Thanksgiving

Ryan and I had a GREAT Thanksgiving!

My parents took us on a trip to Orlando, Florida to go to Universal Studios.

This trip was mostly for my sister so that she could experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter but we'll admit we had fun too!

We flew into Orlando on Wednesday night.  Thursday morning we woke up to be at the park as soon as it opened.  

We quickly blew past the other attractions to start our day wizarding style.  It was already really packed but luckily there wasn't a line for the dragon ride which we did twice so we could ride each dragon.  We glanced around the shops and got some butter beer but decided to come back in the afternoon to go on the rest of the rides when the workers said the lines died down.  

We went to the Jurassic Park section and played on the rope playground.  Ryan called it the "Big kid playground" ran from tower to tower making bird calls.  We then proceeded to Toon Town.  They had all of these cute little bubble signs so I couldn't resist taking a picture under one and Ryan was just dying to join me.

Then it was off to Superhero land where we discovered the amazing power of the single rider.  Basically if you're willing to not sit by your party you go in a separate line and can get on much faster by filling in single seats.  We went on the spider man ride, hulk and tower of terror.  By this point my mom was feeling quite sick so we decided to take a break and eat lunch.  We then proceeded to a stunt show by Sinbad.  After that Jenna was dying to go back to Harry Potter World so we got in line for the Castle Ride.  We could have done single rides but the line for the ride winds through the castle so we had to check it out.  It was cool to see all the scenes from the books and they turned the picture frames into small TVs so the pictures actually moved.

The ride was so amazing but it made my parents sick and so my dad took my mom to the first aide tent.  While they were gone we waited in line with Jenna to go into Olivander's.  They bring 30 people into the wand store and choose one person to go through the wand selecting experience and Jenna was chosen! She was so cute going through all the steps and she found a wand which she bought.  We then went on the Castle Ride again as single riders before meeting up with my parents.  We wanted to try the toon ride similar to splash mountain but waited until the end of the day so we weren't walking around wet.  BAD IDEA!  We got soaked and at this point the sun was setting so we were freezing.

We then headed back to the condo to change into dry clothes.  My dad went out and order us food from TGI Fridays for our Thanksgiving feast.

On Friday we slept in a little longer and then headed to the second Universal Studios park.  We shot aliens on the Men in Black ride, almost got eaten by a shark on the Jaws ride, and ran for our lives away from Mummies.  By the end of the day there was only one extreme roller coaster left to go on... Rock It.  This coaster when straight up and down, had upside down loops with a cork screw but you did get to pick a song to listen to while you were on the ride.  Jenna was dying to go on it so as the big sister I accompanied her.  It was pretty thrilling but I was definitely done riding roller coasters by the end.

On Saturday we had breakfast with a couple Ryan met on his mission who snow bird in Orlando before driving with my parents to Atlanta.  On the drive we passed millions of Waffle House restaurants and my mom and Ryan wanted to try it so we ate dinner there.  BIG MISTAKE! It took an hour to make five waffles.  The staff burned the first 3 batches of Waffles.  Yes, a place with Waffle in it's name burned 3 batches of waffles.  The restaurant was so dirty and the staff was clueless but it was a great memory.  On Sunday we flew home.  Thank you mom and dad for the amazing trip and memories!

Early Christmas

For our Christmas present for each other Ryan and I decided to go in together on new couches.  We found a really great deal and love them.  They are a bonded leather and super comfortable.  Plus, I think they really upgrade our living room!

Also I realized I never mentioned that I finally got a job.  It isn't related to my major but I do love it.  I am a nanny for two year old twins (one boy and one girl).  They are so cute.  I work three days a week so it gives just enough to keep busy but still gives me time to get things down around the house.  

Family Visits

Ryan and I were lucky enough to have family visit us for the last week of October and the first week of November.  It was so nice to have them here to keep me busy before I started my job.  

My mom came up first and then Ryan's parents flew in the next week.  We enjoyed the walking trails around the lakes, shopping, touring campus and Capital, and visiting the farmer's market.  We are so lucky to have such amazing parents.  Thanks for the visit!

Halloween

I know! I know! I'm really really behind.  I was just uploading pictures from my camera and realized I never posted anything about some of these pictures.  

So here it goes.... Calder Halloween 2011!

We didn't really do anything exciting.  In fact we only carved pumpkins but I thought they we came up with some clever ideas if I say so myself.  

Pumpkin Regatta

Alright now if you read the last post you may be wondering why we left the camping trip so early.  We left because we wanted to be back in time for the annual Pumpkin Regatta the University of Wisconsin holds.  After attending this event I have fallen in love with UW (don't worry USU still holds a special place in my heart).  First, the student center at UW is right on lake Mendota.  The patio of the student center has steps directly down to the lake where there are docks for the sail club.  It is absolutely beautiful and really makes you forgot it is actually a school.  So because campus is right on the lake they can do cool things like a pumpkin regatta.  

Now UW did not invent the pumpkin regatta it actually is a real activity and there are groups that take it quite seriously especially in Canada (click here to learn more about it).  This gist of what happens at UW is there is a professor who grows giant pumpkins for research and every year he hollows out a couple of them for this event.  After the pumpkins are hollowed out they are placed in giant inner tubes.  Then you get in the pumpkin and paddle through the course racing your opponent.  It is quite the site to see.  When Ryan and I got there the line was so long.  I mean who wouldn't want to race in a giant pumpkin? We didn't want to wait in line so since we were there and it was so nice outside we decided to rent a canoe and paddle around on the lake.  When we got back there were only a few people still in line for the pumpkin regatta so we got in line, waited our turn and got to ride in a giant pumpkin!  Ryan and I almost tied but I got to the finish line first.  It was so much fun.  I feel like I've just checked something off my bucket list even though I didn't know a pumpkin regatta was on the list before going.  If you eve have a chance to participate in a pumpkin regatta I highly recommend it.

The giant pumpkin seed from the giant pumpkin!

Unfortunately we didn't get any pictures while we were in the pumpkins but at least this will show you what they looked like.

Ward Camp Out

Last weekend we attended the ward camp out.  It was held in Wyalusing Park about two hours away.  We were worried it may be cold since it is October but for the past two weeks it has been upper 70's and low 80's. So to all my Utah friends I'm sorry you encounter snow while we had perfect weather.

Friday afternoon I picked Ryan up from campus and we drove out to the park. That night we enjoyed some camp fire time which included songs, s'mores, and getting to know some of the families in our ward.  Saturday morning we had breakfast and then set out on a hike (okay a walk on a flat trail without the steep incline of the mountains it doesn't really feel like hiking).  This trail led to a sand cave which seemed quite out of place given the scenery we saw the rest of the hike but it was cool none the less.  After the hike we headed home stopping at the Mississippi River at the edge of the state park.  It was a lot of fun and we're glad we went.

A little bit of everything update

So you'd think with the fact that I'm currently retired I would have time to update the blog more often but clearly that hasn't been happening so here is an update of what we've been up to for the past couple of weeks.

Bike ride around Lake Monona.  I wish the weather would stay nice so we could go again but so far it is looking like it won't be until next year :(

We got callings in our new ward.  I am the first counselor in the primary presidency and Ryan is the CTR 8 teacher.

I got a small part time job teaching a dance club for an after school program at a local middle school.

I had an interview with an amazing research institute to work in their outreach program.  I should hear back in a couple of weeks. (keep your fingers crossed!)

We went to the Chicago temple to do sealings and at the most amazing pizza.  Seriously I'm in love.  I could eat this pizza all the time.

We went to Indiana to support my dad when he was called as the bishop of his ward.  We got to see my grandparents, go duck pin bowling, have a fire, and prepare dinner for 250 relief society sisters.

I would like to sum up what Ryan has been up to in one quote (he really said this to me last night), "Today I did the best series of algebra that I have ever done in my whole life." So basically school, school and more school but at least he is enjoying it.

We really love our neighbors.  This week we've gotten together for a baby shower, birthday party, and game night.  The girls will probably get together during the piesthood session tomorrow.

We are so excited for general conference.  It is one of my favorite weekends!

Weekend in Chicago

We spent Labor Day weekend in Chicago.  We drove down on Friday and spent that evening exploring the city.  We had some amazing deep dish pizza! After that we met my family at the hotel and Saturday morning we went to the Chicago Temple.  After the temple we went the the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry.  It was pretty cool but a lot of it was geared towards children.  While we were there we got to go to the Body Worlds exhibit.  We headed home that evening.  It was a great weekend.

The coast of Lake Michigan

The "Bean!"

Moving Day and New Apartment

We spent two day packing, loading the truck, and cleaning our apartment.  We were lucky to have help from our friends and family.  Ryan's mom and sister came up on Monday to help clean and then the whole family came up Tuesday evening for dinner.  Wednesday morning we left bright and early with Ryan's dad.  It was so nice of him to come with us and help drive! We made it to Grand Island, NE that night. Thursday we went the rest of the way and arrived in Madison around 5 pm.  The minute we got there two of our neighbors came out to meet us and help unload.  My parents arrived that night and stayed the weekend to help unpack.  We had everything done by Monday.  Here are some pictures of the moving day and our new apartment.

Getting ready in the living room since every other room had already been cleaned

New Apartment Building

Living Room

Living Room

This is a little bunny we've seen in our yard a few times

Rock Climbing

This is long over due but we are now settled in our apartment so I now have time to update the blog.  The week before we left we went rock climbing with the Bronson's up Logan Canyon.  It was a lot of fun but also sad to think that was the last time we would be in that canyon.  We were so lucky to have such great friends in Logan.

WC #7-9

7. The ceremony and reception: where was it at? show us some pictures! what day did you get married?We got married in the Mt. Timpanogos temple on Saturday, August 15th 2009 at 2:00 pm.  We had the reception that night at the church near Ryan's parents' home.  

8. The cake/food:  so tell me about what you had at your wedding!
I loved the cake at our wedding.  It simple and classy.  The food was provided by my uncles.  I didn't get much of it but it was tasty. We had chicken, fruit, veggies, and desserts from Kneaders.

9. Your song and/or the first song you danced to at your wedding: share a music video or lyrics if you can!

We didn't have dancing at our reception but our song is "Then" by Brad Paisley

WC #4-6

4. Engagement/bridal pictures: let's see em!

5. The colors: show some of the flower and colors you used
The wedding colors were an aqua blue and yellow

 




6. The dress: was it what you always imagined? did you have it made for you? white or ivory?
I had never really thought about what dress I would wear but I did love my dress.  It was white and even though it wasn't made just for me it didn't need any alterations and fit like a glove. 

WC #1-3

1. How it all began: how you met, first date, how long did you date?

Ryan and I first saw each other our physic class in the ELSC auditorium.  We didn't actually meet until the physics lab and we were lab lab partners (I know it doesn't get more nerdy than this).   We studied a couple of times and said hello on campus but I never thought he was interested.  The next semester I ran into him in the library so we talked for a little bit and that is when he asked me on a date.  Our first date was a steak cook-off.  It was a group date with his room mates and my room mates. Each couple had to prepare steaks and a side.  The night before we all got together so that we could get our steak marinating and the next day we got together to grill them.  Ryan and I picked up or steak from Hamilton's and I personally think ours was the best.  We grilled them in Adam's park and played Frisbee there.  It was a lot of fun and I was impressed because it was pretty creative.  We dated for nine months before Ryan proposed.

2. Proposal: how it happened, how long were you engaged for? was it a total surprise? 

The day Ryan proposed he was coming back from Provo where he picked up the ring and asked my dad's permission.  When he got back he came over and we hung out for a little bit and then we went out to eat.  We went to Hamilton's because he said we needed to celebrate the fact that my dad said yes.  I wasn't thinking that he was going to propose because he told me when he went to get the ring it wasn't done yet and wouldn't be done for a couple of weeks.  After dinner we went on a walk and ended up at Adam's park.  He proposed in the same place that we had our first date.  I was so surprised because I wasn't expecting it for a couple of weeks.  We were engaged for 2 1/2 months.

3. The ring: tell us about it! did you pick it out? did he? pictures! tell us about his ring too!

I LOVE my ring! We went and looked at rings so they he knew what styles I liked but I didn't pick out a specific ring.  Ryan actually designed the ring himself and it was a total surprise.  He did an amazing job and I don't I couldn't have picked anything better. His ring is tungsten with a beveled edge.  

 

Wedding Challenge

I found this challenge on one of my friend's blogs and I thought it would be the perfect thing since Ryan and I celebrated our 2nd anniversary on Monday.  I'll divide it into a couple post since it is quite a bit of information.  

1. how it all began: how you met, first date, first kiss, how long did you date? 

2. proposal: how it happened, how long were you engaged for? was it a total surprise? 

3. the ring: tell us about it! did you pick it out? did he? pictures! tell us about his ring too!

4. engagement/bridal pictures: let's see em!

5. the colors: show some of the flower and colors you used

6. the dress: was it what you always imagined? did you have it made for you? white or ivory?

7. the ceremony and reception: where was it at? show us some pictures! what day did you get married?

8. the cake/food:  so tell me about what you had at your wedding!

9. your song and/or the first song you danced to at your wedding: share a music video or lyrics if you can!

Family Vacation and Tim McGraw

Last weekend we went on a family vacation with the Calders.  They rented this beautiful four bedroom condo up Ogden canyon in Eden.  They arrived on Wednesday and we met up with them Thursday night.  We played a ton of card games (I'm pretty amazing at gin rummy now so watch out!), tennis, and volleyball.  We also watched an old Alfred Hitchcock murder movie and of course ate! On Saturday they rented a boat so we spent the day at the lake.  I tried wake-boarding and I was able to get up which was quite the accomplishment! Ryan and I headed in at about 1:30 so we could get ready for our Tim McGraw concert at the USANA amphitheater, but the rest of the family stayed out until 7:00 pm.  The concert was so much fun.  The Band Perry and Luke Byran opened the show and Tim McGraw started off with a lot of his old classics which is exactly what we were hoping for.  It was an amazing weekend, we are definitely going to miss being so close to the Calder family!

Mom's Birthday

We also had the opportunity to meet up with Ryan's family for his Mom's birthday and get our diplomas (It is finally official!). We met in Layton at Red Robin. It was so much fun. I seriously laugh the whole time I'm with his family.  Here are just some of the funny things that happened.  First we all squeezed in to this booth (which had really low seats so the table was like at my head) which was quite the feat with 8 of us.  Second, our waitress overheard Dani saying that last time she used 10 tortillas for her fajitas and said "Nice!" Third, Ryan's dad was filming video of us talking while we were waiting for our food.  After dinner we just sat out on the grass and talked.  I am so lucky to have such amazing in-laws.