Great Expectations

What a day!

Snow at the end of April? Why, of course!

Just when the tulips and daffodils are beginning to bloom we get a few inches of snow. 

Look at the blossoms covered in snow. Poor thing. 

This week  I gave my second-to-last presentation and turned in my second-to-last paper in my college career. I only have my thesis left. It has gone by so fast I can hardly believe it. By the end of summer I should be all done (fingers crossed)!

 I think I'll celebrate by making some homemade granola. 

Easter

I know it's a little late but I love the Easter season! I love studying the Savior's life and His teachings. 

I am so grateful for the Savior and that He loved us so much that He completed the Atonement. His Resurrection and Atonement gives me peace and hope in my life. 

We enjoyed decorating eggs but I am so glad that Easter is so much more than that. 

Is spring on its way?

It feels like spring is here! Winter has been so dreary and cold. With the time change, a few days of temperatures in the 70's, wearing sandals, re-arranging the living room, and spring break officially starting today I feel pretty good. 

To make things even better:

We have goldfish! When Sam and I were first married I enthusiastically suggested that we get fish. I thought I had a pretty persuasive argument but I guess it took Sam some time to warm up to the idea.  I think it was mostly due to the fact that I have a poor track record for taking care of fish, despite my good intentions (they are never hardy enough). However, a few weeks ago we went and got a little fish bowl, fish food and some fish. 

I think one of the best parts about having a pet is getting to choose the name. We decided a Lord of the Rings theme, and their names are Gimli and Legolas. Gimli is the spotted (and not so pretty one). Maybe I felt bad for him in the pet store. Legolas is the pretty white and gold one.  It reminds me of when I had fish growing up...good times. 

Also, a few weeks ago was Ethan's birthday. Here are some pictures that make me laugh.

I think Leah was more excited for Ethan to open presents than he was!

Isn't she cute?

Star Wars!

Epic battles ensued. No casualties though, because I was told that all body parts grow back fast. 

Insect Zoo

For Martin Luther King Jr. day there were lots of service opportunities around town. Sam and I volunteered at the Insect Zoo to do some cleaning. Before we got started we were able to look at all the bugs they had. 

I think the glow-in-the-dark scorpions were my favorite. 

We even got to pet this tarantula! We were both really nervous!

Start off the new year in Texas

We took a road trip to Austin, Texas to visit Sam's aunt, uncle and cousins for New Years. 

Sam, Will and Ethan all have rocket shirts that Lauren made for them. 

What a handsome trio!

From board games and movies to a talent show and go-cart race it was packed full of activities!

Ross, Will and Sam were hard at work assembling their go-cart. 

Our go-cart's name was Rebel Scum from Star Wars. 

The girls decorated and painted. 

I  helped decorate The Wild Wonder. 

Then the go-cart race commenced down the driveway and down the hill. 

Rebel Scum had smoke bombs and fireworks attached to its back to slow down the competition. 

There were some collisions and injuries but I think everyone would agree that it was worth it. 

First Christmas

This is the first Christmas Sam and I have had together as a married couple. It was wonderful! 

Opening the gifts that Sam wrapped was almost as great as the gifts themselves. 

Sam's parents gave us this puzzle. Sam and I couldn't stop laughing. What a gift!

Merry Christmas!