Quick trip to southern Utah

Last month, BYU gave its students a three day weekend for a "spring break." We wanted to make the most of it so we planned a little weekend trip! Chris' dad offered to take us to a few places and since he owns most of the gear we needed, we were grateful he was willing to go with us. (We're trying to build up our camping supplies but it's a slow process..)

We left Friday morning and headed to Goblin Valley. When we got there it looked like everyone else had the same idea haha. In the main area there were lots of families, scout troops, and BYU students but once we left that area, it was pretty quiet. Unfortunately, there was only one rappel in Goblin Valley so my inner adrenaline junkie was a little disappointed ;) It was a great hike though and I really liked Goblin Valley! 

That night we camped under the stars and it was beautiful! And really cold. During the day the temperature was in the mid-80s but during the night it dropped pretty low. I guess that's normal for March :) The next morning we left for Ding and Dang Slot Canyon. It's a loop and we went the easier route but it was still technical enough to be fun. This may be one of my favorite canyons. It was stunning, interesting (sometimes I get bored on hikes), and a great length. I'm hoping that we'll go back and do the harder route someday. 

Being outside is Chris' happy place. And even though adventuring together is one of our favorite things to do together, we don't do it often enough. So, here's to going on more adventures with my love! 

Pre-shoot pictures in the mountains

Chris set a goal this year (one of many) to build his portfolio as a photographer. He has always loved taking pictures but it has taken a backseat to his other talents the past few years. He's had fun taking pictures documenting our life together the past few months and is now trying his hand at doing it for other people.

The other day he took pictures for my friend's family in the beautiful mountains. We got there early to check out the area and try to find places that would photograph well but ended up taking pictures of each other haha. The goal was to find a spot that would be easily accessible with toddlers but we adventured a little bit :) 

 ^^channeling my Big Foot roots.

Chris prefers to being behind the camera, but I managed to grab one or two of him ;) After playing and walking around a while, our friends arrived and we had a fun time trying to get a few good shots. My official job consisted of helping the kids look at the camera and passing around the blankets. The kids were troopers and we had a great time! Here are a few behind-the-scene shots that show what pictures in the snow are really like ;) 

Thanks Tuft family! 

Christmas highlights + a few pictures

We had a busy Christmas but it was wonderful! We got to see both sides of the family over the break, play lots of games, and eat a lot of good food :) This year felt extra special since we went to church on Christmas Day. Seeing people gather on that snowy morning to celebrate the birth of Christ made the true meaning of the holiday much more real for me. I am so grateful for my family and the opportunity to celebrate something so special to me. 

^^We bought matching pajamas this year and it fulfilled all of my dreams :D The beautiful tree in the background belonged to my in-laws. Since we weren't spending Christmas at our own apartment, we didn't get a big tree. But we had cute little ones! And a few decorations I picked up from Target :)

^^We drove down to Las Vegas to visit my brother-in-law's family for a few days. It was nice all being in one place since it's been a year since everyone got together! My mother-in-law wanted a family picture so Chris set up the tripod and went to work. I think they came out pretty good for self timer ;) I'm really am so grateful for this family that I married into; having two families is such a blessing!

After spending time with the Romneys in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas, we flew up to Washington to spend New Years with my family. Since we went back for Thanksgiving, we initially weren't planning on visiting but I'm so so glad we ended up going. It was a busy few days with a family lunch in Seattle, my little brother getting engaged, going to the temple as a family, and catching up with my high school friends. By the time New Years Eve came, all of us were so tired haha. We passed on our party plans and watched a movie, drank Martinellis, and kissed our loves at midnight. 

We had a little miracle on our last day. We tried changing our flights to stay longer but it cost too much to make it worth it, so we decided to fly home at the originally planned time. Turned out Delta had oversold the flight and when we volunteered to go on a different flight, they picked us! So not only did we get to stay another day, we got Delta money as part of the deal. It was the best possible way things could have worked out :) 

And now we're home! Family time is fun but so is coming home to our own apartment after a lot of traveling :) Happy New Year friends! Can't believe it's 2017!

Casual Christmas 2016

Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

Chris came home last week and tomorrow is Christmas, so life is good! Earlier this week we went to a casual Christmas party at our friend's house to play games . We ate lots of snacks, had our own personal Martinelli sparkling cider, and Chris and I won the card game (you'll get to see my excited face)! I have known these girls for over ten years and it makes me pretty happy that our husbands get along :) We aren't going to be in Utah forever so I want to enjoy these friends as much as I can while we're still here!
I'm so grateful Chris put together a little video of our fun night together. I'm loving Christmas this year and am a little sad it's going to be all over tomorrow, but hope you enjoy it with your families!

Wreath Making with Piper and Scoot

A few weeks ago, Jess and I went to a wreath making class held at Piper and Scoot! We made it our Christmas gift to each other since both of us are trying to lean towards investing in experiences, rather than "stuff." Plus we would get a wreath out of it, so why not? Funny side note: I mentally prepared myself that learning a new skill was a good thing, but that my wreath probably wouldn't look very good since it would be my first time. Turns out, the skilled Ashley Nackos pre-made our wreaths and we just decorated them! I'll just have to practice my new skills next year ;)

 ^^The entire room smelled amaaazing!

Happy early Christmas to us! Thanks Jess for going with me, fan-girling over cool people with me, and convincing me to buy that beautiful buffalo check shirt haha. Wreath making was the best way to get this holiday season started!

*All photos courtesy of Piper and Scoot.

Our Thanksgiving

For the first time since going to college, I went home for Thanksgiving. I drove home with my little brother and his girlfriend and Chris met me there. We had the usual Thanksgiving spread, but it tasted extra special this year (plus the stuffing was bomb. I usually stay far away from it but this year it was everything I didn't know I wanted!). This was my first Thanksgiving being married to Chris and being apart the past couple months made it extra sweet. We have so much to be grateful for this year and Thanksgiving was a good reminder of what is most important: each other, our families, and our faith.

We  went to take pictures on Thanksgiving and these are a few that my little brother took. I was too busy eating to take pictures during the actual meal, but it was definitely delicious ;) Driving from Utah made for a long time in the car but it was a great weekend away and totally worth it.

Now, it's time for Christmas!

Halloween Scrooge

our halloween costume last year

Fall is my favorite season and October is my favorite month. Crunchy leaves, pumpkin everything, and crisp weather, I love it all! And I usually love Halloween, but this year it wasn't really my thing.
Most likely because my costume/party buddy was in California and things aren't as fun without him. So, I sat on my couch eating chocolate chips pretending I wasn't home, feeling daggers of guilt every time little hands pounded on my door saying "twick or tweat" since I didn't have time to go buy candy.

Not my best Halloween.

BUT. This year is going to be my best Christmas. It's all I've had on the brain lately, which is pretty unusual for me. I have Christmas pajamas ordered, gifts in mind, and airplane tickets bought. I've always liked Christmas, but I have never been so giddy about it. Getting my husband back could have something to do with it. Or everything.

Poor Thanksgiving usually gets all of my attention, but not this year! Bring on the red and the green, the hot chocolate, the wrapping paper, and all of the music! I'm ready for you this year :)