Back in the West

Ok, brace yourselves because this is gonna be one of those long posts. And in all honesty, you probably just want to skip this whole post. Last week I got back to Zion. And then I realized how much I'd gotten used to living in the Northwest. I was surprised to discover that some things that I've grown up with have become unusual since living in Washington and missing 2 Utah summers.
1. I can actually see farther than 10 feet in front of me. I guess I've gotten used to all the trees in Washington and literally not being able to see farther than a few feet in every direction. Today I hiked into the foothills of Cedar Hills above my grandma's house and I was amazed at the beauty of Utah Valley. I could see from Provo to the Point of the Mountain and everything in between. Of course the pinnacle was the Mt. Timpanogas Temple. The view just took my breath away and I remember how much I love the fact that I grew up in this valley.
2. Thunderstorms. I kinda forgot what they were like. In Washington, we rarely get thunder and lightning. But I've missed the huge thunderstorms that we sometimes get in Utah during the summer. In the past week that I have been here, we have had more thunderstorms than I've seen in 2 summers in Washington. I forgot how awesome they were and how much I love to just watch the lightning.
3. Sunsets. Nothing can beat a western sunset. And I've sure missed being able to actually see them, instead of having a bunch of trees blocking the view. I just love the West. Enough said.
4. I think the thing I've missed the most is the feeling of being in your hometown. Even though I now consider home to be in Puyallup since that is where my family is, my hometown and the place that I belong will always be Highland, Utah. My first night back here I just drove around all the old places I used to hang out in high school in Highland, Alpine, and Cedar Hills. I'm not going to lie, as I drove around, I really missed high school and all my friends. Yes, I did even shed a couple of tears. It's hard to go from having dozens of friends to as many as can be counted on one hand. But I'm so grateful for all the many wonderful friends I've had throughout my childhood and high school. I definitely wouldn't be who I am today without them. And I'm so grateful that the reason I miss all of them is because they are serving missions. I couldn't ask for better examples in my life. And haters gonna hate, but I loved high school and yes, I do miss it. But I'm so grateful that I've had the experiences I've had and that because of them I am a stronger person and can move forward into the future with a positive attitude. Here's to a blast from the past.

Senior year in a nutshell with these crazies.

Leilani, you make my life.

These folks. Couldn't have survived without them.

My bestie. Forever.

My twins, Michael and Johnny. The world better watch out for these two.

My main girls. Y'all changed my life.

Spring Fling with the best.

But now to the highlight of my summer: LAKE POWELL. Every year since I was 11 we have gone to Lake Powell with the Lofgreen family, and soon the Lasky family became a part of the tradition. And really, why must Lake Powell just be so beautiful and perfect? I love the canyons and the sunsets, and the stars and the warm water. It's basically my idea of heaven. We spent the week fishing, kayaking, riding waverunners, swimming, wakeboarding and wakesurfing, and just hanging out with some of my favorite people. I'm so glad I could go with my best friends since Kindergarten and 7th grade, Kaytlyn Ellis and Shanda Smith. I honestly don't know what I'd do without these two. These are the friends that have been with me through thick and thin. They pick me up when I'm down. They beat up the boys who are jerks. They know me better than I know myself. They make fun of me. They accept me for who I am. And they are the greatest examples of living the gospel I could ever ask for in a friend. My life is so much better because of these two. I can't wait for the next Lake Powell trip. See y'all next year, same time, same place.

It ain't Lake Powell without a sand castle.

My favorite tradition, washing my hair down the slide.

You better believe I'm a hecka good driver.

Sometimes I brush out my curly hair and get the nickname KyeL the Lion.

The best place to wakeboard in the world.

Surfing: my fav.

My best friends in the whole world Shanda and Kaytlyn.

The crew.

My handsome catfish. Caught with the lucky Barbie pole.

How can you say no to this??

Kayaking like a boss.

Last Week in the Great Northwest

Let me tell you about the grand last week I had in this Northwest part of town. 

1. Yesterday I went freaking BLACKBERRY PICKING. Yes, I did. And yes, it did fulfill a childhood dream for me! I have never seen so many berries or so many thorns in my life! And I would do it again in a heartbeat. It's the simple things folks. 
2. Today I went to Mt. Rainier. This place is incredible! And it has the most wonderful wildflowers I have ever seen in my life! Sometimes I just don't understand how this world can be so beautiful! I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father has made such a beautiful world for us to enjoy! And I'm thankful for the wonderful people that He has put in my life, like Brady and good ole Trevor Robb. Brady, you're like my best bud in the whole world, and Trev, you're like a brother to me! Love you two! I'm gonna miss you guys when y'all head off to BYU-I and Liberia! But this world better watch out for y'all cuz you're gonna rock it. 

One of my favorite views in the world

My beaver friend, isn't he cute?

Isn't this view to die for?

Yes, we are the cutest.

These wildflowers.

So Washington, it's been real. Thanks for letting me hang here for the summer. I really do love you and I'll miss you a lot. I'll never complain about you again because you gave me one rocking summer. But now it's time to head back to the birthland of Utah. I'll see ya again real soon!

Weekend Getaway!

This weekend, my brothers and my pappy went on high adventure. So mi madre and my sister and I decided to take a little weekend trip to Portland. On the way, we happened across this great sight on the freeway. 

This fella needs a girlfriend. Pronto.

Who takes their dogs on motorcycle rides? This guy seriously needs a girlfriend! But hey man, thanks for the laughs!

When we got to Portland, we went on a little shopping adventure at the Lloyd Center Mall. This place is the bomb.com. Literally. 3 floors of every single store you could possibly want and an ice skating rink! Too legit to quit my friends. 

On Friday, we did a little exploring around Portland. First we went to the Japanese Gardens. This place was so beautiful and peaceful! I don't think I have ever seen so many green things in my life! It was incredible!

Shout out to the random German guy for taking this pic.

This doesn't even capture the beauty of the Japanese Garden.

Next, we ventured to the International Rose Garden. Call me a nerd, but I loved seeing all the varieties and colors of the roses there. And pretty sure by the time we left, I couldn't smell anything because of all of the roses I'd been sniffing. I wonder if you can get high from sniffing them all day??

I'd take this rose over a red one any day!

Stop and smell the roses!

Seriously, you have to go to this garden!

After the Rose Garden, we went to the Pittock Mansion, which overlooks all of Portland, and the Columbia River. It was pretty incredible. And then, since we were feeling all cultured because of our visit to the Japanese Garden, we stopped for some lunch at Panda Express. #CelebrateAsiaDay

After lunch, we headed down town to VooDoo doughnuts. It's this really quirky, popular doughnut shop. Back in the day they used to sell doughnuts injected with NyQuill and with Pepto Bismol crushed on the top. I bet the FDA had a field day with that! Now they're famous for their Bacon and Maple Doughnut. After waiting in line for an hour, we finally got to order our doughnuts, and yes, I did try the bacon and maple doughnut even though I hate bacon. And yes, I hated the doughnut. But it's definitely a must try, just to say you've done it. 

Check that off the bucket list!

On Saturday, we went to visit my Uncle Curtis, his wife Mary Margaret, and her daughter Melanie. Legit, the last time I saw them was 13 years ago when I was the flower girl at their wedding. And yes, I was the cutest flower girl to ever exist. And the last time I talked to my Uncle, he was still calling me Lyn-Skye. But it was so good to see them again! Family rocks you guys! We all went out to lunch at Red Robin which has some pretty dang good food if I do say so myself. And shout out to the best waitress evvvvs, my dear cousin Melanie! 

My dear Uncle Curtis!

^The girls: Melanie, Aubrey, me, madre, and Mary Margaret^

On our way home, we stopped at the Portland Temple. This temple is seriously incredible! It is so beautiful! But just our luck, it was closed for cleaning, so we couldn't walk around the grounds. But we got the second best thing, watching people power wash the steeples!!! It doesn't get more exciting than that folks! But all in all, it was quite the successful getaway! I loved spending time with my dear madre and sister! They are the raddest in the whole world. 

House of the Lord, Holiness to the Lord.