Summer 2013

*THIS IS A LONG POST.* Sorry. Not posting for 3 months gives me lots to talk about.  

This summer has zoomed by so quickly, and I was lost away with it. I guess being a student does that to you.

Starting at the end of May, I started a biology class with its lab. Now, you are probably thinking, "That's not too bad." It wasn't, but for a summer course-it was tough on me. I wanted to be able to play with Noah all summer, but I had to study during his naps and at night. It wore me out. Luckily, I am now finished and get a full week and a half of real summer! I have a lot planned for us. (By the way, I passed the class. I was worried I wouldn't get a good grade...)

At the beginning of June I took a CNA course at night for two weeks. I had such a fun time hearing all the stories the nurses who teach the course had to tell. After learning and practicing all the skills I learned in the classroom, I had to do clinicals at an assisted living home. That was pretty depressing for me. I can appreciate CNAs so much more now, though. Their work is really, really hard, both physically and emotionally. I'm grateful for that experience because I know that I don't want to work in geriatrics. I think I'll stick to the other side of life and do labor and delivery or pediatrics.

Craig and I celebrated our 3rd anniversary at the end of June. We had dinner and went to a movie (a rare event in my life this summer). I love date nights with him. We don't have them often enough! 

For the 4th of July we woke up early to drive up to Park City to see the Main Street parade. We went with Rob and Percie, and we met Jessi, Brad, and their two kids, Sam and Olivia who were driving from Evanston, WY. (They were in Utah all of July! It was THE best.) It was hot, and the parade was SO LONG. They had 73 floats!! We bailed at float 52. Haha We grabbed some lunch after and Rob and Percie, then went home for a nap.

 (Craig helped me with my Fourth of July nails. So funny.)

Craig's dad's favorite holiday is the 4th of July. He has good reason! It's his birthday!! He traditionally buys tons of fireworks and cooks delicious BBQ food for himself. We don't mind. Haha The firework show was great! I love that we can see many of the valley's fireworks from the Knight's backyard, too. Noah stayed up to watch them, but he just about fell asleep after the first few. His bedtime is like clockwork, people! We love it.

The next big event of the summer was the trip Noah and I took to Lake Powell. Craig had to work since he was taking the following week off for Comic Con in San Diego, so he didn't come with us to Lake Powell. Noah is such a water baby and has been since he was born. I was a little nervous and on high alert the whole time. I didn't want him jumping off the houseboat. The Ortons were so nice to let us use one of the cabin rooms so I knew he'd be safe at night. His life jacket rarely came off during the day, though! In fact, he even would cry when I'd take it off. We had such a fun week with our dear family friends. I love the Ortons, and I love that I got to spend a week with my best friend. I'm especially grateful Sam and Noah got to spend so much time together. Sam is such a good "older brother" to Noah.

Craig had a great guy trip to Comic Con, if you were wondering. He loves going to this every summer. This is his third year going.

While Jessi, Brad and the kids were in town, we had a campout in the Knight's backyard. It was perfect! We grilled tin foil dinners, roasted marshmallows for s'mores over the gas stovetop, popped fresh popcorn, and watched "Wall-E" in the tent. The boys LOVED it. Noah had a harder time falling asleep, but we really had such a great time. I hope to do this at least once more before the summer is over.

My beautiful grandma Penny celebrated her 75th birthday on July 27th. My mom's entire side of the family got together to surprise her. She recently had some health issues and surgeries, so it was so nice to see her so filled with love and joy seeing her posterity. I'm glad she is healing and happy!

I have been working a few treks this season up at This Is The Place. I love the spirit that is there. The youth are so amazing, and I love sharing my testimony of pioneers and of this great gospel.

I began my volunteer shift at Primary Children's Emergency Department. I am loving it. It is really sad at times, but I feel like I'm helping when a child smiles after I bring them toys or ask them questions to get their minds off their injury. I really am glad I decided to volunteer and experience this side of the medical field. I love working with children and helping them feel better.

This brings us up to date for the most part. Noah's update will need to be a different post. He is getting really fun (both true and sarcastic at the same time)!