Post Graduation

After graduation and before getting a job I enjoyed my freedom. I spent a lot of time hiking and cleaning and enjoying the kids. It was a fun month with no obligations outside of being a wife and mom.

 We almost made it to the top of Cathedral Rock but little legs tire quickly so we headed back down with a goal to try again next year.

 Once the kids started school, I had some free time so I managed to go on a few hikes with some school buddies. This is the end of the Mary Jane Falls hike in Mt. Charleston.

 Back up to the mountains with the kids. They love going as much as me. Something about the fresh air and the escape from the heat of Las Vegas. This time we brought Auntie Anna, Uncle Jeff and Abel with us to try out the Fletcher Canyon Trail.

Nursing School Graduation

All the way back on August 20th I had my nursing school graduation ceremony. Four years of hard work summed up in one afternoon. What a huge relief it was to be finished. Twoish weeks after graduation I took the dreaded NCLEX licensing exam and passed. Not too long after that I was a hired at a local hospital and have been working ever since. I set a goal and I achieved it. I didn't do it alone however. I had an entire team of people rooting for me and helping me every step of the way. I could have never done it without the support from my family and friends who opened their homes and cared for my kids when I couldn't, who made sure my kids got to school and who were willing to help at a moments notice. These people were the only reason I was able to do what I did. My gratitude is overflowing, I am truly so grateful to have such wonderful people in my life. 

 Sandwiched between two amazing nurses. My Mom and Aunt Susan.

In this picture my group is accepting the award for our Capstone project. Such a tedious paper and presentation right at the end of school when you really don't have much motivation left. We struggled to finish and procrastinated till the last moment but we managed to finish and then win the award. That felt good for sure.

 

Park City Vacation

My wonderful and brave Aunt Lezlie invited my kids (all 5 of them!) to come stay with her for a week during the summer in Park City. They were so excited to go and I was so relieved to have a week with no kiddies right in the middle of school. I drove them up on a Saturday morning and came home Sunday afternoon. We fit in some fun while I was there and and then with a sad heart I drove away knowing that they were going to have a blast and I was going to miss all of it and of course I was going to miss them. They had an amazing week and we are all so thankful for all the fun Aunt Lezlie, Alex and Ryan showed them while they were there.  

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 Road Trip! We made good time getting up there and had some good old fashioned car fun. 

 First thing we did when we got to Park City was head over to the small lake in the community where my Aunt lives. They have a couple small boats to paddle around in and lots of beautiful scenery to look at. This was the kids first time in a small boat like this and they were nervous but soon became pretty confident on the water. The weather was beautiful and as usual the sky did not disappoint in the cloud department. 

 Natalie was more than happy to be a deck hand. She had no interest in getting into a boat. 

 Love Becca's photo bomb in this picture, funny girl. 

 Lots of teamwork involved in order to help each other in and out and to keep the boat from tipping. 

 These two were pretty darn happy on the water as you can tell by their huge smiles. 

 Loved watching my Aunt Lezlie scoot around with the girls. Also even though theses pictures are dark, the sky is so huge and breathtaking I can't get enough!

 Cousins are awesome.

On Sunday we were able to walk around the Art fair in downtown Park City. We grabbed some lunch and then it was time for me to go. 

 The rest of the pictures were sent to me throughout the week as they explored a bunch of fun places in and around Park City. Every night we would facetime and get to hear about how much fun they were having. Sometimes they were to busy to even come to the phone. I know they had the best time and got to be free from Mom and Dad for a bit which I am sure was good for them. We sure love Park City and the people we love there!