In A World Like This...

Friday September 6, 2013 Janelle and I kissed our husbands goodbye, hopped in the car, and started the long drive to Las Vegas.  Yes, we have been there before.  And, yes, we have been there for the exact same reason we were going this time... Backstreet Boys!  Totally worth the drive.  A traffic jam, and stopping for food added a good hour to our drive, but it didn't dampen our spirits. 

Saturday we slept in and then went shopping.  It sure is fun to watch Janelle spend her money!  But, she's one of those friends who says, "Of course you should buy it!  Buy them all!" so she got to watch me spend my money as well. 

Saturday night we made our way to Mandalay Bay and were pleasantly surprised to see Jesse McCartney take the stage.  It was a very good surprise and he was fantastic live! 

Then it was time for our boys, Brian, Nick, AJ, Kevin, and Howie.  I sure love me some Backstreet Boys!  Janelle and I have developed a definition for "Boy Band."  A boy band must have choreography.  When we saw One Direction they did not have any choreography, therefore they are not a legit boy band.  Backstreet Boys, however, are a true boy band.

We loved our trip and we always have a good time together.  I'm sure grateful for my concert BFF!

An Evening Being "Brave" and "Counting Stars"

August 31, 2013 was the beginning of our fall concert season.  Janelle, her husband Josh, Kjersti, and I made the drive up the canyon to Deer Valley to see Sara Bareilles with OneRepublic.  What a fantastic concert!!!  We were super thrilled that the rain stopped just in time for us to arrive.  If you ever have a chance to see Sara Bareilles and OneRepublic it is totally worth the money.  Both acts were awesome.  My only complaint was that everyone stayed standing for OneRepublic so I couldn't see the stage.  When I grow up I would like to be taller...

Grover Girls!

August 30, 2013 My aunt Robyn was kind enough to host the first (of what I hope will be many) annual Grover Girls Getaway at her cabin.  Grandpa George was an honorary Grover Girl for the evening.  When we got to the cabin we found him all snuggled in the big chair and I felt my University of Utah blanket would make a good addition.  For once he didn't fight me!  It's taken me a VERY long time, but perhaps I've been able to help Grandpa see the light.

I sure love my family and the relationships I have with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  I am blessed to have been raised in a family where these relationships are a priority.

Utah Man Sir, A Utah Man Am I!

Saturday August 29, 2013 D'Nell invited me to watch our Utes beat the Aggies.  Go Utes!  I sure love me some Utah Football with the BFF D'Nell!

Fans were asked to stripe the stadium.  I think it looks pretty cool!

 



 Seriously the 2 awesomest girls in the stadium!

 

D'Nell's sunglasses have led to some artist photographs this summer.  Here's our Utah football sunglasses reflection.

Summer of Fun 2013 Continues, Beginning with a Big Breakfast

 Saturday August 10, 2013 was another super awesome adventure in our Summer of Fun 2013.  Being BFFs with D'Nell means there's always something fun to look forward to.

We left early on our adventure and started North on I-15 (only after we got Suzie a Big Breakfast).  Our destination was the Spiral Jetty, but of course we got distracted by ding trips.  Our first stop, ATK.  We spent some time playing on the rocket displays (before we saw the "Please Stay Off" signs).

Genevieve and me

 



 Hello cute Suzie and D'Nell faces!

 

Then we were on our way toward the Spiral Jetty.  Because it's in the Great Salt Lake we could smell it before we saw it.

 The pink color of the brine shrimp and salt was better through our sunglasses, so this was an attempt at a photo through the lens of my sunglasses.

 

 Gen made sure to walk around the entire spiral, while the rest of us just cut through.

 

The Spiral Jetty really is quite neat.  One of those things every Utahn should see at least once.

 As we headed toward Brigham City for lunch we got distracted again by Promontory Point.  I always remember the date of the driving of the Golden Spike because it happened on my birthday!  We lucked out and there was a train convention thing going on so we got to watch a reenactment for free.  Perfect timing!

 Check out the name on this train!

 It was an absolutely beautiful summer day in northern Utah.  We live in a beautiful state and I am so lucky to be able to explore it with my fabulous friends!

 

 After lunch at the Emerald Isle (with some of our new biker friends) we drove around until we found the Brigham City temple and crashed a wedding.

Brigham City tabernacle

I sure love these cute girls and we have so much fun together!  I have been able to see and explore things I never would see on my own.  And our list of inside jokes gets longer each time we are together!