gorgeous california yard

california with a few of my favs was TOO good.

and almost as good as the laughs and sunshine, was the gorgeous backyard of the house we stayed at.

it took my breathe away, so i had to capture it as best as I could.

INSERT DREAM BACKYARD HERE:

happy post

this is a happy post full of bright wild flowers, sunny hikes, and good times

 because finals are over and i'm headed to cali. (at the end of the week. don't ask me how or why)

and oh my lanta summer vacation has never sounded so sweet.

towards the light

ok ok… i know this is normal and totally not that exciting that flowers "lean towards the light" but still please admit how caaaauuuteee these tulips are, maybe it's cause they are being so dramatic with "leaning" but the simplest things will never cease to amaze me (i hope.)

and speaking of leaning towards light…. hello spring break! 

much needed week that i already know is going to go by too fast.

but lets all enjoy it while we can, fit in some spring cleaning, get a little sun kissed, and stay calm because spring break = half way through the semester.

ps… if you're like me and you like treats and are craving something fresh and sweet.. these lemon brownies are your guy.

BakerGirl Recipe

also speaking of leaning towards the light… i loved the first presidency message this month.

the "Teaching From This Message" section nails it.

XOXO and happy spring breaking! 

growing since 1965

it's always a good time with my Anderson clan. this group is the reason why I am grateful for eternal families. anderson family reunion was spent these last three days up at heber valley camp! And no offense to past girls camps which were super fun, but it was at least 95% more enjoyable with the family ;) 

Food, crafts, volleyball, hikes, food, canoes, upset tummies, paddle boats, more food, testimony meetings, campfires, challenge courses, tics, have I mentioned food, nature, tics, swimming, flowers, genuine family bonding time. 

Whatever the activity, it's sure to be done with a smile. I'm so grateful for my grandma and grandpa who have been the best examples of making family a priority, and to focus on the things that will really bring us true joy out of life. I love them to pieces. Prepare yourself, I have a thousand pictures like always. But I just can't help to not document these priceless memories! Hope you all had a fantastic 24th of July! Happy Pioneer Day. :) 

Truly, truly facing my fears.

This sweet mamma of mine.

Our lanterns. (plus a tender moment accidentally captured in the back ground.)

P.S.

These adorable home-made lanterns?

glass jars

modge-podge

tissue paper

(with a small candle placed inside after modge-podge has dried)

 Ah, these two.

Our own little sacred grove.

Stinging nettle makes for a real pretty field.

Love these love-birds.

And it all started with these two. 

Growing since 1965. 

I hope to a family just like theirs one day.

Thanks to my beautiful Aunt (who looks more like my little sister) Emily, for planning this fun reunion for everyone to enjoy. Seriously, your hard work paid off!!!