What I'm doing today :)

My Misty Grey Day

This last Saturday, Joe surprised me and took me to the beach for dinner. Isn't he sweet?! It was a typical Oregonian day at the beach--grey and misty. We loved it! He took me to Lincoln City to the yummiest restaurant.

Funny story. This restaurant is the happening place in Lincoln city, so of course their parking lot is too small. As we were going around waiting for someone to vacate a spot, we were stopped on a hill. As we were sitting there, I reached to the back seat to get my purse, accidentally hitting the stick and putting the car into neutral. We didn't notice however until a car came behind us and we had to move. Feeling flustered, I realized what I had done and pushed the stick to what I though was first gear. Joe has a manual transmission. I actually threw it into park right as he was pressing the gas. Needless so say, the engine revved and we skidded right out of the parking lot like a pack of hoodlums. Luckily we found a place to park not too far away. The walk gave us a few moments to recover from laughter.

Kyllo's is right on the beach and has big widows so you can see the ocean when you eat. This was the view from our table. It was beautiful, even with the parking lot!

We both got the salmon, which was SO GOOD. I was enjoying it too much to take a picture. But here is Joe enjoying his clam chowder.

I got a yummy hazelnut salad. Mmmm.

We then headed out to the beach and tested out the waters. It was COLD!!

Someone made this cute sea turtle. So creative!

Isn't it beautiful?! I love the mist.

Joe said he wanted to take a picture of us. Since it's usually just the two of us and I'm the one with the camera in hand, I usually take the shots. Here's his attempt. As you can see, his arms are WAY longer than mine. I could never take a picture from that high!

It was a lovely day at the beach. Thanks for the wonderful day!

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.