Thanksgiving Point

Sj came back to UT to come and take me away but to also play one last time with his brothers and Dad. They played at Thanksgiving Point Gardens at the Rose Festival. It was the most beautiful backdrop I have really seen. It was fun to see it all one last time (not only are we moving, but Kevin is mission ready come October).

Due to the big fires that were going in that area around that time, the attendance wasn't as big as we thought but I was so grateful for those friends that still came out. After their 2 hour performance we had lunch at the Cafe their with our families and then went and relaxed because that was an exhausting morning. After which, we went back to the gardens with the Johnson's and rode the segways and golf carts around. It was a fun time and a good way to spend our last day in Ut. 

Here are some pictures from the day. . .that hot, hot day.

-little did I know that that weather was actually NOTHING compared to what GA experiences- 

(Ryan's arms didn't quite get the sunscreen they needed)

outside the bubble?

I, Nicole Erin, have lived a sheltered life. But I'm grateful for that life. I think although it makes branching out and moving across country a terrifying experience, it is more fulfilling to people like me. 
Yes, I have utterly enjoyed: 
-knowing my whole neighborhood because I see them that Sunday at church. 
-being familiar with the town or even the state of Utah like the back of my hand. 
-feeling safe to go anywhere by myself {although duh, I know things happen everywhere}.
-walking across the street to church and having a church building on every literal corner {i will admit, i thought that was almost embarrassing as a teenager}.
-having my family and close friends all at my fingertips.
-familiar faces at my University. 
-having a small town grocery store seconds away
-seeing at least 3 temples in sight.

I lived in a bubble.

It sounds funny but it is strange to think that there is a world outside of it. There are places where people would laugh at the way I used to live because that does not exist where they live. I am grateful for my bubble. But I am more grateful for my husband that took me out of it temporarily to experience something new. 

It is scary and will take some getting used to but for the 5 days I have been here, {ha} 
I have utterly enjoyed:
-not knowing a soul.
-seeing a new face everywhere I go.
-not knowing where I am even if I was just a street away from my apartment.
-that feeling of uncertainty even taking the laundry downstairs wondering if I am safe. {disclaimer: I live in one of the safest communities in GA. Probably just the Law & Order talking. I have got to stop watching that}
-driving 20 minutes to church.
-skyping the friends I left behind and wondering who the new ones will be.
-making a trip out of going to the temple.

Here is to new things. New experiences to still keep my bubble, but maybe widen it a tad. 

Now if only I can figure out how people are even wearing the clothes on their backs! 

Humidity + a literal 106 degrees = I'm too hot to even think of what that could equal.

Restaurant Party Hopping.

Well we are safe and sound in Georgia, but we'll talk about that later. Today I wanted to share one of those stories that goes under the category of "hilarious but only if you were there." {would you believe that I have a ton of those?}

So after a fun day at Thanksgiving Point, which will be blogged about later, all of Shaun's fam packed into the CRV to go and get a burger at the deli there. Much to Audrey's dismay--it was closed. Which was the first comical thing because of her outrageous reaction...due to her insane diet, she has "meat days" sparingly and she wanted a hamburger from there before the day ended. So instead, we head to:

it may have been because we had just spent the day outside in outrageously high temperatures, because we were boiling. We couldn't feel the AC at all. KC came up to us saying we needed to leave because they said the AC was broken. As we are headed out the door Shaun explained to the hostess saying 

"..you having trouble with your guys' AC huh?"

"...no.."

"oh, well..sorry.."

"we can turn the AC down if that's the only reason you're leaving"

.and scene.

We then go down the street to: 

Applebee's is not all that glorious but this was even worse than normal. We get seated and the floor underneath our table is covered in filth---and this was not just my germ freak insides speaking. Audrey was sticking to the table so we asked for a cloth. The waitress than plopped what seemed to be one, but was more in the condition of a mop that had just wiped a floor covered in things we do not want to discuss. We were debating on leaving again (in-between me hysterically laughing my head off). The waitress had already brought out our waters and she said:

Waitress: "do you need another minute? 

SJ: "yeah we do, thank you"

Audrey: "yeah we just need one more minute, we're talkin 'bout some stuff"

We all just lost it. 

(Although, where we were going to eat that night was turning into a very personal matter!)

Supposedly just getting up and walking out wasn't our thing because we left it up to pregnant Margaret to fake sick and walk out with Ryan first. Margaret being the happy person that she is, was just all smiles walking out and Ryan was whispering in her ear "SICK. You're supposed to be sick!" 

When all else fails where do you go?

-actually that should be your first choice, I know.

After explaining to our waiter Nate that the pressure was really on because this was the THIRD restaurant we had been to that night, it was time to order. Audrey goes ahead and orders the new bleu cheese something-or-other burger and the waiter was confused. We then realized that burger was in-fact the special at Applebees. You know you have been to too many restaurants when you are ordering other menu items.

Texas of course did not disappoint and it was a funny, hyper dinner to end our time in Provo. It honestly was one of the funniest moments that I have had in a long time. All of this while carting Kevin & Audrey in the back of the CRV like dogs. (Which we forgot to let them out quite a few times). Things that are hilarious are fun. And it makes it better when it's with your fam. 

the special-ist of days.

My Dad is celebrating

this special day for him

in his own style.

Of course he is 

on our cruise with Mom.

But that doesn't mean we're not celebrating him back at home.

Let me tell you about my best guy;

 Always having a spare jacket when I refuse to bring mine after being told 4 times that it's going to be freezing when we get there. 

Leaving for events hours before they start so to not be "rushed" and to get parking on time. It always ends up being worth it.

Holding a prop for every picture.

Countless times of hearing "just take my car" without even having to ask.

Always having to have at least one more carton of milk in the fridge for back up. In high school, (my friends can verify this) I would get a text that would say swing by the grocery store and get two milks on the way home. Still doing that to this day. Last week as a matter of fact!

Always making sure you bring a hat and load up on sunscreen.

The advice giver.

The glue to your family and the leader to ours.

Marathon runner.

My bishop as a teenager.

Fathers are the biggest blessings.
Someone to always look up to in a family, to always laugh with and tell things to.

One of the best experiences that I will hold close forever is having my Dad with me every step of the way on my big wedding day. He was so calm that day which helped that day be even better. His face in the temple, his laugh throughout the day, his beautiful words at the luncheon, and our dance. Those few minutes were so special to me and filled of emotion. I think I get my emotional side from my Daddy, and I love it. He's my biggest rock that knows all. Running things by him is one of my favorite things because I know he has great things to say. He's the leader of our family, my so so amazing family. Dad, you did a great job! I love you.

So get back, back, back to where we lasted.

We're traveling back in time to Memorial day weekend. It was a fun-filled weekend with the Fam's. Instead of posting a million pictures that makes you scroll down 3 miles, I brought back my collage app {which is so frustrating. no wonder i left that thing in the dust}. Saturday we all went to the REAL Salt Lake game. Dad wanted us there early to avoid parking so far away and walking. That was well worth it even though the pictures makes it seem like those games aren't even fun or populated. It was an amazing game! But got a little chilly into the night. Mom requested the peace sign pic. KC {shaun's Dad} let him borrow his jersey so you could say we looked the part. It went into overtime and of course came back on top to win. It was a fun game!

- - - -

Sunday night we had a slumber party at Shaun's parents house, had some healthy wheat pancakes {don't ask} and headed up to the Hogle Zoo. I haven't been a for quite a few years and Margaret had never been so it was a fun time. Although I will say that a lot of things are cooler when you are a little tot {except Disneyland. Never gets old. ever}. We finished up scarfing our faces with pizza at The Pie. Too good.  

What a great weekend. I appreciate weekends like this especially since we are so close to leaving. Actually Shaun's already on the road headed to GA. So I guess that's it! No, no not yet. Still holding on for a week or two more until he comes and gets me.

I love memorial day. I read somewhere "..while you are out barbecuing I hope you realize some are out there at the cemetery honoring the dead.." It was a great night of journal writing remembering all the special people that are now angels in my life. Happy Memorial.

Side note: See that little bundle of joy in Margaret's stomach? That's Clark. My nephew. Been counting down the days until I can spoil him. Sadly, it'll be happening via mail man now. That's okay..for now.