Mother's Day

My family decided to continue the tradition of heading out to Park City for Mothers Day weekend this year (we've done it every single year with my whole extended family since I was little, but decided to forego the tradition once my grandfather passed away a few years ago). I was honestly so excited to maintain this, as it's always been something to look forward to each year.

My brother, Aaron, found us a huge condo for everyone to stay in for the weekend. It included 4 master bedrooms (with private bathrooms attached), a large kitchen, living room, hot tub, and a fancy spiral staircase that lead up to the 2nd floor (that was everyone's favorite part- especially the kids).

Once everyone was in Park City, we headed to the park to play our traditional game of baseball. It quickly started raining (and then hailing) so this did not last long!

Harmony, Jeff, Kendrick, and I were all on "dinner duty" the first night. We decided to keep it easy and served chicken quesadillas (ranch or buffalo), with tortilla chips and two different kinds of salsa. Later that night, everyone had fun playing games (which included an intense game of poker).

I don't know what hit me, but I spent that night tossing and turning, and eventually, vomiting. Unfortunately, the sickness didn't wear off by morning, so I spent the entire next day pretty miserable. I did, however, decide to get out of the condo and do a little outlet shopping with my sisters and mom (it's a Park City tradition). However, nausea and an upset stomach doesn't exactly put me in the mood to try on or buy anything, which I'm sure my wallet (and husband) were okay with.

My parents were incredibly selfless and gave up their master suite to Kendrick and I that night so that I could get a better night sleep (as we were stationed on the bed couch the night before- it's what happens to couples that don't have kids, which is totally understandable). Kendrick and I turned on the steam shower and made the water cold, which actually really helped with the nausea and it kind of felt like we were in a rain forest, haha.

The next morning, everyone had a delicious breakfast of cream cheese stuffed french toast- courtesy of Aaron, Nicole, Chris, and Jade. After breakfast, we all had fun playing in the park, having ping pong tournaments, and board games by the pool.

Kendrick and I left around 2:00, where we headed to his parents house to have dinner with his family. It was really nice being able to see both of our moms on Mother's Day, as they are both incredible women.

As I've gotten older, I've really grown to appreciate my mom more than I ever knew I would. She is the most selfless person on the planet, and I have never seen her put herself before anyone (although, sometimes I really wish she would!) She is a hard worker, a wonderful baker, and a talented decorator, and I would consider myself unbelievably lucky to be half the mother and wife that she is.

I may not have grown up with Kendrick's mom (that would be weird), but I have so much appreciation and respect for her because of the wonderful man that she raised, that I now call my husband. She is incredibly caring and giving, and I love to see the close friendship that Kendrick has with her. I'm so lucky to be able to call her my mother in law!

Here's to mothers- aren't they the best?

sunny with a side of sick

seriously, I have had the worst cold all weekend. aching throat, drippy nose, splitting head ache, raspy voice- I've had it all. but despite all of these extremely endearing and attractive symptoms, I did not want any of it to get in the way of my weekend- because this last weekend was gorgeous. we had nonstop sunshine!

saturday was definitely my favorite day of the weekend- kendrick and I took our sweet time getting out of bed that morning and catching up on our favorite shows on netflix. once we managed to shower and get ready for the day, we decided it was finally time to hit the road.

kendrick has always been interested in masons, and it just so happened that the masonic temple was having an open house that day! so obviously our first stop was downtown salt lake where we toured every single room of that gorgeous building. my favorite part was the ornate and luxurious decorating, and it was so interesting to see the symbolism that each room held.

one thing that I have always loved about spring is seeing all of the pretty blooms that pop up around temple square. so, after the masonic temple tour, it was onto the temple grounds! sadly, we were late on our game this year- about sixty percent of the flowers were dead, and all of the tulips were so wilted that they were starting to resemble a completely different flower. however, it was still a gorgeous day, so we took about two laps around the temple, soaking up all of the beautiful surroundings. there were about six weddings going on at that time, and I loved scoping out the different wedding dresses, bridesmaid attire, and the variety of colors schemes that corresponded with each wedding party. (seriously, I keep seeing darling wedding-related ideas and decor that immediately lead me to think I want to redo my wedding so I can do things that way- and then kendrick is quick to knock me off my horse of irrationality and nonsensicality as I quickly return to reality and agree that one wedding was very much enough.)

(I kind of really love this picture that I took of the temple. temple plus blue skies plus flowers equals a no-brainer picture)

the rest of our day was spent with kendrick's family, helping them move into their beautiful home in bountiful, utah. hooray for the in-laws no longer being three hours away!

here's to many more fantastic (and less-sick) weekends with my favorite person in the entire world.

And another one bites the dust

That's it! All of the Hurst kids are officially married. I'm definitely going to miss the all-day celebrations that go along with sibling marriages, but at the same time, I'm happy all the wedding craziness is over.

Chris and Jade tied the knot on May 5th at the Ogden Temple (such a pretty temple, reminded me a lot of the Draper Temple). It was an absolutely beautiful day and the sealing was just as perfect!

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride, right?

Never mind.

Congratulations, Chris and Jade!

Say cheese!

I'm pretty excited to announce that Kendrick and I made one of our first grown-up purchases! I'd like you to meet our brand new Canon DSLR camera- has yet to be named.

I'm pretty stoked to take this bad boy with us on our upcoming Seattle trip. Yep, I'm going to be one of those tourists. 

Payson Temple open house

My sweet sister was able to snag us some tickets to the Payson Temple open house last Saturday, and I am so grateful that she did!

It was a rainy and cold morning, but luckily it got warmer as we headed more and more south. Once at the temple, we quickly found Harmony and Jeff, and headed into the nearby church for a brief video that they show before entering the temple. To be honest, I spent most of that video watching Keegan, as he proceeded to do the darndest things. That kid is quite the entertainer.

Once the video was over, we headed over to the temple, had booties placed over our shoes, and then proceeded inside. The decor and architecture were absolutely stunning. All of the woodwork was a gorgeous dark brown, and the windows were stained glass- definitely not something that you see in many temples.

One of the best things about temple open houses is that even though there are lines and lines of people all around you, walking through the halls and going from room to room, you are still able to feel the spirit. I love temples!

I love how temples always have the prettiest flowers surrounding them! Who needs the tulip festival when a walk around the temple is free, amiright?

(isn't he just the most dapper baby you ever did see?)

... and just a little something for your viewing pleasure.

So.. where's the photographer?

Last Friday was one to remember, as Chase and Karissa finally tied the knot! The sealing took place at the Oquirrh Mountain Temple at 10 o'clock in the morning. Luckily, the weather was beautiful for them (although, a bit on the windy side!) Ironically, Kendrick and I had just done sealings the previous night at that same temple, so it was awesome being back the next day, and actually being able to see a sealing! As always (and to no surprise) everything was beautiful, and I loved being reminded of the same words that were said during mine and Kendrick's ceremony.

Afterwards, we met up with the rest of Kendrick's family, and waited for the happy couple to come out. However, as they exited the temple, and we cheered and clapped, we realized one thing... where's the photographer? Chase and Karissa had won a Facebook contest months before, which awarded them with a free photography package- including engagements, bridals, and wedding day.

Unfortunately, the photographer went to the wrong temple, and Chase and Karissa were left getting their wedding day pictures taken on multiple iPhones. I must say, I really admired their attitude- they were completely fine with it! Maybe I'm just a sentimental baby, but all my wedding day pictures are pictures that I'll cherish forever, so I did feel bad that all of theirs would be iPhone-quality pictures. But to each their own, and nothing could stray from the most important fact of the day- they were married!

(And can we just talk about how darling Karissa looks in her dress? $20 off Amazon. Yeah, that happened.)

Pictures were followed with a delicious lunch at Thanksgiving Point, and then the newly-weds were off onto their honeymoon at one in the afternoon (they decided to forego having a reception).

A simple day to say the least- but aren't the best things in life the simple ones? Congrats, Chase and Karissa! (and congrats to me for getting another girl in the Adams family sea of boys!)

When in doubt, head to Park City

There is just something about Park City that Kendrick and I cannot get enough of. I don't know if it's the fresh air, the fabulous outlets, or the historic and charming Main Street- we just can't stay away!
After work on Thursday last week, Kendrick surprised me with the news of a booked hotel room in Park City for Friday night (I'm telling you, the way to my heart is spontaneous getaways... and chocolate. lots of chocolate).

This little getaway was much needed and it started out with an amazing dinner at the New Yorker in Downtown Salt Lake. Clearly, this is incredibly a bit out of our price range, but our dear friend Aaron had given us a gift card for Christmas, and it was time to put that bad boy to use! Now, i'm a bit of a baby when it comes to steak (chicken, anyone?), but who in their right mind goes to the New Yorker and orders chicken? So I put on my big girl pants, ordered myself a nice sixty-dollar steak, and devoured the entire thing in record timing. And... wow. I didn't think it could get much better, until I tried their creme brulee. Wow, again. Our waitress was fantastic, and gave us another free creme brulee on the way out. I kid you not, Kendrick almost cried.

Our night in Park City was spent relaxing in the hotel room and watching movies. It felt so nice to just be with each other, in a spot where no one could find us.

We treated ourselves to an amazing breakfast at Squatters the next morning, which was followed by some outlet shopping (obviously). We would have loved to stay another night in Park City (and were definitely tempted!) but I had a bachelorette party for my friend Allyson that night. So once four o'clock hit, we were on the road and headed back to Salt Lake.

But we weren't sad, not one bit. We'd be back soon, real soon.