Summertime Catch-Up

I’m happy to report I made it [almost] two months without needing to walk into a doctor’s office or instacare. Sadly, that record is now diminished. Don’t worry though, it’s nothing too serious; just a little case of strep throat virus. The last couple days I've noticed my throat hurting more and more, with my glands beginning to swell. This morning I used a flashlight and sure enough, there was some yucky details in which I don’t need to go into in the back of my throat. After being “disinvited” from work, I went to the instacare and learned that I don’t have strep throat: the bacteria, but strep throat: the virus. Who knew there was a difference? It’s less severe than bacteria, however, being that it’s a virus, there’s no antibiotics to speed up the healing process, making me remain both contagious and uncomfortable. Blah. Naturally, working with little ones with small immune systems is not an option. So, I’m at home, actually relishing a bit in the peace and quiet and drinking some hot cider. I thought this would be a good opportunity to catch up on the rest of my summer, post study-abroad.

Roughly 24 hours after stepping back onto American soil, I found myself in Island Park, Idaho with the Moldenhaurer clan. For the first time in over 10 years, everyone from my mom’s side of the family was present – all 52 of us! It was a delight! We rented out two cabins that were both charming and picturesque. For me, after being in large, foreign cities for the last 6 weeks, it was quite refreshing to be surrounded by green trees, wildflowers, and, I dare say, dirt! Of course, the cousins brought the four-wheelers and the kids were off and going high-speed during down time. On the warmest day, we went on the lake in the boat. Water skiing, tubing, sun bathing…it was very fun. Little Jacob got a taste of the water and was so cute in his little swim trunks. At night, after the kids had gone to bed, many of us would stay up to play games. I love that my family loves games as much as we do. They’re such a hoot to play with and, when you put a bunch of us together, we’re sure to get tummy aches from laughing so hard; which certainly happened on more than one occasion. Because I was still jet-lagged, I was a party pooper some nights and went to bed ridiculously early, but for what I was there for, I was reminded of how much I love my family. One afternoon, we let the boys be in charge of activities for the kids while we girls had a birthday party for Aunt Lucy. What was the activity, you may ask? Bottle rockets – of course! We made it through with no casualties, but plenty of smiles and laughs from the crowd. It was a fun week and I’m thankful we got to spend some much needed time together as a family.

The day after I got home from the reunion, I rushed back to Provo to celebrate Taylor’s upcoming wedding nuptials. However, before one of my favorite girls could tie the knot, we needed to have a bridal shower. Selfishly speaking, I was so happy we could celebrate not only to honor Taylor, but to be together once again. I had missed my friends and was grateful for the excuse to all be in the same room at once! A couple weeks later, Landon and Taylor got sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. I’m so happy for them. At their wedding luncheon, Landon’s dad said that after he [Landon] had met Taylor 8 years ago, he never really looked at another girl. As much as I can, I understand why. Taylor is one of the sweetest, kindest, good-natured people you’ll ever meet. I admire her courage and her testimony. I envy her willingness to try new things and meet new people. She’s constantly trying to improve upon herself. I’m so thrilled for this new chapter she’s begun in her life. More so, I’m thankful that Taylor is now married to a man who I know will do anything and everything to protect, provide and love one of my dear friends. I wish you both the best and the most happiness in your lives!

Preparing the shower decorations 

So proud of our work 

Taylor missed the "YELLOW" memo

 Wedding Luncheon

 The Happy Couple 

I’m back at my job at the BYU Preschool and Kindergarten. Just for the summer, I’m actually working in the kindergarten classroom! It’s neat to see the other side of the program. I’m so used to being behind the secretary desk that it’s fun to trade in my post-it notes and spreadsheets for crayons and writing journals. Children just have a way of moving into my heart and settling in. I love working with them every day. They are a great blessing in my life! Another blessing to my job are the people I get to work with. It makes coming into work so much easier knowing that I’ll see my friends too. They are terrific examples to me. I’m grateful for them.

Olive Garden dinners are my favorite dinners 

In addition to work, I’m also taking class’s full time. Because it’s only a term – not a semester – classes are accelerated in nature. I’m taking French Readings in Art History and Modern Art. I’ll be honest here: on the first day of my French class, I was kind of freaking out! I hadn’t taken French since I was a freshman in high school and I wasn’t good back then either. Thankfully, with a lot of encouragement from my professor (who is fabulous, by the way) I’ve managed to survive. I even pulled off a B on my midterm. Heaven only knows how, but it was rather exciting, I will not lie. Modern has been a joy not just for its content, but because I’m being taught by Kate Lemay again. This is her last semester teaching at BYU and admittedly I am very sad about it because I think she is a phenomenal teacher, but I’m looking forward to seeing where her future adventures take her. Thank you for all you've taught me, Kate. I owe you a lot!

This last Monday, we dropped Grandma Dixie off at the Provo MTC. She is bound for the Boston, Massachusetts mission, working with old documents and family history. The call is too perfect! She will be a wonderful missionary and I am very proud of her. It will be an exciting journey for Grandma and I am anxiously waiting to hear what will happen in the next 23 months. Good luck, Grandma! You’re in my prayers!

The girls and I have made some fun memories this summer too. Yes, admittedly, we have spent a Saturday or two lounging in the front room watching scary movies and vegging on cheetos and cherries, but we’ve done other activities too! We’re not complete bums! For example, we…

Went boating with some new friends!

Had a couple bon fires with plenty of s’mores to go around!

Ate chicken. A lot of it.

 Made a wicked awesome fort and had many sleepovers! Of course, Pitch Perfect was included :)

It got cleaned up shortly after this picture was taken. I couldn't handle the mess much longer...

Because I was in Europe over my 21^st birthday, the girls threw me a surprise birthday party last weekend. I did not see it coming! I was so touched. Knowing me best, they made it Breakfast at Tiffany’s themed complete with crowns, pearls and cupcakes. They even got dressed up for me! I have found myself some good friends. I am very blessed to have them.

We went to the movies and saw The Great Gatsby. I really enjoyed it! The 20s seem so full of life and energy. I loved the costumes and the acting was fantastic. I would recommend it to anyone interested! After gorging on popcorn and slurpies, we went to Les Hermanos (trying new restaurants in Provo while we still can) and did a few dares

 When I was in London, some of the girls and I went to see “Wicked”. I've seen the play before when I was a senior in high school and both experiences brought up a lot of emotion for me. Both times I saw the play was when one chapter of my life was ending and a new one was beginning. The first time, a senior in high school and soon about to embark on graduation and college, I felt like I could very easily relate to Elphie’s and Glinda’s relationship. They were different, as different as rain is from the sun. They didn't like each other a lot of the time, but something about their differences opened the door for a splendid friendship that would have life-long repercussions. My then best friend Rachel and I fit many of these descriptions. Unless you knew us, you would never pin us as friends or perhaps even acquaintances. Still, our differences made us a good team. And we helped each other out. And at least for me, she is someone I will not soon forget. Even though it’s been months since we’ve talked and I can’t even tell you the last time we’ve seen each other, she is one I will not easily overlook. This time, seeing “Wicked” and laughing and crying alongside Elphie and Glinda and their funny and unusual friendship, I’m reminded of special girls in my life that very shortly I will have to say goodbye too. Some of the lines in the closing song “For Good” say:

“I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason; bringing something we must learn and we are led to those who’ll help us most to grow if we let them and we help them in return. Well I don’t know if I believe that’s true, but I know I’m who I am today because I knew you….

Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better, but because I knew you, I have been changed for good”

There’s no better or easier way for me to describe how I feel about these friends than how Elphie and Glinda say it to one another before they depart from one another’s lives. I have been changed for good because of Hailey. Because of Taylor. Because of Caroline. Because of Amber. When I went off to college, I had many people tell me that I would make lifelong friends. I didn’t believe them. To each of you, you were right! I have! I have made those friendships and made those memories that, for right now, are some of the happiest in my life. Now, none of us have turned into the wicked witch of the west and will soon be “melted”. Rather we have much more pleasant futures in store: some of us are getting (or ARE) married, others are graduating and moving on, some are staying. But this is our last summer all together. And in 18 days (but who’s counting?), we will truly become all separated. I don’t like change. I don’t deal with it well. And so it’s very natural for me to say that I am NOT looking forward to this transition. In fact, I’ve got my day planned already and it includes nothing except a lot of mint chocolate chip ice cream, sweatpants and One Tree Hill. Still, I want my girls, these wonderful treasures of mine, to know that you have made the last [almost] four years of my life unforgettable; brilliant; happy. We’ve argued like Elphie and Glinda. We’ve stopped talking for long periods of time like Elphie and Glinda. We’ve competed like Elphie and Glinda. We’ve also laughed like Elphie and Glinda. We’ve taken risks like Elphie and Glinda. We’ve hugged like Elphie and Glinda and we’ve changed each other’s lives like Elphie and Glinda. Through the pain and the arguments and the tears; in the group text messages, the trips to Salt Lake and Deer Valley, the midnight runs to Sonic or Wendy’s; in the minutes that turned into hours and the months that turned into years, we’ve managed to create a picture that is a beautiful scene that will forever hang in my memories. And just like the song says “…and now whatever way [my] story ends, you know you have rewritten mine by being my friend”.

Loves! 

Art History Study Abroad

           Greetings! It’s hard to believe where the last three months have taken me. Sadly, I have not been as diligent as I could have been in keeping my blog up-to-date. Hopefully I can make up for some lost time now.

          The biggest, and my far the greatest, experience I've had the last three months would be my spectacular trip to Europe on a Brigham Young University Art History Study Abroad. We left April 30^th and got back to the states, [very late], June 7^th. In whole, we went to Greece, Italy, Austria, Germany, France and England. What an experience it was! It would be impossible to describe every detail and every event which made a lifelong effect on me, but I can tell you that it was almost every night I went to bed feeling very tired, but more so enriched, blessed and astounded by the talent, beauty, people and cultures our world has. Greece, although suffering from economic decline, is enchanting in its own unique way. Our tour guide, Costas, reminded me of the dad from “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”. When we were on the bus one day, traveling from Greek civilization to civilization, he began to explain why being naked is the same as democracy: “Really we’re all the same when we’re naked. No one is richer or poorer. No one is labeled by religion or social status. So really, being naked is like democracy. We’re all equal. We’re all the same.” Oh, Costas! Too funny. I guess that’s why ancient Greek athletes worked out in the nude. My favorite place in Greece was this little town called Nafplion. When you think of Greece - white sand, blue roof tops, crystal blue water - that is what you find in Nafplion. It is gorgeous! Some of us climbed 960 stairs up and 960 stairs down to an abandoned fortress atop a steep mountain. Quite the leg workout, but it was totally worth it. The view took my breath away. Easter is celebrated at a different time in Greece and while we were there, we were fortunately able to see some of the festivities the Greeks perform during this extremely important holiday in Catholicism. After dark, worshipers crowd the streets with candles in hand and walk from church to church as preachers speak sermons. It was beautiful to watch, even if it was all in a different language! It was very eye opening to see how other people and other cultures worship.

          When we flew into Italy, it was like flying into a different world. It was like night and day from Greece. We began our Italian journey in Rome. You all know I’m not a pizza fan. Well I’ll gladly die for a piece of Italian pizza! Holy delicious! Include some pasta and this girl is happy with her life! I remember when we first got off the metro and truly “entered” Rome…like the Rome everyone thinks about. And all we could do is look UP! The architecture is exquisite. The city is delightful. It is beautiful, ornate and charming, chalked full of history. My eyes kept moving from place to place, building to building. The Roman aqueducts are still in use and I will tell you all now that Roman water from an ancient fountain is the best you’ll ever have. Period. We visited so many Baroque churches I couldn't possibly even begin to count them all. We saw the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Roman forums, churches, the Coliseum, museums, the Vatican and did I mention churches? Some of the girls and I found this delightful gelato shop called Della Palma. Come to find when Audrey Hepburn was filming Roman Holiday she would come to this shop and indulge in creamy, cold goodness. I KNEW Audrey and I would be friends. Rome, and later Florence, has easily become one of the most ROMANTIC cities I have ever been too. There are couples everywhere! You know those scenes in the movies when you see the couple, arm in arm, completely zoned out on everyone except each other, laughing, kissing, and blissfully happy? That is what Rome holds. Everywhere! So naturally, I would be all over that. I was happy. On our way out of Rome, we made some pit stops. My favorite was in a place called Orvieto. I encourage everyone to go there at least once in their life because it is such a quaint little city and I love it! They have the BEST pottery. I bought such a beautiful plate from there, along with a cute little elephant. There gelato is also pretty delectable as well ;)  

My dear buddy, Aricka! 

I've got 9 1/2 months left for my wish to come true :)

I kind of like gelato! 

          Our next stop was Florence. Oh, Florence! I have left my heart with you. It is beautiful and was easily my favorite place I went to, hands down. The Renaissance is still alive and well in that enchanting city and I want nothing more than to just live there. The night life in Florence is very different than Rome. The tourism settles down greatly and it’s youthful, energetic and fun. It’s not overly crowded in the streets making it very easy to just stroll, relax and look at the beautiful art and architecture that is everywhere! The street performers are a bit…colorful, but you get used to them. The Duoma is HUGE and Brunelleschi’s dome gives me chills still now while I write this. Yes, we climbed the 476 stairs up to the top of said dome and that view was definitely one to be remembered for the books. We saw the famous “David” from Michelangelo and without hesitation; he is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful naked men I have ever laid eyes on. I realize that list is a bit short, but I will argue my opinion on this will not change any time soon. Tears, friends, tears. Florence has the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. The sun glistens off the river and buildings and it just makes you catch your breath. It’s stunning and you can’t pull your eyes away. No picture could capture its beauty or the emotions that come with it. It’s very peaceful and, at least for me, provided a bit of serenity and much needed quiet thinking. Funny story in Florence: at one restaurant, a group of girls and I sat down and our waiter said (remember to think this with an Italian accent) “because you’re so beautiful, I will give you FREE red wine!” It took us a couple minutes to convince him that we didn’t drink. Italians just don’t understand how or why one wouldn’t drink. We just settled for free waters instead. I crossed a great deal off my bucket list on my study abroad, but one thing I did add was to come back to Florence with my sweetheart. As I said about Rome, it is such an enchanting, romantic city and I can’t picture anything better than experiencing Florence, and its entire artistic splendor, with the love of my life. One day…one day…

I'm that little blue dot at the bottom. Picture taken for scale, of course :)

          Our next stop was Venice. I will keep my description of Venice very short because honestly speaking; I don’t have too many good things to say about Venice. Aside from the very rude locals and getting in a tiff with one of the restaurant bar tenders, it is just a little too tight, a little too claustrophobic for my anxiety levels. Still, I got to take my gondola ride (something I’ve always wanted to do) with some of my dear girlfriends and that was so much fun! There was even a puppy on board. One VERY positive thing about Venice was the art that was there. For the first time, and very likely the ONLY time, was the installation of Manet’s Olympia with Titian’s Venus of Urbino. By far, one of the best art experiences I had on the entire study abroad. I adore those two paintings now. And I already had a very good relationship with both of them before arriving in Venice. Friends, do some research and fall in love with them as much as I am.

          The day we left Venice and traveled to Vienna, Austria was the day we celebrated my 21^st birthday. For 8 very long hours, we were in the bus, driving through the Alps, eyes on the destination of Austria. Now I know what you’re thinking: “poor baby. Had to spend the day driving through the Alps. So sad”. But when the bus driver only goes 50 miles an hour and the trip was only supposed to be 4 hours, but ended up taking 8+, you might’ve felt a little cranky too. One of my favorite experiences on that bus ride was actually at the end when we were all at our ropes end and someone made the comment to keep an “eternal perspective”. Margot’s response? “We are LIVING in the eternal perspective. And the eternal perspective is that we’ve wasted the last 8 hours on earth!” Ha, I love that girl! Austria is much, much different than Italy. It’s more modern history (WWI-WW2, etc.) and beautiful in its own right. We went through some fine museums. One personal favorite of mine is Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss. One day we visited the beautiful gardens of Marie Antoinette’s childhood home. I wish America had such beautiful grounds as they. I would never leave. And hey…maybe I’d actually like to be outside if I had such gardens to stroll through. We were also able to visit Salzburg, Austria where, most famously, The Sound of Music was filmed. That was so much fun! We had a little photo shoot on the “do-re-mi” stairs. The mountains made me miss home, but singing a few rounds of “the hills are alive” reminded me how lucky I was to be experiencing Europe.

            Our next stop was in Munich, Germany and that was very moving. We, of course, spent our days roaming through museums. Our last night was spent at the famous Beer Hall, where I ate by far the BEST potatoes and steak I have ever had in my entire life. Oh! How I will crave those until I eat them again one day! On Sunday, most of us traveled to Dachau, the first concentration camp to open in World War II. What an incredible experience that was! Although very difficult to get through, I feel exceptionally fortunate I was able to face just a small measurement of what some million Jews suffered there. It’s impossible to articulate into words the feelings and emotions of being in such a place. While the surrounding vegetation is actually quite lovely to the eye, the mood was far from pleasant; rather it was a weight stinging all those who walked through the gates which read “work will set you free”. The camp is big, but the space is bare. What makes it so overwhelming is the pain, the fear, the devastation, the evil that still lingers within the parameter of that camp. Many places, such as the crematory or the bunkers echo the silent cries of those who died there. It was very impactful. Later, we were able to reflect on how lucky and blessed we are to live in the United States, where we are free to practice whatever religion we so desire.

             12 hours (roughly) later, our bus pulled up to our hotel in Paris, France and our group didn't look back! We’d finally made it to PARIS! Heather, one of my spectacular professors, could not dim the light in her eyes; she was delighted to have arrived! We were in Paris the longest; about 10 days total. Until recently (like a week or two ago), I had lost all feeling in my big toe because of all the freak rain storms we got caught in throughout our stay, but it was well worth it. The Paris mentality was definitely go-go-go (as if we weren’t already doing that enough in the other countries we’d visited ;)). Museums after museums after museums came and went. The Louvre (3 days!), the Musee de la Ville De Paris, Musee de Orsay, Musee d’Cluny....on and on. It was fabulous – for the most part – sometimes our feet got a bit tired. We, of course, played with Quasimodo at Notre Dame, sang “Paris Holds the Key to My Heart” in front of the Eiffel Tower (meow!), searched for the Phantom at the famous Paris Opera House and danced (metaphorically speaking) with the girls at the Moulin Rouge. One of my favorite memories was spent at Disneyland: Paris! Yes, indeed, I got to cross that baby off my bucket list because Maren, Jessica, Abigail, Aricka and I played little girls for an entire day, screaming on Space Mountain, dreaming through Peter Pan and beating “Zurg” in Buzz Lightyear Star Command. It was a blast! We ate the most delicious macaroons at Laduree’s – a bakery world renowned for its pastries. The cathedrals…oh, the cathedrals! How beautiful they are! Keisha and I were chatting later after my trip and we agreed that we would take sole responsibility if need be for preserving and protecting those beautiful buildings. We’ll talk to God and get it all sorted out, but we would be sorely devastated if the breathtakingly STUNNING stained glass and altar pieces had to go. On one of our last nights, we took a night boat ride through Paris. It was exquisite! You know those iconic pictures of Paris you see in art books or post cards? Yes. Imagine that and then picture me and 30 others girls (and Nate J) sitting there experiencing it all. I couldn't ask for me. The food, the people, the art, the culture…Paris is a place I will return to one day.

The best crepe I had the whole trip!

Already wishing for the day I can go back!!

             Finally, our last stop was England. By this point in the trip, after living out of a suitcase for a month and eating out, spending money, walking everywhere, etc. etc., we were pretty tuckered out. Still, London was one of my favorite places. Being there made me think of mom, because she loves England so much. I can understand why. It is so much fun. I love the accents. British man—please love me so our kids can have British accents too! London definitely equaled BROADWAY PLAYS! I feel confident that everyone saw at least one. I saw “Wicked!” and “Matilda: The Musical”. We, of course, went to Big Ben, the House of Parliament, Buckingham Palace (where coincidently, the Queen was having a Garden Party), Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, Harrods, the National Gallery, the British Museum, etc. I love all the parks they have! On Sunday, some girls and I went and had tea at Kensington Gardens. One of my favorite spots was a building in the middle of this square where Eliza Doolittle sold her flowers. Being the Audrey fan that I am, I naturally had a moment. One day, we traveled to Salisbury, Stonehenge and Stourhead. Stourhead, for those who don’t know, is where some of “Pride and Prejudice” was filmed. It’s also one of the most beautiful places I have literally ever been too. If Heaven looked like that, I would be content. Above all, the greatest thing I did in London was visit the Warner Brother’s Harry Potter Studio. Basically imagine anything and everything from the Harry Potter movies and it was most likely there: the Great Hall, Privet Drive, Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, the Knight Bus, the flying car, the Burrow, Dumbledoor’s office, the Gryffindor common room, Butterbeer, the potions classroom, the Ministry of Magic…do I need to continue? Do you get it?? It was AMAZING!! Seriously I cried. And I am not joking. Tears came. It may have cost me half a paycheck to go, but it was so, so worth it!! And I would/will do it again!

 Tea time!

Stonehenge 

Stourhead = Heaven on earth

This is the place where Mr. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth <3

I kind of LOVE these girls!

          I’m sure IF they've made it through this; my roommates are rolling their eyes. As a result of my trip, it’s something I bring up at least once a day. But it’s one of those experiences that has such a profound effect on one’s life that’s it’s impossible to not recount some sort of story or feeling or lesson gained somewhere on the 6 weeks we were gone. Thanks girls for indulging me. Thank you mom and dad for encouraging me to go and later, for supporting me. Without you, I would still be daydreaming. I’m so happy I went on this trip. It opened my eyes to how BIG our world really is. It reminded me that I am not bound to just the things and people available to me in Provo; rather, there’s a great, big, huge world out there, waiting to be explored; waiting to be experienced. Yes, Melina, I have caught the travel bug! I’m so very blessed to have traveled with the people I did. I had the opportunity to spend 6 weeks with two of the greatest professors and with 31 fantastic friends. And thankfully, some of those relationships have lasted beyond gondola rides and hikes up mountain tops, but to daily texts and weekly meetings (yay Awful Waffle!). I’m so fortunate to have met them. They helped make my trip that much better.

          Now it’s back to life. No better, no worse, but definitely different. Definitely bigger. Definitely a journey!

Loves!