Hendo Girls do AZ

We’ve had our annual (but not so annual, considering we haven’t done a girls trip since I was still pregnant with Sloan) Hendo Girls trip to Scottsdale this last weekend.  We’ve had it scheduled for a while and it creeped up on me considering we have been going nonstop the last few weeks.  Jan/Feb have been crazy months for me – and March is going to be absolutely bananas for Zach.

We left Thursday morning for Arizona.  We flew out of the storm covering Utah and arrived to sun and mild temperatures in Scottsdale.  First things first:  we ate.  We didn’t even make it to our hotel.  We had a late lunch at a darling little place that came highly recommended from Gina, Arcadia Farms Café.

Afterwards we made it to our hotel to drop off our bags and settle in.  It was gorgeous and the grounds were seriously top notch.

We had a bit of down time before Gina had scheduled us all for hot yoga.  Jeanene and I opted out [I’ve done hot yoga before and was mortified at the smell of the whole experience – myself included] and instead of getting our sweat on we went across and down the street from the yoga studio to eat at Shake Shack.  Jeanene doesn’t even really like hamburgers.  She is such a good sport.

Afterwards we went to pick up the rest of our crew back at the yoga studio.

The next day was spent at the mall.  We shopped, we had lunch, and we shopped some more.  We had dinner afterwards down town, grabbed some Spinkles Cupcakes, and then went back to our hotel for an in-room movie.  We ordered some popcorn, sodas, and treats – which eventually made up for the totally depressing love flick we chose.

The next morning we were up bright and early.  Some of us stayed up later than others watching said depressing movie.  The “wear your sunglasses inside” kinda late…

We had a brunch and then it was time to trapeze.  Yes, I am serious.

Our hotel conveniently offered trapeze classes.  When planning the trip – Gina asked a concierge about nearby hikes.  The concierge asked, casually, “and do you ladies trapeze?”  It was game over after that and we were all signed up to get our swing on.

First, we mentally and physically prepped ourselves.  We observed.  We stretched.  

They didn’t waste any time.  We were briefed, strapped up with harnesses, and then asked to climb the ladder.  The first time was a little overwhelming.  You are given commands – but when hanging and swinging it is a little harder to commit to those directions.  Especially when swinging from your knees!   But after a few tries we got the hang of it.  We even advanced to the next trick – swinging and being caught by our instructor, Efe.  Efe was hilarious, patient, and incredibly gay.  It made sense – no straight man could bend like that, I am telling you.

It was honestly a total blast.  I am so glad Gina singed us up – because I would have never in a million years done something like this if it were just Zach and I at the hotel by ourselves.  Girls Trips will do that to you, I guess.

After freshening up – we made our way back to the mall.  I even convinced a few more people to join us for Shake Shack for lunch.  Again.

We had an early dinner afterwards at a great little Italian place down town.

Then we rushed off to our movie – Hidden Figures – at the nearby AMC.  The movie was amazing and if you haven’t seen it, you must.  It was the perfect feel-good end to our night.

Sunday we all met down in the lobby for our hike up Camelback Mountain.  We made it up to the helicopter pad and Gina, Rachael, and I decided to attempt the steeper and higher elevation climb to the peak.  It was a great little workout and the weather was a dream.  I could live in Phoenix/Scottsdale area in the winter and be happy as a lark.

We showered up, had brunch at Olive and Ivy, and got pedicures and manicures back at the hotel.

Then we went to dinner at my favorite, Bandera.  Even just the cornbread could have satisfied me.  But their Macho Salad is literally life changing.  We drove to find what we deemed the floating sperm (aka the strange art installation with flying/swimming fish creatures in the sky) and then made it back to our hotel for s’mores.

The staff sent us a plate of all the fixings and we put on some layers for the outdoor fire pit.  By layers I mean some of us put on our hotel robes and slippers and made our way out in public to the fire pit.

The next morning we packed our bags, had breakfast, checked out of our hotel, and had one last lunch together before heading to the airport.

I am so grateful that the Hendersons make an effort to do trips together.  Life gets so busy – and we have 27 kids between us!  So getting to spend time alone with my sister-in-laws is a rare occurrence.  I am so glad I got to have a weekend away with them, it really was fantastic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

30 / Las Vegas

Zach.

He is the best husband that there ever was.

I woke up on the morning of my birthday to surprise after surprise.  I heard Sloan wake up and went into her room.  Once we were both up and ready we went downstairs.  Zach had a full spread waiting for us.  Bagels and cream cheese, fruit parfaits, muffins.  He even had balloons, decorations, and cards.

In one card he gave me some spending money for our weekend out of town.  The other card told me to hurry and get ready, because he had a babysitter coming over and we were going to spend the afternoon at the spa.  I couldn’t believe how thoughtful the whole gesture was.  Once she arrived, we drove up to Layton for our couples massage.

It was so relaxing and enjoyable and when I got ready to leave – he took me into one of the private rooms for a foot soak.  He had a large Diet Coke, sandwiches, and my favorite treat – a Cutler’s cookie – waiting for me.

Once we got back home – Sloan had just woken up from her nap.  We played the rest of the day together, honestly doing nothing productive at all.  As I moved from room to room, I would notice little notes Zach had left me around the house.  He even left me a note in my car.  I couldn’t help but tear up every time I read one.  It made my whole day – even more than the spa and the amazing breakfast.

It was honestly a perfect day.  I am not big on birthdays for myself.  I always try to make them special for Zach and Sloan, but mine I could take or leave.  But this particular birthday was the best I’ve ever had, by far.  Zach always makes things so fun and special, and he really went above and beyond to make it wonderful.

That weekend we had planned to go to Las Vegas for a quick getaway.  We stayed at the Encore (first time for the both of us) and Zach literally let me do all of my favorite things:  sleep in, work out, eat, and shop.  It may sound uneventful to some – but that’s my kind of vacation.  We arrived there Friday afternoon.  We had lunch at the Cafe at the Wynn – where they have my favorite salad in all of creation.

We took an afternoon snack break at Sprinkles, for a red velvie.

Then we took an Uber to the Forum Shops.  We spent most of our time at Nike and stopped in a few other places until it was time for our dinner at Joe’s.

We shopped around some more and then made our way back to our hotel.

The next morning we both went to the spa.  I had an appointment for a facial (my first one ever) and Zach wanted to enjoy the spa amenities.  The facial was amazing – in fact, I’ve been converted.  I don’t think I could pick a massage over a facial now that I have experienced one for myself.  She did put some amazing product on my lips, which I loved, but gave them a tingly sensation.  I would later realize that “tingle” was numbness and I wouldn’t regain feeling in my lips until the next morning.  But still…I loved it and would do it again in a second.

We later had lunch at Shake Shack.

We then spent the majority of the day at Fashion Show Mall and Zach wins the award for most patient husband.  I don’t even want to know how long we were in Zara – I can’t think about it.

We then went to dinner at Momofuku.  It was already packed when we got there at 6:30 – luckily, Zach got a reservation.  When we arrived I was totally bummed they didn’t have chicken pho on the menu, like their New York location.  But, the waiter assured me I would love the “chicken noodle soup”.  It wasn’t until my first taste of my dish that my faith had been restored.  Even though the menu was completely different – it was so very good.  He can do no wrong, that David Chang.

We stopped on our way out at the Milk Bar – where Zach treated himself to something coated with cereal that he really liked.

We contemplated going to a movie, but decided to take a suggestion from my sister-in-law Gina about the “Feature Presentation” that they offer at the Wynn hotels.  When we got back we ordered two candies, a buttered popcorn, and two sodas in CANS and ordered a movie to our room.  I had no idea they even offered this – and it was totally worth it (and less expensive than a real movie with all the trimmings, I might add).  It was an absolute home run!  (Thank you Gina!)

We slept in and packed up the next morning, eager to get home to Sloan.

A lot of my friends have been struggling with the thought of turning 30, but I feel the opposite.  I feel good.  I am excited.  My 30-year-old self is completely content.  I never dreamed as a teenager I would be in love and married to my best friend (well, I hoped…but I didn’t KNOW), have the sweetest little soul for a daughter, and to be able to make memories with them every single day.

Ask me how I feel at 50, ok?

Because 30 is actually pretty bomb, guys.  

 

 

 

 

I Don’t Even Remember December

But for real.  December came and went so fast – I would have guessed it would be Dec 12th by now.  Maybe.

I decorated for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving.  I did Sloan’s playroom first…so Zach wouldn’t give me such a hard time about the rest of the house.  He found out quickly, though, and just succumbed to the fact that it was happening and there was nothing he could do to stop it.

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As soon as I could allow myself, we started festive activities.  First – Sloan and I decorated a gingerbread house.  Sloan was all about it…until she realized she could eat the candy we were using to decorate.

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Towards the beginning of the month all three of us went to the Rail Gardens and did a little shredding.  Actually, I didn’t shred.  I hiked and pulled the littlest one of us around.  But we all had a blast and even captured a great shot with Zach’s GoPro.

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I took Sloan to her very first movie – Moana.  It was at 9:40 am, in our pajamas, and it was glorious.  Sloan did amazing…but mostly because I had every snack available in my diaper bag and she took full advantage.  Recliners always win.  Always.

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Sloan loves being bundled up – even during breakfast.  I’m very lucky I don’t have to fight her to wear winter accessories.  It makes going out and about much smoother.

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I had a bridal shower to attend one Saturday and Zach decided he would take Sloan up to Park City for a little daddy-daughter date.  She loved it, as always.  I was so impressed when I found out Zach had packed her a lunch (a PB&J) and two beverage options.  As if I could love him any more…

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We did our new(er) tradition of breakfast with Santa at the Grand America.  We did it a little different this year.  We stayed the night before at the hotel.  Zach had his work Christmas party and planned on staying late.  So the two of us girls ordered room service for dinner and walked around to see all the Christmas windows, giant gingerbread house, and other Christmas decorations.

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Zach joined us later that night.  The next morning we woke up and got ready to head down to breakfast.  My parents joined us this time around and Sloan was elated.

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And at the end of our meal we got to take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  I was dreading it – with Sloan’s professional photo track record.  But as always, she surprised me.  She was perfect – maybe because Santa let her hold his bell?  Regardless of the reason, I was thrilled to get the photos back and see that we all were smiling.
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Later that weekend we had an Ugly Sweater Party with my mom’s side of the family.  Long story short:  I didn’t realize that the sweater I had put Sloan in was gifted by the host of the party.  But we proceeded and covered it up…hopefully.

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Towards the middle of the month Zach and I had a date night at the Roof for dinner.  It’s my favorite way to see the Christmas lights.  High above, indoors, and with no crowds.  Also – they made a mistake (unbeknownst to us until they brought out the sign) and thought it was my birthday.  But we got a seat by the window, so it was a happy mistake.

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Zach was deemed CRAB MAN – due to his five visits to the seafood area of the buffet and I got myself an incredible Christmas onesie (THAT HAS PIZZA ON IT) later at City Creek – so I’d call the night a complete success.

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We spent a lot of time baking this month.  And my thighs are regretting it.  Sloan helped me make bread, several types of cookies, pastries, and a few other desserts.  She’s even got cracking the eggs down.

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I attempted to make my former neighbor’s infamous pastries – since we no longer live near them, we definitely miss them during this time of year.  They turned out pretty good – but not AS good as hers.  Maybe one day.

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My mom also enlisted my help to make sugar cookies for her coworkers and neighbors.  Five dozen, to be exact.

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She was thrilled with how they turned out, so it was all worth it.  Let’s just say I’m not making it a Christmas tradition, though.

Not long after – we had the Henderson Christmas Party at the Layton rink.  I’d love to post a photo of the whole gang eating together joyfully…but the only pictures I got were of Sloan in the Wrecking Ball blow-up castle.  It’s her favorite.

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Sloan’s become quite the little helper around the house.  She takes chores and tasks very seriously – especially the ones involved with prepping dinner.  She has become a master of unwrapping candy kisses for peppermint chocolate cookies (or peanut butter blossoms for Zach)…img_5761But her favorite tasks involve washing vegetables.
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I’ve noticed something about myself as a parent – I tend to hold back on things I think will be messy or potentially harmful to Sloan.  I also tell myself a lot “Oh, she’s not old enough for that yet”…and it’s one of my biggest weaknesses as a parent.  I have found that if I let her do things, even if I question those things, she usually excels at them.  I need to learn to stretch and she is helping me.  I’ve also noticed that having Sloan help me around the house (baking especially) makes her better at following directions and focusing.  It also completely changes her attitude.  When she’s having a rough day – we make cookies.  She loves helping and feels important.  Plus, we both get a treat at the end.

As much as she loves baking, she loves making “forts” even more.  It’s her favorite thing to do and we made plenty during the month of December.  They don’t even have to be that spectacular – just a couple of chairs and a blanket.

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We also did a little backyard and Park City snowboarding.  Sloan actually preferred to play in the snow this particular trip.  You win some – you lose some.  She’s a toddler after all.

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Zach even made her a little course in the backyard with a hula hoop and a tote lid (to represent a little box rail maybe?) to test her skills on.

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The Friday before Christmas Eve was our Fotheringham Family Christmas party.  It was at my aunt’s church – and a Luau theme.  It turned out darling and everyone had a great time.  Sloan especially…she even got loved on a little TOO much.

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December was wonderful – I’m honestly sad it’s over.  I almost wish I could do it over (but without the obscene amount of glitter in every room of my house and the stomachache from all the baked goods) but it might take me another 11 months to recover.

 

Conference Weekend

A few months ago Zach and his brothers planned a “Sports Trip” aka boys weekend going to every sport possible and it landed on Conference weekend.  He left Friday and Sloan and I wasted no time kicking off our girl’s weekend, just the two of us.  First we hit up Cross E Ranch, in North Salt Lake.  Sloan thought it was a huge hit.  The slide, the corn pit, the tractor rides.
img_4552Of all the activities – Sloan loved the tractor the best.  The sweetest employee at the ranch even gave her a private ride on the big red tractor.  It was the highlight of our visit.
img_3927 I was finding corn kernels all over the car and our house for DAYS afterwards.  img_3938 img_3902

Not in order – but still important – I got to go out with a few of the ladies in my neighborhood for a Girls’ Night this week as well to the Dodo.  Any excuse to be with friends and eat their turkey sandwich and I’m in!
img_3879 Sloan also got her first hair cut.  Some would argue it was unnecessary…but it needed to be trimmed up and evened out.  She did so great.  She literally barely moved a muscle.  I can’t decide if she was nervous or if she was holding me to my promise of an ice cream cone if she behaved.  Either way, I was so proud of her.  img_3889Saturday came and we had zero plans during the day other than watching conference.  So that’s what we did.  While I was prepping Sloan some snacks for our long haul – I turned around and noticed she had grabbed a blanket and was already curled up on the couch watching.  Let it be known that she lasted ALL FOUR SESSIONS of conference.  If she wasn’t watching, she was playing quietly nearby.
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We also made blood splatter cookies [from the Cutler’s recipe] and delivered them to some of Sloan’s friends around our neighborhood.  It didn’t occur to me until we had already dropped them off them off that it might be a little creepy to give a bunch of kids under the age of 6 bloody ANYTHING.  They were really good, though.  So hopefully that made up for the gruesomeness.
img_3979We have a serious influx of crayons at our house.  Sloan goes through a box of crayons faster than a box of goldfish crackers.  They are either broken or unwrapped and THEN broken or lost within days of buying a new box.  So instead of feeding this bad crayon habit we have – I decided to melt down all the broken pieces in the microwave and make some gem crayons.  Sloan loves them (especially the fact that they change colors often) and they are even easier for her to hold because of the size.
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I loved Conference so much.  My favorite session being the morning session on Saturday, but all of it was wonderful.  I’m so grateful that Sloan was so well behaved and enjoyed listening [especially to the choir] along with me so I could feel the spirit and enjoy all of the messages.

Before we left for our family trip we had a rainy day.  It just felt right to have chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.  Sloan had never had chicken noodle soup and thought it was the most amazing thing she had ever tasted.
img_3997 I also tried a new taco recipe [mostly because I was getting so amped to go to Mexico] and love how they turned out.  Mahi mahi grilled tacos with cabbage and mango and avocado salsa.  img_4012

Zach had a fantastic time on his trip with this brothers and brother-in-laws.  They went to three sporting events in three days and were back in time for work on Monday.

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It was just a snippet of family time before all 40 Hendersons left for our family trip to Mexico.

Labor Day Weekend 2016

The week leading up to Labor Day snuck up on me.  Traditionally – Zach and I go on a trip for his birthday.  But this year we changed it up.  Every year the Hendo girls go up to Swiss Days in Midway and spend the week up in Park City.  We had a slow relaxing week leading up to it [with the busyness of the last few weeks, it was so nice to be home].  I taught Sloan how to make bread and she thought it was incredible.  She was in charge of the mixing and took it very seriously…
fullsizerender-2breadzShe is a girl after my own heart.  We both share a love of carbohydrates.  I let her pick out a new notebook (she’s on a coloring kick right now) and gave her all the options.  Dolphins, unicorns, kittens.  She picked the pizza notebook with heart pepperonis.
fullsizerender-3We enjoyed the bread all week long.  It’s never as good as it is right out of the oven, but we weren’t complaining.  img_3434

Thursday was the first Utah Football game of the season.  Sloan and I had to go down to Highland for a design consult and afterwards we spent some time at the outlets at Traverse Mountain.  I found the most INCREDIBLE shirt that read “YAY GO SPORTS” but Zach wouldn’t let me wear it to the game.  He said it was kind of cynical and I HAD to wear Ute Gear.  So that was that – he won.img_3478

Also, the Utes won – so all was right in Zach’s world.  But mark my words – I will be wearing that shirt in the near future.

Right after the Utah game was over I met up with Gina, Zach’s sister, and we drove up to Park City for our girls weekend.  We made a pit stop for some Diet Coke and a shake and some fries from Iceberg, and then made our way up to meet everyone else at the hotel.  We got in late, but more than half of our group had already arrived.  Rachael and baby Quinn and Lori were already waiting for us.  The next morning the four and a half of us girls did our damage at Swiss Days.  I’ve never been a big fan of Swiss Days…but then I had a baby.  Fur pom pom hats, rompers, and athleisure wear for little ones are too hard to pass up.  We shopped from 7:30 until lunch time where we all met at a new place called the Back 40.  Quinn and I loved our meal. img_3633

Can’t go wrong with a giant mason jar of diet coke and some shrimp tacos! img_3486

By lunchtime we had met up with Siri, our sister-in-law, and we all set off for the parade of homes.  We hit #13 and #12 first in the Midway area.

Number 13 was my very favorite.  The modern farmhouse was an absolute dream.  screen-shot-2016-09-08-at-1-35-13-pmimg_3487 screen-shot-2016-09-08-at-1-35-44-pm

The Parade of Homes is a tricky one for me.  It makes me inspired and depressed at the same time.  It also makes me want to spend an obscene amount of money redecorating all of the rooms in my house.  BUT Zach and I have decided that we aren’t going to spend any money aesthetically inside our home for a while.  At least until we can figure out where we are going to be in the next 5 years or so.  So I had to watch from afar and dream of the forever far away future.

Number 12 represented one of my favorites – Jackson and Leroy – but I still liked the design of 13 better.  I mean, I’d take either of these homes, don’t get me wrong, but you can be totally picky when you are a guest due to the Parade of Homes!
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Afterwards we made our way back to our hotel to change so that we could go to dinner.  J&G Grill at the St. Regis never disappoints.  I’m a huge fan and probably will be for life.  After dinner we went back to our hotel and were pleasantly surprised when one of the hotel lounges had live music – a former contestant on the Voice.  He was amazing and even took a few of our requests.

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Saturday was my favorite.  We slept in and as soon as we were up Gina and I went on a trail run.  I almost threw up trying to keep up with her, no joke.  But it was so enjoyable and the leaves were changing all around us.  I wish I would have brought my phone to take a snap of the colors.  After our run I made Gina stop at the hotel bakery for a bran muffin (I am addicted and even once called the hotel to get the recipe – which they do not give out, apparently) and after we went to a pilates class offered at the hotel.  It was nice and relaxing.  I never take advantage of free fitness classes offered at hotels, but I am going to start from now on!  Meanwhile – Siri and Kristi (our newest addition) browsed some more at Swiss Days. Gina and I ate lunch down at the hotel and Rachael and baby Quinn left to go home.  We all met up later back in our rooms to get ready to go to the outlets.  We did our time at Tangar and then drove to dinner at the Riverhorse on Main Street.  Another gem of a restaurant, as always.  The red trout is OFF THE HOOK.  (See that little joke I made?  Fish…hook?)

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After dinner we rushed off to catch a movie.  The Light Between Oceans – don’t plan on seeing it unless you are ok with full-on ugly crying multiple times.  I had to hold in physical sobs at the end so that I wouldn’t disturb all the people around me.  Great for a chick flick – but don’t even THINK about bringing your husband.  He will die a little inside.  

After all eyes were dry we made it back to our hotel.  We went through the lounge and happened upon the wedding celebration that was going on.  There was a back area (blocked behind curtains) where we got to enjoy the music.  Wedding crashers?  Only behind curtains, of course.

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That’s when Gina had her brilliant idea.  And we would later discover that the timing could not have been more perfect.  After tasting said bran muffins – she suggested we go down and ask her “friend” for the recipe.  Ok, he’s not REALLY her friend, but someone she has worked with a bunch through the hotel reservations.  We decided to give it a try.  We made our way down to the front desk and asked for her illusive friend.  He wasn’t working and wouldn’t be until 2 pm the next day (and we’d already be checked out by then).  So I made my plea to the sweet man that was there.  He explained that the kitchen was closed and he couldn’t talk to the chef until the morning.  Granted, it was REALLY late and he was just manning his post.  We kept on prodding him and more people from the hotel staff joined in on all the excitement (mostly noise, from me).  Randomly, and sharply dressed man walked over to the front desk.  He had a pocket square and Gucci shoes, so I should have known he was the real deal right from the second I could smell his cologne.  He waked right over when I was talking about the “top secret recipe” (mind you, I had nicknamed it that ever since the man in the food service department shut me down) so the timing could not have been better.  This sweet guy, named Victorio, walked right up to me and said, “nothing we have here is secret, what do you want?”  He was the freaking RESORT MANAGER!  What are the odds?  I told him about the bran muffins and how I longed to know how and what they were made from.  He went right in the back and after a few minutes had a print-out of the recipe and a copy for each of us.  I was so happy I hugged him.  I asked his permission to hug him, obviously, and he let me.  And he smelled really good.  Like someone who owns Gucci shoes should smell.  He made me promise we would use the recipe to “sell or give out” and I PLEDGE to do so forever until my dying days.  I’ve already made them – and they are just as dreamy from the comfort of my kitchen island as they are in the hotel.  I was so ecstatic that I texted Zach (way later than I should have – but luckily he was watching the BYU game with a friend at our house) and told him all about it.  He knew how much I loved those muffins and was enthused for me.  Truth be told he was even more enthused when I made them and he got to enjoy them for his breakfasts.

We turned in late, but visions of bran muffin fairies were dancing in my head.

The next morning our whole crew went for a run/hike.  We did the same round Gina and I took the previous morning.  It was gorgeous weather and even though a few of us got separated, we all made it to the top together.

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We rode the chair lift down and got another amazing view of all the leaves starting to change.  We had to check out quickly, so we showered and packed up as fast as possible before heading out to lunch.  Sammy’s Bistro – get the mahi mango salad – was wonderful.  Lori and Kristi had to head back home so Gina, Siri, and I set off to take a tour of a few more homes in Park City.  We hit three more, all beautiful, before heading back home.

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It was such a wonderful weekend – Swiss Days is definitely not my thing, but how can you complain with good company, amazing food, and some hilarious memories?  It couldn’t have been more fun.

I missed Zach and Sloan, though, and couldn’t wait to get back to them.  I spent Sunday night reading books on repeat to Sloan before she had to go to bed.

Monday was the holiday, so we spent it lounging around the house.  I let Zach sleep in (much deserved after watching Sloan by himself for three straight days) while Sloan and I crushed our to-do list.  I made tin foil dinners for that evening along with the secret bran muffins.

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Sloan had a great nap and afterwards we all met my parents up Millcreek Canyon for dinner and s’mores.  Sloan didn’t care for her tinfoil dinner, but she was all about the mallows!

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It was a great weekend.  I’ve been waiting for September to roll round for months, and it’s finally here!  We’re going to take full advantage of the cooler temps and enjoy Utah and all of it’s fall scenery.  Thank you Hendo girls [missing Jeanene and Katie] for a great time!

 

Back For a Bit

It was nice to sleep in our own beds after being gone for nearly a week in Lake Powell.  Sloan slept in until 9:30 am the morning we got back.  I had to finally go in and wake her up.  Once we were home we all got back into the swing of things.  Zach and I got to have a Date Night mid week after returning home.  We went back to TOPGOLF, where we had an absolute blast.  I was hesitant – because it was 100 degrees outside – but we couldn’t have had more fun. shot

Since being back from LP – I’ve been in a total funk in terms of diet and exercise.  It’s because I bought two containers of Benny and Jerry’s Salted Caramel CORE and polished them off BY MYSELF within this short week and a half period.  It won best ice cream of 2016 – so I gave it a try.  I was hooked after my first bite, I’ll be honest.  So after that whole fiasco I had to get back into a groove again.  I’ve been trying to eat more protein lately.  I find it is easiest to cram it in during breakfasts and found the BEST recipe.  Chicken, sweet potatoes, one egg topped with avocado, cheese, and pico.  It’s a game changer.  shot 1Now if I could just convince this cool chick to eat more protein.  Eggs and grilled chicken are her only compromises so far – but she does eat better if she’s wearing my sunglasses.  Serious.
IMG_2942Zach and I are grilling as much food as possible before the weather starts to get cooler.  We’ve tried a bunch of different things, but our favorite has been grilled shrimp with pineapple salsa.  Topped on sweet corn on the cob:  B O M B!IMG_2941Last Saturday we got to go out for dinner at Caffe Molisse and later saw Bad Moms.  It was actually pretty good.  Zach was the only guy in the theater – but could totally relate to all the mom jokes.  But really…he had popcorn so he could have watched the Little Mermaid and would have been completely content. FullSizeRender Speaking of moms…my friend Whitney became a mom of three recently.  THREE.  Her little Fin is the sweetest – and we got to spend lunch with them this last week.  It was great to spend some time with a few of my girlfriends – and Sloan didn’t hurt [or have much interest in, actually] the new baby.  So that’s a success! IMG_2967 Sloan has been a bit of a cuddle bug lately.  I have a feeling it is because she is going to be getting a few more teeth soon – but I’ll take it regardless.  She’s really into holding hands right now.  It is my favorite.  IMG_2971 Thursday evening I got a call asking if we’d feed the sister missionaries on Friday night.  I had already planned an Olympic themed dinner for the Opening Ceremonies that night – so I figured, why not?  Zach and I were already going to order Cafe RIO [because the Olympics are in Rio, of course] and I was going to get out some festive decor.  Also, there were Olympic cookies…IMG_3019The best part of the whole story was that I had to call the sisters we were feeding to get their food order.  I told the sister all about my plan:  we would eat take out and watch the opening ceremonies of the Olympics.  First, she had no idea that the Opening Ceremonies were even this weekend – and then informed me that they can’t watch TV.  Obviously, I knew this – but it completely skipped my mind amongst all the excitement of the actual event.  It made a lot of sense why she didn’t seem excited for my whole plan of activities.  But that didn’t stop me from getting out the garb and hanging it from the ceiling…
IMG_3026 When the sisters showed up – they were totally flattered that I had thrown this all together for them.  I didn’t have the heart to tell them that I had already planned it for just the three of us.  But I was worried they would feel left out – so I gave them red white and blue scarves to wear.  Correction:  forced them to wear.  It wasn’t until half way through our meal that I found out that the third sister on the right had only been out in the field for THREE days.  The poor thing was green as could be – from Papa New Guinea – and probably thought we were just the most annoying Americans ever in our USA t-shirts.IMG_3035

That night we stayed up way too late watching the Rio opening ceremonies after Sloan went to bed.  The next morning I got an early morning run in before the three of us went out and about.  We started at City Creek.  We did some shopping and had lunch at the food court.  IMG_3069 We must have worn Sloan right out – because she could barely stay awake during a family cuddle sesh upon returning home. IMG_3072 That night Zach and I had our Date Night – this time we went to Park City for some outlet shopping [which was a total bust, but fun nonetheless] and then had dinner at the J&G Grill.  I had the halibut and it was the best fish I’ve had.  Ever.  Like, I could eat this fish for every meal for the rest of my life.  IMG_3086We haven’t slowed down much since being home – especially considering we are leaving for Lake Powell again with my family in a few days.  So until then we are hitting up the park as much as we can.
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