Utah weekend

This past weekend we made a quick trip to Utah to spend time with family and friends. 

Although we will be going back in a few short months for Christmas, 

we couldn't pass up the beautiful DRY weather in Utah this time of year.

The weekend was full of eating, eating & eating, haircuts, running errands, shopping, 

morning walks with my parents, BYU football (we love it, even though they got killed),

Olympus High School football, spending time with my sweet grandparents

and meeting up with incredible friends from high school & college.

Although I wish there were a few less states between Utah & Washington, D.C.,

the long flight is certainly worth the visit! 

 Sunday dinner at my parents house - It was so good to see McKay & Brookie

One of my best friends from high school is having her baby in less than a month - 

AND just bought the house (behind us) - so excited for Mia & Devin.

It was so good to see my grandpa while we were in town. 

My grandma passed away since we moved, but grandpa is still as feisty as ever!

It was so good to see our Provo friends this weekend, 

on Friday night they joined us in Salt Lake for high school football & 

on Saturday we went to our favorite, Mountain West Burrito, before the BYU game.

 Terrible game - but still good to be back at Cougar Stadium

 

We had such a fun weekend & can't wait to visit soon!

Thank you mom & dad for a fun weekend!

Who would have guessed?

Six years ago today Steve & I started dating during our freshman year at BYU. 

Every year when August/September roll around we always say,

"who would have guessed ____ years ago that we would still be together?"

If you had told me the night we met - August 26, 2005,
or the first time we kissed, September 21, 2005

that we would be where we are today I would have thought you were crazy.

It just goes to show what a college, years apart during a mission and life experiences do to you.

We love reflecting back to the beginning of our relationship this time of year, 

and although we aren't in Provo anymore - we both still remember it like it was yesterday.

It is incredible that no matter how many times we retell our side of our story,

it's always like it is the first time the story is being told. 

I am grateful for such a hardworking, compassionate, and admirable best friend & husband.

He makes me incredibly proud everyday.

And you better believe Steve makes sure we celebrate 9/21 each year -
that just goes to show the romantic he is :)

First photo we took together - 
After our intramural soccer game Fall 2005.

Ground Zero - Ten Years Later

The weekend of 9/11 Steve was in Queens for his NY-09 election 

so I joined some girlfriends in NYC as well for the weekend. 

We ate at some great restaurants, made new friends, went to Jersey Boys (amazing!), 

saw famous people on the streets and had the best time.

After working 12-16 hour days all week Steve was able to meet up with us late Saturday night!

Since Sunday was the 10 year anniversary we found it only fitting to stop by Ground Zero 

and reflect on what happened 10 years ago.
We reminisced where we were when we first heard the news
and how our country has dramatically changed in the last ten years.

It was incredible to see so many people willing to fight the crowds and visit the site 

to remember those that lost their lives that day. 

It was an amazing experience I will always remember.

"...Looking forward to the weekend"

Because we are so busy during the week, especially Steve, with long work days and classes at night we have really started to cherish our weekends. 

Here's what we've been up to the past few weekends!

 

Sunday evening walks around the memorials - 

last weekend we went to the new MLK one and to the FDR memorial for the first time.

Pictures above with FDR and Eleanor

Hot breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday since it rarely never happens during the work week.

We love spending time with our Nursery kids on Sunday!

Day trips to different cities within driving distance - last weekend was to Annapolis, MD to see the Naval Academy & the charming shops and houses in Annapolis.

Trips to Costco - but never without getting a churro too.

Nationals baseball games.

Eating out at some of our favorite places, as well as cooking together at home!

Visiting other local attractions whenever possible - like the National Cathedral.


This weekend I am off to New York City with some girlfriends while Steve works around the clock helping with the ground game for his special election on Tuesday (I say his because he has worked so incredibly hard for this one) in New York as well! Although we won't be more than 15 miles away from each other we are hoping we can meet up at least for a little bit of the weekend and spend time together!

Where did August go?

We are still trying to figure out where August went at the Pierce House,

oh yeah...

We survived an earthquake AND hurricane in the same week. Pure chaos.

We finally found a rug for our living room that we love! (Thank you again Caryn)

We enjoyed the end of summer with evening walks to the memorials around the district.

We are already making plans with friends to attend the best high school football games in our area. Yes, the girls are hoping there is a Riggins on one of the teams.

We are being reminded of what election season is like (long hours). I don't think I will ever get used to elections.

We endured a rain delay Nationals v. Phillies game to see the Nats win in the bottom of the 9th, tie game, bases loaded, full count at bat, HOME RUN!..... you know, just like in the movies... did I mention it was 1am when this happened because of the rain delay?

We He fixed the Play Station and is now offering to fix anything around the house.

We watch way to many U.S. Open matches considering it is only the first round.

We have adjusted to a graduate student in the house. Books purchased and tuition is paid.

We are anticipating the BYU season opener this weekend!

We have been growing out our hair - Jessie on her head, Steve on his face.

We bought airfare to Utah for Christmas, we are extremely excited for this holiday season.


We are preparing for an even busier month of September...

Steve will be spending a lot of time in Queens for the NY-09 special election. Remember that one time when Anthony Weiner resigned...

I am making the trek to NY the weekend before the election. We are already planning to go to the U.S. Open and will be there over September 11th which should be pretty crazy. Sad I can't be there for the actual election night. Election parties are the best part of the election.

We can't wait to visit Utah and spend time with family & friends, eat at our favorite restaurants and go to the BYU/Utah game.


We feel so blessed everyday to live where we do, to have the jobs we do and love the stage of life we are in right now!