In the Eye of the Beholder: 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.