Happy Birthday, Stephanie!

Today is Stephanie's birthday. Jenny & I went out to Steph's house and picked her up to go to dinner. We went to the new Cafe Rio out by Steph's house. It was good food, good company, and good times. I gave her a book that I was super entertained by so I knew she would be too. It was a Postsecret book. Basically, there is this address that you can write any secret to. It started out as an art and social experiment. This guy collects these secrets that people write in and he posts them on his blog. He's also published like two or three books with all these secrets. Quite interesting. A lot of them are really sad, some of them trivial, and some that just make you think. Anyway, hope you enjoy the book Steph! Happy Birthday!!! Love ya!!!

Happy Birthday, Gavin!

Today is Gavin's birthday. I just wanted to say Happy Birthday! Love you!

Movies, Movies, Movies

So, I saw a couple of movies this week. On Thursday, Matt called me and said that he'd gotten some free tickets from IKEA to Mamma Mia, so naturally I tagged along! Sarah, the kids, and I hopped in the car and headed up to Layton to mooch the free movie. We got there just in time for it to start after a gruelling drive through rush hour traffic & construction (surprise, surprise). I have to say, the movie was hillarious! K, so Pierce Brosnan can't really sing, but he gave it a good effort. I saw the play in Vegas a few years ago and I really enjoyed it then, so I knew it would be good, but I didn't expect it to be so funny. Anyway, I definately think it's a must-see.

On Friday, I met up with some friends and saw Dark Knight. I was a little hesitant to go to it, but I knew I needed a little social interaction. I was, of course, really glad I went. It was fun to catch up with some friends that I haven't seen for quite a while. So, the movie...I get kind of nervous to go see movies that I know will be intense, only because I get so worked up and stressed during them. I knew that at least Christian Bale was in this, so he could get me through just about anything. ;) Anyway, the movie was super intense, but super good. I was amazed at how well Heath Ledger played the crazy joker. He was so creepy, so I guess he did his job! I kept thinking at how sad that we won't see him in anything else. He was a great actor. Aaron Eckhart was really good also. I don't want to say too much about the movie itself because there were so many twists and turns so I don't want to give anything away! So, this is definately a must-see also!

American Idol

WARNING: Way too many pictures and lots of critiques to follow...

Ok, so I know it sounds nerdy, but I totally went to the American Idol concert! It was actually so fun! My roommate told me that the tickets were going on sale, so naturally I got online the second it opened. Camille's birthday was right around the time they went on sale, so I got her that for her gift. I knew we'd have a blast! So, I asked Steph if she'd like to go with Jenny, Camille, and myself, but it wasn't going to work out, so she said she'd go if no one else wanted the ticket. Sarah was thrilled (despite what she says in her blog!) that the ticket was available.

The four of us went to Red Robin before the concert, which of course was quite tasty.

Once dinner was finished, we all hopped in my car and headed to the concert. As we got to our seats, I heard a couple of people screaming my name. My first thought was 'who on earth would I know that would go to this concert?!?'

I turned around and two rows behind us were my aunt, Holly and my cousins, Capria, Krista, and Savanna. Wow! Small world!!!

So, the concert consisted of the top ten contestants from the show. They came on in order of when they were voted off. I was pleased that they each came out and performed by themselves. There were only like two or three numbers that they did together. The group performances always seem so cheesy. First up...

Chikezie. He was really entertaining. I wasn't a huge fan of his on the show, but I enjoyed watching him perform at the concert. I'd give him one thumb up. Next up was Ramiele. Not impressed! She has a pretty voice, but that's about it. She had absolutely zero stage presence. She kinda pranced around the stage, but looked completely uncomfortable. I'll go with one thumb down and the second thumb at about 45 degrees from being turned down.Michael Johns. Can I first just say...HOTTIE!!! He was so cute! I do think he did a great job. My favorite that he did was a Queen song. It totally fit his voice and he had so much fun with it. How 'bout one and a half thumbs up?Next up...Kristy Lee Cook. Ok, so on the show, I was not so impressed until she did God Bless the USA. I mean, 8 Days a Week? WHAT WAS SHE THINKING!?!?! When she came out on stage, she owned it from the first second. She did three songs, two of which were country and of course, she did the Lee Greenwood song again. Two thumbs up for her. When she is in her niche, she's fantastic. Carly Smithson...I love this picture. It looks like she was trying to fly away or something. She was entertaining. Sometimes she sounds like she is yelling, but all in all, I liked her. One and a half thumbs up. (I know I don't have half a thumb, but you get my drift...)

After Carly, there was a short intermission, so we just hung out and chatted. This is just a random pic of Camille that makes me laugh...

She'll probably kill me for posting this...Love ya Camille!!!

Brooke White was up after the intermission. How cute is she?!?! She was one of my favorite from the beginning. I was sure for a while that she'd be in the top three. She sang three songs. One of which was Let it Be. That was one of my faves on the show and she didn't disappoint. She gave props to Utah for all the support she got from here which was nice of her. I'll say two thumbs up for her. Here's just a clip...

Now, Jason Castro...

I have to apologize for having two pictures of him, but I couldn't help it. I had to show off the shoes he wore...Wait for it...

Um, yeah. Can you see them? I couldn't really tell if they were boots or just tennis shoes, but Come on, Jason! You cannot pull those off! I have an issue with Jason Castro. I think the only song that I enjoyed by him on the show was Halleluiah. He didn't even sing it at the concert. LAME. How in the world did he make it to number four? He gets two thumbs down.

Syesha Mercado. She has a pretty voice, but she also didn't have much stage presence. I was kind of bored with her. She is beautiful and I think I just expected more. I think that she would do awesome on Broadway. On the show, she did a few numbers that were very 'broadway-esque' and they were brilliant. I'd give her two thumbs sideways. (That means it wasn't worth the energy to turn them either way :))

FINALLY, the two faves...

David Archuleta. How cute is he?!?! During the show, I said that if I were 16, I would totally stalk him. Not in a creepy way, just a oh-my-gosh-you're-so-cute way. Don't even start to judge me, you know you know exactly what I mean! ;) Anyway, he definately did not disappoint! He was so good. Sometimes when you hear people on TV, you expect it to not sound so perfect in person. Well, with him, that is definately not the case. He was spot-on just like he was in every performance on the show. (with the exception of the one where he forgot the words, which he still sounded amazing while mumbling)

Anyway, he sang four songs. I can't remember all but one was the One Republic song Apologize. The other that I remember was Imagine. I have never heard so many people going so crazy at a concert. My ears were ringing so bad, it was hard to hear some of the singing. He was so appreciative of the fans in Utah. As he was thanking everyone, he started crying. Ah, how cute. I really hope he stays as humble as he is now. I guess only time will tell. I have a video, but it took way too long to upload. He gets two thumbs and two big toes up! (I know that's nerdy, but sue me!)

And the title holder...

David Cook. You know, I really liked both Davids on the show. At the final, I couldn't decide who I wanted to win. I think I leaned a little toward Archuleta just because he was from Utah. David Cook was very entertaining at the concert. He came out like he was already a bonafide rock star. It was quite a contrast to the humility of the other David. It was a little annoying that he was so cocky, but I guess he has every reason to be...
He sang two of my favorite songs from the show which were, Hello and Billy Jean. He gets two thumbs up and a big toe up, too.

So, I bet you thought I was finally finished with this ridiculously long post, but guess what? I'm not!

After the concert, we were trying to find out where they were because we wanted to see about getting autographs. Well, Sarah and I were almost home and I got a voicemail from Camille saying that she saw a bunch of people lined up at the back of the E Center. Being the dorks that we are, Sarah and I turned around and headed back. We had to do some maneuvering, but we cut in front of about 80 percent of the people waiting in the line. The idols started coming out one by one, and we bombarded them with everyone else. We pushed, shoved, and yelled our way to most to get a signature. The only three that we didn't get were Jason Castro (big deal), Syesha (also, big deal), and David Cook (he didn't even come out to give autographs). I got some pics of a few, but my camera died after three... Oh well! Here are the pics I got. I am going to scan the autographs one of these days and post them. Mostly as proof to one person that didn't believe that I did it!!! ;) you know who you are... :)

Kristy Lee Cook - Btw, she is beautiful in person!

Ramiele - Btw, she is so little! Her and David A. are about the same size. (5 foot nuthin)

Michael Johns - Btw, super cute!

OK, so that's all...Bye.

Happy Birthday, Jonathan!

Wow, July is full of birthdays! Today we went to a park in Kaysville for a BBQ that Ali put together for Jonathan's birthday, which was on Thursday. We had a good time and some good food. Happy Birthday, Jonathan!!!!

Fruit pizza, one of Jonathan's faves, could ya tell?

Ahhh, me and my little bro.

Happy Birthday, Jonny Conny!!!

More Birthdays

In keeping with the new birthday tradition, I took Sarah & Matt's kids out for their birthdays. Since they live in Nevada most of the time and there's a little time crunch while they're here, I combined all three of their birthdays. Carson's (8) is in March, Makana's (10) in June, & Bryce's (11) in August. We met at Chick-fil-a for dinner. I have to just make a comment about Bryce's outfit. It was super cute, but it totally took me back to the 80's, thus my reasoning for calling her 'Funky Fresh'. You can see part of it in the pic below. She had black leggings with white polka dots with a white skirt over it. Then she had these arm cover things. I don't even know what to call them. They're like leg warmers for the arms, so I guess arm warmers would be an appropriate term! The outfit was completed with peace sign earrings. It was sooo cute! Rock on, Bryce!

After dinner, we went to JC Penney's for a bit, then drove to IKEA to pick up Matt to join us. After having dessert there, we headed to The District to see Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3D. It was a super good movie! I wish I had a picture of all of us in our stylin' 3D glasses!

Sarah had her hair in these cute twist-braid-like ponytails and this is those cute twist-braid-like ponytails tied in knots.

Carson was having WAY too much fun!

This was so funny! Makana was trying to get out of my car and somehow got stuck between the seats. She was a little worried at first, but then saw the humor in it. That may have had something to do with me and Sarah laughing and grabbing for the camera. Hmm.

Birthdays

Lilah's birthday was on Thursday and Gavin's is next week. They are going to Oregon for the week with the fam, so I went over to give them their gifts this afternoon. It was so fun to watch them open them and get so excited! I love when I see Lilah and she says "Gecca" in her octive-lower voice. Super cute. Here are some pics from that little visit...

These are her new earrings that she got from her mom on her birthday.

Gavin in his cute new outfit and his monkey bank that I got him.

Gavin, me, Lilah. Can you tell they get a lot of pictures taken of them? They have perfected the picture smile. Super cute!

I got Lilah some cute nail decals and some little tattoos. They were really cute and it took her no time to start applying them!

Lilah showin' off her mad piano skills

It was fun to see you guys! Happy Birthday!

Texas Roadhouse

Steph, Kenny, Kira, & I went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse. We haven't hung out in so long, so it was so good to see them. Just some fun pics from the evening...

I love this pic of Kira, it looks like she was taking the pic of herself...too cute!

Food not coming fast enough, Kenny?

Becca, Kira, Steph

Miley's Blessing

My cousin, Lisa and her husband Donald, had a baby at the end of May and she was blessed today. Her name is Miley Hendrix Holland. She is so cute! It was held in the Kaysville Tabernacle, which is a beautiful building. Of course, the blessing was beautiful. Miley's dress was amazing. I guess the story is that it was made from my Aunt Diane's wedding vail. All of her girls were blessed in it and all of Jana's girls were blessed in it. Now, Jana's daughter, Lisa's baby was blessed in it. What a great tradition! I didn't get any pictures today, but here is a picture that I stole from one of her albums...Isn't she cute?!?!

Kira's Blessing

Steph & Kenny's baby, Kira Hope Hart, was blessed today. Steph's family was in town for a family reunion, so they decided to do have a combo. Her nephew, Joshua, was baptized. There were a few talks by his brothers that were really cute. Then, Stephanie read a letter that she wrote to Kira. The letter was really sweet. (I think she has a copy of it on her blog. Link on the side) Stephanie's dad blessed Kira and it was really beautiful. Her blessing dress was made by Stephanie's mom. It was so pretty! (Pic on Steph's blog) It was fun to see Steph's family and Kenny's family. I don't think I've seen a lot of them since her wedding or when Kira was born. After the baptism and blessing, we went to the clubhouse at their house and had some lunch. It was a really nice day.

Independence Day Festivities...

Today was a pretty relaxing day. I just hung out at home and got a few things done, you know, laundry and all that fun stuff. We decided to go to Thanksgiving Point to watch the fireworks. I stopped by Adam & Janae's to help cart everyone down there. The kids made t-shirts for the occasion. They were so cute! Sarah & Matt's kids made their own t-shirts also. Pics to follow.

They also helped Janae make some treats to bring.

This was just a cute pic of Aaron I captured.

We arrived at Thanksgiving Point and Sarah & Matt had saved a perfect spot for us. There was quite the set up. Mom & Mike were there with their camp chairs, canope and all. The had otter pops for all the kids. (Ours and all the others in the area.) There was a huge area reserved for just our family. Lilah didn't waste any time on the treats. Everytime I saw her, she was getting something else. It was pretty funny. She kept bring them to me to help her with. She'd say "Gecca" and hand it to me. Too cute!

All the kids

The Clan

Sarah & Bryce

'Honk!'

Aww, cuddly family.

K, so those of you that know me pretty well, you know I don't necessarily care for fireworks much. I went to see them to spend time with family and so I wasn't a pooper. I had a good time hanging with the fam. I spent time during the fireworks display to try to get a good picture, 'cause some fireworks pictures can look pretty cool. Well, my battery died right in the middle, so here is the fireworks picture I got. You will be amazed...Wait for it...

Wow, can you stand it? Don't be jealous!