a very merry christmas, indeed

It sure has been a Christmas to remember!  I think we maxed out on our Christmas celebrating...if that's even possible to do.  With a little bit in Utah, a little bit in D.C., and a little bit in Boise, we sure packed it in! Here's our Christmas season in review...

I grew up on "The Forgotten Carols," and when I was a little girl, I was even in it!  It was such a fun trip down memory lane to see it again for the first time since then...12 years later! I loved every minute. 

Next, the annual visit to the fabulous Christmas lights on Temple Square.  Never disappoints!  

Our company wasn't too bad either.

Then, we made our way back east!  One of the coolest things to do in D.C. leading up to Christmas is seeing the "ICE" display at the National Harbor.  After bundling us up in huge, blue parkas, we were sent on a 100-acre walk through an entire Christmas display chiseled completely out of ice.  

Always a treat!

Another treat was to see my ANNA! After living together for the past 5 years, she moved back to Virginia this summer.  Boy, was it good to see her and get us 3 original roomies back together! We took a boat ride back to the National Harbor and were blown away once again by all incredible Christmas lights and decorations.  I think the Gaylord National Resort takes the cake for the best Christmas display I have ever seen.  New tradition--set. 

We also spent a night downtown walking around the monuments and seeing the National Christmas Tree.  In Ryan's protest of "no more pictures," this was the best I could get. 

Then to top it all off, the Washington D.C. Temple.  Christmas wouldn't be complete without a visit.  And of course, what better way to remember the true meaning of Christmas than to walk the beautiful temple grounds. Christ is the reason for the season. I am so grateful for this wonderful time of year to reflect on His birth, His life, His example, and His sacrifice for us.  May we all keep this wonderful Christmas spirit all year round.  

marcie's wedding

My best friend is MARRIED!  Talk about the happiest, happiest day :)

Here's a little background on Marcie and I... We've been friends for over 18 years. 

Friendships like that don't come around everyday.  

We rode the bus home together in elementary school for playdates, had lemonade stands, rode our "first airplane all by ourselves" together, and ate a bowl of ice cream almost everyday after school before dance team practice. We love Potbelly's sandwiches, lifesaver gummies, Bagel Cafe breakfast sandwiches, and went through obsessive phases of Zac Efron and The Jonas Brothers.  

We bawled our eyes out together all night long the night before she moved. 

From dance recitals, Halloweens and Achievement Days skits...

...to countless sleepovers and photo shoots...

...to girls camps, proms, homecomings, dance team, concerts, boyfriends, vacations, cell phone curfews and zillions of other high school happenings.... 

...to our WEDDINGS.

Talk about a lifetime of memories.  

It was so fun to get away for the weekend and road trip down to St. George to celebrate this girl's special day.  In the sealing room, after filing in towards the back, Marcie's mom stood up and said, "Lisa! Get up to the front! You're family."  I was so touched.  She was right; to say we're best friends just doesn't cut it.

I remember when I was engaged, Marcie told me that my wedding would be "the second best day of her life," only after her own wedding.  Having experienced both now, you were right Marcie-- experiencing the joy and happiness of my best friend's wedding has absolutely qualified as the second best day of my life.  

I love you, Marce! Couldn't be more thrilled for you :)

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 :)