summer in review

It sure has been a whirlwind of a summer! Talk about busy, busy, busy. It’s hard to believe we packed in as much as we did…but summers always seem to go that way, don’t they?

Here are a few highlights… It’s been a good one!

We started off with a little trip to Cancun. Not a bad way to kick off the summer :)

Then, after only being married 3 weeks, I left my brand new hubby to go on tour with the Folk Dancers.  It was sad to be apart, but Nauvoo never disappoints.  One of my favorite places in the world.

I started my new job! I love, love, love it.  I work for the Utah Valley Expos and it is just the perfect fit for me. I make my own schedule, choose my own hours, and get to meet with some of the coolest people on the planet.  It’s flexible, fun, DEFINITELY keeps me on my toes, and has already opened up tons of new opportunities for growth and potential in the future. I am loving it.

Went to a different county fair every weekend. Literally. (Strawberry Days, Rodeo Days, Draper Days, Freedom Days, Steel Days, Fiesta Days, Swiss Days and Peach Days to name a few…)

Went to Stadium of Fire!  I had always said that I must make it to Stadium of Fire just once before I left Provo.  Thanks to Al’s family, right at the LAST second, I got my wish :) As patriotic as I am, and with 4^th of July being my favorite holiday, I loved every minute of it!  And now Ryan will have to forever live with “Kelly Clarkson” as his first concert :)

Celebrated the most important, looked-forward-to day of the year in the Bench family—KIDS’ DAY. That’s right. There’s Mother’s Day, there’s Father’s Day, and in this family we celebrate KIDS’ DAY! This year the theme was “Western Round Up”—and boy did they go all out!

Got invited down for a quick getaway to Lake Powell with my awesome boss and her family!  (Did I mention how much I LOVE my job?!) It was beautiful. And a blast. We’re obsessed.

Celebrated Ryan’s birthday!  26 years old.  Joint with his best friend Austin.  Best friends, same birthday. Cute, huh?

Celebrated these adorable newlyweds/best friends of ours :)  Two of our favorite people in the world marrying EACH OTHER—how great of a set up is that?! Such a happy, happy day. 

Totally hit it off with one of the groomsmen ;)

SO much love.  Can't wait to be “best-family-friends” for the rest of our lives :)

Now we’re just kickin’ it here in Logan!  Not too much to report yet, but it’s been kind of nice to take it easy with just the two of us after such a crazy, fun-filled summer.  But, so far so good!  Getting settled and staying busy!

final days in provo

Ever since I can remember, my family was pegged the "BYU family" of the ward.  We hosted the BYU football parties and made frequent trips to Provo to visit campus, go to games, buy all sorts of BYU garb, and eat BYU creamery ice cream. We were raised on the "BYU Fight Song" and dressed up as "BYU Cheerleaders" for what seemed like every Halloween. We were THE BYU FAMILY.

Since day one, it was my DREAM to go to BYU.  Growing up in an area where there weren't very many members, it was always my desperate goal to be surrounded by other kids who shared my same values and beliefs.  Maybe we were a little extreme at times, but hey- it motivated me to work hard in school, get good grades, and be ultra involved in extra curricular activities to bulk up my application.

When I got my acceptance letter, I cried. 

My BYU experience has done nothing but exceed all expectations, hopes and dreams.  From the wonderful friends I've made, the amazing experiences I've had, to the incredible opportunities that have opened up to me, it's been almost too good to be true.

Here's just a little tribute to the best 5 years of my life...

Freshman roommates at Helaman Halls

Football games

The Malt Shop

The original 4 roommates

Provo River rafting

Intramural games

Temple Square Christmas lights

Hiking the Y

This view.

This Lovesac.

Folk Dance

Nauvoo Tour

Dance Camps

Moab

Squaw Peak

Arches National Park


Cosmo

Christmas Around the Worl

Snow tubing

Timpanogos Caves

Deer Creek

Jet skiing

Zion's National Park

Angel's Landing

Cedar Breaks

Midway Crater

Mona rope swings

California roadtrips

Huntington Beach

Six Flags

Packages from Mom

 Touring with the International Folk Dance Ensemble




Meeting this guy :)

Although I did become very ready to be done as I reached the end, and I do feel very ready to move on, I'm sure gonna miss this place! I will always look back on my BYU experience and everything in it with the best of memories.  An absolute dream come true.

No matter what Ryan says, we will be a BYU family too :)