Love is... Montana is for lovers

A while ago I bought this beauty of a print for Whitney and James from one of my Etsy faves...

Purchase it here or look at her other stuff

Anyway, it perfectly sums up how we feel ALL of the time. Bigfork, Montana has become such an escape for us. We are IN LOVE! I recently ordered myself a bumper sticker that says "get lost" and it's a picture of the great state Montana. It fits us perfectly because our Montana theme song is "Let's Get Lost" by Bat for Lashes and Beck.

This years vacation came at the perfect time and I was itching to see Whitnasty and James asap. A year is too long. They are still in Peru building the temple in Trujillo and even though I am excited for them, I wish they were not so far away.

We started out our journey Tuesday night. We were heading to Rexburg, Idaho to get the first three hours out of the way. We stopped to stay the night with my college friend Emlen and her husband Conrad. They have a little boy who is a month older than Jude named Ronin. On the way there Jude got hooked up with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and some baby approved cheesy puffs.

 This little gentleman here is Ronin. He just melted my heart at every turn. 

Road trippin' necessities. 

The first thing we did was head to the Nelson Lakehouse. Jude got a special Finding Nemo life jacket just for the occasion.

As per tradition, we went to the ward 4th of July breakfast. They always shoot off a Civil War cannon and Jude has never really been a fan hence... the mad dad cudldle.

4th of July evening consists of the Nelson lakehouse for fireworks over the lake. It also consists of lakeside kisses and photo ops. 

Jude plugged his ears for the fireworks... but he still really enjoyed it. He cuddled with a puppy that someone brought as well, just to be safe. 

 This is my Brookies cinnamon roll. It is a Bigfork must. 

We also try to make time for the Mackenzie River Pizza place in Kalispell. 

We went for a boat ride on the river and we saw a Bald Eagle. A BALD EAGLE! It was my first and I was amazed. Jude kept saying tweet tweet. It was fun.

The next morning we went to Echo Lake Cafe. It is SOOOOO good. I always get the Veggie Eggs Benedict and eat it ALL. 

All in all we had a FANTASTIC time and are counting down the 360 days until our return. 

Love is... Marriage is what brings us together...today

My best pal Jeff got married to a lovely lady named Katie Gray on the 22nd of June. It was SOOOOOO beautiful. We went to a dinner the night before at Market Street Grill and I ate every ounce of food I could get my hands on, and loved every morsel. They had speakers and videos and we met up with old friends. It was fantastic. I cried a little, which was weird. I didn't cry at my own wedding. I don't really cry at funerals or when people I know die. I didn't cry when Jude was born but, oh hey, Jeff's getting married so I decided to open the flood gates. I am so grateful that our moms could watch Jude so we could partake in the glory of these days. 

 The temple was beautiful and I love this pic of Jeff and me. Although it does not adequately portray our height difference. 

 Obviously Ty is super stoked to take pics with me

Natalie came to be my date for the reception so Ty could go home with the Jude. 

I love LOVE this picture

Ha, can anyone spot Ty creepin' the back corner? What a guy.

I am going to go ahead and get all emo on you for just a minute. Jeff has been a best pal of mine since we reunited in college after attending Waterford in middle school together. He has been everything for me from a comedian to a therapist to a reality check giver to a bouquet picker upper and man of honor. I cannot tell you how many of my prayers were dedicated to him finding someone as fantastic as he is and, HE TOTALLY DID. Katie is remarkable and they are sincerely meant for each other. You couldn't find a happier friend on earth right now.

Love is... Eat your heart out

A while back, I don't know when exactly but I think it was in May, we went to the Utah Food Festival of International Foods and All Things Delicious for Your Belly. Obviously that is not the real name. I just can't remember the real name. Anyway, we went with our friends Emma and Ike. It was a blast. I ate so much food. I even had a bite of Tylers chicken from Pakistan. Delight! Anyway, next year we are going to go back and hopefully spend more time because Isaac did not get to live "the experience" just the food.

And because I am conceited, here are some pics of the cutest child living it up so far this summer. 

Love is... So You Think You Can Dance

Have I ever told you all how much I love the TV show "So You Think You Can Dance"? Okay, well I love it. Like a child almost. I have spent hours upon hours watching all of these dances and I wouldn't spend my time any other way. Nothing besides music has even made such an impact on my life. Whenever I need a good cry or to feel understood I turn to some of these dances. My all times faves are listed here, with my numero uno being the Lacie and Kameron dance. Sincerely though, there is something so incredibly beautiful about a dance that is so perfectly timed and executed or when the chemistry and tension is so thick between dancers... sweet perfection.

allison and robert - Emma, I have been thinking of you a lot lately. And this dance/song made reminded me a little bit of maybe how you're feeling right now.


destinee and jamal shake


mark and kortnee


Lacie and Kameron

Love is... running

Our cute friend Emma had the idea to run the Thanksgiving Point 5K last year and it has now become a tradition. The morning started out pretty rough but it was okay because I made Tyler run it with me so I could have a buddy at my walking pace. It was a beautiful day!

 Can you even tell that I am adopted? For realsies, I look like I belong in this pic.

 Malorie got a beautiful new camera and it took all of these pictures.

 Amanda joined us and signed Judes cast, which was great because we love the ladies signatures. It gives him street cred.

Love is... an ode to the cast

These past four weeks have been interesting, hectic, heartbreaking, and all around crazy. It was quite the experience and although the Jude is adorable in a cast, I'm not hoping for it to come back... ever. Like... never ever. The experience taught us a lot. Mostly that we have the best friends and parents anyone could ask for. So many visitors, treats, well wishes, and prizes. Thanks for all your love, visits, and cast signatures. 

Love is... ConGRADulations

My sweet little mom decided to go back to school a little while ago and what do ya know, she's now a Master of Public Administration. She went to BYU and basically owned the place. Highest GPA, awards, blah blah blah... we expected nothing less. And what do daughters do when their mothers graduate? We throw a parties.

We had such a BLAST! The food was delish and company was hilarious. Basically my friend Nat did all the decorating and Tyler made about 5 different snack runs for me. Ultimately all I ended up doing was dictating (probably because I am the loudest) so why not go with what ya know, right?