It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

There is a lot of working and schooling around here but we are still doing our share of holiday celebrating! We've decorated and we've been enjoying Christmas cookies and treats way too often. I've been enjoying Egg Nog (Chad's opted out). Last Sunday we went up to Temple Square with Misty, Nate and the boys which was super busy but gorgeous! Sorry but the battery in my camera were dead :( I hope you all are enjoying the most wonderful time of the year!

Something New

Hair Cut- What do you think?
(I only want to know if you like it... if not, you can keep it to yourself)

I cut my hair a few days ago. I've been thinking about it for awhile now but I chickened out awhile back since my hair had been getting pretty long. Then one morning a few days ago I woke up and knew I wouldn't stop thinking about it until I did it. I went before work and liked what I saw. Its fun getting compliments from co-workers noticing the new 'do' and I was excited/anxious to see what Chad thought since I didn't warn him about the 6-inches of hair I'd lost that day. All my excitement of the new look crashed for a bit when a silly girl I work with (if I was into using bad words I might call her one) asked me all rude like, "who cute your hair?" I told her where I went and then she replied, "Oh... I was just wondering who did such a crappy crooked job." Awesome. Thanks.

Luckily Chad liked the cut as well as my idea to color it darker. I kept forgetting/was being to lazy to go get dye for a few days but last night Chad went with me to pick out a color and today I braved the task of at-home hair color. I know its probably way better to get it done but guess what... I'm a cheapo and I think my $4 box color job looks just fine!

I'd be lying if I said my hair didn't turn out a little darker than I planned but guess what... I love it!

(sorry for the harsh tone you may or may not have heard while reading this post. moral of the story... don't express your opinion if it isn't a nice one, especially when it is to a random co-worker that you really don't know that well.)

O-Town

After being productive in Lakeland we headed to Orlando for the majority of our vacay. First stop- Celebration and lunch at the Colombia. Yum. Then we headed over to see our hotel.

(ok... this isn't our hotel but it is an awesome decorated house in Celebration. All the houses were ready for Halloween to the max!)

This was our hotel:

We had to take a dip in this pool before heading to dinner.

We stayed at a Marriott- Residence Inn in Lake Buena Vista right outside of Disney and guess what... it was awesome! Highly recommended for anyone going to Disney. My parents got an awesome deal on a 2-bedroom suite and it was well worth it. The beds were the most comfortable I've ever had in a hotel and it was really cute.

Then we headed to Carraba's for dinner and my old roommate Meagan joined us! It was awesome to see her even if it wasn't for very long.


This was a fun day but we better go to sleep before it gets too late. Tomorrow will be a fun yet tiring day!

Lakeland

On our first whole day in Florida we had some work to do.

This was my grandpa's house. It has been sitting for awhile and before we could head out to play for this vacation we had a little work to do! We just went to the house and had a few companies come give estimates on a few fix-er-upper things around the house. We had a little excitement when we found someone had stolen the AC Unit outside! Oma met up with us and we went to see Monette, Oma's good friend who I hadn't seen since I was little. After a few hours around the house and around town we were ready to head to Orlando!

Flo Rida Arrival Night

Arrival Night

Tuesday, October 12th we met up the Prine side late late at night in the Orlando Airport. Our flights got in around 10:30 pm and we were tired but excited for our Florida vacation to begin! The last time Chad and I had been to Florida was April 2009 (and that trip doesn't really count because all we did then was load up the moving truck, say goodbye for now to some good friends at the Ashcroft's and sleep before leaving to drive the moving truck to Pittsburgh), before that it was our wedding reception in January 2009. This trip was long overdue!

After getting our luggage and thankfully upgrading to a bigger rental car (Chad and I packed really light... my family made up for it :)) we were on our way to stay our first night in Lakeland. The last stop before checking-in and crawling into bed? Steak 'n Shake of course! Luckily there was one right across the street from the La Quinta where we were staying. We ended up getting to bed around 2 am I think? I don't know but I didn't sleep very well that night mainly due to my excitement for being in Florida, and maybe it didn't help that I'm not real used to my dad's snoring anymore (love you dad!).

MmmBop

If you know me, then you most defiantly know my love for a certain band called Hanson. They FINALLY came to Salt Lake and of course... I had to see them! Chad surprised me when he had already purchased tickets before I ever had to beg. Chad is such a good sport... this was his second Hanson concert so far (it was my 8th or 9th... I've lost count!). My friend and old roommate Jenica came along and it was awesome to share the night with a fellow Hanson fan, especially one who hadn't had the privilege of seeing them live until now.

Here is a taste of the awesomeness that is Hanson:

Say Hi to New York for Me!

I was able to hang out with my awesome friend Alyssa the day before her going into the MTC on September 22. Alyssa is preparing to go to the New York, New York North spanish speaking mission. She is going to be the coolest/cutest Sister Missionary New York has ever seen!

We had a blast hanging out at the Gateway in Salt Lake before heading over to do a session at the Salt Lake Temple. The Temple is GORGEOUS! After the Temple we headed over to Buca Di Beppo for an awesome last dinner before Alyssa went away for the next 18 months. Dinner was delicious and I love spending time with Alyssa and her always awesome family!

Love you Alyssa! I'm so proud of you!

24 is the new 23.

As you know, birthday's are a big deal to me! Chad is always the trouper and never fails to step up to the occasion and make my birthday the best week ever! This year my birthday was on a Sunday. April and Kyle came up and we all went to stay at Misty's on Friday night to Sunday morning. Kyle had a big diesel truck event that Chad tagged along too (Kyle is an awesome diesel mechanic at Toxic Diesel in St. George). That meant Misty, April and I got to spend Saturday doing our favorite activity... SHOPPING! I was on a shoe kick as usual and bought some GORGEOUS heels. Saturday night Kyle, April, Chad and I went to birthday dinner at Texas Roadhouse. Although I chickened out and didn't sit on the saddle... it was still super fun eating at one of my favorite restaurants with some of my favorite people!

Sunday morning we headed home to get ready for my birthday party! I wanted to do something fun but different so I invited friends over for:


It was my way of having an excuse to dress up! It kinda backfired on me in the fact that we got back late from Misty's and I didn't end up having time to do my hair or makeup like I had hoped but it was still super fun! We made mocktails (drinks without any alcohol of course!) and had fun hanging out and playing the game Things.



Kasey also made me my favorite birthday cake that has become somewhat of a tradition for us... Oreo ice cream cake! I don't think Sister Weaver knows we got that from her years ago and we have become a huge fan of it! Yummy!

(remember me saying I didn't have time for my hair or makeup? Don't judge too harsh)

Thanks everyone for a fun party!

The day after my birthday was Labor Day and Chad had a few surprises up his sleeve. He told be to get ready and wear comfy shoes... then we headed North without my having any clue where we were going. First stop, The Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake. I've wanted to go to the zoo since we've moved to Provo and it was finally our day! It was perfect weather and it was such an awesome day walking around with my sweetheart and seeing all the cute (and not so cute) animals!

Cute- Baby Zuri!


Cute


Not Cute


Next Post: Birthday Present in the form of Hanson Tickets :) I know you're jealous!

Crossing something off my bucket list...

or... another reason why I have the coolest/sweetest/hottest husband on the planet.

As a surprise on our 18-month wedding anniversary (yes he remembers our anniversary by month still!) Chad surprised me with tickets to see Paul McCartney LIVE in Salt Lake. Not only was it awesome to see such a living legend live but for me it crossed a goal off of my bucket list... to see one of the Beatles perform live. July 13th was the concert and let me tell you... hands down the most amazing performance I've seen in my life. For an old dude Sir Paul sure knows how to ROCK and he can defiantly get the crowd going.

Mayan "Mis-Adventure"

When my Mom and Hannah came out to Utah, I thought it would be fun to go to the Mayan. Now I've been their once before and although the food wasn't that great yet still overpriced, it is such a fun atmosphere and it reminds be of Disney how spectacular it is decorated. The first time I went we got an awesome seat on the ground level, right in front of the divers, and I thought it would be a fun place to take Mom and Hannah.

It made the most sense to go to the Mayan on our way home from Lagoon. So although we were tired we were up to one more adventure for the day.
I tried to make reservations but they were booked for the evening. We were told to come in anyway and we wouldn't have more than a fifteen to twenty minute wait. We wanted to sit ground level by the diving pool, but nothing was available. We were assured there were no bad seats in the house.
We arrived and were seated within minutes. So far so good. Only problem we were as far from the divers as we could get and we could only see them if we stood up and turned around. Not at all like the seating of my first experience but I was trying to get over it.

Just our luck, we had a brand new waiter to serve us. It wouldn't have been quite so bad, but he reminded us repeatedly how new, how bad and how forgetful he was. We placed our order. Eventually he brought out chips and salsa, returned with our drinks and that's when it really got interesting. Long story short, he dumped a large glass of ice water on my Mom and she was drenched from head to toe! Hannah who sat next to Mom was pretty wet too. He profusely apologized, went to get them towels (which were so tiny they didn't do much good). Our chips and salsa were drenched, and Hannah and Mom were freezing, but we were hoping we'd at least get a free dessert, maybe even a free meal. Nothing, Nada. We had to remind him to bring us new chips and salsa, our food was cold and then he had the audacity to make a comment about leaving a big tip. Although I'm pretty sure he was kidding, he should have kept his mouth shut.
We really wanted to talk to a manager, but then we started picturing the wife and baby he may or may not have at home. We decided we didn't want to get him in trouble. He seemed like a nice guy, just not a very good waiter. Believe it or not Mom still gave him a 20% tip. Her conscience wouldn't allow her to do any less.

We need to learn not to have such big expectations. We did however add to our list of memories and laughs.

Lagoon for My First Time

After a day of fun in the sun and volunteering at the race, we opted for another day in the sun at Lagoon. Hannah was the only one who was smart enough to bring her swimsuit up from Provo. We longed for the water and the fun others were having at the Lagoona Beach water park side of Lagoon. We settled for plenty of water and snow cones.
Everyone told me that with my extensive history with Disney parks, Lagoon would be a let down since it is a lot smaller. NOT TRUE! Lagoon was still tons of fun! Next time... I'll bring a swim suit!

Mom and Hannah Come to Utah

We had a fun visit with Mom and Hannah when they cam to visit for about 10 days in June. We played all around Utah before heading out to Idaho for the Andreasen Reunion (Grandma Gate's side of the family). Here is a summary of our adventures during their trip!

My Mom, Chad, Chad's dad Ken and I volunteered at the Ragnar - Wasatch Back Relay Race. Chad's sister Misty and her husband Nate captained and ran with Team Beaver. Each local team needed three volunteers. Last year Kyle, Ken and Chad's mom Kathy worked from midnight to 6am. It was cold and dark. Not as enjoyable as our shift. We worked from noon to 5pm. Our exchange was located a few miles outside a little town called Avon which was 20 miles or so from Logan. We were off the main roads surrounded by mountains, blue sky and plenty of dust.

The day was gorgeous. We worked at exchange #4 where we helped direct traffic and runners as they transitioned in and out. Our main job was to do a lot of encouraging and cheering. The runners were quite appreciative of our time and we did get a free race crew t-shirt.

The race is 188 miles from Logan to Park City. Much of it was quite brutal with incredible inclines and rough terrain. The teams consisted of 6 to 12 people who took turns running between 4 and 8 miles. The only prize is a medal for completion and the satisfaction gained from the endeavor. Not many looked like they actually enjoyed the running, but there was a real feeling of community and support for each other and their accomplishments. The teams were quite creative with their names and how they decorated their vehicles. It was tons of fun to drive around in the truck after the race seeing the tough terrain from the comfort of the air conditioned comfy seats! Go Misty and Nate!

P.S. Did I mention they did all this while bringing along a 4 1/2 month old baby Mason?

Chad's Birthday Week Extravaganza!

Around here we don't celebrate Birthdays.

We celebrate Birthweeks!
I hope Chad enjoyed his Birthday week as much as I did.

Chad didn't want a birthday party so instead we had a cookout for Memorial Day and shared birthday cake there. Carol helped me make the cake and I think it turned out really fun[ny]!

We love opening presents under a Christmas tree so why not have a Birthday tree for the same reason? I hope Chad enjoys my silly little ideas!

After opening presents (and then watching Harry and the Henderson's... I know you are jealous of our awesome movie choice) we decided to pick up some Subway and then head up Provo Canyon. We found a fun place to eat at the Upper Falls at Bridal Veil Falls. We enjoyed our subs with a beautiful view and then headed down to the Falls to hang out with Carol and Nick (and baby Kailyn who they were babysitting). It was gorgeous! Then we drove around back in Vivian Park and saw a cute teenage moose! I yelled out MOOSE! and Chad didn't really believe me so we backed up and sure enough... there was my little moose friend! I got out of the car, and after making sure no mean mama moose was around I took pictures!

On our way home we went by the BYU Creamery Outlet where Katie works and she hooked us up! I love love love creamery ice cream.

For Chad's Birthday night we went bowling at Miracle Bowl. On Wednesday nights games are only $1 so we bowled three games. We both did good! Chad scored 177 and I scored 119. Anytime I break a hundred I'm excited!

Chad's Birthday week continued on Friday when we went to a concert at the Sandy Amphitheater. Chad had told me a couple weeks before that he had a surprise for ME for HIS birthday... He couldn't keep the surprise for long before telling me he got tickets for us to go see Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband. If you haven't heard them yet go check them out! They are super fun and it was a great concert. It sprinkled on us a tiny bit but besides that it was the perfect night for an outdoor concert and I really liked the Sandy Amphitheater.

{Friday was also Hannah's birthday so HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANNAH! We love you!}

All in all I think Chad's Birthday Week was TONS of fun!

It's the Pitts

Again, I am HORRIBLE at remembering to take pictures. After being in Pittsburgh visiting my family for a week I realized I failed to take a single picture! So before leaving for the airport I quickly snapped a few pictures of one of the things we worked on while I was there.

Hannah's Mini Room Make-Over:



I FINALLY got to meet Lucy:



We had other fun times while I was visiting but no pictures... as always!

I had an awesome time visiting my family but it was my first week without Chad and I missed him TONS! Now I'm counting down until my Mama and Hannah come to Utah next month!

Maybe I'll even take more pictures... but probably not.

what time is it?

ask my mom! Here's what I made my Mama for her day:

Visiting Rexburg

Last weekend I returned to Rexburg, Idaho for the first time in 2 1/2 years! I haven't been back since I left school and went back to Florida and I have missed the small town and all my old friends and roommates. Luckily, I was able to see some of those roommates I haven't seen in sooo long! It was great to catch up and see all the changes around BYU-Idaho. They have changed TONS around campus!

Thanks to Shila and Alex for giving me a place to stay and for cooking us yummy yummy steaks! It was fun hanging out with Shila, Cara, Meagan and their hubby's, PLUS Cara's ADORABLE girls! I am sad I left before I was able to see Alesha but I'm not used to spending time away from Chad and two nights was long enough! I plan on not waiting 2 1/2 more years before seeing these girls again!

The best part of my Rexburg weekend was going to the Rexburg Temple! When I was still in Idaho I was able to go to the temple groundbreaking and see the construction almost to completion. I was also able to see them put Moroni on top but unfortunately I left right before the temple opening. I was able to go through a session and it was such a great and peaceful day! I love to see the temple! I am go grateful for the peace the Spirit brings me when I go to the temple. The Rexburg temple is GORGEOUS and I am so happy I could visit!

Obviously I didn't take this picture... but isn't it gorgeous?

P.S. I am TOTALLY fired as photographer of my own life because I never remember to take any pictures. I only took about two pictures while in Rexburg and didn't get any with Shila! I even have a really nice camera Chad got me... I really need to take more pictures!

Here came Peter Cottontail...

Chad and I got into the Easter spirit by dying some eggs!

The Easter bunny even came!

Luckily, Albert only got hold of an egg and not the Easter bunny!

This morning we woke up to about 3" of snow!

Chad and I agree that we've never had snow on Easter before!

Luckily we dyed our eggs neon colors or else we'd have no way of finding the eggs in the snow!

What a wonderful Easter weekend! We've been enjoying Conference. Blogging during Conference you ask? Just as Elder Uchtdorf just said, don't judge me for acting in ways different than you! I promise I am listening :) We really have enjoyed the uplifting messages we've heard yesterday and so far today. Having Conference makes for an extra nice Easter. We will be making our own real Easter dinner later with ham, rolls and the whole nine yards! I hope you are all having as great of an Easter/Conference weekend as we are!

A Cricut Borrowed

Chad's Mom was nice enough to let me borrow the Cricut for awhile. SO much fun!

Kasey, Carol and I had a craft day a few days ago and had tons of fun make some saying signs for our homes! This was mine, trying to be in the Valentine's spirit but still making something I can keep up for the rest of the year. A special thanks to Chad for taking me to Home Depot and then cutting the wood!

I don't love the look of the black and white picture and my cream walls but I fell in love with this saying and decided maybe adding some color would help the photo. Its not my favorite look ever but defiantly better!

These are hanging over our bed. I wanted something to try to make our room cuter so this is what I came up with. Its mostly painted with some cut out scrapbook paper flowers but I did add the vinyl letters as an afterthought. Maybe not as fancy or professional like I might like but for not spending any money... I think I'll keep it!