Apples & In-Laws

So my in-laws are better than yours. No hard feelings, but it's fact.

The Donaldson's came down to Tucson and paid a well-worth visit. Friday night, we partied hard at the U of A game. {yes it's all foreign to me. Born and raised a Sun Devil... let that sink in} I sported a cute red flannel shirt so don't be hatin'.

Saturday was packed with fun. All of us sleepy-eyed-late-night-partiers woke up and drove up to Wilcox for some apple pickin' in Annies Orchard. {it's even dreamier in real life}.

The smells of fresh popped kettle corn filled the air.
Apple Bread
Apple Jam
Apple Pie
Apple smoked hamburgers...

ANYTHING apple, it was all there.

We chowed on some burgers and headed straight to the orchard. You could sample everything, from apples, to peaches, to pears! My taste buds were doing a happy dance!

After filling our buckets to the brim, I headed to the cute little country store. I saw that they were having a free pie raffle. I entered my name and ended up winning! I never win these things! I don't think I stopped smiling all day.

A couple hours went by and we headed home to take a rest. The Donaldson's always show a good time. We snacked and chatted and shared a good belly laugh.

We made plans for dinner with Papa Red and Grammy to meet them up at Pinnacle Peak. It's a cute little Western Town with the most fun atmosphere. At their restaurant they forbid ties. So the rebellious little me brought a Halloween tie for them to cut off. Ha it was a good laugh!

All of us were stuffed and head back to our place. We ended the night with a swim and several Dateline episodes.

I wasn't ready for them to leave on Sunday! They all mean the world to me!

So the question is Donaldson's... Who's up for round two?!

 

 

 

 

 

Mason is HOME!

Two long awaited years, and the moment has finally arrived! My brother Mason is HOME! He served in the Bacolod Philippines mission.
We all were seriously the most anxious beings at the airport! His first flight ended up being cancelled, and more delays were to come.

Such a sight, seeing so many friends and family gathered 'round. Posters being held in sweaty, anxious, shaking hands; and everyone glancing at the time every 30 seconds.

Moments later, the clock struck 3 and our eyes were glued to the security line. He'd be here any minute now.

I'll never forget that moment. Him walking behind a long line of strangers. Our hearts POUNDING as we see the top of his head, coming our way. As he came closer we saw that smile that we missed for two whole years. HE IS HERE!

*insert infinite amount of high-pitched screams

My heart was about to explode from all the love in the room. Our missionary, HOME.

We greeted him with tear stained faces, tight squeezes, puffy eyes and smiles that would remain forever.

After many, MANY pictures and hugs, we headed to In-n-Out. He had been craving a good ole American meal. Ha no complains here!

We ate, told stories and whipped out all those treasured inside jokes. I loved having the whole family together with our brand new addition: Jerret! HA Mason is STILL trying to fathom that I'm married now!

I'm honestly so proud of Mason and his dedication to the Lord. Mason left his family, friends and all he knew to serve Him. Such a testimony of faith, that radiates with example. I'm so proud of you Mase! You're the happiest I've ever seen you!

There is no doubt you just experienced "the best two years."

Typical Mason

Mason with Bishop Crandall

The gangs' all here!

I had to show him a "Selfie"

All the siblings including Sebastian

Snowflake Shananigans

Seriously so in love with this video! Thanks Kenzie for being the editing guru!

enjoy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3Iq4GLkYDU&feature=youtu.be

Donaldson Duo

It's Date Night with yours truly... the Donaldson Duo!

We all know that Jerret is seriously the most thoughtful guy out there. So of course he outdid himself and surprised me with yet another fabulous date.

This was titled the "AWE date". Each letter represented an activity, so it was my decision to pick the letter that would be the main event of the night. I had a feeling that "E" represented "eat"... yes I was so tempted to choose it 'cause food is everything to me! But I surprised myself and chose "A". And I'm so glad I did.

A is for Art.

J and I got crafty at Color Me Mine. Its a store that is filled with ceramics just begging to be painted upon. We both chose cute little mugs and painted away. J is a die-hard fan for the UofA and so of course his mug was all wildcat. Mine on the other hand was an attempt on the artsy fartsy side... It looks like a highly caffeinated drinker took a whack at it. And that's exactly what happened. #dietcokeprobs

W is for watch.

Of course this happened at the end of the night, but I'm just following the AWE order, k?
Redbox is honestly the greatest invention ever. We get them often due to the whole, you-get-to-be-in-you-jammies-the-entire-time-and-snuggle-with-blankets reason. Downside: no movie theater popecorn. Upside: "Brownies in a Cup". Ohhhhh yes. You're life is about to change.

4 Tbs Flour
4 Tbs Sugar
2 Tbs Cocoa
2 Tbs Oil
2 Tbs Water
1/2 tsp Vanilla

Zap in microwave for 1min

*I love it with some ice cream-goodness on top.

You're welcome.

E is for Eat.

We went to  In-N-Out. Of course it was delicious. Of course I took a million pictures. Of course my mouth is watering. Of course I'll go back, like tomorrow.

All in all, Jerret is the sweetest husband. I'm so blessed to call him mine. We create the greatest memories and I still get butterflies each time we're together. I love you J! 3 squeeze!