Happy Birthday!

To Robert!

This past weekend we celebrated Robert's 24th birthday. We had to start early since his birthday actually falls on General Conference weekend, so we dragged it out as long as we could. (Click http://new.lds.org/general-conference/watch?lang=eng to find out more about or to watch General Conference and http://www.mormon.org to find out more about the LDS church).

To Start Off:

On Thursday night, we went out to dinner at Macaroni Grill with three other couples from Stetson. It was a blast and dinner was great. Not to mention when they brought out Robert's birthday treat, we were serenaded in Italian by our waiter. It got me excited for our trip to Italy next year. After dinner we headed back to our place for some ping pong, pool, presents, and cake. I made Robert a banana bread cake. I was sad I didn't take any pictures of our night out, so I have re-created it.

On Friday, Robert had the day off from his internship, so he went golfing with a buddy of his from school. That night we went out for ice cream (thanks to my sister and Ben for providing him with a gift card to his favorite ice cream place - Cold Stone Creamery) and a movie. We saw Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, which we highly recommend and enjoyed.

On Saturday, we rolled out of bed had some cinnamon rolls and hung around the house until General Conference started. In between sessions, we went out for some snow cones and played tennis. That night we stayed up watching the endings to the big college football games.

Sunday started out with a delicious breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and bacon. We watched some more General Conference and relaxed. It was such a great weekend, and it felt like it lasted for a long time. We both did not want to get up this morning and start our week again. I think Robert had a fabulous birthday and got completely spoiled, which is how it should be for such a great guy! I am so happy to have him in my life.

Some things you might not know about Robert:

His favorite candy bar is a Butterfinger.

He does not have any cousins.

He longs to throw a baseball around while in a china shop, so watch out!

His nickname in high school was Prep.

He loves animals and wants to own a dog, penguin, squirrel, and tiger.

He has a heart of a child.

He still flexes his muscles for me.

He has a Mickey Mouse shaped birth mark.

He loves to learn about gangs by watching Gangland on the History Channel.

BYU - FSU Game

On Saturday, we headed to Tallahassee for the BYU vs. FSU football game. We even met up with my brother in law, Ben, who drove down with some of his friends from Nashville, TN.

We got to hang out with Cosmo for a little bit before the game started. We also made a stop at the BYU tailgate where I got a free BYU logo sticker for our car.

We were joined at the game with some friends from law school, Kristin and John. It was John's lucky day as he is a big FSU fan.

BYU did not have a very good game. The first half was fun as we kept it a close game, but by the second half our defense was tired and what else can you do when you don't have an offense and it is sweltering outside.

Even though BYU lost 34-10 it was still a fun trip up to Tally. It was my first time there and I enjoyed getting to see another school's atmosphere. However, the drive back was long (it takes about 4 hours) and we were exhausted from sitting out in the sun all day! It was hot and humid - who schedules a 3:30 game in this heat? We made it home though and took a nap the next day.

Trip Highlights:

* Walking around the FSU stadium before the game started with Ben and Robert getting to see all the pre-game festivities.

* Snow cones during half time. It was so hot!

* Running into people we knew from BYU and from the Tampa area

* Greek Row!

* Stopping for a bite to eat at Subway on the way home.

* Having a dance party in the car.

* Watching a drunk kid fall down a hill and be taken around by his pants by a cop.

* The long ride home and trying to stay awake.

Update on Fountain Fun

It's time for an update! We have been busy lately with all sorts of activities. Here's what we have been up to:

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

I started a paddle boarding class three weeks ago (that's me in the middle). It has been going great. I love getting up early (class starts at 7 am) and watching the sun rise while out in the water on the beach. Best way to exercise! I have class two times a week. My class ends in two weeks and hopefully I will have enough diligence to still get myself up and continue to workout.

School - Round 2

Robert has started his second year at law school! This semester has been going well so far. He is going to stay busy this semester with all of his classes, internship at Minor League Baseball, being a Stetson Ambassador, intramurals, research assistant job, and more. He likes his classes so far. Robert enjoyed getting to select his classes this year, so he is able to take classes that interest him more and can prepare him for the type of law he wants to practice. He still has some classes that are requirements to take, but overall the class selection process is going well. He loves his baseball internship. It has allowed him to get to see a lot of the behind the scenes action that takes place when putting on professional baseball games. Also, it will hopefully provide him with a lot of contacts to important individuals in the baseball community.

Cruise

We booked a cruise! This time we are heading to...Europe! We can't wait. We really wanted to do some traveling before Robert gets out of law school and starts a "real" job, so we thought next summer would be perfect timing. We leave in May out of Barcelona, Spain where we will then go to Provence, France; Florence, Italy; Rome, Italy; Sicily; and end in Venice, Italy. From Venice, Robert and I wanted to travel up to Paris for a couple days before heading back home. We have always wanted to go to Europe, so we thought we would just do it! We are excited that we will be joined on our adventure by Jason (my brother) and Lori.

Labor Day Weekend

We had a busy Labor Day weekend, where we played hard - crashed - played again - and crashed. That's exactly how the weekend went. We kicked off the weekend by hosting a BBQ party for all the new LDS Stetson students. We have had 4 or so new couples move in, so we thought we would host a get together so we could get to know each other better. There were 6 couples in total with lots of kids included in the mix. We grilled hamburgers out in the pavilion while the kids played at the park. After dinner we all took a dip in the pool.

The following day, Robert and I decided after sleeping in that we should spend the day at Disney. An hour later we were at Animal Kingdom, where we spent about 5 hours there.

The coolest part was getting to watch this cute little 6 month old monkey interact with his mom and big daddy.

After Animal Kingdom, we headed to Magic Kingdom where we spent another 5 fun hours riding rides and having a good time. The next day, after church on Sunday, we took a marathon nap to recover from all the walking.

One of Robert's favorite rides at Disney is Buzz Lightyear. He beat me of course.

On Monday, we woke up early and headed out to our Stake Labor Day activity where we ate a delicious breakfast, played two games of softball, and a set of tennis with other fellow church members. Boy, were we wiped out, not to mention dripped with sweat. It was so humid! We came home showered and took a nice cat nap. Later that night we headed out to watch Toy Story 3 in 3D. We finally got around to watching it. We were happy our theatre brought it back for a limited time, so we could see it. We loved it. It was a great way to cap off what was a wonderful weekend!

Now back to work, church duties, and school.

The End of a Beginning

August marks our one year mark of living in Florida. I can't believe it has already been a year since we moved here. It is bittersweet because on the one hand I feel more comfortable now with the area I live in, the friends I have made, but I am super sad because this means my 3 year vacation is already one year down. I try not to think about when we will have to move out of our apartment. It has been awesome living here so far. I hope the next two years slow down and are better than the first. It's hard to believe Robert will be finished with school in two years and then another adventure will be awaiting us.

Recap of our first year in Florida:

* Robert started his first year of law school at Stetson University College of Law

~ I started my new position at work - working from home

* Attended lots of Stetson student socials, so we could meet new friends

~ Experienced what church is like in a small branch

* Learned the directions and hot spots of our new area (still a work in progress)

~ Went to Busch Gardens, Sea World, Disney World, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios

* Enjoyed our balcony view watching the dolphins, manatees, sting rays, birds, storms off the coast, boaters, beautiful sunsets, and night time views. This is my favorite place to read a book.

~ Enjoyed going to the Stetson Intramural softball games to watch Robert and hang out with friends.

* Played beach volleyball with friends from Stetson

~ Entertained lots of visitors: (Jenny & Tyler, Jason, Lori & family, Austin, Spencer & Hayley, Chris - Robert's dad, my dad & Kristi)

* Went to lots of Rays baseball games

~ Went to the Orlando Temple for the first time and I was able to see two friends get married there (Brett and Amy), as the Atlanta Temple is closed for remodeling.

* Went swimming year-round

~ Spent lots of time on the beach playing, strolling, exercising, and laying out.

* Watched the cruise boats sail out each week

~ Went to Ft. De Soto

* We took a boat ride out into the gulf on a friend's boat

~ Saw my first professional tennis event

* Played lots of golf

~ Enjoyed decorating a new place and much more

We definitely had a busy first year and enjoyed our new adventure. We are very happy that we picked to come to school here. Round two here we come!

Where did July go?

Before I knew it, July was over. We arrived back from Utah just in time for the busiest month for church youth activities. We had youth conference, busy mutual nights (wednesday activity nights), planned and performed our Sunday program, and took a trip to the Temple. Here we are outside the temple in Orlando, FL.

It was an awesome experience to be serving my young women and helping them in the temple. It was also fun to watch all their faces light up at the sight of the temple, many of them had never been before EVER! I feel so spoiled for having grown up in such a great ward when I was a youth and especially thankful to all of my amazing leaders. It is through their example, that I am even able to survive this calling. It is my first time in the Young Women's Program as a leader not a youth. Even though it keeps me super busy, which is a good thing most of the time, I am really enjoying serving as Young Women's President here in our branch. It is has truly been a blessing, and I hope that I can give back what my leaders gave to me. I love watching the girls progress. It can be a challenge at times, but we are making some right steps in the right direction. I think I may even have convinced a few of my girls to even take their nose rings out, among other things. ;)

4th of July/Trip to Utah

WARNING: Long Post Below

For this very special person below is how this whole trip started...

My Grandma, Nelda Tolsma, turned 80 on July 1st. As such, my entire family decided we would all fly out to Utah to help her celebrate. My Dad's siblings all did a wonderful job throwing the party, which was held at the Maddox Restaurant Clubhouse. It was a delightful dinner, where we were able to catch up with all of our extended family. I love celebrations!

Plus, dinner was delicious! The steak was unbelievable - all 14 oz of it.

The next day we celebrated another set of birthdays, Keaton's (who is in the background playing with Robert) and Jason. We took Keaton to the Nickelcade to have some fun!

After we used up all of Jeff's nickels, we headed to the Union Train Station to see some big trains.

I really did mean big! Look at that wheel.

Following the morning birthday adventures, we made it out to my Uncle Garn and Kim's home for his retirement party from the Fire Station.

Here's to retirement!

Jeff loves to jam on the guitar and Tyler love guitars too!

My Uncle's home overlooks a beautiful valley.

We spent lots of time hanging out eating, playing an endless game of Horse/Pig, and socializing.

The retiree taking a classic horse shot off the truck. Always remember to call your shot. We saw lots of granny shots, opposite hand shot, eyes closed, etc. You name it, we did it.

For the 4th of July we started the morning off getting ready for the big day. Or should I say the boys made sure we were ready...

Grill, check. Hot dogs, check. Now that's what I am talking about. What 4th of July is complete without some grilled hot dogs?

Picnic time on the back patio!

My mom completely surprised us all with a remolded new look to my grandpa's home. It was like walking into a totally different house. She did such a great job. The backyard was all trimmed up and beautiful as well. Which we enjoyed, with a classic game of backyard soccer to get in the spirit of the World Cup festivities. We only suffered a few minor injuries.

Cheese!

After our picnic, we made our journey down to Provo where we finalized our 4th of July celebration watching the Stadium of Fire. Look at the gorgeous sunset.

Carrie Underwood performed!

My concert buddy.

My other concert buddy.

The firework show was incredible. Thankfully, we got some of it on video, so I could enjoy it later. I had an ash fly into my eye, so I spent half of the concert trying to get my eye to recover. By the end of the show, I looked like two face. One eye with full make up and the other with zero. Good thing we didn't get a photo of that.

Our other concert buddies. Not everyone enjoyed the firework display though.

Happy Independence Day!

After the concert ended we rounded up the troops, packed the car and headed down to Cedar City. We arrived at approximately 3 am. We spent the remainder of the trip in Cedar City at my Uncle Kevin and Aunt Shari's house. They were brave souls to let all 14 of us come and stay with them. We had a great time going to Zion's National Park, watching Eclipse, playing lots of ping pong and tennis, and just enjoyed our time together.

Tyler loved picking up all the sand.

Sightseeing.

Laura and Jeff. After this trip, Laura got home and had to suffer through a kidney stone attack! Luckily, it didn't ruin her trip though and she is on the mend now making a full recovery.

Our professional tour guide, Uncle Kevin. After our Cedar City adventure, Robert and I rented a car and headed up to Provo for the night. I took him to the airport the next day, so he could get back home for work. I stayed in Utah for another 4 days and worked myself. It was great to see everyone at the corporate office, as well as, I was able to meet up with those that were still in Utah for one more evening out together as they made the drive back from Cedar. I also dropped in to see some of my friends at the Cougareat and did a little Provo shopping. It was a blast and we had a great time!

Other Trip Highlights:

Ligori's (closed), so we went to Tony's. Just as good.

El Matador - went out for lunch to celebrate Jason's birthday

World Cup Soccer - the boys got up to watch this every morning

Sleeping Arrangements - We spent everyday, minus the last one sleeping on the floor. Why it pays to be the oldest and not the youngest.

Colter - how he managed to stay alive in HORSE when he wasn't even present for 2/3 of the game.

Mr. & Mrs. Coleman - getting to meet my new cousin in law. My cousin, Amy got married the weekend before we all came out to Utah.

Carrie Underwood - I know it is mentioned above, but seriously it was an awesome concert.

If I think of others, I will add them, but for now I think that about sums it up! Whew, it was one busy and crazy trip. I still need that vacation where I just relax.

The Trop

Between all the chaos of hosting visitors, we squeezed in a day (on Saturday) at the Rays Game with some friends. There were more of us than what is pictured here, but I forgot to get a whole group shot. The Rays host a fun event called the Summer Concert Series, where they will host concerts after some of the Saturday night games. They put the stage out in center field, and a few fans get to go out on the field, while others watch from their seats.

We lucked out with some people giving free wrist bands away, and we were able to go down onto the field to watch the concert.
It was my first time on a major league field!
The Barenaked Ladies performed.
Robert and his friend had to test out the wall by running into it. This is the lady yelling at them to stop!

Last shot before we left to go home. We had a blast! And, the Rays won.