And So It Begins. . .

I told myself that I wouldn't discuss wedding stuff on my blog.

I lied to myself.

It really is just such an exciting time though, and I want to share a bit of what I've already thought about and prepared. I think it is so exciting because this is the first time I have ever thought about my wedding. I didn't even know wedding colors existed until about last year. I thought wedding dresses were all the same. White. So of course, for someone new to all the wedding hoopla, this can all be a bit overwhelming. But I don't want to be overwhelmed. I do not understand the people that go on about how being engaged is 'the worst' or 'so stressful'. I don't understand how women can turn into bridezillas. I guess I haven't been engaged long, but still, I think it should be a period of time filled with anticipation and excitement.

The things I have prepared thus far, have been so much fun. I think it helps that I have never envisioned how my wedding should be. I have no high expectations. I know that it will be wonderful no matter what. I don't want to be picky or dwell on the little things that don't matter so much. I want to dwell on what matters. I want to dwell on Brian. I want to dwell on putting the beginning of what will be 'our life' together. I want to grow closer to my aunts, moms, and other women in my life as we bring our crafty brains together for this fun wedding. I want to dwell on being happy and feeling complete. So there it is. If in the future I turn into bridezilla, direct me to this blog post.

Last week, with the help of my wonderful mom, the wedding planning began. I feel like we are already off to a good start. And with 4 months to prepare, we should be in good shape. We started off by booking the place where the wedding celebration will take place. We are NOT having a reception. Standing for several hours, shaking peoples' hands does not sound like a good time to me. And we want to have a good time!! We are having a celebration. A party, if you will. Every time someone asks about the reception, I correct them and say party. So don't be offended if it happens to you. However, I am very excited about where the party will be taking place. It is the most magical place in all of Logan (besides USU).

The American West Heritage Center!

We booked their livery stable. I think once we decorate it with some lanterns, twinkling lights, and country decorations, it will be like a dream. Also, three hours worth of wagon rides are included in the package. So get this: our guests will arrive, park, and then get in a wagon which will take them to the party. Marvelous? I think so!

Also, if you have never paid a visit to The American West Heritage Center, you most definitely should. Actually, next week is their 'Baby Animal Days' celebration. Click *here* for a schedule of events. There are adorable baby animals that you'll be able to pet as well, including a baby bear.

Here are a few pics from last year's celebration:

On another note, the hunt for the dress began. My mom and I went to the few dress shops around Logan, just for fun. We were just browsing but turns out, I found the type of dress I am almost certain I want. . .

Also, I know I don't want a veil. Nothing against people that wear veils, I just don't like them much. Besides, I think one would look weird with my short hair. I would rather have something less fancy and stuffy than a veil and something more fun and vibrant. Like a crown of flowers. . .

I am open to ideas, advice, and opinions from others! Like I said, I'm new to this stuff.

Jungles, Zip Lines, and Sand Art

Day 5. Wednesday.

I stepped off the ship and set foot on land in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. As usual, there were people dressed up, wanting you to stop and take a picture with them and as usual, we tried avoiding them. Then I spotted a furry creature. Anyone that knows me, knows that I am a sucker for all animals. The furry creature was the most adorable ass I have ever seen. And when I say ass, I mean donkey, obviously.

I made a beeline straight for the donkey. I am pretty sure I was making my squeaky voice, long lasting, "Ohhhhhhhh," that I make for all cute animals, and I'm pretty sure I was wiggling my fingers at the thing, if you can imagine. In my 'cute animal trance' I accidentally cut off the line waiting for the donkey, and sat right down on the wooden stool next to the beast. I instantly started petting and loving my new friend. I may even be guilty of having kissed his furry nose. He was the cutest donkey ever. Much cuter than the ones we used in the donkey basketball tournament back when I was in high school (yep, go ahead and laugh. I'm kind of a redneck) Then I looked up at the Mexican man who was holding the donkey's harness. I noticed he was also holding a basket of straw.

In my excitement, I pointed at the basket and asked if I could feed the donkey. He gave me a very odd look but still handed the basket over. I began to feed my friend. Suddenly the man holding Mr. Donkey spoke. "Okay ma'am, you need to let us take your picture now."

Oh. My. Gosh.

This was a line to merely get your picture taken with the donkey. Now realizing, I glanced at the line of people behind me, who were glaring me down with irritated and disgusted looks. So I smiled and the picture was taken. The pictures were $12. So me, being the cheap skate I am, obviously didn't buy it. I wish I would have now though. Just imagine a fuzzy donkey and a girl with pure joy and excitement covering her face. That's my picture.

I finally found Brian, Shay, and D. They had made it through the crowd and were now waiting for me. They weren't too upset. They just shook their heads and laughed at me a little bit. Randee and Trev were not with us during the course of this day. Yep, the married people ditched us. Just kidding. It was their one year anniversary, after all. I would want some alone time too.

We finally found a decent deal on. . . .

a zip line tour!!!

We're talkin' zip lines hundreds of feet in the air, taking you through jungle.

This was an awesome activity. If you ever go to Puerto Vallarta, do the zip line tour! It is totally safe and the guys that host the tour are hilarious!

Obviously, I didn't really have my camera out through the course of this adventure. But just know if I did, the pictures would be sick. Sick in the really good way.

After the tour had ended, we had a forty minute drive back to the city. Our driver, Manny, had just ordered lunch at the bar. We told him to take his time and we would explore.

While Manny ate, we wandered around the bar, which was under a giant canopy. . .

Went off a rope swing into this refreshing, little pool. . .

And poked through the cages at these parrots. Well, I poked them at least. . .

Once Manny finished eating, we took off for the city. With the remaining time we had, we walked along the beach, and also did some more shopping at flea markets. I purchased a beautiful stitched bag and a purple poncho. While walking along the beach, we ate some of the best mango that any of us had ever tasted and admired sand art.

Oh, and remember that talk we had earlier of donkey basketball in my high school years? Here is some proof:

Oh West Side High, you were grand.

Simple Days

I remember back when I was just a little girl (back when I was still an only child) and we would go on Sunday drives. In those days, our Sunday drives consisted of me, my mom, and my dad. Sometimes the pet dog would come along too. We would all load in the old pick-up truck and ride on a dusty dirt road that led up the mountain. I had a wild imagination as a child. I was convinced that Christopher Robin, Winnie the Pooh, and the rest of the gang lived up that canyon. So during the course of these Sunday drives, I made it our mission to spot their homes and maybe if we were real lucky, to find the actual characters as well.

Oh, how I miss those days on occasion. When the biggest thing on the agenda was to find Pooh Corner. Back before work, tests, cleaning, budgeting and time management were part of regular day thoughts and concerns.

I was a wise little girl too. Whenever I would get the often asked question of, "Kelsey, what do you want to be when you grow up?" I would answer. . .

I don't really want to grow up.