August 2012

August has been a crazy busy month. Matt finished summer school, and got his 2 weeks break for the year. Poor guy. And we got to move upstairs :) I am not a gopher and I am not meant to live underground. Things are dark and cold under there and hubs didn't fit in the doorways.

We still haven't really had a chance to "get settled", Matts football is currently the main attraction on our bookcase, but we are getting there. And when we do "settle" I am sure we will love it.

Matts parents and Melissa came down for a dental conference the middle of August and we had a great time with them. It was so awesome to have them here to help us move. I almost died getting our mattress down the stairs last year at this time... k that was dramatic. I just stood at the top of the stairs and flopped my body weight on the thing trying to squeeze it through the stairwell- all the while yelling out order to Matt. Either way I knew getting that beast up the stairs would be worse, so it was awesome to have Matts dad here.

We ate a lot of delicious foods that weekend as well. I tell you they spoil us every time. Also I can not get enough of the Taco Amigo real peach shakes. Sinful. And they are only here for a minute... every time I have one I worry that it might be my last and start planning the next. This is how people become obese.

We knew we wanted to go somewhere for our anniversary. And we had "decided" on so many different places. In the end we found ourselves Arizona. At the end of August. Ya we did.
Grandmas response to our plan: "Im not sure why in the world you would want to go to Sedona- it sure didnt turn me on".

But we had such a great time- it was so nice to get out of "The Bubble" and spend a full week with the hubs. Just us. It had never happened before.

Saturday

We drove forever. And im sure we saw every possible landscape possible.

Matt wanted to stop in Panquitch for a "Sand-quitch". We  just had a pizza.

We made a dam stop at the dam visitor center .

We checked in to our "cottage". It was really a trailer painted with red sandy stuff I think... but it was pretty cute. And we had a pool right beside us!

Sunday
Going to random wards (not in Utah) is my favorite thing. Matt witnessed a fight in his class and in Relief Society the "new toy" aka the keyboard that played hymns by itself caused quite the uproar and took 5 minutes to get started.

After lunch we decided to go for a drive. Sedona is surrounded by the most amazing red mountains (?) you have ever seen.
Let me explain the cheesyness of these next few pictures. You know how pinterest is plastered with all anniversary pictures ideas? I wanted in on that, I wanted in bad. So a few weeks ago I rounded up all the supplies and we made a lil chalkboard. In my hopeful mind we are going to take pictures with it every year until we die. Its already pretty dinged up from falling into a cactus- so who knows if it will even make it to year 5. Every time we got out of the car Matt asked "is the plaque coming". Usually it was. He was a good sport. I know its silly- stop judging me.

As it was Anniversary Eve we watched our wedding videos that night while we ate dinner. And then Matt gave me these earrings. They are my birthstone and match the ring my parents gave me on my 16th birthday.

Monday

Monday was Phoenix day. More driving. Yay. Also- I had no idea those huge cactus-es (cacti? Always so confusing) they have in cartoons actually existed. They do and they are everywhere and I love them.

First stop- Camelback Mountain. I had heard it was a must. After some research and knowing we only had one day to experience all things Phoenix we decided to go on the wimpiest of hikes, but it was still awesome.

Then we went here for an amazing lunch. Matt is uber-harsh on all things American that try to be Mexican, and even he said it was legit.

Then it was shopping time. Hours and hours of shopping. We hit up the famous "Last Chance". Matt got more things than me which just made me mad. Places like that stress me out a little. There were hundreds of bargain thirsty women on the hunt. I feel like when we have to block of isles so the shelves can get restocked we have a problem. As we were walking through the show isle I say something along the lines of how stupid this is, my stress levels rising, and just wanting a stupid pair of toms. Just than a war-torn girl looks up and says, here have these. A real angel this girl was. Just my size and everything. Then I was done with the chaos. 

We headed tot he outlet mall and within a few hours decided we were done with the shopping and ready for a movie. A Monday matinee, neither of us could remember if we had ever done such a thing. We went to see Brave and were the only ones in the entire theater.

Then we headed to the Rainforest Cafe for Anniversary dinner.

Apparently Matt was super excited? scared? trying to stay awake? super sick of pictures probably

Then we went to a Diamondbacks game. We are nowhere near baseball people, but it was a real Phoenix-esque activity.

Turns out the Diamondbacks are terrible at their sport, and by the time it was about halfway over we were kind of done. But for some reason neither of us wanted to admit it. Finally Matt says "If we go right now we could probably stop and get some cheesecake on the way home". That was basically him saying lets leave right this moment. So we did.

Tuesday

We were exhausted. We had a lovely little breakfast on our porch and then got locked out. Then we went for a few laps in the pool. And took a lot of ridiculous underwater pictures- dont worry I will spare you of those.

Then we headed up "Oak Creek Canyon" O my gosh. The most twisty, turny, beautiful little drive you have ever seen.

A squirrel is what he is spiting at. Poor guy.
 

This is getting to be a stupid long post. Ill speed things up.

Wednesday

Another tasty breakfast on the porch... another day being locked out of our cottage. Oops. Payroll never sleeps... or waits for no one...or whatever the kids are saying these days. So I worked Wednesday morning. With a few swimming breaks. And then a we went for a stroll in downtown Sedona. A cute little place.. but super touristy, and I can see why granny had failed to be turned on by it.

I realize that 90% of our pictures look like this. We decided if we ever get rich we will hire a nice little photographer to come with us on all of our trips. Actually we were thinking of bringing Nicole along with us in case that never happens. 

All the cool tourists go up to the airport to watch the sunset, so we decided to join them- since we could afford that adventure. It was cloudy (hey there monsoon season) so the sunset was less than neat but the rocks were still beautiful.

Thursday

Dont worry, were getting there, we leave on Friday.

Thursday was Grand Canyon day. We loaded up the plaque and we were off. For another very long drive.

Turns out you can walk right out too the edge of the canyon, and off it if you like. I was freaking out the entire time, and Matt was trying to push my buttons. Our children will never see the Grand Canyon, I refuse to take them.

hahaha Panorama fail

  

We waited like 10 years to get a picture here. And Matt closed his eyes in both tries. nbd.

So close the the edge. Matt is holding my hand as he took this. Just in case.

Kissing in the rain, at the Grand Canyon. Ba da bam! Dramatic no?

Friday

We headed back home, and left pretty early because Mom and Josh were there waiting for us.

We spent time with our family that weekend. And Saturday Mom Nicole and I made 2 batches of peach jam. So domestic right.

 

Mom was here for most of the week and we had a blast with her. My parents spoil us too. We are lucky lucky to be able to have such great families who come visit us and who we have so much fun with.

Overall- super successful week in Arizona. And successful  month as well. Matts back in school. Its going to be a tough semester. But somehow the end of the tunnel is almost visible (perhaps a false, unhealthy, sense of hope). He takes the DAT in the spring, and I have already decided that we are going to go to Dental school in Phoenix. And have one of those big cartoon cacti (?) in our yard.

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.