Adventures in Utah

Boy did I feel like a new mother when I left Friday morning for Utah.  I texted my mom at 7 AM to ask how my dog was as I was sitting on the tarmac.  Every time my parents called me, or I called them, I cared more about my puppy than anything else.  I worried that he wouldn't remember me, or he would grow too much.  I brought pictures and movies to share with my sister and friends.  I even talked to my Riley on the speaker phone.  Dad said he recognized my voice, but I think Dad was just trying to calm my nerves.  Below is a picture of Riley's graduating "puppy kindergarten" class, minus a few.

In other news, Amelia and Christian were married and I was able to be there!  Well, actually outside the temple and at the reception.  Yep, I've been to 4 weddings in the past year and never been able to witness one.  

It was a new experience to be able to wait outside the Salt Lake Temple.  Courtney and I arrived at 1:15, 15 minutes after the ceremony started.  I was worried that I would miss her coming out of the temple.  You never know how long the ceremony will take.  Well, we were so worried that we had missed it, I began to ask people what wedding they were there for.  We found out that the next bride preparing to come out had her ceremony begin at 12:20.  So, we got to watch 3-4 brides come out before we met Amelia and Christian.  It really is like what everyone jokes about; brides come out every 15 minutes.  All the families wait anxiously for their bride and groom.  On one occasion someone had to yell to the crowd:  "Whose bride is this?"  And then everyone would back up and let the respective family forward.  The famous picturesque staircases had people waiting for their opportunity for pictures.  Well, while we were waiting for the pictures, I experimented with my camera.

While the photographer was taking photos of Amelia and Christian and their families, we were assigned to be the entertainment for the kids in the pictures.  You know how a photographer usually has a squeaky toy or rattle to make the kids look at the camera?  Well, Courtney and I were the toys.  :)

The reception was beautiful.  I love my friends so much.  It was bittersweet be in Utah for the weekend.  It's hard to be so far away from those I love.  The friends that mean so much to me.  It was hard to leave, not knowing when I'll be back.  I love you.  I guess for now it's my position to create and strengthen new relationships.  But they will never be the same.  Ciao for now.