays when he then takes you to see UP in 3D to prove that growing older only means that you can enjoy sophistication and imagination.

And how can you not love birthdays when your friends make you THIS cake and throw a party just for you? It makes you realize that every year has brought you more people to love. And you feel that love when your girl friends take you out to breakfast for the best french toast ever at Busicks Court Cafe. (Thanks Jackie and Katie!)

And then, you can't help but smile when your family gets you your favorite kind of ICE CREAM CAKE (Mint & Chip of course) and sings Happy Birthday to you like only they can ;)


And then, you forget the down sides of getting older and just give thanks for the past 26 years that have brought you so much joy and love from family and friends.

Because they are the best birthday gifts of all.

My Dad is 5-0!!

My Dad turned 50 May 23rd and we had a party for him with family and friends the day after Allie's wedding.I put togeher this little slideshow of his life. You can really tell where Adam & Kyle get their looks! I'm posting it here for friends and family. There are some funny pictures of us kids too.

I love you Daddy! You have always been my hero! Happy Birthday!

Wedding Bells!

This last Saturday was definitely one of the happiest days of our family's life. Allison Margaret Harris married Christoper McKeen in the Portland Oregon LDS Temple. It was such a beautiful ceremony (yes tears of joy were shed). The bride was beautiful, the spirit strong, and love abounding. It was wonderful to have many family members in from out-of-town. We all love Chris dearly and are so grateful to have him as a son/brother/grandson/nephew-in-law!

The reception was a blast. Allie took most of the planning/prep upon herself and created a magical night for everyone. Her personal flair certainly showed and we all loved it!

I love my baby sister so much. She is one of my dearest friends and she has made me so proud. She is so accomplished, smart, and talented. I am so grateful for her righteousness, love, and the support she gives me. I am SO excited to welcome Chris into our family. I love him already and I love how happy he makes my sister. I wish them both nothing but the best!