*Part 3* of Family Vacation: Yellowstone

Hooray! It's the final conclusion to my fabulous family vacation!  Before reading on, please browse through PART 1 and PART 2 of my Island Park adventures if you haven't already.  Now for the last installment:

We dedicated one full day to sight-seeing in Yellowstone National Park, and this year happened to be an overcast, cold, rainy day.  There were moments of sunshine and warmth, but we were mostly bundled up and wet throughout the day.

I love this picture of Katelyn.  She was such a chill, cute little baby!

I love this family picture!  Beautiful background and such happy faces. :)

One of the best things about these family vacations is the opportunity to play with my nieces and nephews and make them laugh.  :)

Excited about the orange hot pot behind us.

Me and Cam color-coordinated with the background.

I love my little boys.

Snuggling with Ariana.

Cam's backpack seat was like a little throne on Jake's back!

Such a cute little face.  I wish it wasn't so blurry!

Those hot pots were REALLY smell.  Like, really.

For the next 2 pictures, you might find yourself thinking, "Wow Bree, I wonder why you're not married?"  Me being me.

I really love this pic.  Heather did a great job setting it up.

Occasionally you get stuck in these big traffic jams, only instead of feeling frustrated and agitated, you feel excited because you know TRAFFIC really means ANIMALS AHEAD!

Gotta love a car sun roof.  :)

I was actually pretty grumpy at the beginning because the rain kept most of the animals in hiding.

But at least we saw a few Elk and lots of buffalo.  Last year we saw 4 bears!

Here's a few of just me...  Since I'm the main focus of this blog and get to do whatever I want with this page.  :)

And here's a few fun sibling pics...

Excited about our matching orange.

This was the side of an RV.  But it looks kind of real, 'eh?

Beautiful scenic views of Yellowstone...

I think this was the largest and hottest of all the hot springs.  

Old Faithful Geyser

Beautiful? Eh.  Very umm..... gray.

*GORGEOUS*  This is my favorite pic of all of them.

Traditional Post Yellowstone Dinner: PIZZA!  We stopped in West Yellowstone on our way home that night and we were all soooo hungry!  The pizza was fabulous.

Nice Wyoming Sunset!

The next day, Brittney and David wanted to take their kids back to West Yellowstone to walk around Main St. and see the various shops and restaurants.  So Cassity and I went along for the ride and we all enjoyed a fun and touristy evening.

Maybe Matty really thought he was a pirate, hence the no funny face.

We finally decided to eat at this cute little BBQ place that was run by a cute LDS family.  There was also a cute guy working there that Cassity wanted to know more about.  So we drove back later that night to "stalk" him.  Basically, I went in there and worked my magic and talked to him while Cass waited in the car. I felt like we were 16! :)  I was nervous, she was nervous, but we were both giddy and ridiculous.  Well, I found out all the key info-- name, age, etc. and even where he went on his mission and where he was going to school.  Bummer he was such a youngin'!  But it was a fun adventure nonetheless.

Yellowstone is a beautiful place and everyone should go there at least once in their lives!

And that concludes the epic tale of my 3-Part Family Summer Vacation of 2011.  I love our family.  The end.

Stress

I definitely don't feel relaxed right now.  I'm so weighed down by hovering worries that will disappear in time, but at the moment they're overwhelming.  This is a therapeutic attempt to identify what these exact worries are, so don't feel like you need to keep reading.  But I'm an open book so here it is:

Red Rock Relay
I participated in this relay last year and totally loved it.  A year ago I had no idea what the Red Rock Relay was, and had never heard of these big relay events.  Nor did I even really like to run-- I was just forcing myself to run so I could do a half-marathon.  My friend asked me to be on her team and I figured it was a good training tool before the half, so I did it.  And I loved it.  And I made some great friends and really had an awesome weekend.

4 months later (January), my new friend that I'd met on our Red Rock team suggested we put together our own team as co-captains and do Red Rock again!  It seemed so far away at the time, and so easy to organize and stay on top of things.  So with the help of Cassity and her generosity, we "bought" our team early and got a free admission to the Red Rock Relay in Moab as well.

The Moab relay was in May-- just 6 of us-- and only lasted 1 day.  It was perfect.  (Relay Review)

Then I ran in the Ragnar Wasatch Back relay in June, and that was a blast because I wasn't in charge and could just run and enjoy the scenery. (Relay Review)

Well guess what folks.  This whole deal of being "co-captains" for this team and working together to make things happen really turned into me carrying the load and figuring out all this crap on my own.  My dear co-captain friend has been too busy and was out of the country for 3 weeks during the summer, in the heat of all the mega stress of team decisions, and now there is less than 2 weeks and this co-captain might have to back out all together because of school conflicts.  Granted, by the time I post this, I may have already found out that my co-captain can run it after all.  But even just the roller coaster of emotions and stress is exhausting, regardless of the outcome.  We were short 4 runners a few weeks ago so I stressed over that, day and night, and now that we finally have our team together, vans rented, a place to stay the night before, and running portions of the relay assigned... I still feel stressed and overwhelmed.  I'm so tired of this relay and I haven't even run it yet.  :)

My friend Bekah is a captain of her own team and is experiencing the same stresses as well.  It is common for one of us to text the other daily with the "I hate Red Rock" expression.  The one good thing is Bekah and I are both in the first vans of our teams and we start at similar times, and we even run some of the same legs of the race.  So amidst all of this chaos, I'm looking forward to possibly running at the same time as her-- anxious for some fun competition on the road.  :)

So why am I doing this relay?  Well, 9 months ago it sounded like a lot of fun.  Right now it's just a huge stress case and I want it to be over.  I'm responsible for 11 other people and you know how people get when they're hungry, tired, and sore.  I just hope we survive the weekend.  Cassity has been a huge help in getting things planned and organized for our team, so I'm grateful for that.  Great "team manager."

The good thing is running is a stress release for me.  So this week I've run more than usual.  Partly to kind of train and get all geared up for the relay, and partly because I might explode if I don't run.  Either way, the event takes place in St. George, UT Sept. 9-10 and life will be much more relaxing after that weekend.

Boys
Well, I think I've decided that things just aren't going anywhere with Soccer Boy, despite my lengthy attempt to find a connection between us.  Just about 2 months isn't all that bad; 7 or 8 times hanging out in various settings with different people.  My feelings have gone up and down, as you may have already read about, but I don't know if I ever really was "in like" with Soccer Boy.  I liked the potential and I liked that I wasn't giving up.  I liked that I was taking time to get to know him before initiating or allowing a kiss.  But as time went on, I realized I didn't really want to kiss him, and didn't necessarily have huge desires to keep spending time with him.  We never did go hold hands, kiss, or anything and I'm really glad it never went there.  Because once you throw that stuff into the mix it gets all sorts of confusing.

I came to this realization last week when I attended my friend's wedding.  I know how I want to feel when I'm dating someone.  I've felt super giddy, happy, uplifted, impressed, and appreciated before.  I know those feelings exist.  And Soccer Boy is a nice guy but my heart was never connected to him in any way.  As I watched my newly married friends it was somehow an opportunity for me to realize I didn't want to keep pursuing things with Soccer Boy and wanted to back off a little.

At the wedding reception I talked to a nice boy for a while and tried not to make a big deal about it.  My friends asked me about him afterwards, of course, and they told me a little more about him and I thought, "Hmm... it would be cool to get to know him better."  Well, as most love stories go these days, he sent me a Facebook message that next day. (haha)  He basically was just saying hi, he was the guy from the reception, he got my name from the bride's mom, and maybe we could go hiking some time.  Awesome.  I didn't even have to FB stalk him myself.  I was quite excited to read his surprise message, add him as a FB friend and of course browse through his small supply of FB pics.  Long story short, after a few more messages exchanged and a brief phone call today... we have a hiking date set for this Saturday.  Why am I including this story in my stress post?

Well last night, Soccer Boy asked if I wanted to come to his soccer game tonight in Salt Lake.  I debated and almost said no (because I don't want to move further along with him) but decided maybe I needed to see him again just to confirm my feelings.  So as I was driving to the game, Reception Boy called out of the blue.  I thought, "Oh crap, this is weird" but we talked and it was pretty fun and we made our hiking date plans just as I arrived at the soccer field.  So I saw the end of the game and was standing there awkwardly wishing it didn't look like I was Soccer Boy's girlfriend, because I don't want to be.  (Isn't it weird how quickly my feelings changed over the past few weeks?  Hmm.)  Anyway, it was only 8:30pm and he asked if I had plans the rest of the evening.  I wanted to say "Yes" but I didn't have any plans so I said "No" and he suggested we go home and make pancakes.  I'm a sucker for breakfast foods sooo... I said yes.  It made the rest of the evening stressful and complicated because I just really didn't feel like hanging out and even though he looked cute to me and was even wearing an ORANGE T-shirt... I just didn't feel anything.  It came to the point where I asked if he wanted to play games (I'm a huge lover of games) but he declined and said maybe we could watch en episode of "30 Rock."  I said my eyes were kind of tired  and I wasn't really up for that... so... we just called it a night.  I don't think I've ever done that before.  Like, usually I'll just go along with it and sit through the 30 minute episode just because I would feel bad saying no.  But tonight I didn't want to beat around the bush and pretend or ignore my true feelings.  And that was it.

I think that might be the end of Soccer Boy.  Maybe we'll still see each other from time to time, but I'm not texting him frequently or hoping for a daily text in return.  I've kind of moved on since last week and feel okay about everything.

And these feelings really have nothing to do with Reception Boy, but it was coincidental timing when I met him at the tail end of my Soccer Boy experience.  I think Reception Boy is much younger than me-- I just don't know HOW much younger and I'm afraid to know.  I'm 31 so.... anything younger than 25 seems super young (like they wouldn't want to date me when I'm so much older)... but I'd be willing to even go out with someone as young as 23.  Anything below that is just a kid.  :)

I'll keep you posted on the hike.  And just so you know, I sweat like a beast so this first date will be interesting.  Don't tell me not to wear the bandanna... because you better believe I WILL wear it.

Money
I will never be rich.  That is the path I chose when I decided to major in Recreation Management and Youth Leadership.  I loved my classes @ BYU and really learned a lot of things that apply not only to my current job, but just life in general.  My job is rewarding and I love working with youth.  I love the flexibility of my career and I love wearing T-shirts and jeans everyday.  But I don't love living from paycheck to paycheck at 31 and having nothing to show for the past decade of full-time jobs.  I have other friends who are single and my age who have thousands of dollars in savings and have purchased some amazing things or traveled to various parts of the world. I still have never been out of the country, and all I own are my clothes, guitars, bike, and car.  I don't own a piece of furniture and hardly anything worth saving in the kitchen. (Although I will totally claim my Pampered Chef cookie dough scooper because that thing is the bomb).  I'm not complaining about the things I do have-- granted, there are a lot of people out there who don't have a car and don't have more than one pair of shoes.  For that, I am very grateful and know I am blessed to have the things I enjoy and even a nice place to live.  It's just stressful and frustrating not feeling more established at my ripe old age.

I created a budget for myself and felt quite proud of the way I was using self-control this past week of not going out to eat or making that additional trip to Wal-Mart. And even still... I'm worse off today than I was a few weeks ago and my budget attempt was almost a waste of time.  But I won't give up and will keep tweaking it and hopefully things will all get in line.

Conclusion:
I'll stop signing up for these relays because they stress me out and eat up a lot of money I don't have.  As for the boys... I'm still clueless.

*Part 2* Mesa Falls & Big Springs

Before you read any further, if you haven't read *Part 1* of my family vacation, Read it Here.  Good!  Now you're all caught up and ready for the next phase of the vacation.  These pictures took place on Sunday after church.  What better way to spend a beautiful Sunday than walking along side clear natural springs and huge waterfalls?

I'm also including a few flashbacks from our vacation last year to show how much our family has grown!  (Or in some cases, how much some of us have lost weight!)   :)

It was great to have Cassity with us so everyone in the family could be in the picture.

*Pic From Last Year*...

Look at those little boys, and tiny girls in strollers!  And no baby Katelyn yet. :)

I really wanted to swim in that water.  Then Cass reminded me it wouldn't be beautiful, clear spring water if people were swimming in it.  Yeah, well... I still wanted to jump in.

We're even kind of color coordinated!  And Schmeether is pregnant. :)

I love how much Ari & Cam squeal when they're together.

*Pic From Last Year*...

Bahaha!  Their personalities are totally the same. :)  p.s.  Ari looks so much better with curls!

*Pic From Last Year*...

Eeeewwww.  Haha.  Gross.  I am not cute.  It took me a year to improve that a little.

The boys wanted to hold my hands constantly!  Almost drove me nuts a little, but I had to stop and think how cute it really was, and they won't always be that sweet. :)

Everyone can take a moment to make fun of Matty's sunglasses.  Hahahaha.

Grandpa and his little men.  So cute.

This was Nathan's jimmy-rigging job to keep the sun out of Katelyn's eyes.  Uhhh.  As much as I love BYU, I thought it was a little much and took up the whole sidewalk. :)  It didn't last long.

Another fun family pic as it started to sprinkle.

I really loved all this fun family time.

Roommate photo shoot!

It was so pretty.  I felt like we were in Ireland or something!

I like the goofy happiness of this one.

Bryan makes me proud when he sports the bandanna. :)  Our horseback riding guide gave him that bandanna and he carried it with him the rest of the week!

Dad's little sunshine girl. :)

I looked up to see Mom standing like this, so I made her stay like that for the picture.  Haha.  Look at those skinny legs!  Looking good, lady!

"All Because Two People Fell In love"...

Do I look like her?  Some people think I do but I always thought I looked like my Dad.

I love this calling in life!  "Favorite Aunt" role is the best.

Stay tuned for *Part 3* which will cover the day trip to Yellowstone, with a bonus trip to West Yellowstone main street shopping. :) 

Wedding Photographer

I went to a wedding at the Salt Lake temple on Friday and attended the reception later that evening.  It was a gorgeous day.  My friends Jessica and Luke are both beautiful and ridiculously photogenic.  They looked so happy together and I felt a seriously great vibe being around them.  I'm super close to Jessica's family and loved hanging around them and feeling like another sister in the wedding party.  The reception ice cream bar was delicious and the decorations were unique and elegant.  But do you want to know what my favorite part of the whole wedding day was?

The photographer!  *Whitney Lewis Photography*

Whitney Lewis was super impressive to me, right from the start.  At the temple she was totally in charge and knew exactly what she was doing.  Jess had given her a list of the pictures she wanted (group, immediate families, friends, etc.) and Whitney knew what was expected of her.  But lots of times-- at other weddings I've attended-- the photographer is just kind of in the background and timidly tries to position people and take a few good shots.  Not this girl.  She was outspoken and confident and actually pretty entertaining.  

There was a moment when she was taking a shot of the families up on the steps next to the temple, and all of a sudden her husband, Thomas, hoisted her onto his shoulder like it was nothing:

It was funny to see all of us by-standers with our cameras turn and take pictures of them rather than the wedding party. :)  Also, I later learned that Whitney and Thomas met through swing dancing, soooo  that might explain the smooth "hoist on the shoulder" move.

Whitney seemed to already know the personality and style of Jess and Luke and knew the kinds of backgrounds and settings to use for their pictures.  I like that she didn't take all the pictures against the temple, but moved the group over onto the grass where there were trees, benches, and flowers to include in the photos.  I just kept thinking, "Wow, this girl is good" and felt happy that Jess & Luke had a great photographer to capture their wedding day.

I also love that Whitney and Thomas worked as a team.  They were both snapping shots all day and Thomas never skipped a beat when she needed him to hold up that big screen thing to alter the lighting, or hold some other little trinket to create a better picture.  I don't know the actual photography lingo. :)

The best part was they were both really personable and interactive all throughout the reception.  They weren't just "wall-flowers" or creepy people with cameras. Haha.  They would stop and talk to us at our table or pause and show us the fun candid picture they caught of our group.  Or if our candid shot didn't turn out too well, we'd stage another good one and keep going until it was a winning shot.  Not only was I impressed with their talent and professionalism, I really just liked them as people.

After chatting with Whitney for a few minutes in some down time, I learned that her dad is currently the mission president of my mission.  Her parents went out to Spokane,Washington 9 months after I came home, and I've heard so many good things about them.  "President Palmer."  How lovely is that?  Such a small world and I was happy to make that connection.  

By the end of the night, they were exhausted and got to sit down and enjoy some ice cream with the rest of us.  You know how sometimes you want to marry someone just because their parents would make great in-laws?  I was thinking, "Crap. I want to get married right now just so Whitney can take my wedding photos!"  I'm totally sold.  I told her I'll try to think up some kind of important life occasion so she can be my photographer, but so far there really isn't anything coming up.  That's why I figured I'd write this blog post in the mean time, so the rest of you can check out her work and maybe use her yourselves. :)  

*Whitney Lewis Photography*

...And here's a few random pictures of the wedding day that were taken with my measly Olympus camera.  :)

Such a sweet and happy couple.  I loved watching them.

Kristi and I confused about who to give all the flowers and boutonnieres to.

If only I had worn a plum colored dress...  :)

Whitney was trying all night long to get a picture of stubborn Alyssa.

I'd never seen an LDS cultural hall decorated so well!  Definitely felt like a reception hall.

Beautiful prints of Jess & Luke on display next to "the line"...

Good friend Kristi and her sweet husband Brandon.  

Well anyway, I enjoy a good wedding.  Especially when you actually know the people and don't have to wander around awkwardly and keep re-filling your plate with more food you didn't really want.  It was a comfortable and happy day for me and I even talked to a cute boy at my table during the reception.  But I won't give details on that one.  This post is just about photography. :)