Go Utes!

Go Utes!
What an awesome season so far! We've been lucky enough to score tickets to all of the games (Thanks Brittany & Stan!).

Godina Fun

We've had a lot of fun spending time with our nieces and nephews this summer. My brother and sister in-law moved back home from Reno and we are so excited! I missed the kids while they were away so it's nice to have them so close.

Since they've been back we've had our annual summer party at Grace & John's and we've loved going to Tony's football games. I love the Godina bunch!

Fun Additions

I love decorating my house but it's funny how long it takes me to get around to doing things, especially when it comes to hanging pictures on our walls. We finally hung these shelves in our computer room- I bought them over a year ago. I even had all the frames and most of the pictures ready to roll. Of course, Cardy, who thinks I don't let him have any say in our house, chose a few of the interesting (to say the least) inserts.

Cardy is my professional hanger (is that a title?). He is so precise when it comes to measuring and making sure everything is straight and in place before he makes any holes in our walls. I guess this comes from having an amazing carpenter for a father. He did a great job and I'm in love with the final product!

Here's what Zoe was doing while were working

3

3 years and I still adore him...dearly. I love him more & more every single day.

It's pretty amazing to be married to your best friend- Someone who makes me smile and laugh out loud daily. Someone who makes me feel comfortable, no matter what. Someone who cares about me so deeply. I am lucky.

Dog Lake

Last month we took Zoe on a hike to Dog Lake in Millcreek Canyon. We loved it! The trail is gorgeous, you can't beat the mountains in the Fall. We didn't know what to expect taking this hike. We had heard mixed reviews on the intensity of the trail. The hike was a little longer and a little more strenuous than I was hoping. Luckily, I was prepared with enough water, snacks and good shoes. I tried not to complain too much, especially when we would see kids and even a few pregnant ladies on the trail. I guess if they can do it, so can I.

At the end of the trail, Zoe was excited to see the water and couldn't wait to get wet and play with the other dogs. We hung out at the lake for a bit and enticed Zoe into the water with sticks to fetch until she learned to swim. We were so excited when she first did it. It's amazing how innate swimming is for dogs. As soon as she realized she could paddle, it was all over- we have a swimmer!

For as difficult I felt the hike was on the way up, the way down smooth sailing! In fact, we ran down a good majority of the trial. It was such a good day spent with Cardy and Zoe. I love getting outdoors and being active - it makes me feel so good!

Shakespeare & Rednecks

Back in July, Ashley and I drove down to Cedar City to the Shakespearean Festival. Ashley's sister, Jenny, was performing in Great Expectations. I was so excited when Ashley invited me. I had never been to the Shakespearean Festival and I had only driven past Cedar City on long road trips.

We had so much fun. Ashley and I never have lulls in our conversation, not even on 7 hour long car rides (round trip). Two lattes, road treats, good music, and lots to talk about - these are the moments I love to spend with my BFF. Our ride was smooth and we made it there in good time. My mom was so worried I was going to fall asleep at the wheel. She was just certain the two of us wouldn't be able to stay awake that early in the morning. Even at 30, mom's don't stop worrying!

I really liked Great Expectations. It was so much fun to watch Jenny perform. She has an amazing voice and great stage presence. I always love it when I know the performers, it makes the whole experience that much more fun.

Cedar City is a really cute town. We had a little time to stop for lunch and walk around on Main Street before the show. Ashley and I explored some of the shops and even visited the Redneck Thrift Store which was pretty much comparable to a yard sale in a building. At least we got a good laugh. I loved the whole atmosphere of the town. The mountains, the campus and the quiet streets. I hope I get a chance to go back...more Shakespeare, please.

Jenny, Me, Ashley

Lake Powell 2010

This blog would not be complete without pictures from our annual Lake Powell trip. No stories, just pics. This trip was back in June but always memorable, as usual.

Bartender, I'll have another raspberry lemonade & vodka - with lime!

Brother & Sister

The girls - ready for a night in Page, AZ

Welcome to Ken's!

Dustin's annual gig at Ken's Steakhouse. Jammin' with the house band.

Goods to go home!

Las Vegas

Earlier this summer, I attended a conference in Las Vegas. Of course, I could not leave on this trip without my hubby who absolutely LOVES Las Vegas. He loves the excitement, he loves to gamble, he loves the night life and his best childhood friend lives there. Vegas is always a nice quick get-a-way for the two of us and really, I love it as much as he does. On this particular trip I was most excited about our hotel. Typically when I travel for work I stay in pretty nice hotels but I was super stunned when I found out we would be staying at the Mandarin Oriental in the brand new City Center on the Strip. When I first received my itinerary I hadn't even heard of this hotel so of course, I Googled it. Wow! I could not wait to get to Vegas! Then of course, I checked out the rates. They were well over what I would ever, ever pay for a hotel. Think Bellagio...but more.

My expectations were met. First class service during our entire stay and one of the nicest hotel rooms I think I'll ever sleep in. Just to give you an idea - Bulgari toiletries and a TV (inlaid in the mirror) in our bathroom. Everything in our room from the curtains to the lights were on a touch screen remote. Turn down service every night including rose petals for our tub. Cardy made me call the front desk to make sure we weren't going to be charged for the water bottles left on our night stands. Nope, free!

The biggest let down of our trip - I remembered the camera, I just forgot to charge the battery! The pictures I did take were taken on my phone or found on google.

The other fun part of our trip was meeting up with our friend, Joseph. He hooked us up and got us into LAX, a dance club in the Luxor. We were treated to bottle service which includes a table and a private bartender all night. I had to laugh, I was not prepared to go clubbing in Vegas. I had an Ann Taylor loft dress and some heels which made me feel like a good Mormon girl dressed for Sunday school compared to most the girls there. I'll know better next time. I'm not so sure staying out til 3 in the morning was the best idea when I had 8:00am meetings the following morning - but totally worth it. It was a short trip but totally worth it!