Recipe for a perfect Sunday

Perfect Sunday=

sleeping in +

Swedish pancakes topped with all manner of fresh fruit +
church in our new ward+
a drive through the canyon +
little hike at Big Springs +
curling up on the couch to watch Harry Potter (we're currently watching all of the movies, just finished #3)

3 years

Today is our 3 year wedding anniversary. I can't really believe its been 3 years already. Everyday I learn something new about this sweet husband of mine and love him more for it. He makes me laugh all the time and has been more perfect for me than I could have ever imagined. How did I get so lucky?

Happy Anniversary!

Gems of Provo

Chad had Friday night off this weekend (still getting used to having my husband at work all day Saturday and one night of the weekend), so we got together with our good friends the Brandleys. I decided that it was a celebration of the gems of Provo.

Gem #1 Good Friends

You know, the kind where you can just crash on their couch and just talk about life.

Gem #2 Brandley Chicken Curry

Seriously the best curry out there. It's amazing. It's like crack, you can never get enough. Anyone who's not currently friends with the Brandleys should seek out their friendship immediately so as to have the opportunity to partake of this spicy goodness. The pictures don't do it justice.

Gem #3 Bennett Cake

Okay, okay, I don't mean to be prideful, but I do make a mean chocolate cake. Or cupcakes on this occasion. Actually, they were chocolate cupcakes with a peanut butter filling and a light, fluffy chocolate frosting to top it off. I really outdid myself. Plus they had rainbow sprinkles on top. Yum.

The boys approved.

Gem #4 Ozz

This was an unexpected find late Friday night. After driving around Provo trying to decide what would finish off the evening, we made an impromptu stop at the super ghetto looking pool hall called Ozz. You know the one, you've probably driven by it multiple times and not really given it a second glance. We were surprised to discover that inside, its a quaint little place; very clean, lots of tables, and a little old lady sitting behind the front desk who absolutely loves the place. She makes you want to love it. It was actually really fun... I mean, none of us are going to be professional pool players anytime soon but for $4 per person/per hour, it was good fun for an hour.

Gotta love this little sign...they're all about good, clean fun.

There you have it, a couple of gems right here in Provo.

"try somewhere new to eat"

Last Friday was, "try somewhere new to eat date night" and our choice turned out to be a delicious one. Mountain West Burrito is a new Mexican Restaurant on State Street in north Provo/South Orem and it had been recommended by a friend at work.

There were elaborate plans to pick up dinner with our good friends the Saltzmans and then hop on our bikes and ride down the Provo River trail for a picnic dinner. The weather even cooperated with our plans and it was sunny and beautiful outside. However, when it was discovered that we were all ravenously hungry right THEN, those plans were thrown aside and we just ate right there at the gas station-turned-restaurant. It really was kind of funny to pull up to a pump to park and then walk inside to the little restaurant.

Jacie enjoying her dinner. If there's one thing that the Bennetts and the Saltzmans do well together, it's eating. We are true connoisseurs of fine dining.

My roasted veggie (RV) burrito on a whole wheat tortilla, accompanied by the most delicious tortilla chips and salsa. Yum.

Overall, everyone was pleased with their meal. It was nothing like the Bennett-Saltzman Iggy's fiasco of 2010 (truly a disaster for all involved). The food was all fresh, all of their produce is locally grown, it wasn't too expensive, and it was delicious! When you have a second and want a quick lunch or dinner, you should try it.

Lovin' on our backyard

Last weekend I was lovin' on our backyard so I decided to take a couple pictures. The tulips were in full bloom, the sun was shining, and the day was beautiful. So here is an ode to our backyard... in pictures.

Gardening equipment... it's Roger's.

Our cute little back patio.

The beautiful big oaks.

And our cute little barbecue. It is dearly loved, especially during the summer months.

One day when we grow up and move away from the bubble that is Provo, I will always remember our quaint little backyard. It's one of my favorite things about our house.