Catch up!

So, it has been a busy last couple of weeks and I need to blog before I leave for Utah this weekend, otherwise, I will have a lot more to catch up on when I get back.

Here's what we have been up to lately:

We have been going over to Orlando as often as we can because for Christmas we received Disney season passes. It has been a lot of fun to go to the parks and take our time exploring all the fun adventures there.

At the beginning of last week, my Dad and his wife Kristi came into town and stopped by to visit us.

It was their first time visiting our place, so we had a nice visit. We took them around to some of our favorite local restaurants and out to the beach.

We also spent time at the hot tub and the facilities playing pool and ping pong. After a few days they had to go to Orlando for Kristi's work conference, but we were glad they had a few days to drop in and spend some time with us.

The following weekend was Valentine's Day and Robert bought me some beautiful flowers. What a nice guy, right? He gave them to me after he came home from picking up my dress from the dry cleaners for our night out.

That night, we spent the evening at a local Marriott Hotel with the rest of the Stetson student body at the Mad Hatter's Barristers Ball.

It was a fun evening filled with a reception hour where we mingled with a lot of our friends. After that, we went into the main ballroom where our dinner was served.

During dinner we had a talent show. Below is a photo of a couple of our friends who got a band together. They were awesome and they should have won! They were hilarious. I think Ashley is singing Lady Gaga at this point.

After dinner we danced the rest of the night away. It was so much fun!

They also had a room set up for mini golf, so of course we played a few rounds.

Robert and some of his friends that he played softball with.

So, I forgot to take a picture of my hair before we left but this is what it looked like at the end of the night. I am shocked it stayed together this well. I did it myself, trust me it looked a lot better at the start of the night.

We had a wonderful Valentine's weekend together! I am glad we got to do something different.

As for a follow up to my last post, we did get the piano moved in without any complications. Thanks to a bunch of our friends, we were able to do it. Here is the actual piano in our place. I am still so happy that I have a piano. Hopefully, the neighbors won't complain...

$50 Can Buy

half to two thirds of my groceries on a typical grocery run.

It can also buy a couple of shirts and accessories.

$50 is a nice meal/evening out for two.

You can go to Busch Gardens for around $50 (maybe).

Well, I could go on and on, but of late $50 can also buy you (drum roll please)...

A beautiful black Wurlitzer spinet piano. I am not kidding!
You are looking at my brand new piano I just purchased last night!

(this is a photo I found offline of the same make and model as mine- selling for $900). It does work and plays great, in case their was any skepticism in this too good to be true deal.

It was completely luck how I came about acquiring such a beautiful piano for only $50.
On Sunday evening, as in two days ago, Robert and I decided to play some ping pong and pool in our building game room facility. As we were about to finish, two older ladies walked in to play a board game on our ping pong table (don't get me started on that subject). We decided to strike up a conversation with them about their game. They were funny ladies name Bobby and Margo who had been kicked out of the board game room by other old ladies for being too loud.
We had a nice chat about ping pong, their game of dominoes, and living here at the complex. Just as we were heading out the door, Margo said do you know anyone who wants to buy a piano, so of course with my dream of always wanting a piano I entertained her question. I asked well sure, "I like pianos, how much are you selling it for?" She said, you will never believe it, $50! So, I chuckle, and say well we will think about it as we walked out the door. That was it. We left, didn't even ask her what it looked like or anything. I all knew was that it was about 51" long.
That night, I couldn't shake the idea of possibly getting a piano for $50. I explain to Robert how that is an amazing deal! With it being just only $50 and coming from an old lady, I am thinking this thing is going to be pretty worn out and OLD. My mom calls that night and again, I can't shake the thought, so I pass it onto her. I tell her about that evenings events to see what she has to say. Naturally, she is just as intrigued, if not more, than me. She points out that she sold our piano at our house for $300 or so and that piano was completely out of tune and used. She encourages me to go and take a look at it. "You just can't get a piano for that price, not even a decent key board" my mom states.
She's right, I have nothing to lose, so I decide that tomorrow I will go look at it. Robert is a little hesitant, but is more eager to take a look at a different apartment in the building (each unit is different). As a result, Monday evening rolls around and we are on our way to Walmart to do some grocery shopping. We decide to jump off on floor 9 (we live on 15) to make a visit to Margo. We walk in. Immediately, you know you are in an old woman's apartment. All the furnishings date way back, so I immediately lower my expectations, which are already pretty low. She walks us through the kitchen to turn the corner, and there it is.
It's absolutely stunning and it's BLACK! I never imagined it would be black, when I think of an old piano I always think oak or mahogany. NO, this one is black and it's a Wurlitzer (a very nice brand). Of course, I cannot control my emotions, I wear them on my sleeve. I am smiling from ear to ear. Even if this thing doesn't play it matches my room decor since it is black. I try to calm down before I get ahead of myself, thinking I need to make sure it plays. In my head I am thinking..."to my luck it won't play well at all." Stunned again. It is actually pretty in tune (which is rough since I don't really have the best ear for tune). However, I sit down pump out a couple of songs I know by heart, they sound the same. I arise from the piano with the same smile I had before sitting down to the instrument. Robert can tell I want it. I tell Margo we will think about it and she responds well I have a lady who wants and will have the money for me tomorrow. I get defensive, I want it! I tell her I will be back tonight after I go to Walmart and discuss it with Robert.
We leave Margo's place. I jump like a giddy school girl outside her apartment and tell Robert let's go back upstairs and make sure we have the room for it. We measure the space out one more time, and I give Robert my best puppy dog eyes, and of course he can't resist. We go straight back to Margo's with cash in hand. We hand over the $50. Just like that, I now own a beautiful black Wurlitzer spinet piano of my very own. I am so excited that on the way to Walmart I phone my mom letting her know I bought it. She is so excited and shocked that I purchased something so nice for such a steal! Margo practically gave me the piano for free! These type of pianos are selling for $500 plus.
I LOVE GOOD DEALS! There is nothing better than feeling like you got a great deal!
Now all there is left to do is move it, yikes. Pianos are so heavy, so Robert is recruiting some of his guy friends from law school. Once we have a crew together we will be back at Margo's door ready to move her. I cannot wait, I already cleared the space where I want it to go.

Since everyone is wondering...

Just how well did my first semester of law school go? Surprisingly, I did extremely well, especially for the expectations I had going in. I got a 3.266, which is great because the class average is between a 2.9 and 3.1. In other words, I was above the curve! Overall, I enjoyed the semester. I did well without getting overwhelmed with stress during the semester. I think this upcoming semester will have a greater workload, which I am bit nervous about. However, I do think I am more prepared for the workload now after going through one semester and learning how to juggle everything. So, here's to next semester, wish me luck.

Christmas and New Year's Fun

Merry Christmas from the Fountain household!

We spent Christmas this year with Robert's family. It was nice to have everyone in town. Even his Aunt Kathy was there, she lives in California. We enjoyed a wonderful and relaxing Christmas weekend playing games, watching football, playing tennis, and the boys even got in a round of golf.
We were also were spoiled with wonderful Christmas presents. To highlight a few, we got a hot stone massage kit and some fun games like Scrabble Slam, Blockus, and Bananagrams. We also received Disney Annual Park passes! We are definitely excited to use those! Robert got a Playstation 3, clothes, and other items. I got a jewelry armoire (something I have always wanted), jewelry, and a new baseball glove (thanks to my hunny)!

After Christmas, we threw his grandfather a surprise party for his 80th birthday. Kathy was part of his surprise. He was told she could not make it home for Christmas, but to his surprise she did! He spent the night talking with old friends and enjoying good food and drinks.

On the following Monday, we decided to make the drive up to Georgia to visit my family for New Years. My mom flew into town around the same time we arrived, so it ended up working out perfectly. It is nice to still be within driving distance to family.

One of the first things on our agenda when we got into town was to go to Cafe Pig, our favorite BBQ place! It was just as good as I remembered. It has turned into quite the family tradition. This time, we included all of Ben's (my brother-in-law) family. His sister lives in PTC now, where we grew up. Crazy huh? So, all the Saville's were in town for Christmas as well. My sister and her family came down as well, so we got to see everyone except my brother Jeff and Laura. We missed you guys!

Bowling anyone?

Kayla had fun hanging out with her friend Hallie. They are a fun pair to be around. I got to relive my old middle school days when I spent some time hanging out with the two of them. They were fun to be around. Kayla and I went shopping together to this amazing jewelry store, Charming Charlie. I wish I had one like that close to me. I think we will have to make it a tradition when I come up.

These boys would bowl all day if we let them.

Mama T and her girls.

A family that jams together stays together.

Everyone loves uncle Robert!

Got to love matching pajamas, especially Superman ones!

We played lots of games together, including Yahtzee (Robert killed us all with his amazing score of 497), Blockus, Bananagrams, and of course Monopoly (a family favorite/tradition). It came down to Jason and I at the end, even against my best efforts to not join in the Monopoly fun.

For New Year's Eve, we went out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse, then came home and celebrated into the night out in the front yard setting off fireworks and roasting marshmallows and Starburst. We almost blew up the neighbor's dog! haha! It was quite funny, let's just say the dog did not like us setting off the fireworks and came barreling toward our lighted explosive. I think the best part was the owner running down the street screaming and yelling at the dog at the top of her lungs.

It was one chilly night! A perfect time to be around a campfire.

My nephew Keaton, getting ready to make a s'more, or just ate one (by the chocolate evidence around his mouth). He's a choc-o-holic, the sweet tooth must run in the family.

Best wishes for a warm and comfy New Year! 2010 here we come!

Thank you Teri and Chris and Jason and Lori for letting us come up and stay at your houses!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party

To kick off the Christmas season, we went to Disney World for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. It is one of Robert's family's favorite holiday traditions.

We love Christmas time! It was fun to watch it snow on main street while sipping the free hot chocolate and eating sugar cookies they handed out to everyone in the park.

Just like Tyler, this is Robert's favorite ride. What boy doesn't like shooting things and competition? We rode it twice that night. I think I am getting a little tired of riding Buzz lightyear! That's 4 times in one month.

We had one crazy carousel ride.

Giddy up!

We also watched the parade and fireworks! My favorite part of the parade is behind me, if you can see it, it is the march of the tin soldiers.

Aren't they beautiful?

3 years ago at this time of year we got engaged at this exact spot, except we were sitting up in the castle behind us in the second to far right window.

It was the start of a happily ever after...

Jenny and Tyler's Visit to Florida

Here comes Tyler off the plane all packed and ready to come stay with us! Isn't his little suitcase adorable? It is so funny! He took his traveling toy bag with him every where we went.

One of the first days they were here, we went to visit the pier in downtown St. Petersburg. It was cold the first two days they were here, but it eventually warmed right back up into the 70's the remaining days of their stay. Thank goodness it warmed up because I didn't know what to do with myself anymore. I do not "do" cold weather anymore. That is why I am in Florida. I have had enough! So unfortunately, on this particular day, I had to bust out my jacket for the first time this season. It was sad. Although, on a happy note, I love this jacket, so it wasn't too much of a sacrifice! I know all my friends out there in cold climates are just hating this, but what can I say, come visit me! :)

We got to see lots of pelicans and some cool fish that the fishermen were catching.

Tyler loved the water and looking out at all the boats. At lunch, Jenny and Tyler got to see their first wild dolphin sighting here in Florida. We ate lunch at a Columbian restaurant above the water. It was a beautiful setting and it reminded us of being on a cruise again. Even though it was cold, it turned out to be a successful and fun first day.

My sister, Jenny decided to bring us a house warming gift, a ballon animal/sword making kit. Let's just say, it was the hit of the week. We are all now experts on making ballon animals, so if law school doesn't work out, we are going into the animal/sword ballon making field. It was one of Tyler's favorite things to do with uncle Robbie.

Due to finals approaching, Robert didn't really have anytime to go out with us, so when we would get home Tyler would run up to Robert and say "play swords." I think by that time he had had enough of playing with girls all day and needed some one on one male interaction fighting, and such. Who knows? Boys...

We ventured out to the beach the following day. It was beautiful and so relaxing. I could stay all day on the beach.

We collected lots of seashells to throw into the water.

Tyler would also throw lots of sand at the water and anyone who got near him. This is a look of I am about to throw this at you, so you better get moving!

Oh how he loved the water. If Jenny would have been in her bathing suit, Tyler would have spent the whole day swimming in the water.

He loved the water so much that, well as you can see, he pretty much got soaked! Here lies the evidence. His clothes were so wet that we had to dry them out on the rocks. He remembered this all week. He would keep saying "BYU shirt, dirty." It was his favorite t-shirt, and he got it all wet, how sad.

Which left us with a naked jay-bird just soaking up some rays.

On Saturday night, since Robert's mom and brother were still in town, we went out to dinner with them and then headed out to have a nice friendly little competition on the mini-golf course. Which, may I add, I smoked everyone at. It must of been the good steak I just ate at Outback, or was it the bread? Toss up...

Tyler had a great time playing with us, and he waited patiently for his turn every time.

Yes, I wasn't lying. I told you we played with these all week long. We showed Teri and Austin our new found talent.

We sent them home with some parting gifts.

On Sunday, Robert took Jenny around Stetson to show her the campus. It was a beautiful night, and the first day of our warmer weather!

The next day, we decided to take one last stroll down the beach before their trip ended.

We ate lunch at my new favorite local restaurant Caddy's, which is on the beach. It has good food and an awesome atmosphere with live music.

Our Florida postcard picture with the whole group minus Ben. We were happy to have Jenny and Tyler come, but we were sad Ben couldn't be there as well. It was mainly a girls trip anyways, since Robert was hard at work, studying. So, maybe next time Ben, when it's warmer.

We are not done yet. This was only a wrap up of our local adventures that we accomplished while Jenny and Tyler visited, but a trip to Florida isn't complete until...

you visit Disney World. Luckily, we live close by, so we decided to take Tyler on his first trip to Disney World. After all, he still gets in for free since he is only two years old.

It was a lot of fun riding all the little kid rides. He did awesome. He didn't cry on a single ride. We took him on everything. Even his first little roller coaster and many rides in the dark.

His favorite ride was the Buzz-Lightyear Ride. We rode it three times, so of course it was the one character we had to meet.

Here we are rockin' our sweet glasses at the Mickey's PhilarMagic Show. Surprisingly, he kept his glasses on the whole time. It was hilarious. We had such a wonderful time. It was a day full of fun and magic. What is there not to love about that?

Thanks to Jenny and Tyler for coming to visit us and helping to make our Thanksgiving that much better!

"A dream is a wish your heart makes when you're fast asleep. In dreams you will lose your heartaches. Whatever you wish for, you keep. Have faith in your dreams, and someday, your rainbow will come smiling through. No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true."

-The End