Utah Adventure

Life has been a little hectic for the past couple of weeks. It all started the end of February when I found out that my Grandma Bowen passed away. She has been sick for the past couple of years so I am glad she didn't have to suffer too long here in this life, but, of course, she will be missed greatly. I really felt like I should attend her funeral but Ryan couldn't take off work and plane tickets were outrageous for a last minute flight so my sister, Cindy with her 2 kids, and Landon and I decided to drive.
On March 1 we loaded the kids into the van at 4 a.m. and off we went. The drive to Utah went o.k. We hit a little snow where we had to slow down and the last hour Landon (9 months) and Allison (15 months) started to have crying wars, but other than that they did really well. We arrived late on Saturday night so we were able to attend both the viewing on Sunday and the funeral on Monday. Both went really well. I always love to hear about the lives of people I love.
Then since neither Cindy nor I had to be back right away we decided to stay in Utah for the week. We had a great time visiting with family and friends and and Saturday morning we left at 2 a.m. By 6:30 a.m. we were almost to Battle Mountain ( which is the half way point) so we were feeling pretty proud of ourselves. That is until we were 20 miles outside of Battle Mountain and we ran out of gas. We were so bummed. It isn't like either of us to run out of gas and although we were cutting it a little close I don't feel like it is entirely our fault. You see, we borrowed the van we were driving and we didn't know that it runs out of gas right before the display says it has an 1/8 of a tank. So...we sat on the side of the road for a couple hours waiting for roadside assistance to come help us and then off we went again. It turned into a 15 hour journey back home, but I'm thankful that we made it back safe and sound. It can be pretty scary sitting on the side of a freeway with humongous semi's passing.

Short Hair

Here's for my friend Shauna who wanted a side view. I also did a back view.

Beautiful Green Hills

It has been another cold and rainy week which has made our surrounding hills a beautiful green. I'm glad that we were able to get outside last weekend before the cold weather came again. We went hiking on Saturday and for a nice easy stroll around a lake on Sunday. We found out that Landon really loves to play with grass. Who knew that picking grass would be so much fun....AND the thing that really amazed me was he didn't eat it. It may be the only thing that hasn't gone straight to his mouth.

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day! To celebrate our relationship Ryan, Landon, and I went out to lunch. While we were eating we were thinking back about our single years and how when you don't have a special someone in your life Valentines day is more of a "Single Awareness " Day. I think back to Mr. Fillmore's class in 9th grade when I shared with a boy how I hated Valentines day because I never got a gift from a special someone (except from my mom). Well, Valentines day was two days later. I remember it being on a Saturday that year because I went grocery shopping with my mom in the morning and when I got home there were some roses for me. These roses made me so happy that day. I didn't care that they didn't have a name from who they were from, although I have a pretty good idea (since the boy I was complaining to worked at a flower shop), all I cared about is that I got some special gift... Then you get married and Valentines day comes around every year and if you're like me you see all the cute decorations and fun doo-dads while you're shopping and a part of you wants to buy something for your sweet husband, but the other part of you says he doesn't really care about a heart-shaped chocolate candy so you shouldn't waste money. So for the past 4 years I only remember buying Ryan a Valentine present one time. Something we've only used 1 time. The rest of the times I have always made him a really nice meal, usually something Italian (because Italian food seems romantic) and a special dessert. He seems to like this better than gifts and I think I do to. I can't think of anything that I would want more than to spend quality time with my husband. Anyway, I guess I think it's kind of funny how gifts were so important to me when I was single and now that I have been blessed with a wonderful husband who I love and I know loves me a simple meal with some time together is all I want.

Another Note....

I have been contemplating cutting my hair for the past few months and I finally did it on Monday. Here's a picture. I was super scared because I have never cut my hair shorter than my shoulders, but I really like. It's easy to do, doesn't get tangly, and Landon doesn't pull it anymore.

Fun Day!

Today was one of my favorite types of days. Ryan was caught up with work and it was warm enough to go outside so we we were able to go on a hike together. We went to one of my favorite places. It is called Rancho San Antonia state park. We seem to always go on the same trail there...Wild Cat Trail. I was counting today and Landon has already been on this trail four times, but it's a great trail so I'm sure we'll keep going back. It's only about 3.5 miles, so it's great if you only have a couple of hours. It takes you to a beautiful overlook of the Bay Area so the hiking up hill is totally worth it. We tried out a new carrier for Landon. It wasn't as comfortable as the baby bjorn is, but Landon is getting heavier and I think he's growing out of the bjorn very quickly. I am amazed at how fast my little boy is growing. Here is a picture of him riding on his car. He likes to sit on it when he's in front of the mirror. I haven't figured out if he knows that it is him in the mirror or if he thinks another baby is coming towards him.

President Hinckley

"President Gordon B. Hinckley, who led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through twelve years of global expansion, has died at the age of 97 on January 27, 2008.

President Hinckley was the 15th president in the 177-year history of the Church and had served as its president since 12 March 1995."

President Hinckley was such a great example to me. I believe he was one of our church's most successful, cutest, dedicated, funny prophets of the Lord. He will be missed.

Tag I'm it & now you are!

Where were you born? Tremonton, Utah
Middle name: Ann
How old will you be this year? 24
Nicknames: Bam Bam, Bons, Super Bon Bon
Are you taller than your mother or father? Nope
Do you cry often during movies? Hardly Ever
What is your biggest pet peeve? People that tell the same stories every time you see them and Ryan filing his finger nails while driving down the freeway.
Favorite color: Green
Favorite foods: Fresh mozerella with tomato and fresh basil, pizza, and fajitas
Favorite beverage: Water
Favorite cold cereal: Cheerios
Favorite smells: roses, the mountains, babies right after they take a bath
Favorite time of day: I love mornings
What brand of shampoo/conditioner do you use? I use many different brands.
Favorite make-up products? I like bare essentuals powder foundation, Lancome's waterproof eyeliner, and Mascara....I still haven't found a brand I love...let me know if you have?
How many pillows do you sleep with? 2
Do you play an instrument? A little piano...mainly just the right hand
Have you ever been skinny dipping? Nope
What was the last movie you saw in the theater? I really don't remember:(
What is your favorite article of clothing? my cozy sweatshirt
What is your dream vacation? New Zealand
What was your first impression of your spouse? "He's a little strange, but fun!"
If you were an animal what would you be? A dolphin
What is your favorite "me- time" activity? Taking a bath or going to the gym
Favorite TV shows: The Office.
What is your dream car? The Infiniti FX
What is one of your weaknesses? If I have icecream in the house I have way too big of portions
What do you fix for dinner when there's nothing to fix? Tomato Soup
If you could live in a different decade/era which one would it be? I agree with Shauna.. I love the 50's!!
What is the emotion you feel the most? Happy
Do you consider yourself outgoing? Yes
What is something you are constantly working on? Reading the Book of Mormon everyday.
Any hidden talents? I'm a pretty good Hula Hooper.
What is a word or phrase you overuse? "That's good."
What was the hardest thing that happened to you this past year? Constantly having to bounce Landon the first three months of his life to keep him from screming...although I did lose all the baby weight within 4 weeks.
What is the best thing that happened to you this past year? Landon....once he reached 4 months and moving into a bigger house.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year? Get a more balanced life so that we have more family time.
Who are the 7 people you are going to tag to do this survey? How about anyone that hasn't already done it....Which means some of you should start a blog.