Ever tried to take your own Christmas pictures? Yeah, well I don't recommend it. I thought being a photographer and all, I would be able to pull it off. But NOPE. Why is it that you can get other people's kids to smile for you, but your own kids won't smile even if you bribe them with an entire bag of gummy worms. Harper was not having it. Didn't help that we got to our location just as she fell asleep. And when this girl is out, she is OUT. Takes after her dad in that way. So we were able to snap a few pictures of us with Hailey. I didn't even bother getting my tripod out to try and get one of all three of us. Even though the pictures thing was kind of a bust, it was still really fun. I love getting outside and going on a quick adventure. I feel my best when I am out connecting with nature and appreciating all the beauty God has put on this Earth. There is so much beauty in places that are untouched my man. I'm grateful for National forests and having places where I can truly escape the chaos and busyness. It was also nice just having some bonding time with Taylor. One of my favorite things to do with him is go on long drives. I love talking to him. He truly is my best friend and we never have run out of things to talk about. With how crazy these last few months of been, I loved having even just an hour with him totally uninterrupted. Any way, don't be like me: save up for family pictures and let a professional photographer deal with keeping your kids entertained and smiling!

xo, Carly

This last weekend we were able to celebrate Taylor's sister Hannah's wedding. She was so gracious to ask me to be her Maid of Honor. I am so bummed I didn't grab any pictures with her on my phone, but regardless it was a total blast. She looked absolutely stunning & her wedding turned out perfect! Nicole & Kev were the best friends ever and came. Nicole helped set up the whole thing & Kev stayed later with Taylor taking everything down. I seriously love them both to pieces. I don't know what I am going to do if we don't live next to each other our whole lives. 

This trip was such a quick one. We flew into Burbank on Thursday night and flew home to Salt Lake on Sunday afternoon. It was BUSY! We didn't get to see or spend enough time with everyone we wanted to, but it was still such a special trip.

On the plane ride down, Harper held our hands during take off. It was so precious. She was such an amazing girl during all the traveling. I can't believe how much of a trooper she was. When we landed, we got to back to Grandpa Upton's house to go swimming. Harper had total blast. From then on our days were filled with setting up the wedding and running errands. Harper again was such a trooper. I can't believe how big of a girl she is getting. 

The wedding was absolute magic. Harper was prancing around like a little fairy smelling all her flowers and rolling around in the dirt. I am glad I got a picture of her in this dress before it got totally destroyed by dirt, leaves, and waffle toppings. It sure is hard being an almost two year old. During Hannah & Fischer's wedding, I kept having flashbacks to mine and Taylor's special day 4 years ago. I can't believe how lucky I am to have found him. He really is my whole world. 

Hannah & Fischer asked me to give a speech for their wedding. I was so nervous and had so much I wanted to share with them. Due to nerves and time, I didn't get to share everything I wrote to them. So I plan on sending it over to them. But I also thought it would be cool to share it on here so that every one would get a chance to read what I have to say about marriage. I don't know everything. But I do know a thing or two. Being married for a few years, growing my testimony in Christ, and majoring in Marriage Studies has taught me a lot. I hope you can take something out of it & apply it to your own life. So here it is:

 

FISH! One of Harper's first words. We have spend countless hours at Walmart and the public Library looking at fish tanks. We get books, watch videos, and this girl still can't get enough of fish. Taylor's parents took us to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA. Needless to say, Harper was running around like a kid in a candy store. There simply were not enough fish to settle this girl down. She was running and pointing from display to display. Fish! Its so cool watching her grow and learn and explore the world. I feel so lucky to be a part of this adventure. I think he favorite part was getting to touch some of the fish and the tide pool areas. I think it was mostly because she got to put her hand in the water. Again mermaid. My favorite part were all the jelly fish. Holy Cow I think they are my new favorite animal. I am seriously so mystified by them. They are so freaking cool. I want like a hundred of them at my house so I can watch them every day. Thanks Nana and Pa for taking Harper girl to her natural habitat.

xo, carly