Alaska continued

Since there was a request for the breath-taking scenery pictures, I've posted a slide show of some of my favorites. If you want to see them full size, just right click on the slide show, and click "open in a new window." Enjoy!

ODE to ALASKA

As the first anniversary of our Alaska trip approaches, I thought I would post pictures of it for you all to see. However, the breathtaking scenery pictures are on my memory card in the other room, and I'm too lazy to fetch it. So you'll have to be content with the pictures of us goofs.
Amber and I at the Talkeetna lodge...if it wasn't cloudy behind Amber you could see Denali
A funny picture moment...toni wishes we got close enough to kiss a moose, but alas we did not.
Me trying some caribou antlers on for size
The three of us right before we took off on our K2 flight to Denali, which I must say was one of the most spectacular things I've ever seen. Thank you Toni!

Baby Sucking her thumb

It's a GIRL!

We had the second ultrasound today, and we're having a girl. We're excited. Justin and I didn't have a preference either way so we're happy. We still don't know about names so any help there would be appreciated. I can never pick out body parts on ultrasounds by myself, so I labeled the eyes on this one for those of you who have troubles like me. sorry the baby looks like she has laser beams coming out her eyes.

Family Fun

We really enjoyed having family here for graduation this weekend. We had such a great time trying to fit all sixteen of us into our two bedroom apartment, and visiting with everyone.

Jane and her family were here from Utah along with Toni, and Mary and her family were here from Idaho Falls, and Mom, Amber, and Shane came down from Butte. We did commencement and convocation on Friday night, and then on Saturday we had a barbecue at Porter Park, and Justin did a wonderful job on roasting our meat. I was quite proud of his mean barbecue skills.

The kids also got to play in the Spray park. It's part of the park that has fun playground type equipment that sprays water everywhere. I even went down the slide with Ainsley and Emily and got all wet.

Speaking of Ainsley and Emily, they were so stinking cute together. They like to run around and scream mostly, but they are pretty adorable. Here's a picture of them Friday night in their pajamas.

Hail the Conquering Graduate

Graduation was this weekend, and it was such a wonderful time. Graduation time is bittersweet, I think, because never taking a test again is so great, but leaving behind classes and learning so much everyday is sad. I've had such a wonderful time at BYU-Idaho, and I've grown so much here. I've had wonderful teachers, roommates, friends, and classmates. So many people here have taught me lessons I will never forget, and I am so grateful for those experiences.

I've been thinking a lot about what I've learned in the last four years, and after all this thinking I believe these are the most important insights I've gained:

1. Learn to ask the right questions in life

2. Keep your personal standards high, and never settle for less than the best you can do.

3. People are more important than things

4. It's service that counts

5. Leadership is really serving those around you

6. Never shy away from a chance to stretch, grow and change

7. The Lord knows His sheep, and He knows what they need

8. Hard does not mean bad

9. It's not about you so get over yourself

10. The greatest happiness in life comes from family

4th Of July

We spent Independence Day in Montana with the Stevens clan this year. We enjoyed the fireworks (and the rain that quieted down the rowdy Butte crowds) and the parade, and the Dobb family reunion...(even though we didn't really know anyone there). Mom made a flag cake like old times, and I enjoyed it thoroughly despite the fact that I didn't get a second piece since somebody who will remain nameless ate the rest of the cake during a midnight feeding.

Justin had his first official rousing game of marbles while we were in Montana. I beat him, but it was an extremely close game. We were tied the last few minutes of the game with both of us just needing to roll a two that last few turns.

We also enjoyed some great food being at home. Toni treated everyone to yummy KOA chicken and Mom served some delicious homemade pizza.

We only wished that more of the family could have been home.

Sleepy

So I have a gorilla that I used to sleep with every night before Justin and I got married. Moreso out of habit than attachment to the stuffed animal. After Justin and I got married I didn't sleep with it any more, until I got morning sickness alot and Justin would tuck it in bed with me to make me feel better. I guess one time I rolled over and the gorilla ended up in this position. Justin couldn't resist taking the picture.

Our Home

So Justin has been anxious for people to see our apartment. I think he said Emily particularly wanted to see pictures of it. So here are a few pictures of our little home that we've lived in for the last six months. It definitely has its quirks, but it's roomy, lets in lots of light, in a nice neighborhood, and it's within our budget.

The bathroom
the living room

the kitchen (sorry about the clutter, I think we just ate lunch when justin took the picture.)