One year of marriage.

Mike and I have officially been married a year! So crazy! At times it's been so hard! We're rarely home at the same time and when we are, we're both exhausted. That has probably been the hardest thing. But school is over until august so maybe that will change! Even though things get hard, it has been the best year! I could never imagine what it would be like to live with mike and even if I tried, I wouldn't have gotten it right. It is unlike anything I thought it would be. [he is a slob!-I was warned, but had no idea what I was getting myself into] that being said, it's wonderful having him by my side while I'm sleeping, laughing at the silly little things, and I love having someone who will go out and buy me root beer and donuts weekly. 

People have asked me if I'm sick of him or regretted getting married (in jest of course) and I far from regret it. Being married is hard-I've known mike almost 10 years and felt so confident it wouldn't be as hard as people say, but it is. However, it's also the best experience ever! Even when we get into little fights, we kiss and make up. We're best friends and confide in each other our annoyances, things that are making us sad, happy, whatever. We are both in this relationship for the long haul and we work for a good marriage everyday. I love mike so much and I am so glad to be his wife. I see how hard he works and appreciate it. I also know he sees what I do and that he appreciates me. Our marriage is far from perfect and probably never will be. And that's okay because we're both willing to work for it. 

Here's to many more years together! 

Christmas time in the city.

I love this time of year! I love how giving and friendly people are. I love the twinkling lights, the music, the traditions, spending time with loved ones, and it's the only month I'm okay with snow. 

I've been enjoying this holiday with music, festive movies, visits to see lights, and by re-reading the story of Christ's birth. Sometimes I think we take Christ out of Christmas. This is the perfect time to remember all He has done for us. 

So far this month has proved to be a good one. :) 

Our Christmas tree. 

So proud of the stocking I made for mike! 

Christmas lights at the temple. 

Happy holidays 

a u t u m n .

It's been pretty, this fall. I think fall is my favorite season. I love sweaters, boots, scarves, caramel apple cider, warm blankets, cuddling, changing leaves...all of it! I especially love driving around and looking at all of the foliage. 

Big cottonwood canyon: 

Millcreek canyon: 

Glendale cabin:

I like to read

Every year I make it a goal to read a set amount of books. I love doing this and it has taught me to love all kinds of books! When I started, I only read fiction and now non-fiction has become my favorite. I'm always looking for new books to read, I never get enough recommendations. 

Here's what I've read so far this year: 

1. The pact: a love story- Jody Piccoult

2. The travelers gift- Andy Andrews 

3. The art of racing in the rain- Garth Stein 

4. World war z- Max Brooks 

5. The proper care and feeding of marriage- Dr. Laura Schlessinger 

6. The journal of best practices- David Finch 

7. Unbroken- Laura Hillenbrand 

8. The book thief- Markus Zusak

9. The perks of being a wallflower- Stephen Chbosky 

10. Hope unseen- Captain Scott Smiley and Doug Crandall 

11. Into the wild- Jon Krakauer 

12. Happier at home- Gretchen Rubin 

13. The story of beautiful girl- Rachel Simon 

14. Sugarhouse: a memoir- Matthew Batt

15. How to eat a cupcake- Meg Donohue

16. Night- Ellie Wiesel 

17. We few- James R. Dickenson 

18. The great gatsby- F. Scott Fitzgerald 

19. Dead men do tell tales- William Maples 

20. The happiness project- Gretchen Rubin

21. The council of dads- Bruce Feiler

22. Jane- Robin Maxwell 

23. Is everyone hanging out without me and other concerns- Mindy Kaling

24. Ten girls to watch- Charity Shumway

25. The devil's arithmetic- Jane Yolen 

26. Inferno- Dan Brown

Okay, what else????? 

M O A B .

It's already been a minute, but a couple weeks ago, mike and I were able to run away to Moab for the weekend. We had such a good time. Lots of hiking and I got to test out my new shoes!! 

This is where we camped

First hike: morning glory bridge 

Double arches, windows & turrent arch

Delicate arch 

Next weekend adventure: LP! Can't wait! 

Staycation weekend fun!

I feel like I just went on vacation! I had such a fun weekend! I've felt like I've needed a break from everyday life so I made it a goal to have a fun filled three days and I did it! First off, I must mention my half marathon I completed on Wednesday! It was a huge accomplishment and I had a great time! I ran the whole 13.1 miles and finished in 2 hours and 15 minutes! 

Friday night I went to shoot the tube. This was so much fun! If you live in Utah, you need to go do this now! 

This is the before picture.

To shoot the tube, you get inside the pipe, have someone put the boards up and let the water fill to the top. Then the person lets go of the boards which allows the water to shoot you forward. So fun!

After. 

On Saturday, David and I drove two hours to go see Spiral Jetty. This is man made and can only be seen when the water is low enough. It was awesome! The water was pinkish-purplish and with it being overcast, the only thing was simply awesome! 

This is the view from above. You are able to walk along the rocks around the whole spiral. 

Up the road a bit was some posts sticking out of the ground. They looked cool so we explored there as well. 

It was definitely worth the four hour drive! 

Sunday, mike and I hiked to Red Pine Lake. It was a 7 mile hike round trip, uphill the whole way, but the view was beautiful!

It started raining with one mile to go, so we ran. All in all it was a fun hike. I was glad to do what I really love with the person I love most! Annnnnddd I convinced him to get me an early bday present, hiking sandals! Wahoo! 

Hiking

I've been hiking a lot this summer! My favorite hike has probably been to twin lakes! It was gorgeous! 

What are some of your favorite hikes in Utah? Leave me a comment so I can check them out! 

Rocky Mouth-draper ut. This hike to the waterfall is easy, and takes about 10 minutes! So worth it! 

This is up big cottonwood canyon. This is part of the red pine trail. 

The view of silver lake from the trail to twin lakes. 

Beautiful twin lakes up big cottonwood canyon! This hike was a little harder, but only a mile up from silver lake. Definitely worth it! 

On the way to donut falls. 

Donut falls. I hadn't done this hike in years! I loved it! So easy and fun! Located up big cottonwood canyon. 

Hiking in Cedar City. 

Bell Canyon is one of my favorites because its so close, quick, and easy. I love seeing all the ducks and its gorgeous in the summer. 

I want to hike up to cecret lake/Albion basin, lake Mary. There are so many in Utah, what are some other favorites?