Graduation Party

I had the best graduation party ever. Honestly I was looking forward to this party more than the university ceremonies. I worked hard for this. It was fun to have so many people help me celebrate. I felt so loved by their presence and presents.

I can't thank my parents enough for working so hard putting it together and everyone else who helped with

food prep

decorations

drinks 

photos

DJ

bounce house

dancing

&

clean up.

The theme was cowboy/cowgirl because my parents live in the country and I love the country life. It was fun to see all of the creative get ups. 

All of these connections have loved me, supported me and helped me grow into who I am. I love you all. 

Celebration Night

There are so many birthdays in February, including my friend Ana's. Not only did I get to see my friends once this month for our V-Day dinner, but we got to hang out again for this chica's 23rd. We had dinner at Happy Sumo, then headed over to Maxwell's. We continued the after party at someone's apartment, then spent the night at Miriam's. I'll let the pictures do the talking. I apologize for all of the the drunk snapchats you may have received. 

My favorite of the evening

It really was a fun night. It kind of made me feel depressed about turning 26. I don't want nights like these to end. Who says they have to though?

Nichole & Ashley's Wedding

This wedding snuck up on me. They did everything right by sending save the date and invitations ahead of time, but the best reminder was the Facebook Event. I was in a weird spot after Elsa's death, not really in the mood for fun, but I said I was going and I don't like to flake out on people when I say I'll be there. I usually ask myself, that this will be the one and only time I'll ever get to experience this event, is it something I want to miss? 

The wedding was at Red Butte Gardens, which is so close to the U. I can't believe during the 3 years I lived there I didn't take advantage of visiting such a beautiful place. 

I was already emotional, but hearing these two read their vows made me feel happy and lucky for all of the opportunities there are in this world to love.  

Nichole is my old co-worker from NUAP so a lot of my old work crew was there. We had a blast dancing up until the very last song. I think it was just what I needed, to be surrounded by love, music, and dancing. 

Partying in D.C.

One of my favorite things about the Safe Kids conference was that there was a lot of fun after working all day.

For the 25th anniversary party we had the hotel club, Pose, up on the 18th floor all to ourselves for cocktails and meeting new people.  There was a pasta bar, a chocolate fountain a specialty drink called the safe-tini. I met some crazy/fun ladies that still wanted to go party after the party, but I was done for the night. I wish I would've gotten a picture of myself after I was ready, but all I have is this one of me getting ready. 

View from the club's balcony

Safe-tini

I was going for big poofy hair

Friday night there was BBQ on the pier and a DJ that had everyone up and dancing, even the President/CEO. It was comforting to see so many people letting loose and having a drink. 

Dancing at the BBQ got me and my new Arizona friends in the mood to go out. We went to The Park, which is supposed to be the best club in D.C. I don't go to clubs outside of the Ogden/Clearfield area so my expectations of this place were way off. I'm used to a club that has couches, space to hang out with friends, and a dance floor for dancing with all your girlfriends. It was nothing like that, chairs were only for VIP and you couldn't walk through without 10 guys all up on you. My favorite part was seeing all the cute outfits and shoes people were wearing. I was very underdressed, again I am used to Utah clubs. 

On the cab ride home from The Park we saw a car on fire on the side of the interstate. 

Jenny's Graduation Party

I'm so proud of my friend Jenny who completed her masters in mental health counseling. We're lucky to have someone as amazing as her in our group. 

Jenny

Sam & Jenny

Miriam

Chelsea & Ana

Miriam, Jenny, Ana, Chelsea, & Me

Bringing In the New Year

I wanted to stay home and have a very low key New Year's Eve, because after the party we went to for Halloween I never, ever wanted to deal with drunk people again. As it got closer I got more excited about getting dressed up and going out. Jose and I had a great time at our friend Truyen's party. I enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new, interesting people. 

Time passes so quickly. I look forward to a new year. Click the link to read about the lifestyle changes I will make in 2013.

Patty & Fabian's Wedding

It was fun to dress up and go out to Jose's cousin's wedding tonight. It was a small family wedding at the church.  I think it's funny that we call and recognize a church that we don't even belong to as "the church." I guess it's because I grew up in it and we have a lot of friends and family who are affiliated with it. 

Anyway, I love going to weddings and hearing about what it means to be a married couple. It's always a reminder of why I made the commitment I did. I'm happy we got to celebrate this special day with Patty and Fabian. The best surprise was seeing my niece. It broke my heart that she was scared of my husband the whole time, but at the end she finally gave him a chance to play with her. 

Brother Jose Luis

Mother of the bride, Baby Axel, Patty,  & Father of the bride

The tias working hard in the kitchen

Jessenia y Issac

Aaron y Axel

Funny!

She only wanted her Nana

Jessenia y Damaris

Toast from the mother of the bride

Toast from the father of the bride

Tia Maria y Jose Carlos

Ruth, Maria, Me, & Martha

Jessenia & Henry

Hanky, Me & Jose

Papi y Janeece

Axel

Chino

Janny looks pissed

Cute Bunny