Fabulous Days

All days are good, but some of them are just fabulous! Like today. Let me tell you why...

The end of July, I moved in with one of the best families on this Earth- The Knaphus'! Riley, Britton (Garr), and Logan are the boys. They have become some of my greatest friends and honestly I don't know what I would do with myself if I didn't live with these 3 loving, fun, and witty people! Thanks for putting up with me boys!

Next we have the older sister, Mandy, who is married to Phil. Cutest couple award goes to these two.  Mandy is tiny, sweet, and dresses so cute every day! She inspires me to get out of my yoga pants and shows up for a girls outing at just the right moments! Phil is awesome, crazy, and sometimes inappropriate. They compliment one another, but most importantly they are crazy about each other and it's adorable!

Riley, Garr, Me, Phil, Mandy

Then we have the wonderful parents Chris and Leslie! I owe everything to them for their love, support, and generosity. I mean seriously, how many parents in this world would open their home to a young girl like me, when they already have their boys! But it's not only me who get this special treatment! They embrace an open door policy which means they are never alone! Every friend, neighbor, and stranger are always welcome and trust me they do! It is so much fun to live in home so full of life and different personalities. I feel like a princess and I am so grateful! THANK YOU!

Leslie, Dallas, Riley, Logan, Phil, Mandy, Chris, Brett, Lisa, Garr, Me
Waiting in line for the coaster

Ok, so that was just the build up for the rest of my story. You have to know the Knaphus' to know why each day is so great.

This morning began will Britton waking me up with my favorite cereal and Nesquik before we headed out with Alex to go rock climbing. We went up Big Cottonwood Canyon for my first outdoor climbing experience! Britton has been teaching me indoors for the last couple weeks, and today we put me to the test. I was a little scared and the heights were a lot for me, but I put on my brave face and did two climbs! I had so much fun and it was so great to be outside! Ran some errands, had a promising job lead, and then the whole family (plus a few friends) rode the coaster at Park City Mountain Resort! It was so much fun, I'm still laughing about it all! All this was followed by some good grub at Davanza's and shopping at the outlets! I know what you're thinking..."that was a fabulous day." Yep. It was great!

Garr climbing

I'm waaaaaay up there. Scary

Visiting Home



It's been so long since I have blogged that I forgot I even had one! So sorry. I will try to be better. After spending the month of June in DC, I left for San Diego in July to visit my childhood! I had so much fun being with my parents, grandparents, and family friends. Highlights were: surfing with dad, the beach always, seeing my Ericka and Tarynn friends, going to Rosa's Mexican Cantina, shopping with Grandma, snorkeling at La Jolla Cove, and loving my family! Such a good trip.

My family's favorite place in Temecula

Grandma & Papa

Mom & Dad snorkeling
Check out the seal in the background!

Oceanside: where I grew up

San Diego Temple

Grandma Marion

Aren't I so attractive!

Bear Lake

Happy 4th of July Weekend! I had a glorious weekend at Bear Lake with some great friends, food, and fun. Thank goodness for Ben Williams for connecting everyone and his lovely parents for allowing us to stay at their cabin. THANK YOU!

Me, Gabe, Louie, Drew, Ben, Jann, Joey

It was a well needed relaxing weekend. I finished a book, went boating, did some surfing, hiking/skiing down the patch of snow left on the mountain, won a badminton tournament, soaked up some sun, ate great food, star gazed, created music, and enjoyed the beauty of nature and new friends. Basically, I did all my favorite things in life! The only thing I didn't do much of was sleep.

Gabe in a tree

Jamm Sesh on the 4th

We watched the fireworks in Park City. I love fireworks, however after watching Disney's "Wishes" weekly in Florida, nothing really compares now. But that's okay, I still enjoyed the PC fireworks on the 4th!

DC

Things I love about DC:

Walking- so many people walk. Walk to work, walk to grocery shop, walk to go out to eat. You’re never alone because someone is always walking right next to you! So neat. I think tomorrow I’ll start talking to someone cute as we walk so we can pretend we’ve been best friends forever and just happen to be walking in the same direction.

Grocery shopping in business suits- It is quite difficult to find a grocery store in the city, but there is a little (and I mean little) Trader Joes halfway underground on L and 25^th. It’s more convenient to shop after work on your way home, so everyone is still dressed up buying all this organic food with their “green” shopping bags! I love it. I feel so grown up and healthy. After all I am 22 now!

Free entertainment- whenever I feel like it, I can walk into a museum, take a jog around the White House, see some historical monuments- my favorite being World War II and Lincoln. Sadly there is construction going on between the two, and the reflection pond is no longer so it’s not as peaceful as usual.

The Metro- amazing! Fast. Cool. Underground. Easy to use. Cheap. Safe-ish. Need I say anymore.

Happy Hour- yes I don’t drink, but I do eat ice cream…and Ben & Jerry’s have 3 scoops for $3 during happy hour. That’s what I call true happiness!

The American Red Cross- the whole reason I have been so fortunate to come to Washington DC every summer the last three years. I love my job, I love what the company stands for, and I love Jen and Brian who I get to work with each day! The students this year were completely wonderful and I already miss everyone.

Tribute to our Father

Happy Father’s Day! I have a little story for you…Years ago two people fell in love. The birds and the bees, la-de-da, and twenty-four years ago a young adult Andy, became a father. His beautiful wife, Troy, gave birth to a skinny little girl named Kristin on February 3. A couple years later on May 6^th, a pleasantly chubby child, Katie, entered into the world. The children were the most beautifully brilliant children any parent could ever ask for. Kristin and Katie grew up and became Andy and Troy’s greatest treasures on Earth. Well…those amazing little children would be my sister and me! So as a tribute to our wonderful father, here is a list of why he is the Best Dad Ever!

A-advice: he always knows what to say and has our best interest in mind.

N-nice: he doesn’t have a mean bone in his body and is genuinely nice without trying

D- diligent: whether with family, church, or work, he takes his responsibilities serious

R-real: what you see is what you get and we think it’s pretty darn great!

E-excited: even if it’s just posing with his Easter basket, dad is excited about the simple things in life

W-wisdom: dad is intuitive and shares his insight when we need it most

D-dancing: it is how our parents met and his mad skills make for a great dance party even if it’s just in the kitchen

O-optimistic: he is always so happy and has the brightest outlook on life

N-no filter: you think after 3 women coaching him when to keep his mouth shut, he’d get it. But no- if it’s on his mind, he’s going to say it and most the time it’s pretty funny if it’s not too embarrassing

A-acts goofy: Dad is a goof-ball, but that’s why he’s so fun and why everyone loves him

L-loving: dad loves us soooo much and he is quite a lovable guy! I think we’ll keep him!

D-daddy-daughter dates: even though we have to take turns, we love our one on one time and all the special things he does for us

M-macho: or at least that’s his perception of himselfJ Shhh, just keep telling him that he is!

C-camping: thank you for making Lake Mojave my fondest memory and favorite place to be. As well as all the camping, backpacking, and hiking

L-learning: he is always reading, surfing the web, watching the history channel, and learning. He’s a pretty smart guy

I-inspiring: you have inspired us to get great educations and are the reason I did a triathlon

N-never gives up: whatever curve ball life throws at him, he catches it and runs with it

T-treats: he’s a mean baker, loves his goodies, and always makes sure his girls are never without their favorite treats

O-open arms: dad is a big cuddler and gives the best hugs

C-coaching: he is standing on the sideline coaching us through life, not to mention following me through my entire volleyball career

K-kind: he is so kind and makes friends wherever he goes. Literally!

Dad- you truly are the greatest and we can’t imagine our lives without you. You have been there for every moment of success, sadness, excitement, heartache, and happiness. You are a blessing in our lives and we love you with all our hearts. Thank you for everything. We hope you enjoyed your day!

NYC

As I found myself with a free Saturday while in DC, I decided perhaps New York City is where I should spend my time! The only time I had been to NYC was a day during my 8^th grade trip. I had a great time then, and couldn’t see why I wouldn’t take this sweet opportunity to enjoy it now.  So I bought a bus ticket, and took a four hour bus ride to the big city! With the help of my great friend, Jennifer, I had my entire day planned.

High Line Park

I got there around noon and was dropped off at the New Yorker. Then I made my way to the High Line. The High Line is a park elevated on a 1930’s freight rail structure. The High line delivered meat, produce, and milk to the port on the west side, but the last train ran in 1980. And now it is a beautiful park! From there, I went to the Gansevoort Hotel to view the city. I went to the top of this fancy place where some sort of cocktail party was happening and took some pictures of the city.

View from Gansevoort

As I walked through the city, I realized just how big New York City is! I mean I grew up close to San Diego, went to college in the biggest city in Utah (Salt Lake City), and worked in Washington DC the last three summers, but New York City is real big! I felt pretty small in this giant bustling city.

Union Square was my next stop! I grabbed a smoothie, walked around some of the shops, and enjoyed a stroll through a fabulous farmers market! It was great to see a community come out on a beautiful Saturday and enjoy some sun, music, and fresh produce.

Union Square farmer's market

I walked up Broadway where people are scattered everywhere. There are cute tables and chairs in the middle of the streets where so many people enjoy a meal. I walked past the Flatiron building and then through Madison Square Park.

Flatiron Building

At this point I notice I’m starving, so I head to Times Square. I sat on the steps, eating my chicken and steak kabobs (bought from a street vendor), and stared in awe. As a marketing major, this was one of my favorite parts. It’s overwhelming how many brands are flashed before your eyes.

Delicious!

I made a quick stop at Radio City and Rockefeller Plaza. There was a great Saturday market going on so I may have bought a couple scarves and such! Then I walked down 5^th Avenue and window shopped. Why? I’m not rich, not appropriately dressed, and I was on a mission.

Then I went to the Plaza! I even went inside! It was gorgeous and the people were so nice. I took myself on a little tour of the place. They have a fancy hat shop that I loved! I also went to the Eloise store just to get the book…and of course they didn’t have it! So I ask politely, some strings were pulled, and I walked away with a signed copy of the book form the artist! As well as a free notepad! I love my life.

The Plaza

My last stop was Central Park-so beautiful and so big. I could spend a whole day there, which I really think I might do next time!

Well there’s my NYC story. Sorry for the lengthiness, but I hope you enjoyed it. I certainly did!

Transitioning

My time in Florida has come to an end. I loved my time there, but I am ready for something new. What I will miss most: my roomies Jackie, Katelyn, and Emily. My fellow CP’s: Emily, Travis, Eric, Michele, and yes even Tyler! The people I worked with: Ber-NICE, April, Cavelle, Crystal, Deb, Wendy, Ingrid, DAD (Anthony), and MOM (Patti). Magic Kingdom, Rockin’ Rollercoaster, Tower of Terror, Lion King show, my precious animals Kitten (rhino) and Luna (baby elephant), California Soarin, and select other rides. Twistee Treat. Hot weather. Beautiful beaches. I think that’s about it.

Katelyn & Me at my favorite Beach!

This is Heaven

I had one week in Salt Lake where I got to see my close friends and family. I especially loved sleepovers at Ericka’s and my seeesters. Dinner at Whit’s. Sweet awesome jammin’ party at Ben’s. Temple with Rachel, and a great weekend with my parents and Kristin as they came to my graduation!

Ben's Par-tay

Graduating with my best friend Ericka:)
(She's so tall!)

My darling family

Goodbye Westmini!
Tootles

And now I get a lot of “me” time in Washington DC. I live at George Washington University, work at the American Red Cross, and spend my evenings alone, usually walking around the city, working out, and reading. Oh yeah, and trying lots of new foods! It’s been great so far.

Cruisin'

My first cruise experience: Pretty Dang Good.

Emily, Katelyn and I went together and we had so much fun! A well needed and deserved trip for us! There was so much to do all the time and the food was fantastic and plentiful. I have become very accustomed to 3 course meals...every meal!

We had the cutest waiters!

The Bahamas!

Day 1: Found a sketchy place to park the car, jumped in a shuttle over to our port in a van that was falling apart. We were late by about ten minutes, but we made it on the ship! Anxiety running high? Oh, yes...first cruise, late-almost didn't make it, middle of the ocean, dizzy...you get the idea. We explored the ship, enjoyed the sun, and had a lovely dinner. We started to settle in and went salsa dancing with a little

 "Brazilian teacher" in very tight jeans.

Day 2: Bahamas! Went to the market, played at the beach, caught up on some sleep-nap, and relaxed. It was a full moon that night so the ocean was so bright! Formal night! A comedian and a musical performance.

Day 3: Coco Cay! My favorite morning, as I did yoga on the beach with a beautiful boy from London in the rain! It was brilliant! Still in love. Found a hammock, or as Emily would say, "ham-mock," and layed for...awhile. This is where we were also corrected by a lifeguard that our "boat" as we called it, is a "SHIP!" Our bad...it's a ship apparently. Watched the belly-flop competition, enjoyed the sunset, and went to bed early.

Katelyn's feet and I'm in the background

Day 4: Key West! What a beautiful little city. I really loved it there and would love to go again. We became jewelry snobs and snagged some free pearl earrings! more sleeping, laying out, reading and such. Our last dinner with our cute waiters we love so much. Emm rocked some karaoke! Then we played Quest-an adult only game where we split into teams and compete in a human scavenger hunt. This is where we met our darling Ukrainian boys who I might still be in love with! The five of us had so much fun and spent the rest of the night together dancing and such.

My favorite statue-thingy in Key West!

Day 5: Had breakfast with our cute Ukrainians and sadly had to get off the ship! It was a great trip and an amazing time with the girls. Love you!

The cute Ukranians!



Life turned into a whirlwind, so I'm going to make this short and sweet.

I finished working for DisneyWorld as a vacation planner.

The CP crew with Dad and Mom (our managers: Anthony and Patti)

I turned 22 on May 6th. I had some anxiety going into it, but the week was full of parties, friends, and magic!

Birthdays are the best.

Magic Kingdom with Emm and Katelyn

O'hana's with the roomies!
Our servers were awesome and the food was delicious!



We graduated from Disney's College Program. Moved out of our apartment. Moved into a condo.

One last day in the parks. Spent a great afternoon in Italy (@ Epcot). Did I mention it has been hot? Oh yes, we're talking 90+ with humidity the last couple weeks.

The day after my birthday I competed in the Everest Challenge: a Disney 5k through the Animal Kingdom with obstacles followed by a scavenger hunt and an after party in the park til 1am! The race was so well organized, so much fun, and of course, magical. The best part of the experience was the people I raced with. Karyl was my teammate, and Jackie and Katelyn were teammates. Jackie is our amazing roommate we encouraged to quit smoking. She quit, worked hard to run this race, and finished! We are so proud!

This was my first 5k and we ended up taking 4th! I was pretty excited, yet so bummed since it was only by 10 seconds! I guess I'll have to do it again!

Emily, Katelyn, and I also went to Cirque du Soleil! Yes, this was my third time, but I love it!

So there you have it. A lot of fun, work, and stress. I've been sick this week-guess this is just how my body has been handling everything. I feel like I'm floating. I am exhausted, but on the mend. I've almost got my head wrapped around my life again. Tomorrow I will set sail on my first cruise ever as a little graduation present to myself! Emily and Katelyn are my ship-mates and we are very excited. So off to bed and see you in a week everybody!