Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day has always been one of my favorite holidays.  Usually, my family goes out of town for the weekend, but this year we stayed home.  It ended up being such a fun weekend at home.  I did a lot of fun things and got to see a lot of my friends and family.

On Friday, I went to dinner with two of my old roommates that I hadn't seen for a month.  It was nice to chat with good friends that I've known for all of my life.  Although we don't live together anymore, it is always fun to be back together with them.  On Saturday, my family went to Willow Creek Country Club.  It was a gorgeous day and the weather was perfect.  We enjoyed lunch and were able to spend the whole day swimming and sitting by the pool.  Sunday was a casual day filled with church and spending time with each other.  Monday was Memorial Day, and we got together with my cousins and went to the pool again.  Another sunny day, and we all have sunburns to prove it! Spending time with family and friends is always fun; especially when you have a long weekend with a day off from school and work.  I can't wait for the rest of the summer.

Strawberry Jam

My grandma and grandpa Eichers have always made the yummiest strawberry jam.  It has been a staple in my house for as long as I can remember.  We always have our freezer stocked with jars of jam. Personally, I think, that no other jam compares to my grandparent's jam. On Saturday, I had the chance to go over to my grandparent's home and help make jam with them.  I have always wanted to learn how to make their jam, so this was a special day. We spent five hours preparing the strawberries, making the jam, and pouring the jam into jars. It was honestly one of my favorite days I've ever spent with my grandparents. Being able to spend time with them and learn from them really made me happy.  I loved watching my grandparents make the homemade jam together.  After seeing how much effort it takes to make jam, my appreciation for my grandparents and the jam they have made for all of us our whole lives grew.  I am so lucky to have both of them still alive today, so that I can learn from them and spend time with them.  I look up to both of them so much and I am glad that every time I eat their strawberry jam or make it, I will always remember them and the great Saturday we spent together.

Garrett's Last Baseball Game

My brother, Garrett, has always loved baseball.  I can remember going to many of his games for the last 14 years. Garrett is now 17 and is about to graduate high school.  He has played baseball throughout high school and this past week he played his last game.  I was able to go watch him play and help cheer him on. It is sad to think that he is done with this chapter of his life, but I know that baseball will always be a big part of his life.

Garrett received his mission call about a month ago.  He is leaving on the sixth of August, and will be serving in the Illinois, Chicago mission.  Throughout the last month, he has taken on the nickname of "Chicago" which we used to cheer him on in his last game. Garrett will be an awesome missionary and he will help bring many people to our religion.  I am proud to be his sister!

Tennis

Tennis has always been a huge part of my life.  Growing up, I always took lessons and enjoyed playing tennis.  I took lessons at different clubs and also attended many summer camps. I played throughout my four years of high school and loved the many friendships I gained through this game. Tennis has always had a big influence in my life, and I am happy that it is a sport I will be able to play for the rest of my life.

In my teens, my family became even more interested in tennis.  My dad started to get tickets to the US Open Series Tournament.  We went to some tournaments for a few summers.  Here my love for tennis blossomed as we watched professional players play in matches against each other. I will always remember those tournaments and the special time I got to spend with my dad.

This morning I played tennis with my cousin, Caitlin.  I was so excited when she asked me to play because it had been a while since I got out there and practiced.  We played a match and we even won, which always makes things more fun! I am thankful that I have had the chance to play this great game and I look forward to the many good times, new friendships, and fun memories I will make from playing tennis for the rest of my life.

Happy Mother's Day

Yesterday was Mother's Day, and I was lucky enough to spend the day with my mom.  We spent the day going to my cousin's missionary farewell, followed by stopping by my grandparent's home, and then to Hires for dinner.  My brother in law's parents own Hires and we were invited to go and eat dinner with them at the restaurant.

There are many reasons why I love my mother.  She can make me laugh so hard and she is one of the smartest people I know. She is a lawyer, but has taken time off from her work to raise her kids.  She gives the greatest advice and is so generous to everyone around her.  She is adventurous and loves to travel.  She loves scrap-booking, watching my brother play baseball, watching movies, Diet Coke, taking pictures, and spending time with her family.  I have learned so much from her and I can't wait to see how much more I can learn from her in the many years to come. I love you, Mom!

Ashley's Wedding Weekend

This past weekend one of my best friends got married in Phoenix, Arizona. Ashley has been one of my good friends for a few years now.  In the winter of  2011, I went on a Study Abroad to London, England through Brigham Young University. At the time, I was attending the University of Utah, but thought that the BYU Study Abroad program sounded fun. I am beyond grateful that I made this decision. Not only was London the best thing I have ever done, but it brought me to some of my best friends that I have today. Ashley was one of these friends, along with Liz and Kinsey. Living together for four months in a different country can really help you to create strong bonds with people.  I am so thankful for these three girls that I became best friends with while I was there. Fast forward to two years  since being home, and now Ashley got married. Kinsey, Liz, and I flew to Phoenix for the weekend to hangout with her and to attend the wedding festivities. It was honestly the best weekend. No matter what we were doing we were all laughing and it was so much fun to get away for a weekend and soak up the sun. Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Graduation

Two weeks ago I graduated from Brigham Young University. Technically, I still have two classes left to take, but I got to walk and get recognized. Graduation day was so much fun and it was awesome to share it with friends and family. I moved home from Provo and am now living with my parents for the summer while I am finishing up my two classes at the BYU Salt Lake Center. I never thought that this would happen, but I actually miss Provo. I grew to love that city and BYU so much. BYU will always hold a special place in my heart. The friendships I made, the knowledge I learned from my classes, and the stronger testimony I gained through going to BYU will always be a blessing in my life. Although I was sad to leave Provo, it has been fun living in Salt Lake again and I am excited for what the summer has in store. While I am taking classes, I will also be working.  I am also hoping to go on a few trips this summer before I have to enter the real world and get serious about my job this fall.