At Long Last

I'm back to real life now and already I want to go back and enjoy more of this...


and this...

Where was I? I was in San Diego to attend my dear friend/cousin Alysha's wedding.

I just had the best time.  After a few early mishaps--forgotten temple recommend and expired driver's license--I arrived Thursday afternoon in San Diego along with my mother-in-law Tami, Grandma Earl, David & Peggy, and Daishan. We had a whirlwind weekend of eating, pedicures, movies, laying out by the pool and reading good books, walks by the beach, and of course, Alysha's BBQ (in lieu of a reception), Alysha's wedding and luncheon.

It was so fun to be around family. Daishan and I rarely get to spend time together anymore so it was wonderful to hang out again. Though I've been married to Jared for several years, I think this was the first time I had spent any extended length of time with David and Peggy. They are hilarious! I actually travel with them well too. Since I'm so indecisive it's nice to be around someone like David who can be like, "We are doing this in the morning, then we're doing this, this, and this...I thought we could go eat here...Oh, yeah, I think we'll just order this because these are the best on the menu..."

While all the eating, playing, and relaxing was a complete blast, the real reason we were all there was for Alysha's wedding. I was so happy I was able to go. Brandon and Alysha make such a great couple and Brandon seems like a terrific guy. I loved being a part of Alysha's special day and seeing her so happy.


Alysha and I have such a long history together and I feel so grateful to have her in my life. We were friends growing up through dance and became super close during our high school years. If we weren't spending time together at ballet or tap, we were at drill team together, or choreographing routines, doing homework while Collin gave us back massages and telling us why he thought we were losers, or having fun just hanging out and being silly. I spent countless hours over at her house and I love how her parents, Tom and Gail, always made me feel so welcome and loved, like I was a part of the family.

Out of all the people in my life, Alysha is definitely one of the most influential. Not only was she such a good example to me throughout my teen years, but she is the one responsible for the things which I hold most sacred and dear. Through her, I found the gospel and my husband, Jared. Talk about literally changing the course of someone's life!

Congratulations, Alysha! You are the best!