Dori, the Betta Fish

We've talked about getting a fish for awhile but just haven't found the right time to go to Petsmart to get all the stuff for it. Ryan always goes on these fun adventures with the girls when I work on Saturdays and when I came back from work one week, Brinley couldn't wait to tell me all about Dori.

Dori was so active! Ryan told me that betta fishes actually learn their owners faces and voices. I swear, that fish looked at me and wiggled whenever I was in the kitchen doing dishes. We had a connection. I felt it.

Then came Sunday morning, no more than 24 hours later, Dori started acting different. Before we left for church, we found Dori sitting at the bottom of the bowl. I'm not sure what happened and what changed, but when we came back from church, Dori was limp and the water was totally cloudy. 

Ryan called for a family gathering in the bathroom and we tried to have a ceremony to say goodbye to Dori. Right after Ryan talked about how special all Heavenly Father's creations are, Brinley walked right to the toilet and flushed it and walked out of the bathroom. Ryan and I looked at each other and started laughing so hard. That girl! She's always making us laugh.

We are planning on getting another fish, maybe not a betta because we think they need a warmer space because they are tropical and need a heater.

RIP Dori the Betta

6th Anniversary!

*just found this in the archives. Enjoy!

Ryan and I were lucky enough to be able to spend our anniversary in Charlotte. I'm telling you, we lucked out! A birthday AND an anniversary surrounded by family? So fun. We love reminiscing about our wedding day 6 years ago. So many good memories. It was my number one goal this year on our anniversary to put on my wedding dress! And it fit! It zipped!! I couldn't believe it. After being a baby maker for the past 5 years, it was nice to feel trim again!

Man, I still LOVE my wedding dress. So pretty! 

Ryan and I decided to go to our favorite breakfast place called Toast Cafe in Davidson. It is easily the best breakfast food I've ever had. We ate and ate and ate!

Ry got lobster eggs benedict with a hollandaise and of course, their famous hash browns.

raspberry pancakes, bacon, and hash browns for me!

The farmers market was open since it was a Saturday, so we explored and bought a bouquet of flowers. Davidson has such charm. We love that city!

Happy 6th Anniversary, babe! Can you believe it's been 6 years!? That's a LONG time! So grateful to spend my days with you! 

DIY Painting The Kitchen Table

I've been wanting to paint our table and chairs for months and I finally got around to doing it. My parents donated the primer and paint (thank goodness!) and it took me about a week and a half to get the 4 chairs and table painted. I ended up doing one coat of primer, and 2 coats of white exterior paint. I also put 2 coats of polyurethane on everything. The paint was super nice and easy to apply but gosh dang, the chairs took so much time to finish.

before

one coat of primer

after 2 coats of paint

primer on the table

And that's the after! The girls have already used marker and crayon on the table, and thank goodness for magic erasers! The white really brightens up our apartment and now I feel like I need to paint all our furniture white. We'll see how motivated I am, haha!

Secret Trip to SLC

I've been itching for a trip for awhile. Truth: I haven't taken a solo trip since I've been married and have had kids. I've traveled a bunch without Ryan, but I've always had one or two kids with me. So, this mama was ready for a solo trip! and when my bff from high school and college announced her engagement, it just made sense. I HAD to be there.

I decided to keep my trip completely secret, except for a few people that needed to be in the loop. It took a bit of planning and organizing, but the trip was booked and I was so ready! I coordinated with my other bff, Julia, to join me in Utah and be my plus one and chauffeur me around to the wedding events. We squeezed in some fun time too, shopping, museum time, blog talk, and seeing my cousin in Provo.

It was a fabulous trip. Everything went smoothly and according to plan! Jane was a gorgeous bride and I can't even tell you how it was seeing that girl (plus her wonderful family). Jane was completely caught off guard when she saw me and I just couldn't help but melt to tears when we hugged. The wedding decor and reception location was so perfect. So happy for you, Jane! and to meet your new husband Mark! 

I'm alone!!!!!!!!!!

first morning after my gal pal Greta climbed into bed with me

in-n-out was a MUST

the girlies

yes please!!!!

Utah, your mountains are bragging!! 

this florida girl couldn't believe the gorgeousness of the mountains

Reception Time

the start of the reception venue

riding up to the house

the bride!!!!

can you even believe her dress!?

together with her adorable hubby Mark

my other favorite gals, Kristine and Egan

and my favorite second mom in college, Holly

besties

inside the BARN. this place was unreal!

hey, you!

only a 1/3 of the house

four!!!

this pano shot sooooorta gives this place justice!

Saturday-Temple Sealing

married!!!!!!!

love these girls so much!!

Lunch Time

i'll take the tri tip cali style sandwich please!

Museum of Natural Curiosity in Thanksgiving Point

Cousin Time

So fun to see my cousin Cari and her family! (missing their youngest Ben who was napping)

I had such an amazing time! Sad I couldn't see everyone while I was in Utah, but hopefully next time!!!