we will never forget.

Today, I'm taking a minute to remember the heroes and the victims of the September 11th tragedy. I can't believe it's already been 11 years since one of the most humbling, saddening events in our nation's history. It's even stranger to think that none of my 4th or 5th graders remember the events of that day. Only a few were even alive.

I am so grateful to live in such a strong, resilient country. I am grateful for the freedoms we enjoy, and the brave men and women who keep those freedoms safe. Especially my father-in-law, who is currently serving our country in Afghanistan. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

We will never forget.

Fall To-Do List

Now that it's September, I feel like it's officially fall outside. I'm getting excited to do some of my favorite autumn activities this year! So without further ado, here's my official Fall 2012 To-Do List:

1. Go on a drive to see the changing leaves

2. Visit the Pumpkin Patch

3. Carve Pumpkins

4. Watch a scary movie

5. Dress up for Halloween

6. Go to a haunted house

7. Have a sleepover at the cabin

8. Read a good book

9. Eat breakfast at Ruth's Diner

10. Get a great fall candle

11. Eat a slice of pumpkin pie
12. Visit to the Utah State Fair

13. Purchase a new pair of boots (like these, or these, or these, or even these)

What's on your fall to-do list? I'd love to hear. I've already checked #4 off my list (I watched The Woman In Black by myself the other day...even though the cover expressly says "do not watch it alone.") Hope your fall is off to a great start!

P.S. A bit of trivia: Fall doesn't officially begin until the autumnal equinox on September 22. (The things you learn when you teach 6th grade). Also, I will give 100 extra credit points to anyone who can explain (without Google!) what actually causes the seasons. 

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Summer Happenings.

Want to know my top three reasons for becoming a teacher?

June, July, and August.

Haha! Don't worry, I'm just kidding. But we have had a pretty fun and relaxing summer so far. Here are a few snapshots of what we've been up to. This summer, I have...

Spent hours and hours setting up my classroom and getting organized for the school year.

Gone on a handful of fun adventures, including getting glitter strands with Lizzie, a hike to donut falls, and swimming/volleyball at Grandma & Grandpa's pool.

Discovered a new hobby: gardening and keeping houseplants! My very first tomato plant was a success.

Gone on several dates with my handsome husband. Going anywhere with D is my favorite; whether it's to the movies, the cabin, or getting shakes at Iceberg.

Said goodbye to my little brother, and it was not fun! In case you're wondering, he's doing exceptionally well in the MTC and has picked up Spanish quickly. We're all so very proud of him!

Eaten a lot of way too much good food. The Sweet Tooth Fairy is too good to pass up, peach shakes are my favorite summer treat, and I make a pretty tasty loaf of banana bread if I do say so myself.

Gone to three beautiful weddings with great friends. Congratulations Allison, Marianne, and Maria! 

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Graduation, ages late.

I figured it was time I posted some photos from one of the most important events in my life thus far: 

The day I graduated from college!

Even though it was nearly three months ago, it all seems pretty surreal. I actually graduated from college! I learned so much in the process. Hopefully I learned enough to be trusted with my own class of students this year...but I guess we'll find that out in a few weeks! Eek! Pray for me.

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Dear Elder.

I'm kind of freaking out today. My little brother Steven recently got his mission call to Tempe, Arizona speaking Spanish! He's reporting to the MTC on July 5th - just two short days away. I'm feeling pretty sad that I don't get to see this guy for two whole years. 

Steven, you and I have had some great memories together over the years - sharing a room when we were little, playing Settlers of Catan, driving to high school together in the Weasel every day, picking you up from hospital when you broke your foot, jam sessions in the car, going to the temple with you, and many more.  Recently, one of my favorite memories is staying up half the night while you patiently taught me how to play Minecraft. I will also never forget how you were there for me when I had a really rough year.

Steven, I want you to know how much I love you! Things will be a lot different without you around, but I'm so proud of you and the decision you've made. You're going to be a totally awesome missionary! Those great people in Tempe, Arizona don't know how lucky they are.

Love you, Steve-O! We're gonna miss ya!

Your "Little Big Sister",

Mandy

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Disneyland.

While we were in California, Daniel, John, Emily and I got to go to Disneyland! It was pretty much my favorite thing we did while we were down there. I can't get enough of Disneyland.

We made the most out of our day by getting there right as the park opened, and wasting no time getting on every ride we could think of. We were lucky that it really wasn't crowded at all while we were there. The longest line we waited in was less than 15 minutes!

Look who we found! We missed Lauren by one day (sad face), but we got to see Lizzie while we were there. It was epic! I'll have you know that Daniel, Lizzie and I all squeezed into one of those little chair things on Haunted Mansion. And we loved it.

The gang.

The only ride that was closed while we were there was the Matterhorn. Sad day! It's one of my favorite rides. When my siblings and I were little, we used to be scared of that white snow monster. So every time we rode the Matterhorn, my dad would scare him! I'm sure the other people on the ride thought he was crazy, but it got us to go on it again and again.

Daniel got his churro fix while we were there.

And I got a Mickey ice cream bar!

And Emily took a shower on Splash Mountain.

Why hello there creepy Daniel.

Class of 2012!

Daniel creaming everyone on Buzz Lightyear.

Space Mountain. Daniel is drunk and I am terrified?

John and I took one look at California Screamer and decided it wasn't happening. So these two experienced it for us.

 Possibly my favorite photo of the entire trip? Yes.

We stayed at the park until all the rides were closed, and then we hit the little souvenir shops. Daniel got a T-shirt with a Dole pineapple whip on it, and Emily and I got matching neon California sweatshirts. And accidentally wore them with matching shorts. You know how it is.

Disneyland is such a magical place! Although Daniel and I had both been there before, this was our frist time at Disneyland together. There's something so enchanting about being in the happiest place on Earth with your lover and your best friend. Walking down main street at night holding hands with my husband reminded me that this life is pretty amazing.

We hope to see you again soon, Disneyland!

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