A Memorable Memorial Day Weekend in Ely

This weekend was lots of fun.  Alex's two sisters, Melanie and Chelsea, both had babies recently and planned to bless them in Ely over Memorial Day. Sadly we forgot our camera so we don't have any pictures... oh well. We arrived Friday and stayed until Monday.  I guess two of Melanie's  kids had gotten the flu bug Friday and a few days prior.  Not much you can do about it.

People were mostly ok until Sunday Morning.  Alex's mom caught it early Sunday Morning and Alex caught it soon after.  We went to church where, luckily the blessings took place at the beginning, as usual, otherwise Alex wouldn't have made it.  After sacrament meeting Trevor, Alex's brother, was ordained an Elder.  Yup it was a big day for the Jones family.  After Church more sickness hit as a nephew caught the bug.

After church Alex got much worse.  There wasn't much I could do, but I sure tried to take care of him.  After being in bed all day, finally he started to feel better.  I was so glad!  We played many games all weekend: Cash Flow, Quirkle, Monopoly Deal and more.

Monday morning the flu continued.  What a bug! We went to the train station for a few minutes to take some pictures to add to the family wall.  They were taken last August right after Alex returned.  I was even there dressed in the correct colors (highly embarrassing) but it was too soon to pressure us (Thanks Vera).  Anyway, we now have a train picture for the wall.  We then gathered at the park for lunch.  The weather was much better than the other days (sunny instead of snowy).  The kids ran around, Alex and I played a bit on the swings and the playground, and then bid our goodbyes.

During the car ride home, I started feeling sick.  If you have ever driven to Ely, there are about 3 possible service stops each at least 1 hour a part.  Not a good place to get sick.  I just prayed I wouldn't throw up in our new car.  We hit traffic just north of Nephi and I was ticked.  I just needed to get home.  I'm a  pro at staying cool, we made it home and I went straight to bed.  I haven't been hit so hard by the flu in a long long time.  I'm sure glad I did my best to take care of Alex, otherwise I would have felt so bad because it was horrible.

Finally, 3 days later, I'm feeling about 90% better! So glad to be up and about.  However, I believe I lost about 5 pounds.... if only I could keep it off while adding in a regular diet.  Any suggestions :)?

City Creek Mall

For my birthday I got a few things from H&M.  I needed to return some and so Alex and I decided to stop at the NEW City Creek Mall.  I think about 1 million other people plus 20 dogs decided to do the same thing that afternoon, but it was cool to see the new shops and things.  I definitely believe it is a higher end mall, but it was fun to walk around a little bit and enjoy the "newness." 

I found a cute skirt at H&M to replace my birthday items, however I waited in a 10+ person line to try things on and a 12+ person line to check out.  Next time, I'll definitely go on a different day than Saturday.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Our friends, Drew and Kayla, invited us to have a Cinco de Mayo party including some appetizers and pinata making.  We enjoyed chips, salsa, taquitos and some Spanish Cookies.  It sure was fun to listen to some Spanish music and create our pinata out of a cereal box.  After creating the pinata, we went to our nearby park to find a place to hang it.  The best place we found was the swings.  Our pinata took forever to break! It kept falling off the string :) Finally, I finished it off, after everyone having a turn.  The next pinata was much quicker to break.  Thanks Drew and Kayla for inviting us!!

Rooftop Concert- May

After some begging and pleading, I convinced Alex to come to the FREE Rooftop Concert for May.  It is put on on the top of a parking structure.  This months included Peter Breinholt.  I listened to his music growing up because Jill introduced me to it.  I really like it.  We got there early in order to get good seats.  Early was 6ish for a 8pm start for the concert.  We decided that next time we would figure out how to bring the lovesac because concrete isn't that comfortable.  All in all, I thought it was fun :)  We likely won't be going to another because I don't know any of the others booked. 

BYU Graduation

After 4 years of hard work at Brigham Young University,  I finally graduated! It was a weird feeling to be walking around in a less than flattering graduation gown.  I wasn't sure if I was ready for the world.  School was safe. Finding a job was difficult and I would rather just continue taking classes.... almost.  It was really exciting to sit in the Marriott center next to Diana Steele and Rebecca Johnson.

 Me and Diana Steele

Me, Diana, and Rebecca Prior to walking in to the Marriott Center

 While walking in, we passed this tent.  I looked over and realized, I was about 10 feet from Dallin H Oaks and President Samuelson. They were watching us.  I couldn't resist a picture.  I felt like an Olympic athlete.

 Alex's Mom, Vera was so kind to drive all the way from Ely just to see me walk across a stage.  She was so loving to come and celebrate with us!

 Mom, me, Vera

 Mom, me, Dad

 Vera, me, Alex

The next morning at 7am I reported to the Smith Field House track for the preparation for walking.  Luckily, my program led me in so many paths that I met lots of great people.  Here are a few New Zealand Girls....

 Boy I sure LOVE these girls!  NZ'11

About to walk to get my diploma.

 It's official! I'm a Graduate from the David O. Mckay School of Education in Teacher Education.

My Support.  Whether it was freshman year, writing me letters of encouragement, or getting me through 2 stressful semesters, Alex was there by my side.

 Picture with Dad and the Native American.  Someday, dad, I'll graduate from the UofU and be a Ute just as you always ask for.

BYU Softball Game

Stacie has been on the BYU Softball team for the past two years.  This year I have tried so many times to make it to a game but it just wasn't happening.  Luckily, I remembered about the Senior night game about 2 hours before it started.  After rushing to get there from a job interview, Alex and I sat down in the sun with a cool wintery breeze and watched Stacie help bring the team to another victory.  I am so proud of my Best Friend and all the HARD work and TIME she has given to this sport. She is one dedicated person and I'm sure glad I got to see her be awarded as a senior.

Pie Night

Genie Lamb, My old MTC supervisor, and her mother are amazing cooks.  She promised to teach Gloria, Deborah, and me to make pies one night.  Finally the night arrived.  Not stopped by a rock shattering her back car window, Genie and Grandma Lamb came and taught us to make flaky crusts and jumble berry pie filling.  It was so much fun to learn all the secrets!  

 Deborah and Gloria making their pie

 Grandma Lamb in the corner providing the moral support.

 Syd, Gloria Debora (sporting the lovely aprons )  :)

Genie, hard at work doing the dishes I told her needed to be left in the sink dirty.  She insisted otherwise.  Hopefully, next will be chocolates!