Chris is continually living up to his promise to my Dad to "take her camping," one of my dad's main requisites when they had the Father/prospective son-in-law talk 5 years ago.

I do love camping.

The view from our campsite was incredible. If you ever visit Joshua Tree National Park, stay at Indian Cove Campground—it's one of the best campgrounds I've ever seen. As long as you don't mind the fact that there are no showers, no running water, and pit toilets.

I love desert plants—cacti, succulents, things with spikes and spines. Christopher and I went on a couple of hikes and the weather was just right—mid 80s, not too bad for the middle of the desert in late spring.

The desert wildlife was interesting. Besides my brother's iguana Max, I have never seen such a large lizard in person. I am normally comfortable with reptiles, but this one's tail kinda gives me the willies.

The rocks at JTree (this is what the climbers call it) are so cool.

I was a rock climbing poser for the weekend, with my climbing gloves and tennis shoes (halfway there) I scrambled up as high as I could.

Rock domination!

Our second day there we did a rigorous hike up Mount Ryan and took artistic photos with animal crackers at the summit.

Another successful camping trip for the books. If you are feeling adventurous, you know who to call. I have a backlog of weekend camping trips I still want to take this summer.

I recently took my second annual biz trip to New York for the National Stationery and SURTEX Trade Shows.

I loved (LOVED!) the hotel I stayed at. The Smyth in Tribeca—so deliciously modern.

Perks included Kiehl's shampoo and soap, impeccable fixtures, fun furniture, and a cool lobby. The view from my room overlooked a food cart and I could hear kids beat-boxing and freestyle rapping on the street below my window.

I took a million pictures like this. I love whipping through the city in a taxi and being able to see the different boroughs so quickly.

The Lower East side, close to Clinton Street Baking Co. where I consumed the most delicious pancakes I have ever eaten in my life. I heard it often has 2 hour waits on weekend mornings!

Can I take this opportunity to mention some of the other things I ate in New York? Venezuelan arepas, Korean ssam, gourmet Mexican, and delicious diner food were all represented. I will never eat another frozen Lean Cuisine dinner ever again.

I also had the chance to do a lot of shopping (mostly window variety). Some of my favorites were abc home and Kate's Paperie. I spent some time in Nolita again this year, where I feel right at home. It's artsy and funky, but unintimidating.

I felt less at home on Wall Street with all of the suited stock brokers, but it's probably one of my favorite places to walk around in New York. The roads are closed to traffic and the buildings tower around you in an almost unnatural silence.

The weather was spotty. The second day it rained--hard, and cold. It was impossible to catch a cab and my coworker and I got completely soaked to the bone. We finally ended up taking shelter underground and riding the Metro.

I was able to pop over to Brooklyn for the first time, but it was toward the end of a long day and I was too tired for picture taking. It was lovely, though, all brownstones and hipsters and chirping birds.

The more I go back to the city, the more I appreciate it. I am so grateful for my job that I can have opportunities like this. I always come home feeling so reinvigorated--I can't wait to go back already.

Mt. Laguna, CA: Camping. Toads. Pink Sunglasses.

I spent a glorious Easter weekend with my family.

At the Oregon coast. We were originally going to go crabbing, but it was too cold and choppy. We still managed to have a lot of fun, though.

Ben and Jax wrastled some bull kelp.

We appreciated the craftsmanship of some sweet old quilts at a little quilting museum in Tillamook.

(More quaintness near the museum)

We also stopped by the Tillamook Cheese Factory. I will never grow tired of the factory tour or the marionberry pie ice cream.

We celebrated 3 Birthdays: Dad's, mine and Ben's.

Mom spoiled me with Clinique makeup and handmade jewelry.

It was a wonderful visit. Trips home feed my soul.

The things that make a birthday.

2 layer German chocolate

+ fun family members

+ lots of lovin.

= a successful 28th.

A few weeks ago, our friends and former Provo neighbors Ryan and Sarah came to town for a wedding and stayed with us for the weekend.

They brought with them their firstborn, the fabulously pudgy and famously cute Douglas.

We frolicked around Newport Beach Sunday afternoon and watched people reel things in from the pier while the sun set.

That same weekend, our dear friends Rachel and Sean welcomed their firstborn into the world.

Jakob Sean, born February 26th, 2010.

Gazing into the eyes of a child--as my mom would say--"fresh from heaven."

It is so incredible to see all of these little people our friends are creating. The miracle of life never ceases to blow my mind.

I love to see the Temple.

Christopher snapped a few shots on a recent trip to the Newport Beach Temple. What a privilege it is to visit such a transcendent place. I am so grateful for the blessings of the Temple, the service I can give there and the peace that that accompanies it.

I want that feeling often, and so I will return often.