The fair.

During the madness of moving, we managed to go to the fair twice. And it really was madness. We were driving up to the apartment after work, loading up a truckful, taking it to the house, then back up to the apartment. So glad that is over.

Jayson looking extremely cool .

One thing we always do is taking some B&W photobooth pics. So, just ignore that huge 'COLOR' sign in the background. That is both inaccurate and deceiving.

We always eat way too much food. Duh. I love the baked potato. Jayson thinks this is a ridiculous choice when you have more options. I, however, think it is perfect. One bowl. Combo of all things yummy. How can you go wrong?

The second visit we made was with SisterFriend, HeyBrother and my Mom.

Here they are. Kelly Pickler played that night. Of course, she sang "Red High Heels." The best part about this was that Zindi sang along with the song and even point to her 'red high heels' (Reef Sandles) when that part of the song came. Oh, and we watched from outside of the stadium. 
Then it took us an hour to get out of the parking lot. People in cars were getting heated. Lots of cutting other drivers off and yelling of obscenities, which I assure you, we did not take part in. Zindi tried and we didn't let her. We experienced it all and it was well worth the waiting, the sweating, and the gross feelings of being bloated the next morning.

Camp Trip: the food

Camping doesn't mean you don't eat well. Especially if you roll with us.

On this trip, there were 13 people. 

Each couple took a night and cooked dinner for the group.

Jay and I had Night #1.

And there is no better opportunity than that to make Turkey Tacos!

It was pouring during our cooking session. And apparently, this is what I look like.

The oven worked like a champ.

Ground turkey for all.

Sisterfriend & HeyBrother = poncho people

Taco toppings.

Tacos are the perfect camping food. Easy to make, easy to enjoy.

And of course there was the trout.

For those of you who aren't campers, I think the trout could change your mind.

 You have to catch them first.

Everyone who fished caught one this year. Positive feelings all around. (So maybe I laid on the riverbank and watched other people fish. I did fish, promise) Somehow, I got dubbed the trout-cooker this trip.

How to cook the perfect trout:
1.Clean the fish.
2.Cut off the head.
3. Season the fish on both sides & on the inside. (Garlic Salt & Pepper will do)
4.Cube butter, scatter the butter around the fish.
5. place lime/lemon/or orange slices on top of & in the fish.
6. Wrap the fish in foil.
7. Cook 10 mins.
8. Eat and Enjoy.

 Rainbow Trout (stock fish)

 Brown Trout (native fish)

Beautiful cousin, Molly, taking the trout taste test.

Remember the awesome Trout-Taste-Test we did?

Remember how the Brown Trout won, hands down?
Remember how much more flavorful it was?


 Remember the other delicious foods we ate at the Resort:

 Pie (from Pie in the Sky)

 & chili.


Food plays an important role in any vacation (as we know, I have some Liz Lemon in me, and important events are sometimes food-based). This trip's food is especially important because we ate things that we ONLY eat while camping. That makes them special. 


So, Trout. You are special to me.
Pie in the Sky, you also.

Camp Trip: the purpose.

I have returned. 

From one of my favorite places in the world. A place that feels like home.

The reason that is feels like home is these two:

Granmom & Grandad. Aren't they beautiful?

These two both passed away within the past year and to celebrate their lives, my family decided to have a non-traditional memorial service.

Granmom & Grandad were campground hosts for 12 years in the Eastern Sierras. Every summer, we went camping for a week to see them.

Some of my most fond memories are the times I spent in Rock Creek Canyon.

Here I am as a child with my cousin Molly. Rock Creek of the past. Love.

The purpose of Rock Creek 2011 was to remember Granmom & Grandad.

We spread their ashes:

We gathered as a group and discussed all of memories of Granmom & Grandad that have stuck with us.

I wrote a letter.

It said:

Dear Granmom & Grandad,

I miss you terribly. Somedays, it seems like you are still here. You taught me so many important things. Things like:

• what a page boy is.
• that you should always wear earrings that match your outfit.
• kitchen accessorites should match.
• how to cut a lemon tree.
• how to be particular.
• how to whittle.
• that cutting toenails is for young people.
• how to honor your marriage vows.
• how to love.

Thanks.

xoxo Ally

We spent time as a family:

We carved a living memorial into a Waving Aspen:

In case you can't tell what it says:

Arnell & Ellen

1947 - 2010 

(the years of their marriage) 

And we enjoyed the beauty of Rock Creek:

It was a great trip. I feel so happy knowing that Granmom & Grandad are at a place where they loved most. It fills my heart with joy. As do the fun memories that I shared with family this past week.

Yesterday. {Mother's Day}

Yesterday was Mother's Day. We had a WHOLE day event, the first half was spent with Jay's family and the second half was spent with my family. Overall, it was a very relaxed day with WAY too much good food. I am still full.  Just wanted to share some of the (somewhat silly) pics from yesterday. Enjoy.

 The first half of the day looked alot like this. Words like calm/relaxed come to mind.

The second half of the day looked like this. Words like silly and somewhat weird come to mind. Surprisingly, my dad was the one to instigate all of the picture taking, even though he hates pictures. Also, this was the first time I have seen recent family photos since my wedding. I feel like my family is looking kinda weird theses days, myself included. This isn't meant to be rude. I just feel like we look different than what my memory tells me we should look like. That statement means nothing, just so you know. You can ignore my previous comments.

See that one in the bottom middle? Doesn't that picture just scream, "I want to be a grandma." haha. You wish, Mom.

Yesterday.

 Just wanted to post a little update on how our BIG family Easter celebration went.... Great!

The Swens

The Bazemores

The Frias

joined together for one celebration and we had a great time.

We met at the park, Jay & HeyBrother barbecued, and we played games. We relaxed in the sunshine. And ate. It turned out great. Sisterfriend and I may be responsible for hosting holidays in the future. Kinda exciting, right?

a good day.

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, 

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,

and by his wounds we are healed."

Isaiah 53:5

It is only by Jesus that we are saved. What a good day to be reminded of Christ's saving work on the Cross. I feel so thankful. I hope that everyone has a great Easter. Enjoy this beautiful spring weekend.

My family is celebrating as one BIG family this year, which means that both Jay's family, my family, and even my sister's in laws are coming. We are picnicking in the park which is a departure from what we normally do. Should be a pretty day.