Blanchard Idaho

The panhandle of Idaho is an odd place. I have learned that a lot of people forget that its even there. But thats where we spent last weekend.

Haliakas Wedding was on July 24th so I took a few days off and we headed up to ol' Blanchard a few days early and met my parents and Nicole there.

I got off early on Friday and we headed northward. We didn't get in until late, and it was really foggy... which made it seem later.

Saturday we headed to Priest Lake, a huge lake known for its beautiful ocean-like beaches. But for some reason we couldn't find the dang thing and when we did we couldn't find a place to sit our butts. It took us about 4 times longer to get there than planned.

The backseat started to go a little crazy

And the parents started to doubt their navigational abilities

But once we got there it was almost worth the trek

We headed back to the resort for some crazy games of tether-ball and to check out a free concert they were having in the park... which ended up being the sweetest thing EVER.

Some call me trashy, redneck, uncultured or otherwise for my love of such activities. But ya throw an old guy on the golf course with a few dancing retirees... and I couldn't be happier.

Sweet hubs gave me a dance even though I looked like a boy.

Check out our fellow dancers.

The parents too. Presh right?

That night we discovered Tennis. Or at least the Smith version of it. No out of bounds, no limits to the number of bounces, and play off anything. Matt decided that tennis was his sport... but I fear he has a tainted vision of it.

On Sunday we went to church and then decided to play some shuffle board. 

We get there and the front desk lady directs us towards this...

Not exactly what we were expecting. But it was neat.

We spent the rest of the night playing a variety of games...

like giant checkers...

and get Nicole to the top of a rock...

Monday morning we headed to the Hiawatha Bike Trail. Its a 13 mile trail through tunnels (one was 2 miles long!) and over bridges. It was sooo gorgeous. I loved it.

Then, just in case we had burned a calorie, we went to Texas Roadhouse (drool).

We had a mini birthday party for mom, and then went out into the middle of the Idaho nowhere and lit off some crazy fireworks, giving all who were involved a serious case of the giggles.

And then Tuesday came... Haliaka's Wedding!

During our freshman year Haliaka and I stayed up late one night and came up with our perfect men. And drew them in great detail. Below, our masterpiece:

Needless to say, Haliaka and I have spend countless hours together talking about what our husbands would look like, talk like, act like... we covered it all. We also made a pact that we would live in a duplex and make dinners together every night. Naturally, they would grown to be best friends. We should have guessed that our future husbands would have the same name...

It was so amazing to be there and see them get sealed- such an amazing blessing. It gave me tingles to see my best friend so happy.

I hope our Matt's are ok with the duplex plan.

Dahl Family Reunion

This is my first summer having a "real job". I do not suggest it. To top it off about half of the finance department was either fired or quit within 2 weeks, of our busiest season. So work has been busy. But we have found time for a few fun family festivities.

Two weekends ago Matts mom and Ryder came down with Matts Aunt and 2 of his cousins for a family reunion. As stated earlier- I am a sucker for a family reunion. Perhaps it is my love for people watching that does it. There were some crazy stories about Matts family, and his mom knew a TON about everyone, no matter how far back.

It was far past time that we get out of Provo for a while, and to be able to spend time with Matts mom and talk with her. Since we got married our time with our families has been short, with a lot crammed in, so it was awesome to be able to have some time to just sit and visit with her.

We had a blast hanging out with Ryder. Within just a few minutes of seeing him he explained to us how he needed some Lowry cousins... and that we are his only hope. We played the "riddle game" for 3 days straight. He is hilarious, and just the sweetest kid ever. The whole "Aunt Tiffany" thing is still very new, and I love it.

At the hotel, working on good dental hygiene

After I nice long game of "sharks", what is better than a few handfuls of bacon

On Sunday we found some relatives at the cemetery. And a big ol' snake.

Boston

Matt has class late on Friday. Sometimes I try to show off domestic skills with a tasty dinner, sometimes I go and hang out with Nicole. Tonight, I blog.

Last week at this time we were in Boston with some of Matts Family for Melissas graduation from dental scheel. And it was glorious. And fast. Too fast.

We headed to the airport at 9:30 Thursday night.

Which means we flew all dang night.

But dont worry because we were supplied with Snooze Kits.

We got to Boston early Friday morning (like 5 am our time early) and Matts parents and Melissa came to pick us up.

We met up with everyone and had a delish breakfast at a trendy little bakery. That kind of stressed me out because the ladies behind the counter kept telling us to order. We were all somewhat confused.

After a little nap and some get-ready we headed to the graduation. The traffic in Boston is crazy! Like people do whatever the freak they want. Wether they were in a car or not. 

Terrible picture quality I know. But there she is- our new little dentist!!

We took some pictures after convocation and then went to the reception. It was classy. A lot of very brilliant east coasters eating a lot of food I have never heard of. But I liked it.

The next morning Melissa had a grad brunch to go to. So after a little bit of a sleep in and a tasty breakfast Matt and I decided to go for a little walk around the hotel.

Except we ended up walking for 5 hours and found ourself in downtown Boston taking in all sorts of sights. And we "ran into" Josh and Jesse on our journeys. Of course we would randomly find them walking around.

Matt and I caught a ride on this pedicab- this guy was crazy. Weaving in and out of all of the cars- all over the road. Just ignore my finger there.

 Crusin down the streets of Boston.

Matt thought it was important that we have a picture infront of this giant teddy bear. Im not 100% sure why- but its a rare thing for matt to suggest a picture so I was all in.

And then- the long awaited duck boat ride!!

All sorts of excitement

We even had a few special guest drivers.

Not too shabby

Then this happened....

Seafood has never been my thing. BUT... Melissa took us an awesome seafood place right on the water. And I was feeling all Bostonian, so I was all for it. Matt ate that crazy lil sea creature stuffed with other smaller sea creatures, I found the whole thing very entertaining.

We ate a weeks worth of calories in a weekend. So many terribly tasty treats! 

Random macaroni at Quincy Square

We had so much fun in Boston and loved being able to spend time with Matts family and celebrating with Melissa, who is a fantastic tour guide :)

May

Before the job I have now, I have never worked anywhere longer than 6 months. Actually, there aren't many activities I have ever done for 6 months. A semester in school is 4 months...  my average summer job was about 3 weeks (thank you EFY). And that has been the cycle of my life for quite a few years.

Around the 6 month mark I started feeling antsy in my job... like I had learned all that I could and was ready for another adventure (childish I know). I have since calmed down and realized its kind of nice to actually have a firm grasp of what I am doing at work haha. 

Matty and I have been married for almost 9 months. In some ways it feels like we are still just dating, and in others it feels like we have been married for years and years. I would say I did a fair job of building up what marriage would be like in my head... and when we started talking about getting married I was worried that perhaps I had built it up a bit too much. Wrong. Its so much better than I could have ever imagined it would be. Cheesy.... but I really have never been so happy and content with life.

Last night I woke up with a horrendous migraine and tossed and turned and convinced myself I was going to die for quite a while. Finally in my wimpyness I woke up Matt. For the next hour he massaged/cuddled/calmed me down until I fell right asleep. His selflessness amazes me every single day.

We have some exciting things coming...

1. Provo City Center Temple Ground Breaking. We somehow scored tickets to go to the ground breaking for the new Temple on Saturday morning (I'm a little worried about the 7:30 wake up... but I bet I can talk Matt into taking me out for breakfast to aid in that). I drive past the soon to be Temple on my way to work and I have loved seeing the progress that's being made. 

2. Boston.Melissa is graduating from Dental school next weekend (shes amazing) and we get to go out and celebrate with her! The countdown has been on for weeks- we are so excited to go to her graduation and maybe get a Boston cream pie or two. 

3. Summer. And mostly, getting to use our Seven Peaks passes- Finally!!

4. My Best Friends Wedding. Haliaka is getting married in July! I am so excited for her, and to be able to be there! My parents and Nicole will also be there so we will get to spend a few days in Spokane with the Famski.

5. The Anderson Family Reunion. I love family reunions I usually spend most of my time eating and people watching, but I find them intriguing. When I was 10ish (maybe) Grandma and Grandpa Smith took me to a family reunion and sent me on a bus of old people to tour the Glenwood area. One of my childhood highlights. This is going to be a new experience because its Matts family reunion and I really wont know anyone. A new dynamic for my intrigue. 

Also an exciting point is work hasn't been nearly as torturous as I was promised it would be once the summer selling season started.I was convinced that from April 16 to Aug 31 I would be working 70 hour weeks and be yelled the entire time. Luckily that hasn't been the case so far. Knock on wood. 

Tip Toe Through the Tulips

My parents came down last week, and O the fun we had.

It was depressing to have to go to work and know that they were so close... probably doing something really fun.

Last Friday boss man comes into my office about 2 and says... "Tiffany, next week is going to suck, why don't you take off a little early today. But I don't want to hear any complaints next week." All sorts of economic theories pop into my head about discounting ones future... but I couldn't help but be ecstatic.

My parents and Nicole had been moving her into a different dorm all day.. and Matt had the house all sorts of clean when I go home.

I turn into a irrational thinker when my parents come into town. It seems absolutely ridiculous that they could be so close and I would not be with them. So I pace around the house waiting for them to show up... jealous that Nicole has been with them all dang day... I try to calm myself down.

They finally show up and we all pile into the car. I get the hump seat because of my "stub legs". Now to decide where we are going. Its between 2 options: the Tulip Festival, or the Outlets in Parkcity. No one wants to make the decision- of course. Finally Matt ends the misery and says Park City. (He knew that's what pops was leaning towards). And we were off...

Except we weren't off at all. Because it was Friday afternoon and Utah loves construction. So we actually just slowly rolled down the street. And then decided we would have about an hour of shopping by the time we got to Park city. Plan B (or A according to me) The Tulip Festival!!

Since I was a freshman I have been dying to go "Tip Toe Through the Tulips". Haliaka and I had countless conversations and plans about the activity. (Pretty sure this is how we ended up laying in a median on BYU campus in the flower bed).

By the time we got through the traffic and made it to Thanksgiving Point... we were a little hungry, and Nicole had got the giggles. We park, and do a high intensity search for any food in the car. Squeezy Cheese. Perfect. Don't judge, I know its gross, and unhealthy, and not real food. But we LOVE cheese in a can. Nicole sneaks her cheese into the Gardens and misses the first 1000 tulips. If you know Nicole you can guess what kind of mood she was in.

"Sometimes when I'm with you guys, I feel like I am on drugs" - Matthew Lowry.

We matured up, threw away the cracker box... and realized we had stepped into some serious beauty.

Usually with a solid 6 year build up... things tend to be a let down. NOT this time. Magical. 

Someone offered to take our picture when he saw us suffering. Turns out he was a pro. Thanks random stranger

The Double Daffodil! 

Studying the Tulips

Inhaling the Tulips. Look how Matts looking at her... haha I love it.

Worst lighting ever. But I had to include the cute ma and pa picture.