guitar hero

This summer we've taken advantage of our grill and patio and have had many barbecues. Last night we had what might be the last one of the summer. We had some friends over {Layne+Manda, James+Jill, Craig+Taryn} and had a good time. We grilled some hamburgers and enjoyed the outdoors until it got dark and then we came inside to play Wii. Craig was kind enough to bring it over when he found out that Brad and myself had never played guitar hero. I must say I can see what all the hype is about. It's pretty addicting. We also played a little mario cart as well.

We've done things with James and Jill but this was the first time we've had Craig and Taryn over. They have been in our ward for over a year now and so it was fun to get to know them better. I'm sure we'll be inviting them over more. 

go green

Lately I've been seeing these reusable bags being sold at grocery stores.  I had thought about trying them out many times. About a month ago while shopping at Harmons I couldn't resist when I saw that their bags were the same color as my kitchen so I bought five. The best part is that they give you back five cents for each bag you use when you do your shopping. I've also used these as Maceys as well. So if your not so good at the recycling thing {like me} and you want to go green then I think this is an easy way to start. I just keep some at home by the door and some in the car. 

Oh, did I mention they are only one $ dollar?

pancakes

Last night our neighbors dog was kind enough to wake us up at four o' clock in the morning. Also, Brad's allergies have started up and he hasn't been sleeping very well so once he woke up he was awake for the day. Since he was awake ... I was awake. I decided that we needed a good breakfast if we were both going to be starting the day so early. I made some delicious buttermilk pancakes {from scratch, not a box ... I know you can be impressed because I kind of was}. 

For those that know me I rarely eat maple syrup on my pancakes. If I do then the syrup needs to be homemade, but as you can see I opted for my usual toppings this morning ... peanut butter and jam. My grandma Erickson introduced this to me when I was young and I've enjoyed it ever since. So now I'm off to bed a little earlier tonight and hopefully the neighbors dog is not so kind.

recipe for MAPLE SYRUP

1 cup water

2 cup sugar

bring to a boil and then add

1 tsp. mapleline

Saturday apart

This past weekend we spent our Saturday apart. 

Our cousin Elizabeth celebrated her third birthday. Family came down from Idaho and we started the party off at Hill Air Force Base Museum. I had never been so it was fun to see. Manda and Brad both had to work so I picked up Layne and we met everyone there. Some of the family thought it was funny and weird that we showed up together but it didn't bother me. As for Layne ... I talked his ear off {I'm pretty famous for that} so I think that if he chooses to drive himself next time that it will be because I talk to much and not that it was weird.

 After an hour and a half we headed off to Rich and Ginny's to continue the party. We ate hamburgers and cupcakes and just enjoyed everyone's company.

Elizabeth was entertaining as always and enjoyed her 'princesses' party.

Elizabeth digging into her Ariel cake

So while I was partying poor Brad got stuck at work in Salt Lake. However, he did get to be part of a large project on I-215 that was quite exciting {at least for those in the construction world}. The interstate was closed down while a new bridge was being placed. Brad was there to install the gas line under the new bridge. He had a long week so hopefully he can take an extra day off on Friday and have a long weekend. He definitely deserves it.

Moving the bridge on I-215 8-23-08

a night owl to an early bird

As I mentioned before this past month went by way too fast. The week after my birthday I changed from a night owl to an early bird. That's right I was finally able to switch shifts to the day shift. This has been a great change at work that has given me more opportunities to go out and shoot video as well as edit some fun projects. It's a little different only concentrating on one task at a time but I'm enjoying it. Since things changed at work things also changed at home. Brad and I have had to get used to being around each other  and actually seeing each other every night. The first week was a little rough but we have adjusted quite well. 

At the beginning of August I headed south to meet up with some girls from the good old K-5 (Kolob 5th ward). Meili was one of my first friends when my family first moved into our Springville home in 1987. We spent many hours between our houses coming up with all kinds of things to entertain us. We put on dance shows, created a 'house' out of grass clippings one summer, and had many sleep overs. When I was a freshman at Utah State, Meili was often my ride to and from home.

I hadn't seen most of these girls since my wedding, four years ago, and I hadn't seen Becca and Abish since Becca's wedding seven years ago. Everyone still looked the same and we had a fun time talking about the good old times in the neighborhood.

Last weekend was a weekend of firsts. It started out with my first hot air balloon ride at the Eden Balloon Festival on Friday. One of the perks my new position has given me. It was pretty amazing to be up so high in a little basket with two other people and very little wiggle room. The video I made from this adventure is posted below

Then on Saturday we decided to ride the FrontRunner train to Salt Lake for dinner and some shopping. It took one hour to get down there, then we had to walk about three blocks to the Gateway. That wasn't so bad, but it took a little longer to get home and so we decided that for three hours in Salt Lake it would be more cost effective to drive one car with all four of us and pay for parking. Not only would it be cheaper but it would also take less time. However, for a one time outing it was fun.

Tonight we headed to another Raptors game here in Ogden. We went to one about a month ago with our friends Jill and James and had a good time. This time we went with Manda and Layne. It was free and the view wasn't bad either. We stood on the picnic roof deck on the edge of outfield that gave us a great view of everything. Unfortunately the Raptors lost but we had a good time and hope to catch a few more gaames before the season is over.

flying by

This past month sure went flying by ... speaking of flying, here is where my new 'day job' took me last Friday ...

More news and photos to come.