Three years ago today

Three years ago today I married my best friend. I haven't looked back or regretted my decision for a moment. I love E more than the day I married him, and I hope with each passing year I can say I love him more than the year before.

Here are a few favorite photos from that fantastic day in Yosemite, 2006.

First kiss as husband and wife. I guess this is just moments before the kiss. We got married in the Ahwahnee Hotel's meadow.
I love this shot of E. He looks so so happy. I look at this and fall in love with him all over again.
My sibs. Chandler, Melissa, myself and Brandon.
The bride. Awe.
Here are some of our favorite people. Left to right: Ben and Jo, Chelsea, me and E, David, Allison and Kyle.
After cutting the cake.
And beautiful stunning fantastic Yosemite Falls. We had Yosemite Falls in view from the location we got married. It was perfect.

Brunch to celebrate

Every year E and I celebrate our anniversary by going up to Alta Lodge for brunch. Although or anniversary isn't until Thursday, we decided to celebrate early, since next weekend we'll be out of town.

Alta brunch was a tradition my parents had when they were married. Every year near the end of June they would go up to Alta to celebrate. E and I decided to keep up the tradition for our own marriage. It is great fun and something we look forward to all year.

The brunch is mostly comprised of a salad bar. Not like a lettuce and tomato salad bar, instead about 20 finished beautiful salads all lined up. My favorites are the seaweed salad, the crab and pineapple salad, the bread salad, the insalata caprese, the curry cauliflower salad and the seafood salad. Also there is an entire hot buffet that has eggs, bacon, potatoes, curry, rice and cheese blintzes. From the kitchen you can order waffles, scones, eggs benedict or eggs florentine. E and I are both in 7th heaven up there. The food is to die for, as well as the view.

Happy 3rd Anniversary! As far as presents go, this year the traditional list says leather or crystal. We are still at somewhat of a loss of what to get, but we have some ideas. I'll update on the presents later.

4th of July BBQ

Each year the Trumps host a 4th of July BBQ. Many years we are unable to attend because we are traveling over the 4th, but it was nice to be home and attend the yearly tradition this year. We ate so many tasty foods and had fireworks in the street after. Of course, we all modified a tank firework and had a tank battle at the end of the night.

My husband of almost three years.
E's family (minus me!). Steve, Connie, Chelsea, Joe, David and E.
Let the fireworks begin! I love this shot. I was paying around with shutter speed. Notice the ghost of David?
More fire.
Here are the tanks before.
And after. Happy 4th!

Picnic in the park

E and I stayed so busy at home over the long holiday weekend. I'll make a few more posts about the weekend but we did an entire list of things including having a potluck in the park with our friends, seeing the movie UP, having a family BBQ with E's family for the 4th, having anniversary brunch in the canyon and spending an afternoon at the local pool swimming. It was fantastic, and very summery.

The BBQ in the park got off to a rocky start, we weren't sure about the weather so we weren't sure where we wanted to hold the BBQ. We finally decided on Murray Park because it was close enough to our house in case of rain. Plus, nearly half our guest list canceled, and Mike cut his thumb making his famous guacamole and needed stitches.

However, the party went on and the weather was perfect! Mike showed up a little late with sodas and three stitches. We all had a fantastic time around our little picnic table in the park. Justin and Becky brought tons of things: chips, sausages, watermelon, grapes and berries. E and I made a new chili con queso dip with chips and Brooke and Logan brought oven roasted potatoes and sweet potatoes.

After dinner we moved over to a large area of lawn and most people played frisbee for a few hours. Those of us that didn't want to play (Brooke, Suzy and I) sat on a picnic blanket chatting and enjoying the first evening of the year to feel like summer. Perfect!

Afterwards we decided to play poker at our house. Our house was only a minute from Murray Park so it worked out wonderfully. Logan was the big winner of the night bringing home nearly $6.00.

Becky and Justin finish the sausages on our little camp stove.
E makes a spectacular frisbee catch in the park.
As the moon comes us E and Justin play frisbee on the top of the hill.
And back at our house playing poker. As you can see, David joined us at this point.

Wonderful night out

Yesterday was E's birthday, he turned 28. As tradition clearly states, the birthday person gets to pick a lunch and dinner location of their choice. This is such a fun tradition because E and I rarely go out to dinner and spend a lot of money, but two times a year (my birthday and his) we really really treat ourselves.

E chose a sushi restaurant for lunch, and although I brought my camera along, I totally forgot to snap any photos. I got the sushi lunch box combo (don't worry, no raw fish) with tempura veggies and shrimp, california rolls, rice, miso, and salad. I was in heaven. It also made me really miss Japan. E devoured his lunch of tempura veggies and chicken over rice. Yum yum!

For dinner, E thought and thought about his restaurant choice. He finally decided on a Log Haven. Log Haven is a very fancy restaurant in the Utah mountains that serves contemporary American food. They've won tons of awards over the years, but sadly, before last night, E and I had only dined there once.

We arrived at 7:00 and were a little early for our reservation. E and I walked around the grounds and took in the beauty of the extremely green hillsides. Soon it was time to be seated. We were asked if we would like to sit inside, near one of the windows, or on the beautiful patio. We decided to sit inside, because neither of us brought a jacket. This meant that we were almost alone in the dining room, which was kind of fun. The host scooted up two tables next to each other so we could each face the windows and look at the waterfall across the canyon.

Because we got there a few minutes early I had time to take a few photos, including this one with the self timer.

First our waitress brought us a pallet cleanser, watermelon with goat cheese and balsamic vinegar. It was such a wonderful pairing of flavors! E and I ordered drinks, he got wine, I got a juice thing without alcohol. We chatted, listened to the waterfall and watched the canyon. Soon our appetizer came out, we had ordered the antipasti which included cheese, salami, herb roasted almonds and olives. It was fantastic, just divine.

Our salads, bread and dinner followed. Each course was wonderful, simply perfect. E and I agreed that we hadn't had this quality of a meal in ages. Maybe two or three years. The heirloom baby lettuce salad with white truffle vinaigrette blew us away. Our filet mignons were cooked to a perfect perfect medium. And the gruyere potatoes complimented the meal perfectly. The pacing was nice and slow, meaning the dinner lasted all night. Soft music played and at one point it started raining. We listened to the rain through the open window and just smiled. These nights you never forget.

Finally it was time for dessert. We barely had room, but E decided on a lemon rosemary mousse and I got a bowl of house made ice cream. My three scoops of ice cream, hazelnut, cinnamon and chocolate, were easily the best tastes of ice cream I have ever ever had in my entire life. And they brought out a special little chocolate Happy Birthday message, which we somehow found room for in our tummys as well. As you can imagine, Log Haven might be a top choice for birthday dinners next year.

Alyssum in the woods

Remember Alyssum? The beautiful doll I got for Christmas from E? Well I decided to take her up to the cabin last weekend and take a few photos in the woods.

It was a beautiful day in the Canadian Rockies, where Alyssum lives. The sun was shining and the woods were finally alive with summer!
Everywhere Alyssum looked she was filled with happiness and love for the woods she called home.
Looking into the sun she pushed back her hair and hummed a little tune to herself. Alyssum cherished days like this.

Dolls, mice and the lake

What a busy weekend! Summer is finally here, after the two very cold and rainy BBQs we had a blast of summer on Saturday, and it has stuck around. On Saturday I woke up early and drove down to Provo to attend a doll party. Members of the American Girl message boards I belong to sometimes plan parties so people living in the same state can meet face to face and get to know each other. We've done this before, and it is always a ton of fun. This year's party was no different, I've come to know most of the Utah members of the message boards, and some of them a really great friends. After lots of talking we took our dolls out into the gardens of our venue, it was stunning. I'm such a sucker for gardens, I swear, I could live in a beautiful garden and never leave. This garden had a river running right through the center. Large trees arched over the water and moss and flowers covered the ground. In the more formal gardens roses and paths weaved their way through, it was perfect.

(To see Violet's other photos in the garden, check her blog later today).
As soon as I got home from the doll party E and I loaded up the car and headed up the canyon to my cabin. It was a stunning drive! The air was crystal clear and just beautiful. Due to all the rain, everything was so green and fresh. Upon arriving we chatted with my mom, Chuck and my Grandma for a little while.

After about an hour of catching up (and talking about Baby November!) I convinced E to head upstairs to the loft with me to take a little nap. He hates the loft at our cabin because that is where we keep the bedding. Because of this, there are often mice or mouse droppings up there. I twisted his arm long enough to convince him to go up there with me. Finally he agreed to join me upstairs. As I moved the sleeping pads around so we could have a comfy place to nap, E noticed something: mice, and lots of them! One pad had a hole near the bottom, and when I moved the pad that was next to it, mice started spilling out of their home. I screamed, E acted somewhat calm. My Grandma hurried upstairs to try to help us. We grabbed a saucepan thinking we could capture the mice in there, and take them outside. E grabbed the mouse nest mat and took it outside.

When we lifted it we saw our targets: six mice in all, four small babies and two adults. One went running and took a flying leap off towards the stairs, and somehow made it outside (we still have no idea how). The other five scattered. All of us were looking, sweeping and trying to figure out where they went. At one point another jumped to the main floor of the cabin and went directly behind the cupboards, never to be seen again. All in all it was a very exciting alternative to napping. The little mouse that made it outside we were able to watch for awhile and even caught a couple of photos of the cute little guy. We were so sad that we separated him from his parents we put a corn chip near him and covered him with some batting, trying to make him warm for the night. Wow, what excitement. (And see the photo? That is one my mom took of the one and only mouse that made it outside.)

This photo was taken about a month ago (June 5th) of "our meadow".
Look how much it changed in under a month! Lots less water and lots more green trees. Also, there is finally a blue sky!
Later in the afternoon my Aunt Laura and Uncle Mike arrived. E and Chuck started cooking, we wanted to have an entire dutch oven cook-off. My Grandma got out some fantastic appetizers and cocktail hour officially began. E spent time cooking his famous tri-tip roast and Chuck was his apprentice and cooked a really yummy zucchini baked with cheese dish. We even cooked dessert with the dutch ovens, so all in all it was a great night.

Here we all are, sitting down to cocktail hour.
The dutch oven masters at work.
After a very comfy night (surprisingly I only needed to get up to pee once at the cabin!) we woke up to another absolutely perfect day. The sky was clear clear blue and the sun arching off the white aspen bark was dazzling. Laura and Mike were in charge of breakfast at the cabin, and they didn't disappoint. Keep in mind, there is no running water at the cabin for dishes, no electricity, and only a two burner camp stove. They made hash browns, tons of bacon, eggs with mushrooms and onions, pancakes, rhubarb topping, milk, OJ, a fruit plate and salsa. Yes, this was all done in the cabin's very modest kitchen.

Later we decided to take a hike up to the lake. The lake hike has always been a favorite since I was little, and since the day was so beautiful and clear I was really looking forward to it. Hiking, however, when pregnant, is hard work! I was totally out of breath by the top of the first hill. By the time we got to the lake I was beat. Luckily the fabulous view was enough of a spirit boost to help me propel my largeness back down the mountain. When we arrived back in the cabin my Grandma had prepared a beautiful huge lunch for us. We devoured chicken salad, rolls and cherries before packing up and leaving. What a perfect weekend.

Breakfast is served! (And yes, we even have fresh flowers, this is a high class cabin!)
The lake on a beautiful day. E and I want to bring an inflatable raft up when we have children, because going out on the lake is tons of fun.

Two rainy BBQs

E and I had big big plans for our yard. Most included family and friends coming over, enjoying the long warm evenings and sitting on our patio. Well that was the plan anyway. The weather in Utah has been crazy this year! So much rain!

On Thursday we had a late Father's Day BBQ with my dad and sibs. The wind blew, the clouds were dark and black, but luckily we didn't need to relocate inside. The rain held out. The evening was great, and E made a fantastic new recipe: Cabernet Burgers with Rosemary Focaccia. Other than the somewhat nasty weather, we had a great night, and the burgers were excellent!

Here is the fam: Dad, Chandler, Melissa, Kathleen, and Brandon
Then on Friday we hosted another BBQ with our friends. E wanted to try another new recipe: Carne Asada with the most amazing rub! Again, the sky threatened rain so we decided to start the party outside. By the time appetizers were through the rain clouds opened and a torrential downpour started. E moved his BBQ into the garage and the rest of us moved inside. The dinner was a huge hit and Logan, our vegetarian friend, decided to take a bite of the steak because we were all making such a fuss about how good it was. I guess you know you've got a hit when the vegetarian friend breaks his rules. It was really a fantastic meal. Just wish the weather had been better.

Logan, Brooke, Justin, Mike, myself and E enjoy the patio before the weather turns...
And then we moved inside and watched the sheets of rain pouring from the sky.

Today is the big ultrasound day!

UPDATE-
E and I went into the doc's office right on time and a little nervous. The ultrasound tech called us right back and asked us if we wanted to know the sex. "Yes!" E and I held hands as the image of a perfect little baby came onto the screen. They checked all organs and said everything was developing healthy and normal: the best news ever. Heart, bones, brain, umbilical cord all look good. Then we checked between the legs - boy! Yea! How exciting! E and I are so so so thrilled and so happy we have a healthy baby boy on the way! Can't wait to start shopping for all those boy things. Love this little guy already.

Here are a few photos:




Original post-
By day end I will post if Baby November is a boy or girl. All I'm hoping for is a perfect bill of health. This ultrasound is crazy, they check all the vital organs and make sure everything is growing correctly. If you hear bad news the sex of the baby really comes into perspective. In reality, E and I would be thrilled with a healthy baby, boy or girl.

If you haven't done so, please vote now on the boy/girl poll. Remember, please only vote once, I'd love to have it as accurate as possible! I will close the poll before I head to the doc's today at 3:15.

Till later, ta ta!

Edited to add the final poll voting results. Thank you for all of you who voted! I wonder if 65% will be right and we'll be having a baby girl. We'll know soon!

Fairy garden

I snapped this photo in my Grandma's garden last week during the dance party. Doesn't just look like a fairy should be sitting beneath this toadstool?

Weekend in photos

On Friday night the weather was fantastic so E and I planned a Father's Day BBQ with his family. We are so happy we planned it for Friday, because Saturday and Sunday were both rainy.

Here is a little shot of our garden and a photo of our bar cart! Remember Ben and Jo got us this amazing gift for Christmas? Well it's been in the house for ages but finally the weather was nice enough of Friday to use it outside.
Here are some of the appetizers set out before the party started. The patio table is new along with the chairs. Finally something big enough so that we can all sit down!
Connie, Chelsea and Joe. And the remains of our very yummy salmon dinner.
The brothers. David and father-to-be E. (Steve and I were also there, but the photo was horrible, sorry, can't be posted).
I don't have many photos of Saturday. E and I hung around the house while it rained and then later in the afternoon we went to see Hangover with the guys and then made dinner at Logan and Brooke's new house. The evening was awesome, but I didn't take my camera.

However, I did snap a photo of my afternoon snack on Saturday! Waffles with Nutella and fresh peaches. This honestly is heaven. E thinks it is totally gross, but it isn't. I've been eating this every day for days. Must be a pregnancy thing.
Then on Sunday we decided to go to the farmhouse for the day. The weather was actually beautiful, warm but not hot and the sky was so interesting. One moment it looked like rain, the next moment the entire sky was clear again. So pretty! I took Rebecca with me for some dollie photos.
And inside E and Bo (Chelsea's and Joe's kitty) snuggled on the swing. Here E is reading his new grilling cookbook I got him for Father's Day. He says he wants to make everything, it all looks so good!
This week we are going to celebrate Father's Day with my dad, since he was out of town over the weekend.

It is Saturday, of course it is raining

This June has been the wettest on record, and the state of Utah has been keeping records for over 100 years. Most days it has rained and rained here, and it has been so cold! Today I'm in a long sleeved shirt, and pants, shoes and socks. No t-shirts and flip flops here.

I really really wish we could have one beautiful day. Yesterday was perfect, but because it was a work day E and I didn't do much. Today, of course, it is pouring. It seems like a Saturday tradition.

Here are two photos I took of our rain chain. I was playing with the manual settings on my camera, trying to get a nice blurred effect of the falling water.