Leaf Peeping: Dreaming of that Alpine Loop Drive

A few weeks ago Ryan and I found ourselves in Utah for a brief weekend. We were blessed with incredible weather and the leaves were just starting to turn --- lucky for us, Dad lent us his BMW convertible and soon we were off in the mountains soaking up the trees, leaves and crisp fall air. It was perfect.

Utah in the Fall

We just returned from an unexpected trip to Utah. We celebrated the life of Robert A. Pixton and did the things that he would enjoy doing with us:

Temple Sealings:

Picking Raspberries, tomatoes and Grapes from his garden (and then enjoying how delicious they tasted!)

Going to the Mountains:

Spending time with family:

More to come.

Phoenix in 24 Hours
My company had extra American Airlines flight vouchers that had to be used within the next 4 weeks so they gave them away to employees.

I was lucky enough to snag one and find a flight to Phoenix to attend a family friends' wedding. Lou Anderson has been my #1 supporter since I was 15 years old. He was my families home teacher and actually gave me my first car (a 1981 yellow volvo- classic); he cheered me on as I studied abroad in London and also attended my wedding in St. George (in addition to attending all of my siblings weddings to date). He is an incredible person and forever our Home Teacher. I feel so blessed to have been able to support him on his big day.

Outside the temple waiting for the happy couple.

 Other things I did while I was in Phoenix:

• Lunch with Holly Hansen and Scott Selin -- two of my favorites from grad school. 
• MIM- Holly works at this amazing new museum in Phoenix- the Musical Instruments Museum. If you live in the Phoenix area you MUST go! It's incredible. 



Isn't this the biggest instrument you have EVER seen?

• Parents - my parents were also there for the wedding so I got to spend some extra time with them. 

Nanie and Popsie and Aunt Jewels.

Cousins-in-law.

• Merrills/Stapleys- Nanie and Popsie met me for lunch along with Uncle Brent, Aunt Julie, Megan, Brandon and Logan! We had a blast!!
• Nodstrom Last Chance- It's always worth stopping into... you never know what you are going to find there!

I made it home in time to catch the awful BYU vs. Utah game with Ryan and teach my YW in church on Sunday. Quick trip but so worth it.

Celebrating 2 years on Lake Michigan
(note: lots of photos-I crammed a potential 2-3 posts into one.)

As our 2-year anniversary approached, we wanted to find fun little ways to celebrate it here in Chicago, since our real celebration will begin in Italy next month!!

Ryan kicked things off with a gorgeous dozen roses Friday night before we went to Fondue at Gejas (which was so special, reminding us of our honeymoon-- we ate fondue at the top of a mountain in Tahiti overlooking the ocean). I have to say, the food was much better at Gejas, but the view left us wanting.

Saturday, we made a Cracker Barrell breakfast (the brunch we had the morning after our wedding day).

Then we headed over to Navy Pier to go on a Tall Sailboat! It was THE-MOST-PERFECT weather to be on a boat on lake Michigan. I loved it!

My favorite.

Of course we had to ride the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel while we were there on such a gorgeous day:

That night, we had the most romantic dinner on the patio at Prosecco. The food was delicious and got us excited for our upcoming Italy trip!

Outdoor eating at its best! Such an amazing night.

2 YEARS!!

We ended the night with carrott cake (the type of cake we had at our wedding) and a small gift for both of us to share -- sheets!! :)

This is the same milk glass cake platter from our wedding.

Happy 2 Years to my best friend and most admired husband. xoxo.

Ravinia
Another thing to cross off our Chicago Bucket List!

We have heard so many great things about Ravinia ever since we moved to Chicago. It's this gorgeous outdoor concert venue in the Northern Surbubs that has been hosting Summer Concert Festivals since the early 1900's!! We decided at the last minute to take advantage of our friends extra lawn tickets. It was raining that day so we weren't sure how it would be on the lawn...but lucky for us it was a beautiful night! (and what's a little rain going to do to you anyway?)

Guster and Jacks Mannequin put on such a great show, and it was so fun to see them in an intimate venue like that!!

Can you tell it was raining?

Ravinia at sunset.

Blurry but shows the stage and pavilion.

Wishing this photo showed the gorgeous landscape at Ravinia!

Love this man.

Our view as we laid on a blanket on the lawn and listened to Guster... not too shabby for a summer night!

Can't wait to go back next year!