Wow how time Flies!!!

This year Travis and I celebrated our 5th year wedding anniversary. I really would like to know where all the time has gone. It really does feel like yesterday that we were flirting with each other and dating. I could not ask for a better eternal companion. He is absolutely perfect in every way. He is everything to me. There is no way I could have had as many adventures as I have if we had not been together. He truly brings out the best in me.

July 2, 2004 Oakland Temple, Oakland California.

July 2, 2009 West Des Moines Iowa.

You are wonderful sweetheart and I am so proud of all you do.

Thank you for choosing me.

And Vacation stop #4

PLACERVILLE, CA was our last stop before we started the long trek back to Des Moines. It had been a really long time since we had been to Placerville in the summer. It was so nice to see my family and see what my younger siblings are up to. Once again there isn't that many pictures. We were just so busy I never really got the chance to take them. We were more than happy to help with the projects my mom has going in her garden and to spend more time the pool with my brother and sister. One of the best parts of this visit at least for me was seeing my dad and visiting with him. The latest thing my brother Joshua is doing is fencing. We were able to watch two of his classes. He seems to enjoy it.

I don't know that much about fencing so it was interesting to watch.

One of the main reasons we wanted to make sure we made it out to California was for my brothers Eagle Court of Honor. However he was unable to get the paperwork back in time to have it while we were in town. We didn't care though, we still think he is awesome.

He is a super achiever. My brother is getting this badge way faster than most boys in the scouting. He just barely turned 14 and has been done with the project and eveything since Feb or March. The only thing that has been holding him back is the leaders and their paperwork THEY have to do. I am super proud of him. Now we actually found Travis' old scout uniform but it was Josh that wanted Trav is his AF blues for pictures. One of these days we will be able to visit more often than once a year. 

This was a crazy vacation. We were exhausted by the time we finally got home but it was all forth it.

Vacation stop #3

REXBURG, ID is where our journey took us next. I honestly never thought we would ever be back here. It is here where we were able to see my best friend from high school, Natalie, and my sister, Jessica. It was so nice to take a break from big groups and just to relax. We were able to meet Natalie's husband Mo and their beautiful daughter Zukiswa. It was so nice to feel like myself once again with the girls I love so much.

Us crazy girls after a very long day at the mall. Thanks Travis for hanging in there and being a good sport.

Yes she got all the height but aparently I am the sane one, just kidding.

Travis is so good with kids. Travis and Zuki were having so much fun with bubbles.

Such an angel!

I really didn't want to leave. I swear I left part of my heart with this little girl. I can't wait to see her again, and Natalie it can't be that long.

I am going to back soon to spoil her rotten.

Along with seeing Jess and Nat I also was able to see my pal from college. We were unsepartable during the 4 yrs of school. The horse here is her filly that was born the year we graduated. She has grown so much.

Yep she still loves me best!

We had to make sure we stopped by the Rexburg temple. It was not finished when we left so it was awesome to see and even better since we did a session.

Third tallest church building. Who would have thought that it would be in Rexburg, ID.

Don't worry guys we will back soon.

Vacation stop #2

LAVA HOT SPRINGS, ID is the location of the 2nd Sloan Family Reunion. This was a crazy weekend with kids and adults running a muck. What was crazy thing about this leg of the trip was as we were getting ready to leave Boulder Jim and Erin told us where their family reunion was going to be. Guess what...same place. Funny, who would have guessed it.
The Sloan family, yep that's right all 20 of us, stayed in the Schoolhouse Inn. It is a old Schoolhouse that was converted to a Inn with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, kitchen, and gym. It was perfect for our crew. The weekend was spent at the Lava Hot Springs, fun and games at the Inn, and at Downata Hot Springs for another reunion.

This is from the outside of the Schoolhouse. Yes this was later that weekend, sorry.

A few of us relaxing in one half of the kitchen. Notice Travis' full beard. He didn't look half bad.

Some of the uncles playing with the neices and nephews in the gym that kept them occupied for hours.

Travis and his brothers preparing to jump the 40 + foot platform into the pool at Lava Hot Springs.

Yes he is completly nuts. I actually jumped from the platform 2 below his. I will never do it again.

This is the inside pool. The rock climbing wall was fun but tough to climb.

Ok there is an explanation to what you see here. This was our Redneck party that was also a surprise birthday party for a brother in law. Trav's older sister had everyone dress up. Yes as you can see the guys went all out. Trav was the only one with real facial hair.

I love my man!!

The whole Redneck Sloan clan.

They all said I looked too good as a redneck. I can't help it if it is part my heritage. I am proud if it!!

He really is a 28 yr old med student I promise. I have a hard time believing it too sometimes.

This was Father's Day before we all went our separet ways. All the kids sat on their dads laps and sang to them. Since we don't have kids Trav sat on his dads lap.

We had a ton of fun during this weekend. We can't wait for the next reunion in two years. I wonder how big are group will be by then.

Vacation stop #1

DENVER, CO our first stop on our many during our 2 week sprint of a vacation. Our best friends, Jim and Erin Wittwer, are outside of Boulder so we decided that they were going to be one of our major stops.

We got to leave a couple of days early so we could hang out longer.

There ended being a thunderstorm just outside of Denver. I swear I have never seen lighting strike so close.

We were planning on going out to a restaurant for Brazilian BBQ but after some thought went into this we realized we could do it ourselves so much cheaper.

It was so yummy. Wow good job guys for the cooking skills.

Ok we did so much more than just eating but I am horrible at taking pictures. We spent four days swimming, playing Rock Band, playing racquetball and just enjoying each others company. It was the best way to start out our vacation.

Moving!!!

We are currently in the moving process. I HATE moving. So please be patient with me I have tons of things to update so just be patient. Thanks a million and I will let all of you know how the new apartment is and let you know all the new home info. Love to all.

What I have been busy with...

For the month of May my schedule got really busy. I was asked to teach the Horsemanship merit badge for the Boy Scouts of America for some of the troops that are part of our wards in Des Moines. At first I was a little hesitant and was worried that I was biting off more than I could chew. This is my passion and I get a little carried away when it comes to sharing the many things I have learned in my life. It was a really neat experience though and I think I learned some things along with the scouts and their leaders. 

What I ended up doing was splitting the merit badge so we could cover all the requirements. We covered everything from anatomy, breeds, health, safety and tack. This was all spread out over about 5 weeks. The last week we were able to visit a bishops farm and get some hands on training before we went on our ride the next day.

The whole group along with our handsome buckskin model.

Teaching the boys to groom.

Saddling basics.

Each boy had to give everything a try with leaders close by just in case they needed help.

The boys wanted to see what it looked like to ride at a walk, trot, canter, and a gallop. I was more than willing to comply. I was as giddy as can be.