I know. I've Been Slacking.

So I know I haven't posted since the week I got back from vacation. But it's not that I haven't tried or that I haven't thought about it, it's just things around here just started getting a little crazy.

So lets play catch-up. 

The weekend I got back from vacation we were all suppose to go camping however I had totally forgot about the Young Single Adult Conference that was the same weekend.  So after some major debating I decided, and felt, like I need to go to the conference. And now I know why because. . . I'M ENGAGED!

Haha. Just kidding! (He he) Oh gosh. That totally made me laugh. (I don't know if you guys thought that was as funny as I did, but I thought it was.) But anyways. It was so good. All the friends I had made were leaving for school the next week so that was the last time I was going to be able to hang out with them. And, luckily I I was able to make a few new friends who would be staying so that was good. And I was able to meet the Institute Director as well as the institute teacher who would be teaching the Wednesday night class. (And let me just add that they are not too bad looking at all. And I know that I sound like a creeper, but I wouldn't say that unless it was true. Not bad at all.)

So the speakers and the talks were super good. The topics that were talked about and discussed where so good and I felt like they were the things that I had been thinking a lot about and needed to hear or be assured of. I absolutely felt like I was exactly where I needed to be. It was so much fun. I also got to see, and hear from, all four of the Stake Presidents here in the Springs. One of them being Bruce R. McConkie's son! He was so old and cute! I just wanted to squeeze him. And it helped that his talk was really good. I loved it.

(And sorry Kelsie. I wasn't able to take pictures from the conference)

Brendan was totally bummed that I couldn't go but they ended up having a super good time anyways. This is Kate's camping outfit.

 Brendan and his brother-in-law Shawn jumped off this rock and into this small lake It looked like so much fun and I totally would have done it too. But maybe next time.

So that Monday was crazy. Kate started Pre-School and I started Institute. 

Kate was very excited. They even had her name on the door and everything. As well as a little cubby for her (with her name on it) to hang her coat and back pack.

It was very cute and she was very excited. And she didn't cry once. Sometimes when she goes new places with all new people she tends to freak and have little break downs but she has not had one yet so we are very thankful for that.

So after we dropped her off I got ready for my first institute class. I do have a picture but it is not cooperating with me. But it was good. I am taking a Book of Mormon class Mondays and Wednesday mornings with Bro. Palmer, the very nice looking Institute Director. Then that Wednesday night I went to the Old Testament class that is taught by Brother Goss. Oh Brother Goss. So far it is going really well. I really like it a lot and I'm doing lots of reading. I love it and am very excited to see what else is to come.

So side note. Sunday nights the Family Ward I go to with Kate has a Young Single Adults Family Home Evening with the YSA leaders. So this is the crazy part. There is this guy who goes (I'll have to some how manage to get a picture with out looking like a total creeper) who looks just like Bobby Ray. No lie. I'm sure he already things I'm a creeper because I just stared at him with this, "Holy Cow! You two had to have been separated at birth" look on my face. Minor difference in the nose but the exact same. It's way creepy.

So The next night we did our very home FHE. I cooked Chicken Enchilada's and then we all went outside and roasted s'mores. 

Kate loved her's but didn't anticipate the chocolate getting all over her. It was funny.

Brendan even sang our opening song all by himself. His musical selection was "Families Can be Together Forever." It was great. Corinne and I just sat there and couldn't believe that he remembered all the words. It was pretty great.

 Kate really enjoyed roasting the marshmallows. That's all she really wanted to do after a while.

I just like to work on the technique. If you let it catch on fire and then blow it out then only the outside really cooks and then it doesn't melt the chocolate as well. And then if you don't hold it at a certain angle it will melt and slip off your roaster so then it falls in. That is, or can be, a very sad moment.

So Corinne had this idea of putting chunky peanut butter in the s'mores. If I wasn't fat enough. Those suckers were amazing. I pretty sure I dreamed of chunky peanut butter s'mores that night. It was lots of fun. And they were super yummy. And after Kate went to bed Corinne, Brendan, and I hung out outside for a bit little longer and kept looking for things to burn until I kept falling asleep in my chair then I went to bed.

So anyways. It was a good time. Sorry it's been a while but things here are good. We are having lots of family over this weekend so I'm sure that will be another good blog to read about. But things are going well.

A little crazy, but lot of fun. 

Back to Reality

So I just got back from visiting my family for a week as we went on our annual family vacation with the Cola's; and let me tell me, I really think our family is way better than cable.
I landed in Burbank at 11:38 on Wednesday morning. Alexis and Emma were sent to pick me up and then we would drive down to LAX to pick up my aunt and uncle who had been in Florida scouting out houses. So I was extremely excited to see my aunt and uncle but especially the girls because they had just got back from school.
So (cliffs notes version) once we all get in the car, my two bags, the Cola's two bags, the five adults, plus the four spare tire rims, and the spare tire, turned out to be a little to much weight for the small, little civic. So what was suppose to be a quick trip to LA and back literally turned into spending ALL DAY in LA. We dropped off my uncle and aunt in a restaurant so they could get food while Alexis, Emma, and I went to meet our superhero friend Jeff Preston (who is also Brendan's brother) who lives in LA to drop off the rims to get rid of some of the weight hoping it would be enough. But of course nothing is easy. So Randy and Amber had to take the shuttle back to Bakersfield while the three girls drove back. By the time we fought our way through the horrible LA traffic, got to and from Jeff's work, and then dropped Randy and Amber back off at LAX it was almost four. We were so hungry. The spare tire that I was holding somehow managed to look so appetizing. So we got a ways a way from LAX and found some place to eat. By the time we finally sat down to eat, it was 5:15. Talk about sad. So we ate and finally managed to get home safely which is the most important thing. But yes. Followers of our cable showed would have gotten a good laugh at our ALL day venture.
So then Thursday was full of last minute that I needed to get done before I left town again. Luckily I was able to see Andi Bulkeley, who let my just tell you, was probably one of my favorite parts. She was so excited to see me. She kept coming up to me and would just sit there and hug me. I loved it! We even did a few puzzles.   It was so much fun.
Later that night my friend Steven Nelson came home from spending the past two years in Brazil on his mission . It was fun to see him again. Me and my friend Jake (who is on his mission in Billings, Montana) were there when Steven left so Jake and I got a special shirt for the special occasion. Welcome home Esteban.
So the next day my family left for the lake. Cable ratings would have once again shot right up. The boat group that was suppose to leave around noonish finally left around 3. And the later group that was suppose to leave around three finally left around 6. It was a crazy. But once again that couldn't have been the worst of it. The next few days were followed by the losing of the boat keys (you know one of the most important keys to not lose) which after an hour or two was solved. However the next day the battery on the boat decided to have a brake down and die. So then the boys did some magic trick and then it started working again.
Other events that followed through out the week: My cousin Roegan had an allergic reaction to something (we think it was the lotion) and so his back broke out. At some point we realized that one of the keys to the house had been missing for a few days; but then they were soon found. This one is probably one of the better stories. Every night there was this group, or clan, or family, of raccoons that would come and go through all of our things that were left on the patio. So we had to chase them off for a few nights. And just when things seem to be looking up as we were leaving, Grandpa couldn't find his phone. So finally after a search that lead to our rescue, we found the phone which had fallen under a couch. It was craziness. But it turned out fine. And not to seem like the week was obstacle leading to another, the kids went fishing one day and came back with at least eight or ten fish. They were so excited! All of them would take there turns running up and down the dock telling everyone that they caught a fish. And, I get a pretty good tan; and even though it will fade with in a few days because there is no sun here in Colorado it looks nice for the time being.
After the lake I got a super cute black dress that was on sale at Gap from the Tulare outlets. I was able to see friends and lots of people from church who have been very dearly missed.
I was really sad to leave. I said goodbye to my Aunt Amber and Uncle Randy and their family  who are moving to Florida and won't be able to see them for a while. That made me very sad (and cry) to say good bye to them and my little cousins. I was sad to say goodbye to my family again until December but hopefully they'll take turns and fly out to visit.
I had a really fun vacation but am happy to be back in Colorado Springs. I missed my shoes. Don't judge. Kate returned to our regular routine by coming into my room this morning and crawled onto my bed and told me all about her sleep and that she would like to eat oatmeal for breakfast. She then later told me that she missed me while I was gone so that made me feel happy. I can tell Brendan has missed me because he hasn't stopped punching me. And I'm pretty sure the clouds missed me too because what started off as a sunny day turned into a runny windy afternoon. Good ol' Colorado.

The View From the Top

So last Saturday Brendan had planned to take us on a hike with waterfalls and all that jazz however we were talking Friday night and then a small change of plans. We decided to go to Pike's Peak instead. So we all loaded in the car and drove to the top of the mountain.The drive was way fun. Corinne sat in the back with Kate so I got to sit in the front. It mostly consisted of Brendan making fun of me and calling me gay so then then I would call him gay and then he would just make fun of me some more but it was lots of fun. It took about 45 minutes to get to the mountain and then 15 minutes to pass through the check in point that gives you the maps and warnings and so forth. So as we were passing through Brendan asked for this Jr. Ranger booklet that they give kids to show then what things to look for and color in and what not. So Brendan made Kate take a pledge to always protect the forest and be nice to everyone like Mommy, and Daddy, and Cammy, and Asher.

Then after she promised, Brendan gave her her Jr. Ranger Star that she wore the rest of the day.

So after the gate it is another hour to get the top. So after an hour with amazing views we got to the top and the view was beautiful!

This is the Preston's with the sign.

Then me with the sign. And in my blue jacket that I bought for this very event.

Then me planking on the sign because I knew Adam would have wanted me too.

(Beat that Alexis, Emma, and Stephani)

And I would have crawled on top but there was like a line.

One of the great views.

Me standing on the egde.

Me planking on the edge. Don't be to critical of my technique. I'm a little rusty. It's been about two months. So after this Corinne and Kate went inside the summit house so Brendan and I did some exploring and picture taking.

(Another pretty view.)

So there was this rock that you can climb out to so Brendan and I took turns. This is my favorite picture of him on the edge.

So then I took my turn and crawled out to the edge.

This is my favorite picture of me on the edge.

Brendan likes to caption this one as

"Ashlynn with the whole world in front of her" 

So finally we made our way in and met Corinne and Kate.

We did our souvenir shopping. Kate got a marmot stuffed animal. And I of course got a shoot glass to add to my random, pointless collection that I have worked hard to build.

I think it's cute.

Ok Gabbitas' and Dave Bunting, after doing our shopping I finally made my way over to the very much anticipated, famous donuts. And let me just say, they were quite yummy

They did not let me down. i'm sure there are other donuts that are much better however, I was pretty pleased and quite satisfied. But what we didn't know about was the amazing fudge that they have.

After I got my donut Brendan and I made our way around to the other side of the counter and got some bomb fudge that Corinne told us about. That was qutie delightful too.

So then we went back out side before we left and looked at the other side of the summit house. This side consisted of the more historical parts of Pile's Peak. Did you know that the view from Pike's Peak inspired Katherine Lee Bates to write "America the Beautiful"? Well it did and I can see why. So this is the monument that has "America the Beautiful" and then explains the history behind it.

It was really cool. So then we continue walking and then Kate jumps up on the railing, asking us to take her picture.

So after we do, she is playing around and then slips.

So I take one of my favorite pictures ever. 1) It's a super good picture and looks like Kate is just sitting there admiring the view but 2) she really is crying because she slipped and landed on her butt. Haha.

So we make our way down and take some more pictures.

So then we pull over and Brendan and I continue to play a little. So we get out of the car and start making our way up this hill so we can climb on some rocks.

So then Brendan starts taking some artful pictures 

while I . . .took off and climb more rocks!

I felt so cool and hard core. I was pretty impressed with myself. Not going to lie. I did some pretty hard core climbing but sadly no one was there to witness it.

So we take more picture and make finally make our way off the mountain.

So we stop at this camp site that we are planning to camp at in a few weeks do to do some re-con. So while we are there we come across this little creek that we decided to play at for a while.

Of course I find a super good, super narrow spot to plank on (that even Corinne was impressed with my balance and that I didn't fall in) for our planking war.

 But then I take a serious picture because I know that Dad would have wanted me too.

So then get this. Corinne wanted Kate to take a nice picture too but she wouldn't sit on the tree so we get here to sit on the rock. But while I am putting her on the rock, I slip and fall in so then my foot gets completely soaked.

I was a little brought down. Not gonna lie.

So then we leave the creek and start off on our little tiny hike where we get to test run Brendan and Kate's back pack.

It was a great success and super helpful towards the end when Kate started to get a little tired.

All in all it was a fun day. I can officially cross a few things of my list. We have some plans to actually hike the peak in a few weeks so that still remains. However for the most part, things are holding up pretty well here in The Springs.

This Will Test Your Mind, Strength, and Endurance.

So last Friday was just the day that finished up the first week. We did your regular morning routine of waking up and eating. After we played with some dolls for a little bit when Brendan had this idea that Asher could set up Kate's tent for her to play in. So I was like oh. Ok. A little kids play tent? Not a big deal. Does he not know that I went to Girls Camp for the past six summers? So I get everything ready for me to start setting up this tent.

Bangs back and everything. So a few minutes into this pink mess I realize that I was setting more than a tent. So then I find myself  wrestling with these poles that all look about the same length but then when I looked really closely and examined them all, there was like a quarter of an inch difference. So then I have to take some pole back out and then put them back in (all by myself might I add because really, Kate was no help at all). So then it starts to get warm, so then I start to get warm. I was gonna pin back my bangs but then I remembered I already did. Some poles had stickers and most of them didn't and there was not any instructions or anything. So then i'm still fighting with the poles and the holes I thought they went too but didn't. But I was not going to give up because that would have been stupid and a sign of weakness and shown that a stupid tent would have beaten me at it's mind game so I had to stick it out. But then finally, after maybe 15 minutes, I finished setting up a house.

So Kate was all sorts of excited when I finished and just hopped right in with out hesitation. 

Then we opened up the doors to see how that looked. 

Not gonna lie. I was pretty proud. Like, I did it all by myself. I did ok without not having directions read or anyone to help. 

So super excited Kate gets in and then my heart dropped.

Kate apparently likes to play, I don't know, earthquake or something because then she starts flipping my house.

First she stands in it and then pushes it over

and then she falls out like she has been in some great disaster. 

 Then she would get out, flip it back over and did it all over again. All I kept thinking was that my 15 minutes of endurance could easily come undone with one roll. But it didn't. In fact the thing is still up. And it still gets rolled over on a daily basis; but in Kate's room not the Family room.

So then we had lunch and  then she decided that she wanted to watch her movie in her tent. So I moved the laptop to the family room and Kate and I watched some Netflix from inside her house.

So we did that for about two episodes of the cartoon Spiderman and then took a few pictures for documentation. 

After we were done with our shoot we went out front for Project: Save the Dying Tree in the Front Yard.

So we played with the house and got wet and tried to work on my fading tan. After a while Kate didn't like that I got to hold the hose so then she took it decided to chase me around the yard and get me wet.

After a few minutes of that (really when she got tired of running) she decided she would do some water ballet. 

So after I was forced to sang Little Bunny Foo Foo about, no lie at least six times, and a few other random songs I thought would make for a good ballet routine we then retired inside to get everything ready for our hike the next day.