To Utah, then Denver and back!

For some reason, I felt like I didn't take a lot of pics over the weekend... just kidding. I have lots to share!

On Thursday after work, I hopped on a plane for my family weekend in Utah and Colorado.

My pregnant twin sis and her husband picked me up from the airport. (Thanks guys!)

Friday: we spent the day in Provo checking out Steele's college scene including his man cave where he lives with 5 other guys and the walls are cover in Taylor Swift posters.

He showed off his fab guitar skills!

We also stopped by the tool department at Sears - Steele's part time job location. Did you know he was awarded Employee of the Month in January?!

I quickly stopped by The Buckle to see Ginger - one of my favorite mission comps. :)

We enjoyed lunch at Cafe Rio. (I seriously crave the pork salads often! So good. So satisfying.)

Friday night we attended Kimberly and Patrick's wedding dinner party at the Grand American Hotel! (Who's missing in the pic? Lincoln!)

It's always fun catching up with Kansas friends!

Saturday we attended the temple sealing that was extra special.

The new Mr. and Mrs. :)

Saturday afternoon was Angela's baby shower!

(Do you see the cute bow my mom is holding? Alex found this adorable, simple craft that we made for Ang's new baby girl!)

Between all the other weekend events, we did cheer on BYU and KU as they won both their basketball games! So fun!

Sunday was church and then my mom, dad, Alex, Bryan, Lincoln and I all road tripped to Denver.

My parents headed home early Monday morning. I felt spoiled because Alex pampered me by trimming my hair and then straightening it. The rest of the day was spent playing with this little guy...

...and shopping in the 72 degree weather!! (Thanks Alex for introducing me to Charming Charlie - you were right. I LOVED shopping there.)

I seriously love family time.

Together.

Forever.

Feeding the Homeless

The FHE activity tonight was feeding the homeless in the area...

Courtney prepped the chili.



We quickly formed an assembly line and packaged up the goodness - thanks, Panera for donating the containers!



I was the D.D.... if we spotted someone that looked like they could use some warm chili, I pulled to the side, two people hopped out of the car, and the chili was delivered. :) Everyone was so grateful and I watched as one man's face light up and his expression was like, "Is this really for me?" The team gave him a couple of bowls.

Hopefully our new friends can go to bed tonight with warm little tummies.

So many holidays...

Who knew March 4 was "Associate Appreciation Day"...
Thanks Natalie for the Peanut Butter M&Ms! They lasted a day. (I shared!!)



Have you had a Shamrock Shake from McDonald's? HURRY! They leave after St. Patty's Day!


(Just a quick tip: Pay the little extra to add the M&M minis. You won't regret it.)

The Saturday before St. Patrick's Day the Chicago river is died green. I love having friends that live right downtown! We had brunch on Saturday morning and could see the river from Courtney's apartment.





Check. This. Out.

A Shamrock Shake...floating in the river.

The next upcoming holiday this month?

Family time.

In Utah.

Yesssss.

A little of this and a little of that Part II

I read this book last weekend and loved it:

I'll share my favorite part, page 103.

"You set your sights in the way the Lord wants you to do it, not the way you want to do it, and it works out. Do it the way the Lord has set for you and you'll succeed every time. That's why the prophets tell us to set goals, to get an education, to always strive to be better."

Mario Facione, the author, lives in Michigan and remember when I visited there several weekends ago? I met him. Nice guy. His conversion story was inspiring!

Last Sunday I had dinner with my cousins - that live in Chicago.

Cousins are the best. :)

Marilla, Allan and I also took a little road trip to Louisville, Kentucky last Monday. Road trips are my fav!! (I'm going to say that every time, don't you worry!) Marilla is serving a mission in Kentucky! Before dropping her off at the mission home, we enjoyed lunch at the Tumbleweed!

We also stopped by the temple.

This past week, I had dinner with my co-workers (minus Jaime and Becca. They couldn't make it. Next time, they'll be there.) They jokingly asked why they didn't make the Top 10 of 2010 post I did at the beginning of the year. I thought about it and realized that I spend more time with them than my roommates, other Chicago friends and family. We really do have a great time working together! :) I'm sure they'll be on my top 11 of 2011 post next year.

And now, on to a new week!