The Oregon Coast

Every year Eric and I go on a family vacation for our anniversary. Now that we have Lily and are really a family, we really got to experience the all American summer vacation along the Oregon coast. Why Oregon you ask?

Beautiful Beaches (This was Lily's face the whole time we were at the beach...until we had to leave the beach).


She's so advanced. Just check out this sand castle she built!


Quaint restaurants with a beach front view and gourmet food.


Bizarre Beaches in the mountains.


My favorite was taking a glass blowing class.



Lily had a good time, but she slept through a few places...

A Lost Hiatus

After about five years of being told to watch this show, I've finally succumbed. My hesitations were not because I thought I wouldn't like it, it was that I would like it too much. I was afraid of getting too obsessed with it and yet, I've fallen. I need Lost, and I need it in large doses. I am now spending any free time wondering what 4 8 15 16 23 42 means and who the 'others' are on this freakin' island!

My husband thinks I'm pathetic.

I'm almost finished with Season One, so look forward to some fun posts on our trip to Oregon, a trunk full of snow, and a visit from my mysterious family that none of my friends have ever seem to have met.

My Favorite Eric Story

Eric's best friend growing up was his dog, Fruiter. Fruiter was Eric's dog even before Eric was ever born. They grew up together. He slept with him every night, sometimes taking the blame for a wet bed every now and then. He'd sit in the back of the Cruiser cozied up with Eric and Red Wall on family vacations. He went down to the KOA with Eric to get penny candy. Played with him in the dirt hills. To show his love, he'd bring home dinner for the family, a roast that was thawing on someone's porch, and they would actually eat it. Eric and Fruiter were always together.

Then when Eric was about 13, Fruiter started getting sick with cancer. He was such a good dog that when he was really sick, and throwing up, he'd go in the bathtub to do it. He just got sicker and sicker until he eventually had to be put down. Eric was devastated.

Hoping to console him, Eric's dad made a pine box and said they could go bury Fruiter in a special spot on their property up in the Uintahs. They trekked through the mountains trying to find the perfect spot. Eric's dad, carrying no less than 30 pounds up these mountains, suggested plenty of spots to Eric. But none of them were just the right spot for Fruiter.

A few hours and several up-hill miles later, Eric found the perfect spot. Right next to a tree and a creek the best resting place for Fruiter that Eric could find. Eric's dad tirelessly dug through the rocks and roots and they said their last good-byes.

Down went Fruiter, the dirt piles over his humble pine box.
Eric sniffles, "Dad?"
Eric's dad turns, shovel in hand sweat dripping down the dry Utah sun beating down.
"Yeah, Eric?"
"Can I say good-bye to him one last time?"

So Eric's dad digs Fruiter back up, lifts the lid and then Eric says his very last good-bye.

Stewart Falls

For Memorial Day we went on a little hike to Stewart Falls. It was a super nice trail to take Lily on because it was mostly in the shade and very easy hiking. Lily was such a good sport and it doesn't hurt that she loves to be outside.

Lily loved to observe all the new plants and flowers.




She got a little nervous when mom wanted to carry her.


So dad got to carry her again.


We finally made it!


The whole trip must have been really tiring since she slept the whole way back to the car.

I Just Can't Get Enough

Eight down....three more to go....

and no, that is not including high school.


Eric, after eight years of undergraduate schooling has finally received his Bachelor's degree. Now, I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea. It wasn't eight years of trial and error. Eric did awesome in school. In fact, he graduated Summa Cum Laude! I was just beaming with pride!

He is now ready to study for the GRE and then applying to CRNA schools!

My new "hobbie"/ blog

I always wanted to do a blog on restaurants in Utah. Eric and I eat out a lot and I feel I can give some good recommendations. So I started with just a few restaurants for now and whenever I get a chance, or if we ever go to a new place I'll post about it. Any excuse to eat out more is always welcome! Check it out here.