Bucket List

I have really been so fortunate in all of the adventures I have been able to fit in before I go on my biggest adventure for the next 18 months!

My brother took me out on the lake this past weekend and we had a BLAST! I did get my knees a little sun burnt, but it was totally worth it to be able to ski one last time before I go!

Cramming in for a picture

Getting ready to go to the lake!

Finally Dirk looks at the camera!!

 A little tube action!

Lookin fine after a wonderful day!

I have the best friends and family!

My very own Rodeo!

We went to the annual Strawberry Days Rodeo (can I just shout out my PG pride!!)

And am craptastic at using my camera, so I only have one picture, and it has nothing to do with the actual rodeo:

This is for Cami and Mariah!

But to fulfill all my hopes and dreams my forever friend Cassidy arranged my own rodeo with her sister's horse Jasper!

We were in a barn, and was the only rider except for this lady teaching a little kid on the white horse you can see in this picture.

 When I got there I said I was so excited I was like a 5 year old. The instructor with the little kid said, "well, he's four..." And my response to Cassi was that the kid didn't look half as excited as I was!

Tori, the owner of the horse said she has never seen someone who was so good with her horse as me! And that instructor lady said that I was a natural and even gave me a few pointers and I was posting and riding like a real cowgirl! 

(yes we did have to wear helmets, I guess I'm just getting ready for bike riding in the mission! If only I could ride a horse instead of a bike!)

So so happy, and really this was all I really REALLY wanted to do before I left to Texas. 

My mom says I need to marry a cowboy! 

New Blog

To keep everyone updated on my doings in Texas my sweet sister Cami will be in charge of my mission blog:
http://missionaryamanda.blogspot.com/

It will have pictures, letters, and my address so you can all send me huge lovely letters! And I promise to write just as much as you write me! Love you all! And thank you for all your support, I really do have the best family and friends!!

Back to the Past

I went and visited my Grandma Peterson this past weekend to say goodbye before I leave. 

We had a lovely time chatting and she even pulled out her wedding dress for me to admire.

Isn't she darling!?

Can you imagine? She said she paid less then $50 for this dress! 

So so fun to see!

Too Cute Too Handle!

I can't get enough of these kiddles, and am going to miss them more then I can say!

First try:

You got it girl!

Classic Attitude:

more for Andrea

My hair was already wet in this photo. We almost forgot about pictures!

 Love the back!!

Dear Andrea

This post is just for you.
My new haircut.

More photos

And since I've been home from my adventures I've been spending a lot of time with these ladies:



At a concert. In SLC with this drummer. (Venessa is in LOVE!)

And at a bon fire for Memorial Day.


And some temple time with my best girl Jenny:


And afterwords, snuggle time for a sick sick friend.


Life is good.

My life in Pictures

Then I went to Yellowstone (or Jellystone, as I like to call it!)

With this girl: (Randee, my unofficial roommate)

And my lil sis and older bro, and about 30 other friends, but yet again no group photo.

Randee's first time was a SUCCESS!

And high five a bear? Check!

Photo Life cont

After my cruise...

We made a stop at DISNEYLAND!!




Sadly, my favorite ride was not running :(


But that doesn't mean we didn't have FUN!


I thought this was very appropriate for me considering the next step in my life!!

my life according to my camera

Sorry I am being a crazy person lately! Here are some of my adventures!

I graduated:


I turned 22:


And to reward myself for both of those things, I went on a CRUISE!!



To Mexico (and catalina island)


It was beautiful!


With these lovely ladies:


And about 25 other friends!! No we never got a group photo!! :(

confidence

If it was right when you prayed about it and trusted it and lived for it, it is right now. 

Don't give up when the pressure mounts. 
You can find an apartment. 
You can win over your mother-in-law. 
You can sell your harmonica and therein fund one more meal. 
It's been done before. 
Don't give in. 
Certainly don't give in to that being who is bent on the destruction of your happiness. 
He wants everyone to be miserable like unto himself. 
Face your doubts. 
Master your fears. 
"Cast not away therefore your confidence." 
Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you.


-Jeffery R. Holland

I love to see the temple I went inside today

I Love to See the Temple,

I Went Inside TODAY!

(when I say today meaning about a month ago...)

And have now visited all of these beauties and been able to be taught in the most beautiful buildings in the world!

Mt. Timpanogos

Salt Lake City

Provo

Rexburg

If you do not have your sights set on going through the temple, get there! 

It is seriously SO SO BEAUTIFUL!