Crabs, Water and Sand!

What a fun weekend we had! Some of the other couples out here have been to Ocean City, MD and have said it was a lot of fun. I guess it's a popular vacation spot for Marylanders! Well, we have been meaning to get together with Brian's brother and wife, Devin and Jess. We always have a lot of fun together! It's so nice to have family pretty close to us. Ocean City happened to be a good meeting point for us. We each had a 2.5 hour drive. So, we made the plans to meet up!

Well, Ocean City ended up being a ton of fun!!! It was wonderful to be on the beach, it happened to be my first time to the Atlantic Ocean! I love the whole beach atmosphere. I will admit that the waves kind of freaked me out with how much they were shoving me around. I believe the words you would say are, "The waves totally rocked me!" Haha. Next time we are at the ocean I won't be such a chicken and actually swim in the water more. :)

Anyway, we all hung out at the beach for a while then made it over to Bahama Mama's to have some crab. This was kind of a new experience for all of us. We all have had crab and have cracked crab legs open but never had to pry open the middle, scrape the guts and "stuff" to get to the meat. It's kind of funny/gross when you get to look at your meal in the eyes before eating it....even if it is dead already. The crab meat was really good though! All in all, we had a great time and hope to make another visit there before we go back to Utah.

Brian and I at Bahama Mamas! These were extra large crabs?!!

Ocean City Beach!

Last night I was so happy that I had the opportunity to talk to my little brother, Adam, on the phone before he left for the Philippines. My parents put him on speaker phone and my sister called me and did the same. I am so happy that I was able to have the opportunity to speak with him one more time before he left. I am so proud of my brother and my brothers in law. They are such great examples to me.

Brian's brother, Cameron, is serving in Mexico.

My brother Adam, serving in the Philippines, and Brian's brother Kyle, serving in Georgia. (They entered the MTC at the same time!)

WE LOVE YOU GUYS!

Yay for Animals!

So, I LOVE animals! I love the zoo. I love the aquarium. I love watching tv shows and movies (Planet Earth) on animals. Love it! So, when Brian said we could do whatever I wanted this last weekend, the National Zoo in DC is what came to mind. Now if you are ever in the area you should definitely make a stop here. I was a little concerned at first when I heard the zoo was free. How good can a free zoo be? I was pleasantly surprised though. There was lots of active animals, meaning...they actually looked alive and the zoo grounds are huge! We didn't even have time to look at all of the exhibits. After the zoo we made a stop at the Jefferson Memorial. That was cool too. All these monuments are pretty amazing to see in person! Thanks for joining us Aaron! We miss you Jeni and Jett! Can't wait for you to be back from Utah!

Brian checking out the crocodiles!

This frog was kinda funny. He moved around kind of slow and sneaky.

Tigers are one of my favorites. This one was running all around!

This turtle came right up to the window when I bent down to get a closer picture.

Another favorite animal.

Out in front of the Jefferson Memorial. (Yes this is out of order.)

Brian and Aaron in front of the elephant exhibit.

Us out in front of the elephants!

Chocolate Cake!

So, I got this recipe a few months ago from a lady working at Williams Sonama and I'm so glad she shared this with me! Every time I have made this cake it has been a hit. I'm not saying that I'm a great cook...because the cake itself is REALLY easy to make! I thought I should post this for all of you so you can enjoy it too! :)

Chocolate Bundt Cake

Mix:

1 devil's food chocolate cake mix

1 large box instant chocolate pudding

5 eggs

1 cube butter, melted

16 oz (regular size tub) of sour cream

1 tsp vanilla

A pinch of salt

Then add:

2 cups chocolate chips

Mix it all up, the batter will be thick like brownie mix. Bake in a greased bundt pan at 350 for 55 minutes. This serves well by itself or topped with cool whip or ice cream and berries.

Deer and Frogs

Sunday evening, Brian and I decided to go for a walk to a nearby park. We've been to this park before, but not this late in the day. What a difference it makes! There were little frogs hopping around the water and bull frogs croaking (is that what it's called?). Brian was the only one that actually saw the bull frogs. He tried to scare them so they would jump in the water so I could see one too. I always happened to be looking away when they would jump in the water. Maybe next time. :) We, also, saw deer running through the park. All and all, it was a nice time to relax and enjoy nature.

Me trying to be all creative with the black and white... yes, I know... so original.

Flower Brian picked for me at the park. :)

Brian trying to scare the frogs so I can finally see one!

4th of July

I love the 4th of July! I love the fireworks...BBQs...and just being able to hang out with friends and family. With that being said, I was not sure how this year's 4th was going to turn out. I thought, up until the the day, that the guys were going to have to work a regular shift. They ended up getting off earlier! :) I didn't get to see fireworks or go to a BBQ, but I did get to spend a nice evening with Brian and our good friends, Aaron & Jeni and Vak & Kelley, at Ruth's Chris. Yum!

Brian doesn't like this picture, but it's the only one we have of the evening, and I think he looks cute! :)