Bubba

Two weekends ago, Jake and I picked up my youngest brother at the SLC airport

(Austin. Otherwise known as Bubba)

He flew in Saturday night and was headed to EFY at BYU for the next week

Jake and I decided to go up to Salt Lake early and make a date night out of it

We had dinner at our favorite restaurant (s) in Sandy

Jake always gets Chipotle, while I get Pei Way

Man I love Chinese food. I swear it's an addiction

After dinner, we hung out at The Gateway

Jake had never been to The Clark Planetarium, so we played around there for a bit

It was so much fun! Jake loved it

I took him to one of the laser light shows. We saw a U2 one

I had never seen that one before, so I was pretty excited!

Who doesn't like U2?!?!

the shows get better & better every time, and no one show is the same

Here's us on Mars at The Clark Planetarium before the show

Photo taken on my iPhone

While Bubba was here, we took him to see The Dark Night Rises

None of us had seen it yet, so we were all pretty excited

It was an awesome show! Maybe because we saw it in 4D!!!!!

The theaters in Thanksgiving Point, have what they call D-Boxes

I recommend it to everyone. It's a completely different show

We enjoyed having Austin here. We had Krispy Kreme donuts, while he was here, as well. That's one of his favorites. Jake had a little brother to hang out with, and I think they both enjoyed playing xbox together. We were sad to see him head back home to California next week, and aren't sure when we'll see him again. Maybe Christmas????? I dunno, but it was nice seeing him and The Himle's!!!! Well... Vicki and her daughter, Jodi at least. Thanx for meeting up w/us Himles. It was great seein ya!

Red Castle (Post by Jake)

This is an adventure almost 2 years in the making. It all started at the Walmart in Orem, Utah. I was there with my younger sister, Johannah. We were getting ready to check out & while walking past a stand of post cards, I saw a picture of Red Castle. That moment is when my obsession began. I started planning my hike to the magical place on the post card.

All of these photos were taken on my iPhone

This photo is base camp @ Lower Red Castle Lake. View from our tent. Second day

After a couple of failed attempts to get people committed to going, it finally happened. All it took was for my older brother Bryan to move to Utah. As soon as he got here, we made plans to take the hike around Pioneer Day. Finally- someone that would stick to the plan. I almost couldn't believe it! 

This photo is Lower Red Castle Lake

We left Orem on Friday the 20th of July just after noon. It was a bit of a drive up into Wyoming and then back down into Utah to get to the trail head. Just over 3 1/2 hours, but finally we had made it to China Lake. We had a goal to hike half the distance the first evening. We fell a bit short on that goal and only did about 3 of the 12 1/2 miles on Friday. We made camp just off the trail. We were hoping that it would not rain on us during the hike, but that would not be in the cards for us. It rained almost the entire time we were hiking. 

This photo is our view of Red Castle from our camp. Day two

We awoke the next morning, broke camp as fast as we could, and got on the trail. We made it a good distance before the rain began. I have never heard thunder more impressive in my life! It seemed to shake my entire body. Every time the thunder cracked, the hail would start. It hailed for over an hour so we took shelter under some trees and had our lunch. Nothing beats the flavor of a MRE. When the hail stopped we headed out to our final destination for the day. Lower Red Castle Lake was the place where we would make out base camp. 

All of the above pictures were taken from our base camp at Lower Red Castle Lake. The one immediately above is a picture of the valley that we had hiked out of. It was a hard hike in, and my legs were completely shot after the day of walking. If it were not for my brother and the competitive relationship that we have, I probably would not have made it that day. We set everything up as soon as we got to the lake, at the base of the mountain. As soon at the tent was up, the deluge started again, hail and all. We decided to go fishing that evening in the rain. The temperature dropped probably 15 or more degrees and it got cold. The fish did not want anything to do with us that evening, but that did not stop me from wanting to be on the shore with a line in the water until dark. 

The final day of our hike we chose to make our way up to Red Castle Lake. It is the largest and deepest natural lake in the Uinta Mountains. The hike up was beautiful. There were 3 plateaus that we had to climb to get there. The lake sits above 11,000 ft in elevation. There was still some glacial snow in various places. The water fall flowing out of Red Castle Lake can be seen in both pictures above and below. The pictures really do not capture the full beauty that I saw. 

Once we made it to the Red Castle Lake we wasted no time getting our fishing line in the water. The fishing is the biggest reason we took the hike and to this point we had not been able to bring a single fish in. We would not be disappointed with this lake. The fish were plentiful and the views were more than breath taking. The creek that flows out of the lake and to the waterfall, was filled with fish. There were so many, you could grab them with your hand. So I did a little bit of hill billy hand fishing. 

The dapper gentlemen in the picture above is my brother, Bryan. The fly fishing rod was a birthday present from me to me this year. I had never caught a fish with a fly rod in my entire 28 years of life. That would change at Red Castle Lake. 

I finally caught a fish with my fly rod. Make no mistake I am no pro with that frustrating piece of equipment. In fact, no technique was used at all to pull this gorgeous Bonneville Cutthroat trout out of the  water. I could see him hiding under a bush that was hanging over the water. So I hid behind the bush and dropped the fly right in front of him. He took the bait, and I jerked him out of the water! It was a proud moment for me.

We took a little break from fishing and walked over to the cliffs to look over the waterfall. You can't tell from the picture, but that was more than a 100 ft drop. I was standing pretty close to the edge when I took this picture. 

After we were done hanging out on the cliffs we returned to the fishing. I wish we would have taken more pictures of the fish we caught. I am just so used to having Aubre around to take the pictures, that I forget about it. The last couple of fish we caught were tiger trout. Small fish but big fight. 

We had planned on only staying until 2 pm at the latest. As usual, I somehow managed to convince Bryan that we needed to enjoy some fishing while it was good. We finally left the lake around 3 pm and we had to hike back down to base camp. The rain started again and it was coming down hard. Hard enough that we had a hard time finding the trail that we had come up on. It had turned into a creek. So we followed the creek. That turned out to be a mistake. I guess we followed the wrong stream. That is what I get for letting Bryan lead. I finally set us back on course and we made it off the mountain.

We got back to base camp, finished packing up and headed out. The hike back was longer and wetter than I remembered. I am pretty sure we had to cross over 100 streams. Our feet were wet all day long. We only took one break on the way back. We were hoping to make it back to the truck before it got dark. That would prove difficult, but we made it. When all was said and done we had done about 20 miles that last day. By the end of the hike I was so tired that my body was just on auto pilot. As soon as we dropped the packs in the back of the truck, it was like our bodies broke down and we couldn't walk any further. I have never been so close to just collapsing in my life. 
The trip was a success!! It was more than worth the walk. I seriously can't wait to go back. All I have to do is convince Aubre to come along. I am super thankful that she allowed me to slip away for a few days. To be honest, I missed her pretty bad during the hike and that was one of the reasons we cut the hike a day short. I like my brother but I love sleeping in the same bed as my wife. I was pretty excited to get back to her. I don't think she was expecting my phone call at 10 pm that night. We didn't get home until well after 2 am. This trip will go down as one of the best of my life. The two year dream had finally become a reality. It will forever be a fond memory for me and Bryan.

Park City Outlets

My sisters came down to spend the weekend w/me since Jake went camping/backpacking

They came in on Friday July 20th

We spent all day Saturday in Park City shopping. It was great!

I had a goal to find an outfit for a wedding Jake and I would be going to

mission accomplished

New addiction: Mustard yellow. Anything that's mustard yellow

Photo taken on my iPhone

Kelsey Courtney Aubre

Shopping at the Park City Outlets

Photo taken on my iPhone

Photo taken on my iPhone

After shopping, we went across the way to Olympic Park

We felt it was appropriate w/the Olympics starting the following weekend

We watched former Olympians ski jump down these slopes into water. So cool!

Photo taken on my iPhone

We walked around the park and saw all the outfits the Olympians wore

neatest thing ever

Here's the Olympic torch

Photo taken on my iPhone

Courtney with the Olympic torch

Photo taken on my iPhone

Kelsey with the Olympic torch

photo taken on my iPhone

The girls and I got some yummy treats and watched the season finale of The Bachelorette on Sunday, while we waited for Jake and Bryan to get back. It was the first time Jake and I had ever spent a night away from each other, so the weekend was fun w/my sisters, but I missed Jake. A lot. I was able to buy a couple skirts, and had an outfit picked out for this upcoming wedding Jake I are going to. It was an over all success with great people, shopping at a beautiful location, and eating wonderful food. We even ate at Jake's favorite Mexican restaurant in Heber! I was sad he wasn't there, but it was nice sharing a new experience w/new people. Until next time, Don Pedro's! 

Hotel Strain

It's summer time. I've just come to terms that it's busy time in the summer

regardless

I'm okay with it. Honestly

busy is good

When our friends ask us what we're doing on the weekends, I've had the same answer

We have family in town again. Great excuse to get out of something right?

Literally guys. We're not trying to lie or ditch you all

We've literally had family in town every single weekend

Allow me to give you the low down since May

We got home from our ten day vacation to California, on Monday May 28th

I know I've posted some previous notes before, but I'll run through it all

We return Monday, May 28th (Memorial Day)

Jake's brother (Bryan) flies in (for interviews) Thursday May 30th

and flies out Sunday June 3rd

My sisters come down (just for fun) Friday June 8th

and leave Sunday June 10th

We had the weekend of June 16th to ourselves for Jake's birthday

we planned it that way

Bryan flew in again Sunday June 17th and left Wednesday June 20th

We had a wedding the weekend of June 23rd. That was marked out for everyone

Jake's family came up for the 4th of July and to help Bryan move

They arrived early morning on the 4th of July and left on Sunday June 8th

We had Bryan staying with us, since he just moved up here and needed a place

so he was with us all week and all weekend

Jake loved it. They did a lot of fishing and working out together

PS we were supposed to go to Logan on Sunday July 1st but Jake had hives

so we rescheduled for the following Sunday (July 8th) but Jake had hives again

* more post on that later *

(My cousin lives in Logan w/her husband, so we were going to spend time w/her and their two cute little girls)

epic fail

So we get Bryan all moved into his place. I think he was excited to leave ours

Hotel Strain gets a little bit of a break. I work Saturday July 14th

(I'm required to work any one Saturday/month for just four hours)

Jake's mom and sister came back up on Wednesday July 18th

They brought up Bryan's dogs and stayed until Friday July 20th

My sisters came down Friday July 20th while Jake leaves to go camping/backpacking w/Bry

My sisters and I went shopping all day Saturday

* more post on that later *

 My sisters leave Monday July 23rd before traffic gets crazy for Pioneer Day

My youngest brother (Austin) flies in just a few days later for EFY

We pick him up at the airport on Saturday July 28th

* more post on that later *

and Austin leaves the following Saturday (August 4th) 

Here are some photos that took place before July 20th 

We took Jake's family up to our favorite place to fish, Lilly Lake

Photo taken on my iPhone

Papa Joe and Bryan

Photo taken on my iPhone

Remember how I said Jake's had hives?

Well... His doctor said he's pretty sure his immune system is just attacking itself

We've had many doctor trips throughout the month of June and July

it's been scary and a never ending process it feels

but we're anxiously awaiting some blood work, that will hopefully have some answers

We've seen it all. Our normal family doctor, an allergy doctor, and an ER doctor

hopefully someone will have some answers soon

Jake's poor body has just been shot. He's completely exhausted all the time

Photo taken on my iPhone

When you're cooped up inside w/a husband whose face randomly swells w/hives

it's nice to be outside sometimes

Photo taken on my iPhone

When we had Bryan staying w/us he cooked amazing vegetables. I love veggies!

He cooked brussels sprouts, which I had never had before, and I loved it!

Anything is good with bacon right?!?! Oh yeah

Photo taken on my iPhone

We Skyped with Jake's family one night. That was fun!!!

Marylyn (oldest sister) was even on another computer so we could all talk!!!!

Photo taken on my iPhone

Jake's parents brought me a belated birthday present. I love it!

I got a cake ball molding kit. I love to bake and this has already been wonderful!

I made cake balls the next weekend and took them into work. Trial run.

I decorated them with bright, summer sprinkles. Everyone loved them!

success 

Photo taken on my iPhone

Jake's mom and sister came back up to Utah to drop off Bryan's dogs

So we went up Rock Canyon one night 

we saw some rock climbers & collected rocks

Photo taken on my iPhone

Photo taken on my iPhone

For all you readers out there, know you'll always have a place to stay, when you come to Utah. Hotel Strain at your service.

Happy Birthday Merica

So last week we had Jake's parents here for the 4th of July holiday

They got in Wednesday morning with Jake's older brother Bryan

Bryan just made the move to Utah so Jake's parents helped move him up here

it just happened to be the 4th as well

so we celebrated

Photo taken on my iPhone

Photo taken on my iPhone

Photo taken on my iPhone

 I made these fruit skewers on the 4th

Photo taken on my iPhone

Photo taken on my iPhone

fruit trifle I made

Photo taken on my iPhone

When Jake and I were coming back home from our California vacation in May, we got toys

we stopped at an indian reservation and bought a lot of fireworks

we the boys had fun setting them off

Photo taken on my iPhone

This holiday was definitely all about food and fun, as all holidays are. I had a lot of fun making all the treats. Everything was red white & blue. We snacked on shrimp w/cocktail sauce. Jake made some pretty good burgers, and we had Hawaiian Punch and blue Mountain Dew for drinks. There were (obviously) plenty of treats. We had a lot of fun setting off the fireworks and watching Stadium of Fire from our neighborhood. I dunno if I'd ever wanna go & fight traffic/pay money for a concert and firework show. We could (honestly) hear everything from our streets, and see the firework show just fine. No traffic either. My kinda 4th :) We were sad to see Jake's parents leave Sunday morning, but they made it safely back to California, and I know Jake's really excited to have his brother twin live here, now. They really are two peas in a pod and it was nice being together for this wonderful holiday. Happy Birthday Merica. We're so thankful for the freedom (or lack there of, we're soon to have).

Timothy Carter

So last weekend at the reception, we ran into some old friends, Tim and Melissa

They were the first ones of the group to get married. Jake used to live with Tim

I met Tim and Melissa when Jake and I first started dating in 2009

Anyway, we saw them at the reception, and they had this little guy. AW!

We haven't seen him since he was first born, in December

Tim and Melissa needed a sitter, the following week and Jake and I didn't have much goin on

so we I kinda volunteered us

We loved having this little guy at our house. He's so cute!

A little temperamental. Cute none the less

Photo taken on my iPhone

 Photo taken on my iPhone

I love baby feet

Photo taken on my iPhone

Photo taken on my iPhone

Video taken on my iPhone

We've been having a lot of fun w/our late night talks with Tim and Melissa. Their little guy just turned six months old, and is pretty stinkin cute. He was born with darker hair and lotsa side burns, so it's interesting to see his hair lightening up. I love watching babies learn new things. It's funny to see them notice their hands and toes, etc. He makes the cutest noises and OH his laughs are adorable! I just love him, and love seeing him learn and grow. He's been pretty fun. It's also been fun having Jake and Tim reminisce on their good 'ol days of livin' together. We had so many game nights of Uno and Disney Trivia, when we were all dating. And now, we're all married!!!! It's fun :) 
I'v been needing a (female) gym partner, and Melissa has a pass to our gym, and has (coincidentally) been needing a gym partner, too, so we're gonna start working out together next week. I couldn't be more excited! The boys have talked about gettin' together and playing new xobx games, while Melissa and I craft. or... While I kinda teach her how to craft (for a lack of better words). until next time Coles' family

another Manti wedding

We went to a wedding last weekend in Manti

'nuff said

Photo taken on my iPhone

we had so much fun at the luncheon & reception with our friends

for the photo below:

left to right

Ryan & Ash Tag, me & hubs, Jon & Ashlee (in back) and Breanne & Mark in front

We had so much fun together. Our table was definitely the loudest. Party table!!

lowdown:

Ashley & Ryan have been married two years July 10th

Jon and Ashlee got married exactly 30 days before us and Ash did our wedding flowers

and Mark and Breanne are getting married in exactly 31 days from today!

We had a lot of fun together. I've never laughed harder at a reception

Jon was such a goof on the dance floor. We all got a kick out of him!

Photo taken on my iPhone

Ryan . Kyle . Jake

Photo taken on my iPhone

Ryan and Ashley flew in from Georgia on Wednesday night, so we saw Ryan Thursday night & got to hang/talk with him for a bit.
We went to Strawberry Days and the rodeo with Jon & Ashlee on Friday (the night before the wedding). They rode w/us to Manti, as well. Man I miss them!
Saturday night, after the reception, Ryan and Ashlee, me and Jake, and Jon and Ashlee all went and got strawberry shakes, from Strawberries days. Mmmmm delish!
We got to hang out with Ryan and Ashley Saturday night, before they left to go back to Georgia. It was so nice having them over. We haven't seen them since our wedding, in October. I mean- Ryan and Jake take turns calling each other, and Ashley and I text often. Mainly about The Bachelorette and such ;) but it was really nice just having them over, to talk and laugh.
It was sure nice seeing them & others who we haven't seen in awhile!!!!! Love you all