Mountain Time

A California Weekend

2012-02-12T19:06:00.000-08:00

I escaped right before the blizzard of the decade (18-24") to go meet up with Chris and G'ma J in San Jose! We enjoyed some yummy food, Mission Impossible 4, Carmel, 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, Kara's Cupcakes, the Super Bowl and the ocean of course. I came home to a car buried in snow, a snuggly puppy and a whole lot of the white stuff. We had such a fun weekend and I will definitely be escaping the snow for the beach again soon! Thanks for a great weekend G'ma!

We'll Be Back, New York!

2012-02-12T17:47:00.000-08:00

On our last morning in the city we hit up a few last minute spots and got to see some BYU friends!

I've been wanting to go to this bakery for the last several times we've been in New York. And of course, on the day after New Years it was closed! Lucky for us, my mom is the bomb and sent Chris and I some amazing Levain cookies they got the next day!

PizzArte is a traditional Italian Pizzeria meets Art Gallery. This place was no joke. This may now be on the Chris and Ashley New York Must List!

We got to meet up with BYU friends Ian and Raechel! It was so fun to see them and then tour around Columbia University a little bit.

We love New York! Its always so hard to leave but we can't wait to go back soon!

Favorites Around Town

2012-02-12T17:24:00.000-08:00

Waffles and Dinges! This is the best street food ever. Waffles with all kinds of toppings! But the waffles are to die for. Not your typical breakfast food.

Wandering around Washington Square Park. Doesn't it look so pretty all lit up with the tree?

Dinner at Cuba- A Chris and Ashley New York Must. Good as ever.

Even though we didn't do the Times Square thing this year, we still had to go check out all of the craziness.

Greenwich Village Food Tour and Cruising on the Hudson

2012-02-12T16:55:00.000-08:00

Ok, if you go to NYC in the next bit and you haven't done it before, go on a food tour! We hadn't been on one and it was such a fun experience. We walked all around the village and had so much good food!

We finished the tour with a delish cup of Hot Chocolate on a Stick from Popbar. Its a chunk of chocolate on a stick that you dip in hot milk. Yum-o.

That night we caught a Hudson River Cruise to ring in 2012 right.

Happy 2012! Its going to be a good one, I just know it!

New Years in New York

2012-02-12T16:41:00.000-08:00

Wow, I'm behind! We met up with my parents and Tyler in New York City for New Years weekend! We found out they were going since my Dad had to work some between Christmas and New Years and couldn't resist! There is nothing like New York at the holidays. Our first night we met up with everyone and headed straight to Peter Pan which was playing on a limited engagement at Madison Square Garden. After we headed straight to Shake Shack to indoctrinate Chris into the Shake Shack addiction club. The line was SO short. It was amazing. After dinner we headed around midtown to take in all of the lights and Christmas windows.

Peter Pan

At the Shack!

Lights and windows.

Christmas in GJ

2012-01-03T19:38:00.001-08:00

We had a great time in Grand Junction with Chris's family for Christmas!

Driving over the Mountains. Joey was so good in the car!

Family pictures Christmas Eve morning.

Playing in the backyard. Joey was in heaven.

Our Christmas Eve Feast!

Out at the farm to see all of the family.

Christmas!!

Making Christmas Dinner

Christmas Dinner

Relaxing Christmas day and skyping with Georgia!

JIMMER! And Sox vs. Joey.

It was a short trip but so fun to see everyone and hang out. Thanks Jim and Marlys!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T19:40:00.001-08:00

Love, Chris, Ashley and Joey

Over the Weekend

2011-12-19T18:34:00.000-08:00

Best Secret Santa Gift ever!!

Joey in timeout. This is the top of my side of the closet.

The Transamerica Holiday Party at Sports Authority Field at Mile High! It was such a fun night with great food, a stadium tour and Chris got to meet everyone.

Avs-Capitals Game! Seventh Row! There was an awesome fight right in front of us and Ovi was all over the place.

The mini doughnuts at Pepsi Center is what its all about.

Avs win!!

Joey being funny. She stole our bathroom doorstop, played keep away with us, lept off the couch (its hilarious in person) and then settled down to chew under the table. Crazy little puppy.

Christmastime!

2011-12-19T17:46:00.000-08:00

A few weekends ago Chris and I hauled out the ornaments and got to work while enjoying some homemade Starbuck's Salted Carmel Hot Chocolate (the best) and enjoying Christmas messages from the First Presidency Christmas Devotional.

Merry almost Christmas!!

6 Days!

Adios Belize!

2011-12-19T17:23:00.000-08:00

On our last morning in Belize we snapped a few more pictures, hung out with Joe the bartender and headed back on our tiny plane. Belize was amazing! Isn't it so pretty? We had such a great time with Mom, Dad and Ty exploring, adventuring and laughing a lot. Thanks you guys for such an incredible trip! We had a blast!

Giving Thanks

2011-12-19T17:09:00.000-08:00

We spent Thanksgiving exploring San Pedro and ended the last night of our trip with a sunset cruise and a delicious almost-American turkey dinner.

My mom made us some paper "drumsticks" filled with candy. We spent the morning watching the Macy's Parade and of course hanging out on the beach.

Golf Carting through San Pedro

We stumbled across a bar and grill out on the water.

Everyone that visits signs somewhere with Sharpie.

Yummmm Strawberry Daiquiris!

Sunset Cruising

Thanksgiving Dinner downtown

Lamanai

2011-12-18T21:41:00.000-08:00

On our third day in Belize, we went by boat, bus, boat to ruins in Lamanai. It was cool to see the countryside and wildlife along the river. The ruins were beautiful too!

Crocs, Iguanas and monkeys oh my!

Getting there.

Climbing the biggest pyramid.

View from the top!

Heading back

Dinner that night was sooooo good!

Snorkeling and Stuff

2011-12-18T21:10:00.000-08:00

On our second day in Belize we went snorkeling! We started the morning with some fishing for lunch, snorkeled at a special less known spot, went to a private island to cook up our lunch, stopped to explore neighboring island Caye Cocker and finished up by snorkeling at Shark-Ray Alley and Hol Chan Marine Reserve.

Ty caught a Barracuda for lunch!

The best snorkeling I've ever done. The water was so warm and SO clear!

Petting sharks and rays at Shark-Ray Alley. So crazy!

Our private little island.

Lunch! Barracuda, fresh Lobster and Conch. (P.S. if you ever get the chance to drink Pineapple Fanta, DO IT)

Caye Cocker.

After our long day on the water we headed to downtown San Pedro for some delicious food on the beach and exploring the city center.

Right after dinner we ran into Carvin' Marvin, a local we saw interviewed on HGTV House Hunters International right before we went down to Belize. He was a crack up. The picture on the right is Chris being mobbed by the local kids. Typical.

Belize-ing

2011-12-09T20:49:00.001-08:00

As I mentioned a few posts ago, we had the opportunity to go to Belize for Thanksgiving with my family! We had such a wonderful time and it was a very well deserved break for everyone. Here are some of our favorite pics!

We flew into Belize City and then took a tiny plane to Ambergris Cay. The water was the clearest water I've ever seen!

Our tiny plane! Chris got to sit up in the copilot's seat.

Our home away from home right on the beach.

The first day we hung out at the beach all day and snorkeled, shelled, read and napped. It was amazing.

The Reason for the Season

2011-12-04T16:18:00.001-08:00

Last night we went to our ward Christmas party and had an awesome time. The highlight of the evening was this video that a very talented ward member and videographer made where he interviewed the primary children (kids under 12) about Christmas. Please watch it and try to catch at least a little bit of the spirit that these children have. I know we did.

Over the Weekend

2011-12-01T20:32:00.001-08:00

So we went to Belize with my Mom, Dad and Tyler for Thanksgiving! We had a blast and there are definitely pictures to come but here is a rundown of our weekend after Thanksgiving. It was a good one.

Reunited with our snuggly little Jo.

On Saturday we went Christmas decor shopping at Target and scored an awesome deal on a tree. We're excited to decorate it this weekend! Oh and in the middle is the world's best Christmas candle. But for real. It is amazing.

Mission accomplished!

Both of these pictures are of the puppy sound asleep. She's the cutest.

Happy December everyone!

Adventures in Babysitting

2011-11-16T18:33:00.001-08:00

Chris and I watched our favorite 5 kids for a week a little bit ago. This is what it looked like.

Snow days, coloring fests, puzzles, puppy face time, puppy and kid park time, dumpster diving for a lost mail key, and lots of laughs.

Fort Worth

2011-11-13T15:36:00.001-08:00

The Fort Worth Stockyards

Wouldn't be Texas without a rodeo!

BYU-TCU and Cowboys Stadium

2011-11-13T14:35:00.001-08:00

Really fun game even though we lost.

Touring Cowboys Stadium

In the Press Box

In the Cowboys Locker Room

Standing under the star

Tebowing on the field

Such an amazing stadium.

Dallas

2011-11-13T08:59:00.001-08:00

Two weekends ago we headed down to Dallas to meet my parents and Tyler for the BYU-TCU game. None of us had ever been so it was really fun to explore the Dallas area.

Downtown

The JFK Museum and Memorial

Western store adventures. And yes, that's me holding a Horned Frog. Boooooo!

The First Snow

2011-11-13T08:43:00.001-08:00

This was a few weeks ago but I just die every time I see little Jo in the snow (she LOVES it) so I had to post. Isn't Colorado beautiful?

Little Jo

2011-11-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

We love her.

A Few Weekends Ago...

2011-11-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

We ate some delicious Peachwave...

Tried out a new sushi place...

(It was REALLY good)

Went to see Moneyball...

And added a little someone to our family...

Wrapping up New York

2011-11-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

Occupy Broadway long boarders and us at Lincoln Center in front of the Manhattan Temple.

The MoMA

Some famous pieces of art.

The Flatiron Building and the view of the Empire State Building from Madison Square Park.

Late lunch in Little Italy.

Wall Street

Top of the Rock

2011-11-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

My favorite view of the city.

Central Park

Sunset on Manhattan.

We went to see How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying with Daniel Radcliffe. It was hilarious.

Brooklyn Adventures

2011-11-04T18:03:00.000-07:00

The River Cafe. Right under the Brooklyn Bridge. Perfection.

The yummiest food ever.

Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory for dessert, Brooklyn Promenade views.

Back across the bridge to Ground Zero.

New York 24

2011-11-04T17:51:00.000-07:00

Birthday morning with flowers with Jim and Marlys and Edible Arrangements from Mom and Dad.

Subwaying it up.

Lady Liberty

Ellis Island

Wicked! We had 4th row seats! Best show ever.

Junior's for Birthday Cheesecake. A New York Tradition.

New York, New York

2011-11-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

Well hello everyone! Yes, Chris and I are alive. Somehow the last month has been really really crazy busy. It actually hasn't slowed down at all either but I'm taking a minute to try to update anyway. So we went to New York! It was about a month ago now but it was an awesome trip with Chris's parents. The weather was perfect and the city was just a wonderful as ever.

Flying in style with a whole row to myself. The only way to go.

Arriving in the Big Apple!

As soon as we dropped our stuff off we were off to Chris and I's favorite NYC restaurant: Cuba.

Then we headed over to Popbar for dessert. Gelato on a stick...yes please!

Times Square

Hitting some favorites right off the bat. Magnolia's Bakery for Banana Pudding, up 5th Avenue, The Today Show Studios, Madison Avenue, Broadway, etc.

And of course, 30 Rock.

Over the Weekend

2011-10-03T19:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend:

I spent some quality time in my cubey cube

We watched BYU barely eek it out against Utah State with Fer, Liz and the gang

We drank lots of green smoothies

We jumped in the Element with General Conference on the radio and headed for the mountains (wasn't it SO good?!)

We checked out Estes Park

Stopped in Boulder

Watched the Buffs blow a win with a bunch of locals

Headed home the scenic way.

This weekend was really fun but, as usual, went way too fast. Chris came in Thursday night and had to leave Sunday night but we are headed to New York on Wednesday for the remainder of the week and I can't wait!

Ebbs and Flows

2011-09-29T08:36:00.001-07:00

Marketing departments are full of "ebbs and flows." We are in a major ebb. As in I'm running out on the dry beach to see where the heck all the water went. And I accidentally came to work today with an iPhone at 80% battery. This is going to be a long day.

A Funny Story

2011-09-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

This is how you wear your hair the morning after you wake up wide awake but still pretty out of it. You get in the shower and can barely stay awake. You start to wonder if you are running late or right on time. Did you even look at the time before you got in the shower? You get out and notice its a little bit darker that usual outside. You check the time on your phone. Its 2:30am.

Yep, that happened.

And I laughed to myself in the dark at 2:30am and put a towel on my pillow (I wasn't about to dry my hair) and went back to sleep for a 4 hour nap. I must need my husband home.

This is how you look when you've made it through work, a rainstorm and an unusually cold day.

Good. Night.

Girl's Weekend

2011-09-12T17:51:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my mom and Chris's mom came out to visit me for a fun girl's weekend!

On Saturday we hit up the Cherry Creek farmers market voted best in Colorado! There was amazing produce, local food trucks, ethnic food stands and plenty of local treats. I can't believe I haven't been all summer. Luckily it goes through October. I'll be back Cherry Creek!

Mom the Southern Peach with a delicious plate full of Colorado peaches- right from Chris's hometown. I hate to say it but the Colorado peaches are the best by far. Also, who knew that edamame beans grew like that?!

Mom and Marlys with an alien plant also known as Kohlrabi.

The market!

Dinner plate sized sweet rolls and a waffle cakes stand. I have to try these when I go back. They looked amazing!

After the market we hurried over to one of my favorite cupcake places, Big Fat Cupcake.

Then came the main event! Les Miserables!! I have been wanting to see this play for forever and finally it worked out to go. I LOVED it. It definitely lived up to my expectations and the cast was fabulous.

After the play we headed home for some burgers and BYU football. Thats where Chris was this weekend! He went down to Texas to stay with a friend he made while working with the Astros and had a great time in Austin even though we lost.

We had so much fun over the weekend chatting, snacking, laughing and just hanging out. Thanks for such a fun time ladies!! Let's do it again soon!!

26

2011-09-06T19:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet husband! He is 26 today and in California so we had a fake birthday celebration yesterday. Complete with real presents, real cake and real golf.

Traditional carrot cake from Chris's aunt and traditional banana breakfast numbers from my mom.

Birthday golf!

Lost ball blues.

I'm a pretty good caddy. If I do say so myself.

Happy 26 Babe! I love you!

Lately

2011-09-06T18:55:00.000-07:00

Our Anniversary sign! And apple cinnamon strudel waffles. YUM.

Pre-season Broncos game against the Seahawks. Thanks Jim and Marlys!

The best text convo ever. Chris got to come home last Tuesday and spend the week at home! We had great fun.

Friday Night Lights. Grand Junction High School (Chris's Alma Mater) was in town to play the Highland's Ranch falcons. The Tigers won by a landslide.

Brandon was in town visiting over this past weekend and the boys enjoyed a lot of golf and football. Like a LOT. haha Go BYU!!

Guess What?

2011-08-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

I finally found a job!

It's a miracle.

But for real. It is.

I will be starting next week as a Marketing Coordinator for Transamerica! I had a great interview a few weeks ago and loved the team members that I met. I'm really excited to start and have something productive to do with my time! We feel so blessed that this opportunity came along. Thank you to everyone that has asked, cared, prayed and hoped along with me for the past several months! And, as always, thanks to my super supportive and loving husband and family.

Woohoo!!!!

Two Years

2011-08-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

Dear Chris-

Today is our second anniversary! Can you even believe we have been married for two whole years? Or that the last year has gone by so quickly? I can't. In some ways it feels like its been longer; like you've been a part of me my whole life. Like I've known you that long. In other ways it feels so short. Like we're still just beginning our adventures and experiences together, even though we've already had a lot of them.

Mostly it feels like the best two years of my life. The best two I could have asked for. The two that have totally surpassed my expectations in every way. I never could have imagined how much more I could love you than when we were dating or even on our wedding day. But its true! I do! I love you more and more everyday.

This year has been awesome because we've actually been able to spend most of it together! Something I will never take for granted. We started this second year in Florida, spent a few months in Georgia and then finally got settled here in Colorado. You started a new job and we got moved in. We were able to visit some fun Caribbean spots, travel to California (a lot now:), visit your mission in San Antonio and drop into Utah for a few days. We've had so much fun exploring our new city and really making it our own.

I'm so excited to make even more memories during our next year and all the years after that! I'm so proud of you and thankful for you and all that you do for our family! I can't wait to see you tonight and celebrate this weekend!

Glad you're mine forever,
Ash

Happy Birthday Mama!

2011-08-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my beautiful Mom! I love you and wish I was there to celebrate with you! Thanks for all you do for our family!

The Weekend According to My iPhone

2011-08-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning we headed over to Golfsmith for a free ball giveaway after which Chris proceeded to win a dozen more free balls ($50 value) in a putting contest. It was a good way to start the morning.

IKEA opened here about a month ago and we haven't made it over yet so we decided last minute to go check it out. The place was packed! I can't wait to go back when its a little less crazy. Still we enjoyed it and Chris lost his "IKEA virginity." His words, not mine.

Did I mention we had breakfast at IKEA? Can't beat the prices and the french toast sticks really took me back. Delicious.

We have lived here for about 8 months and just now found the coin operated car wash about 8 miles away. Needless to say we hit that up. I got to do the scrubby brush and the wax. Excellent. I also spent the afternoon catching up on some blogging.

Baked coconut shrimp for dinner, peach cobbler dump cake for dessert.

We had a nice and relaxing Sunday after a great church meeting where Chris spoke! He gave a great talk, not that I'm surprised.

I have to say, I love having my husband home on the weekend. We always seem to have fun no matter what we're doing. Can't wait for this weekend!

Last week in Instagrams

2011-08-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

Right before I left for Sacramento I had a brilliant idea. Why not change my ticket from leaving out of Sacramento Sunday to leaving out of San Jose Thursday and spend the whole week with my Grandma and sweet husband? So that's what I did.

Lunch and window shopping in Portola Valley

Hanging out at Santana Row and of course visiting Kara's, my new favorite cupcake bakery.

Yummy Kara's Cupcakes and fresh tomatoes from a friend's garden.

Relaxing at the house and strolling around Downtown Los Gatos.

Lunch/Dinner and Dessert at Steamers. My first fish tacos! And peach bread pudding with blueberry sauce and vanilla gelato for dessert. Definitely a meal I would repeat.

Heading home to Denver. I never get an A Position to board. It was a big moment. Also an airport goes way up on my awesome list if it has free wi-fi. Glad to add the hometown port to the list.

Lake Wildwood

2011-08-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

Lake Wildwood with the Playgroup was so much fun last weekend! A ton of the families were able to come and it was great to catch up with everyone and spend a few days soaking up some rays with some great friends on the lake. Can't wait for next year's get together!

Flying over Utah and hanging in the Sacramento Airport waiting for Stephanie!

Lots of cars and lots of beds

Day one on the lake, we fit 13 people the first time we went out.

Learning to Wakesurf! So fun

Wakeboarding

All the girls that were there

Playing the traditional Catchphrase and roasting marshmallows

S'Mores

Some of the kids and Steph and I

Another great weekend in the books

The Playgroup

2011-08-11T23:32:00.000-07:00

I am so excited I can't even sleep! Tomorrow I get to head out to Sacramento and then up to Lake Wildwood for a weekend with 10 families of best friends that I've had all my life. Our moms all met in a pregnancy class and have been best friends ever since. When we were younger we all went to Family Camp in Yosemite every year and then began spending a weekend at the Delta. This year we are headed to the lake and I am so grateful that I get to go! I really wish I had the pictures from when were were all little but here are a few of the last couple years.

Summer 2006- This is several of the kids

Summer 2007 at the Delta

Steph and I

My Playgroup Bridal Shower in Summer 2009. This is a frame with all of the first generation of kid's baby pictures next to their senior pictures.

Most of the girls at the bridal shower

Moms and Daughters

The Sanders came out to Utah for our wedding. This is us being crazy at midnight at Denny's two days before the wedding.

At the pre-wedding BBQ

Steph my Maid of Honor!

When all the Moms came to GA Fall 2010!

Can't wait for tomorrow!!

How did I forget the beach?

2011-08-10T00:10:00.000-07:00

I have been living in the mountains for too long it seems...I forgot the beach! We spent a day in one of our favorite beach towns- Capitola!

My favorite pizza. AND its just better on the beach from the Capitola store. Must be the salt air.

Pizza Bliss

The beach goers minus Mom. It always does my soul good to see the ocean.

Clothing Drive, Sunday Fun and Pool Fights

2011-08-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

Rachel and I met up again to go thrifting! We found some great clothes and amazing fabric. I'm ready to sew!

The traditional backyard pics.

We got to see Sheary for a little while!

Yes, Chris pushed me in the pool fully clothed. Some how this has turned into a "tradition." Needless to say we all ended up in the pool.

After our pool craziness. It was pretty hilarious.

California was so much fun. Its still one of my number one favorite places to be not to mention spending time with the fam, Grandma and of course seeing my husband for a whole week + straight. Can't wait to go back soon!

Random Adventures

2011-08-09T21:36:00.000-07:00

We went up to Santa Cruz to hang with Aunt Josephine, Uncle Curtis and cousins Brian and Dagen. We had a delicious dinner on the water and it was so fun to catch up with everyone.

Hanging out in downtown Los Gatos complete with Powell's Gelato

Cousin Michelle and Kendel and Jamal came over to swim and for pizza

All week we were so excited to make a dessert called Hawaii Five-ohs. They are pretty much brownies with a bunch of yummy stuff on top. We finally tried...and failed. Oh well, we'll try again sometime. Tyler made up plenty of Whirley Pop to get us through.

Filoli Gardens

2011-08-09T21:26:00.000-07:00

One day we made the short trip up to Filoli Gardens with Rachel! Filoli is considered one of America's castles (Filoli stands for Fight Love Live) and has gorgeous gardens all around the property.

San Fran

2011-08-09T21:17:00.000-07:00

After our fun week in Denver, Mom, Tyler and I headed out to San Jose to meet up with Dad, Chris and Grandma! Saturday we headed up to San Francisco for some bay views, Boudin sourdough and a Giants game!

Pretty day by the Bay

Sourdough bread bowls at Pier 39

Back at AT&T Park, Chris's first time!

Gilroy Garlic Fries and the Beard! The Giant's won!

Devil's Head Hike

2011-08-03T19:14:00.000-07:00

We had to take Dad to the airport Wednesday night so he could head for LA for a day so Mom, Tyler and I tackled the Devil's Head Hike on Thursday. What's a visit to Colorado without a hike?! Feast your eyes!

I LOVED having everyone here and being able to show off some of the things I'm beginning to love about this beautiful state. It was also so fun to be able to explore some of the places I've been wanting to go but haven't had anyone to go with! We had a blast. Can't wait until they come back!

Red Rocks, Dinosaur Ridge and Golden

2011-08-03T18:46:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday we drove out to Red Rocks to check out the view.

Tyler ran the steps like a champ.

After Red Rocks we headed over to Dinosaur Ridge and took the tour. Thats a dino footprint!

Then we popped into the mountains to peek into the little town of Golden. Lots of cowboy stuff!

After checking out the town we took the extremely winding drive up to Buffalo Bill's Grave. This was a lookout point part way up.

The actual grave and the view from the summit.

Boulder, Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park

2011-08-03T18:07:00.000-07:00

Sunday night we made a yummy dinner of kabobs and then Monday morning I took Chris to the airport. Then we headed for Kolaches! (naturally). Dad and Tyler liked them just as much as the rest of us.

After Kolaches we headed up to explore Boulder and I totally fell in love with it. It is a beautiful area and the little downtown has such a charming feel about it. After meandering through the shops for a while we (in true Molinaro fashion) decided spur of the moment to drive up to Estes Park. Why not right?

How cool is Estes Park?! It had just rained and there was mist all over the mountains. Looking forward to going back someday to camp! Who's with me?

Right as twilight was setting in we drove into Rocky Mountain National Park. We saw barely anything but definitely enough for me to want to go back pronto.

Walking to check out a waterfall.

We found it!

Rockies Game and Pike's Peak

2011-08-03T17:20:00.000-07:00

Happy August! I can't believe how fast the summer has been going. Here it is, August 3rd and I have catch up posts and pictures dating all the way back to July 15th! We have had a really fun last three weeks. Mom, Dad and Tyler came out to visit us for a week (Chris got to hang out all weekend before he had to go back to Cali for work), and then we all headed out to San Jose to visit my Grandma for the next week and a half! It was perfect because we were close enough to where Chris was working for him to come hang out the whole time too. It was so great to have some actual stuff to do and people to do it with instead of being lonely in Denver all by myself. It's hard to not live closer to my family so the last couple of weeks were especially special. Here's what we've been up to!

The day that everyone got into town we headed downtown for dinner and a Rockies game! The Rockies won and we got an extra little lightning light show to go with the game and everything.

The next morning we piled in the car and headed down to Colorado Springs to take the Cog Railway to the summit of Pike's Peak. Colorado has about 50 14ers in Colorado (14,000 ft or higher) and Pike's Peak is one of them.

The trail got pretty steep in a few places! The views were gorgeous.

We made it to the top! 14,110 feet. The temperature was a lot cooler up there and the guide told us that it has never gotten above 55 degrees. There were also some special donuts at the summit that have been featured on Food Network's show Unwrapped. Let's just say I would go back up just for the donuts haha.

After Pike's Peak we drove though Garden of the Gods, a collection of 500ft+ red rock formation at the base of the mountain.

And of course, whats a visit to Colorado Springs without a stop at Rudy's BBQ?! The family loved it.

After Rudy's we drove back up to Denver and went to the new Harry Potter movie. I loved it! It's weird to think that that part of life and growing up is over but I thought they did a great job finishing everything out.

Back to School

2011-07-11T17:49:00.000-07:00

This is my friend Rebecca. You should probably check out her fashion blog. In college we were known as the "Wonder Twins." Well these twins are teaming up again to take on Graphic Design class at the Art Institute of Colorado starting tomorrow night. Can't wait!

I Should Probably Mention...

2011-07-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

Chris is busy living the consultant life. And I am busy being a consultant's wife. Pretty much, Chris travels every Monday through Thursday. He has been going to San Jose California the past month or so. That is why everything I blog about happens on the weekend haha thats the time that he's home! Needless to say its been an adjustment and there are definitely harder weeks than others. We just both feel lucky that Chris has such a good job where he is learning a lot and building his network. So the Bernals are doing the long distance thing again. Good thing we're pros!

Gateway Getaway

2011-07-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

Friday evening Chris and I jumped in the car and headed to Grand Junction for the weekend for the wedding of one of Chris's cousins. We got into town and headed straight to visit our friends Dane and Aimee. We were there pretty late once we all got to talking and had a lot of fun getting to catch up. Saturday morning Chris, his dad Jim and Dane went golfing. When they got back we headed down to Gateway, CO for the wedding. Gateway Canyons is a resort that the owner of Discovery Channel developed several years ago as the next ritzy western retreat. Unfortunately the bad economy hit and the resort is pretty underused. It was still a gorgeous venue for an outdoor wedding.

Beautiful scenery. It almost looked like somewhere in Arizona.

After the ceremony.

Some of the resort.

After the reception we headed back to Grand Junction and then enjoyed the rest of the night and next morning relaxing. Then we had some yummy teriyaki kabobs for lunch and headed home. Please note: this trip was the first time I have ever seen the Denver to Grand Junction-Grand Junction to Denver drive not in the snow. It was beautiful.

The Colorado River was so high the whole drive. Here it is bright red and muddy in Glenwood Canyon.

Pretty.

I love roadtripping with my love.

The Rockies are simple the best.

4th of July

2011-07-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

In the 3.5 years that Chris and I have been together we have never spent a 4th of July together! We have always just been apart during the summer. This year we finally got to celebrate together. We started the day with the ward breakfast at a nearby park, went house hunting (just for fun), watched some 24 and then got together with some friends in the evening for a local fireworks show. Even though our fireworks were cut a little bit short (scroll down for details), we had a great independence day.

Our fireworks event bracelets to be able to get into the local park for the community show.

Fireworks!

Before we could get to the grad finale the small field where the fireworks were being shot off caught on fire! Definitely a memorable show.

Weekend Whirlwind

2011-06-27T16:52:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun weekend! Ryan and Tiffany drove over from Provo to visit us and we all had a blast.

Friday: Poked around in nearby stores while Chris finished work, went to dinner at Outback and miniature golfing afterwards, ended the night with delish Peachwave frozen yogurt.

This hole was a rough one...for all of us.

Saturday: Got up early to drive down to Pike National Forrest for a fun hike, the boys went golfing and Tiffany and I laid by the pool (its finally open!), got our nails done and got some yummy homemade pork tacos ready to go!

About halfway up the mountain

Brothers

The hike ends at an old but still functioning fire lookout. These are the stairs up to the very top!

View to the south from the top

We always have such a good time when we all get together. Hope to do it again soon!

Today:

2011-06-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

Today I:

Watched a friend's 3 year old (puzzles and trucks galore:)
Went to the gym
Stopped at Peachwave for some Dole Pineapple frozen yogurt with berries (it is like summer in a cup)
And pretty much worked on this the rest of the day. Justin has a new blog for the second year of his mission so be sure to check it out! It was really fun to put together and to get going with the last five of his letters. Enjoy!

2011-06-20T16:44:00.000-07:00

YUM. Sushi for lunch.

Ward Temple night!

The mother of all sandwiches from Sprouts.

We made blackberry mint lemonade...I spilled some. Whoops!

Having my Mom here was so much fun and I miss her already! I'm so excited for the rest of the fam to get to come out in July!

St. Mary's Glacier

2011-06-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday we hit the road and took a daytrip to Idaho Springs to check out St. Mary's Glacier. Because Chris will probably correct me (again:) I'll go ahead and clarify that the "glacier" isn't really a glacier because apparently it doesn't move. So, it is officially dubbed a "perennial snow-field." Glacier sounds cooler.

Driving to Idaho Springs

Rockies

Haha they pretty much had an "on your honor" pay system. We made a check out to the "glacier"

It was a pretty rocky trail.

The glacier!

The coolest part was how the glacier's lake was literally just right there. It was gorgeous.

To the left of me is some strange little creature we found. It almost looked like a prairie dog. We named him Chubs.

Going up the mountain on the snow wasn't too bad but going down was a little iffy.

Almost falling down.

A look back up at one of the rockiest parts of the trail.

Headed back down the mountain.

Pretty waterfall on the way down.

Smelly loves the mountains.

Our stop in Evergreen on the way home.

The Evergreen Lake.

We also stopped at Red Rocks.

I HAVE to see a concert here. Its so pretty!

After some quick showers to get the dust off we hit up Peachwave, one of our favorite yogurt places and then caught Water for Elephants at the theater.

Cherry Creek North

2011-06-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

Delish cupcakes we found on accident. SO yummy.

Lunch before wandering around Cherry Creek North.

Lots of fun boutiques, galleries and cafes

Sunday Funday

2011-06-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

It was great to be able to introduce Mom to some of our friends in the ward and spend the day relaxing.

For dinner Mom and I whipped up some Creamy Quinoa Primavera. It was my first time trying Quinoa and it turned out really well! Try the recipe here.

Girl's Week

2011-06-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

I am the luckiest girl ever!! My Mom came to visit! She was here all last week and we had a blast touring around, shopping, seeing movies, watching our summer shows, hiking and just hanging out. It was so fun to have here here and show her around the area we've been living.

One of C and I's favorite places that we definitely had to take mom. The Kolache Factory! If you live in Denver you have to go here!

After Kolaches we drove around some of our favorite Denver spots we hit up the Outlets for a little sale hunting.

San Diego Vacay

2011-06-09T18:29:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago Chris and I headed down to San Diego to meet up with Marlys and Tiffany for the Mountain West Baseball Tournament. We had so much fun going to games, soaking up some sun, exploring the area and hitting up Sea World. It was awesome to be able to catch a few more of Ryan's baseball games and spend time with family!

The first day! Travel, baseball game and dinner on the bay.

Exploring Coronado Island. We stopped by the Hotel Del Coronado, the beach, and ate some delish sushi.

The last game of the tournament.

I have always loved the San Diego Temple and I finally got to see it in person!

Sea World!

Driving up the Pacific Coast Highway. We saw a Mexican Taxi!

Stopped in Newport to see the Newport Beach Temple too. So pretty!

Driving back to San Diego through La Jolla.

Dinner the last night in La Jolla. The view was gorgeous and the food was so good!

Ballers

2011-06-09T17:40:00.000-07:00

Hola peeps! We have some catching up to do. As usual. And there will be pictures. As usual.

A couple of weeks ago the BYU baseball team came to CO Springs to play the Air Force Academy. Jim came over to see the games and Chris and I drove down all weekend to check it out.

The Cadet Chapel. It was really cool to see where Chris spent some time in the past.

Happenings Big and Small

2011-05-17T15:47:00.000-07:00

Went to a Nuggets playoff game with some friends from church and had amazing seats! Five rows up!

We could even see the TV guys really well

Left on a jet plane for a weekend in Utah

It was good to be back...even though it snowed

Caught a baseball game

Went to Tiffany's graduation

Went to Shannan's wedding reception

Got together with Raechel and Kathryn

AKA the Sanity Group

Yummy dinner at Tucanos

The whole fam

Made a stop at The Chocolate

Came home from Utah and then watched 5 kids from the ward from Thursday morning until Sunday night. Parents for a weekend!

These kids loved Chris. Here he is with the three youngest.

Switched my closet from winter to summer! (Right in time for a freak May snowstorm. No joke.)

See?

Went to the Denver Zoo for the first time with two friends from the ward and their kids.

We are livin' and lovin' life! So excited for it to be summer soon!

Easter

2011-04-27T20:41:00.000-07:00

For Easter we drove the little drive over to Grand Junction to celebrate with Chris's parents. We had a rainy and relaxing weekend with lots of yummy food! On Saturday we had the traditional ham, potatoes and rolls and on Sunday I made a traditional passover dinner with lamb and barley.

Cooking Sunday dinner

All the food

Hope everyone had a very happy Easter!

Green Mountain

2011-04-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

Saturday we went on a hike. The weather was beautiful and after conquering the 2.9 mile loop right by our apartment, we considered ourselves up to something a bit more challenging. According to the internet, the hike was going to be an in-and-out 4.5 miler. Perfect. We ended up doing the loop. It was 6.5 + miles. It was kind of an accident. We were dead.

On our way up the mountain. We climbed almost 1,000 feet! It was NOT a gradual climb.

The top of Green Mountain and the view to the North. The view was definitely worth the climb.

The view to the Southwest. Gorgeous. Can you spot the snow caps in the distance?

Downtown Denver to my right.

Beautiful day.

FInally heading down (and allllll around the mountain) and realizing that the hike was NOT 4.5 miles.

Treated ourselves to some crab to celebrate our survival.

YUMMMM

We have a sweet backyard.

Deep in the Heart

2011-04-17T22:46:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago we realized that we would have a little intermission between Chris's then current project and his next one. We decided to take a trip. We decided to go to Texas to visit Chris's mission. We went. We had a blast.

A snowy window on our detour through Salt Lake and our cozy Exit Row with ample leg room for our short little legs.

Chris and his very first rental car (cute) and me excited to be in San Antonio.

The old 8th Ward building and us starting our drive up to Austin.

We drove through hill country on our way up to Austin and stopped at THE BEST BBQ place called the Salt Lick.

Touring around Austin: The capitol building, DK Royal Stadium and the University of Texas bell tower.

My first Whataburger. It exceeded all expectations.

Some more of Chris's old mission apartments. Ghetto central on the bottom left.

Downtown San Antonio at night.

The Alamo!

Sunday Love.

Chris wanted to find an old member he had been close with and knocked some random doors to try and find him (maybe for old time's sake?). We finally found him! Brother Perez!

We drove down to Corpus Christi to check it out and visit the Lee family (and the ocean!).

Chris with the Bezzants (minus the kids). We had such a fun night with them eating tacos, chatting and lots of Just Dance on the Wii. Such a fun family!

Lunch at Taco Cabana.

A view of the San Antonio area from the Temple parking lot.

Definitely brought all of our temple stuff and definitely found out the temple was closed for cleaning. Bummer.

Our last night I had to hide a whole bag of Whataburger and a peanut butter jar of salsa from our shuttle driver in my purse. It took some skill.

It was such a fun trip to take and I loved getting to meet so many amazing people that were and are such an important part of Chris's life for those two years. I am thankful everyday that Chris chose to serve a mission and that he had so many great experiences while out in the field. I'm also very excited to serve a mission with him someday! Long live Texas.

Its Finally Baseball Season!

2011-04-05T20:46:00.000-07:00

Yep, you guessed it... more games!! This is getting ridiculous, huh?

Nuggets game with Chris's Coworkers

Rockies opening weekend! Scored some free tickets from Chris's cousin!

Downtown D-Town

Coors Field

How did this happen?

2011-03-27T15:35:00.000-07:00

This is my brother. The littlest one! How is he old enough to be going to Prom?!

Love you Ty!

iPaddy Dos

2011-03-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it finally happened. We got the iPad2. It has been a crazy journey to say the least but this was our (and by our I mean my because it was me that was in line and I also mean Chris because its kind of actually his) lucky day. A white bag with an apple on it always makes for a happy husband. Especially when you have a happy one to start with. I have a happy husband:)

A Couple More Californias

2011-03-21T09:40:00.000-07:00

My first Sprinkles cupcakes. YUM.

Another pic of Santana Row

This is the face of a girl who got up early to go to the Apple Store for her Hubs. She loves him.

This is what it looks like when it pours rain our whole trip. Perfect for relaxing inside.

We like sports, ok?

2011-03-20T17:54:00.000-07:00

So you probably know already but hubs and I are big sports fans. Like for reals we laugh because its all we have pictures of from since we've lived here! Its winter guys, what else would we do but go to an insane amount of sports games? On that note, I will proceed to update you on about 3 things all of which involve a sport of some kind.

1) A couple of weeks ago we went to a Denver Nuggets game with a couple of people that Chris works with. My first Nuggets game! We had really great seats about 5 rows up.

2) Last weekend our friends Dane and Aimee Swenson came out for one of Dane's dental school interviews and got to stay with us! We had a lot of fun showing them, and our other friends James and Tracy Heiner who also got to come out from Utah, around the area, watching BYU basketball and hitting up the outlets. And, in keeping with the sports theme, we also went to an Avalanche game. They got killed (again) but we saw a couple of fights and enjoyed the company.

3) This past week Chris had a training for work in San Jose, California. What are the odds?! I more than willingly jumped at the chance to tag along and hang out with my G'ma for the week. We had so much fun shopping, talking, eating, baking, hanging out at home and going to a Sharks game! Hooray!

Spring at Santana Row

Shamrock sugar cookies for St. Patty's Day

Yay! Back at the Tank

The turkey carver sandwiches. Legit-ness.

G'ma and I. (Chris was there, he just took all the pictures)

Thanks to Facebook places I got to see one of my long lost friends from elementary school!

Sharks Win!!!!

Love my Sharks:)

Photo Op

2011-03-04T23:00:00.000-08:00

Hello friends. A lot seems to have gone on in the last few weeks! Soooooo...picture dump time. Hoorah!

Hockey Love...those poor Avs...it is most definitely not their year

We're REALLY good at riding the lightrail

BYU-CSU basketball game

Jimmertime

Cougar pride

BYU-Airforce Basketball game

More Jimmertime

Thats how we roll

Me as an eskimo...it was FREEZING

PomPom Beanie Love

They left the asparagus in my risotto after I very clearly requested it was left out... I wrote them a message with the pieces

MORE fire alarms

Valentine's Dinner: Filet mignon with balsamic strawberries, bruschetta, creamy parmesan risotto and some pomegranate Martinelli's

Yum

On our way to the Avs game on Valentines

My lovely tulips:)

Snow/Love/Work/Laugh/Fun Day

2011-02-08T19:01:00.000-08:00

Today Chris worked from home (which I love) so I took a snow day. This is what went down:

Sleeping in (kinda) with some extended cuddles
Singing songs to Chris as he worked in the other room
Organizing the bedroom with stuff in our new dresser (more on this later!)
Quality time with Hulu
Trying hard not to talk to Chris as he worked...and failing miserably
Whipping up some delish salted carmel hot cocoa
Venturing out to get the mail (-10 with the windchill, people)
Surfing the good old net
Yelling "ping" anytime Chris got a message on his Office Communicator (thats the noise it makes)
Stealing hugs
Laughing out loud about this priceless and still unfolding Jimmer story
And its only 8:00...

greatday greatday greatday greatday greatday greatday greatday greatday

Online Obsessions

2011-01-21T12:29:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to write this post for awhile so here goes.

I have two new online obsessions. One I've been using for a couple of months and one for a couple of weeks.

1) SpringPad: SpringPad is pretty much a way to bookmark sites easily. I have all kinds of bookmark categories and they read like lists so it's easy to find things that I have saved.

2) Pinterest.com: This website is SO cool. It is a "social catalogue service." On Pinterest you create as many Pinboards as you want with whatever categories you want. I have boards for recipes, places I want to visit, home ideas, project ideas, style inspiration, etc. To pin things you just use a little bookmarklet that you install on your bookmark bar.
Picture a newsfeed all made up of pictures of beautiful things (rooms, clothes, quotes, places). That's what it is! It's just a place to share and grab what you love. Very addictive and a great way to link to new blogs, product sites and find things you might be looking for. If you like something on the board you can repin it to one of your boards. You can also follow other people's boards and they can follow yours. Pretty much, never be bored online again. This is how I spend my time these days haha.
Right now Pinterest is invitation only. I think I have a few to give out as a member and you can also request an invitation on the site. It took me a couple of days to hear back with an invite.

There you have it. Now get Springing and Pinning!

Flashbacks

2011-01-21T12:07:00.000-08:00

Remember this post? Welllllll Chris left for work this morning and I went back to bed. At about 9am I was in a pretty deep sleep when what should awake me but the fire alarm. I'm pretty sure I was pretty funny to watch as I stumbled out of bed, dug in a drawer for a beanie, threw on a jacket and some boots and grabbed my keys. Good thing it wasn't snowing.

P.S. There was no fire.

Midnight Macaroni

2011-01-21T11:55:00.000-08:00

I am loving my job. No, I haven't found a "real" paying one yet. I'm talking about being a wife. I know I've been a wife for awhile now but between living apart, living in a hotel and living with my parents, I haven't really had the full responsibility of the role in awhile.

I love our cute apartment, love scouring the internet for ways to decorate while saving money, love trying out yummy new recipes, even love making the bed every morning. Mostly I just love Chris and the chance I have to do little things for my sweet husband after all he does for me. Even making midnight macaroni. Living with your best friend really is so fun.

working hard and hardly working

2011-01-10T19:33:00.000-08:00

Chris started work today. It went really well! He is my favorite. And the best.

I started being a housewife today...just kidding. But it was a pretty boring and lonely day.

BUT I have an interview tomorrow. AND the next day. So that's good.

Tonight is a waffles and football night. Killer combo, trust me.

AND its especially good because our furniture came today! We love it.

Don't mind the random blue pillow.

Stuff is coming together!

CatchUP: Christmas and Such

2011-01-09T16:35:00.000-08:00

As ever, there are a million things to catch up on...here goes.

1) We drove from Atlanta to Grand Junction. We took the southern route to avoid the snow (and overall boringness) of Kansas. Note to everyone crazy enough to make this drive: the southern route rocks compared to the Kansas one. We could have made it in two days but the weather through the passes from Denver to Grand Junction was, in a word, dicey (see pics below). So in Denver we stayed the night complete with a fun get together with some awesome college pals (who I miss).

YOWZA

Memphis Airport stop to see all the FedEx planes

We saw lots of this

And occasionally this

We ate here in CO Springs. One of Chris's (and mine now too!) favorite places from Texas.

Scary part of the drive (in a Nissan Altima)

And getting worse

Add caption

Scared faces

Happy we made it. And feeling extremely happy that Chris drove almost the ENTIRE way. How lucky am I?

We sang, we talked, we laughed (a lot). Ever taken a cross country road trip with your best friend? It's a blast.

2) We spent a very fun and relaxing Christmas in Grand Junction. It was so fun to see everyone and just spend some quality time.

Christmas in the Bernal home

Chris and Ryan played dangerous games involving delicate pots and squishy footballs

I bonded with Sox

We met up with extended family for a Christmas Eve mingle

Chris looked so cute on Christmas morning

Got to hang out with these two

Delish Christmas dinner

Smarty husband who got me a beautiful dress

Went shooting for the first time

I hit a bottle!

Great fun my friends, great fun.

3) On the 30th Chris and I moved into our new apartment in Denver with the awesome help of Jim and uncle Joe (thanks guys!). Since then we have:

Gone downtown 3 times: Once to an Avalanche game. Once to check out the light rail trail for Chris to take to work. Once to see/meet some of Chris's old high school friends.
Lived through 1 1/2 snow storms. First, while we moved in. Second, right now (hence the 1/2). Haven't been too bad. Its gorgeous after a good snow and unlike Utah, no inversions. Hallelujah. Just snow and then crystal clear skies with zero clouds. PLUS the weather is unnaturally bipolar which means that between said snow storms we have enjoyed several sunny days in the 50s. I can do this.
Gone to church twice (loving our ward so far). Its only 3 miles by 3 miles! SUCH a tiny ward for outside of Utah.
Challenged by our bishop to go to the temple every week (we are very excited for the challenge).
Unpacked a lot (obviously). Organized a lot, reorganized a lot. Its coming together!
Had so much fun unpacking said stuff. It was like Christmas for me all over again. We haven't had/used/seen our stuff since April. I love our bed!
Ran to the post office a million times. We've been selling old textbooks on Amazon.
Went to the mall. Its SO pretty. And massive. We literally live 5 minutes away from everything and anything we would ever need. I love the suburbs.
Peeked into two pet stores...no one panic. Just looking:)
Went furniture shopping. We found an awesome couch and table with chairs. They come tomorrow, can't wait!

So far we are really liking it here and enjoying our area a lot. I know, even with the snow. Its a good sign.

A Pause

2011-01-02T21:15:00.000-08:00

I have a lot to catch up with on here still...and a lot of unpacking to do still but I just don't have the energy. I did want to say, however, that Chris and I were extremely blessed today to attend our new ward here in Denver. It was kind of a fluke that we made it to the right one but we have been blessed with an awesome ward. Everyone was SO friendly, SO kind, SO excited to have us there. It seriously just made my day-all the love I felt from complete strangers but brothers and sisters in the gospel. I love that you can go anywhere and the church is the same. LOVE it. Its so comforting and unique. We were even invited over to dinner by a sweet and really fun family tonight. What a great start to the New Year.

CatchUP: Legend of the Wedding Cake

2010-12-28T10:18:00.000-08:00

Once there was a beautiful wedding cake that a very happy couple enjoyed on their wedding day (8.25.09). As is the tradition, the couple was sure to save the top layer, pack it away carefully and stick it in the freezer for 1 year from that day...

The bride's father drove her car all the way from Utah to Georgia 8 months later and hand carried the frozen cake back with him where it was placed in the family freezer...

Alas, the 1 year anniversary of the cake's debut came and went as the couple was living temporarily in South Florida.

A month after the anniversary the couple moved into the family home in Georgia for a few months and quickly got busy playing and forgot about the cake.

Two days before the couple's scheduled departure from Georgia, the cake was finally fished out of the family freezer and put to ceremonial good use.

Happy 1 year 4 months to us!

Cheers! The end.