Sister Visit

My sister had a baby. They live really far away and I hate that I never get to see them. Why can't we all just live in the same state! I went to visit them the week of easter and we had a great time together.
This is my sweet, beautiful niece Riley Rischel Thomas. I am so glad I got to spend a week with her! Wish I could hold her and kiss those cheeks!

This is her wonderful mother and my lovely sister Laura.
One day we went to NYC. This is us on the subway.

Aunty Ana, Riley, Dustin, and Laura. I love my family.

I love this picture of Laura. I think is shows how gentle and kind her heart is. She has always been this way and it is something I greatly admire about her. 

South Africa

One year ago I was on the vacation of a lifetime

I never posted about it because there was just too much to say

I still dream about South Africa

and miss it all the time

We hope to return someday

to this magical country

Here is a sampling of photos from the trip

twins

Nephews
Top: Anders
Bottom: Oliver
last weekend we got to babysit these cuties
we ate fishsticks and grapes, played with blocks and cars, danced to Billy Idol, brushed teeth, read books, and went to sleep
we love them

Best of 2011 (I know this is a little late, but I did start the post way back in 2011)

January: Trip with friends to Park City


February: Oboe recital and...

backwards charades at the Brunt's cabin

March: my 24th birthday and...

Chamber orchestra trip to Wyoming

April: our one year anniversary and...

Josh and Jenna's wedding!

May: China tour with the BYU Chamber orchestra and...

Hong Kong with my dad!

June: saying goodbye to Josh and Jenna :( and...

Yosemite and...

Elise's baby blessing in San Francisco :)

July: Calf Creek Falls camping trip and...

Spending time with these munchkins at the cabin and...

my parents visiting and...

going to the Tetons!

August: Lake Blanche hike and...

Uintas fishing and backpacking.

September: Behold Fellowship of the Run the team that ran the Red Rock Relay

October: Utah State football game! and...

Leslie's wedding!

November: Baby Elise came to Utah and...

I got to spend time with my beautiful cousins and sisters and...

Thanksgiving in Taos with the Hursts

December: Phil getting accepted to dental school, finals, concerts, Christmas parties, and Christmas with the Hursts in Dallas, TX.

Looking back at 2011 it amazes me how blessed I am. I have the best man in the world as my husband. We have such good friends and family. We live in a beautiful part of the world.

We are looking forward to 2012 and the new adventures it will bring! Thanks to everyone who made 2011 such an incredible year!

Some fall activities

I uploaded the pictures for this post like 2 weeks ago and never posted them! I just needed to do a catch up post since I have been such a slacker.

I canned a ton of grapes from Mommy Jo's garden. I think we are going to try the grape juice today! The canning took a long time, especially making sure the grapes were clean.

These pictures came from a Sunday picnic in the park with the Pearsons.
We had a lot of fun swinging around with the twins.

Went to see Low with our friends. Great concert and fun night!

My dad was in town for a BYU football game so we went out to Kneaders for breakfast with my brother and sister.

Bridal shower for my dear Leslie Dukey. It was so fun!

BYU vs. Utah State. Best game of the season!!

We most definitely rushed the field.

Picnic in the park. The leaves were beautiful!

Jordan and Christina and the leaves.

Jordan found a fuzzy caterpillar crawling on his leg.

Pumpkins from the garden! These are the kind I can cook with.
And you better believe I will!

Former roommate picture at Leslie's wedding. She looked incredible! And the reception was a blast. Amazing food, amazing decorations, amazing music, and amazing Leslie. I am so happy for her!!!!

Fall picnic on the Nebo loop road.

Checking out our future cabin spot. Haha. I can dream, can't I?
Utah is SO gorgeous in the fall. I know I will miss this season if we end up moving to Texas next year. It is my favorite.

Phil has been getting a lot of dental school interviews and I am so proud of him!