..bOrInG..

Alright, So when I got online and looked at my blog today I realized it had been almost a month since I had updated.. so I figured I will fill you in on our boringness..

We finished up the semester June 23rd. I am officially done with school. AHH! I am a tad scared not gonna lie. I am still working on my final show, which will be in september but I no longer have classes or assignments, it is really odd. Cody is getting ready to take his final tests for his instrument license.. yikes! He will do great though I know it.

So since we have been busy with school and work we haven't done any fun trips lately.. just hang around. We have been doing a lot of movies lately. We saw A-team, highly recommend, Toy Story 3 - so funny!!, and we just saw Eclipse on Tuesday night at midnight.

.. Me, Jarett, Matson and Erica at Toy Story 3 in 3D, rocking the glasses..

In other news, we have a cram packed August coming up.. On August 6th Kellyn, my sister, is getting married in the SLC temple. Then.. August 10-13 Jarett, my younger brother is competing in a national trap shooting tournament. August 13th is also his 16th birthday, he arrives home at 10am and we have plans to immediately visit the DMV. August 14th Matson, my other brother is getting married in the Mt. Timp temple. And then.. on August 28th I turn 26. Sounds like a crazy month already and it just seems to keep on filling. Needless to say our house is covered in wedding stuff and there is all sorts of projects going on.

.. Our first Boys vs girls golfing tournament, we lost..

It should be good.. so that is all that is going on with us. Boring, I know.

..wAsHiNgToN dC..

Well after much thought and debate of how much school and work we could miss Cody and I decided to take a trip. Two weekends ago we packed up and headed for the country's capitol. We both had never been there before and figured it would be fun to try out.

We flew out there on Friday morning and stayed until Sunday night. We had a fun time full of adventures and exploring.

We arrived there late Friday afternoon and after checking into our hotel decided that we would take the time to see the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and the White House. We didn't think it would take that long so we set off. We ended up walking totally the longest route ever to get the the Washington Monument and added like 15 minutes on to our time but got there. It was really neat to see. There were huge fields all around it and from that point of view you could see just about everything.



..Cody touching the Washington Monument..

.. Me holding the Washington monument, don't worry it was light!..

.. Washington Memorial from Jefferson Memorial..

We then decided to walk to the Jefferson Memorial since it was the furthest out and then circle back to the Lincoln and the White House. So we started our journey. It was under construction on the outside, which we didn't know, that added time to our walk. It took about 30 minutes to get out to it but it was beautiful. It was open and airy and had all these amazing quotes from Jefferson.


.. Jefferson Memorial..

.. Cody at the Jefferson..

.. Me sitting in the Jefferson, reading all the quotes..

We then started our trek back to the Lincoln, we decided to use a pedometer and see how long it took, it was 1.2 miles. Wow. But we got lucky and on the way found the FDR monument and also the WW2 wall. It was really neat to see all the names of the people that had died for our country.


.. Cody and Ben Franklin..


.. Me and Ben Franklin..



.. FDR's Dog and Me..

We then walked to the Lincoln, wow. We must have come on the week where all the local schools were taking their last trips of the year. There were about a million kids all dressed the same or wearing matching backpacks. And they were all in Junior High. Ha ha, so we climbed through the fields of students and stood under Lincoln for a few. Let me just say he is HUGE in that monument. I didn't even come up to his shoe.


.. Cody and I at the Lincoln Memorial with the Washington Monument behind..


.. Lincoln Memorial..

.. Cody and I at the Lincoln Memorial..
.. The Big Man himself..

After we left there we walked up to the white house. It was pretty all lit up at night, but the secret service blocked us from getting close at all. I guess the president was in town and they close down the block next to it at nights. LAME.

The next day we decided we would spend at the National Mall. Of course we had to go to the National Air and Space Museum first ( to see the website and other cool stuff click on the link). Cody could barely contain himself. We spent a good 2-3 hours in there walking around and seeing all the planes and space stuff. Cody loved every minute of it and tried his hardest to explain stuff to me, yep I didn't understand a word but just smiled and nodded cause I knew he was having fun. We rode the flight simulators, I was the gunner and Cody of course was the pilot. We shot down 4 planes, I was impressed cause the guys before us didn't get any.. I must have good aim.


.. Cody and the Spirit of St. Louis..
.. Me and a Jet..


.. Cody at the FBI building..




.. Capitol from the National Mall..
.. Me at the Department of Justice..
.. Cody and I with the Capitol..

After the Air museum we decided to hit up the National Gallery of Art. I was pretty excited, but quickly disappointed to find out they had a TINY photography section, so we cruised through the painting section too and saw some Degas and some Monet. Beautiful I must say. After this we decided to hit up some lunch. We ran to Hard Rock, which is a tradition of ours. We always go to a hard rock when we are in a new place and get a pin. We have started a collection of sorts. After lunch we were right next door to Fords theater, so we stopped by and took a peek. Pretty cool.

.. Me at the National Gallery of Art..

We then continued on to the Museum of Natural History, ( to see the website and other cool stuff click on the link) where Night at the Museum 2 was filmed. We spent the whole afternoon in there. It was probably my favorite. We saw ocean stuff, dinosaurs, cavemen, geology and insects. We witnessed a giant squid, it was 136 ft long. GROSS. And a blue whale and some dinosaurs of course. We saw the hope diamond and a few other large gems. It was so much fun. After that we called it a day and walked back to our hotel to plan for dinner. We watched some of the Celtics game and decided on Capitol City Brewery (to check out their food, click on the link). It was fab!! I swear, the breweries I have eaten at have the BEST food. After we ate a bunch we headed back to the hotel and watched Role Models. It was pretty funny.

.. Me getting eaten by a Giant Great White Shark, thank heavens they are extinct..


.. Cody and an Elephant Leg, watch out!..
.. Me and the Elephant Leg, yep I am about the same height..
.. the Hope Diamond..

The next morning we decided to attempt going to the White House again, we were successful this time and even got to talk to some Secret Service agents. It was pretty neat, although I am surprised Cody didn't get questioned for all the questions he was asking. After this we went to Chinatown to get in some shopping and of course lunch. We ate at Potbelly's sandwich works (click to see their website), which if you are ever out there we HIGHLY recommend. It was SO good. We finished up by walking back and packing and then off to the airport. It was a great trip and we had a blast! We are already planning a return visit in August.


.. The White House..

.. Cody and I at the White House..

..gRaDuAtIoN..

Well. I can't say that I am not excited cause I kind of am, but I am also a little scared that it is over. On April 30th I walked in Graduation ceremonies. While waiting for it to come I didn't think it ever would, like it was just a fantasy that couldn't be true. As the weeks past and the day got closer it hit me harder and harder. The night before it came and I rushed around to make sure I was ready for the following morning. Graduation started at 8am. I am not a morning person so just to make sure I was ready I laid everything out in anticipation for the big day.

I woke up on time, but took too long getting ready. My hair decided it needed more than the usual pep talks to make it through the next few hours. I rushed to get finished and ran out the door. I had chose to wear a dress made by my mom (pictures to come later..) and a pair of cute red sandals so I couldn't trip on the stairs on my way up to get my diploma. As I walked outside I was greeted by snow. Yep, huge snowflakes and the freezing cold temps. What?!? So I just decided to go with it, ran to the car and hopped in. 2 minutes into the drive I realized I had forgotten my cap and tassel at home. Bless Cody's parents for going back and getting it for me since I had to be there at the school by 7:30. I finally got put together around 7:45 and stood nervously with my classmates talking about the things we had all done in school. I can't believe it is over. I walked without tripping! Happy day. Cody managed to sneek in a air horn and blew it when I walked, it scared me but I managed to make it across. I did tear up a bit I have to admit. I love school and always have. I have only done school since Kindergarten. I am not sure what to do in this next chapter of life. It will be nice to have a break from assignments and pressure of finals and what not, but I have to say I am really sad that it is over.

Here are just a few pictures of that day..

.. Kellyn, Me and Jarett..

( yes Jarett is my youngest brother at 15. Sad day that he is like a giant over the top of me)

.. Anika (cody's mom), Me and Cody..

( Justin - Cody's dad - did come, he had to be back at work by 10 so he stayed to yell at me and then left. He was there.. My parents and grandparents were also there, but I don't have the pictures up of them just yet. :))

.. Trent, Me and Amber..

(these two are seriously my best friends in school. I loved doing it with them!)

.. Trent, Matt, Me and Amber..

( photography buddies)

.. Me and Cody..

So thanks to all of you out there that helped and supported me in my efforts to get my BFA. Especially to my #1 fan, Cody. You have been a great support and push in helping me reach my goals in life. Thanks for making me try harder and make it to where I am today. I couldn't have done it without you.

And in case you are wondering, I will go back to school. I am planning on getting my Master's degree, MFA, in a few years. I am going to help my #1 fan make it through his last year and into his passion before I take the next step.

..gRaDuAtIoN pIcTuReS..

Well, like my earlier post said.. graduation is upon me. I applied to walk with acceptance and finish my degree this summer. I got approved. I will be walking this Friday April 30th at 8:00am.

So in announcement of graduation I decided to have my pictures taken and make an announcement to send out. Here are a few pictures that my dear "sister", Elisha Trask took of me. To see more of her work click here.



They were a blast to do and I honestly had so much fun!!

..bFa..

I don't know if many of you know this but I applied to the BFA (bachelors of fine arts) last semester and was turned down. After I got over my anger and really took time to analyze myself and my work I realized that the first portfolio I turned in had nothing to do with me.. So I geared up and tried again. It was my last try because graduation is upon me.

I was nervous but applied..

and..

I got ACCEPTED!! YAHOO! So I am now a BFA student and will be finishing up soon!

..sPrInG bReAk..

This year for spring break, I did travel alone.. again.

A group of photo students decided to make the trip out to San Francisco. I love that city, it is by far my favorite. I decided to join them since Cody couldn't go due to work. It was so much fun I have to say!

Here are some pictures from the trip..


A friend of mine Amber Weimer took this lovely photo of me.. This was at the Baker Beach.

Sheena, Kayli, Amber and I at Point Reyes Lighthouse.. We were giving our sexy faces..


Amber and I after the 30 story climb down to the lighthouse.. and yes incase you were wondering the hike up was much worse.



Highlight of the trip.. The others drove, I flew out and met them there. On our way back from Point Reyes National Park the van started to make odd noises when we would brake. We kinda worried. We stopped and checked things out, we thought it was just the bumper rubbing the tire, but after a bit of electrical tape and another go at the road, no such luck the noise was still around. So we stopped and took off the tires to check out the brakes since it happened when braking. We found a fun surprise. The driver side brake pad had lost its bolt on the bottom and the pad wasn't clamping down when we braked. After using google maps, thank heavens for an iphone, Brandon (a teacher at UVU) and I hopped in the other car and headed to the nearest town a mile away looking for bolts. We found a little repair shop in town that was still open. We walked in to find 2 older men drinking beers and laughing it up. I figured that maybe if I flirted a little they would be nice and help us. So I acted all part retarded like I didn't know what I was doing and sure enough the old man fell for it!! He got up and helped us find 2 bolts which was perfect to help us get the pads on again. When brandon asked him how much we owed him he turned and looked at me and I just smiled. He didn't charge us and I told him I would tip with a smile, I sent him a quick one with a wink and then high tailed it out of there. I was afraid he was going to follow me.. We got repaired up and on our way 2 hours later.. blah. But it was a fun adventure..


Me photographing a pelican on a boat in Point reyes. I have an ongoing project of roadkill and he is going to be a perfect addition to this project.. to see more of the project click here.

Paint samples on a shipwrecked boat in Point Reyes.

The Pier near Golden Gate

Crates from a local grocery store








The day I was supposed to come home was yet another adventure for me. I flew out there and didn't want to ride 12 hours in a van to get home so I flew home too. I left a day before the group did so I could make the open flights. I left the hotel at 7:00am that morning and walked 1 1/2 miles to the nearest BART station. I hopped on and rode into the San Francisco International Airport. I was trying to catch the flight that left at 10:00am. I waited and waited until everyone boarded, since I flew standby I had to wait to see if there was an open seat. Turns out it was full, I talked to the gate agent to see about the flight that left at 1 and he said they were all over sold by 2 the rest of the day. I didn't want to get stuck so I called Cody at home and had him look at flights in Oakland. They had a few openings. So I ran to the BART again, got eaten by the escalator (it ate part of the sole of my shoe and ripped some skin) and rode an hour and a half to Oakland Airport. I arrived about 45 minutes before the first flight left. I waited again only to find out that it was full and I would have to wait until the 4:55pm flight to make it home. I was starving at this point, it was 1pm. I sat down in a chili's and ate lunch alone and then went exploring in the airport. I decided to take some pictures since that is what I do and this was the result of my exploring the Oakland Airport. I walked as slow as I could in every terminal and waited for things to be empty to take some of these pictures. After spending 9 hours on the BART and in airports I finally got on the 4:55pm flight and made it home. To see more pictures from my journey click here. It was a long journey but a fun one to say the least.