Sedona, You Rock!

A few weeks ago my brother and his family came to visit—all the way from South Carolina. We hadn’t seen them for almost two years, so it was time to celebrate! Our parents and siblings met in Sedona, AZ—land of red rocks, hikes, amazing views, and vortexes. The result was a fabulous family reunion. We went hiking every day, spent plenty of time at the pool, ate lots of good food, and had a great time catching up. I also spent a good deal of time doing my best to secure the position of “favorite auntie.” I love my nieces and nephews to pieces, and I was so grateful to spend this time with them. The only sad part is that our sister, Leah, and her family were unable to join us. Sad face. We miss you Leah, Ben, and kids! Here are a few highlights from the trip.

This is in Red Rock State Park--right in a vortex. I was hoping the vortex would heal my migraines. However, the "spiraling spiritual energy" was no match for my stubborn migraines. But hey, it was worth a shot. 

Great view of Cathedral Rock

The cute kiddos!

Me and Lucy. We are pretty much best friends! 

The siblings (minus the favorite daughter, Leah!)

The Hancock Bunch

Gorgeous red rocks and view in Fay Canyon

These photos are from my favorite hike--West Fork. An amazing place to hike! A must do in Sedona! 

Thanks for the great time, my dear family! And thank you Sedona!

Like a Heat Wave

Just the other day I thought to myself, “This summer hasn’t been that bad. We haven’t even hit 115 degrees yet.” Literally the day after I had that thought, this happened….

It’s like a heat wave, people! We’ve had record breaking heat for the past five days. We haven’t had 115 the whole summer and now we’ve had it for days! I’m beginning to think the high pressure systems can read my mind and that they are trying to punish me. Every summer I think I should move back to Salt Lake or somewhere north. But then the perfect weather of winter arrives and I forget. Oh fall and winter, please get here soon and help me forget!

The Joys of Renovation

The only good thing about remodeling is being done with remodeling. For some reason it always looks so fun and easy on those home renovation shows, but then when you actually get started it’s not so glamorous. I think the only actual fun part is having before and after pictures so you can see where all of your blood, sweat, and tears went. Several months ago we remodeled our master bath, so I thought I’d post some before and after pictures to help me forget the pain of remodeling.

BEFORE

Here is the vanity area before we bought the house. Notice the two mismatching blue colors (sick!). Apparently one hideous blue color was just not enough for the previous owners.

AFTER

And here is our new and improved vanity! I love it! I opted for a grey/navy blue color scheme with a pop of yellow. Happy.

BEFORE

Here is the not-so-cute shower that existed when we moved in. Gross! Straight from the 80s. It had to go! 

AFTER 

Miniature subway tile--because everything is cuter when it's miniature. 

Of course none of this would have been possible without the help of my favorite contractor, my dad. He’s the best I know, and has the best pricing for his daughters—payment in the form of dinner at his favorite restaurant. Thanks, Dad! Now on to the next project.  

High Flying Flag

I know what you’re saying, “Another post about America?” Yes—I’m too excited about this one not to post it. I’ve sufficiently posted about my USA obsession, so you can imagine my joy at getting our very own flag in front of the house this year.

 I’ve always dreamed of having a flag in my front yard. I managed to whine long/loud enough this year and convinced my husband to install it just in time for the 4^th of July! It’s not a tall flag pole in a circular drive that I originally dreamed of in college (maybe someday), but it’s quite wonderful. After we hung it up on the 4^th I couldn’t stop looking out the window to sneak a peek at Old Glory proudly waving in the front yard. It makes me a very happy girl! Now if only I could convince someone that we should hang it all year and not just on holidays. I’m still working on that one. In the meantime, I'm counting down the days until the next holiday.

Reunion

Last week we went to a family reunion and it was wonderful! I had such a great time catching up with family—most of whom I hadn’t seen in years. It was such a treat. I was especially glad to see my two best friends/cousins from childhood—Stephanie and Traci. We three girls spent countless hours playing house, Barbies, and dress-up. It was so great to see them—I only wish we could have visited longer! You are looking great, gals! Hope to see you again—sooner rather than later!

Flag Day

Happy Flag Day! During the Revolutionary War, on June 14th, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the good old stars and stripes as their official flag. Happy Birthday American flag!!


Anyone who knows me knows that I am nuts about all things America. I heart U.S.A. Since I’m in a crafting mood lately (migraine therapy?), I wanted to show my appreciation by making a flag craft! Here is the flag wreath I made. Isn’t it adorable? She’s a grand old wreath if I do say so myself! I found the tutorial for this wreath on my friend, Allison’s, fabulous craft and food blog. Thanks, Allison and Five Crafty Sisters! 

Bright Sun-Shiny Day

You know you work too much when…

You live in a city with 300+ days of sunshine a year, but your doctor tells you that you have a vitamin D deficiency and should spend some more time outside.

Note to self: Spend less time in the office and more time at the pool or beach. I'll let the D stand for DONE! You don't have to tell me twice.

Mr. Wiggins

This is a view into my back yard. Notice anything special? If you look closely you will spot my new best friend…

Here is a close up in case you missed him. I’d like to introduce to my new bunny rabbit friend. I've named him Mr. Wiggins.

Isn’t he darling? You can’t see his cute cottontail, because he’s sitting on it, but believe me—it’s adorable. We met a few weeks ago when I was outside one morning watering my plants. I heard a rustle in the bushes and I looked over to see a tiny, precious, wild bunny rabbit. I went over to introduce myself, but my new friend was quite shy. He took off in a sprint and actually fell into the pool! He was actually quite a good swimmer, but his little rabbit arms were too small to get over the edge to get out. I screamed and started yelling, “Don’t worry bunny—we will save you!!” I was practically hysterical. No bunny was going to die on my watch! I was this close to jumping in the pool to rescue bunny when my husband grabbed the pool skimmer and picked him up out of the pool! Phew! Bunny was saved! And I guess you could say the rest is history. He now lives behind the water feature on our pool and has quickly become my little “pet.” The good news is that he now stays very far away from the edge of the pool. Now that’s a smart bunny.