"Laguna Matata"

"Laguna Matata" what a wonderful phrase. 

Copyrighted by Abby Young, it means no worries, only happy thoughts, sunshine, best friends, and laughter. A couple weekends ago we achieved just that. 

Ann, Sadie, and I drove down to Laguna, and Abs and Cath flew in from New York and met us there. 

We sat by the pool, walked on the beach, ate our weight in guacamole, ran the boardwalk, strolled through Balboa, shopped, admired the sunsets, took too many photos, and laughed about nothing and everything the whole time. 

It was the best. Any time I get to spend with my NYC girls is time well spent. We don't see them nearly enough. 

I'm just so glad we decided long ago that no matter how far apart we may live, and no matter what is going on in our lives, we will always make time for each other. That is part of what makes our friendship so invaluable. 

Laguna Beach has quickly become one of my happy places in life. I think this trip is one that will continue to happen for years to come.

I can't wait.

(kacey.ism 329)

Alta cabin.

A couple weekends ago we ventured up to a friend's cabin at Alta Ski Resort.

It was the ideal winter adventure in every way. 

We had to take the lift up and ski into the cabin. It was so much fun. I haven't skied in forever, and while I was a little hesitant at first I loved it. 

The cabin is literally in the middle of the woods and embodies what a cabin should be in every way...old, rustic, rocking chairs, vintage photos, close quarters, and a fireplace to keep warm. 

We ate dinner, played cards, danced, and sang while people much more talented then me played the guitar. 

It snowed all night so skiing out the next morning in a blizzard was a bit more treacherous, but still successful. 

It might just be one of my favorite cabin adventures ever. I was with some of the best people I know in a beautiful place. There is no way you can wrong with a scenario like that. 

(kacey.ism 328)

ended 2013 the island way.

My family ended 2013 on the sandy shores of Hawaii. It was just the way I wanted it.

We sat on the beach, soaked up the sun, played paddle ball and tennis, read a handful of books, ate well, and relaxed.

I love Hawaii.for the obvious reasons i.e. sunshine, ocean, whales, and beach

But I also love it because it's a place where I have some of the sweetest memories with my family. 

10 uninterrupted days with my five favorite people? Yes, please. 

No where else is it just us. It's just easy and stress free. 

I forget how much fun we have together. 

They are the best. Hawaii is the best. 2013 was the best.

2014, I know you are going to be good to me too. 

(kacey.ism 327)

Christmas cheer.

This week was everything the first week of the holiday season should be. 

The snowfall came right on schedule, we got our stockings hung, the tree trimmed, and Daniel even got our lights up on the house. 

I feel like I live in Whoville right now, and it is wonderful. 

On top of that, this week I visited the Festival of Trees, attended a Mistletoe mixer in the mountains, watched the snow fall til 2am last night, and went to the Country Club's annual Christmas Party tonight. 

Everything truly is bright and merry this time of year. 

I don't know what it is, but the holiday magic seems very tangible this year.

I'm doing my best to grab on to it and enjoy every minute. 

(kacey.ism 326)

Carli + Daniel

A brief look at the Claflin Wedding...

November 23rd, 2013 will always be remembered as the day Carli and Daniel got married. 

It was the most wonderful day. 

There is something so incredibly fulfilling about seeing someone you love literally glowing with happiness. 

When Carli and Daniel walked out of the Brigham City Temple yesterday morning I don't think their feet touched the ground. 

I have never seen such a beautiful site. Those two just adore each other and I am so glad they found each other in this big, wide world, and are sealed together for time and all eternity. 

The wind was a bit blustery and it was chilly outside the temple, but it didn't matter. I asked Carli if she was cold and she said, "Nope! I've never been better!" 

That night we celebrated their marriage at the Country Club. It was beautiful. Carli and my mom covered every last detail. The pictures, the tablecloths, the food, the favors, the flowers, the music...all of it was perfect. All we needed was the people. 

And wow, did the people come. It was a party from 6pm-9:30pm. I was so blown away by all the guests who came because they love Carli and Daniel, and also because they love my parents and the Claflins. 

I loved chatting with guests from near and far and watching the lovebirds smile, hug, and thank everyone for being there. It really was magical. 

One of the highlights of the night was watching Daniel surprise Carli when he serenaded her with the song "Everything" by Michael Buble. He was phenomenal and Carli was speechless. 

The last hour of the night was spent dancing. It was exactly what they wanted and they got it. 

All their friends were there til the very end and they made it a true party. 

When it was time to go we sent them off in style with sparkles, cheers, and watched them drive away in a white Rolls Royce. Again, magic. 

I got a little teary eyed watching them drive away. It was a little bittersweet, but mostly sweet. Carli is embarking on a new fabulous adventure with her darling new husband. 

And even though I will be seeing her all the time, she isn't mine anymore. That's what is giving me a little bit of heartache.

On the other hand, she is the happiest she's ever been and she and Daniel are about to live happily ever after.

I could not ask for anything more for my best friend. 

(kacey.ism 325)

Gettysburg

^^^Gettysburg, June 2012

Today marks the 150th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address.

Abraham Lincoln is one of my heroes. I have always admired his courage, strength, and faith in America when the country looked as though it was on the verge of dying. 

The Gettysburg Address, though simple in speech, will aways have a sustaining power to it. 

I have read it many times, and every time I am always moved by the conviction and belief that Lincoln conveys. 

This speech changed the world. I'm so grateful for its powerful message...

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

--Abraham Lincoln
November 19, 1863

one week countdown

She is my little bride-to-be for just one more week!

On Saturday she becomes Carli Claflin!

(kacey.ism 324)