For Halloween we went to Idaho with Daniel and Sarah. Daniel vowed he wasn't coming back to Provo- he was done with it all!! No more school! Sounded like a great idea to me. Bridger and I aren't huge halloween party people. Actually- Im not a party person at all- especially if it involves dressing up ( I know- I'm boring right?) Spending the holiday with our family sounded much more appealing. We first stopped by Pete and Marianne's when we got into town. Pete surprised us by jumping out of the bushes and chasing after us in a full on vampire costume. He was one great vampire! Funny thing was when his teeth fell out in his attempt to scare us! It was hilarious. We spent the night eating pizza and playing Guesstures with Bridger's family (we got destroyed by the way). Saturday we went bowling with my family- and I've decided that I'm the most inconsistent bowler of all time. First time I think I scored a 60?? Second time I was in the 100's somewhere! It takes skill to get a strike and then get two gutter balls right after that. Okay maybe n0t- but it humbles a person for sure. We spent Saturday evening at Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's house- seeing all the little kids dressed up was so cute!!! Sunday, Bridger and I had the chance to take his Nanny Precious to her Greek Orthodox church. Since she's lived in Boise she doesn't get to go very often- so when Bridger volunteered to take her she was SO excited. It was really awesome to go to her church and see what it is all about! It's definitely different than any church I have been to, but we loved being able to see how Nanny worships. We spent the afternoon outside playing football (more like me trying to). The weather was SO beautiful and the fall time colors can't be beat! I love the fall- it is by far my favorite time of the year. That night we waited to leave 'til the last minute possible. I don't think we left until 9:00 pm!!! Probably not too smart- but weekends home are so much fun and we wanted to drag it out as long as possible! We can't wait to go back for Thanksgiving and see everybody again!!
After our trip to Boise, my next two weeks were filled with crazy hard tests. Microbiology and Physiology- hard stuff man. But luckily after all the stress and many times when i was on the brink of tears- I did surprisingly well on both of them! I took my physiology test right before leaving to Billings for Mike and Lexie's wedding reception. Bridger's aunt was able to get us some buddy passes so we could fly to Montana for SUPER CHEAP! Cheaper than driving, only about 9 hours shorter time to get there- I'd say it was worth it. Beyond worth it. Saturday Bridger and I went with Mike, Tyler, Ava, and Cash to Red Lodge where Bridger lived with his dad for about a year and a half (or at least that's what he remembers!) so we could get the kids out of the house for Lexie and Lindsy to do all the party preparations without the tykes messing with anything. Red Lodge was such a cool little town. It looks a lot like McCall- without a lake. We took the kids to a pizza place for lunch, and then went to a HUGE candy store! Ava was very content with her two dum-dum suckers. That's probably the cheapest way to make a little girl happy! 14 cents and one happy girl! We tried to go to the zoo to see the mountain lions and wolves- but the zoo ended up being just a nature observatory and was closed! We still got to look from outside fence and see enough animals to make Ava happy. Tyler was particularly looking forward to seeing the mountain lion- he still got to see it from a distance. Back in Billings, we spent the night swimming and helping Lexie with final preparations for the next day. I knew there wasn't a lot I could help with, but I could sure fill cupcake liners! Bridger took on the task of making Mike and Lexie a slideshow/movie of all their pictures from when they started dating (15 years ago!) to now with the cutest kids you could ever ask for. He did such a good job!
Sunday night was when the party was- and unfortunately the latest flight out of billings was 5:30 so we were only able to stay at the party for about 45 minutes (which was longer than we thought!) It was a crack up to see how people reacted to Bridger. They couldn't get over how tall he was, how grown up he was, the fact that he was MARRIED (the last time they'd seen him he was probably 5!) Lexie looked so beautiful, Ava was lighting up the dance floor, and you could tell they were having so much fun with so many good friends. We were so sad to leave- but were happy to hear that Bridger's movie turned out PERFECT! Lexie said it made her cry- and that it was the hit of the whole night.
I really really, REALLY loved the weekend with Bridger's family even though it was so short. I loved getting to know his family more and more. We've been together for 5 years- but I haven't always been around his sisters a ton- so it was a good opportunity to get closer. It was fun getting to know Tyler and Mike better on our day trip to Red Lodge, and I was able to talk to Lindsy a lot while I made cupcakes and she made flower arrangements. He has such a great family- we already miss them!!! We're excited to see them over Thanksgiving (minus Lynn, Mike, Lexie, Ava, and Cash- wish they could come!)
This time of year leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas always makes me so grateful for family. They really are the best thing we have here on this earth. The family relationships and bonds we make are so important. I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father for putting me into the amazing family I am in. They have molded me into the person I am today- and I am a better person because of them. My dad has taught me wisdom- to be wise in everything you do and in very decision you make. My mom has taught me a love for the gospel. Her testimony is so deep and her love of Christ is unreal. She teaches me selflessness- as she goes throughout her days doing things for everybody- even if physically she can hardly find the energy to do it. Daniel has been the best older brother I could ask for. I've loved being close with him growing up- he's been so protective of me and always makes sure i'm doing what i should be. He's always been an example of how to live life. He's always made such good decisions- and I've always tried to do the same so I can be like him! Dallan has taught me how to be happy with whatever you're going through! The kid always has a smile on his face- unless he cant hang out with friends :) McKay is such a good example of love. He is such a loving person, and a fun-loving person. He's always ready to play a game, watch a movie, or just sit and have a long conversation. My family is the best! Also- I'm so grateful for the family I have been put into because of marrying Bridger. They teach me so much every time I am with them. Lynn teaches me strength. She is one strong woman, and really is the ideal mother-in-law. Pete teaches me to be the most caring person I can be- He probably has one of the kindest and fun-loving hearts of anyone I know. Marianne teaches me how to show love. She is one of the warmest people around- and she's also taught me to believe in yourself. She's all about building people up and helping them realize their potential. Lexie has been an example of what a good mom is. You can tell she loves her family and kids soo soo much!! Down the road i'm sure she'll be able to give me great pointers (and when i mean down the road- i mean way down the road, say 5 years haha) Lindsy is an example of a genuinely nice, sweet, and honest person. She's so down to earth and easy to talk to. Lexie and Lindsy are both great great women and I'm so grateful to FINALLY have sisters as great as them! and last but definitely not least- Bridger. What can i say- the man is wonderful. He teaches me so much each and every day. He teaches me to be less stressed, to believe in myself more, to be more carefree, to show love, to be motivated, to work hard, and most imporantly to laugh. He doesn't take life too seriously- and when he starts to he quickly recognizes it and puts himself back in check. He makes me a better person each and every day. And I think I make him better too :) at least i hope!
Now that this is a whole novel- I better stop. But when it comes to family and what they mean to me- I just can't stop! My family is what has shaped me, what continues to shape me, and what I hold most dear. Can't wait to spend the holidays with them!
