Oh how lovely was the weekend...

There's nothing like breaking the end of pregnancy up into manageable chunks. Hawaii was obviously a major event that we were looking forward to. Thankfully, our dear friends Jen and Matt Pierson decided to get married last weekend, which provided another lovely event to break up the baby count-down.

Since Jen grew up in Rochester, the wedding was held in the Palmyra temple. Due to the fact that my camera was out of batteries, I don't actually have any pictures of the happy couple or their nuptual celebrations. It was quite a perfect weekend. Between the sealing and the reception, we were able to visit the church sites.

We were also fortunate enough to be able to hang out with the Fronces for the rest of the weekend--and they were smart enough to A) plan activities for us to do, and B) bring a camera to commemorate the festivities. On Sunday, we headed up to Niagara Falls to take in the splendor of nature. Too bad it is surrounded by a freaky fun-town. I'm kind of scared of Canada now. Also, since my last boating experience was less than ideal, I decided not to go on the Maid of the Mist. Justin and I got ice cream instead. I could be wrong, but I think we made a good choice. (Next time you're in Upstate New York, you must get some Perry's ice cream. It's all over the place, and delicious.) You can tell my belly has grown a lot in the past two weeks!


On Monday we discovered an amazing gem of a state park called Watkins Glen. I'll be honest, it was cooler than Niagara Falls. Anyone going up to the greater Palmyra area should definitely check it out.


Next major milestones: Two weeks and we finish the year of teaching seminary. Three weeks after that and I officially end my consulting career (woot!). Then I will lie by the pool for a few weeks until the baby comes.

Happy Birthday America

So, these pictures probably won't look super patriotic (we have no pinwheels, tiaras or sparklers), but this was probably my favorite 4th of July in memory. Here's why:

1. We got to spend time with Ali and Jim
2. We did not capsize into the Charles despite the fact that Jim (though he be a certified helmsman) had never had anyone else in his boat, or sailed on a red wind day. I did get soaked with river splash, hoewever.
   
3. We got to break a Happy Birthday America pinata made by Jim. It turns out that Jim has been making a plethora of pinatas. (Although technically Will was the one to actually break it, we all benefited from the spoils.)
4. I was reminded how much I enjoy playing frisbee.
5. We wandered around Boston's Freedom Trail, felt the spirit of '76 and were filled with patriotism from the cradle of the revolution.
6. Watched the best failed western TV show pilot ever made.
7. Spent some time on a slightly chilly, uncrowded beach. (Although, it turns out that I did not get tan.)
8. The best fireworks show I have ever seen in my life...accompanied by the Boston Pops and Rascal Flats.
9. Besides one minor spot, we did not hit traffic the whole way home.
10. Did I mention hanging out with Ali and Jim?

It really was a fantastic weekend in Boston. Here are the pictures:

The "L" in all its glory. I promise an update of the blog next week when I finish my classes!!