home again, home again.

We came home on Monday without a care in the world, only to remember the homework that we hadn't done. My apologies for the lack of posting about the rest of the trip. I finally had some free time today, and thought I'd post some more about my adventure!

Saturday welcomed us with a bright sunny day. 90 degrees and a perfectly clear day. Do you ever feel that the sun is smiling at you after making its debut from a cloudy day? That's exactly how it was! Being in Utah during the grey month of January, and seeing the bright sun after a whole month... Yeah, it was smiling down at us. Chandler took us on a tour of campus, which is beautiful, and took saw what Chandler gets to see everyday. We walked Palm Walk, which has like 300 palm trees down sidewalk that looks like it could have gone for miles. Even if the sun is smiling at you and while very welcoming, it can still be very hot. We decided to go swimming and just enjoy the warm sun but the refreshing pool. I could have stayed there forever! But then I would have been burned to a crisp. We decided to go to BJ's Pizza and get a lunch. We went there for senior trip in Newport and if you've ever been there, you know that their pizookies are to die for! We got ready and went to BJ's for pizza and a killer pizookie. We each got out own little pizza and we shared a Cookies-n-Cream pizookie. It was delicious! 

After that great lunch, we were invited to Eden's (Maren's sister), boyfriend's, dad's 50th birthday party!  His parents live in Scottsdale, the Beverly Hills of Phoenix. Their house was absolutely gorgeous! Basically my dream house. Since we barely knew anyone at the party, we didn't stay long. We went and saw Catching Fire to finish off our night. Maren hadn't seen it yet, so it was a must for her! (When we got back to the dorms we saw this silly license plate on a Jeep!)

On Sunday we went to church at nine, which felt like the butt-crack of dawn! But it was totally worth it. Chandler gave a talk in sacrament and we were so happy that we could be there to support her! After church we went and walked the Mesa Temple grounds and went to the Visiting Center and talked with a sister missionary. The grounds of the temple are gorgeous! I felt like I was in Hawaii with all the palm trees and the abundance of flowers. After walking around for a while we went and sat on the grass and talked about everything under the sun. At one point I laid down and cleared my head of everything. I just wanted to sit and enjoy the quiet. Especially after the hectic life a college student leads, we all need to take a moment to clear our heads and enjoy the silence. It was a much needed couple of minutes.

Monday! Happy Presidents Day! Chandler and Kristy, her roommate and our friend from high school, still had school which I thought was insane! But oh well. While they were gone Maren and I thought we'd be nice and clean their dorm. We only had an hour once they left because they only had once class on the morning then one later that night. We vacuumed, put their sleeping bags away, made their beds, straightened their desks, and took out their trash. We wanted to do something nice because they let us stay in their dorm and had made our trip so much fun! When they came back we all showered and got ready. Maren's sister and her boyfriend let us go hang out at his parent house with them for a while. We took their puppy, Scout, on a walk. She is darling! She looks like an Ewok when you hold her! We went to a little pub for lunch called the Thirsty Lion. Which was super good too! I thinks pubs just have really good food to start with anyway! Chandler had one last class, so Maren and I went back to the dorm and watched a movie. After Chan's last class we went back to the Sugar Bowl and had some ice cream before we had to go to the airport. Maren and I were almost late for our flight! We literally ran through the airport. Yes, literally, like in a movie slow motion and everything! It was very memorable! We made it to the plane, although out of breath and slightly sweaty, and we were just in time. 

I have to say that it was a pretty successful trip. I became closer with them, after I had kind of lost touch with them. I love them so much and am so blessed to have them in my life. They are so strong, and are such great example to me. This was a definite "going-in-the-books" adventure, filled with great laughs, deep chats, rockin' tunes, welcoming sun, and most of all best friends. I love you Mar and Chan! Thanks for such an amazing weekend, I love you both to the moon and back!

Until next time,
-O

adventure is out there.

The word of this weekend is SPONTANEITY. My friend Maren and I wanted do something grown up. Something adventurous, something to go into the books as just great! We decided that we should visit our friend Chandler, who is going to Arizona State University. It's the perfect time right? Three day weekend, three best friends in a sunny place? What would you want more? It was decided, we were going to buy our plane tickets and fly to Arizona for the weekend, and our perfect college trip was in play.

DAY ONE: Happy Valentine's Day!!

And we're off! Maren and I were beyond excited to be flying to sunny Arizona, where it was at least 80 degrees all the time. As much love as we have for Utah, February can be kind of rough. With the lack of fresh snow, the inversion, and the grey weather... all around it is just rough. We nervously made our way though the airport, but successfully located our gate. the flight was splendid! We chatted and people around us probably thought we were super annoying but we didn't care. We were heading to see one of our best friends and we were excited! Once we landed we ran to find our dear friend Chandler. We went back to her dorm and she showed us around. We walked around campus a little and took in the wonderful sunlight. It's 88 degrees here! WE ARE WEARING SHORTS! That was a huge deal for me. Finally, I could release my legs from their jean cage! It was wonderful. We went into Scottsdale which is about 10 minutes from Tempe, where we are, and went to the mall.

We shopped and of course had to stop in the DISNEY STORE. It's a must! (I wanted to take more pictures in here, but the saleswomen weren't having it). This was the cutest store ever and I loved every second of it. The little girl inside me wanted to get everything princess related, but I don't have enough money, nor do I actually need any of that. But I can still want it right? 

We went to dinner in Old Town Scottsdale, at this place called David's Hamburgers and Mexican Food. Chandler told us that they had the best hamburgers, and I was very skeptical. Not that I didn't trust her, because I do but this place just did not seem like it would have the best burgers ever. But let me tell you it has the best hamburgers, I've ever tasted. It was incredible! This had to have been the burger in the world. After being stunned by this amazing burger, we went to the Sugar Bowl! Just like in Arthur. It was darling. Homemade ice cream and the service was pristine. I felt like I had step right into the 40's, like I was going to see Danny and Sandy at the table over sharing a Strawberry Milkshake. It was super cute! I hope we go back again because I could eat ice cream there everyday.

Then we walked around Old Town Scottsdale. A night on the town! A perfect way to end Valentine's with my favorite people. In a town all lit up and alive with a mix of all kinds of people. People in love, out with friends, and even some people were alone. That was kind of sad, but hey everyone celebrates in there on way. It was perfect to be with people I love and who love me. There was just such a variety, and it was nice to somewhere new. Tomorrow is a new day and I'm super stoked to see what we end up doing.

Until next time,
-O