Dear blog world,

I have been MIA for the past little while having some grand adventures in Boston with the fam for the 4th of July. Some highlights included Rex Sox game at Fenway, fireworks on the Charles river, whale watching in Massachusetts bay, etc. After a glorious 5 days with my family I hopped on a plane and flew to the other coast--Seattle to be exact--to be with the best friends for Claire and Chad's wedding. Here is a little sneak peak of a few adventures I had.

Walking the streets of Boston on the freedom trail.


We went to Cambridge to visit Harvard and got a sweet tour.


While in Seattle, my friends and I had a few hours to explore downtown. We visited pike place and then found the gum wall, which was SO COOL!


Ultimately we were in Washington for Claire and Chad's wedding, which was amazing by the way. The Seattle temple grounds are breathtaking.



This may be the last you'll hear about these trips of mine because I'd much rather tell you about them in person than blogging them. If you are dying to see/know more, just ask me or visit my picasa web albums here.

yours truly,
Kenj

a little taste of my weekend

Thrifting love.

Ginger's Garden Cafe with Audrey :) Everyone needs to go to Ginger's.
It's my new favorite and it's all I've been thinking about.

Manti Pageant. SO FANTASTIC! Such a gorgeous night with amazing friends.
See a KSL article about it here.

Father's day love. I have the best daddy ever! No joke.

Sister love.

(thanks for the tokbox chat pics elissa!)
More summer adventures to come!

she's so rad

C'est ma soeur Janelle!

This girl is so rad. Like seriously.

Let me tell you a little bit about her. She's freaking hilarious, super talented and artsy (see the pics she took and edited below or just check out her blog), she's great at thrifting, and probably the most considerate person you'll ever meet. Also she can beat me any day at the movie quote game.

Today is her birthday. Can you believe that she is 17 today?!

I love her a lot and I miss her tons.

I can't wait to chill with you on Thanksgiving Nelly!

presh

Meet Noah Adam Jackman.

He is my nephew and the cutest thing ever!
Just look at his precious little face.

He is a month old today. Crazy how time flies!

I am super sad because I haven't even met him yet :(
but {answering my question from yesterday} he is definietly someone I love already even before having meet him.

babies are just little miracles.

{pic via jenna cole photography. edits by my sister/noah's mommy!}

recent developments:

Aunt Kendra.

Hmmm . . . that has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

details to come.

countdown

This is my sister Elissa. She is da bomb! She comes home from her 18 month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 3 days!! You can see and hear of her past adventures in Buenos Aires Argentina here where we have been posting her emails and pictures for her!

I love her so much and I've missed her greatly this past year and a half. I am grateful for the example that she has set for me and the service she has given. I know the people of Argentina have been blessed because of her.

Also I am freaking out!!! Only 3 days?!?
3 days until this face is in America? {americuh!}

we love each other!

{following two pictures along with the first one, via my sister bethany j}

And then days after Elissa returns we will also welcome a little one into our family! I will be an aunt for the first time. Woo hoo! So many exciting things to come.

love,
kenj

spontaneity

last night the answer was obvious,
so this morning instead of going with best friends on vacay
i came here.

different moments throughout the drive i had to pause:
what am i doing? is it real?
i would burst into tears because i was overcome with His love.
He knows.
He is giving me this as a gift.

so now
i am home.

home
home
HOME
home

{it's a weird word when you say it so many times}

and this evening, through tear stung eyes i was greeted by the most wonderful people.
we all embraced. i was engulfed in love. i needed this.

charlie was even there, trying to get my attention by jumping and scratching on my legs. he just wanted to join in on the love . . .

the love.
it is real and it is a gift.
i must use it carefully.

This girl

. . . is my older sister Bethany. She turns 25 today! She is pretty rad, super rad actually! She's the best sister anyone could ask for {besides my other 2 sisters of course!} You may know her because she has this amazing {self-taught} talent of which I am sometimes jealous of, as shown here {or here}. She is one of the most down-to-earth, loving, spiritual, sweetest, artistic, best-dressed persons I know. I can honestly say that I've always looked up to her example and dedication to the gospel. I remember being just an elementary schooler and seeing my super cool older sister who was in high school and never thinking I could be as great as she was {or is}.

For the past 3 years she has been living in provo with her super rad husband Casey, working full-time with her photography business on the side while Casey finished up school. It has been such a blessing having her here while I have been at school; they've always been there for me to show me the ropes, give advice, feed me, let me watch sytycd with, help me with car troubles, and so much more--all of which I am eternally grateful for! This week they embarked on a new adventure, packed up, moved out, and headed to Texas. I will miss them terribly, but I find comfort in the fact that they are just a phone call away ;) Other great adventures lie in their paths because in about 2 months they will become first time parents to a sweet baby boy {who I am sure will also be super rad!} I am so happy for them as I know they will be fantastic parents!

Bethany, thanks for always being there for me as a sister, as a friend, as an example to follow. I hope you are having a Happy Birthday! Live it up!

pic by anna page

je manque ma sœur

I miss my sister

freckles et la pluie

yet again, another list and some pics to brighten the blogging world!

some things that i've loved while being at home:

driving through vail in the rain
rediscovering the freckles on my arms
royal crest dairy skim milk {delivered twice a week from the milk man. nothing beats it}
eating way too much good food
having charlie next to me before bed
hangin' out with my cute cousins
handmade ban.do's
10 minute photo shoot and workshop on film from my little sis

there will be more to come . . . don't worry.