I Don't Know if I'll EVER be able to Eat Cheerios Again!

This morning, while we were eating cereal, Michael was just about to take a big bite, when he noticed an earwig crawling over the cheerios on his spoon. Of course he had to show me... Ugh! I was sooo grossed out! I wasn't even eating cheerios, and I still didn't feel like finishing my raisin bran!

They Set Off Fireworks for Chloe's Birthday

I hadn't seen my best friend in what seemed like ages! Yesterday was her birthday, and it was the perfect excuse  to spend some time with her. Yesterday was also Independence Day. Yep. Chloe was born on the 4th of July. Cool huh?

We planned to go see the hot air balloons in Provo take off early that morning. Unfortunately, I thought we were supposed to leave my house at 6:30am. Really we were supposed to be there at 6:30! I slept in, and made us extremely late. We got there in time to see them "milking" the air out of some of them, but that's about it. I still feel bad for causing Chloe to miss them.

After our practically pointless trip to Provo, we drove back to my house where we made french toast and smoothies in the new blender from Grandma Nadine. We played a little bit of Mario Kart Double Dash before she went back home.

Later that evening, Michael and I went to the Brooks for a BBQ. Our niece, McKenna, looked adorable in her little 4th of July dress. Lance and Kimberly brought turkey steaks to grill and Mom made homemade ice cream. Dinner was delicious. We all played ladder ball and catch in the backyard.

When it started to get dark, Michael and I met up with Chloe and Hopper to watch the Stadium of Fire fireworks. I have to tell a quick story real fast: 

Chloe had her first kiss Saturday night. CUTE! It was with Hopper of course. Can you believe she waited this long?? My best friend graduated from high school without kissing a boy, and I graduated from high school married! Ha ha

Ok, back to last night. We had planned to hike the Y and watch the fireworks from up there, but we were running late. (what's new?) We drove up there and had to park a mile away because of all the traffic. Instead of hiking it, we went to the base of the mountain and sat in some weeds. It was still an excellent view, but the pokey weeds really made me wish for a blanket to sit on. Hop and Chloe cuddled with each other the entire time. They are so cute! Michael saw them kissing, but I missed it. Dang it! Ha ha.

Aren't they just so stinkin' cute!

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Here we are. I'm so glad I got to spend the fourth with my cute husband and two of my very best friends!

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The fireworks were really neat. Michael took a short video of some of them. For some reason the sound doesn't work. Just sing Firework by Katey Perry and you'll get the same affect. :)

The Amazing Spiderman

We went to see the Amazing Spiderman last night with Doug, Gina, Kimberly and Lance. I really enjoyed it. I like the new Spiderman a lot better.
My favorite part was when Peter was trying to tell Gwen he was Spiderman, but was having a hard time doing it. When Gwen turned to go, Peter webbed and spun her into him and kissed her while her mouth was gaping in wonder. Ha ha. It was the cutest kissing scene ever!!
Michael says that's his favorite part too. Awww. My husband is a romantic. <3

Mrs. Winkler

It was probably hard for our good friend Jessica to watch us get married; the two "kids" she works with. Six months later however, Jess has found someone whom she is ready to spend eternity with. 

Congratulations 

Mr. and Mrs Winkler! 

We are so happy for you!

Kurt and Jessica's reception

Our wedding 6 months ago. 

Utah. Home of the Road Construction

I've heard the claims that the road construction on I-15 is on schedule to end winter this year.

Hallelujah!

But until then... Go ahead and enjoy the following:  

Utah's State Flag

Utah's State Tree

Utah's State Motto

Utah's State Rock

Utah's State Emblem 

Utah's State Animal 

6 Months

Yesterday was our six month anniversary. We've talked about celebrating our anniversary in June each year, since there's a lot going on around our actual anniversary (my birthday, Christmas, ect.). It's not that I forgot about it... I just thought that he did. I was wrong.
After Michael was done with work he took me out to Cafe Rio. When we got home, he gave me the cutest card ever. I admit... It made me cry. Then he gave me a recess peanut butter cup, my favorite! He also got me new computer speakers. Michael is just so cute. :)
I didn't do anything special from him! I feel really bad.
Can I just say I have the BEST husband ever! 
I love you Michael Brooks!

This Picture was taken on our four month anniversary of us dating. August 5th 2011. Can you believe that was almost an entire year ago!? 

Leadership Retreat

Michael and I had the opportunity to go on a leadership retreat. It was really neat! We had two campsites up near Aspen Grove. It is really pretty up there. 

That first night, after we finally found our destination (we got a little lost, but eventually found where we were supposed to be), we set up our tent and did some bokken work. Master Lawrence taught us the first two interactions, Clashing Saber and Trapping Saber. We also worked some quick cuts. 

When we were finished with the sword work, we sat around the campfire and roasted marshmallows and starbursts before we turned in for the night. 

Early the next morning, we got up and got dressed in our white gis. We rode over to a nearby meadow where we worked on the sword a little bit more. We practiced Katana forms and learned some more interactions: deflecting, slicing and luring saber. I really enjoyed doing karate up in the mountain. There truly was a spirit felt when we practiced in nature.  

Later that day we learned other interesting lessons in the classes that were provided for us. Kim led us in some chanting to balance our chakras.

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We then learned about the 5 Tibetan rites, which also help to keep the seven chakras balanced. It was similar to yoga. 

Desi Lawrence taught us about crystals and their healing powers. She taught how they can also bring certain spirits. She set up a crystal grid, and brought a peaceful spirit to envelope our campsite. 

Master Reano said a few words on becoming one with your bokken partner/opponent. They had me and Michael demonstrate with the first sword interaction. We did a pretty good job. 

That about wraps up our karate retreat. I think some of the others went hiking, but we had to get back home because Mike had a lot of homework. I'm very grateful we got to go on this really neat camping trip. We both had fun.