A postponed Summer post

I just can't let the summer slip away without writing a post or two on our summer vacations, brought to us by our wonderful families. David and I had the wonderful opportunity to spend time in Hawaii with my family. One of our favorite activities was to walk along the shore. On either side of our resort was several miles of walkable beaches. Beyond the beach was private condos or a golf course, but the beaches were rarely trafficked. 

On an early morning one can see sea urchins, both alive (right) and dead (left). 

Or a sea Slug. Gross. They feel nasty. 

Crabs. 

Or even a dead shark. I wasn't here for this particular adventure, but last time I was in Hawaii, Kellie and I found a Monk Seal!

And the most coveted find along this coast: Sea Glass

Beautiful. 

Another family adventure was to follow the beach the other direction. Here were a whole new set of discoveries.

World War II Bunker

A pine tree lined trail. 

Banyan Trees! Lost was filmed at this location. 

Our destination: Our own "private" beach. It was more fun to play here than at the Resort's. Here one could actually swim out and tread water. 

The whole family was able to join the fun! It was a landmark in our family's history. No one needed to hang onto Dad for moral and physical support. 

View of our Resort. 

Food and Family

Food in my family is, well, a BIG thing. Very big. Sunday phone calls consist of the question: So what did you have for dinner today? Holiday's revolve around meals and we have traditions that are set in stone--any fluctuation will cause at least one person in our family to roar in protest.

It has become clear to me that the reason I love to cook and create is for others to enjoy it, not simply the action. I love eating just as much as the next girl and can down more than most, but the joy of food comes from sharing it. Cooking is one of my hobbies, but cooking for my family is my passion. And I miss it. I knew this when I asked to host an "Hors d'oeuvres party of the century" for my family. It was my good bye gift to them. Here are a few pictures from it. (And if you read my mom's blog, you saw them already).

Honey Glazed Spiced Nuts

Ginger Scented Pecans

Leek and Ricotta Tart

Pigs-In-Blankets

Bacon and Onion Tartlets

Olive and red pepper bruschetta

Homemade cheddar Cheese Icebox Crackers

Homemade Parmesan Rosemary Icebox Crackers

Homemade Gruyere Thyme Icebox Crackers

Crudites with Canelli Bean and roasted red pepper dip and homemade ranch dip

Parmesan Puff Pastry Straws

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Lemon Tea Cakes

Chocolate Pretzels

And we also had fruit kabobs with a cheesecake cream dip. 

Abby ecstatically agreed to help out. She made clothespin people as place markers (the people matched ourselves perfectly: Hair and eye color, type of clothes worn, headband? ect.) She is amazing.  

Sparkling Cranberry Juice

I had fun. :) And just for the record, I spent 3 days in the kitchen for at least 8 hours each day. Bliss. Although, I did get blisters on the bottom of my feet...

And you are all invited to my next party. 

My Sweet David

My David is so sweet. I couldn't ask for anything more. In fact, I told him, for our anniversary I would be content just getting donuts. No fancy dinner or gifts or anything. (See previous posts for reasons behind said request). But he surprised me on Saturday with a rose, chocolate, and a sweet note. They were on the dresser in the morning!

How did they get there? It seemed impossible that he could have left that morning and gotten them while I was still snoozing. I couldn't have been more surprised or happy. He has often given me roses, especially while we were dating he would randomly pluck a rose from his front yard and give it to me; usually when I was having a crummy day.

And Chocolate!!!!

If you read my post a week or so ago, you know I was in desperate straits for a piece of Dark Chocolate.  He really didn't have to do it. He shouldn't have, but he got me both dark and caramel and 86% dark chocolate. Oh bliss.

For our special treat we went to a specialty donut shop for breakfast. 

Honey glazed bow tie, raspberry filled heart, bacon and cheddar cheese (my choice), dulce de leche, bavarian Creme, and the most blissful: Real cut strawberries and cream filled donut. 

Yum. If you come visit us we'll take you here. :) 

Just as an incentive. 

Happy Aniversery to US!

Today is our one year anniversary. Wow how time as flown. Hope you enjoy some of my favorite pictures of us. They aren't in any particular order because that would take too much time.

Before a concert at BYU

Cooking at the parents. One of the first pictures of us acknowledging to ourselves and others that we liked each other. 

Paying attention during general conference.

Deciding I needed to be like other infatuated girls and take pictures of the two of us. 

The flower David gave me when he asked me to marry him. 

At his Birthday

Doing what David often liked to do. 

Dead horse point in Southern Utah

Hiking Stewart Falls. 

Honeymoon. 

Christmas Pajamas. 

Walking out of the temple. 

At the Pearl Harbor memorial. 

Outside our hotel/resort where we were vacationing with my family. 

Engagements. 

I still think we should sell this picture to Apple and they should give us lots of money. 

THE first picture taken of the two of us with my computer. We were flirting mercilessly in front my roommates on the floor of the small living room. Where else could we go?

In front of my house right before the reception. 

After GRADUATION!!!

My 23rd Birthday. He got me a backpack which I so desperately needed. 

Dancing. While we were engaged. 

I had no clue this picture was being taken. 

At the Eagar open house. 

Thanks for looking!