Fun Valley

Miracles happen! This past weekend I finally got this crew up to Sun Valley. 

Back story: I've been trying to get Ann up there for at least 3 years, so to say I felt accomplished was an understatement. 

I talk about Sun Valley a lot, so it's important to me that people actually get to experience the magic of it themselves. I think they finally understand my obsession. 

The trip was pretty fantastic. It was filled with scooter rides--lots of scooter rides, tennis, sunflower seeds, sunburns, swimming, new friends, eating, strolling through town, ping pong, naps, chats, and a lot of laughing. 

There was also a continuous stream of 80s music flowing through the house that led to many a spontaneous dance party. 

These friends of mine really are some of the best. They never cease to find new (and creative) ways to make me laugh pretty hard. 

Sun Valley, you have done it again. See you sooner rather than later. xo

(kacey.ism 339)

Easter Elephants

Easter Sunday was a particularly lovely day.
The weather definitely had a something to do with it. There's nothing like a sunshiney, blue sky, bird chirping Easter.
Wearing my Easter elephant dress also had a little something to do with it. I have this unexplainable love (obsession?) for elephants lately. I think they are the most beautiful creatures, thus anything with an elephant on it, I must have.
I found that dress at Anthropologie and deemed elephants the new mascot of Easter (because who likes rabbits anyways?).
Most importantly, however, Easter was wonderful because of the true meaning behind it.
It is a day to reflect on my Savior. I thought a lot about Jesus Christ on Sunday. I thought about his birth, his life, his crucifixion, but most importantly I thought about His resurrection.
He died for all of us so that we can live again. It sounds so simple, but it is the most incredible act of love this world will ever witness.
Because of Him every single person has the opportunity to live in His presence for eternity.
When I think about that I feel so hopeful for the world and so grateful for my Savior's love.
So, thank you Easter. Thank you for giving me a day to truly ponder the miracle of the atonement.

(kacey.ism 338)

a taste of things to come.

For me, this weekend was all about expectation of what Summer 2014 has in store for me. 

I successfully survived my first bike ride of the season (and if you know my history with biking this is a  BIG deal). 

Abs came in town for a surprise visit prior to her permanent move home in TWO weeks. Annerz and I met up with she and Laird at the Mav. 

I'm confident you'll find the four of us posted up on the curb there many a night this summer. 

Talk about a perfect weather weekend too. I know it really is getting warm when our house is no longer feeling like an icebox. Bring on the heat!

I was in sandals, summer dresses, and white pants this weekend. I just kept thinking, "Please, no one spoil Mother Nature's good mood". I know it's bound to get chilly again, but I pray we don't get a freak blizzard anytime soon. 

Tonight that full moon just stopped me in my tracks. Is there a more beautiful site than a full moon hanging up there in a clear periwinkle sky? I would argue there isn't.

So, all in all, thank you weekend. You brought me surprises, happiness, and anticipation. Hopefully, your happiness boost will carry me through this week. 

(kacey.ism 337)

March goes out like a lamb...except in Utah

Despite the bipolar weather, March was actually a lot of fun. 

Trips to Provo for donuts, trips to Palm Springs for sunshine, St. Patrick's Day/parent's anniversary, Chloee's birthday, skiing as a family with Allie our superstar, and best of all...

making it to April!

April brings birthdays (Carli, Grandpa, and Daniel), General Conference, Easter, and warmer, happier weather. 

And even though Mother Nature has decided it's okay to snow on and off all week, I'm still determined to treat life like it's Spring outside. 
So here is to putting the winter coats away, breaking out the saltwater sandals, and opening the sun roof for the next six months. 

(kacey.ism 336)

Happy Friday!

Just a snippet of happiness to kick off the weekend.

Jimmy + Billy Joel + the Lion Sleeps Tonight = Perfection in my opinion.

Enjoy.

(kacey.ism 335)

Palm Spring Break

This past week I created my own spring break and went down to Palm Springs with my mom for a few days. 

Palm Springs is a paradise of sorts. The sun always shines, the grass is always green, no one is in a hurry (probably because most of the population is 65 and older), and it just has a peaceful feel about it.

This week my mom and I played tennis, lounged by the pool, ate well, and relaxed. We also went to the Indian Wells tennis tournament one of the days, which I loved. 

There is nothing that makes me happier than watching Roger Federer win a match! 

My dad also joined us near the end of my trip. I feel so spoiled when I get my parents to myself. 

As I've gotten older I've really learned to cherish those times with them. They are my biggest fans and best examples and I just love them.

It was a beautiful week, and now it's back to reality. 

(kacey.ism 334)

Luck of the Irish

When February ends and March begins I always breathe a sigh of relief. 

It's a great accomplishment to survive those long winter months. 

This year March feels especially refreshing. 

This winter I have spent a lot of time thinking about where I am in my life, and where I truly want to be.

In the midst of all of these daunting thoughts it has been comforting to know that the Lord has a plan for me. 

While I may spend too much time worrying and wondering, I have never questioned the Lord's hand in my life. 

His presence is one of the things I am most certain of. I wouldn't trade one day of my life, and I know that is because I have been extraordinarily blessed.

As I enter into the month of luck I'm excited. I'm excited because I'm going to take a step out onto the ledge and trust the Lord and trust myself. 

(kacey.ism 333)