Turning 27= going to the Circus!

The first Friday in November I went to work early, the reason you see is because my sister and her bf were coming into town to go to the circus that night for my sisters birthday. I rushed home from work and got ready. Then my nephew Adden and I headed over to the Temple to meet up with Brianna and Cameron. Turns out they decided to take FOREVER to get dinner though and we ended up waiting an hour for them to get there. Good thing Adden brought plenty of cars to keep up busy. I also got to take this beautiful picture of the Temple at sunset. LOVELY!

When they got there we headed down to the circus. This is my favorite picture of the two of them. Hilariously excited for the circus.

This guy balanced a ladder on his chin. CRAZY.

Brianna, Adden, and I excited for the show.

We bought cotton candy for Adden but he didn't want to share with me. Bummer.

This acrobat was about 1 million years old....but still amazing at his job.

Adden was totally mesmerized by the show.

This guy was amazing too. Who can hold their body like that? All I can say is WOW! I'm pretty sure I could have gone my whole life without seeing this but It was good time anyway.

The next day we went shopping for Brianna's birthday. Cameron was a great sport and played with Adden while we shopped. I love shopping with my sister. Good times. Happy birthday B!

Mom & Dad @ the Temple!

Halloween weekend my parents came down to visit. They stayed in the Temple apartments Friday night and I met them at the Temple Saturday morning. I was so happy to see them. :)

We did a session and had some bonding time in the celestial room before heading out to grab some lunch.

My parents are such wonderful people. They have worked so hard to help all of us to be successful in following our dreams. They have taught us to work hard and to live the gospel. I'm so thankful for their love and their example. I hope someday to have a marriage as great as theirs is. Thanks Mom and Dad! I LOVE YOU!

On a slightly sad note: This was also the day I discovered that they cut down the marriage tree. For those of you who don't know this spot where I am standing in this picture use to have a large tree. It is the tree where pretty much EVERY bride and groom who marry here take pictures. I'm pretty sure about 1 billion wedding pictures have been taken in front of this tree and now...it's gone. No memorial...not plaque...nothing just gone. Sad, sad story. Now where am I going to take a picture when I get married?

Halloween 2011

The week before Halloween our institute had a Halloween party. We ate good food, had a scavenger hunt, decorated pumpkins, and got our face painted. :) This was my superhero mask I got painted on because I was super girl (I wore a superman shirt).

For FHE that week we carved pumpkins. I wanted to do something new and different so I cut out a witch with a broom, a moon, and stars. Then I left it out on our back porch and it roted. Bummer. Still it looked pretty cool.

On the Saturday before Halloween I went to my brother and sister-in-laws ward Halloween party. Not wanting to miss and opportunity to dress up I wore my witch hat and mask & a black dress....classic Elphaba minus the green. Perfectly Wicked looking, aye?

My brother and his family were Cave people and their Dinos. Yes for those who know about my obsession with blue Gatorade...that's mine on the table. :)

cheers and happy Halloween. :)

My Mom per her usual didn't dress up but I told her that stripped shirt made her look like a soccer ref. :)

Dino's and their cave people. Happy Halloween.

Happy Dino's all hyped up on sugar. That's the way it's supposed to be right? Here's to a great holiday season.

Camping at Ojai

My 2nd weekend in LA I went camping with my brother and sister-in-law, my nephews and their friends. It was about an hours drive north east.

It was wonderful to be outside with real life nature. Benny seemed to enjoy it too.

Adden got cozy by the fire in the morning.

The smoke in the trees looked amazing.

One of my favorite parts of camping is sitting around the fire at night.

I made breakfast on the camp stove. Sausage and corn bread pancakes....delish! Food always tastes better when it's cooked outdoors.

My brother & sister-in-law ready for breakfast.

We spent the afternoon down by the river.

We couldn't keep Benny out of the water. He's a true Griffith.

Adden loved throwing rocks in the river. It was a wonderful weekend and just the break from "reality" and the city that I needed.