Ode to Pacific Star

We have this burger place 4 doors down from us. It's called Pacific Star (I really don't know why, that's a random name for a burger place and we're not even close to the ocean or anything) and it's awesome. This is how close it is to us, picture taken from our driveway:

We call in our order, walk there and by the time we get there it's ready. Then we walk back to our house and eat it at home and it's still fresh. AND they are really awesome burgers and they have never messed up our order once. Awesome food and super convenient. What more could you ask for?

Last time we went to eat there we saw THIS on the door:
As you can imagine, we are not happy. Now we don't know where we are going to eat when we are craving a delicious burger and are feeling kind of lazy. Luckily we got to have one last burger there before they leave us.


Savor it or scarf it?

Highlights of Mexico

The newest Missionary

This weekend we had the opportunity to go see this guy's mission farewell.

This is my cousin Michael, who is super fun and going to be an awesome missionary. 2 summers ago he lived with my family for the whole summer and we had tons of fun. After he moved back up north with his family, he came all the way down for my wedding, so of course we had to go up to Spokane, Washington for his farewell.

It was so beautiful there. We went on a hike and here is some of what it looks like there:

Afterward, we went to downtown Spokane and got to see some of the sights.

This goat has a button near it that when you push it, it activates a super strong vacuum that picks up all the trash in front of its mouth.

This is possibly the world's largest Radio Flyer.

Here is the awesome family we got to stay with all weekend.

We love the Frasers! They have an incredible house with an even more incredible view. Scott decided we need to move there. I told him that would be a possibility if he could find a job that would pay enough for both of us. I'm not too worried. When we were packing Michael told us the weather could be unpredictable. That was well-put. It went from hot and sunny, to sprinkling and lightning, to sunny and warm, to POURING.

Michael reports to the MTC to serve in the Baguio, Philippines Mission. That is pretty close to Sandy's mission, which is cool since they are friends, and will be able to talk about all of us in Tagalog when they get home.

We're so proud of both of them and excited for those lucky Filipinos!

Ole!

We survived Mexico! We had a blast and we will try to post some pictures soon to share with you all of our fun. I just have to share one thing right now.

That's right. Someone got himself a Lucha Libre mask. And is very proud of it.

Happy Memorial Day!

My family has a tradition every Memorial Day. We go to Westminster Memorial Park where they have a program to honor those who served our country. It's a great program with speakers, patriotic musical numbers, etc.

Our whole family goes and we have lots of fun.


The Boy Scouts place American flags on the graves of all the veterans, and everyone dresses in red, white and blue.

Afterward, we visit the graves of our family members. We have a kit we bring every year that includes: a water pitcher and paper towels to clean dirt off, digging tools to clear weeds, and lots of flowers.

My grandma's mother's name was Iris, so she placed an iris on her grave. She also told her parents, "You'd better be taking care of my sweetheart!" This year was a little different since my grandpa, who comes with us every year, passed away a few weeks ago. We not only got to visit his grave this time, but the Marines were waiting at my grandpa's grave for us. Since my grandpa joined the Marines when he was 18, they were there to salute him and his family.



They opened an American flag and held it open over my grandpa's grave while the soldiers gave a 21 gun salute (which Grandpa would've loved, since he was an avid gunman).
After, they folded it back up, and another soldier played Taps.
Then, they presented the flag to my grandma, on behalf of the President of the United States, and the Marine Corps.


It was a wonderful ceremony and very touching to be a part of. I'm so thankful to be a part of this country and for all the men and women who work so hard for our country to be what it is. We will forever be in their debt.

Of course, Memorial Day just isn't complete without a pool party and barbeque. So we all headed over to the Dimicks' for some food and fun. Scott and I had our underwater camera, so that added to the fun.

Memorial Day is a great time to have fun, spend time with family and just take a break. I am so grateful for this holiday because it also reminds me to give tribute to those who have gone before us, and to be thankful for this country we live in. It truly is the greatest country in the world. God bless America!

Our Kitchen

When we got engaged and started gathering things for our first home, we decided (or I decided and Scott went along with it) that our kitchen would be ladybug-themed. We've been lucky that ladybugs are somewhat in right now and so there are lots of ladybug things available, and that our friends and family members have been very generous and helped it come together. We just wanted to share some of our treasures!

Our salt and pepper shakers and matching cookie jar, compliments of Nancy/Mom.

Scrubber holder (or whatever you call those things), complements of sister Sarah.

Ladybug mixing bowl set, a shower gift from a family friend back in the home ward.
One of my favorites, an apron that my Grandma Fraser made for me. One of the best things about it is she made the pocket on the left side since I'm left-handed!

Another homemade favorite: my sister Melissa made these red and black "Home" blocks for our house last Christmas. She knows we don't have much room in our apartment so...

They double as Christmas decorations if you flip them around! They're so awesome.

Last but not least, this cute little ladybug picture frame that I got at Michael's for 3 bucks.

We can't wait to get a bigger place (even though we are no rush to leave our little "cottage" that we love) so we can get more ladybug stuff! Thanks to everyone for the gifts!