Catching up!

Every since I could write, I have tried to keep a journal.  I perfected the art of apologizing to my own journals and justifying the abandonment that occurred often when I slacked off for a few days or weeks.  I would explain, that life is just busy and crazy. My handwriting would slowing become more careless with each sentence and there was never, never enough time to write and describe everything that I have missed up to the point of catching up. 

I feel that way right now,  sorry I've missed so many good memories and haven't been good at updating my journal. We have just had a seemingly endless to-do list and visiting family and friends before leaving the US just took priority. Now, I'm sitting looking at pictures of the past few weeks and reflecting on this first week in Japan and not wanting to forget a single thing but having no idea how to put these emotions and memories together. . . 

I think i will do a list. I have always liked list and hope these keywords will trigger my thoughts and take me back to these precious moments of our last month in America:

- Moving Paper Cottage! Lots of work but lots of good quality family time. I loved working beside my dad and family members. I learned how to use a drill and paint like a pro from the very best. In hard work there is satisfaction. 

- Surprising Quin after his race! Driving to Utah and having a slumber party with Quin and Rachel in a fancy hotel. Late night pillow talk and the Red Iguana. 

- Another Roadtrip to Utah! Provo temple with Nicole before the mission.  Good chats, food, family time and ping pong. How the heck did Nicole become a pro at ping pong overnight? 

-  Fireworks in Idaho with family! Snacks and rolling out blankets and watching an amazing random-timing firework show put on by Scentsy in late August.  Watching fireworks with kids just make the show even better. I love my nephews. 

-  Grandpas's 80th birthday! Moncur Family meeting in Brigham City, Utah to celebrate our favorite Papa and eat Maddox. Good family time and seeing some of my favorite people ever.

- Visiting and working with Grandma and Grandpa Garner! Picking peaches, lots of laughs and just feeling at peace on the farm. 

-  Family time in Boise: raspberries, scones, games, movies, Big Juds &&  BBQs. Just being all together and feeling like a vacation. The calm before the storm.  There really is no place like it. Also,  I'm kinda obsessed with Baby Grey.

Thats the highlight reel of the last few weeks! Lots of sad goodbyes, but cheerful times mosty. Life is really good.  
Peace out Journal. 

Spirit of Boise

9/3/2016:
We went to the last day of the Spirit of Boise Festivities. We woke up early morning and drove across town and walked the little path to Ann Morrison Park to watch the balloons. It was magical watching them inflate and fly over head. It reminded me lots of my childhood and watching them above our old house and sleeping on the tramp and seeing them saturday mornings. It was fun to share that memory with Riley and also create more memories with the family. After we met up with the rest of the family and all went out to eat for breakfast. It was so fun! I love my family and Boise. 

BYU Education Week 2016

Oregon Roadtrip

New Plymouth Views

New Plymouth Views from alyssa on Vimeo.

There is something so simple and wonderful about the country. Dirt and dust and wet dog kisses. Fields and car-less roads. Sounds of farm animals in the distance and silence. Time pauses and things are still and beautiful. 

We had a sleepover in New Plymouth, Idaho at Grandma & Grandpa Garner's house. We woke up to the crisp morning air and ran for miles along the country roads. Everything so fresh. Bellys full of cow's milk and garden goods. Spent the day cleaning and chatting and eating and laughing.

I made a little video to remember the New Plymouth views. Just missing the star appearances of Grandma and Grandpa Garner. I was impressed by their love for each other, generosity, hard work, and kindness. Grandpa's commentary and smile & Grandma Garner's cooking and ability to make one feel included, loved, and right at home. 

Bear Lake Times

We took a family trip to Bear Lake, Utah. We all stayed up at the condo. Everyone was together except Caden (on the mission). It was way fun. We went to church in Laketown and the Apostle  Elder Cook showed up and spoke. It was a sweet surprise!!

Some highlights of the trip were horseshoes, lake time, pool time, games in the condo, the pickleville playhouse musical "Juanito Bandito", and of course the famous raspberry shakes of Bear Lake.

Also, a guy in the hot tub asked if me, Riley, and Whitney were triplets?? Bahaha.