Summer.

Summer is our favorite time of the year, with the exception of the 1 week we spend in Utah during the winter. Jared and I love to be in warm weather (who doesn't?) and like to spend time outside. We are fortunate enough to live close to the beach and try to go as often as possible. There were not too many opportunities this summer as I was very busy with work. However, I work in downtown Manhattan Beach, so at least I get to see the ocean everyday. The downside is, I get to see everyone walking to and from the beach, which totally bums me out! I always wonder, "don't these people work?" I will honestly say, that I am completely jealous.

We were out of town most of the weekends this summer, so much that our ward thought we were not coming back. One word to describe a majority of our summer is WEDDINGS. Jared and I traveled to Houston, Hollywood, Manhattan Beach, Arcadia, Rocklin (Northern California), my home town Temecula and Vernal, UT (180 miles east of Salt Lake City).

Jason & Jen - Houston, TX

Jason and Jared have been friends since kindergarten. For Jared, this reception was a mini high school reunion. It was interesting to see him revert back into his high school days. We had a great time. While in Houston, we stayed with Jared's brother, Darrell. He has 2 little boys that are adorable. It was great to be able to spend extra time with our family, especially since we only see them once a year. I had never been to Houston... I loved it!

Fred & Kristi - Hollywood

Kristi and I have been friends for a couple years. We met at the Los Angeles Temple putting up Christmas lights. I was lucky enough to be in this wedding. Being a part of a 20 person wedding party was so much fun. Their wedding was at Yamishiro in Hollywood. It is an amazing location, with awesome views. 

Ronney & Nicole - Manhattan Beach

I know Nicole through my cousin Trisha. Nicole and Ronney had a very upbeat and entertaining reception. We had a fun night of laughing and dancing. Jared and I now play on a softball team with them. We love the Cowboy and Barney....Ball'in!

Steven & Kristin - Los Angeles/Arcadia

Jared and Steven have been friends since their first year at BYU together. Jared is pretty much a part of Steve's family. This was the first wedding in the temple that we had been to, aside from our own of course. Steven and Kristin had a beautiful reception at the Daines' residence. We had so much fun catching up with friends and the food was so yummy! 

Ben & Saskia - Rocklin

Jared and Ben have been friends since high school. Ben and Saskia live in Amsterdam and Saskia is Dutch. Their reception was a combination of American traditions and Dutch traditions. It was so interesting and so much fun. We sang songs in Dutch, danced and danced some more. We went to the wedding with our best friends, the Thrapps. We definitely made some great memories that we will never forget. 

Greg & Athena - San Diego/Temecula

Greg and I have been friends since high school. Greg and Athena had a beautiful outdoor reception. I was in love with the traditional house where the reception was held. It was a warm summer night and we had a great time. It was fun to reunite with our little group from high school (we missed Lauren) that I have not seen for quite some time. Everyone is married and spread apart, I suppose that is the nature of life.

Jeff & Hillary - Salt Lake City/Vernal

Hillary and I met in Provo a few years ago after learning that we dated the same guy. We became such good friends. We traveled back and forth from Las Vegas to California to visit each other. I am so happy that Hillary has found her mate. She deserves it. Jared, Trisha and I traveled out to Vernal for their reception. We had no idea how far away it was, what a surprise! The drive was long and scenic at times. Although the trek was unexpected, it was worth it to see them. I am so glad we went. I would not have missed it for anything.

Stay tuned for Summer Part 2...