I take pictures

sometimes I really like them.

I changed the link on my cooking blog.
So if you follow it already,
or if you want to start the new url is
http://likemother-likedaughter-food.blogspot.com/

Thanks.

not always photogenic

Even Aspen doesn't always look his best for a photo.

warm weather

Unfortunately in Utah the weather is very wishy washy, but we've been lucky enough to have a few days in the 70s in the past couple weeks, so we've tried to take advantage (while we can) and have gone on a few picnics and things. We even went camping this last weekend!


 I'm glad we've gone out while we could because its supposed to be rainy for the next 10 days. Yuck.

Here are a few pictures of the outdoor adventures we've been able to have the last couple weeks.


While we were in this field Aspen and I stumbled upon a duck. The duck, of course was frightened and flew away. Aspen followed it running for about 50 yards, until we made him come back. We were so proud of him though, because eventually Nate wants to teach him to go hunting with him.

We've been able to have lunch/dinner in the canyon a few times too. We feel so blessed to live so close to Provo canyon, and can't wait for even more warm summer days to enjoy it.

 Aspen loves fetching sticks. Actually he loves fetching almost anything. He loves the sticks so much he'll jump for them.

We were able to go up Hobble Creek Canyon (in Spanish Fork) this weekend and camp for a night. Aspen absolutely loved being able to run around so much. We're lucky he's such a good dog though, he would run back and forth between the three of us, and wouldn't wander off on his own.

We found a great camping spot, that we didn't even have to pay for. We were so happy to save the 22 dollar campground, plus the 6 dollar day use fees. Plus we weren't next to 50million other people.

 We had quite a beautiful view from our camping spot.

 Nate accidentally threw the Frisbee into the tree. But Aspen was determined to get it, one way or another. He finally got it down by knocking the tree enough. He was really proud of himself afterwards.

He is getting so big :(

 He got pretty dirty because he was mastering "roll over" on this trip, so we made him do it a lot of times for his food.

He even fetches heavy sticks from the water.

Can you spot Dain on the hill?

Aspen is such a good swimmer! Look how far out he is.

 Last night we decided to enjoy the few minutes of sunshine and head to Utah Lake. It was really windy, but Nate still tried to fish. Aspen was scared of the waves crashing against the shore. So scared that he wouldn't get in the water (which he normally loves)

So, instead we had to throw him in.

 I guess Nate was proud of himself.

 Aspen didn't mind TOO much, though he was quick to get back out of the water. I think he still loves us though.

Silly as ever.

Tulips

I was so afraid that our tulips would never blossom, because I would drive around or hear from people that their tulips had blossomed 1-1.5 months ago. Well, finally in the last couple of weeks our tulips have blossomed. And they are so beautiful. Too bad our crocuses and irises definitely don't look like they'll be making an appearance.

Mothers

Nate and I have both been blessed to have absolutely wonderful mothers.

 Nate and his mother Sandi

My mother Ellen and I.

 We hope that our mothers know, on Mother's Day (and everyday) that... 

We are so thankful for everything you have done for us. 

You have blessed and touched our lives for the good. 

We love you, forever.

Happy Mother's Day, to the two best mothers in the world, 

Sandi Van Fleet Berrett and Ellen Brinkman Garrett.

family visits

While our families were here visiting for my graduation, we were able to have a little fun.  Unfortunately I didn't take too many pictures, of the events. But I'll share a few with you, that we did take. 

We took a morning walk along the Provo River.

We, of course, needed a group shot, so we took a couple of selfers.

Mom and Dad enjoyed this little wooden fence.

Aspen of course loved the exercise too.

We had everyone over for a delicious dinner of smoked lamb.

(Unfortunately I didn't get a shot of the lamb AFTER it was cooked). Just know that it was delicious, and I'll post the recipes soon.

We visited the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving point.The Dyreng's (Sandi's sister and husband) had a booth and were able to get us in for free. It was a beautiful afternoon walking around and seeing the flowers blooming.

The daffodils were more open than the tulips, because of the cold weather.

a goofy faced Ethan.

The tulips were still pretty, even a little closed up.

We really loved having our families visit, and we wish that everyone lived closer so we could see them more often!

Graduation!

So, if you are a regular follower of my blog, then you probably already know this. Maybe because you read it here. I am officially a BYU graduate. And last week (April 21 and 22) I officially "walked". With a cap and gown and everything. Thanks to my coworker and friend Jessie for allowing me to borrow her cap and gown and tassle, so I didn't have to purchase anything extra for this event.

It was a wonderful time, and mostly because some of my favorite people got to come and spend a few days with us because of this event. My beloved parents flew out to spend a few days with us (wish it had been longer) and my wonderful in-laws, Matt, Sandi and Ethan flew out for about a week. It was fantastic to spend time with all of them, as family is one of the most important things in the world.

With my parents on commencement day.

Grandma and Grandpa Garrett came to celebrate commencement too.

With my parents

With my wonderful husband.

With the Berretts

With the whole gang.

Making a Y

In my pretty graduation dress

Some candids. 1. Mama Sandi. 2. Eef. 3. Dain. 4. Dad w/ graduating cap. 5. Calling my name. 6. Our feet. 7. Thumbs up. 8. Undressing. 9. Receiving my "diploma"