Home sweet Iowa

As great as vacation is, it's always wonderful to finally get back. I feel a little guilty for not updating my blog in so long, but I'm going to make up for it because I have tons to write about! All kinds of things are swimming around in this head of mine. Too bad these thoughts are rather disjointed (as usual) and I can tell that it's going to take a little time to put them together.

First things first, though. I got back in Iowa a few days ago and it is great to be back home with my hubby! I missed him so much. It reminded me of the time that I was out at BYU going to school while he was in Michigan and we were doing the whole long-distance thing. No fun, but it makes being together all the better.

Unfortunately, while I was in Michigan I seemed to misplace my camera. We're not quite sure what happened to it, and my parents are still keeping their eyes open. Obviously, this means that I don't have any more pictures to share of my Michigan trip. That also means that this blog may be a little bare as far as pictures go for a little while until we figure out whether we need to buy a new camera or if we can find the old one. Sorry...

Anyway, I mostly just wanted to let all of you in the blogosphere know that I have been thinking about you a great deal and am trying to get my thoughts together to sit down and get them on cyber-paper. Lots of good posts to come!

Utah! Can I get a what-what?!

Ok, you don't have to tell me, the title of this post is lame, I know. But, that's what happens when I find myself totally reverted back into the college life. I HAD SO MUCH FUN!

The great thing about this trip was that for the first time ever I was totally unencumbered by baby (don't worry, I love him dearly) and since Joseph was back at home, it was like I was a single lady all over again (don't worry, I love him dearly also).

The whole purpose of the trip was to see one of my best friends from college get married, and she was absolutely radiant.

Everything about the wedding was beautiful. Then of course, I was able to see some of my wonderful college friends. These ladies are DA BOMB! (again with the lingo, I know...)

We all had a get-together that first night I was in town. I love that 6 years after we met we're still tight.

Dancing the night away at Elena's reception!
So, it's funny that in Iowa a lot of my close friends are BLONDE, but in Utah, I'm known as the "blonde friend" because everyone else is brunette (except for Kyna who is a beautiful auburn red). And, let's be honest, I probably more than deserve the title of "blonde friend!"

Old roomies!! I love this girl!!!
Also, I may or may not have busted the zipper on this dress after Elena's reception (I definitely did). I was either getting my dance on like crazy or maybe I ate too much. Probably both.

After the wedding, my grandma put together a special cousins dinner where almost of my cousins that were out in the Provo area were able to get together. There were about 15 of us there. We forgot to get a picture until after a lot of them had left, but these are the ones that stayed for games. Sorry, it's kind of dark...

Finally, I was able to see some of my old friends from when I was a kid! We're all grown up now, but we still have a blast together!

I also got to see Mary and Heather, two more of my friends from high school (whom I also love dearly) but, unfortunately, we forgot to take pictures. Heather accompanied me on my first Ikea experience EVER. Amazing.

The trip to Utah seemed too short, but I was also glad to get back to Jake in Michigan. I'm pretty sure he didn't miss me, though. He was having way too much fun with Grandma. When I got back, I had totally lost my voice, which I'm pretty sure is due, in part, to my overactive vocal chords over the past week, as well as a cold. I came home to a very sick Jake, who is having terrible diapers and throwing up all over the place. We're trying to get on the mend over here, but it sure is nice to be back.

New friends and old friends

I made it up to Michigan! The train trip up north was rather uneventful, as far as these things go, which was a relief. However, the treck started at 11:00 am and didn't end until 12:00 pm, and Jake slept a total of 1 1/2 hours. Needless to say, I had a very tired boy on my hands by the time we made it to Ann Arbor!

Jake was absolutely enthralled with the train. Every time the train blew the whistle, Jake would freeze to listen and then yell, "Choo-choo!" He was frequently found in this position looking outside the window at the train tracks below:

Smile for the camera, Jake!

On the way to Ann Arbor from Chicago, we sat across the aisle from another little boy who it seemed was having an equally hard time falling asleep with all the excitement around him. Jake and Chase became fast friends. Jake wasn't the only one who made friends this weekend. I was able to get together with old friends and make new ones.

First, I met old friend Valerie for lunch, and it was absolutely wonderful to see her! I loved catching up and hearing all about how much she's loving married life - and hating her job. I told her to just have a baby. I don't think this piece of advice really sunk in.

After lunch, I made a mad dash to pick up old friend, Allison, to go to the wedding of old friend Sharidy! Sharidy was stunning and the wedding was absolutely beautiful. At the reception, I made all kinds of new friends. We were at a table with all the single ladies (put your hands up!), and had an absolute blast!

Me and old friend Allison

Me, new friend Lindsay, old friend Allison, and new friends Emily, Elizabeth, Biz, and Beth, Tossing the bouquet

Old friend Gibby caught the bouquet!Me and the bride, old friend Sharidy

Dancing the night away!

It was such a great weekend, and a special congratulations to Sharidy and Steve!!!

I love friends...old and new!!

Hello, goodbye!

By popular request (or mostly just that of my sister) I have brought you a video of Jake! Here it is:

Jake discovered a this game the other day. He likes to grab the keys, then close the door and pretend like he's leaving. He says, "Bye-bye!" then walks out the door, closing it by reaching as high as he can on his tiptoes. Then he waits for a second or two and bursts the door open while I give an enthusiastic, "Hello!" and he runs up to me for a giant hug. He's a little ham!

Also, if you'll recall my previous post about expecting to have his picture taken, the reason that he's just standing there at the very beginning is because he saw the camera come out and he's posing.