vegas

At the last minute I decided to go to Vegas and spend the weekend with my family before we all drove out to Lake Powell. I loved watching my brother Steele in his basketball games - he's quite the little baller. The high school team needed an extra hand and my brother Chad (the football stud) got recruited. I can't believe I get these two as brothers!

The weekend was H O T. Luckily the Mandalay Bay has a pretty fun pool/beach/lazy river/wave pool. With 115 degree weather, we spent most of our time in the water. I couldn't believe how much of a swimmer Steele had turned into. I thought Michael was the fish in the family but I think Steele is going to give him a run for his money in that department. 

The weekend wouldn't have been complete without a little speed and shopping. Pole Position is a ton of fun. As always, Chad showed everyone up on the track and took first place in all the races.

I loved all the LeBron championship gear at Niketown :)

Awesome HUGE display at Niketown

I was so happy to spend time with my sweet Mom and brothers. I love them too much! On Tuesday we drove to Powell to meet up with the rest of our family and the Weekes who went a day earlier. I finally got to see my hubby and had missed him so much. On Wednesday we were off for a week in paradise. That post coming soon :)

olympics

I'm so excited for the Olympics to start! It's such an inspiring journey to watch as young athletes complete for the United States. I love watching the team spirit and desire to win, the dreams that come true, and the pride in our country. It's amazing how hard they work to achieve their goals and what an incredible feeling that has to be when they realize they are an Olympian. Whether they medal or not, talk about an accomplishment. Here's to another magical Olympics with dreams coming true. P.S. Talk about a good-looking swim team!

easter

Last week was filled with sports and I couldn’t have been happier. Tuesday night Mike had a basketball game, Wednesday he had a football game, Thursday I worked the BYU baseball game, Friday I worked the BYU men’s tennis match all day followed by another generous night out at the Jazz game courtesy of Mike’s boss, Saturday morning Mike had a basketball game before I enjoyed the sun all day at the men’s tennis match for work. And of course we supported our favorite NBA teams, the Heat and Thunder, during their games. Talk about a hard decision to know who to rout for when they played each other!

Ever since I saw the Hunger Games I’ve been dying to read the books. I really liked the movie, and a book is always better than its movie! I ordered the set and finished all three over the weekend. I think Mike was bored during those couple of days because every spare minute I had you could find me glued to my books. I love to read and it’s been so long since I’ve read anything besides a school book. I’m trying to figure out what book to read next. There’s nothing better than reading a book outside during summer.

We had a wonderful Easter! Alexis sang a beautiful rendition of “I Stand All Amazed” during her sacrament. I love the words of that hymn! I love Easter and remembering my Savior’s Atonement and that He lives. There are so many wonderful talks on the Atonement, but one that stands out to me is “But for a Small Moment” by Elder Neal A. Maxwell. He gave it awhile back at a BYU devotional. A friend showed it to me last fall and I haven’t stopped being drawn to it. I missed being with my family this Easter but am grateful to have a wonderful family here. 

conference

Another great weekend for us! I got to enjoy the amazing weather all day Friday watching the BYU women's tennis match... and had a bright red face and tan lines to show for it. It was the first time in awhile that I can remember actually getting burnt, because of my darker skin. But that's what happens after a lack of sun all winter and being outside for five hours straight. My hands were even burnt! I loved it though and can't wait for the men to play this Friday and Saturday. After the match, Mike called me and said his boss gave us tickets to the Jazz/Kings game. We were so excited because we hadn't been yet this year and we love basketball (and every other sport for that matter), especially when we get to cheer on BYU's very own Jimmer.

Saturday we enjoyed two wonderful sessions of general conference. I loved Elder Packer's talk on families and children, Elder Oaks on sacrifice, and President Eyring's on the foundation of our faith. And of course Elder Holland's was a favorite. I can't wait to read all the talks on lds.org. 

While Mike was at priesthood, Alexis and I had dinner with Mike's grandma. After, Alexis and I enjoyed Red Mango before I went and practiced piano. I'm determined to be good one of these days... still waiting on that day to come though! 

Heaven on earth!

Sunday we went to the Weekes' house (we missed them while they were in St. George!) and watched conference with Tanner. I loved President Uchtdorf's and Elder Rasband's talks! Mike's aunt and uncle had us over for the yummiest dinner Sunday night! His cousins LOVE playing with him. Mike's going to make the best dad. 

The basketball star had another game last night, and of course they won. They're moving onto the elite 8 and I don't think anyone can stop them. "Cash Money" (yes, their team name kills me) has a football game tonight too. I work the BYU baseball game Thursday night and then the men's tennis matches Friday and Saturday. I'm loving all these sports! Have a wonderful Wednesday! 

weekend work

I have the best job! I work at the BYU athletic department doing media relations for the sports teams and absolutely love it. One of the perks of the job is getting to work games... which usually leaves my husband to fend for himself for some fun. Luckily, we have pretty amazing kids in our life to keep him company!

Late night In-N-Out run

Movie night with Gwen

Piggy back rides

the boys of fall

My brother Chad is another baller in my family... a football STUD! Chad is the sweetest, most tender, loving person on the planet, but when he puts those football pads on, watch out! I may be a little biased as his sister, but I can't think of a hotter kid! Tall, dark and handsome. Not to mention a genetic masterpiece with his BUILT bod! He graduates high school this year and is going to be breaking hearts at BYU soon, and I couldn't be more excited to have him here with me! I couldn't ask for a better brother!

He loves when I take pictures of him :)

I love this guy so much!

As much as I love basketball, I can't wait until football season!

 

the two ballers

My little brother Steele (who is not so little anymore!) is a basketball pro! Luckily for him, so is Michael. The two love playing every time we're together. Last time we were home they played the entire day. You can't get these two off the court!

The boys were digging the "tongue-out" look...

They weren't too happy the paparazzi was out taking pictures...

Steele has the best shot around, which explains why he beat Michael in just about every shooting game there is. But Michael did have a little bit of height advantage when it came to one-on-one :) 

The boys were definitely tired after a long day...