Happy Halloweenie

The other night we got some most perfecet pumpkins from Brandon's parent's garden so we got a little carving kit and got to work. Dontcha think they turned out great! I pooped out about half way through mine but forced myself to continue. It took forever. Mine's the one on your far right and Brandon's is next. He was a real trooper since he had worked a 12 hr day and we didn't even start til after 10:00. Here's the carving partners, at first I couldn't figure out what Jen was doing then I looked at what was in her hand, silly girl.

I had to put a close up of Austin and Breanna's pumpkin because it was the best one, can you tell who it is?

Kevin from the office! Love it. Breanna's boyfriend made some horchata that was so very delicious. I don't know if you've heard of it, but it's a creamy, sweet, cinnamon ricey milk. I hadn't had it since my mission and it actually brought back some fun memories. Brandon loved it too. It was a perfect little treat. I feel like I need to start learning how to actually cook stuff!!

LAS VEGAS!!

My family just got back from Vegas yesterday and it was such a blast! My parents were celebrating their anniversary and had the rest of us come join them for a couple days. They also have a foreign exchange student from Brazil and she really wanted to see Vegas while she's here. It was really good being with the fam, and Brandon and I always love a get away!

This was my 1st time gambling!! I discoved that I love the slots, and Brandon actually won 25 buckaroos.

I was telling a gal at work about my plans to go to Vegas and she asked me "why would you go to Vegas, how is that even fun for you?....knowing we don't smoke, drink, party, etc. But I had to just laugh because I've actually been a lot and it's such a blast. We swam and relaxed, shopped at the outlets, walked the strip to see the free stuff, played games in the hotel, rode the coasters, and saw a show. It's the perfect get away. This time, we saw The Blueman group. Now I have to say that it was funny and entertaining, but I would never go again. I thought for how famous they are, they would and could have done a lot more with their act. But we had a good time and had really good seats!

Our favorite free thing to see is the fountain at the Bellagio. We spent over an hour there one night. I just think it's incredible what they do with it! It's my sister Kaylie's favorite and since she's on a mish in Brazil we missed her oh so much.

The Coke Factory has samples of coke products from all over the world. Some are nasty, some are delish so we did a taste test.

Thanks to my folks for a great trip, we love being with you guys and the fam!

Oregon Coast

In nursing school I seriously had the very best study group ever. I had such good friends and I wouldn't have survived school without them. There were seven of us and we had such a blast...maybe too much fun actually. So for the last two years of school we've been planning this awesome trip up to Oregon where Megan is from. It was a blast!

We went to this gorgeous waterfall...

Ate this delicious crab. We've never been known to be big seafood fans but Doug, Flor, and Jen caught this right out of the ocean and it was sooo good. I wish I had a pic of the table AFTER we were done eating, we were all covered in crab.

Went to this Sturgeon Fish Hatchery. In case you don't know what a Sturgeon is, here's a glimpse for you. It's a fish that's pretty much larger than life.

Just the gals...

The oregon coast is full of little tide pools so when it's low tide you can see all of the starfish, sea anenamies, crabs, all kinds of cool stuff. This is a starfish we found....

We went to this aquarium and saw some cool little creatures. Here's the jellyfish, I could have watched them for hours....

Floated on tire innertubes down this beautiful river bank...

Stayed in this cute cabin near the coast....

Made this bonfire on the ocean.....ok on the sand. (I know some of you wouldn't have been able to resist saying "you can't build a fire on the water Shelissa" and felt like it was a funny remark so I just saved you the embarrassment....)

Visited the pier here...notice the cool bridge?

Watched these sea lions.... or were they seals? Who knows.

Spent the day at the beach having hot chocolate. I know they don't go together but it was so cold yet so beautiful so we stayed.

Last but not least I just had to show you this cute of pic of this cute guy. Look at him chopping this wood in his too small board shirt from highschool:) Just a side note, Brandon makes the best fires I've ever seen. Thank goodness he's an eagle scout.

Thanks so much to my wonderful study buddies and great friends, for helping me pass and for an incredible trip. Love you guys!!