Fathers.

Mother's Day and Father's Day always give me good reason to reflect on how extremely lucky I am for the parents (and in-laws) I was blessed with. Matt and I really have amazing families and its all due to our incredible parents.

We had Father's Day dinner with G&G Cook (Bryson's parents) and they shared several stories with us about what a thoughtful kid Bryson was growing up. They also talked about how he always stayed close to the Spirit and had great faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am so glad and so lucky that he instilled those same qualities in Matt. I know Matt has plenty of things to say about his Dad but since I'm the one writing this I'll say that Bryson made me feel part of the family before Matt and I were even engaged. The transition into becoming a Cook was very easy and he still takes the time to check in and just chat once in awhile:)

This is my absolute favorite picture of Bryson and Matt

This is my second favorite:)

Talking about my own Father usually makes me emotional so it's a good thing I can just type this. My Dad was an amazing father for a girl to have. He taught me to be tough, to love sports, and taught me how to do all the things boys could do. But he also was always available if we ever needed to talk about absolutely anything. He never shied away from girly stuff and he paid attention and was (is) a great listener. He taught us the importance of the Priesthood and the importance of picking a worthy husband. People say Matt is a lot like my dad and that comment always makes me happy. 

On a lighter note he is also one of the funniest people I know and can usually be found flexing 'the guns' for anyone who will watch:)

I attended my Dad's mission reunion a few years ago and learned so much about what my father was like at 19-21. It was one of my favorite times spent with my Dad. Below catching up with mission buddy Tony Perkins. 

We are so thankful for our wonderful Fathers.

Other than the crappy weather, this summer has been moving along quite nicely. Matt is enjoying his internship, and I get to enjoy spending a few days a week with these little beauties! They are always the highlight of my week!

My freshman roommate, Bethany, started this wonderful Culture Club and once a month a bunch of us meet up and go to an event or do some type of activity. This month we went to the Scottish Festival at Thanksgiving Point and it was so cool I made Matt go back with me later on that day.

Men in the Highland Games waiting to do some manly stuff in kilts.
My favorite was probably the Caber Toss (above). Trying to balance and then launch that thing looked pretty intense.
Traditional dancer(above) and John Deere ice cream machine (below).
Matt loved the bagpipes.
Ashley and I also kept up with another tradition by going to the Strawberry Days rodeo in Pleasant Grove. It's one of my favorite summer kick-off events and it reminds me a lot of being home in Toppenish.
I was pretty surprised that this was Matt's first rodeo, he was pleasantly surprised. Some guy came up to us while we were taking the above picture and put his cowboy hat on Matt to give him a little street cred :) Looks good haha.
Now if only the sun would come out ...

Movin' On Up

My little brother and my cousin just had their 8th grade promotion and it's still kind of hard to believe. I remember my own 8th grade promotion and it doesn't feel like it was that long ago! Now my youngest sibling is heading into high school. Crazy.  I'm so proud of CJ, most kids his age are such punks and while he is known for his biting sarcasm, he is also one of the funniest, most thoughtful kids I know. He and Gavin (cousin) are such studs. Congrats to you both!! 

   C.J.                                                           Gavin                              

Matt and I have been getting into something lately that I swore I would never do. 

I'm actually kind of ashamed to admit it. 

We've started...

watching Lost.

The Swapps started us on Season 1 (which we finished in a weekend) and now we are about to start Season 3.  It's pathetic really, but I am hopelessly hooked. At least for now-- I hear it gets really weird.

 Another random thought---one of my pet peeves is when people spell weird  wrong, like this--WIERD. Ugghh. Well, thats all for tonight.