Palm Springs Spring

We didn't know if this trip was going to come together but it totally did. So much satisfaction.

1.Kyle and Dad played a million holes of golf. (Okay like 72. But still) 

2.Mom and I got to go to Home Goods and Target. 

3.Caitlynn and Breanna came out to visit for the day.

4. We went to the movies and ate yum appetizers. 

Satisfaction for all! Pictures to prove it.

Kyle is already talking about next year. I'm in. 

Live and Learn.

You just have to laugh. 

You do. 

Three hilarious messes.

It was an accident. It was not a fun size. Kyle thought he put it in the freezer. Ooooo no. No, no, no. Quite the opposite. Melted City. Washed and Dried. 

Victory: Painted so many wonderful pieces. Added so much to our little home.

Failure: The wife left the paint can a little too far out in the garage.  

The husband swung the car into the garage. 

Ta-da! Chalkboard painted garage. Eeek. Boy did we learn some things. 

And here's a moment to remember.

Kyle: Do you notice anything different out here?

Meghan: Oh my gosh. Is that for real?

So they totally SPRAY painted our grass green. It was only a few feet of dead grass. Like we care? 

SPRAY painted?! I didn't know anyone even did that. 

What a lovely hilarious surprise.

All of them for that matter...

 

Happy Campers

Kyle and I have been talking about going camping together probably since about 2 months into dating. We used to day dream about the tent, the smores, and the sleeping bags that zip together. On a Friday evening, near the end of August, the camping adventure finally came! 

The place: Bear Valley Springs. Tehachapi. Grandparent's front yard. 

Beacuase of that, I almost titled this entry, "When all else fails"... But we just really wanted to try out all our gear!

We found a pretty flat place in the field in front of their property. Our tent is sweet. Two poles, room for 4, and glow in the dark zippers! Totally sweet. 

Look at us! Tent: check. Lantern: check. Giddiness: check.

And our bellies were full of rich hot chocolate and Grandma's fresh peach pie!

100% worth the wait. 

Park City, We will meet again...

Still catching up. My cousin Kyle Raymond Vaughn had a magnificent wedding in Park City, Utah. I personally love destination weddings. Can you say family vacation? What a treat. I flew out a week before to meet my Mom and Dad and sister for a week of mountain adventures. 

Park City is A-doreable. (You must annunciate the A) Everyday I saw a new place in which I dreamed of opening a bed and breakfast...Or a just a new place to live my life. We loved it. I loved my time with my sister. We had our own little apartment. We had the backseat. We had each other to entertain. It was like the good 'ole days....We thought we were hilarious and sometimes the parents agreed. Sometimes. 

I must say it was bizarre not to have Kyle with me. He had to work but was able to fly out the Saturday of the wedding. The separation reminded us both of our dating days, those blasted days of long distance. But somebody has to work around here. 

Main Street and Caitlynn Mae. So cooperative.

One day we just drove through the beauty.

Favorite trees for life. They seem magical. I want to go to there. 

Our vacation was so balanced. One day we were trekking across the mountains on a bike trail and the next we were enjoying a light picnic dinner and a good book. 

P.S. We found the biggest dandelions known to man.

I think we forgot the main reason we were in Park City was for a wedding until we were put to work in the kitchen for the rehearsal dinner. A wonderful evening...Maybe we should start a catering company? We need Mom.

I love this picture. Mainly because I loved Sundance. All nestled in the beauty of the mountains. Way to go Robert Redford. You sure know how to pick 'em.

Park City and I will see eachother again. 

(I apologize, to the 3 of you reading these (ha), that there are no pictures of the wedding...Maybe sometime) Just keeping you on your toes. 

A Groomsman and Some Sharks

July was wedding central. On July 12, 2009, Kyle's good friend Stephen Matthew Duncan got married and Kyle was honored to be a groomsmen. I loved seeing my husband standing beside someone he cares about so deeply. I am confident that Matt and Kyle will forever support each other in their commitments to Megan and me. (Yes. The boys both chose Meghans) 

Did I mention Kyle looked so incredibly handsome?

The Underwood Gang. Together again.

Oh, and there was definitely dancing.

I'm sorry, but isn't she just beautiful? Miss Jill Jasmine Underwood...

The church was simply stunning. Oh, hey Kyle.

Because Kyle was in the wedding and had to do all the bachelor festivities (ie:GOLF), we got to go to the beach! So lovely. Phil and Peggy bought an inflatable kayak for their summer excursions. It. Was. Awesome.

Jill and I totally caught some waves...AND saw 3 sharks! Booyah.

The kayak has sort of become their new child...

Shark sighters. 

A much needed mini-vacation...

Thank you dear family... Marvelous memories.

Still thinking about The Bowl...

My simply amazing, and incredibly lovely sister, Caitlynn, had the grand idea this past spring to go to a concert at the Hollywood Bowl....My only memory of the Hollywood Bowl was from when I was in my elementary years and we saw Michael Feinstein and some bubbly woman singing and I was eating a sandwhich of some kind. Isn't it romantic? 

Anyway, Caitlynn and her boyfriend Zach go to the bowl. It is one of their things. I knew I was jealous but I couldn't quite put my finger on why. Now I know why! IT WAS MAGICAL.

So we were pretty far up there...but it's a concert. You listen. And, boy, did we.

We had a stellar picnic before hand. I mean, this picnic was bomb. This might not come out the way I want, but I just felt old fashioned awesome. I want more of this. I want to experience picnics with everyone.

Oh also, my friend Katy cued me in to a picture editing website. I have fun. And yes, Caitlynn and I are future neighbors. We are determined.

Aren't they though?

Death Cab was incredible. The Philharmonic was marvelous. The fireworks set to "Transatlanticism" brought tears to my eyes. The company was to die for. And my thoughts keep going back...Hollywood Bowl, I'll see you again. 

Sharing Joy...

My days of summer are zooming by...I feel like I have a million things to do but then I choose other things to do instead...It's a grand 'ole time. I'm loving these days of living with my best friend. It's crazy. I can't even believe it's allowed. But I'm loving it. A continuous work in progress. 

What I love almost as much as my joy in this new life is watching others capture it. Seriously, ever since Kyle and I exchanged vows and were supported in our new commitment by so many people we love, I have been itching to be a part of other's weddings. I have always loved weddings but now I feel like I have a whole new appreciation for them. The joy shared overwhelms me. 

Luckily I am going to get my fix for the month of July. One each weekend for the first 3 weeks. Yes please. 

On July 3rd, 2009, I watched Julie Ann Gregg marry Jared Bennett Johnson. I had a pretty good seat. 

You know when you love someone with so much of your being and then you instantly like their future mate and you want to just scream because you don't think your smile shows your happiness enough? That's how I feel about Jared and Julie. They are joy. They are patience and commitment. They are best friends. I am so thrilled for them.

The Bridesmaids and the now Mrs. Johnson. What a crew. 

Julie and her mom, Maryanne. Beauty, eh?

Oh how I love these girls. Our little Point Loma crew. Always loving, always laughing. It's all about the heart. 

Did I mention Extraordinary Desserts? This was mine. "The Viking". We conquered, The Viking and I. Did I mention I loooooove chocolate? Favorite food.