"Love Don't Come Easy"

Many of you know my not so secret obsession with the Bachelor. It's not so much the reality show itself, but the time I get to spend with my favorite girls, and Brian! Every Monday night for FHE the group gathers at our place to watch Chris Harrison, and ABC's attempt to help two people fall madly in love. Past parties, have been quite a success so each year we have to come up with something even better! This year we decided to make a video montage of a bunch of guy's confessing their love to each girl. If only I could post the confessions of love! Future governors did not want the video posted on the Internet :( And don't worry, Chris Harrison (AKA our friends Kyle, and Peter) delivered a fantasy card to the girls Sunday evening, should they choose to fore go their individual rooms. Yes, a little cheesy. Yes, a little obsessed. Yes, tons of fun! Not to mention we had a bachelorette trivia competition courtesy of Lisa and Adi every Monday night.

WHO WILL THE NEXT BACHELOR BE!?!?!

The Pot

Tonight I received a late night text from my brother. This is how the conversation ensued:

J: Expecto patronum you little hippogriff! Shesh!

Me: Excuse me?

J: Avada kadevra-from he who must not be named.

Me: Keep the change you filthy animal!

J: Try again. You have to do Harry Potter.

Me: I don't do pot.

Me: Never read a book, or scene a movie.

J: Dumbledork

Me: Go toss a wand around, or pretend your a wizzard :)

J: Go watch a chick flick and tell yourself that's how love happens :) crucio!

Got to love the late night, random text conversations. Perhaps one day I will give in to the HP craze.

WWRY

My parents are visiting my brother in London and they purchased tickets to this show:

I am jealous. I heart broadway. I heart rock n' roll. I HEART QUEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Endurance

Tonight book club was held at our house. This month's book was, Endurance, an excellent and remarkable account of Shackleton's voyage to Antarctica. The story of Ernest Shackleton and his men was incredible, and exhausting. I definitely recommend it! I was impressed by the caliber of men on the boat, and their continued optimism throughout the miserable journey. I was also impressed by the leadership qualities held by Sir Ernest Shackleton. It's a quick read, and one I think you would enjoy!

God Bless the USA!

So I am a little behind. I haven't been super motivated lately to take the time to blog. I headed to Philadelphia, PA this year to experience, yet another patriotic Independence day. We started our weekend trip with a Philly food tour. We tasted some original philly cheese steak sandwiches, pretzels, chocolate covered pretzels, tomato pie, and some yummy cookies from Reading Terminal Market! I kind of struggled with my tomato pie. I kept dropping it on my plate...so pathetic!

We toured Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross Home, Benjamin Franklin's grave, Reading Terminal Market, monopoly park, ran to the rocky steps with Erika Saturday morning, Lincoln exhibits, Penn's Landing, and Logan Circle. It was definitely an eventful weekend. Although it felt like all I did the entire trip was eat philly cheese steak sandwiches, at least we got plenty of exercise!!

please note the sick tattoo on my arm. I thought I would join all of the nine-year-olds and wear a patriotic tattoo all day. classy.

It wouldn't be the 4th of July without some kind of musical number! Melissa and I decided to do a little performance to, "Your A Grand Old Flag". Please note our very patriotic outfits!

Love these girls!

Family Time

This past week I had the opportunity to go home and visit with my family. During my lay over in Minneapolis, I received a phone call from my dad informing me of my Uncle Bob's passing. This came as a shock, as it was entirely unexpected. I was now especially grateful to be going home at this time. I had extended family travel from all over to attend the funeral services for my uncle. All of my cousins except for 2 were able to come to WA and be together. Although it was very unfortunate circumstances, I felt the power of eternal families as we gathered together to support and strengthen each other. The funeral service was a very spiritual experience for me, as my cousins, and uncle talked about their dad/brother, and the atonement of Jesus Christ. It also made me especially grateful for this wonderful family I have. It was nice to be all together and reminisce the good ole' times, and memories of my dear uncle.

Also while I was home, my brother returned from serving a two year mission in Taiwan!!! It is so fun to have him back! He loved, loved, LOVED his time in Taiwan, and grew to have a deep respect and love for the Taiwanese people. He brought back some really beautiful scrolls, and other gifts given to him by the people. His 6'5" build only made him stand out a little :) It was fun to listen to his stories, and hear him speak the language! Jeff continued to ask him if he liked rice, the entire weekend. It was pretty comical.

A lady at my dad's office taught us how to write, "Welcome Back" in Chinese. Nice work on the poster Lauren!

Other reasons that made this trip home so great: Dad & Mom hit up the coach outlet and surprised all the girls with new purses!

I got to spend some time with my old, frail dog. She is losing all of her hair, and I am not sure I will get to see her again! She was such a beauty in her younger years!

Got to watch my all-star brother play in a summer league basketball game. Look out Big 9 Conference, this is one you'll have to guard closely.

SPEND TIME WITH MY NIECES. Haley and Nat are getting so old! Haley is into reverse psychology right now, so you have to ask for everything in the opposite. "Haley, don't give me a hug." Then she comes running at you with open arms. Kind of cute, kind of annoying :) Natalie is the most precious thing in the world. I couldn't stop kissing that little girl. She is seriously the happiest baby. Nat is so close to walking! I was hoping she would take her first few steps while I was there, but no such luck.

I Heart NYC!

I was missing NYC this summer. Fortunately, I am only a short distance from the big apple. I get so giddy every time I come out of the Lincoln tunnel! A couple weekends ago I jumped on the Bolt Bus to go visit my favorite friend in NYC! Let me take a brief moment to describe how much I love the bolt bus. It is 10 times better than any other bus I've taken from DC to NYC. The bus left on time, had wireless access, it was clean, there was plenty of room, normal people rode this bus, we went straight to the city without stopping, and the seats were comfortable. Does it get much better than that? I think not! Okay, I am done going off about the bus. It was a bonus to have my other favorite friend visiting from Arizona for the weekend. Here we are walking the streets of NYC!

It wouldn't be a complete NYC experience without a stop for purses in China town. Karen & I were determined to find a summer purse or two :) After much sneaking around through back doors, and following anxious Chinese men with walkie talkies, who were ultra paranoid about getting caught by the cops, victory prevailed! What do you think?

It wouldn't be a weekend in NYC without brunch with my girls! I miss this so much!
It also wouldn't be a weekend in NYC without this delightful piece of corn on the cob from Cafe Habana. DELICIOUS. It doesn't get much better than this. I will continue to recommend this dive of a place to all who visit NYC. The best Cuban food around!

After our tummies are full, we shop. We headed to the British chain clothing store, Topshop. As you can see, the clothing was amazing. We found some great ones. So great that we had to capture these outfits.

In case you didn't get the full scope of this acid jean jump suit...please see below. Yes, I am wearing a body suit underneath.

Finally, we dined at Patsy's with some old NYC friends. I recognize a good portion of this post is dedicated to various restaurants in the city. What can I say, I like me some tasty food!

Thanks so much Mel, Davis & Lyla for a wonderful weekend!