Tyler, the Turtle!

Ever since Chad moved to Tyler he has been eyeing the turtles in the swamp right by where we live. A few years ago he caught a turtle and he no longer has it, so he was determined to get a new one. We saw a little baby turtle no bigger than an inch and a half and knew this was the one for us. For 2 days Chad has tried to catch it with just his hands but it is too fast, so last night we went to Wal Mart and bought a net. This morning we went down and could not find the turtle, we killed some time at the pool and then went by again. This time one of the guys saw the turtle, Chad got into the swamp (which is SSSOOO gross) and after a few tries he got him! We didn't have an aquarium yet so we put him in a glass bowl for a few hours before we bought him his new home. It is a little sad because you could see how stressed he was in the bowl, and now all he does is hide. I really hope that he will warm up to us! So now I get to be a mom to a turtle, I guess that will have to do for now. Here are some pictures of the catch!

Proud Daddy!

The whole fam (joking)

Our recent trips!

Well we did it, put all of our stuff in storage, made a quick trip to California then drove from Utah to Texas. It was a LONG drive but it was nice to be with Chad. (This is probably going to sound like a daily log so bare with me!)

All of our stuff in storage

FOr Chads birthday we went to a Dodgers day game, it was really fun, we sat up in the nosebleeds with all the summer camp kids! I actually enjoyed being surrounded by all the kids, its funny to see how they just act and don't care how silly they look, very entertaining.

After the game we went to Grand Central Station in downtown LA, its a market with fresh fruit, and authentic Mexican food, Chad took the opportunity to partake of the Mexican food!

We then went to Santa Monica with Chad's parents to shop and eat at one of our favorite restaurants Houstons, we love the French Dip there! We definately crammed a lot in but that is what made his birthday so much fun!

The next day we went to Wildomar for Landon's birthday party! He called and invited me to his party and said "make sure you bring Chad!" He says the cutest things, while we were there he told me that when I'm done being married to Chad, he wants to marry me! I love this little boy! We got him a slip n slide for his birthday, he loved it, needed a little help sliding but he really enjoyed playing on it with Chad.

That night we went to the park and played volleyball, my family all LOVES to play and Chad has become a huge volleyball fan, I loved playing again!

We took a drive down the coast, started in Long Beach and ended up in San Clemente. In this picture we are at Huntington, we ate at BJs and I got a custom toe ring (its not that cool, it is just sized to your toe).

For the 4th Chad and I met up with my family and played beach volleyball for a couple hours, then we went back to his parents and had a bbq with them. I love that we are able to see both our families on the holidays!

Me and McKenna laying out on the beach!

My uncle, Chad, dad, and little brother Tanner talking about the Lakers, Im Sure! Well this was the end of our trip in California, we left early the next morning for our trip to Texas!

We stopped at this tourist restauraunt called The Big Texan, it was on the show Man vs. Food! Chad here is attempting the challenge, not really, didn't think that would be a good idea to eat 72 ozs of steak and then get back on the road for another 6 hrs!

Its been a little over a week since we got back to Tyler, TX and I have enjoyed it so far. I spend the majority of my day at the pool, reading, or working on my online cooking class I need to finish. Its pretty rough! After we are done in Texas we will go to California, then to Utah for graduation and then back to California, we are hoping home base will be in southern California! BOth of our families are there, the beach, volleyball, now I just need to secure a job and find a place-the easiest part right!

Moving on!

I can't believe that our lives here in Utah are coming to an end. I finished school last Thursday, never been happier, and this week we are moving! Its really exciting but at the same time it is sad. We have made so many good friends here that I am going to miss! So I needed to start packing this week but my frined Jamie came back to Utah for a couple days and the weather was so nice I decided to put it off! On Monday we went to Lagoon, which isn't normally my thing but was so much fun. People in Utah can't BELIEVE I have never been there so now I have! We went back to Jamie's parents house and roasted marshmallows and made s'mores-which are my fave! She and her sis-in-law came back to my house and we had a slumber party since we were all husbandless. THen the next day the weather was SO nice that we layed out all day. Well the weather was nice again on Wednesday so we got some more sun, probably a little too much but oh well! It was so fun having a friend in town, I get sad when there are things I want to do but have no one to do anything with, so thanks Jamie for hanging out with me all 3 days you were here!!!

Me and Jamie in the parking lot at Lagoon!

Well now its Thursday and I figured I really need to crack down and start the packing. I have been dreading it, and once I started I realized why! Where to start? It is so overwhelming, we have more stuff than I realized! I feel bad I called and almost started crying to Chad because I was feeling stressed, he told me stop packing and he will do it all when he gets in on Sunday, obviously I am not gonna not pack but it was nice of him to make the offer. He has been gone for almost 3 months and I am done being apart from him. It has definately been a challenge to be so far away from one another, but we both realize how much we need eachother. We aren't too sure what is in store for us after the summer but that is what makes this whole process kind of exciting! We have nothing holding us back, so we will see where life takes us! As for now it is taking me back to packing!

I LOVE LA!!

Yay! The Lakers are the NBA Champions! Its been so much fun watching them through out the whole playoffs. Sometimes I wonder what my neighbors think because I have a tendency to yell and clap a lot during the games. Chad and I were able to go to a couple games this season which was a lot of fun, its something that definately brings us closer. Can't wait for next season!!!!

Need a place to live?

We are trying to get out of our contract about a month and half early and need someone to take over our contract. If any of you know someone who is looking for a place in Orem, let me know!! Here is the blog I made with all the pictures, so pass the word!

http://orchardcreek22.blogspot.com

I miss him already!

I love Texas, not just because that is where Chad is but also because it is beautiful!!! There are big trees everywhere, and it is so green! The weather was great for me, as I spent most of my time at the pool when Chad was working. It was such a short trip but that just means I am gonna have to go back! I was really bad at taking pictures but here they are:

This is Chad and his friend Kory trying to catch a turtle in this swamp. A few years ago Chad was working in N. Carolina and caught a turtle then, he had it for a few years and now he wants another one.

Chad getting the bbq ready for our chicken and shrimp!

Barry, Cody, and Kory a few guys who work with Chad

We all went out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse, I think it tastes better in Texas!

Glass Cube Design

So this is my latest project from floral design, and my favorite to do! It was so fun and turned out so cute (I think). These are the most popular centerpieces for weddings and are so easy. Can you believe they start at about $40 per cube! Don't bother paying that, just get the flowers and I will make one for you, I have so much fun doing it!

P.S. I started working today, yep I said it, I am working. Just a part time job at the Security 1 office but it will help keep me busy and give me a little extra cash, so I don't feel so guilty when I buy myself presents :)

P.S.S. 1 1/2 more days till I am in Dallas!