THE CATCH UP!

You might have forgotten all about us...or you might not have. Either way, we are here and ready to share what we have been up to since November! NOVEMBER!!! Seriously? Has it really been that long? My apologies, truly. Nonetheless, welcome back to our blog and be prepared for sensory overload!


November-December:
Sweets and I trekked across the globe to the U.A.E. to visit our dear friends Richard and Catherine. Words cannot explain just how amazing they are for taking us all around and showing us the best time. Abu Dhabi and Dubai were incredible! We had an awesome time and completely fell in with the people, the smells, the bright colors, the yummy food, and all the adventures.
We saw and did: the grand mosque, ski Dubai, Palm island, desert safari, world market, shopping, a camel ride, Emirates Palace, Burg Kahlifa, National Day and much much more!

December:

A few days after our globe trot Sweets and I headed to Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo. We love going every year and seeing all the cowboys and cowgirls calf rope, steer wrestle, bareback, bull ride, and barrel race! We were lucky enough to sit on the front row again and it truly was awesome.  

December:

Sweets and I spent our Holiday season with our annual cheese and chocolate fondue party, Hire's and the lights at Temple Square, the Arnell Christmas party in the theme of "Santa Claus" the movie, and opening gifts with the puppies and visiting both families. It was very relaxing and quite enjoyable. Usually Christmas is hectic, but not this year. I loved the fact that it fell on a Sunday. It forced us to slow down and truly remember what the special day was all about!

December-January:

For New Years, Sweets and I headed up to Sun Valley with part of my family. We go there every year and it is always a good time! The snow wasn't that great this year, so we didn't go skiing or snowmobiling, but we did plenty of hiking, hot tubbing, dinners, games and shopping. Sun Valley is beautiful and we love spending time up there!

January:

A few days after the New Year we traveled to Maui Hawaii for some R&R! It was so fun to hang out with my whole family and no kids for a week. The weather couldn't have been better and it honestly was such a fun trip. We all hiked the Bamboo trail, went on early morning walks/jogs, boggie boarded with the abnormally huge waves, and watched lots of football games. Maui is so pretty and we are still laughing from all the funny things that happened...  

So, in a nutshell, this is what we have been up to for the past few months! We are so lucky to have been able to have these experiences and we look forward to more in 2012. Speaking of 2012, because of some new craziness that Sweets and I are embarking in, we are going to go private. We would love all of you to keep following us and are appreciative of those who have taken interest in our lives. Leave your email in the comment space below and we'll send you a link and keep ya posted on what's coming next!

ROCKTOBER

It started off with a beautiful scenic hike up Rocky Mouth Canyon to a waterfall with my brother Matthew and 2 of his children. The waterfall was really pretty and the kids loved hiking through the vibrant leaves! This fall was probably one of the all time prettiest that I have seen. 

Next it was an all day event making Apple Butter for the Holiday's. I have never made it before but I found a really yummy recipe and had to try it. We devoured our jar in 2 days and my home was left with the most incredible aroma!!!

Sweets and I took a gander up to Midway for an evening and brought the pups along. We hadn't been up there for awhile so we thought we would take a little night getaway. Tahoe and Telly ran all around the fields and were in heaven! I can't believe how big and fast Telly is getting. They are so funny when they play together.

Next, we headed down to SG and LV for a weekend trip with some friends to see Jimmy Buffet! This was incredible. First thing first, we had to race the go-cart around the 1/4 mile loop and my Sweets took first. It was so fun. We then drove down to Vegas to hit up the Pawnshop, Traders Joes, do a little shopping, and of course party at the "street party" before the concert. It seriously was a blast! The concert was the MGM and we sang and danced all night to the best island music. It was Sweets first concert so he was a little shy getting involved but he came around when Jimmy sang "fins". Afterwards, we headed to Mesquite for a little money "donation" until 5 am. It was quite the late night and quite a trip!

We rounded out the month with our tradition of Thriller at Kingsbury Hall. We go every year, and each time does not disappoint us. We are still in awe and shock and laugh just as hard as the first time we saw it many, many years ago together.

THE COLORS OF FALL

Sweets and I took a scenic drive up American Fork Canyon and through the Alpine Loop into Midway over conference weekend. We listened to the wonderful and inspiring messages of our Leaders while looking at all the beauty that was created by Him.

We truly are blessed to live at this time that we do. The beauty that surrounds us is incredible and we are lucky enough to enjoy it on a daily basis. Not to mention, we have a living prophet and counselors to guide us and speak to us about the truths of our Gospel.

I love Fall and all the colors that it brings. It is happiness and watching/listening to Conference during this time makes Fall even better! 

OBSESSION #1

Don't you just love everything about fall? I sure do, and I am loving that the season has officially started! 

I love the weather. 

I love the layering of scarves.

I love sipping on hot chocolate morning, noon, and night.

I love boots. (stilettos and rider) 

I love cozying up in sweatshirts and sweatpants. 

I love snuggling by the fire.

I love going to and watching U football.

I love politics and watching debates.

I love Halloween. (decorations, pumpkins, candy, and costumes)

I love the changing leaves and the beauty of all the trees.

I love working out and running with the pups in slightly rain/snow weather.

I love soup. (butternut squash)

For me, Fall is the new beginnings that the 'new year' is to most other people. It represents the new me! I feel rejuvenated. Anew. Motivated. Independent. I feel like I am starting my life over with a colorful and fresh approach. But, with all these wonderful beginnings in Fall, my favorite thing still, is my love for Fall TV. 

I love and am addicted to: 

The Sing-Off.

The Biggest Loser.

Most Eligible Dallas.

House.

The Office.

The Rachel Zoe Project.

Modern Family.

Glee.

Up All Night.

One Tree Hill.

The Real Housewives.

It sounds like I have no life. This is not true! I do have a life and this is it in the Fall. I couldn't be happier with working out in the early mornings, heading to work, coming home and making my Sweets dinner, snuggling with my kiddies and watching that days TV treasures. Thank goodness for DVR though! It makes living that much more convenient... 

FALL BACK INTO FALL!

This is just a little somethin' somethin' to keep you occupied while I finish downloading, uploading, tweaking, writing, and posting the rest of the "catch up" stuff! Until then...