Summer Snapshot

            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.

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.

BBQ man! Look at that sweet beard!

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.

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!

The beginning of our drive

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.