ROAD TRIP!!!

We started my very first road trip across the country, at least that I can remember anyway, on Monday Morning at 7am and ending in Wednesday night at 7pm. It was long, snowy, scenic, and filled with the best audio book ever--Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites.

After we left preston monday morning we drove down to provo and picked up our friend Marcus who is selling with us this summer and then drove all the way to Denver, Colorado to Brandon's Aunie Alice's house. It was only about an 8 hour drive from Provo, so not too bad.

We woke up super early the next morning and we out the door and on the road by 6am. We took off from Denver and drove the rest of the way out of Colorado, through Kansas (boring...) across Missouri, all the way past Illinois and stopped in Terre Haute, Indiana and Gene and Dona Griffin's house at 11pm. Long drive. Gene and Dona are dear family friends that my dad happened to baptize when he was on his mission.

The next morning we headed out and made it through Indiana, where we got pulled over, but luckily just got a warning, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, West Virginia again, across almost the whole state of Maryland and ended in Towson. Our new home.

Of course the leasing office wasn't open so we ended up staying in a hotel that night and ate at this super vintage diner. the adventure never stops.

The last couple of weeks...

Whew! we have been everywhere since school got out! by the way--Brandon and I did GREAT this semester. We both got lots of A's :) Anyway after school got out we hung out in Hawaii for a couple of days. We had tons of fun soaking up the sun, and playing a little bit of golf...

and got our pictures taken for our two year anniversary. Thanks LeeYen!

Then we headed off to Vancouver to see Brandon's family. It was so good to see them and we had tons of fun. Unfortunately while we were there we were given the task to put the beloved and extremely old yellow lab named Summer Dog. It was a sad day. But we got to see Brandon's baby sister Elise play in her very first tee ball game of her life! it was hilarious.

After Vancouver we flew to Utah and then drove to Idaho and got to stay with my parents for an entire week!! Its been over a year since we have been to their house and we were very excited. Here is a day-by-day update of what we were up to.

Monday: We bought a car! it is a 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada. It is a small SUV that is black. Its pretty fancy. It has seat warmers, automatic windshield wipers that speed up by themselves when it starts raining hard and slows down by themselves when the rain dies down, and a bunch of other really cool stuff. We really like it. Also Brandon and I had dinner at Ariel's house down in Logan and I was allergic to something she ate and got hives on my cheeks. weird. One more thing--Spring Term started. i am taking two online classes so we can keep our house. just one of those things that I gotta do...

Tuesday: Brandon went on a fishing trip with Richard and Dad to Challis, Idaho and stayed their until Wednesday night. They caught some really HUGE salmon. more than 3 feet long. My mom and I got to feed the cows, chickens, and goats while they were gone. I didn't realize how much i missed doing that. After the animals were taken care of my Mom and I went down to Logan and bought a TON of Easter Candy and hung out with Penny and Calem. super fun.

Wednesday: My mom and i drove down to Salt Lake and saw Riley and Charlie's tee ball game. It was SOSOSO funny.  Half of the kids don't even know that they need to run and touch the base or drop the bat after they hit, but Charlie and Riley do (with a little bit of help). It was super cute though and fun to hang out with SunDee and Joey. I love them!

Thursday: We worked around the house and the farm for a little bit and then went to Logan to babysit Calem while Penny took a test and Colby was still at school.  Calem is so cute and is getting so big and grown up. its crazy! When Penny and Colby got home Penny cooked us an amazing dinner. It was delicious.

Friday: Emily graduated from BYU and had a luncheon after. brandon and I just went to the luncheon. Sadie is such a cute baby, but is drooling constantly!! she soaks herself and anyone who holds here. We still love her though :) 

Penny and Colby invited us on a date and we went to a Mexican Restaurant in Logan. It was super good. 

Saturday: Easter Egg hunt in the morning!! Calem had no idea what to do and so he would just pick up an egg and chuck it. It was pretty cute. 

SunDee and Joey and the kids came up and we played with them all day and worked on the backyard and took a couple loads to the dump and then went as a family to the Lewiston Theatre. I love that theatre so much. Brings back good memories.

Sunday: Played with the kids all morning, went to church, ate a delicious dinner (that I made) had an Easter egg hunt and then Packed!

The next morning we started our drive to Baltimore. Of course my parents loaded us up with a bunch of food. Thanks guys! We were so sad to go but excited to start our new adventure.

My mom is Amazing!

My mom is a Very Talented artist that specializes in painting Temples. They are absolutely beautiful. I have one of the Laie Temple hanging in my house that is gorgeous. If you want to see a little of her art work click HERE.

Conference Weekend

I LOVE General Conference! 

always have. always will.

I have been looking forward to this weekend for at least six months.

1st best part: Listening to the specific guidance and counsel the Lord has for his children. 

The spirit I feel while I listen and watch conference is amazing. 

2nd best part: the FOOD!!

This year we had strawberry crepes, homemade chili, chips and salsa, german pancakes, starburst, skittles, a barbecue with meat, potatoes, and homemade bread, and my new favorite 

Chunky Twix Cookies!

I still can't decide if I like cookie dough or cookies better...

Both were flippin delicious!!!

Can't wait for October!

Tube Wars

Krout Family Vacation # 2: Lake Shasta

Brandon and I were able to spend a whole week on a house boat with Brandon's family, a bunch of his cousins, and Auntie Carol and Uncle Jerry. It was SOSOSO much fun! I highly recommend it. 

Lake Shasta is the warmest, softest lake I have ever been in. It's magical.

Here are a few videos and pictures.

Here is our house boat. Fully equipped with a slide and a hot tub.

Blue Steel.

Cruising with little Leassy. By the way- don't our arms and shoulders look super buff?

 Oh, the slide---My favorite part!

Throw da shaka!

Just a little nervous.

Me, Keri, and Jamyn

Me and my girls with cousin Donny

Here is most of everyone.

Lake Shasta is one of my new favorite places!