Working up in Midway!

Every year my department plans a retreat for all AFCU managers and upper management. I was lucky enough to have gone up to the resort and help coordinate the events that we had planned. We were really busy the whole time, but it was really worth it. On one of the nights I only got 4 hours of sleep, and for those who know me that is nothing compared to my normal 12 hours of sleep a night. I love my co-workers, it was fun spending more time with them. Here is a picture of Me, Kimberli and Jill at the Awards night dinner.

The next day I took the partners Trap shooting, which I've never done before. I was really nervous to try it, but it was a lot of fun! They were all supportive and told me how easy and fun it was, so I tried it. Let's just say I wasn't very good.

That afternoon I was able to go on a hike to Stewart Falls. We thought it was going to be more of a leisurly walk, but it definantly was harder than that. That hike was wonderful, it was in a secluded area, which always makes me so appreciative for the earth. Aspen's are my favorite kind of tree, and I loved seeing the leaves change colors! I just love hiking in the fall!

On the last night Benton was able to come up and enjoy dinner with us. The theme was an Oktoberfest. The girls talked a polka dancer to come ask me to dance on the floor with him, how embarassing.

Here are some cute pictures of us and our hubby's!



On the last day I insisted a picture of all of us, here is Me, Kimberli, Diana, Jill and Paula-thanks for helping me the whole time, you guys are the best! Hopefully next year, we will all be doing it together again!

Happy Birthday Dad!

My dad ended up coming to town over his birthday for work, so we celebrated it a day early. We went to Crown Burger at his request, sadly they don't have one in St. George. Chelsie was very thoughtful and had made a chocolate cake, we just forgot to bring matches to light his candles...here's my dad making a wish without any candles lit!

It was nice visiting with him and having him here for his birthday. He is a really good dad, one of the best things about him is how hard of a worker he is. Growing up he was always working to provide the best for all of us. I know we are all greatful for everything he has done and will keep doing for us. We love you dad!

Sunday Dinner

We went over to Linda and Tony's house for dinner. Linda cooked a roast, which was really yummy. It's so nice that Benton's family lives close by since mine doesn't. We sat around and talked. I love his sister's and mom, they are so much fun to be around. Here is his sister Carol, me, Aimee and his mom.

We also had to pick up Roxy, thanks for watching her overnight. She loves being with Nanny and Grandpa! Roxy also loves hanging out with her brother Sam, she follows him everywhere he goes. Here they are hoping to get some food from anyone who will accidentally drop some.
(Not sure why his eyes are green, kinda spooky!)

Benton's Job opportunity

A couple weeks ago Benton interviewed for a Student IT job on base. There were 30 people who interviewed for the job. Benton decided to put in for it before telling me. I was freaking out because we'd take a large pay cut. But after I settled down and really thought about it, I decided it would be a great opportunity for him. He's going to school for a degree in IS&T so it would be a wonderful experience for him. Also, it's what he wants to do, so if we are poor for a year, it wouldn't be the worst thing that could happen. He waited all last week to hear if he got the position and of course on Friday they called him to tell him it was his if he wanted it. Benton has applied for 6 jobs on base and has gotten every single one of them. He is really smart and can interview really well. I'm so proud of him for taking a risk and doing something he really will enjoy. So on Friday night we went out and celebrated. We went down to the Gateway and ate dinner at the Skybox and walked around. I'm so proud of him and for all that he does for us. Love you Benton!!!

Labor Day Weekend

I love holidays! An extra day off is great. I actually started the weekend off learning how to make salsa. Marie (Benton's step-mom)was so nice and showed me how. It took us 6 hours to make it, but this salsa is worth it. I never thought of how much work goes into making salsa, all the cleaning, cutting and stirring. It's not hard, just time consuming. It was really relaxing hanging out with Marie. She is so nice to me, which is really great since my parents don't live so close. It's nice to have Benton's family treat me so well. While I was there she showed me how to make homemade raspberry jam as well. I was so proud of myself. Thanks Marie!
Here's a picture of my in laws.


That same night we had the chance to hang out with Scott and Britany Beckstead. We sure do wish they lived closer, they are on their way back to California. I am so glad Scott married such a nice, fun and friendly girl. I know Benton and Scott will always be really good friends, so it's nice to be able to talk to Britany so easily.

Yesterday we went over to Chelsie's house for a BBQ. We picked up my grams to take over to her house. My grandma gave Spencer a green ball and he loved it. Look how happy he is.

Here is Chelsie and I posing for the camera.

And some more pics of all of us...

Trip to Arkansas

I had so much fun flying out to see Nick, Karly and Jack! My trip was 10 days and it was so worth it. Here are some pictures on our first day together, it's Jack and I pretending we're in a photo booth.
Here is our happy faces.

Our fishy faces.

And our scared faces.


Here is us at the local pool swimming, Jack loved to go down the slide. He was the smallest one and wasn't scared at all.



Karly, Jack and I went to Branson, Missouri-it was 114 degrees with humidity! Your skin just feels sticky from walking outside. We mostly went shopping, there were a lot of fun outlets to look at.

Karly and I went to Sephora and got make-overs! Any girls dream store, there is so much makeup to choose from. Here is us after our make-overs!


Benton came out for the last 5 days. Arkansas is so green, we went to Tanyard Creek and you'll be able to see how pretty it is there.
Here is Uncle Benton and Jack walking together into the park.

And more pics...




So, while Karly, Jack and I were busy shopping, cooking, site seeing, Benton and Nick were playing basketball and Playstation 3-the whole time. They stayed up a couple nights till almost 4am just playing nintendo-


Don't you love how close they moved the couch to the TV-they did this because they were sick of sitting on the floor. I don't know how they can play that long. Crazy!

I was really sad to come home, I wish they lived closer. I love my sister Karly so very much. She is such a good mom, wife, and sister. I am so happy we are such good friends. I hope when I have a baby, it will be as cute as Jack is...he is such a fun little guy. I had a blast playing with him. And Nick is a great brother in law, he loves my sister and nephew so much-thanks for taking such good care of them! Benton and I had so much fun in Arkansas, hopefully we'll see them soon!

24th of July

I went and visited my parents and brother in St. George over the 24th of July. I left Benton home, he had to study for finals. Poor Benton. My mom, Thomas and I went to Cedar Breaks, and hiked a little. We didn't expect for it to be cold, since St. George is so hot, so I found a jacket in my moms car to wear. Here is my mom and Thomas freezing at the outlook.

We went on an easy hike called Cascade Falls, it was really pretty. My mom stayed back since the trail was really narrow, so here is Thomas and I, isn't it pretty?


I love the outdoors, just looking at how pretty everything is! It's so nice that we have the mountains so close to us and we can see such beautiful views.

My mom and I also went golfing, we both did about the same-pretty good. We don't keep score, that might be a little scary. We're getting better every year, it just takes time, and I don't go that much-so it'll take me a long time to be good. Maybe some day!


It was a really fun trip, I love visiting them, hopefully one day they'll move closer!

Roxy is 3 years old!

I cannot believe my little Roxy Poxy is 3! When we got her she loved to curl up on my cheast and sleep, she was so tiny only 1.5 lbs.

Benton surprised me with the idea of getting a dog. I had just had foot surgery and stuck in bed for 2 weeks, she was such good company-we mostly slept.

Roxy is a Yorkshire Terrier and weighs 4.5 lbs. She loves to play with her daddy, they are so crazy together. They keep me laughing everyday. The best is when they play hide and seek. It is so cute, she looks all over for him. Benton will be such a good dad when we have kids, he loves to play.

Roxy loves to be warm! Whenever I do laundry and the dryer beeps, she is right behind me to snuggle in the warm clothes. Most of the time you can't even see her because she likes to be underneath all of our warm clothes.


The weirdest thing about Roxy is that she loves to swim. When we visit my parents who have a pool she goes crazy. You can barley keep her out of the pool. She runs as fast as she can and jumps in and paddles. It is the cutest thing you've ever seen.


We love her so much and are so glad she is in our family!