Thanksgiving Point

Zack and I went on a date Saturday afternoon and spent some time at The Thanksgiving Point Gardens while the Tulip Festival was underway. Neither of us had been there before and we had a great time walking around the 55 acres of gardens. The flowers were pretty and we want to go back again after the Tulip Festival and see what other flowers and greenery grows, especially when the trees are green.

A waterfall they had. You could walk above the waterfall on a path or play down below in a large grassy area. There was even a band playing.

We ran into my Uncle John and Aunt Amy and their cute kids Spencer and Ava. We were walking along the edge of the pond and I said hey that kid looks like my cousin Spencer. Zack and I looked closer and Zack said, "He still looks like your cousin Spencer." Then we saw my Uncle John. It was such a pleasant surprise. Thanks for chatting with us.

This was Zack's favorite place.

One of my favorite gardens.

I loved this area. I loved the different heights of the flowers and the depth that it created. This was what I was expecting when I thought of the Tulip Festival. Oh I loved it!

Italian Garden. It was funny how the tulips only grew on the left side and not the right. Zack was telling me it is probably because they get less sun on the right.

Oh and we loved these rose gardens. The archway was beautiful. If we have a large enough yard we decided that we would love a smaller version of something like this woodwork. There were others throughout the gardens and various plants would grow on. I believe that roses will grow near these soon. It was so pretty.

Some more of the tulips. I loved the colors and different variations of the tulips.

I also loved the Secret Garden it had this amazing tunnel that led into a garden. It was really full so I did not take any pictures but so pretty.

Weber State Great Great Great Graduation!

Weber State Great Great Great, the Purple and White. Yes after a long time of going to school on and off I have completed part of my education goals. I met with a academic advisor and she told me that I had enough credits and all the right credits to receive my associates degree and I thought YIPPEE! I will get it and lock those credits in. When I found out when graduation was I toyed with the idea of doing anything special for it and then I talked to some family and they said you worked hard and deserve it. So I decided to go to Commencement Friday morning and I really enjoyed it. I am so excited to have reached this goal and really excited to start my levels (there are 4 levels or semesters in the elementary education program) this September. One step closer to my final goal.

~WILDCATS~

My family and I after Commencement.

(The robe was actually purple but I think it looks blue)

Zack and I the morning of graduation.

Amy, my sister-in-law received her bachelors degree in elementary education on Friday as well. We are so excited for you Amy you will be such a great teacher. We were glad that we could celebrate your hard work and wonderful accomplishment!

~Way to Go Amy~

The Smith Family!

Graduation Cupcakes!

I was reading in Better Homes and Gardens and saw these super cute cupcakes and decided that I was going to make them for Graduation. I received my Associates Degree Friday and Amy my sister-in-law received her Bachelor's Degree and I wanted to do something special for her.

~Zack and I and our finished product~

~We modified the recipe a little to make it our own~

~Finished Product~

Amazing Weekend Get Away!

Zack and I had the opportunity to head out to Southern California this past weekend to spend time with family. It was an AMAZING weekend. Our sweet niece Serenity was sealed to her parents and her and her little brother Jake (who we meet for the first time) were both given a name and blessing. We are so happy for Jessica and Shane that both of these sweet kids can be part of their forever family, along with Jared who we also love. Thanks for inviting us to share in your special weekend.

Saturday after the temple we went to Laguna Beach. It was so pretty and the weather was great.

I just had to throw this picture in, Zack with Charley and Serenity. They sure love Uncle Zack!

The Ludlow sisters and sisters-in-law
Amy, Jessica, Jenelle, Me and Elizabeth

Most of my nieces and nephews, aren't they so cute!

Zack and Grandma Ludlow, it was a nice surprise to see her again.

Zack and I in front of the Newport Temple. It was so pretty.

Me and my nieces (minus Baby Hali) at Jessica's before heading to the temple.

Zack and I at Laguna Beach.

The reasons for our trip, I wanted these first but oops

Baby Jake, he is such a doll, I love him so much!

Sweet Serenity, we are so happy that you are part of the family! We love you!

It was such a wonderful and very spiritual experience that we are very grateful that we were able to participate in. Sacrament meeting Sunday was amazing. The Spirit was so strong and spoke so clearly to me. I loved the lessons I learned. One of which I feel that I can share came during the closing hymn, I Believe in Christ, one line in the song said "through Him I'll gain my fondest dream... His voice is heard Ye shall obtain." These words brought so much peace and comfort to my soul, and thinking about it now brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. I know that through my Savior Jesus Christ I can obtain my fondest dreams, the feelings of peace, love and joy.

I do Believe in Christ!

Quarter of a Century!

25 ahhhh

I turned 25 yesterday and can't believe it. I had such a nice day thanks to friends and family. Especially Zack. I worked yesterday so Friday he took me out shopping and dinner, whatever I wanted, then Saturday I got a beautiful arrangement of flowers from him and a party all planned by Zack. Thanks to everyone who came and those who sent birthday wishes. Such a great day.

At the end of the festivities this was after midnight. We were so tired.

Oh and a side not here is my acceptance letter from Weber State's education department. I am so excited to start the program this fall. I should only have about 2 years left. It has been a long road but the end of one degree is in sight. I will be getting my associates at the end of this month. WoHoo!