Happy Birthday, Mr. President (part II)

Sunday morning we were eating our complimentary breakfast at Super 8 and ran into a group of boys also from BYU, SD-ing it for the weekend.  I'm still kicking myself for being shy. Apparently I struggle making friends.

I brought props. Because, like...wouldn't you??

UTAH....PEOPLE WORKING TOGETHER. UTAH....WHAT A GREEEEAT PLACE TO BE.

THERE THEY ARE!

Things got touristy up in here real quick-like. 

Oh Sam. You're such a charmer.

 

 

 Because everyone knows T-Jeff equals ice cream, right?

The nicest gift shop lady gave us directions to a church that was having a little pot-luck.

Shout out to the Keystone United Church of Christ. Your soup was bangin'. 

 I'll tell you this:  the South Dakota hills are breathtaking.

(and so. much. better than Wyoming.)

(everything is better than Wyoming.)

(we really really don't like Wyoming.)

(I'm pretty sure Wyoming is responsible for the economic crisis. also all infant death.)

Homeward bound!

I feel so lucky to have these lovely ladies in my life.

From Europe to the mid-west, we just da goodest frens.

peace

out

Happy Birthday, Mr. President (part I)

We took advantage of the three-day weekend and headed to....

for Presidents' Day....

where more fitting than

MT. RUSHMORE!

As Ms. Courtney hashtagged,

#appropriateholidayvacation

It was the best of times.

"Guys, the muddy buddies are almost gone..."

"PAIGE IT'S LIKE 8 IN THE MORNING."

Wyoming is a vast wasteland that we aren't terribly fond of.

Except the jackalopes.

Those can stay.

Desperation led us to hole-in-the-wall Mexican place that only served Pepsi products.

Pretty sure Demarie is still bitter about that.

Lesson learned. Touché, Wyoming. We'll get you back for that one.

Jack, the best DJ on the planet.

Signs of life!!!! We must be out of Wyoming.

 

^^ Look at Jack's handiwork on that backpack.  A patch from each country we visited together.

Hashtag travelbuddiesforlife.

AAAAAAAAaaannnd 11 hours later (including stops, mind you) we arrived to see the men's faces all nice and toasty from their little night light.

Probs got too addicted to Bananagrams.

Probs not mad about it.

Doing the traditional power stance.

And the unconventional froggin'. 

To be continued.....

winter is hard.

every year I tell myself I won't suffer from seasonal depression.

that I won't be so miserable trudging through january that I just about forget why I'm even here.

every year I tell myself, "next year I'll remember that the spring always comes."

and every year I forget.

and the gray gets to me.

that's why it's okay to wear a high pony 6 days in a row.

and cozy cowl-neck sweaters for 4. 

 winter is hard.

that's why it's okay to save money by going to the dollar theater

and spend $6.00 on a junior popcorn.

it's okay.

it's also okay to do your eyebrows a little too bold for you face.

cause. you know, it's winter, and IT'S OKAY. 

and finally
it's okay to go to red mango and get the same thing you always do
(coconut with cheesecake bites)
and sob with your best friend about changes.

she's getting married.

and it's okay.

.......................................

I need you spring.