Faculty Horseback Ride

9-30-09

When we were in Utah, Kevin's mom, Artis (a nutrition professor at SUU), invited us along on the annual fall department faculty horseback ride. Weirdly enough, the foods and nutrition school is part of the agriculture department at SUU (Southern Utah University) and not only does the department have horses, but a whole farm. Friends and family were invited for an evening ride and then a chili dinner.

Cascade Falls

9-17-09

While we were in Utah, Kevin and I hiked Cascade Falls. It was a so beautiful but a little scary as we had to break into the trail because it had been closed after a landslide. Luckily, we weren't the only ones doing this!

What a Ride!

Four years ago today, Kevin and I were sealed for eternity in the Redlands California Temple. It was the day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and the first day of my forever with my wonderful husband, Kevin. We've now lived all over the country, travelled abroad, graduated from undergrad and graduate school, and bought a house (we closed on Friday). Now all we have to do is pay for all of it!!

In every chapter of our marriage, I have learned to love you more and to value what a good man you are and the father you will be someday (to the reader, that is not an announcement!). You are generous, thoughtful, loving, and forgiving. You brighten my day and I love waking up to your warm arms every morning.

And just like this picture, you put up with me even when you think I'm crazy!

I couldn't be more proud of you. You surprise me all the time with your intelligence and your humor. You keep me laughing, and I love you for it. You are my best friend.

Happy anniversary, babe! I look forward to many more chapters in our marriage filled with laughter and love.

Cabin Time...Labor Day Weekend

I am now finally getting around to blogging about what we did the month that we spent in Cedar City. I promise that I haven't just been lazy (although that does play a part) but without reliable internet (the house ate all of our money!) I just haven't gotten to it! Thankfully, there are now many places that offer free internet (thank you Border's!) so here I am, starting at the beginning. These are from September 7th - Labor Day Weekend!

After our trip to Aruba, Kevin and I drove up to Cedar to spend Labor Day with all of his family at their cabin up Cedar canyon (this is also the cabin at which Kevin proposed...so it's a very special place for us!)

Kevin starting the traditional cabin fare - dutch oven chicken and potatoes! Yum!

Karen holding Miss Lydia

New mommy Lisa with Karen and Lydia

They had planned a birthday party for me and made me one of my favorite cakes - carrot cake with cream cheese - delish!

Kevin holding and burping baby Lydia

Trying not to let her "head fall off!"

Kanarra Falls

These pictures are from September 8th...yeah, two months ago!

Kanarra Falls are located just south of Cedar City in a slot canyon in Kanarraville, Utah. I am not much of a hiker, but this is a great hike if you are looking for a relatively short (5 miles round trip), beautiful hike! I just wish I were a better photographer so I could do the landscaping justice!

At the mouth of the very narrow canyon

The falls are very small, but the hike is well worth it just to experience the canyon!

Landscaping...check!

We are now just 2 weeks away from closing on the house! They have just finished the landscaping (minus a couple of trees which are still on order) and have installed the appliances in the kitchen...we are now just down to getting everything from our first walkthrough fixed and then we'll do our final punch list...everything looks great and we are convinced that we not only have the most amazing builder, but that he is the nicest person too!

Now, some shots of the inside :)

Looking into the master bath

Dining room

Great room

My closet!!! Well, actually Kevin and I will share it, but we all know who is going to take up the most room! My favorite part is the shoe shelves!

First floor guest bath

Heck Ya!!

That little piece of paper now means something because

KEVIN PASSED THE TEXAS BAR!!!

I don't think that I ever thought he wouldn't pass, but it is such an amazing feeling to know that it is official! Congrats, Kevin (or rather, Kevin Grady, ESQUIRE) - you never have to do it again!!

Law school is NOW officially done!

I am so proud of you!