After a
packed and busy Winter semester at BYU, we started our summer by wrapping up
our classes. On Wednesday April 24th we met up in the morning after our last
final. We both couldn’t believe that we were actually done! We were excited to
see Mama Rodio, Grandy, and Reana, who would be flying in that day for
Graduation the next two days. What a treat it was to have them with us in Utah!
It wouldn’t have been the same without them.
On Thursday all of us attended
commencement ceremonies at the Marriott Center with a yummy dinner at the
Hinckley Alumni Center following the main event. On Friday we were up very
early in order to attend the convocation ceremonies for the College of
Humanities at 8amJ
It felt very surreal to be graduating from college. I was so excited to be with
my fellow English Language buddies and I was stoked to be placed right next to
my dear friend Lindsey Potter. I am very grateful for my family who made a
special effort to attend these events for me! On Friday night we all gathered
at Ched and Yolette’s home for a graduation party. Yolette and her family made
the most wonderful treatsJ Graduation weekend was a very special and memorable
time! A special thanks definitely goes to my wonderful mother who made this
dream a reality for me. Thank you so much for your continual love and support
throughout my school years! I could not be where I am today without your loving
guidance, kindness, and faith.
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| Class of 2013 |
Following
graduation we both finished up our last shifts at the MTC. That was definitely
a bittersweet wrap-up. We loved working there the past year (two years for EvanJ).
We met so many wonderful missionaries and we both had very special experiences
being teachers there. It was hard to say good-bye. We loved living so close to
where we worked! Wymount was the perfect first little home for us as newlywedsJ
We had a great ward and loved the friends that we were able to spend time with
over the course of the school year.
Our
original plan for May was to work for a while and then attend a Front Sight
gun-training course with Dad. After that we intended to fly to California for a
few weeks before going to Lake Powell and making the long trek to Florida. Papa
was getting progressively worse and we felt it best for me to go to California
early. We quickly packed up our apartment (thanks to the many hours of help
from Mama Nuttall!) and I was off. Evan continued to work and attended Front
Sight with Dad, joining me a few weeks later when we originally planned.
It was such
a blessing to spend that time extra time with Papa. Every day was focused
around him. I loved being able to share stories with him and share many smiles.
When Evan came the fun continued and we were able to make very precious
memories with our family as we were thereJ One of the highlights
from our trip was Reana’s graduation. In the photo below Evan is the office BBQ
man at the fabulous graduation party that Mom threw in Reana’s behalf! Way to
go Re! You have done such a great job and will continue to succeed at San Diego
State! There is nothing in the world that compares to quality time with family.
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| BBQ man! Look at that sweet beard! |
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| We love you Papa! |
After our
California adventure we had about a day to pack and get ready to go to Lake
PowellJ
We were very excited to spend a week with our family as we all headed to the
lake. As always, the boating was a blast, the memories were priceless, and the
food was delicious! Thank you Mama and Papa Nuttall! Lake Powell truly is a
special vacation! It was fun just relaxing as a family and sharing many laughs
throughout the day! Evan’s wakeboarding skills definitely were a highlight of
the trip, especially when he would sing and “dance” along to the songs as he enjoyed
the wakeJ
Evan enjoyed being able to drive the boat and sword fight with Chad, Shane, and
Doug.
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| Look at that jump:) |
Every morning we made an effort to
go out on the early wakeboarding run. The water was like glass and the sunrise
was always gorgeous as the light slowly emerged across the stunning rocks and
surroundings. I loved being able to take in the beautiful landscape and fresh
air. This time in the morning was breathtakingly perfect.
My goal was to get off the wake
more smoothly and jump coming back into the wake. The picture that proves this
accomplishment was absolutely horrible (way too concentrated expression! It
looks like I am either in a lot of pain or very angry) so you will just have to
picture itJ
We loved being able to be with our family for the week.
When we
returned from Powell we had about a day and a half to pack and be ready to
leave for FloridaJ
Our little Saturn was sure packed tight, but we had everything that we needed!
Mama Nuttall and I made the best of the trunk space by packing all the clothes
in vacuum bags, which actually proved to be super effective! It was so hard to
say goodbye knowing that we would be gone for six months.
The drive
ended up being a lot better than we previously anticipated though! I think it
makes a difference when you are traveling through areas that you have not seen
before. We listened to Harry Potter and
the Deathly Hallows for parts of the trip. We laughed, talked a lot, took
fun pictures, and enjoyed the sights as we went along. A more documented record
of our adventure crossing the United States will be the next post, so stay
tuned!
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| The beginning of our drive |
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| We were able to go to Carthage Jail |
Overall our
summer has seemed to go by very fast, but it has been very memorable! We have
loved making new memories in Florida and we reflect on our memories this summer
with our families with smiles and appreciation. Our family has been so
supportive of our endeavors and we are so thankful for their help and
encouragement every step of the way.
