Earth Day

In honor of Earth day today, we planted an herb garden filled with my most favorite herbs. (Except I'm missing Rosemary...they didn't have it) I can't even begin to describe the excitement I feel at the thought of having fresh herbs at my fingertips, ready to be used to make food even yummier.

Yes, Nic is literally 'hugging a tree'.

Cilantro and Sage

Parsley and Thyme

Basil (same blurry camera problem as previous posts)

And Yellow Pear Tomatoes whose picture was just too blurry to post.

On the Road Again

This time to Las Vegas... Most people find this a much more desireable destination than our last. But what made this trip so much fun for us was seeing some of our best friends! We had so much fun spending time with Ryan and Steph...eating Cafe Rio, (which I'm really contemplating opening here in California) riding the New York New York rollar coaster (which I'll never do again and which Nic MADE me do) and just talking and catching up. We had such a good time and we want to thank them for everything. We can't wait for May 2nd!

A wedding was the actual reason for our travels this past weekend. The Mulder's, a family that Nic became really close to on his mission, had a son that got married to a girl from Vegas and we were graciously invited to attend the ceremony and reception. These last two weeks have held such meaning to me as I have been able to meet so many people that have had such an impact on Nic's life. The Mulder's literally took care of Nic during his first 6 months on the mission, and for that I am so thankful... but I was also so happy to hear about the reverse effect the relationship had on this family. Sister Mulder actually cried tears as she told me of the impact Nic had on their life. I stood there, completely humbled, as she thanked me for introducing Nic to the gospel, convinced that her life would have ended up so differently if her family had gone without meeting him. So there I stood, crying and bonding with a woman I just met over the most wonderful husband a girl could ever ask for.

A Day to Reflect

It has been said that the Atonement/Resurrection is the single most important occurrence in the history of the World. I feel an inadequacy to type my feelings on this subject, but not a day goes by that I don't feel the effect of this selfless and loving act for without which, there would be no purpose in life.

Similar to Christmas, Easter has become a reason for gift giving, fantasy, and celebration. Nic and I celebrated this holiday on our own for the second year in a row, and just like the last (and other 7 years) I couldn't let the day go by without an Easter basket for Nic. In the fashion of struggling students living on one income, we used the gift giving to provide what some might call 'necessities'. For right now, we like to call them luxuries.

A new ironing board cover (Nic has been ironing on a towel), starch (Nic is now in heaven), a spray water bottle, a sports bra (for me of course...I really needed one!) and a little bit of candy (mounds for Nic, swedish fish for me). I must say, it was quite perfect.

How could I have forgotten...

Meet Noah... First child of my best friend, Leah (and Scott) Bingham. We had the pleasure of meeting Noah Max Bingham last weekend while we were in Utah, but for reasons of which I have no excuse, I failed to take pictures during our meet. The below pictures are of Noah, not during our moments together, but from an earlier time. Is he not one of the most adorable baby boys you have ever seen?

The Road to Utah

"Where are you going on your vacation?" These are the words I kept hearing last week as I prepared my co-workers for the fact that I would be out of town for a few days. "Utah? How fun!" they all said. I knew they were lying. I knew in their minds they were wondering who in the world DRIVES to UTAH for a four-day vacation. But that is what Nic and I did. We packed our tiny 2-door car full of clothes, blankets, pillows and HEALTHY snacks (even though I didn't run for four days, I still tried to stay within my training limits) and drove the 9.5 hour drive to good ol' Utah where we were greeted with family, friends, and old mission companions.

The Drive
Nic's vice to stay awake...Sunflower Seeds. Always ranch flavored.

The beautiful red rocks and scenery through the Virgin River Gorge and St. George (and our favorite part of the drive)

Our First Stop: The Missionary Training Center, also known as the MTC, where Nic had taken pictures with our family almost 4 years before. Nic wanted us both to be in this picture to represent how far we have come.

Next Stop: Temple Square

Lunch at the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, overlooking Salt Lake City and Temple Square. It was beautiful, and even more special than normal as this was Nic's first visit.

The main reason for our travels: The Mission Reunion. Nic has wanted me to meet President and Sister Driscoll since the moment he met them. And they were as lovely as he described.

The bonus: The Saturday morning session of conference, shared with 21,000 other people in the magnificently built Conference Center. Nic's trusty companion, Dan, was able to get tickets and we happily went.

Nic and Elder Dan Kennard. Thank you for taking care of us Dan!

Nic's mad photography skills in action (we both blame it on our not-so-good camera). But I couldn't not post this picture. Where else would we see the ENTIRE first presidency in the flesh, especially as this was taken from our extremly close seats. Here it is...President Monson, President Eyring and President Uchtdorf. The feeling in the room was one of reverence and peace as soon as they walked in. It was surreal.