Mr. Fix it

So for the past year or so, our surround sound system receiver hasn't been working properly. We haven't been able to change the volume with the remote so yes, we got up and down up and down A LOT to change volumes (yes, we're lazy when it comes to that, but who isn't?!) So my genius of a husband went to investigate online and what not and this morning, I wake up to our receiver taken apart all over our table and Preston there with his newly bought soldering gun (because he knew exactly what he needed to fix). It works like a champ now. Soldering gun $10 new receiver... probably a couple to a few hundred dollars. I don't know how he figures these things out, it's a little over my head (okay, WAY over my head) his mom always tells me how when he was little, he'd take apart sooo many things just to see how they worked and put it back together with no problem. I don't know of something Preston can't do. Seriously. Anyways, enough of my bragging. Here is what I woke up to!

I got a killer deal on some fantastic shoes today. Preston's sister is getting married next month and I needed some new shoes to go with the brides maid dress. Searched a few stores in the mall, 2 Rosses, Kohls, went back to the mall to get this soldering gun you see above and walked through Dillards not thinking I'd even look in there because they're not the cheapest store around but since it's Labor day they had racks upon racks of clearance shoes and I came across these fantastic shoes. Best part is the price... normally $75 I got them for $23. Nothing beats that! They're comfortable and easy to walk in also, which is hard to find when it comes to heels.

... Now, back to the VA Tech vs Boise State game with the hubster soon to be followed by BBQ hot dogs, chips and fruit salad (gotta BBQ on a holiday of course)

Ciao.

Home Sweet Home!!

The weekend of July 18th, I was able to fly back home to Utah for two very exciting things. My brother Chris got his Eagle and my other brother Brady had his homecoming for his mission. He returned from Denmark. It was so great to see the family. I've missed them SO much. I got to play with my niece and nephew all weekend so that was definitely a plus. I had some fun "girl time" with my little sister Lili and hung out with the brothers quoting "Nacho Libre" all weekend long. Got to run errands with my dad (just like ol' days) and got to spend some great time with my mom! I also go to see the grandparents and a bunch of my cousins as they all came to Chris' Eagle Court. It was also great to go spend an evening with my in-laws... They're the greatest! It was so weird as I was in Utah knowing I lived in a different state but it was so nice that when I got in the car, I knew exactly where I was going and exactly how to get there... everything was sooo green! I definitely have missed those Utah mountains. I got to see some friends and do a girls lunch with a couple of girls from my old job at Dental Select. It was great to catch up with them!

Here are the pictures...

Me, Chris, Lili and Brady
Such a stud! Look at those blue eyes!
I love my baby girl!
Cadence and Opa in their favorite chairs!
You know we're sisters when I get off the plan and my family is there to pick me up and my sister and I are wearing almost the same shirt!
Poor little guy was sick all weekend!
We had a big get together at Grandma's. My cousins from Cali were even in town! So great to see everybody. (Monica, Cade, Me, Stockton)
I know, I know... picture overload of these kids but I just missed them THAT much!
Lili, Cadence and my cute cousins Hayley and Whitney (Nope, they don't look like sisters AT ALL!)Grandma, Aunt Marty, Mom, Uncle Bill (my mom with her mom and siblings.. missing Uncle Art.. he's in a better place!)Erda Sunset with my cousin's horses. Some of the fam from my mom's side.


Christian and President Young. Look at all those badges my brother has!
Before I left that Monday, we made sure we had a nummy BBQ!

Last but not least...
She was a tad tired but sure loved to be in her "Dora Dammies"

It was a quick but great trip!

This brought me back to my "youngin" days.

To be a kid again...
Simply beautiful.

Arizona Living!!

Well, we have been here in Arizona for just over a month now and we LOVE it! We are very happy here and love the area we're in and we love our new apartment. We are actually in a city just outside of Phoenix called Surprise... Yes... SURPRISE! We get a kick out of it. Preston is loving his classes and the school and we're meeting new people and we love the ward that we're in. Of course, we moved here just in time for the heat and so far the hottest we've had has been 110 degrees. Yikes! Thank goodness for AC and swimming pools!We have started exploring the area and have found some fun things! We of course miss our family and friends but we're very happy here especially considering that this was our top choice for school! We can't really complain.
Here are some pictures of the beginning of our adventure here in Arizona!

Just after getting everything moved in. We had such awesome help. My dad and both of Preston's parents were able to drive down with us and help us with the move. We also had Pona and Donna Sitake bring their son Mani and a few of their foster boys come and help us and let me tell you... they were AMAZING!!! They were such great help and we couldn't thank them enough! Those boys sure hauled it and not one word of complaint came from them. We were so grateful for them. We're really glad we have the Sitakes down here to hang out with and have some "family" down here! Also, of course a HUGE thank you to both of our families... they have been a major help and have given us so much love and support. We couldn't have done this without our amazing families! We love you guys!Here are our dad's catchin some zzz's!While our parents were still here, we went to visit the Mesa temple with them. What a beautiful temple. Shortly after we visited with our parents, Preston and I had the opportunity to do a session with our friends 'Ema and Leone. Very neat temple! After being in AZ for a week, my uncle and dad both were down here in Tempe for business. My uncle's main office is here so he is down here a lot. Well, since my dad was coming that same weekend for a seminar, the two brothers bunked up together and the second night after my uncle had left, my dad invited us to come stay at this resort/retreat with him. Wow, this place is top notch. My uncle knows how to travel in style... and his company pays for it! My dad was at the seminar all day so Preston and I relaxed here and hung out by their awesome pool. The night that my uncle was still here, we went to Alice Cooper's Town for dinner. It's such a fun atmosphere and the food isn't bad either! Good times with dad and uncle Jeff! Thanks guys for treating us that weekend. Myself with Alice Cooper! ROCK ON!

For Memorial Day, we got together with the Sitake's. We swam for 3 hours, got burnt and ate lots of yummy food and had a great time with these guys!
Here we are all burnt and tired from swimming!
The guys doing what they do best.
Who needs matches when you can use a TORCH! We roasted marshmallow's later that night.

Preston and I went on an all day drive which was so fun. It's called the Apache Junction Loop. It took us past lakes, rivers and even a Ghost Town (which are my favorite!!)
Being help for hostage at the jail!!

Just a couple of pictures of our new home!

Our living room and some random guy on the couch :) We're eventually going to get up our curtains and maybe paint some color on the walls. I hate plain white walls!

Our dining area.
Our second bathroom.
Preston insisted I put this up haha. This is what I call the man cave/office/guest bedroom. Don't worry though, if you come visit, the weight set will be taken down and we'll make a nice little room for ya!

There ya have it! This is just the beginning of this experience/adventure down here in the good ol' AZ! Come visit!