Tory and Brett's Wedding!!!

Tory and I have been friends since we were 3 years old. This is something that we are both very proud of and I know she is someone who will always be in my life. When we were kids and even into early adulthood we used to tell each other that we would NEVER marry. In fact, until we both met our current significant others we still held true to that theory.

Well last Saturday, May 17, 2008, Tory completed the other half of the equation and she got herself hitched. It was a lovely ceremony and was held in the same backyard where we shared many good times together. Below are a few of the highlights taken by Joe.

















Thanks so much for being my friend, Tory! You are family to me. I'm so glad that you married such a great, wonderful guy. Brett is perfect for you! There are many happy years to come for us both.

Climbing Hills and Spanish Class

Yesterday marked the first day of a new life for Joe and I. We changed our lifestyle in two very significant ways. The first being that we would be starting Spanish classes at the U, and the second being that we would be riding our bikes there every day.

Now as most of you know, we live in downtown Salt Lake City and the University is not far from us at all (6 miles round trip). The only obstacle is that you have to climb a rather long, steep hill to get there. After about a mile in, 2nd South starts to incline every so slightly. While the difference is hardly noticeable while driving a car, you can definitely feel it while riding a bike.

The next mile steadily increases this slope until you get you get to the last mile where the grade steepens by quite a large jump. It is quite a tough hill but when it
is over, you are at the U. Below is a map of our route.



I remember walking around our neighborhood with Joe on Sunday night and we vowed to each other that this was indeed a lifestyle change and a new beginning to a healthier way of life. We are definitely on the path to many other BIG changes as well! Taking a Spanish class is only one way we can try to prepare for what lies ahead of us in Costa Rica and riding to work every day carrying our backpacks in our BOB trailers is just one way to prepare for our Canada to Mexico tour. I'm sure we have no idea what we're up against, but we'll sure be ready for it and welcome the challenge!

Late Birthday Post

It's been almost a month since Joe's birthday, but I couldn't pass up posting some of the beautiful pictures we took in our trip to Jackson Hole.

All in all it was a beautiful trip. We ended up staying at the same hotel we stayed at last time we were there and it was a great deal. I highly recommend the Jackson Hole Lodge. We got a jacuzzi suite and spend a few nights in the room making home cooked meals and taking advantage of all the suite had to offer.

We spent two days snowboarding at the Jackson Hole Resort. It was scheduled to close two days after our departure! The snow was very icy and the runs were extremely steep. It took a bit of getting used to.

Here is Joe ready to ride down:



I had a fun time riding in the Gondola:




We took a few much needed rests and relaxed with some food and beer:





The highlight of the trip was our cross country ski adventure! It was an amazing experience to be up so close under the Tetons. I must admit that the trail was very challenging! We are still very much beginners and this was probably just a little bit above my level. But hey, whatever doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right? And you simply can't beat this scenery:












You can see the rest of the pictures here:

http://joe-and-heather.smugmug.com/gallery/4659630_sStWi#P-1-16

We will add the videos as soon as we upload them!!

It was indeed a most beautiful trip. I'm so lucky to have such a wonderful husband! Thanks you for being in my life, Joe!

New couch & mandolin!

Heather and I had our new couch delivered yesterday, check it out:





Last week we splurged and purchased a Mandolin. (as seen in the above photos next to the electric violin) The Mandolin is tuned like a violin, but it has frets and can also play chords. Heather and I fight over it constantly, she has a Guitar background, and I have a violin background. We may need to get a 2nd one...