He really loves me

This was taken summer of 2006 when Nick and I started dating. It was the perfect summer romance. The best part is that it never ended. It was on this mountain bike ride in Brian Head that Nick and I first talked marriage. Well, the word was never used but it went like " so you like me and I like you so maybe this is going somewhere". Nick was always 100% committed but he never used the big words like "date" or "dating" or "marriage". It has been 41/2 years and we still just "hang out". It's cute.

Same people about 3 weeks ago on our road bike trip down to Pangquich lake near Brian Head. Nick is an awesome biker and could have done it in half the time but he let me set the pace and road in the back warning me of all cars. I love seeing these two pictures and realizing how far we have come. I don't know how I did it because I am not that cute or impressive but I got THE best man. I have yet to post it on the blog so here goes... Nick got into Indiana University Business School of Kelley. I am so proud of you! Just think when that first picture was taken you were at CSN with 12 credits trying to decide your major. Now it is off to get your MBA!

PS no moving required because they have a fantastic online program!

Family Reunion

We went to St. George this past weekend or maybe it was the weekend before (time is starting to just blend together). It was the Woodbury family reunion and it was a blast. I love seeing my aunts, uncles, and cousins. Oh and my grandparents, who crake me up. My favorite event was Friday evening when we just sat around a talked. All gazillion of us. My grandparents have lived a good life and I know that they find so much joy in their family. It is hard to believe that one day that will be me. I mean I hope one day that can be me, surrounded by all the people I love.

Tragically my camera was out of battery so I only got one picture. Nick and Scarlett hanging out on the boat at Sand Hallow. They are my favorite people!

Let Freedom Ring

We spent the long weekend at my parent's cabin in Brianhead. We did the usual stuff like four wheeling, hiking, fighting off mosquitoes, and eating way to much. But we also did some new stuff too; roading biking to Panguich lake and playing Settlers of Catan. Both of which were fantastic and dangerous. The cars nearly killed us on the bike ride and Caity wanted to burn down all our settlements. Of course we came home on the 4th and just crashed. Not even an attempt of fireworks that day. Nick did buy some small ones and we lit them off the day before, so I feel we had some celebration. Scarlett hated the fireworks and kept on saying "all done, all done". Surprising as she is usually so brave. Maybe next year.

I think that being a mom and wife makes me appreciate this country so much more. Knowing that my family and the ones I love are safe. That we can raise our children as we desire and worship the God we choose. That our country has order and protection. It is not like this everywhere. I was reminded of that last week as I was talking with one of my patients. She is from Croatia and when she was young her country was in such upheaval that they were sent to live in Arizona as refugees. She was saying how much she appreciates this country and the opportunities it has given her. When they were able to move to Arizona she said her father cried tears of joy and I am sure relief. Although she is not a citizen I feel she has a love for my country that is beyond any I could possess. I am proud of American, proud that we have come so far and helped so many. I am so grateful for those men and women that keep this country safe and our freedom intact. Happy Independence Day!

Andrew is especially proud to be an American. He loves America so much it is scary!