I hope heaven smells like lilacs

Is this heaven? Nope, it's Iowa.



I can't get enough of all of the bloomage around. Who knew that the coldest and harshest Winter I've ever experienced could turn into the most beautiful and radiant Spring.





hens and chicks, Mom?

Spring Break 2010!

Our spring break began with a treacherous trip to Wendover. We left in the midst of a snow storm and wondered if we should just turn around and head south like we usually do. But, we (or should I say, Bill) persisted and we eventually made it.

After spending the night in Wendover, Bill and I did some sealings in the Salt Lake temple for some of my relatives. What a beautiful and large temple! Amazingly, the sealer pronounced the Guipre name beautifully. We spent the brisk afternoon visiting some sites around the temple, including the Beehive house which once belonged to Brigham Young.

Next, it was off to the Jazz game. If you didn't hear about this game, it was incredible! The Jazz and the Thunder were neck and neck the whole game. The game went into overtime with Deron Williams hitting the game winning shot with 1.1 seconds left. The Thunder inbounded the ball to Gabe's favorite player, Kevin Durant who shot a three at the buzzer. Jazz player C.J. Miles interrupted (fouled) him (depending on who you ask) and the Jazz came out the victors. The final score was 140 - 139. Kevin Durant scored 45 and Deron Williams 42. Crazy exciting!

Next we visited Brita at BYU. We spent the day on campus and swimming at our pool before going out to an all you can eat pizza place (YUM) and then to a Flash (Farm team for the Jazz)game. It wasn't as exciting as the Jazz game, but we scored awesome seats from our inside connection, Nate who seated us right behind the Iowa Energy's bench. It was interested sitting so close, almost too close if ya know what I mean. *!!***&%^##!

After continental breakfast, (Sorry, Wendy) and a visit to J Dogs (as you can tell, there was lots of eating on this trip) we said our goodbyes to Brita :(. We also visited the dinosaur museum on campus - as seen in picture.

Thinking we were "home free", we headed south on I-15 when suddenly, we experienced car trouble. Pulling off to the side of the freeway, Bill discovered that a crucial belt had broken and the engine was beginning to get very hot. While evaluating the damage, a guardian angel or one of the three Nephites appeared in a massive UDOT incident vehicle. He guided us to safety where we were able to replace our belt without any other damage to our car. It was truly a miracle.

Easter Picnic

Our annual Easter picnic with the Gardners. This year we went up Nine Mile Canyon. It was a little chilly, but not bad. The boys had a great time hiking around and repelling with Sam. And, of course, there was lots of good food and company!

So much to love

I love this day! Today is the day my best friend came into the world. And it's the first time EVER that I haven't been able to give her a hug and tell her Happy Birthday in person. So, Brita, HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I'm giving you a blog hug. I guess you could call it a blug.

Here are a few things I love about Brita.


Brita is a true blue Cougar. She often stalks BYU basketball and football players through the bookstore... if they only knew.



Brita is a doll! In case you haven't noticed, Brita is incredibly cute. I have to restrain myself from squeezing her every time I see her.


Brita is hilarious! Of the five times I've almost wet my pants laughing, probably four of those have involved Brita. Just a couple weeks ago she told me a story on the phone that made me laugh so hard I was crying. And not only is she funny, she's witty and clever and has a great, hearty laugh that makes me happy inside.



This girl can play some ball. The funnest class I ever took at BYU was a volleyball class with Brita. She's got a mean set of setting hands.. and I've been the recipient of many of her killer serves. Not only can she play, she can lead and inspire. She makes other's want to be better.



Brita loves to travel... and dress like an Indian. She knows so much about the world. I am always impressed with her knowledge. It seems endless. We've been lots of places together. We've even walked down a corner in Winslow, Arizona.




Brita + camera = amazing! She captures things so perfectly. I am reminded how beautiful this world is and how blessed we are to live in it when I look at Brita's pictures.



Brita writes the most beautiful letters and gives the most thoughtful gifts. She's artsy and creative. Sometimes I think her letters are straight out of a Jane Austen novel. Going to an art museum with Brita is fantastic. I have one classy and sophosticated sister.


Sometimes Brita likes to pretend there is a fork sticking out of her eye. Some of you probably didn't know this about her, but I did.


Everytime I walk by a Bath and Body Works I think of Brita. She loves good smelling stuff and we're always on the hunt for good deals.


Brita is loveable. Her sweet disposition makes it easy for her to make friends. She is a very kind and generous and always finding ways to lift up those around her.



Brita has the most beautiful smile and gorgeous eyes. And that's that. She's probably one of the most photogenic people I know. Brita, you are beautiful!






Brita is so fun to be around. I miss her dearly. I often crave my Brita time, becuase there truly is no replacement.


Most of all, I love my sister because she's my sister and I love who she is and who she's become. Happy Birthday dear sister! I love you!

Mountain Lion!

I came upon these tracks as I was running Saturday morning. They were on Sawmill road near the cattle guard. I went back and took pictures. Bill and I looked up lion prints on the internet and they were a perfect match. Yikes!!!!!

Blue and Gold Dinner

Here are some pictures of our Blue and Gold dinner from Thursday night. Everything went great and the boys had a lot of fun. Happy 100th birthday BSA!

Oh Iowa

Here are a few pictures from the exciting weather we've been experiencing in Iowa. The first couple are from the ice storm we had a couple weeks ago and the last ones are from earlier this week. We got a couple inches of snow on the first day of February.





It's hard to see, but there is an eagle in that tree. They always hang out around the river, because it doesn't freeze over. It's pretty much like national geographic every day here. Here is an eagle looking for a fish.


Dave commands the geese. BTW, I thought geese flew south for the winter. Well, it's definately winter and Iowa is definately not south. If I were them, I wouldn't stick around this frigid place!