Ugly Duckling

We finally visited Willow Park Zoo yesterday... only took us four years to get there! Jacob taunted the poor monkeys with fish food, which was rather entertaining. We also witnessed some lovely Christian Rap music and African drums and dance. Such a fantastic place.. we will definitely go back before we leave!

Birthday Boy

Jakey boy turned 25 years old on Sunday... which means he's been on this earth for a quarter of the century. Pretty awesome. This is how we celebrated.

I decided to throw a little surprise dinner for him with all of our friends. This was my first time surprising him so I wasn't sure that I could pull it off smoothly... but I did! His coworkers at OG gave us all free birthday desserts and sang the ol' "Buena Festa" birthday song to send us on our way. We're sure going to miss that employee discount.

 These are the wonderful friends that helped me pull it off. Minus Richy and Alli. We think you're great.

On Sunday...

We had a lovely day full of family and food... including birthday breakfast, gifts, bbq in Draper, Tres Leches and Oli time. What a fun weekend!

Oh and we finally sold Jake's car today! She will be dearly missed...

Thanks for the memories "Big Blue"...!

Farmers Market

My favorite part of Logan in the summer time..?

The Logan Farmers Market. If you haven't been you need to now! Its on Saturdays at Merlin Olsen. Go get you some home grown produce, raw honey, freshly squeezed lemonade and banana custard crepes. YUM!

Sparklers and Lighter Fluid

Welcome to Green Canyon, Logan's best camping spot!

We had quite the adventure Friday night while camping in this beautiful area... complete with hiking, grilling, cave dwelling, sparklers and the burning of uniforms and camping chairs.

Meet our friends, Shauna and Taylor.

 

Taylor likes corn on the cob

and Jacob likes hot dogs.

 Shauna LOVES sparklers

While Jacob LOVES burning things (like his Olive Garden uniform seen here)

 But burning his uniform wasn't enough, so he decided to get a little crazy and fill a can full of lighter fluid and put it in the fire...

This is what happened. (note the missing cup holder and burnt chair bag)

Fortunately this blanket got the brunt of the burn instead of his dear wife who was sitting there only moments before. 

Needless to say it will be a VERY long time until Jacob uses lighter fluid again.

Series Premiere

Remember this...?

Back in January, I had the opportunity to work for the OWN network on the "Carson Nation" show. It was probably one of the nuttier things I've done... but so worth it. Well now it's FINALLY premiering!! I've been watching the trailers and sneak peeks all week, and today I saw this picture on http://www.oprah.com/own of my friends Ashley and Carson...

No big deal, I know them... Tonight's episode is in Eureka, California. I'll let you know when the Beaver, Utah episode is! But naturally you'll record and watch all of them... right?

Behind Petsmart

What I love about this apartment in the summertime...

I'm going to miss you Logan.

I am no bird and no net ensnares me. I am a free human being with an independent will.

So Jake and I went and saw ANOTHER movie tonight. I just love the dollar theater. And wow...I have not been this excited about a movie since Pride and Prejudice... you must see it.

Scenery... Breathtaking.

Costumes... Lovely.

Story... uhh Fantastic!

I now plan on reading the book.

Go see Jane Eyre!

(Love the bonnet and shawl)

I'm a bad wife.

Sometimes when Jake doesn't put sunscreen on I just roll my eyes and do nothing. Maybe that makes me a bad wifey... I guess I just assume he's a big boy and can handle being out in the sun on his own. Well, I was mistaken. This is probably the worst sunburn I've ever seen. It looks like he's wearing brown leather shoulder pads. What gets me are the red spots in the middle. Yikes. I just hope he's learned his lesson now...

On a lighter note...

 

Today Jake and I went on a field trip to the canyon where we got engaged. We ate Einstein Bagels and Jamba Juices. Can't believe that was two years ago!

I hate you Christina Aguilera.

Look people, I found him before The Voice, okay? Back when he had eyebrows. If you want to hear more, I love his song "In Your Hands."

On another note... Jake and I went and saw "Something Borrowed" this evening. SO STUPID. Ethan was the only good person in that show. And the Tom Cruise wanna be? I'd punch him if I saw him.

Daddy Darling

Due to an incapacitating migraine yesterday, I wasn't able to complete my Father's Day post. So sorry it's a little late pop pop!

Ten reasons why I love my Dad.

1. He has the loudest voice/laugh in all the land. 

2. He finishes each day with a spoon and a gallon of ice cream

3. He can never get my name on the first try

4. He cries every time we say goodbye

5. He practices his golf swing in the airport

6. He planted a Willow tree in the backyard just for me

7. He takes me to far away places like Scotland!

8. He spoils us kids ROTTEN.

9. He's tough, but has the biggest heart.

10.The man's a machine! 

Primary

 

Meet Levigh and Jaydan. 

(whose parents chose to spell their name in the most difficult way possible).

These two are my most dedicated primary students...  

Here's a conversation Levigh and I had today

L: That's my mom...

C: Awesome Levigh

L: She gave birth to me.

C: Yes, she did...

L: My dad's name is Trevor.

C: Really? Does he have freckles like you?

D: No, but he has zits on his back..

How I love my calling... :)

The Familys All Together

Here's our Draper wrap-up:

 Back Seat Mommas

 Oliver and his Ouchies

 Nana and Tatey

 Bae and Me

 The Championship

 Big Buster

 Back Flip

 Jake and Bae

Puppy Practice with Ruby

I bang in the east and I'm bangin in the west

Loving these two lately... she's pretty amazing and they're engaged! Love it.

Baby Momma

 

Bah hah! It's Allyson Doman's birthday today. She was oh so preggers in this picture and still giving us a show. What a trooper. 10 things I love about Ally:

1. Her self-less nature, she NEVER complains!

2. Her patience with my overwhelming personality.

3. Her bravery... she just had a baby! Scary stuff.

4. She always makes me feel validated in my fits of rage and self-pity.

5. She's there for me no matter when or what. Like surprising me on my birthday. Awesome.

6. She laughs at my jokes. and weird voices. and rude comments.

7. She apologizes for EVERYTHING! Including the ill-timed birth of her child. Honestly.

8. She never gives up on anyone. Always accepting and kind.

9. Her baby. I think she's pretty great. Even though she's stealing my best friend.

10. Our history... So many memories! She truly knows me inside and out.

Love ya Al! Ya-ya for life.

Exhale

Hey, hey! Hope I didn't lose any readers due to my pity party yesterday... Venting sometimes happens on this blog. I'm feeling better today, due to plenty of distractions (thank you Spencer family and cousin Candace). I also quit my job this evening, which was surprisingly really hard, but a big relief. Man, I still can't believe we're doing this. Right now, all I want to do is...

 Deep breaths Courtney, deep breaths...

Seriously?

My body aches. My head hurts. I want to take a bubble bath. If you can't tell... it's been an emotional day. First, I had to say farewell to this bundle of joy...

Then... Jake and I had our date of departure changed for Air Force. We now leave the end of July. Seriously. From October to JULY. Like NEXT MONTH. Typing it makes me choke up. You might be thinking, isn't that what you wanted originally...? Yes, yes it was. And it is great in many ways. But I'm so caught off guard! I do not like surprises and I was finally used to the idea of October... bahhh. In order to make me feel better I will list the positive aspects of this situation.

1. Jake starts his training program a lot earlier.
2. We get paid... soon.
3. Buying a puppy.
4. Getting out of this crappy apartment.
5. No more waiting tables.
6. A new change!

Oh how I wish I could just focus on these things instead of the sadness of it all. Leaving friends... family... all things familiar. I'm freaking out!!

Reagan

 So I'm in love...

 Jake is too...

My bestie Ally Doman is now a proud momma. Her little girl is so sweet! I'll be so sad to leave her tomorrow...

Goodbye For Now

 Our final day in Glenwood was emotional and fantastic. We made a trip to Jake's Aunt Kimmy's grave site with the family. The spirit was so strong there, I know she was with us... I can't wait to meet her someday :)

 

And then another amazing thing happened! My bestie Allyson Doman had her first baby, Reagan Kari. I wish I could have been there but seeing her tomorrow will be amazing!

Our drive home was long but gratifying, Colorado is a gorgeous state. We'll hopefully be back soon!

Mineral Water

 

Had a fantastic day at Glenwood Springs!