The Schmidts

About a week before our anniversary Justin asked if I would like to be a part in the planning. Without hesitation I said,  "Nope, I'll plan it next year". So, on our anniversary I picked Justin up at Hill Air Force Base and we headed South. I couldn't believe it when Justin took the Price/Manti Exit - okay, so I had a hunch. I have on more than one occasion told Justin I needed to take him to Ephraim to show and tell him about the 2 years I spent down there. They were hugely formative for me, kind of like his mission was for him. We traveled to Peru already, so I guess it was my turn. What a sweetie! Oh wait, we took a little detour in Spring City -- oops, Bed and Breakfast not there, --- then to Ephraim. The W. Pherson Bed and Breakfast was an historic home full of antiques, quite a fun house to stay in and we had the house to ourselves! Friday evening: We ate pizza in Layton before we left, checked in and broke into our cake as an afternoon snack, I took Justin on...

Justin and I made our first major purchase as a married couple just two weeks ago! We decided buying a motorcycle would for sure save us on gas, time, and therefore money! It was a logical decision right? Ha ha, don't let us fool you. Justin has wanted a motorcycle since he was in high school and I have to say I love hanging on to the one I love for a joy ride at dusk. I love feeling the crisp summer air as the sun is setting --- oh ya, one of my favorites! So, yes, we bought the motorcycle for fun! I made sure to have insurance started and driving test arranged for when Justin got back into Logan. He took the test first thing and then, we headed to the DI for some kind of helmets. (yep, still penny pinchers) What can we say, we ride in style and love it!

Ardith, Melissa, Justin  Ardith - Our wonderful home owner and  friend  for the summer in Vernal.  Thank you Ardith for a great summer!

Just two weekends ago we were catching up with Justin's old roommates in Logan. After learning that I had not found a job one of his roommates asked what I was up to. Without hesitation I said, "I do whatever I want to do". It sounds a bit selfish as I write it now, but it was proof to myself that I had overcome my negative attitude. At the beginning of the summer I really struggled with a completely open schedule. After going to school and working I had been looking forward to the day I could stop and ask myself "What do I want to do today", but when this day came along with 3 months to follow I was wishing I had a job, classes, or something to fill up my time, or make the decisions for me. As with most experiences in life, my attitude was a roller-coaster. Some days I woke up ready to entertain myself and other days I fought for self motivation. In the last month I decided to ask the question, what does Heavenly Father want me to learn from this expe...

As me and six kids filed into church Sunday, one ward member said, "Wow, You guys multiply quick!" We sure did - at least for this weekend. Six nieces and nephews agreed to join us for a weekend in Logan! Yipee! I will mention just a few happenings that made Justin and I laugh: After Michael saw our backyard (about 2 feet in width) he asked, "Are you guys poor?" About 2 hours after meat and cheese sandwiches for lunch a couple kids said they were hungry, so we pulled out the PB and J. :) 8 am Sunday morning Justin and I wake up to whispers and giggling coming from the foot of our bed. We pretend we are asleep, until Raegan and Elsie tickle and doggy pile us out of bed. Me and the kids loved doing the salt art work, and Justin finally joined. We all had dark colors on our fingers when Justin was the first to wash his hands. "Um, this doesn't come off" He was right, our first hand washing did not take off the dark colors on our fingers...

July 22-25, 2011 I have admitted to Justin that I LOVE boating, practically as much as he loves mountain biking! It is a summer favorite! Thanks to the Barfuss family and my dad and brothers for keeping the boat running we have been able to boat quite a bit this summer. One of those times was July 24th weekend. The Barfuss family decided to take advantage of Justin and I living in Vernal by planning a weekend to explore and boat on Flaming Gorge. None of us had ever been before. What a beautiful place! It was perfect. Cool temperatures at our camp in Deep Creek at night, smooth water and hot temperatures down at the Gorge during the day, and gorgeous scenery wherever we went. The vote is to return to Flaming Gorge each year! I hope we can also visit the good people we met here in Vernal as well. Here are a few pictures: boating, the dam, wake boarding, and a sweet rope swing we found!

14 adults + 16 kids = 4 hours to eat breakfast and arrive on North beach when we're only 15 minutes away and a ton of fun! Even if it did take us a bit of time to get from one destination to another, the trip was fantastic! We ate great food at every meal, had a fabulous Friday on the beach with wave-runners, sand, water toys, snacks, and lots of fun people, then finished the camp out with a bike ride and raspberry shakes! - What more could we ask for?! Check out those cute little girls, and that very attractive beach babe!