Grandma Cookies Family Mexican Riviera Cruise

We just got back from the most amazing, relaxing, family filled vacation! We got the most amazing opportunity to go on a cruise with Eric's family! We had the chance to get to know a lot of Eric's family that I never had. We spent 7 days on the Carnival Splendor Cruise. Day 1: Fun day at Sea, we just relaxed, layed out by the pool, started eating food (it seems like it never stopped) Day 2: Cabo San Lucas, We took a glass bottom boat ride to tour all the beaches and see the fish underneath us! It was very cool. We stopped at a beach and laid out and swam in the beautiful blue ocean. Day 3: Cabo San Lucas, Eric and I decided that we just wanted to get into town and see what it's like. We found some cool markets and I got some 100% Vanilla (yum) and I got 2 really pretty salsa bowls! 2 for $7! Eric definitely is the negotiator in this family (if it wasn't for him I would be nervous to look them in the eye and just take their first offer. ha) We stopped at the most amazing street taco place and ordered the best tasting tacos I've ever had... BUT a few hours later it hit us. We both got pretty sick but I definitely got it worse. I was sick the whole night and the entire next day! It was miserable... Day 4: Puerto Viarta Eric's amazing parents had bought us 2 excursions for Zip Lining unfortunately I threw up in the middle of a conversation with Tiffany Hunter ha on our way there... ha (that's so embarrassing every time i think about it.) So I ended up sitting at the end of the zipline with Grandma Cookie. As sad as I was to miss the zip line I had the most amazing time talking with grandma. I felt like I was able to have a chance one-on-one to get to know her on a totally different level and I am so grateful that I did. Even tho It was 97 degrees and 95% humidity my face was pale white and I was dripping in sweat, running to the bathroom every 10 minutes... I was so happy to get a chance to know her and she is an amazing woman and I am so lucky to call her grandma cookie! :) Not long after Grandpa John came down from the cruise and it still amazes me that he did 11 ziplines and he still had so much fun energy. I really enjoyed sitting next to them and talking with them more. He is an amazing man and he treats just like his own. We really appreciate all he does for everyone. That was one of my most memorable moments out of the whole week. Eric and the whole family had an amazing time zip lining except for the fact that they were so hot. It was a fun day... ish. Eric and I went straight back to the boat i took a freezing cold shower and fell asleep. Day 5: Fun day at sea, another relaxing, laying out by the pool, day. We went to the Love Game Show and somehow we all managed to get Jennifer and Mark (my mother and father in law) to get up on stage as the 2nd longest marriage couple. It was so fun to watch them answer some of the intimate, inappropriate, fun, exciting and happy questions. Marks reactions were to die for. I was so glad to see where 29 years of marriage will put you. And they are more in love today than the day they got married, you can tell that they love each other more than even just the day before. It was so much fun. Day 6: Fun Day at Sea, another relaxing day BUT... the sun was not out and it was windy, so we stayed in and played spoons! This is one of my other favorite memories... Even though Eric's family really got to get to know me on a different level (they learned about my competitiveness)NOT my best suit... :/ But it was so much fun. Even though I never won... :( Day 7: We left. It was an amazing trip! And I do not think that I can not say thank you enough to our amazing Grandma Cookie and Grandpa John! They are amazing grandparents and we are so lucky to have them. This trip was so memorable and it will be something that we will never forget!

Last Utah Trip 2011

Well I know it's ridiculous that i'm finally adding photos of our last trip home in June but I figured i'd put a few up while i'm at it! We had an amazing trip! We got to spend so much time with family. We stayed a few days in Provo with Eric's family, cousins, aunts, uncles and Grandmas and Grandpas first and then we drove up to see my family in Logan! It always feels so good to see the ones we love and never see so we feel rejuvinated and caught up on things... for now! Can't wait till we make another one! But everyone has to come see us first!!! (that was a threat...)

Last New York...

Okay so let me know (family...) if you want more pics, I'll e-mail. But I figured this was plenty ha. Hope you all enjoy! I alread wanna go back! Loves, TARA

cont... New York

And... here are some action shots!!

New York, "Redken Exchange"!!

Okay so here are the pictures of my work trip to New York that I've promised soo many that I'd put up! This was the most inspiring experience of MY LIFE! We left for the trip on Sunday March 13th for the Redken Exchange, We only attended one specific class called "Cut and Know Why"I was so lucky to have been able to go and the girls I went with were so fun. Here are some pics of the salon. It was located on 5th Avenue! I honestly felt like I was in the middle of a movie scene the whole 5 days!

Temple with Lori!

Hey Everyone... So here are some of the things that I've actually gotten pictures of in the past month! I got to go to the Mesa Temple with my aunt Lori and Grandparents for the first time! It was an amazing experience to be apart of and I loved spending time with my amazing grandparents. (I never get too becuase no one comes to visit that often...;) Eric had to work but he made it right as we were walking out! Having experiences like these really makes me realize how greatful for every second that I get with my family. I always took it for granted when I lived just down the street. I've learned what is important in life (or what should be...) And I just hope and pray everyday for more experiences like these. My aunt Lori has been a savior for me since Eric and I moved out here. I consider her one of my "sisters" and I don't know what I'd do without her. She's an amazing women and she's becomes who she is by many rewarding, trying, challenging, and exciting experiences. I only hope one day to become a person like her. I love you Lori, you mean so much to me and I've loved getting to know you on such a different level. You have a special spot in my heart and I've been able to get as close to you as I wish I could with every family member. You're an amazing example to me and, well I just Love ya,
Loves,
Tara

boyce avenue concert

Last night we went to boyce avenue's concert at the Duce in Phoenix! It was an amazing group I was mesmorized! Everyone should look them up! Great group! Thanks to Tiffany for introducing us!

We have visitors! Jason and Tiffany came to visit us from Provo, Utah (aka freezing cold snowy weather) Ha, even though it's a little rainy this weekend it's still better than below freezing :) The first night they took us to my newest most favorite resturant TRUE FOODS!! I'm officially obssesed! I even had a dream about the food that night... I think that's LOVE. Ha.

Valentines Day

Hey everyone! Well here is an update on our V-day! We stayed home and Barbequed! Yay, Eric went and picked up new york strip at AJ's and we watched a the movie "When in Rome". It was super fun!

Here is Paisley begging for our yummy food of course! She will sit there just like this for the entire meal. Haha, This is one of my gifts for Eric! My jar of reasons why I love him! Ha, I tried being cute this year... It was fun if anything.

Here is Eric with our meal, Eric did the Grilling and I did the rest. It was such a fun, Low key Valentines day! I love my husband sooo much! He let me order some cute things for the house for my gift! I'm sooo excited to get them in the mail! Best Husband EVER!

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY

Okay guys, that's right i'm on a ROLL, twice in one week i know! How exciting I just wanted to blog about my first successful SUPER BOWL PARTY... Oh yeah :) We had a few friends (Besties! Kylee and Chaisson, Shayla and Kolten, and Chelsea and Nick) over for food, football, fun and of course some Glee afterwards?... Ha









Misses Paisley took a nap before the party got started, ha! How cute is her football bow!? I just love her so much.

Here are the boys chowing down on the grub! Super yummy!

Okay, so here's the breakdown of my day... I made rump roast Beef Sandwiches, Seven Layer Bean Dip, Yummy Fruit Salad, Brownies, and Mine and Kylee's favorite No-Bake Cookies! Chaisson Kylee's amazing husband made Wings, Velveeta Cheese Dip, and Brauntwertz Hot Dogs. So Much Food!!

YUMMY! Ha, Well it was fun to watch the game I always check out at about after half time... Black Eyed Peas and Usher... Crazy. I just thing Fergie is not so good at singing live... I lied... Ever. She just drives me nuts but it was a crazy show. The Green Bay Packers won which we didn't really care to much for who was playing but it was fun to watch. We watched the new Glee after too! Can't go wrong with Glee. We made new friends tonight! Shayla and Kolten from our ward, we had a ton of fun and look forward to hanging out again! Well I hope you all had a fun SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!! We sure did. We are so blessed with our friends that we have made here in AZ!

LOVES!!

Barbie Comencement

Well, can you believe it?!! (i know i know...) I'm finally blogging! Yay! And, I actually have something exciting to blog about! I work at this amazing salon and since ive been there for a year it was my turn to do Comencement! Definition of Comencement: To design and construct my very own mini hair show. Including theme, music, models (4) hair styles, clothing, and make-up. To perform infront of every stylist that works at all locations! My theme: Barbie (of course...), Music: Barbie Girl (Aqua, 1997 classic song) My models: Husband; Eric aka Golf Ken, Aunt Lori; Housewife Barbie, BF Alex; Fashionista Barbie, Co-Worker Stephanie Michelle; Rocker Barbie. I added pics so I hope you all enjoy!